Australia Q4 Corporate Profits Grow the Most in 3 Years

Corporate profits in Australia rose 5.8% qoq in Q4 2025, beating market forecasts of 3.6% and accelerating from an upwardly revised 1.5% gain in Q3. It marked a second straight quarterly increase and the strongest pace since Q4 2022, suggesting improved operating conditions toward year-end. Profit growth picked up in mining (8.1% vs 2.7%), wholesale trade (6.5% vs 2.6%), and accommodation and food services (6.1% vs 2.8%), likely supported by firmer commodity prices and resilient consumer spending. Profits also rebounded in manufacturing (2.5% vs -1.1%) and professional, scientific and technical services (8.8% vs -4.8%). Retail trade was flat (vs -0.1%), while administrative and support services stalled (vs 4.7%). Meanwhile, gains eased in utilities (0.3% vs 6.0%), financial and insurance services (4.0% vs 5.8%), and rental and hiring services (3.2% vs 3.5%). On a yearly basis, profits rose 3.8%, up from 1.0% in Q3, marking the strongest annual growth since Q1 2023.