Construction
Construction of Wawa, Arby’s, Popeyes in Union County: Progress Update
2024-11-30
LEWISBURG is witnessing the steady advancement of three businesses coming to Kelly Township. According to township officials, the construction is on track as expected. Wawa is in the process of building at the former Just Lite It Fireworks location on Westbranch Highway. Meanwhile, Arby’s and Popeyes, sharing a single building, are set to be located between Hampton Inn and Sheetz along Route 15.

Witnessing the Growth of Kelly Township's Business Landscape

Wawa's Construction in Kelly Township

Wawa announced its plans to build new stores in Central Pennsylvania markets, including Lewisburg and Danville, in April. A groundbreaking ceremony marked the official start of construction at its first store in Dauphin County. Over the next five years, Wawa aims to have up to 40 stores in the region, opening approximately five to seven a year. Each store requires an investment of around $7 million and will employ an average of 140 contractors and local partners. Once open, each store will have an average of 35 associates, creating 1,400 new long-term jobs in Central Pennsylvania. In Kelly Township, Wawa's construction is visible with equipment and a fence on the site, and it is expected to have a spring opening.

Arby’s and Popeyes' Construction in Kelly Township

The construction of Arby’s and Popeyes is progressing, although a specific opening date has not been set. An unfinished structure stands on the lot, and recent paving work has been ongoing. Chairman David Hassenplug of the Kelly Township Board of Supervisors is excited about the projects and sees signs of on-site construction. There have been rumors of Arby’s pulling out, but Central Keystone-COG has received no such notification. Access to the site will be through AJK Boulevard and International Drive.
Return on Capital Trends Suggest Trouble for KEPCO Engineering(Note: This title focuses on the return on capital trends and their implications for the company without using specific formatting or prohibited words.)
2024-12-01
Financial metrics play a crucial role in assessing a company's health and trajectory. In this article, we delve deep into the world of ROCE and its implications for companies like KEPCO Engineering & Construction Company. Let's explore how these metrics can reveal whether a business is maturing or facing a decline.

Uncover the Hidden Truths of Company Financials

What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?

ROCE is a vital metric that measures a company's ability to generate pre-tax profits from the capital employed in its operations. For KEPCO Engineering & Construction Company, the calculation is as follows:Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets – Current Liabilities)For instance, based on the trailing twelve months to September 2024, it is calculated as 0.054 = ₩30b ÷ (₩874b – ₩318b). This indicates that KEPCO Engineering & Construction Company has an ROCE of 5.4%, which is in line with the industry average but still relatively low on its own.

What Can We Tell From KEPCO Engineering & Construction Company’s ROCE Trend?

We are concerned about the trend of returns on capital at KEPCO Engineering & Construction Company. About four years ago, the returns on capital were a healthy 9.5%, but they have now significantly dropped. Meanwhile, the business is using approximately the same amount of capital as it did back then. Companies with such attributes are often mature and facing competition-related margin pressure. If these trends persist, it is unlikely that KEPCO Engineering & Construction Company will become a multi-bagger.On a side note, the company's current liabilities have increased over the past four years to 36% of total assets, which has distorted the ROCE to some extent. Without this increase, the ROCE could be even lower. Although the ratio is not currently too high, it is still worth monitoring as a high ratio could bring new risks.

The Bottom Line On KEPCO Engineering & Construction Company’s ROCE

A declining return on the same amount of capital is generally not a sign of a growth stock. Despite this, the stock has gained an astonishing 282% over the past five years, suggesting that investors are highly optimistic. However, the current underlying trends do not bode well for long-term performance. Unless these trends reverse, it might be time to look elsewhere.While KEPCO Engineering & Construction Company may not have the highest returns currently, we have compiled a list of companies that earn more than 25% return on equity. You can access this free list here.Valuation is a complex process, but we aim to simplify it. Discover if KEPCO Engineering & Construction Company is undervalued or overvalued with our detailed analysis, including fair value estimates, potential risks, dividends, insider trades, and its financial condition. Access our free analysis now.If you have feedback or concerns about this article, please get in touch with us directly at editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. Our analysis is based on historical data and analyst forecasts using an unbiased methodology and is not intended to be financial advice. It does not recommend buying or selling any stock and does not consider your individual objectives or financial situation. We focus on long-term analysis driven by fundamental data and may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
See More
Everett Starts Removing Century-Old Gazebo for New Dog Park
2024-12-01
Everett, Wash. has been at the center of a heated debate as construction has commenced to remove the beloved Clark Park gazebo. This 103-year-old structure in the city's oldest park was set to make way for a much-anticipated new dog park. Clark Park has long been a local gathering place, with its land purchased in 1894 and named after John Clark. For years, officials grappled with what to do with the park, and since 2019, suggestions of an off-leash dog park area have been gaining momentum.

Witness the Transformation of Everett's Clark Park

Background and History of Clark Park

Clark Park holds a special place in Everett's history. It has served as a gathering spot for generations, providing a space for community events and leisurely activities. The fact that it has stood for over a century is a testament to its significance. The land was originally acquired in 1894, and since then, it has been a beloved part of the city. The gazebo, in particular, has been a focal point, adding charm and character to the park.

However, with the need for a new dog park, the decision was made to remove the gazebo. This has sparked a lot of discussion and emotions among the community. Many people have fond memories of spending time in the gazebo and are saddened by its removal. But the city officials believe that a new dog park will bring a new level of enjoyment and convenience to the area.

The Construction Process and Impact

This week, most of the park was fenced off to make way for the construction of the new off-leash area. According to Everett Parks and Facilities, the construction will have an impact on the open space, including the playground, which will be closed during the process. However, the tennis courts will remain open, providing a space for those who still want to enjoy outdoor activities.

The new off-leash area is expected to be completed by next summer, and it will offer a dedicated space for dog owners to let their pets run free. This is a much-needed addition to the area, as many dog owners have been looking for a safe and convenient place to take their furry friends. The construction process is ongoing, and the community is eagerly awaiting the completion of the new dog park.

Community Reactions and Future Prospects

The decision to remove the Clark Park gazebo has sparked a wide range of reactions from the community. Some people understand the need for a new dog park and are supportive of the project, while others are deeply saddened by the loss of the gazebo. The community is now looking forward to seeing the new dog park take shape and hoping that it will become a popular gathering place for both dogs and their owners.

In the future, the Clark Park area is expected to continue to be a vibrant part of Everett. The new dog park will add to the park's amenities and provide a new recreational option for the community. As the construction progresses, it will be interesting to see how the community comes together to embrace the changes and make the most of the new facilities.

See More