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. So on that note, Sapphire Foods India (NSE:SAPPHIRE) looks quite promising in regards to its trends of return on capital.
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 Sapphire Foods India, this is the formula:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.03 = ₹808m ÷ (₹32b - ₹5.4b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2025).
Thus, Sapphire Foods India has an ROCE of 3.0%. Ultimately, that's a low return and it under-performs the Hospitality industry average of 7.9%.
See our latest analysis for Sapphire Foods India
In the above chart we have measured Sapphire Foods India's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free analyst report for Sapphire Foods India .
Sapphire Foods India has recently broken into profitability so their prior investments seem to be paying off. About five years ago the company was generating losses but things have turned around because it's now earning 3.0% on its capital. And unsurprisingly, like most companies trying to break into the black, Sapphire Foods India is utilizing 149% more capital than it was five years ago. This can indicate that there's plenty of opportunities to invest capital internally and at ever higher rates, both common traits of a multi-bagger.
Overall, Sapphire Foods India gets a big tick from us thanks in most part to the fact that it is now profitable and is reinvesting in its business. And since the stock has fallen 13% over the last three years, there might be an opportunity here. That being the case, research into the company's current valuation metrics and future prospects seems fitting.
On the other side of ROCE, we have to consider valuation. That's why we have a FREE intrinsic value estimation for SAPPHIRE on our platform that is definitely worth checking out.
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.
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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.