Australia’s company gross operating profits declined by 1.3% in the first quarter of 2026 on a quarter-over-quarter basis, marking a sharp turnaround from the strong momentum seen at the end of last year. The latest figures, updated on 2 June 2026, show that profits retreated after a robust 5.8% quarter-over-quarter rise in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The comparison highlights a pronounced shift in corporate earnings dynamics. While the previous reading reflected solid quarter-on-quarter growth into late 2025, the first quarter of 2026 indicates that profit growth has not only stalled but reversed. The data are based on comparing each quarter’s performance with the immediately preceding quarter, underscoring how quickly operating conditions for Australian companies have changed.
