Press releases pg. 1

The European Commission has included the lithium mining project at Cínovec and its processing in Prunéřov, Chomutov District, Ústí nad Labem Region, as a strategic project under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). This step confirms the Czech deposit’s key importance in the pan-European context. Inclusion on the strategic list brings a number of advantages to the Czech lithium project. For example, it may facilitate financing or streamline permitting processes. The project could now receive support from EU financial institutions, but it will also be more attractive to private investors.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) amounted to CZK 137.5bn, a year-on-year increase by CZK 12.6bn. The improved EBITDA is mainly owing to the cessation of the windfall tax on production in the Czech Republic, which took away an amount of CZK 10.0bn from the 2023 performance figures. Adjusted net profit, a crucial factor determining the dividend, amounted to CZK 31.8bn, falling by CZK 3.0bn year-on-year. The current dividend policy therefore yields a dividend of CZK 35 to CZK 47 per share, which would mean a payout to shareholders of between CZK 19bn and CZK 25bn. In 2025, ČEZ Group anticipates an EBITDA between CZK 125bn to CZK 130bn, and adjusted net profit between CZK 25bn and CZK 29bn.

This year’s first investment for the CEZ Group Inven Capital fund is the German corporation Vytal, which supports the circular economy, through reusable food and beverage packages. To achieve a more sustainable approach without needless waste, it developed a unique technology platform that allows it to ensure 99% return of packaging into the system, thereby reducing emissions by up to 85% compared to disposable products. The company operates in 24 countries, working with more than 7,000 business partners, including global brands like KFC, and Pepsi. Vytal has ambitions to expand its operations primarily to major mass events in the US, and to strengthen its position as the global leader. In the last investment round, Inven Capital with NRW.Ventures backed vytal with EUR 8 million. Since Inven’s establishment, this is the 7th investment in Germany.

Gazprom must pay CEZ over one billion Czech korunas.