Even though MYS Group Co., Ltd.'s (SZSE:002303) recent earnings release was robust, the market didn't seem to notice. We think that investors have missed some encouraging factors underlying the profit figures.

The Impact Of Unusual Items On Profit

For anyone who wants to understand MYS Group's profit beyond the statutory numbers, it's important to note that during the last twelve months statutory profit was reduced by CN¥59m due to unusual items. It's never great to see unusual items costing the company profits, but on the upside, things might improve sooner rather than later. 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 MYS Group to produce a higher profit next year, all else being equal.

Note: we always recommend investors check balance sheet strength. Click here to be taken to our balance sheet analysis of MYS Group.

Our Take On MYS Group's Profit Performance

Because unusual items detracted from MYS Group's earnings over the last year, you could argue that we can expect an improved result in the current quarter. Based on this observation, we consider it likely that MYS Group's statutory profit actually understates its earnings potential! And on top of that, its earnings per share have grown at an extremely impressive rate over the last three years. 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. So while earnings quality is important, it's equally important to consider the risks facing MYS Group at this point in time. In terms of investment risks, we've identified 2 warning signs with MYS Group, and understanding these bad boys should be part of your investment process.

Today we've zoomed in on a single data point to better understand the nature of MYS Group'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.