Engtex Group Berhad's (KLSE:ENGTEX) Problems Go Beyond Weak Profit

The subdued market reaction suggests that Engtex Group Berhad's (KLSE:ENGTEX) recent earnings didn't contain any surprises. However, we believe that investors should be aware of some underlying factors which may be of concern.

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How Do Unusual Items Influence Profit?

To properly understand Engtex Group Berhad's profit results, we need to consider the RM5.6m gain attributed to unusual items. We can't deny that higher profits generally leave us optimistic, but we'd prefer it if the profit were to be sustainable. We ran the numbers on most publicly listed companies worldwide, and it's very common for unusual items to be once-off in nature. Which is hardly surprising, given the name. If Engtex Group Berhad doesn't see that contribution repeat, then all else being equal we'd expect its profit to drop over the current year.

That might leave you wondering what analysts are forecasting in terms of future profitability. Luckily, you can click here to see an interactive graph depicting future profitability, based on their estimates.

Our Take On Engtex Group Berhad's Profit Performance

Arguably, Engtex Group Berhad's statutory earnings have been distorted by unusual items boosting profit. Because of this, we think that it may be that Engtex Group Berhad's statutory profits are better than its underlying earnings power. In further bad news, its earnings per share decreased in the last year. The goal of this article has been to assess how well we can rely on the statutory earnings to reflect the company's potential, but there is plenty more to consider. Keep in mind, when it comes to analysing a stock it's worth noting the risks involved. Our analysis shows 3 warning signs for Engtex Group Berhad (1 is a bit unpleasant!) and we strongly recommend you look at them before investing.

This note has only looked at a single factor that sheds light on the nature of Engtex Group Berhad'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. 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.