The Returns At Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ) Provide Us With Signs Of What's To Come

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, an expanding base of capital employed. Put simply, these types of businesses are compounding machines, meaning they are continually reinvesting their earnings at ever-higher rates of return. With that in mind, the ROCE of Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ) looks decent, right now, so lets see what the trend of returns can tell us.” data-reactid=”19″>Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Firstly, we’ll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, an expanding base of capital employed. Put simply, these types of businesses are compounding machines, meaning they are continually reinvesting their earnings at ever-higher rates of return. With that in mind, the ROCE of Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ) looks decent, right now, so lets see what the trend of returns can tell us.

Understanding 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. To calculate this metric for Constellation Brands, this is the formula:

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets – Current Liabilities)” data-reactid=”22″>Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets – Current Liabilities)

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="0.11 = US$2.7b ÷ (US$26b – US$1.8b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to May 2020).” data-reactid=”23″>0.11 = US$2.7b ÷ (US$26b – US$1.8b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to May 2020).

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Therefore, Constellation Brands has an ROCE of 11%. In isolation, that’s a pretty standard return but against the Beverage industry average of 15%, it’s not as good.” data-reactid=”24″>Therefore, Constellation Brands has an ROCE of 11%. In isolation, that’s a pretty standard return but against the Beverage industry average of 15%, it’s not as good.

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content=" Check out our latest analysis for Constellation Brands ” data-reactid=”25″>Check out our latest analysis for Constellation Brands

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="In the above chart we have a measured Constellation Brands' 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 Constellation Brands here for free.” data-reactid=”38″>In the above chart we have a measured Constellation Brands’ 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 Constellation Brands here for free.

What Can We Tell From Constellation Brands’ ROCE Trend?

While the current returns on capital are decent, they haven’t changed much. The company has consistently earned 11% for the last five years, and the capital employed within the business has risen 73% in that time. Since 11% is a moderate ROCE though, it’s good to see a business can continue to reinvest at these decent rates of return. Over long periods of time, returns like these might not be too exciting, but with consistency they can pay off in terms of share price returns.

What We Can Learn From Constellation Brands’ ROCE

The main thing to remember is that Constellation Brands has proven its ability to continually reinvest at respectable rates of return. Therefore it’s no surprise that shareholders have earned a respectable 59% return if they held over the last five years. So while the positive underlying trends may be accounted for by investors, we still think this stock is worth looking into further.

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="If you want to continue researching Constellation Brands, you might be interested to know about the 4 warning signs that our analysis has discovered.” data-reactid=”43″>If you want to continue researching Constellation Brands, you might be interested to know about the 4 warning signs that our analysis has discovered.

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity.” data-reactid=”44″>For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity.

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="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.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email [email protected].” data-reactid=”45″>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.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email [email protected].