SunCoke Energy Inc (SXC)

Return on assets (ROA)

		Dec 31, 2023	Sep 30, 2023	Jun 30, 2023	Mar 31, 2023	Dec 31, 2022	Sep 30, 2022	Jun 30, 2022	Mar 31, 2022	Dec 31, 2021	Sep 30, 2021	Jun 30, 2021	Mar 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Sep 30, 2020	Jun 30, 2020	Mar 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Sep 30, 2019	Jun 30, 2019	Mar 31, 2019
Net income (ttm)	US$ in thousands	57,500	55,500	89,900	87,500	100,700	101,600	83,200	56,400	43,400	25,700	0	15,300	3,700	7,300	-153,000	-157,200	-152,300	-149,100	25,400	27,300
Total assets	US$ in thousands	1,660,400	1,679,200	1,643,400	1,669,300	1,654,600	1,679,800	1,677,400	1,705,700	1,615,400	1,593,200	1,598,000	1,605,100	1,613,400	1,661,800	1,678,400	1,875,900	1,753,800	1,766,200	2,082,400	2,097,300
ROA		3.46%	3.31%	5.47%	5.24%	6.09%	6.05%	4.96%	3.31%	2.69%	1.61%	0.00%	0.95%	0.23%	0.44%	-9.12%	-8.38%	-8.68%	-8.44%	1.22%	1.30%

December 31, 2023 calculation

ROA = Net income (ttm) ÷ Total assets
= $57,500K ÷ $1,660,400K
= 3.46%

To analyze SunCoke Energy Inc's return on assets (ROA) based on the provided data, we observe that the ROA fluctuated over the last eight quarters. In Q4 2023, the ROA was recorded at 3.46%, showing a slight increase from the previous quarter's 3.31%. This increase suggests a potential improvement in the company's ability to generate earnings relative to its assets.

Comparing the Q4 2023 ROA to prior quarters, we see a downward trend from the peak of 6.09% in Q4 2022. This downward trend might indicate a decrease in the company's efficiency in generating profits from its total assets over the recent quarters. However, it is important to note the significant increase in ROA in Q2 2023 and Q1 2023, showing a peak at 5.47% and 5.24%, respectively. This spike may be indicative of improved asset utilization or profitability during those specific quarters.

Overall, the fluctuating ROA of SunCoke Energy Inc implies varying levels of asset efficiency and profitability during the analyzed period. Further analysis is recommended to identify the underlying factors contributing to these fluctuations and to assess the company's financial performance comprehensively.