Shareholders appeared unconcerned with Shenzhen JT Automation Equipment Co.,Ltd's (SZSE:300400) lackluster earnings report last week. Our analysis suggests that while the profits are soft, the foundations of the business are strong.

A Closer Look At Shenzhen JT Automation EquipmentLtd's Earnings

Many investors haven't heard of the accrual ratio from cashflow, but it is actually a useful measure of how well a company's profit is backed up by free cash flow (FCF) during a given period. The accrual ratio subtracts the FCF from the profit for a given period, and divides the result by the average operating assets of the company over that time. The ratio shows us how much a company's profit exceeds its FCF.

That means a negative accrual ratio is a good thing, because it shows that the company is bringing in more free cash flow than its profit would suggest. While having an accrual ratio above zero is of little concern, we do think it's worth noting when a company has a relatively high accrual ratio. That's because some academic studies have suggested that high accruals ratios tend to lead to lower profit or less profit growth.

Over the twelve months to December 2023, Shenzhen JT Automation EquipmentLtd recorded an accrual ratio of -0.12. Therefore, its statutory earnings were quite a lot less than its free cashflow. Indeed, in the last twelve months it reported free cash flow of CN¥95m, well over the CN¥39.4m it reported in profit. Shenzhen JT Automation EquipmentLtd's free cash flow actually declined over the last year, which is disappointing, like non-biodegradable balloons. Having said that, there is more to the story. The accrual ratio is reflecting the impact of unusual items on statutory profit, at least in part.

Note: we always recommend investors check balance sheet strength. Click here to be taken to our balance sheet analysis of Shenzhen JT Automation EquipmentLtd.

The Impact Of Unusual Items On Profit

Shenzhen JT Automation EquipmentLtd's profit was reduced by unusual items worth CN¥18m in the last twelve months, and this helped it produce high cash conversion, as reflected by its unusual items. This is what you'd expect to see where a company has a non-cash charge reducing paper profits. While deductions due to unusual items are disappointing in the first instance, there is a silver lining. We looked at thousands of listed companies and found that unusual items are very often one-off in nature. And that's hardly a surprise given these line items are considered unusual. Assuming those unusual expenses don't come up again, we'd therefore expect Shenzhen JT Automation EquipmentLtd to produce a higher profit next year, all else being equal.

Our Take On Shenzhen JT Automation EquipmentLtd's Profit Performance

In conclusion, both Shenzhen JT Automation EquipmentLtd's accrual ratio and its unusual items suggest that its statutory earnings are probably reasonably conservative. Based on these factors, we think Shenzhen JT Automation EquipmentLtd's earnings potential is at least as good as it seems, and maybe even better! With this in mind, we wouldn't consider investing in a stock unless we had a thorough understanding of the risks. For example, we've found that Shenzhen JT Automation EquipmentLtd has 4 warning signs (1 is a bit concerning!) that deserve your attention before going any further with your analysis.

Our examination of Shenzhen JT Automation EquipmentLtd has focussed on certain factors that can make its earnings look better than they are. And it has passed with flying colours. 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.