PROFITABILITY AND EARNINGS
Operating profit before tax (OPBT) for Total selected industries in 2006-07 was $268b. The percentage contribution by small businesses was 45%, medium businesses 20% and large businesses 35%. Small businesses include many non-employing businesses which make a higher contribution to OPBT than to most of the other variables presented, as the drawings and/or labour costs of working proprietors and partners are not reflected in estimates of business expenses.
For Total selected industries, the estimated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was $288b in 2006-07.
The Mining industry was the largest contributor to EBITDA for Total selected industries in 2006–07, accounting for 17%. This was followed by Manufacturing (14%), and Construction (11%).