Finding a business that has the potential to grow substantially is not easy, but it is possible if we look at a few key financial metrics. Typically, we'll want to notice a trend of growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and alongside that, an expanding base of capital employed. This shows us that it's a compounding machine, able to continually reinvest its earnings back into the business and generate higher returns. Speaking of which, we noticed some great changes in Vita Coco Company's (NASDAQ:COCO) returns on capital, so let's have a look.

Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)

Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. The formula for this calculation on Vita Coco Company is:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.34 = US$78m ÷ (US$323m - US$91m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2024).

Thus, Vita Coco Company has an ROCE of 34%. That's a fantastic return and not only that, it outpaces the average of 16% earned by companies in a similar industry.

Above you can see how the current ROCE for Vita Coco Company compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Vita Coco Company for free.

How Are Returns Trending?

Vita Coco Company is displaying some positive trends. Over the last four years, returns on capital employed have risen substantially to 34%. Basically the business is earning more per dollar of capital invested and in addition to that, 100% more capital is being employed now too. This can indicate that there's plenty of opportunities to invest capital internally and at ever higher rates, a combination that's common among multi-baggers.

Our Take On Vita Coco Company's ROCE

All in all, it's terrific to see that Vita Coco Company is reaping the rewards from prior investments and is growing its capital base. Astute investors may have an opportunity here because the stock has declined 14% in the last year. That being the case, research into the company's current valuation metrics and future prospects seems fitting.

While Vita Coco Company looks impressive, no company is worth an infinite price. The intrinsic value infographic for COCO helps visualize whether it is currently trading for a fair price.

High returns are a key ingredient to strong performance, so check out our free list ofstocks earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.