In the first quarter of 2026, nearly three-quarters (73.1%) of businesses are either very or somewhat optimistic about their outlook over the next 12 months, higher than the proportions of businesses that reported the same in the third (66.7%) and fourth (66.3%) quarters of 2025.
Confidence levels among almost all provinces hovered just above or around their historical averages, while most sectors saw gains in their 12-month outlook.
In December 2025, the largest decrease in dollar terms came from lower sales at full-service restaurants (-0.4%), followed by limited-service eating places (-0.3%).
Net earnings for fiscal 2025 were $14.2 billion, or $14.23 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $14.8 billion, or $14.91 per diluted share in fiscal 2024.
54% of retailers believe that payment modernization is crucial to the future of their business, including delivering major efficiency and operational gains.