Following the solid earnings report from Zhejiang Starry Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd. (SHSE:603520), the market responded by bidding up the stock price. However, we think that shareholders should be cautious as we found some worrying factors underlying the profit.

See our latest analysis for Zhejiang Starry PharmaceuticalLtd

Operating Revenue Or Not?

Companies will classify their revenue streams as either operating revenue or other revenue. Oftentimes, non-operating revenue spikes are not repeated, so it makes sense to be cautious where non-operating revenue has made a very large contribution to total profit. However, we note that when non-operating revenue increases suddenly, it will sometimes generate an unsustainable boost to profit. Notably, Zhejiang Starry PharmaceuticalLtd had a significant increase in non-operating revenue over the last year. Indeed, its non-operating revenue rose from CN¥11.2m last year to CN¥126.7m this year. The high levels of non-operating revenue are problematic because if (and when) they do not repeat, then overall revenue (and profitability) of the firm will fall. In order to better understand a company's profit result, it can sometimes help to consider whether the result would be very different without a sudden increase in non-operating revenue.

That might leave you wondering what analysts are forecasting in terms of future profitability. Luckily, you can click here to see an interactive graph depicting future profitability, based on their estimates.

Our Take On Zhejiang Starry PharmaceuticalLtd's Profit Performance

As discussed above, Zhejiang Starry PharmaceuticalLtd's sharp increase in non-operating revenue boosted its profit over the last year, and if that non-operating revenue is not repeated, then the trailing twelve months profit probably isn't as good as it seems. Therefore, it seems possible to us that Zhejiang Starry PharmaceuticalLtd's true underlying earnings power is actually less than its statutory profit. But on the bright side, its earnings per share have grown at an extremely impressive rate over the last three years. The goal of this article has been to assess how well we can rely on the statutory earnings to reflect the company's potential, but there is plenty more to consider. Keep in mind, when it comes to analysing a stock it's worth noting the risks involved. Case in point: We've spotted 3 warning signs for Zhejiang Starry PharmaceuticalLtd you should be aware of.

This note has only looked at a single factor that sheds light on the nature of Zhejiang Starry PharmaceuticalLtd's profit. But there is always more to discover if you are capable of focussing your mind on minutiae. For example, many people consider a high return on equity as an indication of favorable business economics, while others like to 'follow the money' and search out stocks that insiders are buying. So you may wish to see this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks that insiders are buying.

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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.