Forbes: Slovenske Elektrarne Tops List of Slovakia's Most Successful Companies

Bratislava, 6 September (TASR) – It is particularly energy and automotive sectors that drive Slovakia's economy, according to the Top 50 Companies ranking released by Forbes. The most important business player in Slovakia is power utility Slovenske elektrarne, which achieved an exceptionally high EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) and strong long-term performance. Forbes published the Top 50 Companies in Slovakia ranking earlier this week, drafted in cooperation with advisory firm PwC and data company FinStat. "Slovenske elektrarne secured the top spot in the ranking, thanks not only to its extraordinary EBITDA of over €1.7 billion last year but also to its solid results from previous years. The company posted a net profit of €815 million in 2024 – nearly seven times the average net profit of the 46 companies in the ranking that had published their 2024 results by the deadline," explained experts. The list is led by the energy sector, with 11 representatives, followed by the automotive industry, with eight. Banking is also well represented, with six banks included due to their high equity value. The retail sector is represented by four companies on the list, while the transport sector - particularly large, state-run railway employers - and the telecommunications sector is also featured. Two perhaps unexpected sectors emerged as dynamic players: defence, benefiting from the current geopolitical situation, and gambling. Betting company Nike entered the ranking, becoming the second-highest-ranked, fully Slovak-owned firm after Eset. Two other betting companies narrowly missed the cut, added Forbes. Experts concluded that Slovakia remains an "automotive country", even though market valuations in this sector remain relatively low due to systemic challenges such as Chinese competition and the transition to electric vehicles. According to Forbes, the Top 10 companies in Slovakia include Slovenske elektrarne, Volkswagen Slovakia, Kia Slovakia, Slovnaft, Slovenská sporitelna bank, VUB bank, Continental Tires Slovakia, Slovak Telekom, Lidl Slovak Republic and Tatra banka. mf/am