Bank of Albania: 94% of companies turn a profit, only 31% have a loan to repay

The vast majority of Albanian businesses ended the first half of the year in profit, according to the Bank of Albania's survey of corporate finances. About 94% of the 1,355 firms surveyed, of various sizes and from all the main sectors of the economy, reported a positive result.

Small firms improve the most

Sales and financial results are trending positively, with the most visible improvement among small companies. The indicator has softened compared with the previous half-year but remains better than a year earlier. Competition and production costs rank as the main challenges. For large firms, another concern is finding markets, while for small ones access to financing and its cost weigh especially heavily.

Less bank debt, but heavier

About 57% of companies say they rely solely on sales revenue to finance their activity. Only 31% currently have a loan to repay, 4 percentage points fewer than in the previous half-year and about 2 points fewer than a year earlier. Construction remains the sector with the highest share of borrowers, about 40%, while services have the lowest, 22%.

Paradoxically, even though fewer firms have loans, the average loan-to-capital ratio has risen to about 79%. On the other hand, 81% of borrowers say loan payments take up to 20% of their income. The relationship with banks is considered important, but the process of obtaining a loan is still perceived as difficult, especially by small firms.

For the second half of 2026, businesses expect demand for credit to remain positive, though slightly softer, and say they are optimistic about investment and expanding their activity.