Last week's earnings announcement from NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKG:777) was disappointing to investors, with a sluggish profit figure. We did some analysis, and found that there are some reasons to be cautious about the headline numbers.

How Do Unusual Items Influence Profit?

Importantly, our data indicates that NetDragon Websoft Holdings' profit received a boost of CN¥75m in unusual items, over the last year. We can't deny that higher profits generally leave us optimistic, but we'd prefer it if the profit were to be sustainable. When we analysed the vast majority of listed companies worldwide, we found that significant unusual items are often not repeated. Which is hardly surprising, given the name. Assuming those unusual items don't show up again in the current year, we'd thus expect profit to be weaker next year (in the absence of business growth, that is).

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 NetDragon Websoft Holdings' Profit Performance

Arguably, NetDragon Websoft Holdings' statutory earnings have been distorted by unusual items boosting profit. Therefore, it seems possible to us that NetDragon Websoft Holdings' true underlying earnings power is actually less than its statutory profit. In further bad news, its earnings per share decreased in the last year. At the end of the day, it's essential to consider more than just the factors above, if you want to understand the company properly. If you'd like to know more about NetDragon Websoft Holdings as a business, it's important to be aware of any risks it's facing. For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of NetDragon Websoft Holdings.

This note has only looked at a single factor that sheds light on the nature of NetDragon Websoft Holdings' 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.