Sincerely, the profits aren't real and actual tax liabilities are based on different numbers.
Prior to the BEA benchmark revison (see historical note below) the Q2 quarters' and 2002 years' corporate profits are much smaller if not negative.
US Q2 final after tax profits fell 5.0 pctHISTORICAL/NOTE: Beginning with the annual revisions of Dec. 10, profits after tax now include inventory valuation and capital consumption adjustments. Data reported for before-tax and after-tax profits previously did not include inventory valuation and capital consumption adjustments.
Friday September 26, 8:29 am ETData are seasonally adjusted. Percent changes from preceding period: . Q2'03 Prev Q1'03 2002 From current production 9.9 10.8 2.6 7.6 After Tax -5.0 -3.4 3.8 -4.0 Before Tax -3.8 -2.8 4.8 -0.7 Tax Liability -1.5 -1.6 6.9 7.0
Note now those same profits for Q2 and 2002 are now reported as significantly higher. This is a distortion based on chnages in the BEAs benchmark revision. Last quarter and last year weren't a do-over.
For Q3, the BEA is simply 'adjusting' again, as it invariably does, and the actual profits are no where close to what has been assumed.Data are seasonally adjusted. Percent changes from preceding period: . Q3'03 Q2'03 2002 From current production 9.9 10.3 17.4 Corporate income taxes 9.0 -1.2 -3.0 After Tax Profits 10.1 13.8 24.6