If you're not sure where to start when looking for the next multi-bagger, there are a few key trends you should keep an eye out for. Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, 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. So when we looked at Bonanza Creek Energy (NYSE:BCEI) and its trend of ROCE, we really liked what we saw.

What is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?

For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Bonanza Creek Energy:

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

0.06 = US$67m ÷ (US$1.2b - US$74m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2020).

Thus, Bonanza Creek Energy has an ROCE of 6.0%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the Oil and Gas industry average of 8.7%.

Check out our latest analysis for Bonanza Creek Energy

In the above chart we have measured Bonanza Creek Energy's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Bonanza Creek Energy here for free.

How Are Returns Trending?

We're delighted to see that Bonanza Creek Energy is reaping rewards from its investments and has now broken into profitability. While the business was unprofitable in the past, it's now turned things around and is earning 6.0% on its capital. While returns have increased, the amount of capital employed by Bonanza Creek Energy has remained flat over the period. So while we're happy that the business is more efficient, just keep in mind that could mean that going forward the business is lacking areas to invest internally for growth. After all, a company can only become a long term multi-bagger if it continually reinvests in itself at high rates of return.

What We Can Learn From Bonanza Creek Energy's ROCE

As discussed above, Bonanza Creek Energy appears to be getting more proficient at generating returns since capital employed has remained flat but earnings (before interest and tax) are up. Although the company may be facing some issues elsewhere since the stock has plunged 77% in the last five years. Still, it's worth doing some further research to see if the trends will continue into the future.

One more thing, we've spotted 3 warning signs facing Bonanza Creek Energy that you might find interesting.

While Bonanza Creek Energy may not currently earn the highest returns, we've compiled a list of companies that currently earn more than 25% return on equity. Check out this free list here.

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. 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.

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