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Do You Know About Kerry Logistics Network Limited’s (HKG:636) ROCE?

Today we'll look at Kerry Logistics Network Limited (HKG:636) and reflect on its potential as an investment. Specifically, we'll consider its Return On Capital Employed (ROCE), since that will give us an insight into how efficiently the business can generate profits from the capital it requires.

First of all, we'll work out how to calculate ROCE. Then we'll compare its ROCE to similar companies. And finally, we'll look at how its current liabilities are impacting its ROCE.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What is it?

ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. In general, businesses with a higher ROCE are usually better quality. In brief, it is a useful tool, but it is not without drawbacks. Author Edwin Whiting says to be careful when comparing the ROCE of different businesses, since 'No two businesses are exactly alike.

How Do You Calculate Return On Capital Employed?

Analysts use this formula to calculate return on capital employed:

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

Or for Kerry Logistics Network:

0.064 = HK$2.3b ÷ (HK$47b - HK$11b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2019.)

So, Kerry Logistics Network has an ROCE of 6.4%.

Check out our latest analysis for Kerry Logistics Network

Does Kerry Logistics Network Have A Good ROCE?

One way to assess ROCE is to compare similar companies. Using our data, Kerry Logistics Network's ROCE appears to be around the 7.1% average of the Logistics industry. Aside from the industry comparison, Kerry Logistics Network's ROCE is mediocre in absolute terms, considering the risk of investing in stocks versus the safety of a bank account. Investors may wish to consider higher-performing investments.

You can see in the image below how Kerry Logistics Network's ROCE compares to its industry. Click to see more on past growth.

SEHK:636 Past Revenue and Net Income, February 22nd 2020
SEHK:636 Past Revenue and Net Income, February 22nd 2020

It is important to remember that ROCE shows past performance, and is not necessarily predictive. ROCE can be deceptive for cyclical businesses, as returns can look incredible in boom times, and terribly low in downturns. This is because ROCE only looks at one year, instead of considering returns across a whole cycle. Since the future is so important for investors, you should check out our free report on analyst forecasts for Kerry Logistics Network.

Kerry Logistics Network's Current Liabilities And Their Impact On Its ROCE

Current liabilities include invoices, such as supplier payments, short-term debt, or a tax bill, that need to be paid within 12 months. The ROCE equation subtracts current liabilities from capital employed, so a company with a lot of current liabilities appears to have less capital employed, and a higher ROCE than otherwise. To check the impact of this, we calculate if a company has high current liabilities relative to its total assets.

Kerry Logistics Network has current liabilities of HK$11b and total assets of HK$47b. Therefore its current liabilities are equivalent to approximately 23% of its total assets. This is a modest level of current liabilities, which would only have a small effect on ROCE.

The Bottom Line On Kerry Logistics Network's ROCE

That said, Kerry Logistics Network's ROCE is mediocre, there may be more attractive investments around. You might be able to find a better investment than Kerry Logistics Network. If you want a selection of possible winners, check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a P/E below 20 (but have proven they can grow earnings).

If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.