Shenzhen SunXing Light Alloys Materials Co.,Ltd.'s (SHSE:603978) stock was strong after they reported robust earnings. However, we think that shareholders may be missing some concerning details in the numbers.

Check out our latest analysis for Shenzhen SunXing Light Alloys MaterialsLtd

How Do Unusual Items Influence Profit?

Importantly, our data indicates that Shenzhen SunXing Light Alloys MaterialsLtd's profit received a boost of CN¥13m 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 crunched the numbers on thousands of publicly listed companies, we found that a boost from unusual items in a given year is often not repeated the next year. Which is hardly surprising, given the name. If Shenzhen SunXing Light Alloys MaterialsLtd doesn't see that contribution repeat, then all else being equal we'd expect its profit to drop over the current year.

Note: we always recommend investors check balance sheet strength. Click here to be taken to our balance sheet analysis of Shenzhen SunXing Light Alloys MaterialsLtd.

Our Take On Shenzhen SunXing Light Alloys MaterialsLtd's Profit Performance

We'd posit that Shenzhen SunXing Light Alloys MaterialsLtd's statutory earnings aren't a clean read on ongoing productivity, due to the large unusual item. Because of this, we think that it may be that Shenzhen SunXing Light Alloys MaterialsLtd's statutory profits are better than its underlying earnings power. But at least holders can take some solace from the 63% EPS growth 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. With this in mind, we wouldn't consider investing in a stock unless we had a thorough understanding of the risks. For example, Shenzhen SunXing Light Alloys MaterialsLtd has 4 warning signs (and 1 which can't be ignored) we think you should know about.

Today we've zoomed in on a single data point to better understand the nature of Shenzhen SunXing Light Alloys MaterialsLtd's profit. But there are plenty of other ways to inform your opinion of a company. 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.