The latest earnings report from Beijing Jingyuntong Technology Co., Ltd. (SHSE:601908 ) disappointed investors. We did some digging and think there are some comforting factors lying beneath the statutory profit numbers.

How Do Unusual Items Influence Profit?

For anyone who wants to understand Beijing Jingyuntong Technology's profit beyond the statutory numbers, it's important to note that during the last twelve months statutory profit was reduced by CN¥71m due to unusual items. 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, after all, that's exactly what the accounting terminology implies. Assuming those unusual expenses don't come up again, we'd therefore expect Beijing Jingyuntong Technology 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 Beijing Jingyuntong Technology.

An Unusual Tax Situation

Having already discussed the impact of the unusual items, we should also note that Beijing Jingyuntong Technology received a tax benefit of CN¥127m. This is of course a bit out of the ordinary, given it is more common for companies to be paying tax than receiving tax benefits! We're sure the company was pleased with its tax benefit. However, the devil in the detail is that these kind of benefits only impact in the year they are booked, and are often one-off in nature. In the likely event the tax benefit is not repeated, we'd expect to see its statutory profit levels drop, at least in the absence of strong growth. While we think it's good that the company has booked a tax benefit, it does mean that there's every chance the statutory profit will come in a lot higher than it would be if the income was adjusted for one-off factors.

Our Take On Beijing Jingyuntong Technology's Profit Performance

In the last year Beijing Jingyuntong Technology received a tax benefit, which boosted its profit in a way that might not be much more sustainable than turning prime farmland into gas fields. But on the other hand, it also saw an unusual item depress its profit. Based on these factors, it's hard to tell if Beijing Jingyuntong Technology's profits are a reasonable reflection of its underlying profitability. 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 - Beijing Jingyuntong Technology has 2 warning signs we think you should be aware of.

Our examination of Beijing Jingyuntong Technology has focussed on certain factors that can make its earnings look better than they are. 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 that insiders are buying 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.