New research from CA ANZ and the University of Melbourne highlights significant differences in SME performance across industries. 

Finance and investment services recorded the highest typical net operating profit ($310,915), followed by chemists and pharmacies ($248,627) and legal services ($191,620). Cafes and restaurants reported among the lowest profits ($29,887). 

The research also found the typical Australian small business achieved annual sales growth of around 6%, while fuel retailing recorded the highest typical revenue at $3.9 million.