Australian company profits before tax fell sharply in the first quarter of 2026, dropping 4.1% quarter-over-quarter, according to data updated on 2 June 2026. The decline marks a notable reversal from the fourth quarter of 2025, when pre-tax profits rose 1.6% compared with the previous quarter.
The figures highlight a weakening in corporate earnings momentum at the start of 2026, with the latest “actual” reading comparing current quarter performance to the preceding quarter, while the “previous” figure reflects the Q4 2025 change versus Q3 2025. The shift from positive to negative growth suggests increased pressure on Australian firms’ margins and profitability heading into the remainder of the year.
