Why the strengths of Mount Gibson Iron could see it ride out economic uncertainty

The best calibre of companies resist competitive threats year-in, year-out, while their competitors fail. This cycle of consistent outperformance and reinvestment can lead to incredible compounding returns – especially in times of worldwide economic uncertainty.

What makes these companies different is that they've got what billionaire investor Warren Buffett, calls economic moats.

Defensive moats let companies generate outsize profits over long periods. They can be an investment goldmine. And while these stocks can be hard to find, there are signs that Mount Gibson Iron (ASX:MGX) might be one of them.

Before we get started on why this looks like a high quality business, here are some of the main ways that a company can build a strong moat around itself:

• Great Scale - Comprised of large infrastructure and distribution networks
• Intangible Assets - Such as brands, patents or regulatory approvals
• Network Effects - When customers become part of a product
• Cost Advantages - Gained through superior processes and unique locations and assets
• Switching Costs - It might be too costly or complicated for customers to leave

Mount Gibson Iron (ASX:MGX)'s economic moat

When it comes to searching for companies with moats, some of the biggest clues actually lie in their financial statements. By looking at a small number of important ratios you can get an idea about the competitive strength and profit power in a business.

Here's what they are and why they are important - and how Mount Gibson Iron stacks up against them:

1. High rates of Free Cash Flow - the measure of a thriving company.
   - A high ratio of free cash flow to sales can be a very positive sign. For Mount Gibson Iron, the figure is an impressive 15.4%.
2. High Return on Capital Employed - the measure of a company growing efficiently and profitably.
   - A 5-year average ROCE of more than 12 percent is a pointer to strong efficiency. For Mount Gibson Iron, the figure is an eye-catching 13.9%.
3. High Return on Equity (compared to peers) - the measure of a company making good profits from its assets.
   - Mount Gibson Iron has a 5-year average ROE of 17.6%.
4. High Operating Margins (compared to peers) - the measure of a company with pricing power
   - Mount Gibson Iron has a 5-year average operating margin of 26.6%.

What does this mean for potential investors?

Some of the best quality stocks in the market have defensible models that can deliver high levels of shareholder returns over the long term. But there are no guarantees and it's important to do your own research. Indeed, we've identified some areas of concern with Mount Gibson Iron that you can find out about here.