Macquarie Group (MQG) H2 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Net profit after tax reached AUD 4.847 billion, up 30% year-over-year, with all four operating groups contributing to growth and 2H26 profit of AUD 3.192 billion, up 93% sequentially from 1H26.

• Return on equity rose to 14%, up from just over 11% in the prior year, and basic EPS increased 30% to AUD 12.77.

• Income is globally diversified, with nearly 70% from international markets and 50% of staff located internationally.

• Strong capital position with a surplus of AUD 9.3 billion and CET1 ratio at 12.8%.

• Ordinary dividend for FY26 was AUD 7.00 per share, up 8% from FY25, with a payout ratio of 55%.

Financial highlights

• Group net operating income increased 13% to AUD 19.5 billion year-over-year, and operating profit before tax rose 33% to AUD 6.729 billion.

• Net interest and trading income rose 14% to AUD 10.2 billion, driven by client hedging activity and trading in commodities and financial markets.

• Fees and commissions income up 6% to AUD 7.2 billion, with higher advisory, brokerage, and performance fees.

• Investment income surged to AUD 2.8 billion, boosted by asset sales and realizations.

• Operating expenses increased 5% to AUD 12.7 billion, mainly due to higher employment costs.

• Credit and other impairment charges rose to AUD 708 million, reflecting macroeconomic uncertainty and specific asset impairments.

Outlook and guidance

• Expectation for base fees in asset management to remain broadly in line, excluding divestment impacts.

• BFS anticipated to continue growth in loans, deposits, and funds on platform, with ongoing tech investment, but margins expected to remain under pressure.

• Macquarie Capital and CGM expected to deliver income broadly in line with FY26, subject to market conditions and excluding divestments.

• Short-term outlook remains cautious due to market, regulatory, and geopolitical uncertainties.

• Medium-term confidence in delivering strong returns due to business diversification and robust support platforms.