Ljubljana, 08 May (STA) - Slovenian businesses reported EUR 6.5 billion in net profit in 2024, a 1% and 3% drop over 2023 in nominal and real terms, respectively, show summary data released by the Agency for Public Legal Records (AJPES). Revenue reached EUR 144.6 billion, on par with 2023 in nominal but 2% down in real terms, while value added per employee increased.
"An average year, which, considering the turbulence around us, is a good sign," Miran Vičič, AJPES head of statistics, told the press as he presented the numbers on Thursday.
The data draws on annual reports of 72,599 companies, showing that profits lowered across the board. Large companies reported a total of EUR 3.16 billion in net profit (down 3% in nominal terms over 2023), medium-sized companies reported EUR 1.03 billion (-8%) and small companies EUR 1.45 billion (-10%).
By region, the most profit was generated in central Slovenia (EUR 3.24 billion, +3% in nominal terms).
The largest increase was seen in the Pomurje region, up 24% to EUR 162.9 million. Increase in profits was also seen in Podravje (+10% to EUR 574.1 million), Southeastern Slovenia (+5% to EUR 666 million) and Koroška (+2% to EUR 80.9 million).
The most pronounced drop was seen in Zasavje, where profits decreased by EUR 38% to EUR 65.5 million.
By branch, the largest decrease in profits was seen in electricity, gas and steam supply, 48% to EUR 253.2 million. "I believe this is in part linked to the government's measures of price restrictions," Vičič said.
Moreover, a drop of 15% was seen in the real estate sector, where total profits amounted to EUR 191.2 million, and in transport and storage (-6% to EUR 518.4 million).
On the other hand, the most significant increase was recorded in culture, entertainment and recreational activities, where profits increased by as much as 86% to EUR 26.7 million.
Meanwhile, the top performer, the processing sector saw its profits drop by 13% to EUR 1.83 billion. Another high performer, trade, maintenance and repairs of motor vehicles gained 5% to EUR 1.25 billion, while both sectors saw their revenue increase.
In processing, it grew by 2% to EUR 42.69 billion, and in trade and service of motor vehicles it gained 1% to EUR 46.42 billion. Revenue in energy supply declined by 23% to EUR 9.82 billion.
Total revenue generated in Slovenia declined by 1% to EUR 80.1 billion, while revenue generated abroad was at EUR 58.6 billion, also down by 1%.
Total net value added per employee reached EUR 63,780, up 4% in nominal terms and 2% in real terms compared to 2023. Vičič attributed the growth to companies investing in equipment and increasing salaries.
Value added was highest in electricity, gas and steam supply, just under EUR 185,000, down by 1%. Vičič commented that despite the drop in revenue and profit companies in the sector still had reserves.
Value added in finance was well above the average as well, at EUR 128,300, albeit down 10% compared to 2023. In real estate, value added was at EUR 127,500, up 7%. In processing, value added reached EUR 62,500, up 4% year-on-year.
A total of 999 businesses entered insolvency procedures last year, an increase of 15% over 2023. AJPES director Tomaž Klemenc said this relatively significant deterioration from 2023 was an indicator of the worsening of the economic situation.
