China Western Power Industrial Co., Ltd.'s (SZSE:002630) robust earnings report didn't manage to move the market for its stock. We did some digging, and we found some concerning factors in the details.

The Power Of Non-Operating Revenue

Companies will classify their revenue streams as either operating revenue or other revenue. Generally speaking, operating revenue is a more reliable guide to the sustainable revenue generating capacity of the business. However, we note that when non-operating revenue increases suddenly, it will sometimes generate an unsustainable boost to profit. It's worth noting that China Western Power Industrial saw a big increase in non-operating revenue over the last year. In fact, our data indicates that non-operating revenue increased from CN¥27.1m to CN¥313.0m. 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.

Note: we always recommend investors check balance sheet strength. Click here to be taken to our balance sheet analysis of China Western Power Industrial.

Our Take On China Western Power Industrial's Profit Performance

Since China Western Power Industrial saw a big increase in its non-operating revenue over the last twelve months, we'd be very cautious about relying too heavily on the statutory profit number, which would have benefitted from this potentially unsustainable change. As a result, we think it may well be the case that China Western Power Industrial's underlying earnings power is lower than its statutory profit. On the bright side, the company showed enough improvement to book a profit this year, after losing money 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. In light of this, if you'd like to do more analysis on the company, it's vital to be informed of the risks involved. For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of China Western Power Industrial.

Today we've zoomed in on a single data point to better understand the nature of China Western Power Industrial'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. While it might take a little research on your behalf, you may find this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks with significant insider holdings to be useful.

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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.