What does it mean to compare returns over the long term?

One can improve their skills in investment valuation by gaining a deep understanding of financial metrics such as Return on Invested Capital (ROIC), reinvestment rate, and valuation multiples. It's also beneficial to practice forecasting net income and equity value, and comparing returns over the long term. Understanding the sensitivity of returns to these core assumptions is also crucial. Additionally, continuous learning through reading books, attending workshops, and taking courses on investment valuation can also be very helpful.

There are numerous resources available to learn more about investment valuation. Some of the most popular ones include books like 'The Little Book of Valuation' by Aswath Damodaran, 'Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies' by McKinsey & Company, and 'Investment Valuation: Tools and Techniques for Determining the Value of Any Asset' by Aswath Damodaran. Online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy also offer comprehensive lessons on investment valuation. Additionally, financial blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels can be a great source of information.

The industry or sector can significantly impact the ROIC of a company. Different industries have different capital requirements, risk levels, and profit margins, all of which can affect ROIC. For example, industries with high capital intensity like manufacturing or utilities may have lower ROIC due to high investment costs. On the other hand, sectors like technology or services may have higher ROIC due to lower capital requirements and higher profit margins. Additionally, industry growth rates, competition levels, and regulatory environment can also influence a company's ROIC.