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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 20-F
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2002
Commission File Number 333 - 7172 - 01
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CEZ, a. s.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Czech Republic
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
CEZ, a. s.
Duhova 2/1444
140 53 Prague 4
Czech Republic
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None.
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
7 1/8% Guaranteed Notes due 2007
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d)
of the Act: None.
The number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital
or common stock as of December 31, 2002 was: 592,210,843 shares of common stock
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [x] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has
elected to follow. Item 17 [ ] Item 18 [x]
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TECHNICAL TERMS AND PRESENTATION OF OTHER DATA
The technical abbreviations and expressions used herein have the following
meanings:
CO Carbon monoxide.
Demand Consumption of the final consumer not including transmission
and distribution losses and self consumption by the Company
(including electricity used in pump storage facilities) and
other electricity generators and distributors.
FBB Fluidized-bed boiler, a kind of boiler which reduces the
content of sulfur dioxide emissions in the flue gases during
the combustion process.
FGD Flue-Gas Desulfurization, a flue stack technology for
reducing sulfur dioxide content in power plant emissions.
GW; GWh One gigawatt equals 1,000 MW; one gigawatt-hour
represents one hour of electricity consumption at a constant
rate of 1 GW.
Installed Capacity The highest constant level of generation of electricity
which a power plant is designed to be capable of
maintaining.
IPP Independent Power Producer.
kV A kilovolt is a unit of electric tension; one kilovolt
equals one thousand volts.
kW; kWh A kilowatt is a unit of power, representing the rate at
which energy is produced; one kilowatt-hour represents one
hour of electricity consumption at a constant rate of 1kW.
MW; MWh One megawatt equals 1,000 kW; one megawatt-hour represents
one hour of electricity consumption at a constant rate of
1 MW.
NOx Nitrogen oxides.
PWR A type of pressurized water nuclear reactor designed in the
United States. This type of reactor uses water as both a
moderator (the medium in the reactor core which facilitates
the chain reaction) and coolant (the medium which conveys
the heat generated in the reactor to a steam generator).
SO2 Sulfur dioxide.
T/h Tons of steam per hour.
TW; TWh One terawatt equals 1,000 GW; one terawatt-hour represents
one hour of electricity consumption at a constant rate of
1 TW.
Ton Metric ton.
VVER A type of pressurized water nuclear reactor designed in the
former Soviet Union which uses water as both a moderator and
coolant.
Unless otherwise indicated, all figures in this Annual Report presenting units
of electricity generation are gross (i.e., including the electricity consumed by
the power plants themselves).
We have provided the data contained in this Annual Report as to installed
capacity, generation and other market share information with respect to the
electricity and heating industries in the Czech Republic. We compile and publish
certain of this data on a regular basis, and also supply certain of this data to
the Czech Statistical Office for use in compiling national data on the energy
sector.
We have based the data contained in this Annual Report as to end-users of
electricity (including end-user average prices and electricity demand) on data
supplied to us by eight regional distribution utilities (the "REAS") on a
voluntary basis. We have no means of independent verification of such data.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers............ 5
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable.......................... 5
Item 3. Key Information.................................................. 5
Item 4. Information on the Company....................................... 13
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects..................... 37
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees....................... 48
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions................ 53
Item 8. Financial Information............................................ 54
Item 9. The Offer and Listing............................................ 54
Item 10. Additional Information........................................... 54
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk....... 63
Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities........... 67
Part II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Deliquencies................... 67
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and
Use of Proceeds.................................................. 68
Item 15. Controls and Procedures.......................................... 68
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert................................. 68
Item 16B. Code of Ethics.................................................. 68
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.......................... 68
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees...... 68
Part III
Item 17. Financial Statements............................................. 68
Item 18. Financial Statements............................................. 68
Item 19. Exhibits......................................................... 69
3
General Information
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this Annual Report are "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. We intend that
these statements be covered by the safe harbors created under these laws. Those
statements include, but are not limited to:
o statements as to expected revenues, operating results, market shares
and certain expenses, including interest expenses, in respect of
certain of our operations;
o expectations as to the operation of Temelin and its power output;
o expectations as to the anticipated privatization of our Company;
o expectations as to energy prices and the deregulation of the energy
market in the Czech Republic;
o statements as to the rate of growth of the electricity market in the
Czech Republic;
o expectations as to our relations with the regional electricity
distributors, and our integration with some of the regional
electricity distributors;
o statements about the rent we anticipate paying for certain of our
hydroelectric power plants;
o expectations as to the issuance of operations licenses, the schedule
and cost for the refurbishment of Dukovany;
o statements about the transfer of land to our Company;
o expectations as to the approval and construction of interim fuel
storage facilities;
o expectations as to the expansion of our transmission grid;
o expectations as to the future sale of regional electricity
distributors and as to the sale of our remaining shares in CEPS, a.s.;
o expectations as to the adjustment of payment schedule with respect to
our purchase of REAS from government;
o expectations as to the development of our telecommunications services;
o expectations of our future capital expenditures;
o statements as to the funding of future expenditures and investments;
o expectations of risks and liabilities of hedging transactions entered
into;
o statements as to the expected outcome of certain legal proceedings;
o estimates of future levels of employees; and
o expectations as to the legal and regulatory framework for our
industry.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from the information set forth
in any forward-looking statements include:
o the effect of general economic conditions and changes in interest
rates in the Czech Republic;
o difficulties encountered in the privatization of our Company;
o difficulties encountered in the integration of our Company with some
of the regional electricity distributors;
o increases in competition in the markets in which we operate and
changes in sales and marketing methods utilized by competitors;
o changes in the structure and regulation of electricity prices in the
Czech Republic;
o difficulties encountered in the initial operational testing of our
Temelin nuclear power plant and refurbishment of our Dukovany nuclear
power plant;
o the potential loss of key personnel;
o acts of war or terrorism; and
o fluctuations in exchange rates between other currencies and the Czech
crown in which our assets, liabilities and operating results are
denominated;
as well as the other factors discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report. Many of
these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Given these
uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the
forward-looking statements.
4
PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
Item 3. Key Information
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction
with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, our Consolidated
Financial Statements (including the notes thereto) contained in Item 18
"Financial Statements" of this Annual Report. We prepare the Consolidated
Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards ("IFRS") which differ in certain important respects from U.S.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("U.S. GAAP"). Note 26 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements provides a description of the principal
differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net
earnings and total shareholders' equity for the periods and as of the dates
therein indicated.
As of or for the year ended December 31,
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1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2002
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(CZK millions except rates, ratios, (USD millions,
operating and per share data)(1) except per
share data)(2)
Consolidated Income Statement Data
IFRS:
Revenues...................................... 54,971 53,528 52,431 56,055 55,578 1,843.9
Operating expenses............................ 42,295 43,487 39,803 41,377 44,324 1,470.6
Income before other expense and income taxes.. 12,676 10,041 12,628 14,678 11,254 373.4
Other expenses (income)....................... (755) 4,832 2,027 1,386 (542) (18.0)
Income before income taxes.................... 13,431 5,209 10,601 13,292 11,796 391.4
Income taxes.................................. 3,460 919 3,364 4,169 3,375 112.0
Net income.................................... 9,971 4,290 7,237 9,123 8,421 279.4
Net income per share (CZK per share)
Basic....................................... 16.8 7.2 12.2 15.4 14.3 0.47
Diluted..................................... 16.8 7.2 12.2 15.4 14.2 0.47
Cash dividend per share (CZK per share)....... 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 2.5
Cash dividend per share (USD per share) (3)... 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.052 0.080
Weighted average number of shares (000's)
Basic....................................... 592,019 592,088 592,088 591,926 590,363
Diluted..................................... 592,019 592,088 592,088 592,088 592,150
U.S. GAAP:
Revenues...................................... 54,971 53,528 52,431 56,055 55,578 1,843.9
Net income(4)................................. 10,558 5,291 13,299 8,538 8,421 279.4
Net income per share (CZK per share) .........
Basic....................................... 17.8 8.9 22.5 14.4 14.3 0.47
Diluted..................................... 17.8 8.9 22.5 14.4 14.2 0.47
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
IFRS:
Property, plants and equipment--net (5)........ 99,955 99,661 98,717 93,605 146,914 4,874.2
Construction work in progress................. 81,337 91,460 103,591 111,929 56,513 1,875.0
Other assets.................................. 14,913 20,368 19,952 23,493 28,038 930.2
Total assets.................................. 196,205 211,489 222,260 229,027 231,465 7,679.4
Shareholders' equity.......................... 117,915 122,205 129,442 136,726 143,675 4,766.8
Long-term debt, net of current portion........ 34,561 51,084 49,704 43,081 35,729 1,185.4
Other long-term liabilities (6)............... 17,904 18,457 20,902 21,396 23,866 791.8
Total long-term liabilities (6)............... 52,465 69,541 70,606 64,477 59,595 1,977.2
Deferred income taxes......................... 5,501 6,265 8,057 9,870 12,541 416.1
Current liabilities........................... 20,324 13,478 14,155 17,954 15,654 519.4
Stated capital (7)............................ 59,209 59,209 59,209 59,050 59,041 1,958.8
5
U.S. GAAP:
Total assets.................................. 191,473 207,059 222,260 229,027 231,465 7,679.4
Long-term liabilities (5)..................... 50,384 67,186 70,476 64,477 59,595 1,977.2
Deferred income taxes......................... 9,823 10,162 8,098 9,870 12,541 416.1
Shareholders' equity.......................... 110,941 116,232 129,531 136,726 143,675 4,766.8
Other Financial Data
IFRS:
Depreciation rate............................. 5.5 5.5 5.4 5.3 5.6
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges............ 2.78 1.30 2.35 3.13 3.42
Capital expenditures.......................... 25,812 22,726 21,621 15,318 10,330 342.7
Ratio of shareholders' equity to total
capitalization (7).......................... 0.77 0.71 0.72 0.76 0.80
U.S. GAAP:
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges............ 3.37 1.49 2.33 3.13 3.42
Capital expenditures.......................... 25,812 22,726 21,621 15,318 10,330 342.7
Ratio of shareholders' equity to total
capitalization (6).......................... 0.76 0.70 0.72 0.76 0.80
Selected Operating Data
Installed capacity (MW)....................... 10,900 10,151 10,146 10,146 11,146
Generation (GWh).............................. 47,892 45,722 50,842 52,162 54,118
Employees..................................... 10,314 9,749 9,278 8,011 7,677
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(1) Certain prior year financial statement items have been reclassified to
conform to the current year presentation.
(2) Czech crown amounts have been translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of
CZK 30.141 per USD 1.00, the CNB Exchange Rate on December 31, 2002.
(3) Translated into USD at the Czech National Bank rate on the dividend payment
date.
(4) U.S. GAAP net income for 2000 includes the cumulated effect from prior
years of an accounting change that under IAS is recorded as an adjustment
to retained earnings (see Note 26 to the to the consolidated financial
statements included herein under Item 18).
(5) Plant in service less accumulated provision for depreciation and nuclear
fuel at amortized cost.
(6) Amounts include accumulated provision for nuclear decommissioning and
storage of spent fuel and other nuclear waste. U.S. utility companies
generally include these amounts in accumulated depreciation.
(7) Total capitalization includes stated capital, retained earnings and
long-term debt (net of current portion).
6
Exchange Rates
The following table sets forth, for the periods and dates indicated high and low
exchange rates for Czech crowns ("CZK") into U.S. dollars ("USD") as reported by
the Czech National Bank (the "CNB Exchange Rate") for each month during the
previous six months and, for the last five years, the average rate for each year
calculated as the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month
during the period. No representation is made that the Czech crown or USD amounts
referred to herein could have been made or could be converted into USD or Czech
crowns, as the case may be, at the rates indicated or at any other rate. The
Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for Czech
crowns. As of June 25, 2003, the CNB Exchange Rate was CZK 27.246 = USD 1.00.
CNB Exchange Rates
Month Low(1) High(1)
----- --- ----
(CZK per USD)
December 2002 31.24 30.14
January 2003 30.35 28.88
February 2003 29.71 29.08
March 2003 29.95 28.68
April 2003 29.84 28.26
May 2003 27.89 26.39
Source: Czech National Bank
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(1) Actual high and low, on a day-by-day basis, for each period.
CNB Exchange Rates
Year Low (1) High (1) Average (2) Period-End
----- ---- ---- ------- ----------
(CZK per USD)
1998 36.10 28.38 32.19 29.86
1999 36.35 29.65 34.87 35.98
2000 42.13 34.88 38.58 37.81
2001 40.29 34.84 38.03 36.26
2002 37.16 29.12 32.74 30.14
Source: Czech National Bank
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(1) Actual high and low, on a day-by-day basis, for each period.
(2) Average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during period.
For information regarding the effects of currency fluctuations on our results,
see "Risk Factors" on page 8, "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects" on page 37 and "Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
about Market Risk" on page 63.
7
RISK FACTORS
Factors Relating to the Company
OUR MAJORITY SHAREHOLDER MAKES DECISIONS THAT REFLECT CZECH GOVERNMENT POLICY
The Czech National Property Fund (the "NPF" or the "National Property Fund"),
which is under the direct control of the Czech Republic, holds approximately
two-thirds of all shares in CEZ. The National Property Fund also holds
significant equity interests in certain of our subcontractors, including Czech
suppliers of coal and contractors and suppliers of equipment for the Temelin
nuclear power plant. Consequently, certain of our decisions and the decisions of
our suppliers and contractors which are mandated by the National Property Fund
reflect Czech Republic government policy. We can give no assurance that these
decisions will not adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition
or results of operations.
LIBERALIZATION OF THE ELECTRICITY MARKET COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS
Since January 1, 2002, if an electricity end user's electricity consumption at
one supply point exceeds 40 GWh (including self-generated electricity) then such
user (eligible final customer) may choose its electricity supplier (and freely
negotiate prices). We have direct access to such eligible final customers only
and this liberalized market represents approximately 30% of the Czech
electricity market. REAS are free to choose the supplier to cover demand of the
remaining (mostly retail) customers. The wholesale market is liberalized to the
full extent and we compete on this market. As a consequence of this
liberalization we have seen our profitability per MWh produced decline. While
the REAS and eligible final customers have purchased some electricity from
producers outside the Czech Republic, which fact has reduced our revenues, we
have responded to these price and other pressures by increasing the quantity of
electricity sold for low prices while keeping fixed costs constant. We can
provide no assurance that the decisions of the REAS or other eligible final
customers will not adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition
or results of operations.
Further, as a consequence of the liberalization of the electricity market, an
administrative procedure has been implemented which regulates the import and
transmission of electricity within the electricity transmission grid in the
Czech Republic. This system is designed to prevent imported electricity together
with our planned domestic electricity production from exceeding the transmission
capabilities of the transmission grid. As this administrative procedure is new,
it has yet to be completely tested. Consequently, we can provide no assurance
that, as a result of complications in the implementation of this procedure, the
electricity system in the Czech Republic may not suffer interruptions of
service.
Furthermore, the Energy Act (including the enforcement provisions thereof) has
just begun to be implemented by regulation, and judicially or administratively
interpreted. We can give no assurance that the specific regulatory framework and
practices that actually develop in the Czech Republic will not adversely affect
our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations.
OUR INTEGRATION WITH REAS COULD ENCOUNTER OBSTACLES, NEGATIVELY INFLUENCING OUR
BUSINESS
On April 1, 2003, we acquired from the Czech government its shares in eight
REAS. As of then, we hold majority shares in five REAS and minority shares in
three REAS. We are required to dispose of one of the majority shares and of all
three minority shares. We intend to fully integrate the remaining four REAS into
the structure of our Company. While we believe that we will be successful in our
efforts, we can give no assurance that the integration will continue smoothly
and that minority shareholders in those REAS in which we hold a majority share
will not obstruct the integration process. Consequently, we can provide no
assurance that our business, prospects, financial condition or results of
operations will not be adversely influenced by these factors.
WE MAY BE UNABLE TO DISPOSE OF OUR SHARES IN REAS AND CEPS, A. S. AT CONDITIONS
ADVANTAGEOUS TO US
The Czech Anti-Monopoly Office resolved that we have to dispose of one of the
majority shares and of all three minority shares in REAS, and that we have to
dispose of our remaining shares in CEPS, a.s. There is only a limited number of
prospective buyers and we may encounter difficulties in trying to negotiate
conditions of such disposals that would be advantageous to us or our disposal of
the shares may be delayed. Consequently, we can provide no
8
assurance that our business, prospects, financial condition or results of
operations will not be adversely affected by the sale of the REAS and of CEPS,
a. s.
STATE SUPPORT TO SELECTED POWER GENERATION SOURCES COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE
PORTION OF OUR BUSINESS SUBJECT TO REGULATED PRICES
The Energy Act now requires the REAS to purchase certain amounts of electricity
from environmentally friendly "co-generation", "small hydro", "decentralized" or
"renewable" facilities and to pay subsidies to it. State support is
significantly higher for small generation sources or those that are connected
directly to the REAS grids. We, however, operate large plants and transmit a
major portion of our electricity to the transmission grid and thus cannot take
full advantage of the state support for otherwise comparable power generation
sources. While we believe that these purchases by the REAS will remain an
insignificant portion of overall REAS electricity purchases, we can provide no
assurance that this will in fact be the case and that our electricity sales to
the REAS will not decrease as a result and will not adversely affect our
business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations.
INTERRUPTIONS IN THE INITIAL TRIAL OPERATION OF THE TEMELIN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
COULD SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER OUR CASH FLOW
We currently have a nuclear power plant in trial operation in Temelin in
Southern Bohemia which, once both of its generating units are fully operational,
is expected to account for approximately 17% of our installed capacity and an
average of 23.5% of our total production. While the construction on both units
of Temelin has been completed and the Nuclear Safety Authority has issued an
operating license for its operation, we can provide no assurance that failures
in the course of trial operation will not occur or that such interruptions will
not adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition or results of
operations.
Further, we have experienced continuing environmental and other opposition to
the plant with demonstrations by Austrian citizens and others. As a result, the
prime ministers of Austria and the Czech Republic met on December 12, 2000. This
meeting resulted in an agreement pursuant to which we agreed to have further
studies and monitoring performed on Temelin. We can provide no assurance that,
as a result of such studies and monitoring, the initial operation of Temelin
will not be disturbed as a result of events beyond the control of management. We
can provide no assurance that any such problems will not adversely affect our
business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations.
CONTRACTUAL PENALTIES FOR A DELAY IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF UNIT 2 OF TEMELIN COULD
ADVERSELY AFFECT THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF THE GENERAL
CONTRACTOR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TEMELIN
As the general contractor for the construction of Temelin and our 29.8%
subsidiary, SKODA PRAHA, a.s., did not complete construction on Temelin's Unit 2
as scheduled, it is subject to significant contractual penalties, the imposition
of which may adversely affect its business, prospects, financial condition or
results of operations or even lead to its insolvency. While we believe that any
negative impact on SKODA PRAHA, a.s. is not likely to affect its guarantees for
trial operation of Unit 1 and 2 (and, consequently, our business generally), we
can provide no assurance that the imposition of such penalties will not, in
fact, adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition or results
of operations. In an attempt to avoid these adverse consequences, we entered
into a settlement agreement with SKODA PRAHA, a.s. pursuant to which we would
capitalize the contractual penalties and increase our share in SKODA PRAHA, a.s.
to 68.9%. However, we can give no assurance that capitalization will eventually
take place and the above risks will be eliminated or minimized.
OUR COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE REAS AND THE COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR
THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC COULD CHANGE
We sell a significant portion of the electricity we produce to the eight REAS.
Except for two REAS for which we signed ten-year supply contracts in 1996, we
sign our contracts with the REAS annually. We own majority shares in five REAS,
but we will have to dispose of one of these majority shares. It is likely that
our key European competitors will control four of the REAS eventually. We can
provide no assurance that the four REAS we will not control will continue to
purchase power from us in the same quantities as they have in the past and/or
for the same or better prices or that the competitive environment for the supply
of electricity in the Czech Republic will not change.
9
BECAUSE WE LOST CONTROL OF THE TRANSMISSION GRID, ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION
PRICES MAY INCREASE
Until April 1, 2002, we controlled the electricity transmission grid in the
Czech Republic through our wholly-owned subsidiary, CEPS, a.s. As a part of
process of the liberalization of the energy market and/or privatization in the
Czech Republic, CEZ had to sell its majority stake in CEPS, a.s. and we thereby
lost control of the transmission grid. The prices for electricity transmission
could increase as a result of our lost control of CEPS, a.s. If these
transmission prices increase and such increase is followed by increases in end
prices for electricity, we can give no assurance that the possible resulting
decrease of consumption or our increased costs would not adversely affect our
business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations. Further, we
can give no assurance that the specific regulatory or other relationship that
actually develops with respect to the transmission of electricity will not
adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition or results of
operations.
THE COSTS WE ARE CHARGED FOR RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL MAY INCREASE; WE MAY
BECOME LIABLE FOR INCREASED COSTS OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
Under Czech law we are required to contribute funds to a "Nuclear Account"
administrated by the Ministry of Finance based on the amount of electricity we
produce in our nuclear power plants. This fund is used by the Radioactive Waste
Repository Authority (the "Repository Authority") to centrally organize,
supervise and undertake responsibility for all final disposal facilities and
deposition of nuclear waste therein.
We can give no assurance that the government will not increase the contributions
which the Nuclear Act requires us to pay into the Nuclear Account. Additionally,
if the cash amounts accrued in the Nuclear Account are not sufficient to pay the
final disposal costs, we may be required to pay additional amounts.
THE AMOUNTS WE HAVE TO KEEP IN A SPECIAL ESCROW ACCOUNT FOR FUTURE
DECOMMISSIONING OF OUR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS MAY INCREASE; WE MAY BECOME LIABLE
FOR INCREASED COSTS OF FUTURE DECOMMISSIONING
Under Czech law we are required to keep funds in a special escrow account based
on the expected costs of future decommissioning of our nuclear power plants.
These funds can be used only for such decommissioning and only with the
permission of the Repository Authority.
We can give no assurance that our contributions to the special escrow account
will not increase as a result of increased expected costs of decommissioning or
other factors determining the amount of our annual contributions. Additionally,
if the cash amounts accrued in the special escrow account are not sufficient to
pay the decommissioning costs, we may be required to pay additional amounts.
OUR INSURANCE DOES NOT FULLY COVER OUR RISKS AND FACILITIES
We have limited insurance (e.g., property and machinery insurance) for certain
of our significant assets, including the Dukovany and Temelin nuclear power
plant. We can give no assurance that our business will not be adversely affected
by the costs of accidents or other unexpected occurrences at such facilities.
WE COULD INCUR SIGNIFICANT LOSSES IF WE SUFFERED A NUCLEAR ACCIDENT
In accordance with the Vienna Convention, the Nuclear Act provides that the
operator of a nuclear facility is liable for any damage caused by a nuclear
accident up to CZK 6 billion per accident. The Nuclear Act also provides that
operators of nuclear facilities, such as ourselves, are obligated to acquire
insurance covering potential liabilities for nuclear damages in an amount of not
less than CZK 1.5 billion. We have concluded insurance policies for both
Dukovany and Temelin which provide coverage at these amounts. However,
notwithstanding such limitation of liability and our additional coverage, any
nuclear accident at a nuclear power station could have a material adverse effect
on our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations due to,
inter alia, potential shut-down of the nuclear facility involved in the accident
and the resulting loss of generation capacity, remedial and replacement expenses
and negative public response. In addition, as the Nuclear Act has not been
tested in court, we can give no assurance that judicial interpretations will be
consistent with its stated limitation of liabilities.
10
DEVALUATION OF THE CZECH CROWN AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR AND/OR EURO WOULD
NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR BUSINESS; WE MAY SUFFER EXCHANGE RATE LOSSES IF CZECH
CROWN BECOMES SIGNIFICANTLY WEAKER TO U.S. DOLLAR AND/OR EURO, OR LOSSES DUE TO
HEDGING IF CZECH CROWN BECOMES SIGNIFICANTLY STRONGER
Virtually all of our revenues are denominated in Czech crowns and, after giving
effect to foreign exchange swaps, approximately one-third of our indebtedness is
effectively denominated in, and is expected to continue to be denominated in,
currencies other than the Czech crown. Consequently, we are exposed to currency
exchange risks that could impact our ability to meet our debt obligations and
finance our business. The Czech crown to euro exchange rate has been relatively
stable and there has been a trend of stronger Czech crown versus the U.S. dollar
in 2002 and the first quarter of 2003. However, we can give no assurance that
the stability against euro and the ascertainable trends with respect to the U.S.
dollar will continue. Devaluation of the Czech crown against the U.S. dollar
and/or euro would result in a larger proportion of our revenues needed to
service our indebtedness denominated in currencies other than the Czech crown,
including the 7 1/8% Notes due 2007 issued by CEZ Finance B.V. and guaranteed by
CEZ (the "Notes" and the guarantees provided by us the "Guarantees"), which
could have a material adverse effect on our ability to service the Notes or
other indebtedness denominated in currencies other that the Czech crown.
We have entered into foreign exchange swap transactions (principally U.S.
dollars and euro to Czech crowns) in order to reduce our exposure to the
exchange rate risk by adjusting our exposure to non-Czech crown denominated
liabilities. Although we intend to further reduce our exposure to exchange rate
risk by entering into other hedging transactions, we can give no assurance that
such hedging will be available or profitable.
Factors Relating to the Czech Republic
POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT ECONOMIC
CONDITIONS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND, CONSEQUENTLY, OUR BUSINESS
The next general elections for the Chamber of Deputies are scheduled for 2006.
The current political situation has remained relatively stable as a result of
the coalition among the Czech Social Democratic Party ("CSSD"), a center-left
party, which received over 30.2% of the votes in the last election in 2002, and
two other smaller center and center-right parties. The second strongest party in
the Chamber of Deputies is the Civic Democratic Party ("ODS"), a center-right
party, which received over 24.5% of the votes in the last election and is
currently in the opposition. It cannot be ruled out that the current coalition
will break up as a result of different political opinions of its members or as
result of other factors. On March 7, 2003, Vaclav Klaus became the new President
of the Czech Republic. Mr. Klaus is a former chairman of ODS and this could have
an impact on his political decisions.
With respect to the macroeconomic environment in the Czech Republic, it may be
expected that drawing up the state budget for 2004 might be connected with
difficulties, since the cabinet will have to choose between substantial
restrictions of its expenses and setting a budget with a significant deficit.
We can give no assurance that changes to the current government, the creation of
a new government or early Parliamentary elections will not occur. The factors
described above may have an adverse effect on the overall stability of the Czech
Republic and subsequently on our economic and financial situation. We can give
no assurance that any new government formed will continue the economic, fiscal,
and regulatory policies of former governments. Nor can there be any assurance
that any changes in such policies will not have a material adverse effect on our
business, prospects, financial condition or result of operations. Moreover, any
change in the government may affect the structure of the presidium of the NPF,
and/or the structure of the Supervisory Board and the Board of Directors of our
company.
IF THE CZECH ECONOMY PERFORMS POORLY, OUR BUSINESS WILL BE IMPACTED NEGATIVELY
Our revenues are sensitive to the performance of the Czech economy. Virtually
all of our assets and operations are located in the Czech Republic and we derive
the substantial majority of our electricity revenues from domestic sales.
Changes in economic, regulatory, administrative or other policies of the Czech
government, as well as political or economic developments in the Czech Republic
over which we have no control, could have a significant effect on the Czech
economy, which in turn could have a significant effect on our business,
prospects, financial conditions or results of operations or our ability to
proceed with our business plan.
11
Furthermore, the Czech Republic has undergone dramatic reform in its economy
since 1989. Public discussion continues as to the need for restructuring certain
sectors of the economy. Although the reforms already undertaken have
significantly improved economic performance, we can give no assurance that they
will continue or that the level of economic performance attained over the last
few years will be sustained. In addition, we can give no assurance that such
restructuring will not result in a decrease in the sales or production of
certain significant power consumers, which could lead to a decrease in
electricity demand.
The Czech Republic has experienced growing public finance deficits which could
potentially destabilize the Czech crown against foreign currencies, increase
inflation and increase the borrowing costs of the Czech Republic through lower
debt ratings, and for CEZ as well. While political parties in the Czech Republic
acknowledge this problem, they have not reached political accord on a solution.
Though the Czech crown is currently strong and the inflation low, we can give no
assurance that this will be the case in the future years.
WE COULD INCUR UNFORESEEN TAX PENALTIES AND/OR SANCTIONS
Changing interpretations of tax regulations by the tax authorities, extended
time periods relating to overdue liabilities and the possible imposition of high
penalties and other sanctions result in the tax risk for a Czech company being
significantly higher than in countries with more mature tax systems.
12
Item 4. Information on the Company
History and Development of the Company
CEZ, a.s. (the "Company" or "CEZ") was established on May 6, 1992 as a
joint-stock company organized under the law of the Czech Republic. We were
established through the aggregation of formerly state-owned companies into one
enterprise. The resulting company is the largest electricity generation company
in the Czech Republic in terms of installed electricity generation capacity and
one of the largest companies in the Czech Republic in terms of operating
revenues. We are governed by the provisions of Czech Civil and Commercial law
and are registered with the Commercial Register of the District Court for
Prague. Our headquarters is located in Prague, Czech Republic. Our U.S. agent's
name and address is CT Corporation System, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York
10019.
Our registered address is:
CEZ, a. s.
Duhova 2/1444
140 53 Prague 4
Czech Republic
Tel: +420 (2) 7113 1111
Internet address: www.cez.cz
All power plants that we operate are located in the Czech Republic. The total
installed capacity of our generation facilities as of December 31, 2002 amounted
to 11,146 MW. In 2002, we generated 54,118 GWh of electricity. Of this amount,
coal-fired plants accounted for 62.0%, our nuclear power plants accounted for
34.6%, and hydroelectric plants accounted for 3.4% of electricity produced. The
remaining electric power consumed in the Czech Republic comes from independent
power producers, self generators and imports. We operate twenty-five [F1] power
plants, including ten coal-fired plants, twelve hydroelectric plants and two
nuclear power plants. See "Property, Plants and Equipment" on page 28. Of the
quantity of electricity we sold in the Czech Republic in 2002, we sold
approximately 86.8% to the REAS, 1.6% to CEPS, a.s., 7.2% to traders, 3.7% to
Operator trhu s elektrinou, a.s. (Electricity Market Operator), and the
remainder directly to final customers.
We also purchased electric energy from independent producers and traders
(Sokolovska uhelna, a.s., KAUCUK, a.s., and Prvni energeticka a.s.).
The following table sets forth a breakdown of the amounts of electricity that we
supplied and which was consumed in and exported from the Czech Republic from
2000 through 2002:
2000 2001 2002
---- ---- ----
(GWh)
Supplied:
CEZ generation........................................ 50,842 52,162 54,118
Purchased from IPPs .................................. 3,483 3,274 2,018
Purchase of deviations (OTE *)........................ 0 0 882
Purchase within the framework of organized short-term
transactions (OTE *).................................. 0 0 19
Purchases to cover own consumption.................... 21 17 18
Imports............................................... 814 682 417
Transactions outside of the Czech Republic
(purchases)........................................... 0 7 921
---------- --------- ----------
Total................................................. 55,160 56,141 58,392
========== ========= ==========
- --------------
[F1] The calculation of the number of plants that we operate varies depending on
whether a plant is counted independently or as part of a larger
organizational unit. The number of plants used herein is based upon larger
organizational units than may appear elsewhere in our publications
13
Consumed:
REAS.................................................. 36,565 36,942 31,466
Sale OTE * - regulatory work - positive............... 0 847 1,356
Sale OTE * - regulatory work - negative............... 0 0 -385
Sale of deviations - (OTE *).......................... 0 0 137
Sale within the framework of organized short-term
transactions (OTE *).................................. 0 0 224
Electricity sales to eligible customers **............ 0 0 69
Electricity sales to traders ***...................... 0 0 2,593
Sales to CEPS to cover transmission losses............ 736 546 598
Other domestic sales.................................. 93 386 186
Exports............................................... 12,429 12,122 16,008
Transactions outside of the Czech Republic (sales) 0 7 921
Other consumption of CEZ.............................. 5,275 5,231 5,218
of which:
own consumption for electricity generation...... 4,102 4,218 4,245
consumption for siphoning in siphoning-type
hydro-electric power generation stations........ 749 556 479
other consumption of facilities................. 424 457 494
Losses of CEZ......................................... 62 60 0
========== ========= ==========
Total................................................. 55,160 56,141 58,392
========== ========= ==========
*) Operator trhu s elektrinou, a. s. (Electricity Market Operator)
**) Customers pursuant to Section 28 of Act No. 458/2000 Coll. (Energy Act)
***) Electricity traders pursuant to Section 28 of Act No. 458/2000 Coll.
(Energy Act)
In addition to electric power, we also generate heat, which we supply to
municipalities, district heating companies and industrial consumers via
steam/hot water pipelines that we operate with other persons. See "Heat
Generation" on page 18.
Until April 1, 2003, we also owned and operated through our subsidiary, CEPS,
a.s., approximately 2,902 kilometers (approximately 1,803 miles) of 400 kV and
1,441 kilometers (approximately 895 miles) of 220 kV high-voltage electrical
power transmission lines. These lines comprise all of the high voltage
transmission lines in the Czech Republic and transformers which reduce the
electrical voltage to 110 kV, the maximum voltage used in the distribution
networks owned by the REAS. See "Transmission of Electricity" on page 19 and
"Material Contracts" on page 57.
Breakdown of Revenue by Activity
The following table sets forth a breakdown of our principal activities together
with the revenue generated from such activities for the years 2000 through 2002:
2000 2001 2002
---- ---- ----
(CZK millions)
Electricity and Transmission Sales(1) (2) 49,675 53,300 52,938
Heat Sales.............................. 1,604 1,721 1,673
Other................................... 1,413 1,576 967
- ------------
(1) Until December 31, 2000, the Energy Regulatory Office set end-user
electricity prices and the prices at which we sell electricity to the REAS
at aggregate rates which included both the portion paid for the
electricity and transmission. Consequently, the information in this table
with respect to electricity and transmission sales represent aggregate
sales which combine the prices for transmission and electricity.
Additionally, we do not account for our electricity sales from our
nuclear, hydro-electric and coal-fired power plants separately.
(2) In 2002, our revenue from electricity sales amounted to approximately CZK
41,021 million, and our revenue from transmission sales amounted to
approximately CZK 11,917 million.
14
Electricity Generation
In 2002, we produced a total of 54,118 GWh of electricity, which represents
approximately 71% of the total electricity produced in the Czech Republic.
Revenues from electricity sales and transmission amounted to approximately CZK
52.9 million or 95.2% of our total revenue for 2002.
The following table provides information regarding our installed electricity
generating capacity at December 31, 2002 and the method of electricity
generation during the year ended December 31, 2002:
At December 31, 2002 Year Ended December 31, 2002
----------------------- ----------------------------
Installed Installed Electricity Total
Capacity Capacity Generation Production
--------- --------- ----------- ----------
(MW) (%) (GWh) (%)
Coal-Fired Plants..................................... 6,517 58.5 33,543 62.0
Nuclear Plants........................................ 2,760 24.8 18,738 34.6
Hydroelectric Plants.................................. 1,868 16.7 1,837 3.4
Wind and Solar Power Plant (1) ....................... 1 0 0 0
========= ========== =========== ==========
Total................................................. 11,146 100 54,118 100
========= ========== =========== ==========
- -----------
(1) Power plant in the locality of Mravenecnik near the Dlouhe Strane
hydroelectric power plant.
Coal-Fired Power Generation
We own and operate ten (10) coal-fired power plants which are further described
below under "Property, Plants and Equipment" on page 28. In 2002, our coal-fired
plants generated 33,543 GWh of electricity representing 62.0% of our total
electricity production.
Our coal-fired plants have a diversified age profile, and we have a planned
program of regular repairs and overhauls for the generating units. In most
cases, parts of these units have already been completely reconstructed and
modernized. As of December 31, 2002, we had installed FBB or FGD equipment on
all of our coal-fired capacity and we have installed or refurbished
electrostatic precipitators (which reduce particulate emissions) on all but two
of our coal-fired power plants. The coal-fired plants that we own and operate
are situated at various locations throughout the Czech Republic, the largest
concentration being in the lignite mining region in the northwest of the Czech
Republic. We have decommissioned the Ledvice I power plant, two units of the
Melnik II power plant and three units of the Tusimice I power plant. We decided
to decommission these plants because, in our judgment, we have sufficient
capacity to satisfy demand using our existing plants and plants under
construction.
Types and Sources of Coal. The majority of our coal-fired power plants (95.5%)
utilize lignite. Currently only one of our power plants uses hard coal. We have
four main domestic suppliers of lignite and one domestic supplier of hard coal.
Most of our coal-fired power plants are located in the vicinity of the North
Bohemian brown coal basin. Conveyor belts from nearby mines directly supply coal
to three power plants, Ledvice II, Tisova I and II and Tusimice II. In other
cases, rail is primarily used to transport coal supplies over relatively short
distances. We maintain coal stocks at a general level of 16% of our annual
consumption at plants that are not in direct proximity to coal mines.
Coal Contracts. For the purchase of lignite we have entered into a number of
annual, five-year and fifteen-year contracts with Appian Group, a.s., Sokolovska
uhelna, a.s., Severoceske doly, a.s, Lignit Hodonin, s.r.o., GEMEC-UNION, a.s.
and with OKD, a.s, for the purchase of hard coal. We have signed a long-term
contract with Severoceske doly, a.s., and short term contracts with Severoceske
doly, a.s., Appian Group, a.s., Sokolovska uhelna, a.s. and Lignit Hodonin,
s.r.o. for lignite. We have signed a short term agreement with OKD, a.s. for
hard coal. See "Equity Interests of CEZ in Other Companies as of December 31,
2002" on page 28.
We generally enter into contracts for coal deliveries on the basis of tenders.
Short-term contracts resulting from such tenders fix prices for one year.
Long-term contracts are designed to fix amounts for a period of five years.
Although long-term contracts do not set specific prices, they contain guidelines
for setting prices.
15
In October 1997, we signed a long-term contract with the largest producer of
lignite in the Czech Republic, Severoceske doly, a.s. In 1999, we increased our
stake in Severoceske doly, a.s. to more than one-third of the capital stock of
Severoceske doly, a.s. Severoceske doly, a.s. supplies more than 60% of our
total consumption of lignite. This contract covers supplies through the year
2015 and reserves certain amounts of stock through 2030. We purchase the largest
amount of coal in the Czech Republic, accounting for more than 55% of lignite
purchased in 2002 in the Czech Republic.
The following table sets forth the rate of price increases (decreases) for which
we purchased lignite and hard coal as compared to inflation rates for the years
2000 through 2002:
Year Lignite (%) Hard Coal(%) Inflation(%)
---- ----------- ------------ ------------
2000 (18) 6 3.9
2001 0.8 14.1 4.7
2002 0.0 0.7 1.8
Although we have been in a good bargaining position vis-a-vis coal suppliers and
we have generally been able to keep increases in coal prices below increases in
the annual inflation rates, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do
so in 2003 or future years. The slight increase in hard coal prices for 2002 was
due, among other things, to the low inflation rate which is relevant for the
formula for calculation of hard coal prices. The stagnation in lignite coal
prices in 2002 was influenced primarily by market conditions and increased
competitive pressures among suppliers.
For the importation of hard coal, an import license from the Ministry of
Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic is necessary. In instances in which we
were not able to obtain such an import license, we purchased hard coal supplies
from domestic sources.
We purchase limestone and lime for desulfurization facilities and fluidized-bed
boilers under long and medium-term contracts from a total of five domestic
suppliers. LOMY MORINA, spol. s r.o. supplies approximately 50% of the total
amount. We hold 51.00% of the registered capital of LOMY MORINA, spol. s r.o.
Our 64.87% owned subsidiary, KOTOUC STRAMBERK, spol. s r.o., supplies
approximately 25% of our total limestone and lime needs at prices which are
renegotiated each year. These prices do not differ significantly from market
prices.
Historically, prices for lime, limestone and other raw materials have generally
risen, but such changes have not been material.
Taking into account geographical restrictions and current estimates of
coal-fired generation needs, we estimate there are sufficient lignite reserves
in the Czech Republic for the operation of our coal-fired power plants for
approximately 30 years.
Total expenses for lignite and hard coal consumed in 2002 amounted to CZK 10,514
million or 23.7% of our total operating expenses. Total expenses for lime and
limestone consumed in 2002 amounted to approximately CZK 682 million or 1.5% of
our total operating expenses.
Final Disposal of Coal Waste. Pursuant to the 1997 Act on Wastes, effective from
January 1, 1998, and related regulations, we dispose of coal ash by depositing
it in landfills and disused shafts of existing mines. We sell some of the coal
ash residues to certain producers of building materials. In addition, we have
been selling a portion of the FGD gypsum remaining after the desulfurization
process to certain producers of construction materials. Although such sales have
not been material to our revenues, they represent an important element in our
environmental initiatives.
Sources of Working Materials. We select suppliers of caustic soda, sulfuric
acid, hydrochloric acid, technical gases, turbine and transformer oils and other
working materials on the basis of tenders. Individual power plants conclude
these supplier contracts. Our total expenditure for such supplies do not
represent a material portion of our overall expenses.
16
Nuclear Power Generation
We currently own and operate one nuclear power plant situated at Dukovany, in
the South Moravian District of Trebic and we are completing a second nuclear
power plant at Temelin, in the South Bohemian district of Ceske Budejovice. We
describe both Dukovany and Temelin in further detail below under "Property,
Plants and Equipment" on page 28 and "Capital Investments" on page 33. In 2002,
our nuclear power plants generated 18,738 GWh of electricity, including 1,786.7
GWh of electricity produced by Temelin during testing, representing 34.625% of
our total electricity production.
Both these nuclear power plants are equipped with VVER reactors. In the former
Soviet Union, two designs of nuclear reactors (with various sub-types) were
developed: the RBMK reactor, a graphite moderated water-cooled reactor and the
VVER, a pressurized water reactor in which water acts as both the moderator and
the coolant. The design of a VVER plant is generally considered identical to the
design of PWR plants based on U.S. technology (in which water also acts as the
moderator and the coolant) and which is the most common reactor type
commercially used around the world.
Unlike analogous western nuclear power plants, the units of the Dukovany nuclear
plant have no full pressure containment, the purpose of which is to prevent the
escape of radioactive steam into the atmosphere in case of any breach of the
primary circuit (the sealed circuit comprised of the steel pressure vessel
containing the reactor, the steam generator and the connecting pipe work). In
the Temelin nuclear power plant, the two units are provided with containment
buildings containing the primary circuit. The Dukovany nuclear plant is designed
to reduce the pressure and temperature of steam escaping from the primary
circuit through a venting process into semi-contained rooms within the tower.
This system is contained and without any safety-valve that would permit the
escape of radioactive gases into the atmosphere. The system is designed to
withstand the maximum projected accident caused by a breakdown of the primary
circuit.
Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant. The construction of the Dukovany nuclear power
plant began in January 1979 and its four units became operational between May
1985 and July 1987. The power plant has been in continuous operation since 1985.
The power plant uses four Soviet designed VVER 440-213 pressurized water
reactors with a total installed electricity generating capacity of 1,760 MW.
Outside the former Soviet Union, such reactors are in operation in the Czech
Republic, Finland, Hungary, Bulgaria and the Slovak Republic.
Two units of Dukovany are designed to operate until 2016 and two units until
2018. The State Nuclear Safety Authority (the "Nuclear Safety Authority") grants
operating licenses that are renewable upon application. The following table sets
forth the status of licenses at the Dukovany power plant:
Unit License Valid Until:
---- --------------------
1 December 31, 2005
2 December 31, 2006
3 December 31, 2007
4 December 31, 2007
From its initial operation to December 31, 2002, the Dukovany nuclear plant has
generated approximately 210,623 GWh of electricity at an average load factor per
year of 82.6%.
Temelin Nuclear Power Plant. Our second nuclear power plant, currently in trial
operation, is located at Temelin in South Bohemia. It employs two VVER 1000
pressurized water reactors, each with a capacity of 1000 MW. Like Dukovany, the
Temelin nuclear power plant is a base load plant (a plant that operates at a
constant level for a sustained period of time). See "Capital Investments -
Nuclear Power Plants" on page 35 for more information about the Temelin power
plant, including recent developments related to costs of completion and time
delays in the completion schedule. From its initial operation to December
31,2002, the Temelin nuclear plant has generated approximately 6,597 GWh of
electricity. As of June 10, 2002 Unit 1 of the Temelin power plant is in an
18-month pilot operation, and Unit 2 is in a similar pilot operation as of April
18, 2003.
Nuclear Fuel Materials and Fuel Procurement. Nuclear fuel materials and services
(i.e., uranium, conversion and enrichment) are supplied to us mainly on the
middle and long-term contractual basis by several primary suppliers. The main
portion of our uranium needs has been covered from domestic sources up to now.
Since Czech uranium production has been continuously decreasing in recent years
with the perspective of almost full cessation in 2006, we will seek to cover our
future needs by increased purchases on the world market. We will aim to create
and
17
maintain a diversified portfolio of uranium suppliers in a similar way as it
has already been established regarding conversion and enrichment services. One
of our important sources of uranium in the future will be Russia, as we plan to
purchase a substantial portion of nuclear fuel for the Dukovany nuclear power
plant as a package of all contained materials and services within the framework
of our long-term fuel agreement with the Russian fabricator OAO TVEL. We are
considering optimizing our current uranium stockpiles during the period of
2004-5. This should result in less urgency to seek new supplies in the near
term.
Our long-term nuclear fuel supplier for Temelin is Westinghouse Electric
Corporation which produces nuclear fuel for us at its facilities in Columbia,
South Carolina. Shipments of nuclear fuel for the Temelin nuclear power plant
from Westinghouse are performed according to the requested schedule on the basis
of our long term contract. First refuelling at Unit 1 was completed in March
2003 and fuel for the first reload for Unit 2 will be delivered in the second
half of 2003. Regarding the Dukovany nuclear power plant deliveries of nuclear
fuel designated for transition for "five-year fuel cycle" continue under very
long-term commitments concluded with Russian OAO TVEL.
Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage. Operation of an interim storage facility for spent
nuclear fuel which utilizes transport and storage containers licensed and used
in a number of countries (including the United States) at the site of the
Dukovany nuclear power plant became operational in December 1995. The capacity
of this facility is sufficient for the operation of the power plant until 2005.
A second stage of the construction of the interim storage facility for spent
nuclear fuel at the Dukovany power plant site is currently under preparation.
Upon the completion of this second stage, we expect that the capacity of the
interim storage facility will be sufficient for the planned life of the power
plant. In 1999 the State Office for Nuclear Safety issued a zoning permit for
the second stage storage facility for spent nuclear fuel and an environmental
impact assessment was completed. In 2000 we received a local zoning permit for
this interim storage facility and in 2001 we entered into an agreement for the
provision of storage containers for this facility. We have already prepared an
application for a construction permit which we expect to receive in 2003. We are
also planning the construction of an interim storage facility for spent nuclear
fuel from the Temelin power plant at the Temelin site. An underground interim
storage facility at the Skalka site in South Moravia is being considered as an
alternative for the storage of spent fuel from both power plants. We received a
local zoning permit for this site in March 2001. In 1999 we sold the repository
for disposal of nuclear waste from the operation of both Dukovany and Temelin
nuclear power plants to the Repository Authority (state agency). The Repository
Authority has engaged us to continue operating this repository located at
Dukovany site.
Hydroelectric Power Generation
We operate twelve (12) hydroelectric power plants (small storage or pump
storage), which are described in individual detail under "Property, Plants and
Equipment" on page 28. In 2002, our hydroelectric power plants generated 1,455
GWh of electricity representing 2.9% of our total electricity generation.
Eight of these plants are situated on dams on the Vltava river creating a
cascade operation controlled by a central control system. The total of 1,868 MW
of hydroelectric power capacity that we operate represents an important and
cost-effective source of peak load generation for CEZ. In recent years, the
electricity consumption pattern in the Czech Republic has exhibited increasing
intra-day peak demand. Additional development of hydropower generation in the
Czech Republic is limited by the topography of the country and we currently are
not constructing and do not have plans to construct any new hydroelectric power
plants.
Hydroelectric power plants have a high degree of flexibility in the regulation
of their output. The ability to control conventional storage hydroelectric power
plants and pump storage plants centrally permits the hydroelectric plants to
commence operating very rapidly thereby facilitating our regulation of electric
output.
Neither conventional storage nor pump storage hydroelectric power plants release
polluting emissions into the atmosphere. These plants also represent an
inexpensive source of electric energy, particularly in periods of peak demand.
In addition, pump storage power plants allow the productive use of excess
electricity generated by base load plants by operating storage pumps in periods
of low demand.
Heat Generation
In general, heat is a by-product of the generation of electricity. We sell heat
to municipalities, district heating companies and industrial consumers. At the
present time, we are supplying heat from all of our coal-fired plants and the
Dukovany nuclear power plant. We also intend to sell heat from our Temelin plant
once this plant has been
18
completed. Heat is supplied to customers via steam/hot
water pipelines operated by us and other persons. In 2002, sales of heat
amounted to CZK 1,673 billion or 3.8% of our total revenues.
Transmission of Electricity
Until April 1, 2003 we controlled the electricity transmission grid in the Czech
Republic through our wholly-owned subsidiary, CEPS, a.s. See "Risk Factors" on
page 8. We operated through CEPS, a.s. a total of approximately 4,477 km
(approximately 2,782 miles) of transmission lines, of which approximately 2,902
km operate at 400kV, 1,441 km operate at 220kV and 134 km operate at 110kV,
primarily in connecting the power plants to the transmission grid. The
efficiency of the transmission grid in the Czech Republic is comparable to
international standards. In 2002, transmission losses of the high-voltage system
that CEPS, a.s. operates amounted to 695 GWh representing approximately 1.2% of
transmitted electricity.
Currently, dispatching within the electrical power system of the Czech Republic
is carried out on a lowest cost producer basis for CEZ by a control center which
is a part of CEPS, a.s. This control center also coordinates the operations of
the transmission grid, as well as exchanges of electricity with other power
grids. This control center is allocated to CEPS, a.s.
On March 11, 2002 the Czech government decided to sell to us its shares in the
eight REAS (regional electric power distribution companies) held by the National
Property Fund and the Czech Consolidation Agency. The Czech government also
decided to purchase our 66% share in our transmission subsidiary CEPS, a. s. The
transactions were approved at our shareholder's meeting held on June 11, 2002.
On March 20, 2003, we received an affirmative opinion from the Czech
Anti-Monopoly Office approving the sale of the distribution companies to us.
After the fulfillment of this last condition precedent for the integration of
the electric power industry, we signed promissory notes on March 28, 2003, and
on April 1, 2003 the transfer of the shares of the eight distribution companies
to us was consummated. Concurrently, we transferred a 51% share in CEPS, a. s.
to OSINEK, a. s., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Property Fund, and a
15% share in CEPS, a. s. to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. After
netting the price we should pay for the REAS against the price that we should
receive for CEPS, a.s., we are required to pay the National Property Fund
approximately CZK 15.2 billion by mid-2006. See "Material Contracts" on page 57.
In its affirmative decision on the sale of REAS to us, the Czech Anti-Monopoly
Office stated three conditions which we are required to fulfill and which were
in the opinion of the Czech Anti-Monopoly Office necessary for the protection of
economic competition in the electricity distribution market in the Czech
Republic:
o We have to dispose of our remaining 34% share in CEPS, a. s. to the
Czech government;
o We have to dispose of a majority share in one of the REAS in which we
acquired majority shares. The Anti-Monopoly Office did not specify
which REAS in particular we should sell, and therefore we can choose
to sell any of Severoceska energetika, a.s., Severomoravska
energetika, a.s., Vychodoceska energetika, a.s., Zapadoceska
energetika, a.s., or Stredoceska energeticka, a.s. Our Board of
Directors recently decided to sell Severoceska energetika, a.s.; and
o We have to dispose of all our minority shares in the three REAS in
which we hold such minority shares, namely in Jihoceska energetika,
a.s., Jihomoravska energetika, a.s., and Prazska energetika, a.s.
As regards deadlines in which we have to fulfill these conditions, the original
non-binding decision of the Anti-Monopoly Office issued on December 10, 2002
stated that we have to fulfill the conditions within one year after the decision
becomes binding and effective. We appealed this non-binding decision, and in the
final, binding and effective decision of the Anti-Monopoly Office that was
issued on March 20, 2003 the deadlines for fulfillment of the above conditions
were extended. This gives us greater latitude in finding suitable purchasers of
the relevant shares and in negotiating conditions which would be advantageous to
us. We can however give no assurance that we will actually achieve advantageous
conditions for the disposals, primarily because of the fact that the number of
potential purchasers is limited. Also, these potential purchasers know that we
are obliged to dispose of the relevant shares in REAS and they may attempt to
use this against us in the negotiation process.
After we satisfy the above conditions, out of the eight REAS, we will hold
majority shares in four of them (Severomoravska energetika, a.s., Vychodoceska
energetika, a.s., Zapadoceska energetika, a.s., or Stredoceska
19
energeticka, a.s. if we sell Severoceska energetika, a.s.), and we will have no
share interest in the remaining four. Also, we will have no ownership interest
in CEPS, a.s.
With respect to the minority shares in those REAS which we have to dispose of,
we are considering swapping these minority shares or some of them for the
minority shares in those REAS where we own majority and which we intend to keep.
We have entered into discussions with the holders of such minority shares,
namely E.ON and RWE. With E.ON we have reached a preliminary agreement on the
swap of our 35.21% in Jihomoravska energetika, a.s. and 34.01% in Jihoceska
energetika, a.s. for E.ON's 34.4% in Zapadoceska energetika, a.s. and 41.7% in
Vychoceska energetika, a.s. If the swap is consummated, we will increase our
majority share in Zapadoceska energetika, a.s. and Vychoceska energetika, a.s.,
and we may be required under Czech law to make mandatory tender offers for the
remaining minorities in these two companies. We can give no assurance that the
above discussions will be fruitful and the considered swaps will be eventually
effected.
Exports, Imports and International Exchange of Power
We imported a small portion of our purchased electricity under long-term
contracts, one of which we have assigned to CEPS, a.s. and one which expired in
2002. In 2002, we imported a total of 417 GWh. In 2002, the cost of such imports
amounted to approximately 16.5% of total expenses.
In 2002, our revenues from electricity exports amounted to CZK 9.2 billion or
approximately 20.7% of revenues from electricity sales. In 2002, we exported a
total of 16,008 GWh. Our high-voltage transmission grid is inter-connected with
the transmission grids of Germany, Poland, Austria and the Slovak Republic. We
export electricity to Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Serbia on the
basis of both short and long-term contracts. We consider exports to be an
important part of our revenues and we intend to seek further opportunities for
expanding and diversifying our exports in the future. However, we can give no
assurance that our efforts in this respect will be successful and that we will
be able to increase our exports or at least keep them at their current levels.
Sales of Power
We sell most of the electricity we supply (approximately 72% of total revenues
from electricity sales in 2002) to the eight REAS. Due to a change in the manner
in which electricity trading was conducted, in 2002 our direct sales of electric
power to the regional distribution companies declined by 5,476 GWh in comparison
with 2001, a fall of 14.8%. Our total sales in the domestic market, however,
declined by only 2,476 GWh, a decline of 6.4%, since in 2002 we sold some of the
electric power to domestic traders or on the electricity market organized by the
Electricity Market Operator (Operator trhu s elektrinou, a. s.).
Changing Conditions in the Electricity Market.
In accordance with the Energy Act, starting from January 1, 2002, a gradual
liberalization of the electricity market was initiated in the Czech Republic.
The electricity market is based on regulated access to the transmission grid and
the distribution systems. The participants in the electricity market include
power-generation companies, the operator of the power transmission grid, the
market operator, the commodities exchange, traders, and end customers. On
January 1, 2002, the first group of end customers (customers with an annual
consumption in excess of 40 GWh) obtained the status of eligible customers with
the right of access to the transmission grid and the right to choose their
supplier of electricity. As of January 1, 2002, government-regulated prices for
electricity apply only to protected customers (those who are not yet able to
choose their electricity supplier), to prices for the transmission and
distribution of electricity and to system-related prices (the prices of network
monopolies). The prices at which we supply electricity to the regional
distribution companies passed into the category of fully negotiated prices.
We responded to these new conditions, under which the market for domestic power
producers had been fully opened up and it became possible to secure power from
foreign competitors, by selling electricity in a completely new and
fundamentally different way. Under the brand name "Rainbow Energy", we offered
electricity in the domestic market in the form of standardized products similar
to those sold in the liberalized European markets. The structure of the offered
products consists of "building blocks" from which the customers can build the
required supply regime. The structure of this offer makes it possible for all of
the regional distribution companies to fully satisfy not only the requirements
of the protected customers, to whom the law obligates them to supply
electricity, but to also fully satisfy other requirements for delivery of
electricity from us.
20
In view of the fundamental change in the conditions for trading with electricity
in the Czech market, and the difficulty of anticipating how other participants
in the market would react (particularly eligible customers), seven "Rainbow
Energy" products were offered to the distribution companies, gradually and in
four offer-rounds. Sales began on August 31, 2001 with an offer of year-round
supply of "yellow electricity". For the purpose of a supplementary sale of
products, we organized a total of three tenders which all qualified interested
parties could participate in, that is apart from the regional distribution
companies also all eligible customers and traders. Under such offers, about 90%
of the domestic market sales targets for "Rainbow Energy" were achieved before
the year 2002 even started. In the course of 2002, we also used our available
power production capacities for immediate sales of electricity on the Czech spot
market that is organized by the Electricity Market Operator (Operator trhu s
elektrinou, a. s.) and for the sale of electricity on the basis of bilateral
agreements that were concluded for such purpose. In the course of 2002, we
expanded the "Rainbow Energy" set of products by four additional products. We
participated in the establishment of the Czech and Moravian Commodities Exchange
in Kladno, with regard to trading with electricity. The exchange opened for
business in November 2002. Electricity exports represented an important
component of our business activities, one which had an impact on the overall
volume of electricity sold in 2002.
Ancillary Services.
In order to ensure system-related services, CEPS, a. s., the operator of the
transmission grid, announces tenders for the purchase of ancillary services, and
based on the results of such tenders concludes bilateral contracts with the
providers of such services, and also organizes a short-term (daily) market for
ancillary services. In 2002, a total of seven companies, including us, offered
ancillary services. We successfully presented our bids for such tenders and also
successfully engaged in trading in the short-term market for ancillary services.
Insurance Matters
We maintain several types of insurance against damage of our property and
against our potential liabilities. Our insurance includes property insurance of
conventional power plants, property insurance of nuclear power plants, nuclear
liability insurance, other liability insurance and other property insurance. Our
insurance coverage complies with Act No. 18/1997 Coll. (the "Nuclear Act") and
the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (the "Vienna
Convention") requirements in respect of responsibility for damage caused by a
nuclear incident.
Our coal-fired plants and our hydroelectric plants are covered by property
insurance since June 1, 1997. In 2001, we extended the insurance policy for
another three years. The policy covers any and all property of the power plants
(except for land) duly kept in our accounts. In 2002, the covered risks were
reduced to "general natural hazards" and "machinery insurance". As a result of
developments in the international insurance and reinsurance markets, the premium
has grown significantly over the past two years with the coverage being
diminished at the same time. Currently, the maximum coverage under the policy is
CZK 2 billion, and the deductible per event is CZK 50 million. Damages we
suffered as a result of floods in summer 2002 have had an unfavorable impact on
the amount of premium. The floods damaged the majority of our hydro-electric
power plants on the Vltava river and the coal-fired power plant in Melnik.
Liquidation of these damages is yet to be completed; according to the most
recent estimates, the amount of damages is approximately CZK 730 million. We
have received advances from insurance companies in the amount of 50% of the
anticipated total damages.
We maintain insurance policies that cover all property of both Temelin and
Dukovany nuclear power plants. These insurance policies were concluded under
different conditions of risk coverage, in particular with different limits of
insurance proceeds and various deductibles. For Dukovany, the maximum coverage
is CZK 3 billion, and the deductible per event is CZK 80 million. For Temelin,
the maximum coverage is CZK 35 billion, and the deductible per event is CZK 180
million. All insurance policies for Dukovany and Temelin nuclear power plants
are maintained with the Czech nuclear pool, which is an association of 11 major
insurance companies in the Czech insurance market and which enjoys a monopoly on
nuclear risk insurance. The leader of the Czech Nuclear Pool is Ceska
pojistovna, a.s. Through reinsurance, the Czech Nuclear Pool assigns the
majority of risk to other approximately 20 national nuclear pools.
Pursuant to the Nuclear Act and the Vienna Convention, we are obliged to arrange
insurance of liability for nuclear damages caused by operation of nuclear power
plants and liability for nuclear damages caused during the transport of fresh
nuclear fuel. The Nuclear Act also stipulates limits of operators' liability for
nuclear damages and the minimum limits of liability insurance. As regards
liability for operation of a nuclear facility, the operator is liable for
nuclear damages up to CZK 6 billion, with the minimum insurance limit being CZK
1.5 billion. As regards
21
transport of fuel, the maximum liability is CZK 1.5 billion, the insurance limit
being CZK 200 million. As a rule, liability insurance for nuclear damages is
concluded separately for each site and transport of fuel, again with the Czech
Nuclear Pool.
We have concluded a nuclear third party liability policy for damages connected
with the operation of the Dukovany nuclear power plant and an insurance policy
covering the nuclear third party liability for transport of nuclear fuel to the
Dukovany power plant. A property insurance policy for the Dukovany nuclear power
plant was concluded as of December 31, 1998 covering damages up to CZK 3
billion.
We have also concluded a nuclear third party liability policy for damages
connected with the operation of the Temelin plant covering damages up to CZK 1.5
billion as well as a property insurance policy covering damages up to CZK 35
billion both of which are effective from July 5, 2000. An insurance policy for
Temelin covers risk connected with the transport of nuclear fuel in accordance
with the requirements of the Nuclear Act.
Apart from the above, we maintain other insurance policies, including directors
and officers liability insurance to cover certain risks associated with their
position.
Seasonality
The electricity generation business is seasonal, with electricity consumption in
the Czech Republic increasing during the colder winter months and decreasing
during the warmer summer months. Accordingly, sales of electricity and our
revenues are generally higher in the first and fourth fiscal quarters than in
the second and third fiscal quarters. In addition, unusually warm weather during
the winter months in any single year can negatively affect our revenues during
such year.
Dependence on Intellectual Property
We own a number of registered tradenames and trademarks, including the marks for
"CEZ" and our company logo. In 2002, we introduced the new brand "Duhova
energie". Our tradenames and trademarks are not of material importance to our
operations.
Economic, Fiscal, Monetary or Political Policies or Factors Which Impact Our
Business
Effect of Czech Economy on Electricity Demand
Our revenues are sensitive to the performance of the Czech economy. Virtually
all of our assets and operations are located in the Czech Republic and we derive
most of our electricity revenues from domestic sales. The Czech Gross Domestic
Product ("GDP"), annual rate of inflation and demand for electricity has
fluctuated as follows for the period from 1998 through 2002:
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
GDP (1.0)% 0.5% 3.3% 3.1% 2.0%
Inflation(1) 10.7% 2.1% 3.9% 4.7% 1.8%
Electricity
Demand (1.8)% (2.6)% 2.8% 2.8% (0.2)%
-------------
(1) As measured by the consumer price index reported by the Czech
Statistical Office.
Electricity Demand
Electricity demand is the net consumption of the final consumer, which does not
include transmission losses and self-consumption (including electricity used by
pump storage facilities). In 2002, when GDP rose by 2.0%, industrial demand
decreased by 0.3% and residential demand by 0.8% and commercial demand increased
by 1.6%. Overall electricity demand decreased in 2002 by 0.2%. Residential and
consumer demand decreased as a result of higher average temperatures for 2002.
Adjusted for the weather, the overall growth in electricity demand was 0.4%.
22
Inflation
The rate of inflation in the Czech Republic was 10.7% in 1998, 2.1% in 1999,
3.9% in 2000, 4.7% in 2001 and 1.8% in 2002. Businesses, in general, are
adversely affected by inflation because amounts retained after the payment of
costs are inadequate to replace the productive assets consumed. Electricity
companies in the Czech Republic in particular have been especially affected as a
result of their capital intensive nature and regulation which limits capital
recovery and prescribes installation or modification of facilities to comply
with increasingly stringent environmental requirements. Because the accounting
and the revenue establishment processes followed by our regulators limit the
amount of depreciation expense to the original cost of utility plant investment,
the resulting cash flows are inadequate to provide for replacement of that
investment in future years or preserve the purchasing power of stockholders'
equity previously invested. Further, prices charged by us to the REAS have
increased at a rate substantially lower than the rate of inflation. We are
attempting to offset the adverse effects of inflation by reducing employee
levels and by attempting to keep price increases with respect to fuel and other
goods and services at levels less than the inflation rate.
A large portion of our debt is denominated in foreign currencies while
substantial part of our revenues (approximately 80%) are in Czech crowns. While
we have hedged against currency fluctuations to a certain degree, the value of
the Czech crown has an impact on our financial results. In the first quarter of
2003 the value of the Czech crown has risen against the U.S. dollar and remained
at the same level against euro. We can give no assurance that this trend will
not reverse and that such events will not affect our financial results
adversely.
Czech National Property Fund
The Czech National Property Fund, a property holding agency of the Czech
Republic accountable to the Czech Parliament (the "Parliament"), owns
approximately 67.6% of our outstanding voting shares. See "Major Shareholders
and Related Party Transactions" on page 53. The NPF is headed by a presidium,
members of which are appointed by the Chamber of Deputies, which is the lower
chamber of the Parliament.
The NPF is a legal entity established pursuant to a special law of the Czech
Republic that is accountable to Parliament. The Czech government established the
NPF in 1991 for the purpose of, among other things, holding shares of
state-owned companies during the distribution and sale of their shares pursuant
to government resolutions on a company's privatization. The NPF is managed by a
presidium consisting of nine members. The Minister of Finance is the chairman of
the presidium and the Chamber of Deputies appoints the remaining members of the
presidium.
The NPF, as our majority shareholder, nominates and elects two-thirds of the
members of our Supervisory Board. Czech law requires that our employees elect
one-third of the members of the Supervisory Board. Our Supervisory Board elects
members to the Board of Directors. For a description of the powers and
responsibilities of members of the Board of Supervisors and Board of Directors,
see "Item 10. Additional Information" on page 54.
The NPF has historically appointed the Minister of Industry and Trade as a proxy
to exercise its voting rights in respect of our shares held by the NPF.
The NPF is under the direct control of the government. The NPF owns property,
including equity interests, transferred to it in accordance with privatization
decisions. The NPF holds significant equity interests in certain of our
subcontractors, including Czech coal suppliers and equipment contractors and
suppliers for the Temelin nuclear power plant, as well as significant equity
interests in each of our main customers, the REAS. Consequently, certain of our
decisions and the decisions of our suppliers and contractors which are mandated
by the NPF reflect Czech Republic government policy. We can give no assurance
that these decisions will not adversely affect our business, prospects,
financial condition or results of operations.
Primary Regulators
The primary regulators of the energy industry in the Czech Republic are the
Ministry of Industry and Trade, the State Energy Inspection, the Ministry of
Environment, the Czech Environmental Inspection, the Energy Regulatory Office
and the Nuclear Safety Authority. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the
Energy Regulatory Office have the authority to grant and cancel authorization to
engage in business in the energy industry and to issue regulations to implement
certain provisions of the Act No. 458/2000 Coll. (the "Energy Act"), effective
as of January 1, 2001. The Ministry of Industry and Trade also develops the
energy policy for the Czech Republic and
23
ensures that we comply with the Czech Republic's obligations resulting from
international agreements and treaties or obligations resulting from membership
in international organizations. The State Energy Inspection, which operates
under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, is responsible for enforcing
compliance with the Energy Act.
On June 1, 2002, a new Clean Air Act on the protection of air quality entered
into force. The Clean Air Act introduces provisions for a "smog situation" where
the air is extremely polluted such that the level of air pollution is so high
that even a short-term situation may cause a risk of damage to human health or
the ecosystem. The emergence of a smog situation is announced publicly by the
Ministry of the Environment which is authorized to temporarily restrict or
suspend the operation of power generation sources that account for the largest
share of air pollution irrespective of whether a particular source meets general
air pollution limits or meets the specific air pollution limits stipulated by
the Czech government for individual power generation sources. Every operator of
an air pollution source (such as ourselves) must comply with the limits so
stipulated. The Czech Environmental Inspection monitors compliance and may
impose fines for exceeding pollution limits and may prohibit the operation of a
pollution source that exceeds the applicable emissions limits. The Clean Air Act
also authorizes regional authorities to set, on the basis of a formula specified
in the act, annual air pollution fees to be paid by the operator of each
pollution source.
The Czech government established the Energy Regulatory Office to support
economic competition and protect consumers' interests in energy sector areas
where competition is limited or impossible. The Energy Regulatory Office grants
and revokes energy producer licences and regulates energy prices. The Energy
Regulatory Office also sets quality and service standards, determines the rules
regarding the organization of the electricity market and sets pricing
principles. In addition, the Energy Regulatory Office resolves disputes arising
from the failure to conclude agreements between individual licence holders
and/or their customers.
Effective as of January 5, 2001, the Czech government transferred the authority
to set electricity prices, as well as gas and heat prices, to the Energy
Regulatory Office pursuant to Act No. 526/1990 Coll. (the "Act on Prices"). The
Czech government controls the Energy Regulatory Office. Consequently, the
electricity prices set by the Energy Regulatory Office reflect Czech Republic
government policy.
The Nuclear Safety Authority supervises nuclear-related activities in general
and in particular the safety of nuclear facilities. The approval of the Nuclear
Safety Authority is required for the operation of nuclear facilities.
Energy Act
The Energy Act regulates the electricity, gas and heat industries in the Czech
Republic. Pursuant to this Act, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the
Energy Regulatory Office authorize activities in such industries and determine
the rights and obligations of authorization holders. Under the Energy Act and
the related regulations promulgated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and
the Energy Regulatory Office, a company must be authorized to operate in the
energy industry. Before receiving an authorization an applicant must
demonstrate, amongst others, its financial, technical and material qualification
for the exercise of the authorized activity, and that such activity does not
harm the environment (as defined in environmental regulations).
The Nuclear Safety Authority must also approve any nuclear electricity
generation facility before the Energy Regulatory Office may authorize such
facility. The Energy Regulatory Office has authorized us to operate nuclear
facilities for power generation. The Energy Regulatory Office has also
authorized us to operate power generation, power transmission, heat generation
and heat distribution facilities.
Pursuant to the Energy Act, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Energy
Regulatory Office each act independently as the state regulatory authorities and
the State Energy Inspection acts as the supervisory body of business activities
in the energy industry. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and/or the Energy
Regulatory Office can regulate our activity and investment in resources and
transmission lines with the aim of achieving a competitive environment depending
on the extent of the investment. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and/or the
Energy Regulatory Office can also monitor our capital investment plans and
activities.
Liberalization of the Electricity Market
The Czech government passed the Energy Act with the aim of harmonizing Czech Law
to EU requirements. The Energy Act establishes rules for the liberalization of
the Czech electricity market with the aim of securing the reliable and efficient
supply of electricity while protecting the environment. The new rules regulate
access to the
24
transmission system and the distribution systems and allow the operation of
independent electricity generating plants and transmission lines. Regulated
third-party access of electricity transmission and distribution began on January
1, 2002.
The Energy Act liberalizes the Czech electricity market in a step-by-step
fashion that can be summarized as follows:
o starting January 1, 2002, if an electricity end user's electricity
consumption at one supply point exceeded 40 GWh (including
self-generated electricity) in the year 2000 (or in the one-year
period from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001), then such user may choose
its electricity supplier (and prices) from those electricity license
holders producing more than 10 MW of electricity per year;
o starting January 1, 2003, if an electricity end user's electricity
consumption at one supply point exceeded 9 GWh (including
self-generated electricity) in the year 2001 (or in the one-year
period from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002), then such user may choose
its electricity supplier (and prices) from all electricity license
holders;
o starting January 1, 2005, if an electricity end user's electricity low
voltage consumption at one supply point exceeded 100 MWh (including
self-generated electricity) in the year 2003 (or in the one-year
period from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004), or if the end user is a
high voltage user, then such user may choose its electricity supplier
(and prices) from all electricity license holders;
o starting January 1, 2006, all end users may choose electricity
suppliers (and prices) from all electricity license holders.
For further discussion of the changing conditions in the Czech electricity
market, see "Sales of Power" on page 20.
Nuclear Act
On June 24, 1994, the Czech Republic became a party to the Vienna Convention. On
the basis of the principles of the Vienna Convention, the government initiated,
and Parliament enacted, the Nuclear Act. The Nuclear Act came into force on July
1, 1997 and was amended in January 2002 (with the majority of the amendments
taking effect from July 1, 2002). In accordance with the Vienna Convention, the
Nuclear Act provides that only the operator of a nuclear facility is liable for
any damage caused by a nuclear accident and that the operator's liability for
such damage is limited to CZK 6 billion per accident. The Nuclear Act also
provides that operators of nuclear facilities, such as ourselves, are obligated
to acquire insurance covering potential liabilities for nuclear damages in an
amount of not less than CZK 1.5 billion. The Dukovany power plant is fully
insured in accordance with the Nuclear Act and the Vienna Convention. Insurance
covering the Temelin plant in accordance with the Nuclear Act and Vienna
Convention has been in effect since the date fuel was loaded in the Temelin
reactors. Temelin is currently insured in accordance with the Nuclear Act and
the Vienna Convention.
The Nuclear Act requires the Ministry of Industry and Trade to establish the
Repository Authority (the Radioactive Waste Repository Authority), as the
central organizer and operator of facilities for the final disposal of spent
fuel and other nuclear waste. The Repository Authority was established on June
1, 1997. The Nuclear Act provides that an owner of nuclear waste (such as
ourselves) will remain responsible for all storage costs of nuclear waste, but
that the Repository Authority will centrally organize, supervise and be
responsible for all final disposal facilities and deposition of nuclear waste
therein. The establishment and activities of the Repository Authority are
financed through a special fund or "Nuclear Account" funded by the producers of
nuclear waste. We contribute CZK 50 per each MWh produced in our nuclear power
plant, based on average historical MWh produced, to the Nuclear Account. Since
October 1, 1997 we have made regular payments to the Nuclear Account based on
the nuclear MWh generated. Since 1997 until the end of December 2002 we have
paid CZK 3.4 billion to the Nuclear Account.
The Nuclear Act does not expressly indicate whether the Repository Authority
will be liable for nuclear accidents involving nuclear waste under its
supervision. The Nuclear Act, however, contains a provision to the effect that,
subject to the conditions of the Nuclear Act, the Czech Republic shall guarantee
the safe final disposal of nuclear waste.
25
Nuclear Safety Authority
Under Czech law, the Nuclear Safety Authority is responsible for supervising the
safe operation of nuclear power plants. The Nuclear Safety Authority supervises
compliance with relevant regulations and decrees and reviews our operating
documents, safety reports regarding the operation of nuclear facilities, the
quality of selected facilities, repair and maintenance and personnel training. A
Nuclear Safety Authority representative is permanently on site at Dukovany and
Temelin to monitor the facility's performance and compliance with safety
standards and operating procedures, and to make recommendations for improvements
where appropriate. We also submit an annual timetable of operations to the
Nuclear Safety Authority for approval. Compliance with regulations and
requirements set out in approved documentation is our responsibility. The
Nuclear Safety Authority carries out its supervision through inspections. In
2002, there were 158 inspections at the Dukovany nuclear power plant and 76
inspections at the Temelin nuclear power plant. In its Annual Reports on nuclear
safety and protection against radiation presented to the government of the Czech
Republic, the Nuclear Safety Authority has evaluated the operation of the
Dukovany nuclear power plant as reliable and safe. The Nuclear Safety Authority
has also evaluated the operation of the Temelin nuclear power plant in its
Annual Reports. While not commenting on the overall reliability and safety of
the plant, the Nuclear Safety Authority has reviewed the technical
specifications of the construction, assembly and initial operation of Unit 1
together with malfunctions and control activities. Since their initial
operation, the Nuclear Safety Authority has continuously monitored levels of
radiation in the immediate vicinity of the Dukovany and Temelin nuclear power
plants. To date, results of monitoring in the ventilation outlets and in the
drains of the plants have indicated that radiation levels remain below statutory
limits and, in the majority of cases, considerably below these limits.
IAEA, WANO
The Czech Republic is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency
("IAEA"), a United Nations inter-governmental agency. We are also a member of
the World Association of Nuclear Operators ("WANO"), and, like other members of
such organization, submit our nuclear power plant to periodic peer review by
members of such association. A peer review mission carried out by WANO at the
Dukovany nuclear power plant in 1997 commended the power plant for a high level
of operation. As is our practice for such peer reviews, we have implemented the
recommendations of the WANO peer review mission. In 1999 a WANO peer review
verified whether its recommendations had been implemented. Such inspection
concluded that its recommendations were being implemented according to the
recommended timetable.
As a result of the Czech Republic's membership in the IAEA, the IAEA carried out
an on-site IAEA assessment mission in October 1993 in order to evaluate the
Dukovany nuclear power plant's operation with respect to failures, investigation
thereof and remedial action in respect thereto. The IAEA mission commended us
for a high level of operational safety, citing, among other things, a low
occurrence of nuclear safety related incidents and the reduction of such
incidents over the years immediately preceding the study. We are also
implementing recommendations to improve the operation of the power plant, as
ascertained by an IAEA inspection in 1998. The next IAEA inspection of the
Dukovany power plant which was initially scheduled for 1999 was rescheduled for
November 2001. In November 2001, Dukovany underwent an OSART review, the results
of which were due in 2002. We received 22 "recommendations" and 11
"suggestions", which in overall puts Dukovany among well operated nuclear power
plants. Based on the review, we prepared action plans and we are currently
fulfilling these action plans. In October 2003, a follow-up OSART mission is
expected to review the progress in implementing its earlier recommendations. In
February 2001 Temelin underwent an IAEA inspection (of the PRE OSART type), the
results of which commended Temelin for its level of safety. As is usual with
such inspections, the mission made recommendations regarding additional safety
measures and suggested improvements which we are implementing. A follow up
mission should take place at the end of 2003. In November 2001, Temelin
underwent another IAEA safety review mission. This mission concluded that most
of the IAEA recommendations have been implemented and noted only a few
improvements which are in an advanced stage of implementing. The resolution of
these improvements, however, should not preclude our further testing,
commissioning and operation of Temelin. The IAEA review also noted that in some
areas Temelin exceeds generally applicable safety standards. In April 2002, a
mission IPPAS (International Physical Protection Advisory Service) performed
final physical protection assessment of Temelin. The final report evaluated well
the physical protection of the nuclear plant and stated that the level of the
protection is adequate to the current international standards. In March 2003, a
Site Seismic Hazard Assessment mission took place in Temelin to perform final
seismic hazards assessment. The final report of this mission did not contain any
negative conclusions as to the seismic hazard at Temelin.
In 1991, IAEA and the Nuclear Energy Agency of the OECD introduced a seven-grade
international nuclear events scale ("INES"), an internationally recognized
standard used to inform the public of the safety significance of a
26
nuclear event. Grades 5 to 7 mark accidents with a significant radiation
exposure off-site, while grades 2 through 4 signify events with effects on the
nuclear facilities only. Grade 1 means a deviation from normal operation and
Grade 0 an incident not related to safety. According to this scale applied
retrospectively throughout its lifetime, the Dukovany nuclear power plant has
experienced 55 incidents assessed Grade 1 and 1 incident assessed Grade 2 by the
end of 2002. The Temelin nuclear power plant has experienced 3 incidents
assessed Grade 1 by the end of 2002.
Pursuant to the INES, this relatively small number of low-level incidents over a
period of over eighteen (18) years of operations at Dukovany reflects a high
level of safety. For comparison, the accident at an RBMK reactor at Chernobyl in
the former Soviet Union in 1986 was retrospectively classified as level 7. The
accident at the PWR reactor at Three Mile Island in the United States in 1979
was retrospectively classified as level 5.
To enhance the performance of and safety at the Temelin nuclear power plant, we
conducted a bidding process for an instrumentation and control system and supply
of nuclear fuel assemblies. Affiliates of the Westinghouse group were selected
to supply this system. It is a requirement of the Nuclear Safety Authority and a
contractual condition of the Company that the components comply with the
relevant licensing standards of their countries of origin as well as the
standards applicable in the Czech Republic. We believe that due in large part to
the substitution of the instrumentation and control system at the Temelin
nuclear power plant and the change in the supplier and the design of the fuel,
Temelin nuclear power plant will reach a technical level assuring compliance
with not only existing Czech law and IAEA safety recommendations, but also a
level comparable with the standards and recommendations of the U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission.
European Monetary Union
The Treaty on European Economic and Monetary Union provides for the introduction
of a single European currency, the euro, in substitution for the national
currencies of the member states of the EU that adopt the euro. The euro became a
reality on January 1, 1999 when irrevocable conversion rates were set between
the national currencies of the 11 member states of the EU that have qualified to
participate, and have elected to participate, in the euro at this time and when
foreign exchange operations in the euro commenced. In the near term, the
introduction of the euro has not had a material effect on our results of
operations, cash flow or financial condition. However, we will continue to
monitor closely developments with respect to the introduction of the euro. In
the long term, however, we believe that adoption of the euro might reduce our
risk exposure to currency exchange fluctuations and the management of foreign
currency risk.
European Union
In March 1998, Czech Republic launched negotiations with the European Union on
becoming a member state of the European Union. The negotiations were
successfully concluded on December 13, 2002 and on April 16, 2003 the Accession
Treaty was signed between the European Council and the Czech Republic. The
treaty is still subject to ratification by all member states of the European
Union and all candidate countries. A referendum in the Czech Republic was held
on June 13 and 14, 2003 and the citizens of the Czech Republic approved the
accession of the Czech Republic to the European Union. After the completion of
the ratification procedure, if it is successful, the Czech Republic should
finally accede to the European Union on May 1, 2004. Even prior to this date,
Czech Republic will have harmonized many of its laws and policies with those of
the European Union. If the Czech Republic joins the European Union, it can be
expected that gradually more of our laws and governmental policies will be
dependent on the laws and policies formulated on the European Union level. These
laws and policies may in the future influence the way we conduct our business
and the environment in which we conduct it. We can give no assurance that these
laws and policies will not adversely affect our business, prospects, financial
conditions or results of operations.
27
Organizational Structure
Subsidiaries
The following table sets forth an overview of our equity interests in other
companies as of December 31, 2002:
Equity Interests of CEZ in Other Companies as of December 31, 2002
Country of Registered CEZ's
Company Incorporation Capital(1) CZK '000 Interest in %
- ------- ------------- ------------------- -------------
Shareholdings over 50%:
CEPS, a.s. Czech Republic 17,855,733 100.00
CEZ ENERGOSERVIS spol. s r.o. Czech Republic 6,032 100.00
CEZTel, a.s. Czech Republic 1,000 100.00
CEZ FINANCE B.V. The Netherlands 574 100.00
HYDROCEZ, a. s. Czech Republic 412,798 100.00
Energeticke opravny, a. s. Czech Republic 40,000 100.00
I & C Energo s.r.o. Czech Republic 45,000 100.00
CEZnet, a.s. Czech Republic 122,000 100.00
rpg Energiehandel GmbH Germany 9,480 100.00
AB Michle s.r.o. Czech Republic 420,100 99.99
OSC, a.s. Czech Republic 13,900 66.67
KOTOUC STRAMBERK, spol. s r.o. Czech Republic 569,259 64.87
Ustav jaderneho vyzkumu Rez a.s Czech Republic 524,139 52.46
LOMY MORINA, s.r.o. Czech Republic 333,000 51.00
SIGMA - ENERGO s.r.o. Czech Republic 4,014 51.00
Shareholdings of 20% - 50%:
GAPROM, s.r.o. (2) Czech Republic 12,000 50.00
JVCD, a.s. Czech Republic 100,000 49.00
KNAUF POCERADY, spol. s.r.o. Czech Republic 452,350 40.00
Severoceske doly a.s. Czech Republic 8,997,530 37.21
ESE, s.r.o. Czech Republic 10,000 34.00
VLTAVOTYNSKA TEPLARENSKA a.s. Czech Republic 58,820 34.00
SKODA PRAHA a.s. Czech Republic 557,524 29.80
Coal Energy, a.s. Czech Republic 50,000 20.00
Other :(3)
Jihoceska energetika, a.s. Czech Republic 1,916,408 0.01
Jihomoravska energetika, a.s. Czech Republic 3,531,570 1.81
Severoceska energetika, a.s. Czech Republic 3,257,667 2.95
Severomoravska energetika, a.s. Czech Republic 3,407,265 10.43
Vychodoceska energetika, a.s. Czech Republic 2,549,544 0.45
- -------------
(1) This table sets forth the amount of the registered capital as indicated on
the share registry as of December 31, 2002.
(2) Currently in liquidation.
(3) We have acquired minority interests in six out of eight REAS, our major
customers. These interests were purchased at the direction of the National
Property Fund, our majority shareholder. See also "Major Shareholders and
Related Party Transactions" on page 53.
Property, Plants and Equipment
Coal-Fired Power Plants
In 2002, we generated 33,543 GWh of electricity in our coal-fired power plants.
Each of our coal-fired power plants are located in the Czech Republic. Our
coal-fired plants have a diversified age profile as indicated in the table
below.
28
We own and operate the ten (10) coal-fired power plants in the following table:
Average Load Installed Start of
Factor in 2002 Capacity Operations
-------------- --------- ----------
(MW)
Location
Prunerov I and II.................... 56.7 4 x 110 1967-1968
60.7 5 x 210 1981-1982
Tusimice II.......................... 69.1 4 x 200 1974-1975
Melnik II and III.................... 60.8 2 x 110 1971
44.3 1 x 500 1981
Tisova I and II...................... 62.4 1 x 50 1959
2 x 55 1959
1 x 12 1960
82.8 1 x 100 1961
Hodonin.............................. 40.1 1 x 55 1958
1 x 50 1954
Chvaletice........................... 51.9 4 x 200 1977-1978
Detmarovice(1)....................... 37.6 4 x 200 1975-1976
Ledvice II and III................... 75.7/65.3 3 x 110 1966-1968
Pocerady I and II.................... 77.4 5 x 200 1970-1977
Porici(2)............................ 47.2 3 x 55 1957-1958
Nachod(3)............................ 42.1 1 x 5 1950
1 x 12 1969
Dvur Kralove(3)...................... 22.2 1 x 6.3 1955
1 x 12 1963
-----------
Total installed capacity............. 6,517.3
===========
- -------------
(1) Uses hard coal as fuel.
(2) Uses hard and lignite coal as fuel.
(3) Primarily heat generating plants--included under the Porici power plant
organizational unit.
We sold the Nachod heat generation plant in March 2003. We also intended to sell
the Dvur Kralove heat generation plant but in the end we cancelled the tender
process due to the low bid which we received. However, our management decided
that the tender would be repeated.
Hydroelectric Power Plants
In 2002, we generated 1,455 GWh of electricity in our hydroelectric plants. We
operate the twelve (12) hydroelectric power plants in the following table. Each
of our hydroelectric power plants are located in the Czech Republic.
Average Load Installed Type of Start of
Factor in 2001 Capacity Plant Operations
--------------- --------- ----- ----------
(MW)
Location
Vrane ........................ 51.4 2 x 6.94 Storage 1936
Stechovice 1 and 2............ 36.0 2 x 11.25 Storage 1943
3.2 1 x 45 Pump Storage 1996
Slapy......................... 44.4 3 x 48 Storage 1954
Lipno 1 and 2................. 25.7 2 x 60 Storage 1959
1 x 1.5 Storage 1957
Orlik......................... 11.2 4 x 91 Storage 1961
Kamyk......................... 25.6 4 x 10 Storage 1961
Mohelno(1).................... - 1 x 1.2 Storage 1977
1 x 0.56 Storage 1999
Dalesice...................... 5.3 4 x 112.5 Pump Storage 1978
Hnevkovice.................... 51.3 2 x 4.8 Storage 1992
29
Korensko 1 and 2.............. 8.3 2 x 1.9 Storage 1992
24.1 1 x 0.94 Storage 2000
Zelina........................ 44.5 2 x 0.315 Storage 1993
Dlouhe Strane................ 3.7 2 x 325 Pump Storage 1996
45.5 1 x 0.16 Storage 2000
--------
Total installed capacity... 1,867.77
========
- ---------------
(1) We calculate the average load factor for Mohelno and Dalesice together as
one unit.
We own the dams at the Dalesice, Mohelno, Dlouhe Strane and Zelina power plants
and lease the other dams used at all of our hydroelectric power plants. The
leased dams are owned by the Czech Republic and managed by Povodi Vltavy, a.s.,
a company whose sole shareholder is the Czech Republic. In 1995, we entered into
agreements with Povodi Vltavy, a.s. to lease the dams. The agreements were
concluded for an indefinite period of time and do not permit unilateral
termination. The rent we pay is based on a cost model and is agreed upon
annually for each succeeding year. In 2002, the rent for all dams amounted to
approximately CZK 102 million. We anticipate that the rent will gradually
increase.
Nuclear Power Plants
Each of our two nuclear power plants is located in the Czech Republic.
Dukovany. We own and operate a nuclear power plant at Dukovany, which has a
total installed capacity of 1,760 MW and started operating between 1985 and
1987. In 2002, we generated 13,299 GWh of electricity at Dukovany. From its
initial operation to December 31, 2002, the Dukovany nuclear plant has generated
approximately 210,623 GWh of electricity at an average load factor/year of
82.6%. In the years 1998 through 2002, the nuclear plant's average load factor
was 86.3%, 86.6%, 87.9%, 88.2%, and 82.5% respectively.
Temelin. We have presently in trial operation second nuclear power plant
situated at Temelin. Unit 1 has been in trial operation since June 2002 and Unit
2 has been in trial operation since the second half of April 2003. In 2002, we
generated 5,439 GWh of electricity at Temelin nuclear power plant. See "Capital
Investments - Nuclear Power Plants" on page 34 and "Nuclear Power Generation" on
page 17.
Agreements regarding the construction of the Temelin power plant were concluded
in 1986 with general contractors SKODA PRAHA, a.s. for the delivery of
technology and Vodni stavby Bohemia, a.s. for the delivery of construction. Both
of these contracts were initially governed by the now repealed Economic Code, a
law dating back to 1964, under which the contractor had title to the plant until
the contracted performance was rendered in full (i.e., until the delivery of the
completed plant). In mid 1995, we renegotiated the agreement with SKODA PRAHA,
a.s. to be based on the current Commercial Code, under which we acquire title
and ownership to parts of the plant as they are constructed, and to update the
scope of work and estimated cost of the plant. The agreement with Vodni stavby
Bohemia, a.s is still governed by the Economic Code and, accordingly, title to
the construction will pass to us upon delivery of the construction. To secure
such delivery, Vodni stavby Bohemia, a.s. has pledged the construction to us. On
April 18, 2004, SKODA PRAHA, a.s. delivered Unit 2.
The Transmission Grid
Until April 1, 2003, we controlled through our wholly-owned subsidiary, CEPS,
a.s., the electricity transmission grid in the Czech Republic. The high-voltage
electrical transmission grid (220/400kV) in the Czech Republic is used for
transmission of electricity from source to the REAS 110kV transmission network
and, to a much lesser extent, to our direct customers. The transmission grid is
also connected with foreign power grids and used for the import, export and
transmission of electricity across the territory of the Czech Republic. The grid
consists of 400/220kV transformers and transformers that reduce the voltage of
the transmission grid to 110kV, the highest electrical voltage used in the
distribution systems of the REAS.
Prior to June 1998 we owned the assets of the transmission grid. In June 1998,
our shareholders' general meeting assigned our Board of Directors the task of
transferring the transmission grid to an independent entity wholly owned by our
company and to ensure that such entity commenced its operation by January 1,
1999. This requirement is in accord with a proposed energy policy of the Czech
Republic which anticipates, among other things, the opening of the electricity
market and the segregation of the transmission grid from the generation and
distribution of electricity in compliance with the EU 96/92/ES and 98/30/ES
directives.
30
On August 20, 1998 we founded a new company, CEPS, a.s. which was subsequently
incorporated on October 16, 1998 with a cash contribution of CZK 1 million. We
gradually transferred the assets used for the transmission of electricity to
CEPS, a.s. in the course of 1999 and 2000. The initial registered capital of
CEPS, a.s. was valued at CZK 12.6 billion which includes investment of CZK 17.0
billion in assets minus an assumption of liabilities of CZK 4.4 billion. The
second contribution of stated capital of CEPS, a.s. was valued at CZK 5.2
billion. CEPS, a.s. now independently owns and operates the transmission grid
with the exception of certain shared land lines owned by CEPS, a.s. and CEZ in
common.
On March 11, 2002, the Czech government decided to purchase our 66% share in our
transmission subsidiary CEPS, a. s. The transaction was closed on April 1, 2003
when we transferred a 51% share in CEPS, a. s. to OSINEK, a. s., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the National Property Fund, and a 15% share in CEPS, a. s. to the
Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Currently, as a result of these transfers,
we own a 34% share in CEPS, a. s. which we are required to sell to the Czech
government eventually. See "Transmission of Electricity" on page 19 and
"Material Contracts" on page 57.
Telecommunications
In October 1999, we established a wholly owned subsidiary, CEZTel, a.s., to own
and operate all of our telecommunications assets and business. We have not yet
contributed our backbone digital network to CEZTel, a.s. consisting of
approximately 2,400 km of fiber optical cable lines connecting all regions of
the Czech Republic, including connections abroad. With the aim of incorporating
a strategic partner to cooperate in the development of CEZTel, a.s. we signed an
option agreement with Vivendi and Vivendi Telecom International on January 20,
2000 pursuant to which we granted them the right, subject to various approvals
of CEZTel, a.s., Vivendi and Vivendi Telecom International, to purchase up to
66% of the share capital of CEZTel, a.s. This option agreement has since expired
and we, together with Vivendi and Vivendi Telecom International, entered into an
option cancellation agreement on June 21, 2001 which eliminated further
obligations on our part under the option agreement.
During the course of 2001 we gradually contributed the telecommunication
activities related to the provision of voice, data and internet services
together with CEZ system integration operated by CEZTel, a.s. to a newly founded
company which has recently changed its name to CEZnet. We own all of the issued
and outstanding shares of CEZnet. The core of our development strategy in
respect of CEZnet and our telecommunications activities is focused on:
o completion of the restructuring of our telecommunications assets and
activities;
o relatively large-scale investment into the telecommunications system
and evaluation of the need for further expansion; and
o introduction of quality telecommunications services for businesses in
the CEZ group and the commercial use of reserve telecommunications
capacity.
Title to Land
Under Czech real estate law, in principle the rightful owner of real property is
the person in whose name such real property is registered in the local property
register. Though we believe that we are the rightful owner of all our material
real estate property, due to certain deficiencies in the local property
registration of real estate in the Czech Republic and to certain provisions of
applicable privatization laws, we were not registered as the rightful owner of
all plots of land underlying our generating facilities. We assembled the
necessary data regarding such plots of land and attempted to mend the situation
by procuring proper registration in the property register and by purchasing the
relevant plots where desirable. We do not own certain sites that we use to store
of ashes. Where we are not the owners of such sites, we executed a lease
agreement to enable us to use such storage sites.
Our legal predecessor has settled all restitution claims and we are not aware of
any plot of land under our generating facilities that would be materially
affected by a restitution claim. We cannot exclude that a restitution claim
could be filed with respect to the storage sites mentioned above.
31
Environmental Issues
Under Czech law, we are strictly liable for environmental damage that we cause
to agricultural producers and forestry companies. Under Czech environmental
laws, we are obligated to compensate parties for damage related to our business
operations that pollute the environment (as defined in Czech environmental
legislation). In 2002, we paid CZK 9 million in such damage compensation out of
a total of CZK 39.3 million in damage claims. We are currently litigating
environmental compensation claims in the amount of CZK 121.1 million. The
reduction of emissions has been reflected in a reduction of damages for air
pollution, but other damages for pollution of the environment together with
indemnities claimed by legal entities and individuals managing forests and
farmland represent a financial burden for us. We have accumulated a provision
for future indemnity of damage caused by emissions amounting to CZK 220 million
as of December 2002. We accumulate provisions every year based on the amount of
expected damage payments for such year. We expect that damages claimed from us
by third parties due to air pollution will gradually decrease as a result of the
implementation of the program of decommissioning the pollution sources and
installation of facilities with limited solid and gaseous emission levels.
However, a problematic trend for us has been that courts have tended to allow
damage claims against us even when the concentrations of emissions do not reach
critical levels that could cause damage as set under applicable Czech
environmental laws.
Air Pollution. Pursuant to the Clean Air Act, all sources of air pollution,
including coal-fired power plants, had to comply with a series of progressive
limits between 1996 and 1998 set by the Czech Environmental Inspection. These
limits affect emissions of SO2, NOX, CO, solid pollutants (e.g., fly ash) and
hydrocarbons. We are currently in compliance with all requirements under the
Clean Air Act. As the emission limits set under the Clean Air Act are generally
in accordance with the limits in EU countries, the adoption of more stringent
limits for existing power plants in connection with the possible membership of
the Czech Republic in the EU is not anticipated.
We have a planned program of regular repairs and overhauls for the generating
units to maintain our coal-fired power plants. In some cases, parts of these
units have already been completely reconstructed and modernized and most of them
have been equipped with desulfurization units. Since January 1, 1999, all
coal-fired plant units have been in compliance with the requirements of the
Clean Air Act.
The Clean Air Act empowers the Ministry of Environment to temporarily restrict
emissions from, reduce output of or shut-down certain pollution sources (such as
some of our coal-fired power plants) if overall air pollution levels are
exceeded even if a given pollution source does not exceed applicable limits. In
addition, the Clean Air Act empowers the Czech Environmental Inspection to order
any pollution source exceeding pollution limits to be shut down. The Clean Air
Act requires the operators of pollution sources exceeding a certain size to pay
fees into a special environmental fund, based on the level of emissions released
into the environment, whether or not the emission limits for such company have
been exceeded. In 2002, our expenses for this fund amounted to approximately CZK
132 million.
Water Pollution. We observe all water pollution limits set by government
regulations and applicable water management decisions set by local authorities.
We are preparing, but have yet to implement, changes in our water management
that will enable power plants to comply with anticipated limits to be put into
effect after 2005. In 2002 we paid approximately CZK 6 million to the
environmental fund.
Coal Waste Storage. We have prepared a project aimed at the collection of dry
ash and desulfurization of end-products and their conversion into solids. This
conversion reduces the negative impact of mines on the water table when such
solids are deposited in landfills, open cast mines or disused shafts of existing
mines. The new de-ashing technology used in the power plants allows us to
process the ash and desulfurization end-products into a material with properties
that will permit its deposition into existing mud pits without any further
measures, or to use a portion of such waste as building material. We paid
approximately CZK 568 million for the disposal of dry ash and desulfurization
by-products, including costs for third party services, in 2002.
Nuclear Waste Final Disposal. Under the Nuclear Act, the responsibility for
securing the final disposal of nuclear waste, including spent fuel, is the
responsibility of the Repository Authority. We are required to finance the final
disposal through contributions to the Nuclear Account. For a description of
funds contributed, see "Nuclear Provisions" on page 37.
32
Capital Investments
Since enactment of the 1991 Clean Air Act we have undertaken an extensive
capital investment program aimed primarily at minimizing the environmental
effects of electricity generation, including the diversification of power
sources, in order to comply with the Clean Air Act rather than to increase or
diversify electricity production.
Since we were established as a new legal entity in 1992, we have embarked on a
significant capital expenditure program aimed at reducing the environmental
impact of coal-fired electricity generation and complying with Czech
environmental laws designed to meet European Union ("EU") standards. The main
elements of this program were aimed at reducing sulfur emissions at our
coal-fired plants and the continuation of construction and completion of the
Temelin nuclear power plant. We have completed the installation of
desulfurization equipment. As of June 10, 2002 Unit 1 of the Temelin power plant
is in an 18-month pilot operation, and Unit 2 is in a similar pilot operation as
of April 18, 2003. As of January 1, 1999, we have been in full compliance with
all Czech environmental laws, some of which are stricter than EU standards.
We have been in compliance with the Clean Air Act since January 1, 1999 and our
electricity generating operation is now at a level comparable to western
European operational environmental standards.
Upon completion of the environmental program, the updated strategic core of our
development is focused on:
o preparation for next steps in the liberalization of the domestic and
European energy market with the aim of significantly increasing our
share of the domestic electricity market and maintaining our dominant
position in the provision of support services to operators of the
transmission grid;
o successful completion of the pilot operation of both units at the
Temelin nuclear power plant which, will add two generating units with
a capacity of 1000 MW each;
o commencement of the modernization of the Dukovany nuclear power plant,
together with its control center and preparation of the construction
(extension) of the interim spent nuclear fuel storage facilities
located at the nuclear plant sites; this process gradually started in
April 2003;
o completion of our integration with REAS; and
o evaluation of investment opportunities in the power sector so that we
are able to respond flexibly to developments in demand.
Capital Investment Program Implementation Costs. From 2000 through 2002, we made
investments totaling approximately CZK 46.1 billion as part of our capital
investment program.
The following table sets forth a summary of our capital investments(1) over the
past three years:
2000 2001 2002
---- ---- ----
(CZK millions)
Nuclear power plants:
Temelin nuclear power plant construction....... 9,385 4,959 2,693
Dukovany nuclear power plant modernization..... 1,728 1.324 691
Central interim fuel repository................ 37 53 44
Other.......................................... 5 4 52
-------- --------- ----------
Total nuclear power plants................ 11,155 6,340 3,480
-------- --------- ----------
Environmental improvement investments:
Desulfurization................................ 20 3 57
Fluidized-bed boilers.......................... 66 11 -
Electrostatic precipitators.................... - - -
NOx reduction.................................. - - -
Other.......................................... 152 143 9
-------- --------- ----------
Total environmental investments........... 238 157 66
-------- --------- ----------
Waste management.................................... 260 407 463
33
Technical improvements.............................. 395 457 291
Heat supply......................................... 61 41 30
Hydroelectric power plants.......................... 160 106 6
Transmission grid................................... 711 800 529
Other investments................................... 975 576 1465
Total additions to plants, property and
equipment................................ 13,955 8,884 6,330
-------- --------- ----------
Purchase of nuclear fuel............................ 4,243 3,400 1,997
Capitalized interest(2)............................. 2,841 2,392 2,037
-------- --------- ----------
Total .................................... 21,039 14,676 10,364
======== ========= ==========
- ----------
(1) Excluding financial investments.
(2) The amounts represent interest capitalized for IFRS purposes which are in
addition to amounts capitalized under Czech accounting standards.
As of December 31, 2002, the total investment cost for the implementation of our
program from 2003 through 2007 is currently projected to be CZK 56.2 billion.
Financing Capital Expenditures. We generally finance our capital expenditures
from loans, the issuance of bonds and cash depending on our cash sources and the
situation on financial markets at the time in question.
Compliance with Emission Limits for Air Pollution. The Clean Air Act requires us
to reduce the concentration levels of certain pollutants produced by our
coal-fired power and heating plants and contained in waste gases, including,
without limitation, solid emissions (i.e., fly ash), SO2, NOx, CO and
hydrocarbons, to levels below the law's emission limits. While deciding upon
emission limits, the authorities responsible for air protection took into
account the condition of the environment, the thermal output, the age of the
sources of pollution and technical parameters. The limits were set on a
case-by-case basis.
In order to reduce emissions and meet the Clean Air Act compliance standards we
undertook a specific program directed primarily toward the decommissioning of
obsolete coal-fired power plants and their partial replacement with the new
Temelin nuclear power plant. To date, this process has included the following
efforts:
o construction of desulfurization and denitrification units;
o reconstruction of electrostatic precipitators;
o increase efficiency of fossil fuel-fired power plants;
o installation of new combustion technologies;
o use of lower-sulfur coal; and
o decommissioning of selected coal-fired power plant units.
Construction of Flue Gas Desulfurization Facilities. The construction of flue
gas desulfurization units has been an important part of our environmental
program. As of December 31, 2002, desulfurization units were in operation at
five 200 MW units of the Pocerady power plant, four 110 MW units of the Prunerov
I power plant, five 210 MW units in the Prunerov II power plant, two 110 MW
units of the Ledvice power plant, four 200 MW units of the Tusimice II power
plant, four 200 MW units of the Chvaletice power plant, one 100 MW unit of the
Tisova power plant , four 200 MW units of the Detmarovice power plant, two 110
MW units of the Melnik II power plant and one 500 MW unit of the Melnik III
power plant, accounting for a capacity of 5,930 MW out of our total coal-fired
capacity of approximately 6,517 MW.
Construction of Fluidized-Bed Combustion Boilers. In addition to the
construction of desulfurization facilities, we have replaced the existing
boilers of certain smaller 55 MW and 100-110 MW units by modern boilers with the
circulating fluidized-bed combustion technology, which reduces sulfur dioxide
emissions by adding limestone during the combustion process. As of December 31,
2002, we completed the installation of two new fluidized-bed boilers with a
capacity of 350 t/h at Tisova I, two boilers with a capacity of 170 t/h at the
Hodonin power plant, two boilers with a capacity of 250 t/h at the Porici power
plant and one boiler with a capacity of 350 t/h at the Ledvice power plant. FBBs
installed represent electric power capacity of 497 MW.
Solid Emissions and NOx. The levels of solid emissions from coal-fired power
plants have been reduced as a result of the implementation of a long-term
program of refurbishment and replacement of electrostatic precipitators started
34
as early as the 1970s. A program of combustion process optimization through the
adjustment of burners and the control of the combustion air supply into the
boilers is aimed at reducing nitrogen oxide emission levels.
Nuclear Power Plants
Temelin Nuclear Power Plant. At present, our most important capital investment
project is the construction of a second nuclear power plant at Temelin in South
Bohemia. As of 31.12.2002, CZK 95.9 billion had been invested in the Temelin
nuclear power plant. For a discussion of some of the risks associated with
Temelin, see "Risk Factors" on page 8.
The construction of the Temelin nuclear power plant commenced in 1986. According
to the original project, the power plant was to have four Soviet designed units
with a capacity of 1000 MW each.
Following the Velvet Revolution in 1989, and as a result of an ensuing
uncertainty with respect to the energy policy of the Czech Republic,
construction of the Temelin nuclear power plant was delayed. In March 1993, the
government approved the completion of two out of the originally planned four
units and at the same time ordered a fundamental change in the design of the
reactor, primarily to enhance operational safety of the nuclear power plant.
This change consisted of adapting the existing installed Soviet plant technology
to function with western instrumentation and control systems. Following the
decision to fundamentally change the design, we launched a tender and selected
Westinghouse to supply the instrumentation and control technology as well as the
nuclear fuel to be used at Temelin. Other contracts have been concluded
concerning additional technology needed for the completion of the power plant.
The adaptation of U.S. technology supplied by Westinghouse to the original
Soviet plant construction at Temelin is the first such adaptation of its kind
and, accordingly, has posed and continues to pose difficult technical challenges
beyond what had been anticipated in 1993. As a result of extensive design and
construction changes, the estimated completion date for Temelin has been delayed
several times.
At the time of the government's decision in 1993, we estimated that fuel loading
of the first unit of the power plant could take place at the end of 1995, with
commercial operation commencing eight months later, and that the total
investment costs would amount to CZK 68.8 billion. By year end 1994, as a result
of the technical difficulties with the compatibility of U.S. and Soviet
technologies becoming more apparent, we changed our estimate of the date of fuel
loading of the first unit to September 1996. In early 1995, we announced a
further delay of fuel loading to June 1997. In mid 1995, at the time the
contract with Skoda Praha, a.s was renegotiated, we performed an extensive
review of the required design and technical modifications. As a result, we
revised the budgeted cost of the plant to CZK 76 billion with fuel loading to
commence in fall of 1997--both subject to final design changes and contract
modifications.
In June 1996, we announced that the envisaged date of initial fuel loading of
the first unit was likely to be further delayed until mid 1998, again because
the design changes resulted in unanticipated and further modifications necessary
to make the original project safety standards meet U.S. standards. This delay
had arisen, in particular, with regard to cabling, the control system and the
primary circuit auxiliary systems. At year-end 1996, the budgeted cost for
Temelin remained constant at CZK 76 billion. Analysis of the construction
schedule shortly after year end, however, indicated that further delays and
design changes would be required. At that time additional costs were estimated
to be up to CZK 10 billion.
In August 1998, the Czech government commissioned an independent review of the
Temelin project and, inter-alia, the expended and projected cost, financing,
existing supply contracts, the risks jeopardizing the completion, social impact
and alternative power supply solutions. The report made no clear recommendation
on whether to complete or discontinue the construction. The report emphasized
risk factors, particularly in relation to future developments in electricity
demand in the Czech Republic. On the basis of this report the Czech cabinet
decided on May 14, 1999 by a vote of eleven ministers to eight to proceed with
the construction of both units of the Temelin nuclear power plant. However,
government approval was conditioned on the budgeted cost not exceeding CZK 98.6
billion and the two blocks being loaded with fuel by September 2000 and December
2001, respectively.
In July 2000, we loaded Unit 1 of Temelin with nuclear fuel and in October 2000
we essentially completed construction on Unit 1 with initial nuclear reaction
and testing activities beginning shortly thereafter. In January 2001 we
connected the generator from Unit 1 of Temelin to the electricity network and
test transmitted the first electricity from Temelin to the transmission network.
By March 2001 we had brought Unit 1 up to 30% of its production capacity. During
the month of March 2001, we brought Unit 1 to 55% of its capacity and did so
again in early October 2001. In mid-October, after receiving approval from the
Nuclear Safety Authority, we performed
35
tests at 75% of Unit 1's capacity. In January 2002, we continued the energy
generation start-up process of Unit 1 that had been commenced in November 2000
and proceeded to the start-up up to 100% of the nominal power output of the
reactor. This phase was prolonged by delivery of new armatures and the necessary
shut-down for the performance of the work connected with the replacement of the
armatures. Following tests at a power output level of 100% and the completion of
a 144-hour comprehensive testing process, Unit 1 obtained approval for pilot
operation, which commenced on June 11, 2002. At the end of January 2003, a
planned two-month shut-down commenced in connection with the replacement of one
quarter of the fuel. After the inspection by IAEA and the Nuclear Safety
Authority of the correctness of the delivery of fuel into the reactor's active
zone and the deposition of spent fuel into the storage pool for spent fuel, the
warranty-inspection was completed at the end of April 2003 and the pilot
operation continues.
In early 2002, the phase of non-active testing of Unit 2 was completed, a review
after an integrated hydro-test was performed, and preparatory work for active
testing was completed. In March, the Nuclear Safety Authority issued a permit
for the commencement of active testing. Following the delivery of fuel, the
reactor was closed and preparatory work and testing for the first activation of
fuel was performed in May 2002. At the end of June 2002, following successful
physical start-up, the phase of energy-generation start-up commenced. In the
course of this phase, repeated defects appeared in the generator rotor. We had
the generator rotor repaired, the defects were mended and there are no further
consequences for the operation of Unit 2. The first turbo-generator phasing did
not take place until December 29, 2002, during a sub-phase when the reactor was
run up to a level of 55% of its nominal power output. Pilot testing operation of
the block commenced on April 18, 2003.
The contract with SKODA PRAHA, a.s. was revised and amended to reflect the
increased costs and fuel loading dates on June 10, 1998. Since July 1999 the
Ministry of Industry and Trade, with the personal participation of Minister
Gregr (at that time the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade), has
conducted monthly reviews of the progress of the Temelin project focusing on the
completion timetable, meeting the projected cost estimate and satisfying the
conditions necessary for licensing the Temelin nuclear plant and bringing it
into operation. Further, we performed hot tests of Unit 1 at the beginning of
April 2000 and conducted a general review of the control system. The budgeted
investment cost to construct Temelin is currently CZK 98.6 billion and this
amount is final. We may also incur other testing and adjustment costs but these
costs will be accounted for as operational expenses. As a result of past
experience, however, we cannot assure that further increases in costs will not
occur. Further associated additional costs may arise, for example, from (i)
changes necessitated by tests performed during the trial operations of the power
plant, and (iii) requirements of supervisory bodies. For example, while
assembling the turbine for the secondary circuit for Temelin's Unit 1 we
discovered certain technical problems that we have currently eliminated.
However, we can give no assurance that these difficulties or any other
difficulties that arise during testing or otherwise will not adversely affect
our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations.
The Austrian federal land of Upper Austria has filed on July 31, 2001 a lawsuit
with the Land Court of Linz, Austria, against us by which it sought a ruling
ordering the Temelin nuclear power plant to be prohibited from commencing its
operations. On May 23, 2002, the court ruled that it had no jurisdiction over a
power plant located outside of Austria. The plaintiff has filed an appeal
against such decision which has not yet been finally resolved. Even if an
Austrian court issued a ruling against us, such ruling would not be
automatically enforceable against us in the Czech Republic.
We can provide no assurance that the operation of Temelin will not be
interrupted as a result of events beyond the control of management. We can
provide no assurance that any such interruptions will not adversely affect our
business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations.
Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant. We have initiated a study assessing the
possibility of the extension of the operating life of units at the Dukovany
nuclear power plant beyond 2015/2018, the current operating life. The results of
this initial study show that it is technically possible to extend the operating
life of the Dukovany units.
We have been improving the safety standards at the Dukovany power plant in
accordance with the requirements of the Nuclear Safety Authority and in respect
of further operation. In 2002, we spent approximately CZK 0.874 billion on all
modifications. As part of our modernization program we have also been
progressively implementing recommendations resulting from domestic and foreign
technical audits, including recommendations by the International Atomic Energy
Agency, including, among others, introducing:
o a multi-function and full scope simulator;
36
o a main condenser tube exchange using titanium;
o emergency feedwater pumps;
o pump suction filters;
o bus switchboards; and
o vital power system reconstruction.
Additionally, we have accepted and have been implementing measures to improve
the economy of operation and to extend the life of the main components of the
production equipment including, among others, increasing the efficiency of the
main condenser, improvement of the secondary circuit and up-rating the
turbo-generator.
In 1996, a pre-feasibility study was started for a refurbishment of the
information and control system at the Dukovany power plant to improve the
reliability of the information and control equipment. During the course of 1998,
we continued to carry out work related to the development of this project and
invited bids for the first stage of implementation in 1999. In September 2000,
we signed an agreement with SKODA JS for the complete refurbishment of the
information and control system at the Dukovany power plant. The current project
timetable anticipates an initiation of the refurbishment by 2002 and lasting
until approximately 2010 with a budgeted cost of approximately CZK 9.8 billion.
As this refurbishment progresses, the four units of the Dukovany power plant
will be brought out of operation on a one-by-one basis for a limited period of
time.
Nuclear Provisions. We are responsible for, and have established provisions for,
decommissioning our nuclear power plants. A 1997 decommissioning study
commissioned by us and verified by the Nuclear Safety Authority estimated that
costs for decommissioning Dukovany would cost approximately CZK 12.5 billion at
1996 price levels. We expect to submit an updated decommissioning cost estimate
for verification by the Nuclear Safety Authority in 2003. A 1999 decommissioning
study commissioned by us and verified by the Nuclear Safety Authority estimated
that decommissioning of Temelin would cost approximately CZK 11.1 billion at
1998 price levels. Pursuant to the Nuclear Act, our provisions for the
decommissioning of nuclear plants calculated in accordance with Czech accounting
principles have been tax-deductible since October 1, 1997. We are required to
contribute funds annually to a special escrow account to cover the future
decommissioning costs. These funds are designated for decommission purposes and
can be used only with the permission of the Repository Authority.
In addition, we have provided for the estimated costs to cover interim storage
and the final disposal of spent fuel. The Nuclear Act provides that the Czech
Republic, through the Repository Authority, will be responsible for the final
disposal of spent fuel and nuclear waste, and that we must pay certain
contributions into the Nuclear Account. Our payments to the Nuclear Account
amounted to approximately CZK 674 million in 2002. We are responsible for the
interim storage of spent fuel.
We have recorded the provisions for decommissioning, interim and final spent
fuel storage in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. For
a detailed description of the accounting treatment of these provisions, see
notes 2.21 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements included herein under
Item 18. For 2002 in respect of the nuclear provisions cited above, we charged
to income CZK 1,532 million as a separate component of interest expense and CZK
82 million as fuel expense. In 2002 we charged CZK 808 million of current
nuclear-related expenditures against our accumulated provision for nuclear
decommissioning and fuel storage. In 2002 we revised the estimates of provisions
for spent fuel storage and credited CZK 82 million to other operating expenses
as a result. Based on revised the estimates of provisions for decommissioning
and final fuel storage we added CZK 873 million both to fixed asset and the
provisions. Further we have capitalized CZK 873 million to fixed assets as
result of activating Unit 2 of Temeiin nuclear power plant and we have increased
the provisions by the same amount.
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
In this section, we explain our general financial condition and the results of
our operations. As you read the following discussion and analysis, you should
refer to our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto for
fiscal years 2000, 2001 and 2002 contained in Item 18 of this Annual Report. We
prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards which differ in certain respects from U.S. GAAP.
See Note 26 to the consolidated financial statements, included elsewhere in this
Annual Report for a discussion of the principal material differences between
IFRS and U.S. GAAP as they relate to us which apply to our Consolidated
Financial Statements.
37
Forward-Looking Statements
For a discussion regarding forward-looking statements, see "Forward-Looking
Statements" in the front of this Annual Report under the heading "General
Information."
Critical Accounting Policies
International Financial Reporting Standards
Our accounts are initially maintained in accordance with Czech Accounting
Standards and for reporting purposes are transformed to International Financial
Reporting Standards, or IFRS. IFRS represent our primary reporting standards.
This requires the managers to adopt those accounting policies, which are most
appropriate for the purpose of the accounts giving a true and fair view.
Our material accounting policies are set out in full in note 2 to our
consolidated financial statements. In preparing the accounts in conformity with
IFRS, our management is required to make estimates and assumptions which impact
on the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities. Actual
results may differ from these estimates. Certain of our accounting policies have
been identified as the most critical accounting policies by considering which
policies involve particularly complex or subjective decisions or assessments and
these are discussed below. The discussion below should be read in conjunction
with the full statement of accounting policies.
Nuclear Provisions
Our nuclear provisions principally relate to the cost of final and interim
storage of spent fuel and the cost of decommissioning our nuclear power
stations.
In accordance with IFRS, the estimated costs of decommissioning our power plants
are provided for when the power stations begin operating commercially, are
capitalized as part of the cost of construction and depreciated over the same
lives as the plants. The estimated costs of decommissioning are discounted to
reflect the timescale before and during which the work will take place
(following closure of the power station). We anticipate that after de-fuelling
the reactors, dismantling the reactors will not be possible for at least 50
years after the closure of the relevant power station.
The estimated costs are based on decommissioning studies that are approved by
the Nuclear Safety Authority and the Repository Authority. The studies are
updated regularly to reflect changes in the estimates. We must make annual
payments to a special escrow account to cover future decommissioning costs.
These payments depend on the estimated decommissioning costs, the estimated time
of decommissioning and other factors. If these factors change, our annual
payments can change in the future.
Estimated costs of final storage of spend fuel are based on expected annual
payments to Nuclear Account. The payments are approved by the authorities and
are done in cash. The estimated cash payments include inflation considerations
because these payments will not be done for many years. The estimated payments
are discounted using the estimated risk free rate. The required annual payments
are reviewed by the authorities each year and therefore they can change in the
future.
Accounting lifetimes of our nuclear power stations reflect our current
assessment of potential life limiting technical factors and independent
engineering assessments. The operating lifetime of a nuclear power station is
limited principally by the lifetime of items, which are uneconomical to replace
such as the boiler and other components inside the reactor pressure vessel. The
methodologies and technology used to evaluate the expected lifetimes of nuclear
stations is dynamic, resulting in progressively improved measurement
capabilities that allow us to determine whether the safety case for an extended
accounting life of a nuclear power station can be supported. The estimates of
station accounting lives are therefore subjective. The extension of a station's
life may improve our results, particularly when accounting for liabilities such
as decommissioning.
The actual provisions can vary significantly from our estimate, and as a result,
the liabilities we report in our results can vary significantly if our
assessment of these costs changes. Many of the factors that are integral to the
determination of our estimate, such as governmental regulations and inflation,
are beyond our control.
38
Derivatives
IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, requires every
derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts) to be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or
liability measured at its fair value. IAS 39 requires any changes in the
derivative's fair value to be currently recognized in earnings, unless specific
hedge accounting criteria are met.
We use derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swaps, options and
foreign exchange contracts to manage our exposures related to borrowings.
However, we have elected not to designate the derivatives as hedging instruments
and we treat them as derivatives held for trading.
The fair value of derivatives is estimated using valuation models. The use of
valuation models requires making assumptions and estimates regarding the
volatility of underlying and inputs of market data, such as currency rates,
interest rate curves, etc. Results of the valuation models could differ
significantly from values obtained from other valuation models because of
different assumptions, estimates and market data used in those models.
Deferred tax
We have significant deferred tax assets and liabilities which are expected to be
realized through the statement of income over extended periods of time in the
future. In calculating the deferred tax items, we are required to make certain
assumptions and estimates retarding the future tax consequences attributable to
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities as recorded
in the Consolidated Financial Statements and their tax basis. Significant
assumptions made include the expectation that:
o future operating performance for subsidiaries will be consistent with
historical operating results;
o recoverability periods for tax credits and net operating loss
carryforwards will not change; and
o existing tax laws and rates which we are subject to will remain
unchanged into the foreseeable future.
We believe that we have used prudent assumptions and feasible tax planning
strategies in developing the deferred tax balances. However, any changes to the
facts and circumstances underlying the assumptions could cause significant
change in the deferred tax balances and resulting volatility in its operating
results.
Impairment of assets
We undertake periodic reviews of the carrying value of our fixed assets compared
with the economic value and net realizable value of those assets. In carrying
out the economic valuations an assessment is made of the future cash flows being
generated by the assets, taking into account current and expected future market
conditions and the expected lives of our power stations. In assessing the value
we primary take production capacity as aggregate unit. The assessment of future
market conditions includes, for example, a view of likely overcapacity in the
market over a number of years and the likely timing of the market returning to
new entrant prices. The actual outcome can vary significantly from our future
forecasts, thereby affecting our assessment of expected future cash flows. The
expected future cash flows are discounted at a rate approximating to our
weighted average cost of capital, as this is the rate most representative of
those assets. A provision is created against an asset if its net realizable
value is greater than the carrying amount.
39
Operating Results
Volume of Supplied Electricity
(GWh)
Year ended December 31,
---------------------------
2000 2001 2002
---- ---- ----
REAS............................................. 36,565 36,942 31,466
OTE *.......................................... 0 0 1,333
Eligible Customers............................... 0 0 69
Traders.......................................... 0 0 2,593
CEPS to cover losses............................. 736 1,393 598
Other sales in the Czech Republic................ 93 386 186
Exports.......................................... 12,429 12,122 16,008
------------ ----------- ----------
Total electricity supplied.................. 49,823 50,843 52,253
Electricity trading outside the Czech Republic... 626 7 921
------------ ----------- ----------
Total............................................ 50,449 50,850 53,174
============ =========== ==========
Revenues
(CZK millions)
Year ended December 31,
----------------------------
2000 2001 2002
---- ---- ----
Electricity revenues:
REAS.......................................... 42,081 46,087 39,230
Exports....................................... 7,138 7,524 9,178
OTE * ........................................ 0 0 2,458
Traders....................................... 0 0 2,010
Energy trading outside the Czech Republic..... 336 4 578
Revenues capitalized during construction...... (1) (922) (1,373)
Other......................................... 121 607 857
------------- ----------- ----------
Total electricity revenues............... 49,675 53,300 52,938
Heat revenues: ................................... 1,604 1,721 1,673
Other revenues..................................... 1,152 1,034 967
------------- ----------- ----------
Total revenues........................... 52,431 56,055 55,578
============= =========== ==========
- ---------
*) Operator trhu s elektrinou, a. s. (Electricity Market Operator)
Revenues. In 2001, our total revenues were approximately CZK 56.1 billion, an
increase of 7.0% from 2000. This increase of approximately CZK 3.6 billion was
the result of higher revenues from electric power sold (CZK 53.3 billion), an
increase of CZK 3.6 billion (7.3%). In 2002, our total revenues were
approximately CZK 55.6 billion, a decrease of 0.9% from 2001. This decrease of
approximately CZK 0.5 billion was primarily the result of lower prices in the
domestic market.
In 2001, our total revenues from electricity sold were approximately CZK 53.3
billion, an increase of 7.3% above the 2000 level as the result of several
reasons, including a change in the fees charged and the calculation base for
system services. Regional distribution companies started to pay CEPS, a.s. fees
which were higher and which were charged on all electricity delivered by them to
the final consumers (and not, as was the case in 2000, just on electricity sold
by us to regional distribution companies). Electricity sold by our Company in
the Czech Republic increased from 37.4 TWh in 2000 to 38.7 TWh in 2001 (by
3.5%), while exports slightly decreased to 12.1 TWh, a decrease by 0.3 TWh
(2.5%). The increased total volume of electricity sold (50.8 TWh) favorably
influenced the load factor of our power plants. In 2002, our total revenues from
electricity sold were approximately CZK 52.9 billion, a decrease of 0.7 % below
the 2001 level, primarily as the result of lower prices in the domestic market,
due to the "Rainbow Energy" offer. The decline in domestic revenues was partly
compensated by higher exports. However, the results for 2001 are not directly
comparable with those for 2002 due to substantial institutional changes that
occurred in the domestic market in 2002. In particular, the replacement of the
simple model consisting of a "producer - grid - distribution" by the new model
"producer - organized market for electricity - trader - grid - distribution -
eligible/protected customer" lead to the change in the structure of our
customers.
In 2001, our revenues from sales of heat were approximately CZK 1.72 billion, an
increase of 7.3% from 2000. The amount of heat sold increased by 6.2% in 2001
from 2000 levels. The increase of revenues from sales of heat in 2001 was
primarily due to rising demand for heat by residential, business and industrial
consumers. We also experienced lower than average temperatures in the Czech
Republic during 2001. In 2002, our revenues from sales of heat were
approximately CZK 1.67 billion, a decrease of 2.8 % from 2001. The amount of
heat sold decreased by 7.2 % in 2002 from 2001 levels. The decrease of revenues
from sales of heat in 2002 was primarily due to declining demand for heat by
residential, business and industrial consumers and by the increased energy
efficiency in the industrial sector. We also experienced higher than average
temperatures in the Czech Republic during 2002.
In 2001, other revenues amounted to approximately CZK 1.03 billion, an decrease
of 10% below 2000. In 2002, other revenues amounted to approximately CZK 0.97
billion, a slight decrease in comparison with the level of 2001. The
year-on-year decrease of CZK 67 million was primarily the result of lower
revenues from sales of services other than ancillary services.
40
Operating Expenses
(CZK millions)
Year ended December 31,
2000 2001 2002
---- ---- ----
Fuel........................................... 12,800 13,220 12,894
Purchased power and related services........... 5,436 6,389 7,328
Repairs and maintenance........................ 3,316 3,476 3,847
Depreciation and amortization.................. 9,377 9,366 11,721
Salaries and wages............................. 3,793 3,946 3,854
Material and supplies.......................... 1,954 1,851 1,838
Other operating expenses....................... 3,127 3,129 2,842
--------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses.................. 39,803 41,377 44,324
========= ========= =========
Operating Expenses. In 2001, our total operating expenses were approximately CZK
41.4 billion, an increase of 1.0% from 2000. In 2002, our total operating
expenses were approximately CZK 44.3 billion, an increase of 7.1% from 2001.
In 2001, the cost of fuel consumption was approximately CZK 13.2 billion, an
increase of 3.3% from 2000 mainly due to the higher production of electricity
from fossil and nuclear power plants (by 2.9%).In 2002, the cost of fuel
consumption was approximately CZK 12.9 billion, a decrease of 2.5% from 2001
mainly due to the lower production of electricity from fossil power plants and
higher production from nuclear power plants.
In 2001, our purchase of power and related services amounted to approximately
CZK 6.4 billion, an increase of 17.5% from 2000 was mainly due to higher
purchases of ancillary services by CEPS, a.s. from other producers. In 2002,
our purchase of power and related services amounted to approximately CZK 7.3
billion, an increase of 14.7% from 2001 was again mainly due to higher purchases
of ancillary services by CEPS, a.s. from outside suppliers other than CEZ.
In 2001, costs for repairs and maintenance amounted to approximately CZK 3.5
billion, an increase of 4.8% from 2000 primarily due to a higher volume of
repairs and maintenance in 2001 in comparison with 2000. In 2002, costs for
repairs and maintenance amounted to approximately CZK 3.8 billion, an increase
of 10.7% from 2001. The increase of approximately CZK 0.3 billion is
attributable to CEZ, and the remaining increase of approximately CZK 0.1 billion
is attributable to CEPS, a.s. due to a higher volume of repairs and maintenance
in 2002 in comparison with 2001.
In 2001, depreciation and amortization expenses amounted to approximately CZK
9.4 billion and remained at the same level. In 2002, depreciation and
amortization expenses amounted to approximately CZK 11.7 billion an increase of
25.1% from 2001 due to commencement of use of our investments, particularly of
Unit 1 of the Temelin nuclear power plant.
In 2001, salaries and wages expenses were CZK 3.9 billion, an increase of 4.0%
from 2000 due mainly to increases in our union-negotiated employee wages
effective after January 1, 2001 and increases in management salaries. In 2002,
salaries and wages expenses were CZK 3.9 billion, a decrease of 2.3% from 2001
due to reduction in the number of our employees.
In 2001, our materials and supplies expenses were approximately CZK 1.9 billion,
a decrease of 5.3% from 2000. In 2002, our materials and supplies expenses were
approximately CZK 1.8 billion, a decrease of 0.7% from 2001.
In 2001, our other operating expenses which include environmental charges and
claims and purchased services, among other things, were approximately CZK 3.1
billion and remained at the same level as in 2000. In 2002, our other operating
expenses were approximately CZK 2.8 billion, a decrease of 9.2% from 2001. This
decrease was mainly due to lower cost of purchased services.
Income before Other Expense (Income) and Income Taxes. In 2001, our income
before other expense (income) and income taxes amounted to approximately CZK
14.7 billion, an increase of 16.2% from 2000. The increase of approximately CZK
2.1 billion was a result of higher operating revenues by CZK 3.6 billion
accompanied by higher operating expenses by CZK 1.6 billion. In 2002, our income
before other expense (income) and income taxes amounted to approximately CZK
11.3 billion, a decrease of 23.3% from 2001. The decrease of approximately CZK
3.4 billion was a result of a decrease in operating revenues by CZK 0.5 billion
accompanied by an increase in operating expenses by CZK 2.9 billion.
Other Expense (Income). In 2001, other expenses/income (net), which include
interest on debt, net of capitalized interest, interest on nuclear provisions,
interest income, foreign exchange rate losses/gains, other expenses, and income
from our associate amounted to approximately CZK 1.4 billion, while in 2000 we
had other expenses of approximately CZK 2.3 billion. The decrease is the result
of the increase of other expenses (net) by CZK 1.7 billion (mainly due to a loss
on financial derivatives), which was counter-balanced by the influence of a
stronger CZK exchange rate against foreign currencies. While the exchange rate
losses in 2000 were CZK 0.2 billion, exchange rate gains in 2001 were CZK 2.1
billion, i.e. an improvement of CZK 2.3 billion. In 2002, other expense/income
(net) amounted to approximately CZK 0.5 billion. The improvement compared to
2001 is mainly the result of exchange rate gains due to the rapid appreciation
of Czech Crown during 2002. While the exchange rate gains in 2001 were CZK 2.1
billion, exchange rate gains in 2002 were CZK 3.3 billion, i. e. an improvement
of CZK 1.2 billion.
Income Taxes. In 2001, income taxes amounted to approximately CZK 4.2 billion,
an increase of 23.9% from 2000. This increase was primarily a result of higher
income before income taxes by CZK 2.7 billion in comparison with 2000. In 2002,
income taxes amounted to approximately CZK 3.4 billion, a decrease of 19.0% from
2001. This decrease was primarily a result of our decreased tax basis due to
investment tax relief on technological property, in particular Unit 1 of the
Temelin nuclear power plant. Our effective corporate income tax rate in 2000,
2001, and 2002 was 32%, 31%, and 29% respectively.
41
Net Income. In 2001, net income amounted to approximately CZK 9.1 billion, an
increase of 26.1 (CZK 1.9 billion) from 2000. This improvement was due to higher
operating profit by CZK 2.1 billion, lower other expenses by CZK 0.6 billion and
higher income taxes by CZK 0.8 billion. In 2002, net income amounted to
approximately CZK 8.4 billion, a decrease of 7.7% (CZK 0.7 billion) from 2001.
This deterioration was due to lower operating profit by CZK 3.4 billion, lower
other expenses by CZK 1.9 billion and lower income taxes by CZK 0.8 billion.
Earnings per common share were CZK 12.2, CZK 15.4, and CZK 14.3 in fiscal years
2000, 2001, and 2002 respectively, representing an increase of 26.2% in 2001 and
a decrease of 7.1% in 2002.
Inflation
The rates of inflation on an annual average basis in the Czech Republic during
2000, 2001 and 2002 were 3.9%, 4.7%, and 1.8% respectively. The effects of
inflation on our operations have not been significant in recent years.
For a discussion of the impact of currency fluctuations on our business and
hedging or other mechanisms that we use, see "Item 11. Quantitative and
Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" on page 63.
For a discussion on government economic, fiscal, monetary and political policies
or factors that have or could materially affect our operations, see "Risk
Factors" on page 8 and "Economic, Fiscal, Monetary or Political Policies or
Factors Which Impact Our Business" on page 22.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We expect our principal capital requirements to consist of the following:
o commencement of the modernization of the Dukovany nuclear power plant,
together with its control center; and
o preparation of the construction (extension) of the interim spent
nuclear fuel storage facilities located at our nuclear plant sites;
o participation in investment opportunities in the power sector so that
we are able to respond flexibly to developments in demand;
o purchase of stakes in the distribution companies; and
o investments to replace our aging brown-coal-fired power plants (at
least in the amount of two-thirds of the present installed power
output of such power plants) after the year 2010. At that time, the
present power plants will be at the end of their useful lives and
consequently they will be replaced by newer, more efficient plants.
Historically, our liquidity requirements have arisen primarily from the need to
fund capital expenditures for the expansion of our business and for our working
capital requirements. We expect to continue to incur substantial additional
capital expenditures in order to expand and improve the quality of our service,
react to market conditions, and to diversify our generating capacity. We believe
that our existing financing together with cash flows provide us with sufficient
financial capacity to fund our business and capital expenditure program and
represent a source of working capital sufficient to meet our future short-term
and long-term financing of our ongoing operations.
In 2001, our capital investments totaled approximately CZK 14.7 billion, 30.2%
less than in 2000. We spent a significant portion of this amount on the
construction of the Temelin nuclear power plant. In 2002, our capital
investments, except for financial investments, totaled approximately CZK 10.4
billion, 29.4% less than in 2001.
42
Financing Obligations
The following table presents our principal long-term financing obligations as at
December 31, 2002:
Payments Due By Period(1)
--------------------------------------------------------
Less than 1
Total year 1-3 years 4-5 years After 5 years
---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------------
Long-term debt 39,964 4,235 15,897 11,944 7,888
---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Total 39,964 4,235 15,897 11,944 7,888
- ------------------ ========== ========== ========== ============ =============
(1) In CZK millions.
We do not have significant obligations resulting from capital and operating
lease contracts.
The following table summarizes our estimated capital expenditures, including
uncommitted amounts, for the next five years (in CZK billions):
Expected Capital Expenditures By Period(1)
------------------------------------------------------------
Total 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Capital expenditures 56,170 10,907 11,237 11,281 11,431 11,313
========== ========== ============ ========== =========== ==========
- ------------------
(1) In CZK millions.
The capital expenditures presented above do not include financial investments
such as, for example, payments in connection with the purchase of shares in the
REAS (see "Material Contracts" on page 57).
Sources of Financing
The financing of our capital investment program is obtained from cash flows from
operating activities and financing. The primary sources of financing available
to us consist of the following:
o cash flow from operating activities;
o financing from banks; and
o the issuance of bonds.
Cash Flow and Liquidity
Net cash generated from our operating activities provides us with a significant
source of liquidity. Our operating activities generated net cash of
approximately CZK 21.7 billion in fiscal 2000, approximately CZK 21.8 billion in
fiscal 2001, and approximately CZK 19.0 billion in fiscal year 2002. In 2000,
2001, and 2002, we generated 100% of our capital investment needs from
operations.
At year end 2001, our net receivables amounted to approximately CZK 3.9
billion, an approximately CZK 0.1 billion (2.5%) decrease against the level at
the end of 2000. At year end 2001, the largest portion of our receivables was
from the REAS in the amount of approximately CZK 1.5 billion. At year end 2002,
our net receivables amounted to approximately CZK 4.1 billion, an approximately
CZK 0.2 billion (4.7%) increase against the level at the end of 2001. At year
end 2002, the largest portion of our receivables were from the REAS, in the
amount of CZK 1.3 billion, and from our exports, in the amount CZK 0.8 billion.
Our cash balances decreased from approximately CZK 2.9 billion at year end 2000
to approximately CZK 2.3 billion at year end 2001. In 2002, our cash balances
increased to approximately CZK 4.2 billion at year end 2002. Cash balances can
fluctuate substantially on the basis of the timing of borrowings and repayments
of debt.
Our total consolidated long-term debt (including current portion) decreased by
11.4% (approximately CZK 6.2 billion) during 2001 and totaled approximately CZK
48.2 billion at year end 2001. Total debt from bonds issued decreased by CZK 0.5
billion. Long-term bank loans and other loans (including current portion)
decreased by approximately CZK 5.7 billion. Our total consolidated long-term
debt (including current portion) decreased by 17.1% (approximately CZK 8.2
billion) during 2002 and totaled approximately CZK 40.0 billion at year end
2002. Total debt from bonds issued decreased by CZK 0.9 billion. Long-term bank
loans and other loans (including current portion) decreased by approximately CZK
7.3 billion.
43
Short-term loan balances decreased by 53.4% and totaled approximately CZK 0.5
billion at year-end 2001. Long-term debt due within one year increased from
approximately CZK 4.7 billion to approximately CZK 5.1 billion (or by 9.0%)
primarily due to the beginning of principal payments on loans incurred between
1995 and 1998, but which did not require payments to be made until 2000. We had
no short-term loans at the end of 2002. Current portion of long-term debt
decreased to approximately CZK 4.2 billion (or by 17.4%) primarily due to
repayment of the loans or part of the loans.
Loans and Bonds
The following table shows our outstanding long-term indebtedness as at December
31, 2002:
Indebtedness
------------
as of
-----
Facility December,
-------- -------------
Creditor Interest Rate Currency Amount 31, 2002(1) Maturity
- -------- ------------- -------- -------- ------------- --------
(millions) (CZK millions)
Bank Austria AG fixed EUR 20 183 2005
Citibank International floating USD 317 3,843 2007-2008
CSOB fixed EUR 35 150 2003-2004
Erste Bank AG fixed/floating EUR 20 234 2004-2006
European Investment Bank fixed USD 55 1,403 2013
European Investment Bank fixed EUR 44 1,198 2013
European Investment Bank floating CZK 3,441 2,912 2012-2013
Fortis Bank floating USD 55 865 2008-2009
ING Bank Floating EUR 27 248 2005
IBRD Floating USD 246 2,509 2007
Nordic Investment Bank Floating USD 50 1,507 2007
Komercni banka Floating CZK 114 10 2003
Konsolidacni agentura None CZK 80 55 2003
The Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Floating EUR 102 659 2003
Corporation
The Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Floating CZK 3,115 1,246 2003
Corporation
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 17,022
----------------
Amount payable by December 31, 2003 4,235
Balance 12,787
================
- --------------
(1) Amounts have been translated into CZK at the CNB Exchange Rate at December
31, 2002.
The following table shows our outstanding bonds as at December 31, 2002:
Original Nominal Indebtedness as of
Maturity Interest Rate ---------------- ------------------ Pre-payment Issue Date
-------- ------------- Value December 31, 2002 ----------- ----------
----- ------------------
(millions) (CZK millions)
2014 9.22 % CZK 2,500 2,493 - 1999
2009 zero coupon CZK 4,500(1) 2,832 - 1999
2008 11 1/6 % CZK 3,000 2,987 2003 and 2006 1996
2007 7.125 % USD 200(2) 5,336 - 1997
2006 7.250 % EUR 200 6,299 - 1999
2004 8.750 % CZK 3,000 2,995 - 1999
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 22,942
=============
- --------------
(1) We realized proceeds of CZK 1,863 million on this zero coupon bond.
(2) Open-market purchase by us in the amount of USD 22 million.
On April 19, 2000, we began a CZK 9.0 billion domestic commercial paper program
with a consortium of banks to cover short-term financing differences of cash
inflows and outflows. We had no outstanding indebtedness under this program as
of December 31, 2002. We applied the proceeds from this facility to the
refinancing of several of our environmental refurbishment projects and pre-paid
our 11.3% domestic bonds of CZK 4.0 billion on June 6, 2000.
44
The interest rates on indebtedness under this program range from the Prague
inter-bank offering rate ("PRIBOR") to PRIBOR plus .20%, each .01% being a basis
point ("b.p.").
On May 30, 2000, we entered into a syndicated multi-currency EUR 85 million
guarantee facility in favor of the European Investment Bank due 2013. Our
outstanding indebtedness under this credit facility as of December 31, 2002 was
CZK 2.6 billion at a floating interest rate of PRIBOR minus 5 b.p.
On October 20, 1999, CEZ Finance B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of CEZ
organized under the laws of The Netherlands and acting as a financing vehicle
for CEZ, issued Euro 200,000,000 7.25 percent Guaranteed Notes due 2006. These
notes are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by CEZ.
On January 27, 1999, we exercised a call option for CZK 4.0 billion 14.375%
bonds. We repaid the bonds using a portion of proceeds from two bond issues in
aggregate amount of CZK 7 billion, an issue of CZK 4.5 billion domestic
discounted bonds (with a zero coupon so that immediate funds due 2009 were
obtained in an amount of CZK 1.9 billion), as well as an issue of CZK 2.5
billion domestic 9.22%[F2] bonds due 2014. On June 7, 1999 we issued CZK 3.0
billion domestic 8.75% bonds due 2004 and the proceeds were used to exercise the
call option for CZK 3.0 billion 10.9% bonds. On June 6, 2000 we exercised a call
option for CZK 4.0 billion 11.3% bonds. On June 27, 2003 we intend to exercise a
call option for CZK 3.0 billion 11 1/16% bonds. We intend to repay these bonds
using proceeds from new CZK 3.0 billion domestic 3.35% bonds due 2008 issued on
June 23, 2003.
On November 11, 1998, we entered into a syndicated credit facility agreement for
an aggregate amount of DEM 280 million with a consortium of thirteen banks with
Sumitomo Bank Limited being the Facility Agent. For DEM portion of this facility
we pay interest of LIBOR plus 50 b.p. and for the CZK portion, PRIBOR plus 50
b.p.
On January 27, 1998, we entered into a credit facility agreement with the Nordic
Investment Bank for a total amount of USD 50 million. We pay interest of LIBOR
plus 50 b.p. on this facility.
On December 14, 1995, we entered into a long-term multi-currency loan provided
by the European Investment Bank in the amount of 200 million ECU (European
Currency Unit). On July 11, 1996, we obtained a guarantee valid until 2003 from
a consortium of commercial banks required by the loan agreement with the
European Investment Bank allowing us to draw-down up to ECU 100 million under
such agreement. We have made four drawdowns on this loan in denominations and
with interest rates as follows: USD 7.05%, DEM 6.33%, EUR 5.17% and CZK PRIBOR
minus 15 b.p. A new guarantee for next 5 years was obtained from the manager of
the consortium on April 8, 2003.
On December 3, 1996, we entered into two syndicated credit facility agreements
to secure financial resources for the completion of the Temelin nuclear power
plant. The first facility, arranged by Citibank, is for USD 317 million and is
guaranteed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States and by the Czech
Republic. In 2000 we drew down a total of approximately USD 92 million from this
facility to pay Westinghouse for the delivery of the information and control
systems for Unit I and II of Temelin. In 2001, we had expected to make
additional draw downs from this facility of approximately USD 61 million, of
which we anticipated that approximately USD 32 million would be drawn down for
the information and control system of Unit 2 and approximately USD 29 million
for nuclear fuel. However, due to our financial position in 2001 we decided to
cancel the undisbursed balance of the loan, or USD 61 million. In 2002 we made
principal payments on this facility of approximately USD 26.6 million. The
interest rate on this loan is LIBOR plus 30 b.p. The second facility, arranged
by Generale Bank (now operating under the name Fortis Bank), is for USD 55
million and guaranteed by the Belgium Office of National du Ducroire and by the
Czech Republic. In 2002 we drew down approximately USD 0.6 million for the
information and control system. As at December 31, 2002 approximately USD 4.7
million of the principal had been paid and no amount remained to be drawn down
under this facility as we cancelled the undisbursed balance of the loan. The
interest rate on this loan is LIBOR plus 50 b.p. In consideration for the Czech
Republic guarantees of these two credit facility agreements, we have agreed to
pledge to the Czech Republic (i) certain of our receivables from one of the
REAS, within 30 days of demand by the Czech Republic under the applicable
guarantee and (ii) the buildings at the Temelin nuclear power plant, upon
transfer of title thereto to us (due upon completion of construction thereof).
On July 17, 1992, we entered into a multi-currency loan agreement with the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for an amount equal to USD
246 million. We currently have Deutsche mark ("DEM") and USD
- ----------------------
[F2] In 2006 these bonds will bear interest at a variable interest rate defined
as CPI + 4.2%.
45
portions outstanding with applicable interest rates of DEM London inter-bank
offering rate ("LIBOR") plus 50 b.p. and World Bank variable rate plus 50 b.p.,
respectively. On December 31, 2002 our outstanding indebtedness under this
multi-currency loan agreement consisted of (i) a DEM portion of approximately
EUR 11.2 million with an applicable interest rate of 3,56% and (ii) a USD
portion of approximately USD 71.5 million with an applicable interest rate of
6.24%. This agreement contains several financial covenants relating to, among
other things, interest coverage and revenues/expense ratio. This revenue/expense
ratio requires us to maintain operating costs at a level no higher than 60% of
our operating revenues and to furnish on a semi-annual basis to the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development forecasts for the next
following year in respect of whether we expect to comply with the ratio. In the
past our operating cost to operating revenue ratio has neared the 60% level.
With the aim of avoiding a breach of this contract we successfully requested the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to waive this
revenue/expense ratio requirement for 1999 and 2000. In 2001, we met all of the
financial covenants on this loan. In 2002, we also met all of the financial
covenants on this loan.
To manage short-term financing differences of cash inflows and outflows, we
utilize a number of instruments, including commercial paper programs, T-bills,
revolving multi-currency credit facilities and bank overdrafts. Our long-term
liquidity depends on the future prices of electricity and on the demand for
electricity. With respect to managing long-term liquidity, we believe that we
will be able to secure necessary sources of funding.
Certain of our loans and the terms and conditions of guarantees issued by us
include covenants that require us to be controlled by the Czech Republic. As
part of the anticipated sale of CEZ, a.s., we plan to negotiate amendments to
these covenants to allow the sale of CEZ, a.s. by the National Property Fund. As
indicated above, certain of our loans required the proceeds to be used for the
construction of Temelin or the refurbishment of some of our coal power plants to
meet new environmental laws. In each case, we have used the proceeds in
accordance with the restrictions on use as provided in such loans.
We hold cash and cash equivalents in EUR, USD and CZK.
For 2002 we hedged against foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations affecting
our expenses of operations by using an option strategy (zero cost premium). We
believe this is the most effective strategy in situations where it is not
possible to accurately predict the amount and maturity of expenses. For more
information on hedging activities, see notes 10 and 11 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included herein.
Material Commitments for Capital Expenditures
Our existing fixed material commitments for capital expenditures for the last
financial year and from January 1, 2003 relate to the construction of Temelin
and the commencement of the modernization of the Dukovany nuclear power plant,
together with its control center. See "Property, Plants and Equipment" on page
28 for a full discussion of capital expenditures related to Temelin.
Research and Development
We currently do not run any material research and development programs.
Trend Information
Electricity consumption in the Czech Republic was on the rise at an average rate
of approximately 3% per year in the period between 1980 and 1989. Between 1990
and 1993 consumption began to decline, eventually dropping to 90% of the 1989
consumption level. In large part, decreases in industrial consumption produced
this decline. In the period 1994 to 1996, total electricity consumption in the
Czech Republic began to rise, primarily due to climatic conditions and the
government's energy price policy. This trend was reversed in 1997 when
consumption dropped by 1.8% from its 1996 levels. Net electricity consumption
(adjusted by the export/import trade balance) in 1998 was down 1.8% from 1997
levels. In 1999, total consumption declined 2.6% compared to 1998. In 2000
consumption increased approximately 2.8% compared to 1999. In 2001, consumption
increased approximately 2.8% compared to 2000. In 2002, consumption decreased
approximately 0.2% compared to 2001. In the first quarter of 2003, consumption
increased approximately 3.3% compared to the first quarter of 2002.
As a consequence of the liberalization of the energy market in the Czech
Republic, we have seen a decrease in the profitability on energy sold as the
Czech energy market has faced competition from energy imports. This trend has
been exacerbated by the lack of free competition and non-reciprocal rules
applicable for the export of electricity from
46
the Czech Republic to neighboring countries (as opposed to the import of
electricity to the Czech Republic). As a consequence, fees imposed in
neighboring countries on our exported electricity result in an energy price that
is higher than prices for electricity imports from such countries to the Czech
Republic. The REAS have reacted to this imbalance by purchasing imported cheaper
electricity. This has required us to respond by lowering our energy prices and
decreasing our profitability. In 2002, for example, we have sold electricity to
the REAS at lower prices than for the similar period in 2001 in an effort to
improve our competitive position and improve market share. If this trend
continues, we may respond by temporarily reducing our production of electricity.
On April 1, 2003, we sold our 66% share in CEPS, a.s.. Our book value of the 66%
share was CZK 2.7 billion. Expert valuation set the purchase price for the share
at CZK 15.2 billion for which we sold the share. The difference CZK 12.5 billion
represents our gain on the sale of the shares in CEPS, a.s. which will appear in
our financial statements for 2003.
On April 1, 2003, we also purchased shares in REAS held by government. This
purchase triggered our obligation under Czech law to make mandatory tender
offers to the minority shareholders of Zapadoceska energetika, a.s. and
Stredoceska energeticka, a.s. We are currently in the process of making these
mandatory tender offers. If all minority shareholders in the two REAS involved
tendered they shares to us, our maximum payment obligation would be
approximately CZK 7.5 billion. Depending on the number of shares tendered, we
intend to finance our payment obligations using our short-term funds first and
eventually to obtain financing on the financial markets.
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
We have a two-tier board system consisting of a Board of Directors and a
Supervisory Board. The Board of Directors represents us in all matters and is
charged with our management, while the Supervisory Board oversees our Board of
Directors and our executive officers. Our executive officers manage our daily
operation. Under the Czech Commercial Code, the Supervisory Board may not make
management decisions. Our highest governing body is the General Meeting of
Shareholders.
The Board of Directors must inform the Supervisory Board on certain matters, and
the Supervisory Board may request information at any time. The Czech Commercial
Code prohibits simultaneous membership on the Board of Directors and the
Supervisory Board of any company.
Board of Directors and Executive Officers
Set forth below are members of our Board of Directors and our Executive Managers
(Executive Officers).
Board of Directors:
Name Position Held Since Age
- ---- --------- ---------- ---
Jaroslav Mil.............................. Chairman of the Board of Directors 2000 44
Petr Voboril.............................. Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors 2002 52
Pavel Hejkal.............................. Member of the Board of Directors 2000 45
Josef Sedlak.............................. Member of the Board of Directors 2000 43
David Svojitka............................ Member of the Board of Directors 2003 41
Executive Managers:
Name Position Held Since Age
- ---- --------- ---------- ---
Jaroslav Mil.............................. General Manager (Chief Executive Officer) 2000 44
Petr Voboril.............................. Executive Manager - Strategic Development 2002 52
David Svojitka............................ Chief Financial Officer 2002 41
Pavel Hejkal.............................. Business Executive Manager 1999 45
Henning Probst............................ Executive Manager - Distribution 2003 45
Pavel Klika............................... Executive Manager - Conventional Power 2000 49
Zdenek Linhart............................ Executive Manager - Nuclear Power 2003 49
Jaroslav Mil. Graduated from the Czech Technical University's Faculty of
Electrical Engineering (CVUT), where he majored in power industry economics and
management, and performed postgraduate work in nuclear power. He was awarded an
M.B.A. from the Sheffield Hallam University, UK, in 1998. From 1985 to March
2000 he worked for CEZ in various technical capacities, most recently as
director of the purchasing and fuel cycles section. In late
47
March and early April 2000 he was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors and
appointed to the office of Chief Executive Officer of the largest independent
producer of electricity and heat in the Czech Republic, Elektrarny Opatovice,
a.s., which is owned by UK-based International Power. From 1993 to 1999 he was a
member of the Board of Governors of the World Nuclear Market, from February 1994
to March 2000 he was on the Board of SKODA-UJP Praha, a.s. and from September
1997 to March 2000 he was Chairman of the Board of the Radioactive Waste
Repositories Authority of the Czech Republic. In 1998 - 1999 he was a member of
the Supervisory Board of Severoceske doly, a.s. and from July/August 2000 he has
been a member of the board of the Czech Power Industry Employers' Association;
Member of the Board of the Czech Association of Employers in Energy Sector;
Member of the Board of Directors in EURELECTRIC; Member of the European Nuclear
Council (chairman for 2003); Member of the International Advisory Committee in
the Society for Strategic Management; Member of the International Chamber of
Commerce; Member of the Czech Institute of Directors; Member of the Czech
Management Association; and member of the Supervisory Board of Zapadoceska
energetika, a.s. He is a member of our Audit Committee.
Petr Voboril. Graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the
Czech Technical University (CVUT), majoring in environmental engineering; for
post-graduate studies he majored in heat supply development. In 1997, he
graduated from InterManager (European-standard management course). Since 1980,
he has been employed at state enterprise Ceske energeticke zavody, s.p., first
in the Operation Management and Heating Technology Development Department, and
he subsequently held various positions in the economic departments of the
company. Since January 1995, he has been the Managing Director of the Planning
and Analysis Division, CEZ, a. s., headquarters. He is on the Supervisory Board
of Stredoceska energeticka, a.s.
Pavel Hejkal. Graduated from the Production Economics Faculty of the Prague
University of Economics (VSE). In 1982 -1985 he worked as head of the finance
department at the Nosek Tuchlovice Mine. In 1985 -1998 he was an employee of
METALIMEX, where he held various executive positions, including Director of the
Fuels and Energy Division. From 1992 he worked for two years as METALIMEX's
representative at the German-based BIG Bayreuth operating in the fossil fuels
and electricity trade. From 1998 to July 2000 he was Managing Director of
CARBOUNION BOHEMIA, s.r.o. He is on the Supervisory Board of Severoceska
energetika, a.s.
Josef Sedlak. Graduated from the National Economy Faculty of the Prague
University of Economics (VSE). In 1982-1987 he worked as Enterprise Economist at
Kralovopolske strojirny Brno's Moravske Budejovice Plant. He has been with CEZ
since 1987, when he accepted a position at the Dukovany Nuclear Power plant.
There he held various positions until 1993, when he became one of Dukovany
Nuclear Power plant's two directors in the position of Director for Finance and
Administration. Currently he is attending the InterManager European standard
management skills course. He is a member of the Board of the Repository
Authority, a member of the Board of ESE, s.r.o. and Severoceske doly, a.s., and
a member of the Supervisory Board of Severomoravska energetika, a.s. He is a
member of our Audit Committee.
David Svojitka. Graduated from the National Economy Faculty of
Julius-Maximilians-Universitat in Wurzburg, Germany. From 1989 to 2000, he
worked for Vereinsbank AG, first in Munich then, from 1992, in Prague. From 2000
to 2002 he was a member of the board of Directors of Komercni banka, a. s. He
has been with our company from 2002 when he became our Chief Financial Officer.
Henning Probst. Graduated from the Business School of Technical University in
Braunschweig, Germany, and School of Economics of University of Hamburg. From
1990 to 2000 he worked for a German multi-utility company, and from 2000 to 2002
he held positions, including a CEO position, in several German energy companies.
He became our Executive Manager of Distribution in 2003. He is on the
Supervisory Board of Vychodoceska energetika, a.s.
Pavel Klika. Graduated from the Czech Technical University's School of
Electrical Engineering. Mr. Klika also received a Masters in Business
Administration from the Prague International Business School. From 1976 to 1981,
he worked as a shift technician at the Tusimice Power Plant's organizational
unit. From 1981 to 1985 he worked at the Prunerov II power station as the head
of two generating units. From 1985 to 1990, he worked as the head of maintenance
at the Prunerov II power station turbine hall. In 1990 he was named Director of
the Prunerov II power station. In 1993 he was named as the Director of the
Prunerov II power station's organizational unit. Mr. Klika currently serves as
the Director of Conventional Power and also serves as Chairman of the Board of
Directors of CEZTel, a member of the Supervisory Board of GAPROM, s.r.o., v
likvidaci, Severomoravska energetika, a.s. and Chairman of the Supervisory Board
of CEZnet, a.s.
48
Zdenek Linhart. Graduated from the Czech Technical University's School of
Mechanical Engineering. In 1978 he became closely involved with the construction
of the Dukovany nuclear power plant, and performed various functions there since
then, including deputy director of the operational manager. He is a member of
the Supervisory Board of JVCD, a.s. He became our Executive Manager for Nuclear
Power in 2003.
Supervisory Board
Set forth below are the incumbent members of the Supervisory Board:
Current
Initially Term
Name Appointed Expires Age
- ---- --------- ------- ----
Stanislav Kazecky (Chairperson) ...... 2003 2007 54
Zdenek Hruby (Vice-Chairperson)....... 2003 2007 46
Vaclav Krejci(1) (Vice-Chairperson)... 1993 2006 49
Jan Demjanovic ....................... 2003 2007 49
Frantisek Haman(1).................... 2000 2004 45
Jan Juchelka ......................... 2002 2006 31
Jaroslav Kosut ....................... 2003 2007 42
Martin Pecina ........................ 2003 2007 34
Jan Sevr(1)........................... 1999 2004 56
Vaclav Srba........................... 2002 2006 61
Pavel Suchy .......................... 2003 2007 48
Zdenek Zidlicky(1).................... 2002 2006 56
- -------------
(1) Employee representative.
Stanislav Kazecky. Graduated from the Prague School of Economics. Since 1994 he
is the chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer of ZVVZ, a. s. He
is also a member of the Supervisory Board of EKOKLIMA akciova spolecnost. Since
2001, he is the president of the Industry and Transportation Union of the Czech
Republic. In 2003 he was elected to our Supervisory Board and became its
Chairperson. He is a member of our Audit Committee.
Zdenek Hruby. Graduated from the Czech Technical University's School of
Electrical Engineering. Currently, he holds the office of a Deputy Minister of
Finance. He is a vice-president of the presidium of the Fond narodniho majetku,
and a member of the Board of Directors of Sokolovska uhelna, a.s., CESKY
TELEKOM, a.s. and of Kongresove centrum Praha, a.s. He was elected
Vice-Chairperson of our Supervisory Board in 2003 pursuant to an understanding
with our majority shareholder Fond narodniho majetku.
Vaclav Krejci. Graduated from the Secondary Industrial School of Chemical
Technology. Mr. Krejci has seven years experience working for Chemicke zavody
Litvinov and is an employee representative on the Supervisory Board. Since 1982,
he has worked at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Station. He has also served as an
officer of the Internal Communication Department. In 1992 he was elected to the
CEZ Supervisory Board. Since 2000 he has been the Vice-Chairperson of the
Supervisory Board. He is a member of the Supervisory Board of Rainbow Energy
Foundation.
Jan Demjanovic. Graduated from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the
Technical and Textile University in Liberec. He is a member of the Board of
Severoceske doly, a.s., Coal Energy, a.s., Teplarna Usti nad Labem, a.s. He is
also a member of the Supervisory Boards of Severozapadni ENERGO GROUP, a.s., SD
- - Kolejova doprava, a.s., and SD - Humatex, a.s.
Frantisek Haman. Graduated from the Secondary Industry School of Building
Construction. Mr. Haman has worked for CEZ since August 1984 and is an employee
representative on the Supervisory Board. Mr. Haman worked in Temelin's
investment department during the construction of the Temelin Nuclear Power
Station. Since 1992 he has been on leave, acting as the Chairman of the Labor
Organization at the Temelin Nuclear Power Station. In 2000 he was elected to the
CEZ Supervisory Board.
Jan Juchelka. Graduated from the Department of Business at Slezka University in
Karvina. From June 1995 until the present he has been employed by the National
Property Fund. He has held positions as the Director of the Securities Trading
Department, the Director of the Securities Department, Director of the Company
Holdings
49
Department and the Second Vice-Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the
National Property Fund. Mr. Juchelka holds a broker's license. He is a member of
the Board of Directors of CESKY TELEKOM, a.s. and a member of the Supervisory
Board of Komercni banka, a.s. He was elected to our Supervisory Board pursuant
to an understanding with the National Property Fund, our majority shareholder.
Jaroslav Kosut. Graduated from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of the
Charles University in Prague. In 1994 he obtained an M.B.A. from the U.S.
Business School in Prague. He is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of
UNIPLET Trebic, a.s., STAFIN, a.s., ZVI, a.s., and Via Net, s.r.o. He is a
member of the Board of Directors of SLEZAN Frydek-Mistek, a.s. and PSP
Engineering a.s.
Martin Pecina. Graduated from Mechanical Faculty of VSB - Technical University
in Ostrava, and obtained an M.B.A. from Sheffield Business School. Until 2003 he
was the CEO of HUTNI PROJEKT Frydek Mistek a.s. Since February 2003 he is a
deputy minister of industry and trade. Mr. Pecina was elected to our supervisory
board in June 2003 pursuant to an understanding with the National Property Fund,
our majority shareholder.
Jan Sevr. Graduated from the Secondary Industrial School of Mechanical
Engineering. Mr. Sevr has worked at the Melnik Power Station since 1966 and is
an employee representative on the Supervisory Board. He has worked as the head
of the shift operations management department and is also the Chairman of the
labor union organization at Melnik Power Station. In 1999 he was elected to the
CEZ Supervisory Board.
Vaclav Srba. Graduated from the Prague University of Economics (Department of
Industrial Economics) and graduated from the Management Institute. From 1958
until 1972 he worked at CKD Tatra Smichov holding various positions and ending
his tenure as the Director of the Finance and Expenditure Department. From 1972
until 1990 he worked in the State Planning Commission as, among other things,
the Director in the Finance and Prices Department. In the following two years he
worked at the Federal Ministry for Strategic Planning as a Director for
Evaluating Economic Policy. In 1992 he became the A Deputy General Director of
TOP INVEST EMPIRE, a.s. and from 1992 until 2000 a Deputy General Director of
the Sporitelni investicni spolecnosti, a.s. group. Since February 2001 he worked
at the Ministry of Finance and is currently a Deputy Minister of Industry and
Trade. He is Deputy Chairman of the Government Council - Investment Council,
member of the Presidium of the National Property Fund. He is the Chairman of the
Board of Directors of THERMAL-F, a.s., and is on the Supervisory Board of
UNIPETROL,,a.s., CEPS, a.s., Severoceska energetika,a.s., and SKODA HOLDING a.s.
Pavel Suchy. Graduated from the Prague School of Economics. Since 1994 he works
for the National Property Fund. He is a member of the Board of Directors of AERO
HOLDING a.s. v likvidaci, and a member of the Supervisory Board of UNIPETROL,
a.s. He was elected to our Supervisory Board in 2003 pursuant to an
understanding with our majority shareholder the National Property Fund.
Zdenek Zidlicky. Graduated from Secondary Technical School. Mr. Zidlicky has
held various positions in our company since 1979. Since 1993 he has been the
chairman of the CEZ-EPR II union organization. Mr. Zidlicky also holds the
position of vice-chairman of the second largest trade union in the Czech
Republic, the Independent Union Association. He is also a representative of the
trade union for energy issues in the Economic and Social Agreement Council of
the Czech republic, where he serves on the working team for economic policy and
on the consultation team for electric power sector privatization. He is a member
of our Audit Committee.
Compensation
For the year ended December 31, 2002, the aggregate compensation of all members
of our Board of Directors paid or accrued for all services in all capacities was
approximately CZK 11.7 million, including salary, bonuses and pension plans.
For the year ended December 31, 2002, the aggregate compensation of all members
of our Supervisory Board paid or accrued for all services in all capacities was
approximately CZK 28.9 million, including salary, bonuses and pension plans.
For the year ended December 31, 2002, the aggregate compensation of our
management (totaling 43 people, excluding members of the Board of Directors and
members of the Supervisory Board) paid or accrued for all services in all
capacities was approximately CZK 168 million, including salary, bonuses and
pension plans.
50
Board Practices
As of January 29, 1998, we restructured our management organizational structure,
creating a distinction between our Board of Directors and our executive
officers. The members of the Board of Directors were nominated by the National
Property Fund of the Czech Republic and elected at an Extraordinary General
Meeting of the Shareholders on January 5, 1999. Members of our current Board of
Directors are appointed by the Supervisory Board. See "Articles of Association
(Stanovy)" on page 54.
Pursuant to the Czech Commercial Code, our shareholders are entitled to appoint
and recall two-thirds of the members of the Supervisory Board. Members of the
Supervisory Board are appointed for a four-year term. The remaining members of
the Supervisory Board are (by law) employee representatives and are appointed
and recalled by CEZ employees. The shareholders and employees elect members of
the Supervisory Board for a period beginning at the end of the General Meeting
of Shareholders at which a resolution is adopted appointing them and serve until
the following General Meeting of Shareholders at which a resolution is adopted
discharging them. The Supervisory Board is responsible to the shareholders and
employees for the general supervision of CEZ's business.
Audit Committee. We have an Audit Committee whose statutes state that it is
composed of the Chairman of the Board and General Director of the Company
(currently, Jaroslav Mil), a member of the Board of Directors (currently, Josef
Sedlak), the Chairman of the Supervisory Board (currently, Stanislav Kazecky), a
member of the Supervisory Board (currently, Zdenek Zidlicky), and the director
of our internal audit department (currently, Radek Pomije). The chairman of the
Audit Committee is the Chairman of the Board and General Director of the
Company. Pursuant to these statutes, the Audit Committee is charged with the
task of ensuring regular communication with and supervision of the internal
audit department. Specifically, the Audit Committee should discuss and evaluate
the audit department's reports, annual audit plan, quarterly action plans and
should ensure that the internal audit department follows the ethics code for
internal company auditors. It is also responsible for, among other things,
regular communication and supervision of our external auditors and prepares for
the Board of Directors and Supervisory Board an evaluation of our external
auditors. The Audit Committee also evaluates the correctness and completeness of
our quarterly, half-year and annual reports.
Severance Pay. In the event that a member of our Board of Directors is recalled
from office or the office otherwise terminates prior to the end of the period
for which the member was originally appointed or elected to the board, other
than as a result of a willful criminal act committed in connection with the
performance of his duties or certain other gross violations of such duties, he
or she is entitled to receive a lump sum payment from CEZ, a.s. equal to the
aggregate amount of his or her salary calculated for the entire remaining term
of office.
Employees
The average number of our employees and our consolidated subsidiaries was 9,553,
8,532, and 7,806 for the year 2000, 2001, and 2002 respectively. As of December
31, 2002 our company, excluding CEPS, a.s., had 7,250 employees, approximately
52.5% of which are members of trade unions. The present collective bargaining
agreement between the Company and the employees, legally represented by trade
unions, expires on December 31, 2003.
We do not offer a defined benefit pension or other such post employment benefits
to our employees. Instead, we pay a payroll related tax (similar to FICA) to the
government. The Czech government provides pension payments to retired employees
(similar to the U.S. Social Security Program). The government also compensates,
directly, employee absences from work due to illness. We accrue for unused
available vacation pay at year end. We expense as incurred any severance pay
incurred; two months salary as required by law.
We do not have a history of strikes or work stoppages and no material labor
related claims are pending. We believe that relations with our employees are
good. There have been no strikes or work stoppages since the foundation of the
Company in 1992. Although we have experienced strike alerts in the past these
did not result in actual strikes or work stoppages. Since the date of our
foundation in 1992 we have reduced the number of employees by approximately
9,033 which represents a 55% reduction from our 1992 level. This reduction has
brought the ratio of employees to installed MW closer to ratios found in other
advanced European power companies. The reduction has also resulted in an
increase in the average level of education of our employees. We have completed
the process of an organizational audit which resulted at lowering the number of
our employees, and we are weighing other options aimed at further lowering the
number of our employees. Czech law entitles all employees dismissed by reason of
redundancy or organizational changes to a severance payment in the amount of two
months' pay.
51
Share Ownership
Our members of the Board of Directors hold 440 of our common shares. Our members
of the Supervisory Boards hold, in aggregate, 3,513 of our common shares. None
of the members of the Board of Directors or the Supervisory Board holds more
than 1% of our outstanding common shares.
Share Options. Our shareholders approved stock option agreements in 2001 with
each member of our Board of Directors and Supervisory Board as part of their
compensation package. Pursuant to such agreements, the members have the right to
purchase, in aggregate, 3.9 million common shares of CEZ, a.s. at a price equal
to the six-month weighted average of our share price on the Prague Stock
Exchange measured from the date the member signs the option agreement. The
members of the Board of Directors and Supervisory Board received these options
from us as part of their compensation package and without paying consideration
therefor. Each member may exercise its call option rights, in full or in part,
at any time during the period specified in the relevant stock option agreement,
such period being generally set to correspond with the term for which the member
was elected or appointed to the respective board. The stock option agreements do
not restrict a member's right to exercise call rights in the event that the
member is recalled from office or resigns prior to the original term. Our
members of the Board of Directors hold, in aggregate, call options for 1,050,000
of our common shares. Our members of the Supervisory Board hold, in aggregate,
options for 300,000 of our common shares. None of the members of the Board of
Directors or the Supervisory Board holds call options for more than 1% of our
outstanding common shares.
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
As of December 31, 2002, our registered capital was equal to CZK 59,221,084,300
in denominations of nominal value CZK 100. All of these shares have been paid in
full and are book-entry shares in bearer form. Our common stock is publicly
traded on the two largest organized trading markets in the Czech Republic, the
Burza cennych papiru Praha, a.s. (the "Prague Stock Exchange") and the RM
System, a.s.
Major Shareholders
The following table sets forth shareholdings in our company according to the
records of the Commercial Register by all owners of more than 5% of our voting
shares and by all officers and directors of the Company as a group as of June
11, 2003:
Percentage
of Total
Identity of Shares Shares
Person or Group Owned Outstanding
--------------- ------ ------------
National Property Fund 400,407,897 67.61
Members of the Board of Directors, members of the
Supervisory Board, and other Executive Officers as
a group (20 persons) 29,383 0.005
With the exception of the NPF, to our knowledge, no other individual shareholder
owns more than 5% of our outstanding shares.
Voting rights of shareholders owning more than 5% of our shares do not differ
from other shareholders.
Twenty-two (22) persons with U.S. addresses directly hold a total of 9,735,576
of our common shares. It is difficult and impractical to determine what portion
of our common shares is beneficially held in the United States and the number of
such beneficial holders in the United States.
The Czech government has passed several resolutions calling for the sale of CEZ.
The Czech government controls our majority shareholder, the NPF. While the
government has expressed its intention through such resolutions and otherwise,
there can be no assurance that the Czech government will, in fact, instruct the
NPF to sell all or part of
52
the NPF's shareholding in CEZ. For more information on the proposed
privatization of CEZ, see "Risk Factors" on page 8.
The Notes and Guarantees are held in fully registered global form in the name of
Cede & Co. as the nominee of the Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). Thus, Cede &
Co. is the only record holder of the Notes and Guarantees.
Transfer of beneficial interests of the Notes and Guarantees are effected
through the records of DTC (for transfers among DTC participants) and through
the records of individual DTC participants (for transfers among the clients of
such DTC participants). Thus, it is difficult and impractical to determine what
portion of the Notes and Guarantees is beneficially held in the United States
and the number of such beneficial holders in the United States.
Related Party Transactions
We purchase products from related parties in the ordinary course of business.
Severoceske doly, a.s., a company in which we hold an approximately 37% share,
supplies approximately 60% of our fossil fuel needs. In 2000, 2001, and 2002,
coal purchases (including value-added tax) from Severoceske doly, a.s., amounted
to approximately CZK 6,530 million, CZK 6,565 million, and CZK 5,967 million,
respectively. The prices of fossil fuel supplies from Severoceske doly, a.s. do
not differ significantly from market prices.
SKODA PRAHA, a.s. is our general supplier of technology and equipment for
Temelin and is 55% owned by the National Property Fund. In February and July
1999, we purchased 166,122 shares of Skoda Praha, a.s., which represents an
approximately 30% interest in the company. Our purchases from Skoda Praha, a.s.,
including value added tax, amounted to approximately CZK 8,237 million, CZK
4,862 million, and CZK 3,461 million in 2000, 2001, and 2002, respectively. Our
purchases from Skoda Praha, a.s. relate primarily to the construction of
Temelin.
As of April 1, 2003, we own majority interests in five REAS and minority
interests in three REAS, all of whom are our primary customers. We also control
certain strategic decisions of the REAS where we hold majority interests. See
"Material Contracts" on page 57.
Item 8. Financial Information
See the selected consolidated financial data presented under "Item 3. Key
Information" and financial statements presented under "Item 18. Financial
Statements". We prepare the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with
IFRS which differ in certain important respects from U.S. GAAP. Note 26 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements provides a description of the principal
differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net
earnings and total shareholders' equity for the periods and as of the dates
therein indicated.
Dividends. Prior to our general meeting of shareholders on June 19, 2001, we
have never paid dividends. Our general meeting of shareholders on June 19, 2001
approved a dividend distribution of CZK 2.0 per share to be paid to shareholders
of record as of June 13, 2001 to be paid on August 1, 2001. Our general meeting
of shareholders on June 11, 2002 approved a dividend distribution of CZK 2.5 per
share to be paid to shareholders of record as of June 5, 2002 to be paid on
August 1, 2002. Our general meeting of shareholders on June 17, 2003 approved a
dividend distribution of CZK 4.50 per share to be paid to shareholders of record
as of June 11, 2003 to be paid on or after August 1, 2003.
Export Sales
In 2002, we exported a total of 16,008 GWh which generated revenues of CZK 9.2
billion. In 2002, the revenues from electricity exports represented
approximately 17.3% of total revenues from electricity sales.
Litigation
We are involved in legal proceedings that are incidental to the normal conduct
of our business. We do not believe that liabilities relating to such proceedings
will have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial
condition or results of operations.
53
Item 9. The Offer and Listing
The Notes and Guarantees are not listed on any U.S. or foreign securities
exchange or other organized trading market. Thus, no reliable pricing
information is available and we can give no assurance as to the existence or the
liquidity of the trading market for the Notes.
On March 18, March 23, April 15 and June 11, 1998, we repurchased USD 2 million,
USD 10 million, USD 7 million and USD 3 million, in nominal value of the Notes,
respectively, at prices of USD 97.25, USD 96.97, USD 97.10 and USD 98.40,
respectively, per Note plus accrued interest.
Item 10. Additional Information
Articles of Association (Stanovy)
Organization and Register
CEZ, a.s. is a stock corporation organized in the Czech Republic under the
Commercial Code. CEZ, a.s. is registered in the Commercial Register (Obchodni
rejstrik) maintained by the local court in Prague, Czech Republic, under the
entry number "B1581".
Corporate Governance
Czech stock corporations are governed by three separate bodies: the general
meeting of shareholders, the supervisory board and the board of directors. Their
roles are defined by Czech law and by our articles of association (stanovy), and
may be described generally as follows:
o The General Meeting of Shareholders approves the amount of the
annual dividend, if any, amendments to the Articles of
Association, liquidation, capital increases, electing and
recalling of Supervising Board members (other than those elected
by employees), our financial statements, and certain significant
corporate transactions.
o The Supervisory Board appoints and removes the members of the
board of directors and oversees the management of our company.
This differs from the default provisions of the Czech Commercial
Code, which state that Members of the Board of Directors are
appointed by the general meeting. Czech law permits the Articles
of Association to empower the Supervisory Board to appoint the
Board of Directors. Although prior approval of the Supervisory
Board may be required in connection with certain significant
matters, the law prohibits the Supervisory Board from making
management decisions.
o The Board of Directors manages our business and represents us in
dealings with third parties. The board of directors submits
regular reports to the Supervisory Board about our operations and
business strategies, and prepares special reports upon request. A
person may not serve on the Board of Directors and the
Supervisory Board of a corporation at the same time.
Several additional corporate governance provisions applicable to CEZ, a.s. are
summarized below.
Objects and Purposes
Our Articles of Association state our scope of business in Article 5. Our object
is to pursue, directly or indirectly, business in the fields of the energy
industry, in particular in the following lines of business:
o generation, transmission, sale, transit, import and export of
electricity;
o generation, distribution, and sale of heat;
o electrical equipment design;
o production and installation of, and repairs to electrical machines and
devices;
o automated data processing;
o installation, repair, maintenance of designated electrical equipment;
o reprographic services;
54
o testing of electrical equipment;
o production of de-mineralized water; analyses of oils, water and coal;
o lease of goods;
o purchase of goods for resale and sale - except for goods listed in the
appendices to Act No. 455/1991 Coll. on Trades, and goods excluded
thereby;
o installation, repairs, reconstruction and periodic testing of
designated pressure equipment;
o installation and repairs of electronic equipment; and
o production of machinery, trading in goods, transport, quality
consulting and other related support activities.
The Articles of Association authorize CEZ, a.s. to take all actions that serve
the ends of its objects.
Directors
Under Czech law, our Supervisory Board and Board of Directors members owe a duty
of loyalty and care to CEZ, a.s. They must exercise the standard of care of a
prudent and diligent businessman and bear the burden of proving they did so if
their actions are contested. Those who violate their duties may be held jointly
and severally liable for any resulting damages.
Under the Articles of Association, the general meeting of the shareholders
decides on the Board Directors compensation. Directors may not award
compensation to themselves. However, the Board of Directors may decide on the
distribution of director compensation awarded by the general meeting, unless the
general meeting has already done so.
See also "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees" on page 48 for
further information about the Supervisory Board and the Board of Directors.
Ordinary Shares
The capital stock of CEZ, a.s. consists of ordinary shares, nominal value CZK
100, which are issued in registered form. Record holders of ordinary shares are
registered in the share register maintained by the Czech Securities Center
(Stredisko cennych papiru).
Some of the significant provisions under Czech law and our Articles of
Association relating to ordinary shares may be summarized as follows:
o Capital Increases. The share capital may be increased in
consideration for contributions in cash or in property, or by
establishing authorized capital or conditional capital.
Authorized capital provides the Board of Directors with the
flexibility to issue new shares for a period up to five years
under certain conditions. Conditional capital allows the Board of
Directors to issue new shares for a specific purpose. Capital
increases require a decision of General meeting of shareholders
approved by 2/3 of the votes present at the shareholders'
meeting. Our Articles of Association do not contain conditions
regarding changes in the share capital that are more stringent
than the law requires.
o Redemption. The share capital may also be reduced by a decision
of the general meeting of shareholders approved by 2/3 of the
votes present at the shareholders' meeting.
o Preemptive Rights. Our Articles of Association provide that the
preemptive right of shareholders to subscribe for any issue of
additional shares in proportion to their share holdings in the
existing capital may be excluded under certain circumstances.
o Liquidation. If CEZ, a.s. were to be liquidated, any liquidation
proceeds remaining after all of its liabilities were paid would
be distributed to its shareholders in proportion to their share
holdings.
o No Limitation on Foreign Ownership. There are no limitations
under Czech law or in our Articles of Association on the right of
persons who are not citizens or residents of the Czech Republic
to hold or vote ordinary shares.
55
Dividends
Dividends in respect of ordinary shares may be declared once a year at the
general meeting of shareholders. The Supervisory Board discusses the financial
statements for each fiscal year and recommends the disposition of all
unappropriated profits for approval by shareholders at the general meeting of
shareholders. Shareholders registered in the share register on the date of the
meeting are entitled to receive the dividend, if any. Dividends, if any, are
paid to shareholders in proportion to their percentage ownership of the
outstanding capital stock.
Our Articles of Association state that we may distribute our profit in the
following manner: we must contribute at least 5% of profit to our
non-distributable reserve fund until the reserve fund reaches a level of 20% of
the amount of our registered capital, into other funds of the Company,
dividends, and benefits for members of the Supervisory Board and the Board of
Directors.
Voting Rights
Each ordinary share represents one vote. Cumulative voting is not permitted
under Czech law. Our Articles of Association provide that resolutions are passed
at shareholder meetings by a simple majority of votes cast, unless a higher vote
is required by law or our Articles of Association. Our Articles of Association
require that the following matters, among others, be approved by the affirmative
vote of 2/3 of the issued shares present at the shareholders' meeting at which
the matter is proposed:
o amendments to the Articles of Association;
o capital increases and capital decreases; and
o dissolution.
Czech law requires that, among other things, the limitation or exclusion of
preemptive rights of shareholders to subscribe for new shares under certain
conditions or to acquire convertible or priority debt shall be approved by a 3/4
majority of votes of all shareholders present at the shareholder's meeting at
which the matter is proposed. Furthermore, Czech law requires that, among other
things, (i) a change of form and type of shares, (ii) a change of rights related
to certain types of shares, (iii) restrictions of the disposability of shares
and (iv) cancellation of public tradability shall be approved, in addition to
the simple majority of votes of all attending shareholders, also by at least a
3/4 majority of votes of attending shareholders holding the shares to be
affected by such change.
General Meetings of Shareholders
The Board of Directors, the Supervisory Board under specific circumstances, or
shareholders owning in the aggregate at least 3% of the issued shares may call a
meeting of shareholders. There is a 30% minimum quorum of outstanding shares
requirement for shareholder meetings. Among other things, the general meeting
approves the amount of the annual dividend, if any, amendments to the Articles
of Association, and certain significant corporate transactions. Eight members of
the Supervisory Board are appointed by the general meeting of shareholders and
four members are elected by employees.
In order to be entitled to participate and vote at the general meeting of
shareholders, a shareholder must be registered in the share register six days
prior to the meeting date. Shareholders may vote by proxy. As a foreign private
issuer, CEZ, a.s. is not required to file a proxy statement under U.S.
securities law. The proxy voting process for our shareholders is similar to the
process utilized by publicly held companies incorporated in the United States.
Change in Control
There are no provisions in the Articles of Association that would have an effect
of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of CEZ, a.s. However,
general principles of Czech law may restrict business combinations under certain
circumstances.
Disclosure Of Share Holdings
Our Articles of Association do not require shareholders to disclose their share
holdings. The Czech Commercial Code, however, requires holders of voting
securities of a corporation whose shares are listed on a stock exchange to
notify the corporation, Czech Securities Commission and Czech Securities Center
of the number of shares they hold
56
if that number reaches, exceeds or falls below specified thresholds. These
thresholds are 5 %, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 1/3, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 2/3,
70%, 75%, 80%, 90% and 95% of the corporation's outstanding voting rights.
Material Contracts
Purchase of REAS and Sale of CEPS, a s.
At our June 11, 2002 shareholders' meeting, our shareholders approved the sale
of 66% of our shares in CEPS, a.s. in exchange for the National Property Fund's
shares in the eight REAS. At the same shareholders' meeting, our shareholders
also approved the purchase of 1.98% of the outstanding shares of Zapadoceska
energetika, a.s. from Ceska konsolidacni agentura. On March 20, 2003, we
received an affirmative opinion from the Czech Anti-monopoly Office approving
the sale of the distribution companies to us. On April 1, 2003 the transfer of
the shares of the eight distribution companies to us was consummated.
Concurrently, we transferred a 51% share in CEPS, a. s. to OSINEK, a. s., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Property Fund, and a 15% share in CEPS,
a. s. to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
To procure this transaction we have entered into several contracts with the
entities involved, in particular:
o Share Purchase Agreement between the National Property Fund as Seller
and CEZ, a. s. as Purchaser, dated June 28, 2002;
o Share Purchase Agreement between CEZ, a. s. as Seller and OSINEK, a.s.
as Purchaser, dated June 28, 2002;
o Share Purchase Agreement between Ceska konsolidacni agentura as Seller
and CEZ, a. s. as Purchaser, dated July 22, 2002; and
o Share Purchase Agreement between CEZ, a. s. as Seller and Ministry of
Labor and Social Affairs as Purchaser, dated August 19, 2002.
Pursuant to these contracts we purchased the following stakes in the individual
REAS:
o 34.00% in Jihoceska energetika, a.s., and we increased our share
in this REAS to 34.01%;
o 33.40% in Jihomoravska energetika, a.s., and we increased our
share in this REAS to 35.21%;
o 48.05% in Severoceska energetika, a.s., and we increased our
share in this REAS to 51.00%;
o 48.65% in Severomoravska energetika, a.s., and we increased our
share in this REAS to 59.08%;
o 49.62% in Vychodoceska energetika, a.s., and we increased our
share in this REAS to 50.07%;
o 50.26% in Zapadoceska energetika, a.s., and we increased our
share in this REAS to 50.26%;
o 58.30% in Stredoceska energeticka, a.s., and we increased our
share in this REAS to 58.30%; and
o 34.00% in Prazska energetika, a.s., and we increased our share in
this REAS to 34.00%.
We purchased the REAS for CZK 32.1 billion and we sold 51% of our stake in CEPS,
a.s. for CZK 12.1 billion to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Property
Fund, OSINEK, a.s. We sold further 15% in CEPS, a.s. for CZK 3.1 billion to the
Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. We also purchased 1.98% stake in
Zapadoceska energetika, a.s. from Ceska konsolidacni agentura for CZK 0.2
bilion. After netting the price we should pay for the REAS against the price
that we should receive for CEPS, a.s., we are required to pay the National
Property Fund approximately CZK 15.2 billion. We have issued four promissory
notes for this amount and we will pay the amount in four installments until
mid-2006. We paid the first installment in the amount of CZK 1.5 billion on
April 1, 2003. In mid-2003 we will pay another CZK 3.85 billion, and other
payments will take place gradually until the year 2006. Czech government
expressed interest in accelerating the payment schedule. One of the considered
options is to pay the whole amount at the end on 2003. In such case, we could
use our short-term funds and eventually we would probably seek to obtain
long-term financing of the paid amount from financial markets. We do not expect
that such adjustment of the payment schedule would significantly influence our
business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations.
Originally, the 66% share in CEPS, a.s. was valued by an expert valuator at CZK
15.0 billion. At the request of OSINEK, a.s. a new valuation was done and the
new expert valuator valued the 66% share in CEPS, a.s. at CZK 15.2 billion. The
amounts above reflect this new valuation of CEPS, a.s.
57
No Other Material Contracts
Apart from the above transactions, in the years 2001 and 2002, we did not enter
into any material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary
course of business.
Exchange Controls
The CZK is a fully convertible currency. We are not required to have any foreign
exchange license or other authorization under Act No. 219/1995 Coll. (the
"Foreign Exchange Act") for direct or indirect payment of the principal and
interest on the Notes or the Guarantees. The Foreign Exchange Act sets forth
certain exchange controls, which include both direct and indirect tools. Most
importantly, any person (other than licensed banks operating in the Czech
Republic) who wants to carry out transactions in foreign exchange values or
arrange payments to or from abroad needs a foreign exchange license if such
activity is to be carried out as a business activity. Furthermore, certain
transactions effected by Czech residents (as well as foreign residents carrying
out business activity in the Czech Republic) are subject to a notification duty.
The Foreign Exchange Act has established equal access to foreign exchange for
all residents, whether individuals or legal entities and whether or not the
exchange is for business purposes. The Foreign Exchange Act no longer requires
residents to convert any acquired foreign exchange funds into crowns, and allows
all entities (whether residents or non-residents) to open foreign exchange
accounts with Czech banks or, subject to a notification duty, with foreign
banks.
Currently, the Foreign Exchange Act allows Czech and foreign residents to
purchase or sell an unlimited amount of Czech or foreign currency from or to any
person for any purpose. Prior to making any payment abroad, banks are authorized
to require the production of documents evidencing the purpose of the requested
payment.
The Foreign Exchange Act introduced the possibility of a "compulsory deposit,"
which would impose a duty upon certain entities (which could include the
Company) to keep a certain amount of cash in a special account with a Czech bank
in the interests of stabilizing the Czech currency. Such moneys include, among
others, funds raised by Czech residents through foreign bond issues or loans
provided by non-residents. The Czech National Bank, in consultation with the
Ministry of Finance, must establish and promulgate in full in the Collection of
Laws, an administrative ruling for the compulsory deposit obligation. The Czech
National Bank has not issued any such administrative ruling measure.
The Foreign Exchange Act authorizes the government to declare a state of
emergency in the foreign exchange economy in the event of an imminent and
serious danger to (i) the paying capacity with respect to foreign countries or
to (ii) the internal currency balance of the Czech Republic. The government must
announce any state of emergency in the foreign exchange economy in the mass
media and it may not last for longer than three months from the date of the
announcement. In the event of a danger to the paying capacity with respect to
foreign countries, it would be prohibited, inter-alia, to make any payments from
the Czech Republic abroad, including any transfers of funds between banks and
their branch offices, except as specifically permitted by the applicable foreign
exchange authority. In the event of a danger to the internal currency balance,
it would be prohibited, inter-alia, to sell domestic securities to
non-residents, to open accounts for non-residents in the Czech Republic, to
deposit funds into non-residents' accounts or to transfer funds from abroad to
the Czech Republic between banks and their branch offices, except as permitted
in each of the above cases by the applicable foreign exchange authority.
Taxation General
The information set out below is only a summary description of certain material
Dutch, Czech and United States Federal income tax consequences of the purchase,
ownership and disposition of the Notes, but it does not purport to be a
comprehensive description of all the tax considerations that may be relevant to
a decision to purchase the Notes. This summary does not describe any tax
consequences arising under the laws of any state, locality or taxing
jurisdiction other than The Netherlands, the Czech Republic and the United
States.
This summary is based on the tax laws of The Netherlands, the Czech Republic and
the United States as in effect on the date of this Annual Report, as well as
regulations, rulings and decisions of The Netherlands, the Czech Republic and
the United States and their respective taxing and other authorities available on
or before such date and now in effect. All of the foregoing is subject to
change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the continued
validity of this summary.
58
Because it is a general summary, holders of the Notes should consult their own
tax advisors as to the Dutch, Czech, United States or other tax consequences of
the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Notes, including, in particular,
the application to their particular situations of the tax considerations
discussed below, as well as the application of state, local, foreign or other
tax laws.
Netherlands Taxation
All payments under the Notes may be made free of withholding or deduction for or
on account of any taxes of whatsoever nature imposed, levied, withheld or
assessed by The Netherlands or any political subdivision or taxing authority
thereof or therein.
A holder of a Note will not be subject to Dutch taxation on (deemed) income or
capital gains in respect of the holding of a Note, income such holder derives
from a Note or a gain such holder realizes on the disposal or redemption of a
Note unless: (i) such holder is, or is deemed to be, resident in The
Netherlands, or is an individual who has elected to be taxed as a resident of
the Netherlands; (ii) such income or gain is attributable to an enterprise or
part thereof which is carried on through a permanent establishment or permanent
representative in The Netherlands; or (iii) such holder is an individual who
performs activities in the Netherlands with respect to the Notes that exceed
normal asset management; or (iv) such holder is an individual who has, or
certain persons related or deemed related to that holder have, directly or
indirectly, a substantial interest, as defined in the Netherlands Income Tax Act
2001 (Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001), in the issuer of the Notes, or in any
company that legally or in fact, directly or indirectly, has the disposition of
any part of the proceeds of the Notes; or (v) such holder is not an individual
and has, directly or indirectly, a substantial interest or a deemed substantial
interest, as defined in the Netherlands Income Tax Act 2001 (Wet
inkomstenbelasting 2001), in the Company, or, in the event that that holder does
have such interest, it forms part of the assets of an enterprise; or (vi) such
holder is entitled to a share in the profits of, or has an interest in, an
enterprise effectively managed in The Netherlands other than by way of the
holding of securities or through an employment contract and the Note, the income
or the gain is attributable to such enterprise. If a holder of a Note is not a
resident or a deemed resident in the Netherlands, but is a resident in another
country the following may apply. If a double taxation convention is in effect
between the Netherlands and the country in which such holder of a Note is
resident, such holder, may, depending on the terms of and subject to compliance
with the procedures for claiming benefits under such double taxation convention,
be eligible for a full or partial exemption from Netherlands taxes (if any) on
(deemed) income or capital gains in respect of the a Note provided such holder
is entitled to the benefits of that treaty.
Dutch gift, estate or inheritance taxes will not be levied on the transfer of a
Note by way of gift by, or on the death of, a holder unless: (i) such holder is,
or is deemed to be, resident in The Netherlands; or (ii) the transfer is
construed as an inheritance or bequest or as a gift made by or on behalf of a
person who, at the time of the gift or his death, is, or is deemed to be,
resident in The Netherlands; or (iii) such holder owns an enterprise or an
interest in an enterprise which is carried on through a permanent establishment
or a permanent representative in The Netherlands to which or to whom the Note is
attributable; or (iv) such holder is entitled to a share in the profits of an
enterprise effectively managed in The Netherlands other than by way of the
holding of securities or through an employment contract and the Note is income
or the gain are attributable to such enterprise.
There is no Dutch registration tax, capital tax, stamp duty or any other similar
tax or duty other than court fees and contributions for the registrations with
the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce, payable in The Netherlands by a
holder of a Note in respect of or in connection with the execution, delivery and
enforcement by legal proceedings (including any foreign judgment in the courts
of The Netherlands) of the Notes or the performance of the CEZ' obligations
under the Notes.
There is no Dutch value added tax payable in respect of payments in
consideration for the issue of the Notes or in respect of the payment of
interest or principal under the Notes or the transfer of the Notes.
A holder of a Note will not become resident, or be deemed to be resident, in The
Netherlands by reason only of the holding of a Note or the execution,
performance, delivery and/or enforcement of the Notes.
The Council of the European Union has on June 3, 2003 adopted a directive
regarding the taxation of savings income. Under this directive Member States
will be required to provide to the competent authorities of another Member State
information (including the identity of the recipient) regarding payments of
interest or other similar income if the paying agent (as defined in the
directive, this not necessarily the debtor of the debt-claim producing
59
the interest) is resident in that Member State and the individual who is
beneficial owner of the interest payment is resident in that other Member State,
subject to the right of Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria to opt instead for a
withholding system during a transitional period. Under this directive the Member
States of the European Union are required to adopt and publish the laws,
regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the directive
before January 1, 2004. These laws, regulations and administrative provisions
will, subject to a number of important conditions being met, have to be applied
from January 1, 2005. At least six months before January 1, 2005 the Council of
the European Union will decide, by unanimity, whether these conditions have been
met.
Czech Republic Taxation
Payments Under the Guarantee to Holders of the Notes. In general, Czech
withholding tax is levied at a flat rate of 15% on payments by the Guarantor to
holders of the Notes who are not resident in the Czech Republic under the
Guarantee that are referable to interest payable on the Notes. Pursuant to the
applicable tax treaty between the Czech Republic and the United States, the
withholding tax is not levied if the beneficial owner of the interest is
resident in the United States, is eligible for the benefits of the tax treaty
between the Czech Republic and the United States, and does not have a permanent
establishment in the Czech Republic.
Repayment of the principal amount of the Notes by the Guarantor under the
Guarantees to holders of the Notes not resident in the Czech Republic is, to the
extent that such payment exceeds the issue price of the Notes, subject to 15%
withholding tax. Pursuant to the applicable tax treaty between the Czech
Republic and the United States, the withholding tax is not levied if the
beneficial owner of the principal amount is resident in the United States, is
eligible for the benefits of the tax treaty between the Czech Republic and the
United States and does not have a permanent establishment in the Czech Republic.
In general, Czech withholding tax is levied at a flat rate of 15% on interest
payments of CEZ to CEZ Finance B.V. to enable CEZ Finance B.V. make payments of
interest in respect of the Notes (payment of principle is not subject to
withholding tax). Pursuant to the applicable tax treaty between the Czech
Republic and the Netherlands, the withholding tax is not levied if CEZ Finance
B.V. qualifies as the beneficial owner of the interest, is eligible for the
benefits of the tax treaty between the Czech Republic and the Netherlands and
does not have a permanent establishment in the Czech Republic.
United States Federal Income Taxation
The following is a summary of the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences
of the acquisition, ownership and retirement of Notes by a holder thereof. This
summary only applies to Notes held as capital assets and does not address,
except as set forth below, aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be
applicable to holders that are subject to special tax rules, such as financial
institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, regulated
investment companies, grantor trusts, tax-exempt organizations or dealers or
traders in securities or currencies, or to holders that will hold a Note as part
of a position in a "straddle" or as part of a "hedging", "conversion" or
"integrated" transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes or that have a
"functional currency" other than the U.S. dollar. Moreover, this summary does
not address the U.S. federal estate and gift or alternative minimum tax
consequences of the acquisition, ownership or retirement of Notes and does not
address the U.S. federal income tax treatment of holders that do not acquire
Notes as part of the initial distribution at their initial issue price. Each
prospective purchaser should consult its tax advisor with respect to the U.S.
federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of acquiring, holding and
disposing of Notes.
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, existing
and proposed Treasury Regulations, administrative pronouncements and judicial
decisions, each as available and in effect on the date hereof. All of the
foregoing are subject to change (possibly with retroactive effect) or differing
interpretations which could affect the tax consequences described herein.
For purposes of this summary, a "U.S. Holder" is a beneficial owner of Notes who
for U.S. federal income tax purposes is (i) a citizen or resident of the United
States; (ii) a corporation or a partnership organized in or under the laws of
the United States or any State thereof (including the District of Columbia);
(iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation
regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust (1) that validly elects to be treated
as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (2)(a) the
administration over which a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision and (b)
all of the substantial decisions of which one or more United States persons have
the authority to control. A "Non-U.S. Holder" is a beneficial owner of Notes
other than a U.S. Holder.
60
If a partnership (or any other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal
income tax purposes) holds Notes, the tax treatment of the partnership and a
partner in such partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner
and the activities of the partnership. Such partnership or partner should
consult its own tax advisor as to its consequences.
Interest
Interest paid on a Note or under the CEZ guarantee thereof (including the amount
of any Dutch or Czech withholding tax thereon and any Additional Amounts) will
be includible in a U.S. Holder's gross income as ordinary interest income in
accordance with the U.S. Holder's usual method of tax accounting. In addition,
interest on the Notes will be treated as foreign source income for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. For U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes, interest
on the Notes generally will constitute "passive income," or, in the case of
certain U.S. Holders, "financial services income," while interest paid under the
Guarantee would constitute "high withholding tax interest" payments if such
interest is subject to withholding tax at a rate of 5% or more.
Subject to the discussion below under the caption "U.S. Backup Withholding Tax
and Information Reporting," payments of interest on a Note to a Non-U.S. Holder
generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless such income is
effectively connected with the conduct by such Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or
business in the United States.
Sale, Exchange or Retirement
Upon the sale, exchange or retirement of a Note, a U.S. Holder will recognize
taxable gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the amount
realized on the sale, exchange or retirement (other than accrued but unpaid
interest which will be taxable as such) and the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis
in such Note. A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in a Note generally will equal
the cost of such Note to the Holder. Such gain or loss generally will be capital
gain or loss. In the case of a non-corporate U.S. Holder, the maximum marginal
U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to such gain will be lower than the
maximum marginal U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to ordinary income if
such U.S. Holder's holding period for such Note exceeds one year (other than,
with respect to taxable years of a U.S. Holder that begin after the year 2002,
certain dividends). Any gain or loss realized on the sale, exchange or
retirement of a Note generally will be treated as U.S. source gain or loss, as
the case may be. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Subject to the discussion below under the caption "U.S. Backup Withholding Tax
and Information Reporting," any gain realized by a Non-U.S. Holder upon the
sale, exchange or retirement of a Note generally will not be subject to U.S.
federal income tax, unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the
conduct by such Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States or
(ii) in the case of any gain realized by an individual Non-U.S. Holder, such
holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year
of such sale, exchange or retirement and certain other conditions are met.
U.S. Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting
United States backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements
generally apply to certain payments of principal of, and interest on, an
obligation and to proceeds of the sale or redemption of an obligation, to
certain non-corporate holders of Notes that are United States persons.
Information reporting generally will apply to payments of principal of, and
interest on, an obligation and to proceeds of the sale or redemption of an
obligation made within the United States to a holder of an obligation (other
than an "exempt recipient", including a corporation and certain other persons).
The payor will be required to withhold backup withholding tax on payments made
within the United States on a Note to a holder of a Note that is a United States
person, other than an exempt recipient, such as a corporation, if the holder
fails to furnish its correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails
to comply with, or establish an exemption from, the backup withholding
requirements. Payments within the United States of principal and interest to a
holder of a Note that is not a United States person will not be subject to
backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements if an appropriate
certification is provided by the holder to the payor and the payor does not have
actual knowledge or a reason to know that the certificate is incorrect. The
backup withholding tax rate is 30% for the year 2002 and 28% for years 2003
through 2010.
In the case of such payments made within the United States to a "foreign simple
trust," a "foreign grantor trust" or a foreign partnership (other than payments
to a foreign simple trust, a foreign grantor trust or a foreign partnership that
qualifies as a "withholding foreign trust" or a "withholding foreign
partnership" within the meaning of the
61
applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations and payments to a foreign simple trust, a
foreign grantor trust or a foreign partnership that are effectively connected
with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States), the beneficiaries
of the foreign simple trust, the persons treated as the owners of the foreign
grantor trust or the partners of the foreign partnership, as the case may be,
will be required to provide the certification discussed above in order to
establish an exemption from backup withholding tax and information reporting
requirements. Moreover, a payor may rely on a certification provided by a payee
that is not a United States person only if such payor does not have actual
knowledge or a reason to know that any information or certification stated in
such certificate is incorrect.
THE ABOVE SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF ALL TAX
CONSEQUENCES RELATING TO THE OWNERSHIP OF NOTES. PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF NOTES
SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR
PARTICULAR SITUATIONS.
Payment of Additional Amounts
CEZ is required to make all payments in respect of the Notes and the Guarantor
is required to make all payments in respect of the Guarantees, free and clear
of, and without withholding or deduction for any present or future taxes, duties
or fines (or interest thereon) imposed by The Netherlands, the Czech Republic or
any political subdivision thereof (collectively, "Tax" or "Taxes"), unless such
withholding or deduction is required by law. In such event CEZ Finance B.V. or
CEZ is required to pay such additional amounts ("Additional Amounts") as may be
necessary to ensure that the amounts received by the holders of the Notes after
such withholding or deduction shall equal the amounts of principal, interest and
premium, if any, which would have been receivable in respect of the Notes in the
absence of such withholding or deduction.
No such Additional Amounts shall be payable, however, in respect of any Note or
Guarantee (i) in the case of payments for which presentation of such Note is
required, presented for payment more than 30 days after the later of (a) the
date on which such payment first became due and (b) if the full amount payable
has not been received in the Place of Payment by the Trustee on or prior to such
due date, the date on which, the full amount having been so received, notice to
that effect shall have been given to the holders by the Trustee, except to the
extent that the holder of the Notes would have been entitled to such Additional
Amounts on presenting such note for payment on the last day of such period of 30
days, (ii) held by or on behalf of a holder of the Notes who is liable for Taxes
in respect of such Notes by reason of having some present or former connection
between such holder (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or
shareholder of such holder, if such holder is an estate, trust a partnership or
a corporation) and The Netherlands or the Czech Republic including, without
limitation, such holder (or such fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or
shareholder) being or having been a citizen or resident thereof or being or
having been engaged in a trade or business or present therein or having, or
having had, a permanent establishment therein, other than the mere holding of
such notes or the receipt of amounts in respect thereof, (iii) as a result of
any estate, inheritance, gift, sales, transfer or personal property Tax or any
similar Tax, (iv) as a result of any Tax which is payable otherwise than by
withholding from payments on or in respect of any Note, or (v) as a result of
any Tax which would not have been imposed but for the failure to comply with
certification, information or other reporting requirements concerning the
nationality, residence or identity of the holder or beneficial owner of such
Note, if such compliance is required by statute or by regulation of The
Netherlands or the Czech Republic or of any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof or therein as a precondition to relief or exemption from such
Tax and requested by the Company or CEZ Finance B.V.; nor shall Additional
Amounts be paid with respect to any payment on a Note to a holder who is a
fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment
to the extent such payment would be required to be included in the income, for
tax purposes, of a beneficiary or settler with respect to such fiduciary or a
member of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been
entitled to the Additional Amounts had such beneficiary, settlor, member or
beneficial owner been the holder of the Note.
Documents on Display
CEZ, a.s. is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In accordance with these requirements, we file
reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These
materials, including this Annual Report and the exhibits thereto, may be
inspected and copied at the Commission's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the Commission's regional offices at
500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661, and 233 Broadway,
New York, New York 10279. Copies of the materials may be obtained from the
Public Reference Room of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. The public may obtain
62
information on the operation of the Commission's Public Reference Room by
calling the Commission in the United States at 1-800-SEC-0330.
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Risk identification and analyses
In the ordinary course of business, we are exposed to foreign currency risks,
interest rate risk, commodity price risks, and counterparty (or repayment) risk.
These risks create volatility in equity, earnings and cash flow from period to
period. We make use of derivative instruments in order to manage currency risk
and interest rate risk. We generally utilize established and widely used foreign
exchange and interest rate derivatives.
As part of our risk management system, we utilize instruments such as interest
rate swaps, cross currency swaps and foreign exchange forwards and options,
seeking to reduce our risk exposure by entering into offsetting market
positions.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk Management
Due to international nature of our certain business activities, we are exposed
to foreign exchange risk related to sales, purchases, financial assets and
liabilities denominated in currencies other than CZK. According to our foreign
exchange policy guidelines, we hedge material foreign exchange transaction
exposure. This exposure is mainly hedged with derivative financial instruments
such as forwards, swaps and options. However, we elected not to treat the
derivatives as hedging instruments in the financial statements. Financial
instruments that are used to hedge foreign exchange risk have maximum maturity
till year 2007.
The following diagram shows a break-down by currency of our underlying foreign
exchange transaction exposure at December 31,2002:
|
We use the Value at Risk (or VaR), methodology to assess the foreign exchange
risk related to the treasury management exposure. The VaR figure represents the
potential losses for a portfolio resulting from adverse changes in market
factors using a specified time period and confidence level based on historical
data.
The VaR figures for the whole portfolio including loans and derivatives in a
one-year horizon and 95 % confidence interval are shown in Table 1, below.
Table 1 Transaction foreign exchange position Value at Risk
Value at Risk (VaR) 2001 2002
(in million of CZK)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At December 31 1,689 1,612
Average for the year 2,315 1,538
Range for the year 1,689 - 2,710 1,316 -1,788
63
Interest Rate Risk Management
Several financial assets and liabilities in our balance sheet, as well as the
derivatives, bear fixed interest rates and are therefore subject to changes in
fair value resulting from changes in market interest rates. We also face a
similar risk with regard to balance sheet items bearing floating interest rates,
as changes in the interest rates will affect our cash flows. We seek to maintain
a desired mix of floating-rate and fixed-rate debt in its overall debt
portfolio. We use interest rate swaps, cross currency interest rate swaps and
interest rate options to allow us to diversify our sources of funding and to
reduce the impact of interest rate volatility on our financial condition.
The tables below provide information about our derivative financial instruments
and other financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates,
including interest rate swaps and debt obligations. For debt obligations, the
table presents principal cash flows in corresponding year and related weighted
average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For interest rate swaps, the
table presents notional amounts and weighted average interest rates by expected
(contractual) maturity dates. Notional amounts are used to calculate the
contractual payments to be exchanged under the contract. Fair values are
calculated as at December 31, 2002. The information is presented in CZK, which
is our reporting currency.
Table 2 Variable to variable derivatives
Outstanding notional amounts
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derivatives 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Fair Value
(in million of CZK, except percentages)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Variable to Variable (USD 12M Libor / USD 6M Libor)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notional Amounts 652 539 425 312 199 (13)
Average Pay Rate 12M Libor* 12M Libor* 12M Libor* 12M Libor* 12M Libor*
Average Receive Rate 6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor
Variable to Variable (USD 12M Libor / USD 6M Libor)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notional Amounts 754 754 754 754 754 (15)
Average Pay Rate 12M Libor** 12M Libor** 12M Libor** 12M Libor** 12M Libor**
Average Receive Rate 6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor
Variable to Variable (CZK Pribor / EUR Euribor)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notional Amounts 7,011 6,451 6,451 6,451 - (63)
6M Pribor 6M Pribor 6M Pribor 6M Pribor
Average Pay Rate +0.64% +0.65% +0.65% +0.65% -
6M Euribor 6M Euribor 6M Euribor 6M Euribor
Average Receive Rate -3.27% -3.59% -3.59% -3.59% -
Variable to Variable (CZK Pribor / USD Libor)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notional Amounts 3,336 2,658 1,980 1,302 623 (485)
6M Pribor 6M Pribor 6M Pribor 6M Pribor 6M Pribor
Average Pay Rate -0.11% -0.10% -0.24% -0.21% -0.10%
6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor
Average Receive Rate +0,3% +0,3% +0,3% +0,3% +0,3%
* If interest rate is in interval from 4.92% to 4.97%, we pay 4.92%
** If interest rate is in interval from 4.83% to 6.9%, we pay 4.83%
64
Table 3 Fixed to variable derivatives
Outstanding notional amounts
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derivatives 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Fair Value
(in million of CZK, except percentages)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed to Variable (EUR Euribor)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notional Amounts 1,580 1,580 1,580 1,580 - 23
Average Pay Rate 6M Euribor* 6M Euribor* 6M Euribor* 6M Euribor* -
Average Receive Rate 7.25% 7.25% 7.25% 7.25% -
Fixed to Variable (EUR Libor)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notional Amounts 5,365 5,365 5,365 5,365 5,365 1,107
6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor
Average Pay Rate +0,35% +0,35% +0,35% +0,35% +0,35%
Average Receive Rate 7.125% 7.125% 7.125% 7.125% 7.125%
Fixed to Variable (EUR Euribor)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notional Amounts 8,008 7,641 7,275 6,909 183 (907)
6M Euribor 6M Euribor 6M Euribor 6M Euribor 6M Euribor
Average Pay Rate -3.18% -3.16% -3.13% -3.10% -3.71%
Average Receive Rate 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Fixed to Variable (CZK Pribor)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notional Amounts 2,296 2,296 2,296 2,296 2,296 (339)
Average Pay Rate 5.575% 5.575% 5.575% 5.575% 5.575%
6M Pribor 6M Pribor 6M Pribor 6M Pribor 6M Pribor
Average Receive Rate +1.25% +1.25% +1.25% +1.25% +1.25%
Fixed to Variable (CZK Pribor)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notional Amounts 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 - 194
Average Pay Rate Pribor +1,69% Pribor +1,69% Pribor +1,69% Pribor +1,69% -
Average Receive Rate 9.22% 9.22% 9.22% 9.22% -
* If interest rate is lower than 7.25%, we pay 6.665%.
Table 4 Variable to fixed derivatives
Outstanding notional amounts
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derivatives 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Fair Value
(in million of CZK, except percentages)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Variable to Fixed (EUR Libor)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notional Amounts 5,163 5,163 5,163 5,163 5,163 (378)
Average Pay Rate 5.575% 5.575% 5.575% 5.575% 5.575%
6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor 6M Libor
Average Receive Rate +0.35% +0.35% +0.35% +0.35% +0.35%
Remaining derivatives with their fair value of minus 1,191 million CZK as at
December 31, 2002 represent fix to fix currency swaps, which are not subject to
significant interest rate risk.
65
Table 5 Debt obligations denominated in USD
Expected Maturity Date
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair
Obligations 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Thereafter Total Value
(in million of CZK, except percentages)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed rate debt denominated in USD
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yankee bonds due 2007 at
7.125% - - - - 5,365 - - 5,956
Long-term debt 128 128 128 128 128 763 1,403 1,621
Weighted average interest
rate, related to long-tem
debt 7.1% 7.1% 7.1% 7.1% 7.1% 7.1%
Variable rate debt denominated in USD
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt 1,340 1,340 1,528 1,528 2,231 404 8,371 8,371
Libor Libor Libor Libor Libor Libor
Weighted average interest rate +0,37% +0,37% +0,39% +0,39% +0,43% +0,38%
Table 6 Debt obligations denominated in EUR
Expected Maturity Date
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair
Obligations 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Thereafter Total Value
(in million of CZK, except percentages)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed rate debt denominated in EUR
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Euro bonds due 2006 at 7.25% - - - 6,320 - - 6,320 6,712
Long-term debt 352 281 197 160 109 654 1,753 1,852
Weighted average interest
rate, related to long-tem
debt 6.4% 6.3% 5.9% 5.6% 5.6% 5.6%
Variable rate debt denominated in EUR
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt 841 181 131 81 39 - 1,273 1,273
Euribor Euribor Euribor Euribor Euribor
Weighted average interestrate +0,44% +0,23% +0,21% +0,16% +0,16% -
Table 7 Debt obligations denominated in CZK
Expected Maturity Date
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair
Obligations 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Thereafter Total Value
(in million of CZK, except percentages)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed rate debt denominated in CZK
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5th issue due 2006 at
11,0625% - - - 3,000 - - 3,000 3,144
6th issue of zerocoupon
bonds due 2009 - - - - - 4,500 4,500 3,367
7th issue due 2014 at 9,22%,
since 2006 variable rate CPI
+ 4,2% - - - - - 2,500 2,500 2,959
8th issue due 2004 at 8,75% - 3,000 - - - - 3,000 3,251
66
Long-term debt 64 - - - - - 64 63
Weighted average interest
rate, related to long-tem
debt 8.0% - - - - -
Variable rate debt denominated in CZK
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt 1,511 265 265 265 265 1,587 4,158 4,158
Weighted average interest rate Pribor Pribor Pribor Pribor Pribor Pribor
rate +0,4% -0,06% -0,06% -0,06% -0,06% -0,06%
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
None.
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of
Proceeds
Not applicable.
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating
the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule
13a-14(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) within 90 days of
the date of this Annual Report, have concluded that, as of the date of such
evaluation, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that
information required to be disclosed in this Annual Report is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis.
There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors
that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of the
evaluation. No significant deficiencies and material weaknesses were identified
that required corrective actions.
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
Not applicable.
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
Not applicable.
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Not applicable.
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Not applicable.
67
PART III
Item 17. Financial Statements
The Company has elected to provide financial statements for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2002 and the related information pursuant to Item 18.
Item 18. Financial Statements
The following financial statements are filed as part of this Annual Report on
Form 20-F:
Report of independent auditors F-1
Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 F-3
Consolidated statements of income for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 F-4
Consolidated statements of shareholders' equity for the years
ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 F-5
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 F-6
Notes to consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2002. F-8
Item 19. Exhibits
1. Articles of Association (Stanovy) of CEZ, a. s.
4.1 Share Purchase Agreement between Fond narodniho majetku Ceske republiky as
Seller and CEZ, a. s. as Purchaser, dated June 28, 2002
4.2 Share Purchase Agreement between CEZ, a. s. as Seller and OSINEK, a.s. as
Purchaser, dated June 28, 2002
4.3 Share Purchase Agreement between Ceska konsolidacni agentura as Seller and
CEZ, a. s. as Purchaser, dated July 22, 2002
4.4 Share Purchase Agreement between CEZ, a. s. as Seller and Czech Republic -
Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs as Purchaser, dated August 19, 2002
8. List of Subsidiaries
10(a).1 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(1)
- ---------
(1) This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release Nos.
33-8212 and 34-47551.
68
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board of CEZ, a. s.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of CEZ, a. s. (a
Czech joint-stock company, "the Company") and subsidiaries as of December 31,
2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity
and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2002. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. The
consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2001 and
2000 and for the years then ended were audited by other auditors who have ceased
operations and whose report dated March 12, 2002 expressed an unqualified
opinion on those statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CEZ, a. s., and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with International
Financial Reporting Standards, as published by the International Accounting
Standards Board.
Accounting practices used by the Company in preparing the accompanying
consolidated financial statements conform with International Financial Reporting
Standards, as published by the International Accounting Standards Board but do
not conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
A description of these differences and a reconciliation of consolidated net
income and shareholders' equity to accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States are set forth in Note 26.
Ernst & Young CR, s.r.o.
Prague, Czech Republic
February 24, 2003 (except with respect
to certain matters discussed in Note 1, 21 and 24,
as to which the date is June 17, 2003)
F-1
The audit report set forth below is a copy of the original audit report dated
March 12, 2002 rendered by Arthur Andersen that was included in Annual Report on
Form 20-F for 2001 and has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen since that date.
We are including this copy of the prior year report of independent public
accountant, Arthur Andersen audit report pursuant to Rule 2-02(e) of Regulation
S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Your ability to assert claims
against Arthur Andersen based on its report may be limited.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board of CEZ, a. s.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CEZ, a. s. (a
Czech joint-stock company, "the Company") and subsidiaries as of December 31,
2000 and 2001, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those Standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CEZ, a. s., and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 2001, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2001 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards, as
published by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Accounting practices used by the Company in preparing the accompanying
consolidated financial statements conform with International Financial Reporting
Standards, as published by the International Accounting Standards Board but do
not conform with accounting principles in the United States. A description of
these differences and a reconciliation, as restated, of consolidated net income
and shareholders' equity to accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States are set forth in Note 22.
As discussed in Note 2.3 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2001 the
Company adopted International Accounting Standard IAS 39, Financial Instruments:
Recognition and Measurement.
Arthur Andersen Ceska republika, k.s.
Prague, Czech Republic
March 12, 2002
F-2
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002 and 2001
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements)
CZK in Millions
2002 2001
Assets ---------- ----------
Property, plant and equipment:
Plant in service 242,338 180,252
Less accumulated provision for depreciation 103,355 92,614
--------- ---------
Net plant in service (Note 3) 138,983 87,638
Nuclear fuel, at amortized cost 7,931 5,967
Construction work in progress (Note 23) 56,513 111,929
--------- ---------
Total property, plant and equipment 203,427 205,534
Investment in associate (Note 2.2) 5,880 5,518
Investments and other financial assets, net (Note 4) 5,631 5,195
Intangible assets, net (Note 5) 1,174 1,144
--------- ---------
Total non-current assets 216,112 217,391
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 6) 4,225 2,280
Receivables, net (Note 7) 4,117 3,933
Income tax receivable 1,994 -
Materials and supplies, net 2,464 2,489
Fossil fuel stocks 618 657
Other current assets (Note 8) 1,935 2,277
--------- ---------
Total current assets 15,353 11,636
--------- ---------
Total assets 231,465 229,027
========= =========
Shareholders' equity and liabilities
Shareholders' equity:
Stated capital 59,041 59,050
Retained earnings 84,634 77,676
--------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity (Note 9) 143,675 136,726
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current portion (Note 10) 35,729 43,081
Accumulated provision for nuclear decommissioning
and fuel storage (Note 12) 23,866 21,396
--------- ---------
Total long-term liabilities 59,595 64,477
Deferred income taxes, net (Note 16) 12,541 9,870
Current liabilities:
Short-term loans (Note 13) - 514
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 10) 4,235 5,126
Trade and other payables (Note 14) 8,934 8,651
Income taxes payable 256 953
Accrued liabilities (Note 15) 2,229 2,710
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 15,654 17,954
--------- ---------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 23)
Total shareholders' equity and liabilities 231,465 229,027
========= =========
F-3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001
and 2000
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements)
CZK in Millions
2002 2001 2000
--------- --------- ---------
Revenues:
Sales of electricity 52,938 53,300 49,675
Heat sales and other revenues 2,640 2,755 2,756
--------- --------- ---------
Total revenues 55,578 56,055 52,431
Operating expenses:
Fuel 12,894 13,220 12,800
Purchased power and related services 7,328 6,389 5,436
Repairs and maintenance 3,847 3,476 3,316
Depreciation and amortization 11,721 9,366 9,377
Salaries and wages 3,854 3,946 3,793
Materials and supplies 1,838 1,851 1,954
Other operating expenses (income), net (Note 17) 2,842 3,129 3,127
--------- --------- ---------
Total expenses 44,324 41,377 39,803
--------- --------- ---------
Income before other expense (income) and income taxes 11,254 14,678 12,628
--------- --------- ---------
Other expense (income):
Interest on debt, net of capitalized interest (Note 2.8) 582 796 1,015
Interest on nuclear provisions (Note 2.21 and 12) 1,532 1,463 1,265
Interest income (149) (177) (188)
Foreign exchange rate losses (gains), net (3,340) (2,110) 216
Other expenses, net (Note 18) 1,330 1,774 38
Income from associate (Note 2.2) (497) (360) (319)
--------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes 11,796 13,292 10,601
Income taxes (Note 16) 3,375 4,169 3,364
--------- --------- ---------
Net income 8,421 9,123 7,237
========= ========= =========
Net income per share (CZK per share) (Note 22)
Basic 14.3 15.4 12.2
Diluted 14.2 15.4 12.2
Average number of shares outstanding (000s) (Notes 9 and 22)
Basic 590,363 591,926 592,088
Diluted 592,150 592,088 592,088
F-4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2002, 2001 and 2000
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements)
CZK in Millions
Number of
Shares (in Stated Retained
thousands) Capital Earnings Total Equity
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
December 31, 1999 592,088 59,209 62,996 122,205
Net income - - 7,237 7,237
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
December 31, 2000, as previously reported 592,088 59,209 70,233 129,442
Effect of adopting IAS 39 (Note 2.3) - - (496) (496)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
January 1, 2001, as restated 592,088 59,209 69,737 128,946
Net income - - 9,123 9,123
Acquisition of treasury shares (1,950) (159) - (159)
Dividends declared - - (1,184) (1,184)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
December 31, 2001 590,138 59,050 77,676 136,726
Non-cash capital contribution 123 12 - 12
Net income - - 8,421 8,421
Acquisition of treasury shares (1,950) (181) - (181)
Sale of treasury shares 1,965 160 17 177
Dividends declared - - (1,480) (1,480)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
December 31, 2002 590,276 59,041 84,634 143,675
============= ============= ============= =============
F-5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002,
2001 and 2000
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements)
CZK in Millions
2002 2001 2000
Operating activities: ------------ ----------- ------------
Income before income taxes 11,796 13,292 10,601
Adjustments to reconcile income before income taxes to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and asset write-offs 11,735 9,429 9,406
Amortization of nuclear fuel 2,071 1,644 1,630
(Gain)/loss on fixed asset retirements (363) 50 23
Foreign exchange rate loss (gain) (3,340) (2,110) 216
Interest expense, interest income and dividend income, net 356 555 785
Provision for nuclear decommissioning and fuel storage 641 387 398
Provisions for doubtful accounts, environmental claims and other
adjustments (53) 217 92
Income from associate (497) (360) (319)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables (211) (1,034) (520)
Materials and supplies 38 48 (246)
Fossil fuel stocks 39 56 85
Other current assets 340 (387) (70)
Trade and other payables 264 1,809 550
Accrued liabilities (363) 421 (260)
------------ ----------- ------------
Cash generated from operations 22,453 24,017 22,371
Income taxes paid (3,395) (1,820) 26
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest (434) (744) (1,072)
Interest received 149 178 189
Dividends received 210 131 160
------------ ----------- ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 18,983 21,762 21,674
------------ ----------- ------------
Investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other non-current assets,
including capitalized interest (Note 2.8) (10,330) (15,318) (21,621)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets 1,007 163 313
Change in decommissioning and other restricted funds (594) (788) (297)
------------ ----------- ------------
Total cash used in investing activities (9,917) (15,943) (21,605)
------------ ----------- ------------
(continued on the next page)
F-6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002,
2001 and 2000
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements)
(continued from the previous page)
2002 2001 2000
----------- ----------- -----------
Financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings 8,446 6,737 12,797
Payments of borrowings (13,864) (11,776) (14,287)
Dividends paid (1,480) (1,174) -
Acquisition / sale of treasury shares (4) (159) -
----------- ----------- -----------
Total cash used in financing activities (6,902) (6,372) (1,490)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net effect of currency translation in cash (219) (89) (14)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,945 (642) (1,435)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2,280 2,922 4,357
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 4,225 2,280 2,922
=========== =========== ===========
Supplementary cash flow information
Total cash paid for interest 2,562 3,527 4,402
F-7
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002
1. The Company
CEZ, a. s. ("CEZ" or "the Company") is a Czech Republic joint-stock company,
owned 67.6% at December 31, 2002 by the Czech Republic National Property Fund .
The remaining shares of the Company are publicly held. The address of the
Company's registered office is Duhova 2/1444, Praha 4, 140 53, Czech Republic.
The average number of employees of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries
was 7,806 and 8,532 for the year 2002 and 2001, respectively.
CEZ is an electricity generation and transmission company, which produced
approximately 70% of the electricity and a minor portion of the district heating
in the Czech Republic in 2002. The Company sells a substantial portion of its
electricity to eight distribution companies ("REAS") in the Czech Republic (see
Note 19). The Company operates ten fossil fuel plants, thirteen hydroelectric
plants and two nuclear plants. One unit of the Temelin nuclear plant is still
under construction.
In November 2000 the Czech Parliament passed The Act on Conditions of Business
Activity and State Administration in the Energy Industries and on State Power
Inspection (the "Energy Law") which replaced the previous Energy Law effective
from January 1, 1995. The Energy Law provides the conditions for business
activities, performance of public administration and regulation in the energy
sectors, including electricity, gas and heat, as well as the rights of and
obligations of individuals and legal entities related thereto. The business
activities in the energy sectors in the Czech Republic may only be pursued by
individuals or legal entities upon the basis of government authorization in the
form of licenses granted by the Energy Regulatory Office.
Responsibility for public administration in the energy sectors is exercised by
the Ministry of Industry and Trade (the "Ministry"), the Energy Regulatory
Office and the State Energy Inspection Board.
The Ministry, as the central public administration body for the energy sector,
issues state approval to construct new energy facilities in accordance with
specified conditions, develops the energy policy of the state and ensures
fulfillment of obligations resulting from international agreements and treaties
binding on the Czech Republic or obligations resulting from membership in
international organizations.
The Energy Regulatory Office was established as the administrative office to
exercise regulation in the energy sector of the Czech Republic, to support
economic competition and to protect consumers' interests in sectors where
competition is not possible. The Energy Regulatory Office decides on the
granting of a license, imposition of the supply obligation beyond the scope of
the license, imposition of the obligation to let another license holder use
energy facilities in cases of emergency to exercise the supply obligation beyond
the scope of the license and price regulation based on special legal
regulations.
The State Energy Inspection Board is the inspection body supervising the
activities in the energy sector.
Third-party access is being introduced gradually between 2002 and, at the
latest, 2006 at which time electricity customers will be able to purchase
electricity from any distributor, eligible generator, or trader.
On March 11, 2002 the Government decided to sell its shares in the eight REAS,
which are held by the National Property Fund and Czech Consolidation Agency, to
CEZ and to purchase from CEZ a 66% share in its transmission subsidiary CEPS.
The purchase would be made by OSINEK, a.s., a company controlled by the National
Property Fund, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. The transactions
were approved at the shareholder's meeting of CEZ, which was held on June 11,
2002 (see Note 21).
On March 18, 2003 The Economic Competition Protection Authority approved the
transaction and on April 1, 2003 the transaction was registered at The Czech
Securities Commission.
According to the signed contracts the total purchase price of the shares in REAS
will be 32,140 million CZK and the total selling price of CEPS amounts to 15,039
million CZK. The selling price of CEPS can be adjusted based on the value
determined by an independent valuator.
F-8
Through this transaction CEZ acquired a majority share in five REAS, and a
minority share in three REAS. However, the Economic Competition Protection
Authority has ruled that CEZ should sell its shares in one of the REAS in which
it will hold a majority share and in three of the REAS in which it will hold a
minority share. The Economic Competition Protection Authority has also decided
that CEZ should sell its remaining equity share in CEPS.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
2.1. Basis of Accounting
The Company is required to maintain its books and records in accordance with
accounting principles and practices mandated by the Czech Law on Accounting. The
accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect certain adjustments and
reclassifications not recorded in the accounting records of the Company in order
to conform the Czech statutory balances to financial statements prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board. The adjustments are summarized in Note
25.
2.2. Financial Statements
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of CEZ are prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which
comprise standards and interpretations approved by the IASB, and International
Accounting Standards and Standing Interpretations Committee interpretations
approved by the IASC that remain in effect. They are prepared under the
historical cost convention, except when IFRS requires that certain financial
assets and liabilities be stated at fair value (see Note 2.18).
The financial statements include the accounts of CEZ, a. s., its wholly owned
subsidiary, CEZ Finance B.V, incorporated under the law of The Netherlands and
its wholly owned transmission subsidiary, CEPS, a. s. (see Notes 20 and 28),
incorporated under the law of the Czech Republic. All significant intercompany
transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company has
an ownership interest of 37.21% in Severoceske doly, a.s. (see Note 19), which
is accounted for using the equity method.
Other investments are excluded from the consolidation because the impact on the
consolidated financial statements would not be significant. These investments
are included in non-current assets and are stated at cost net of provision for
diminution in value (see Note 4).
The financial statements were approved for issue by David Svojitka, Chief
Financial Officer of CEZ, on February 24, 2003.
2.3. Change in Accounting Principle
In 2001 the Company adopted International Accounting Standard IAS 39, Financial
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. Following the introduction of IAS 39,
available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value and all derivative
financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities. The opening
balance of retained earnings at January 1, 2001 was adjusted. In accordance with
IAS 39, the comparative figures for the years prior 2001 have not been restated.
Certain prior year financial statement items have been reclassified to conform
to the current year presentation.
2.4. Measurement Currency
Based on the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances
relevant to the company, the measurement currency of the Company has been
determined to be the Czech crown (CZK).
F-9
2.5. Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with International
Financial Reporting Standards requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2.6. Revenues
The Company recognizes revenue from supplies of electricity and related services
based on contract terms. Any differences between contracted amounts and actual
supplies are estimated from meter readings and settled through the market
operator.
Approximately 72% of the Company's total electricity sales, and 88% of domestic
sales, are to the eight REAS (see Note 1).
2.7. Fuel Costs
Fuel costs are expensed as fuel is consumed. Fuel expense includes the
amortization of the cost of nuclear fuel. Amortization of nuclear fuel charged
to fuel expense was 2,071 million CZK, 1,644 million CZK and 1,630 million CZK
for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The
amortization of nuclear fuel includes charges in respect of additions to the
accumulated provision for interim storage of spent nuclear fuel (see Note 12).
Such charges amounted to 82 million CZK, 107 million CZK and 97 million CZK in
2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
2.8. Interest
The Company capitalizes all interest costs incurred in connection with its
construction program that theoretically could have been avoided if expenditures
for the assets had not been made. Such capitalized interest costs amounted to
2,128 million CZK, 2,783 million CZK and 3,330 million CZK, which was equivalent
to an interest capitalization rate of 7.5%, 7.5% and 8.0% in 2002, 2001 and
2000, respectively.
2.9. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost net of accumulated
depreciation. Cost of plant in service includes materials, labor,
payroll-related costs and the cost of debt financing used during construction.
The cost also includes the estimated cost of dismantling and removing the asset
and restoring the site, to the extent that it is recognized as a provision under
IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. In case that
during the construction of an asset the constructed asset produces products or
services, which are sold, the revenues from such sales are deducted from the
original cost of that asset. Government grants received for construction of
certain environmental installations decrease the acquisition cost of the
respective items of property, plant and equipment.
The cost of maintenance, repairs, and replacement of minor items of property is
charged to maintenance expense. Renewals and improvements are capitalized. Upon
sale or retirement of property, plant and equipment, the cost and related
accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts. Any resulting gains
or losses are included in the determination of net income.
The Company periodically reviews the recoverable amounts of its property, plant
and equipment to determine whether such amounts continue to exceed the assets'
carrying values.
F-10
Depreciation
- ------------
The Company depreciates the original cost of property, plant and equipment by
using the straight-line method over the estimated economic lives. The
depreciable lives used for property, plant and equipment are as follows:
Lives
------------------
Buildings and structures 25 - 50
Machinery and equipment 4 - 25
Vehicles 4 - 20
Furniture and fixtures 8
Average depreciable lives based on the functional use of property are as
follows:
Average Life
------------------
Hydro plants
Buildings and structures 44
Machinery and equipment 16
Fossil fuel plants
Buildings and structures 32
Machinery and equipment 14
Nuclear power plant
Buildings and structures 32
Machinery and equipment 17
Transmission lines 30
Transformer stations 12
Depreciation of plant in service was 11,375 million CZK, 9,127 million CZK and
9,141 million CZK for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, which
was equivalent to a composite depreciation rate of 5.6%, 5.3% and 5.4%,
respectively.
2.10. Nuclear Fuel
Nuclear fuel is stated at original cost, net of accumulated amortization.
Amortization of fuel in the reactor is based on the amount of power generated.
Nuclear fuel includes capitalized costs of provisions (see Note 2.21). Such
capitalized costs at net book value amounted to 217 million CZK at December 31,
2002.
2.11. Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible assets consist mainly of software and are valued at their acquisition
cost and related expenses. Intangible assets are amortized over their useful
life using the straight-line method. The estimated useful life of intangible
assets ranges from 4 to 15 years.
F-11
2.12. Investments
Investments are classified into the following categories: held-to-maturity,
trading and available-for-sale. Investments with fixed or determinable payments
and fixed maturity that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold
to maturity other than loans and receivables originated by the Company are
classified as held-to-maturity investments. Investments acquired principally for
the purpose of generating a profit from short-term fluctuations in price are
classified as trading. All other investments, other than loans and receivables
originated by the company, are classified as available-for-sale.
Held-to-maturity investments are included in non-current assets unless they
mature within 12 months of the balance sheet date. Investments held for trading
are included in current assets. Available-for-sale investments are classified as
current assets if management intends to realize them within 12 months of the
balance sheet date.
All purchases and sales of investments are recognized on the settlement date.
Investments are initially measured at cost, which is the fair value of the
consideration given for them, including transaction costs.
Available-for-sale and trading investments are subsequently carried at fair
value without any deduction for transaction costs by reference to their quoted
market price at the balance sheet date. Equity securities classified as
available-for-sale and trading investments that do not have a quoted market
price in an active market are measured at cost (see Note 4). The carrying
amounts of such investments are reviewed at each balance sheet date for
impairment.
Gains or losses on measurement to fair value of available-for-sale investments
are recognized directly in the fair value reserve in shareholders equity, until
the investment is sold or otherwise disposed of, or until it is determined to be
impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in
equity is included in net profit or loss for the period.
Changes in the fair values of trading investments are included in other expense
(income).
Held-to-maturity investments are carried at amortized cost using the effective
interest rate method.
2.13. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, current accounts with banks and
short-term bank notes with a maturity of three months or less (see Note 6).
Foreign currency deposits are translated at December 31, 2002 and 2001 exchange
rates, respectively.
2.14. Cash Restricted in Its Use
Restricted balances of cash shown under other non-current financial assets as
restricted funds (see Note 4) relate to deposits for ash storage reclamation,
funding of nuclear decommissioning liabilities and cash guarantees given to swap
transaction partners. The non-current classification is based on the expected
timing of the release of the funds to the Company.
2.15. Receivables, Payables and Accruals
Receivables are stated at the fair value of the consideration given and are
carried at original invoice amount less allowance for uncollectable amounts. At
December 31, 2002 and 2001 the allowance for uncollectable receivables amounted
to 728 million CZK and 715 million CZK, respectively.
Payables are recorded at invoiced values and accruals are reported at expected
settlement values.
F-12
2.16. Materials and Supplies
Materials and supplies are principally composed of power plant maintenance
materials and spare parts. Cost is determined by using weighted average cost,
which approximates actual cost. These materials are recorded in inventory when
purchased and then expensed or capitalized to plant, as appropriate, when used.
The Company records a provision for obsolete inventory as such items are
identified.
2.17. Fossil Fuel Stocks
Fossil fuel stocks are stated at weighted average cost, which approximates
actual cost.
2.18. Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments that are not designated as effective hedging
instruments are classified as held-for-trading and carried at fair value under
other current assets and trade and other payables, with changes in fair value
included in other expense (income).
An embedded derivative is separated from the host contract and accounted for as
a derivative if all of the following conditions are met:
- the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative are
not closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the
host contract;
- a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative
would meet the definition of a derivative ; and
- the hybrid (combined) instrument is not measured at fair value with
changes in fair value reported in net profit or loss.
2.19. Income Taxes
The provision for corporate tax is calculated in accordance with Czech tax
regulations and is based on the income or loss reported under Czech accounting
regulations, adjusted for appropriate permanent and temporary differences from
Czech taxable income. In the Czech Republic, income taxes are calculated on an
individual company basis as the tax laws do not permit consolidated tax returns.
Current income taxes are provided at a rate of 31% for each of the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, after adjustments for certain items which are
not deductible, or taxable, for taxation purposes.
Certain items of income and expense are recognized in different periods for tax
and financial accounting purposes. Deferred income taxes are provided on
temporary differences between financial statement and taxable income at the
subsequent year's tax rate using the liability method. Temporary differences are
the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their
tax bases. Income tax rates are published the year preceding their effectiveness
and for 2003 the rate will be 31% (see Note 16).
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized regardless of when the
temporary difference is likely to reverse. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
are not discounted. Deferred tax assets are recognized when it is probable that
sufficient taxable profits will be available against which the deferred tax
assets can be utilized. A deferred tax liability is recognized for all taxable
temporary differences, except goodwill for which amortization is not deductible
for tax purposes.
Current tax and deferred tax are charged or credited directly to equity if the
tax relates to items that are credited or charged, in the same or a different
period, directly to equity.
F-13
2.20. Long-term Debt
Borrowings are initially recognized at the amount of the proceeds received, net
of transaction costs. They are subsequently carried at amortized cost using the
effective interest rate method, the difference between net proceeds and
redemption value being recognized in the net income over the life of the
borrowings as interest expense.
Transaction costs include fees and commissions paid to agents, advisers, brokers
and dealers, levies by regulatory agencies and securities exchanges.
2.21. Nuclear Provisions
CEZ has recognized provisions for its obligations to decommission its nuclear
power plants at the end of their operating lives, to store the related spent
nuclear fuel initially on an interim basis and provision for its obligation to
provide financing for subsequent permanent storage of spent fuel and irradiated
parts of reactors.
The provisions recognized represent the best estimate of the expenditures
required to settle the present obligation at the current balance sheet date.
Such cost estimates, expressed at current price levels, are discounted using a
long-term real rate of interest of 2.5% per annum to take into account the
timing of payments. The initial discounted cost amounts are capitalized as part
of property, plant and equipment and are depreciated over the lives of the
nuclear plants. Each year, the provisions are increased to reflect the accretion
of discount and to accrue an estimate for the effects of inflation, with the
charges being recognized as a component of interest expense. The estimate for
the effect of inflation is approximately 4.5%, which is based on the current
rate of interest on long-term Czech government bonds of approximately 7% and the
estimated 2.5% real rate of interest.
The decommissioning process is expected to continue for approximately a
sixty-year period subsequent to the final operation of the plants. Furthermore,
spent nuclear fuel will be stored on a temporary basis until approximately 2060
when permanent storage facilities are planned to become available. While the
Company has made its best estimate in establishing its nuclear provisions,
because of potential changes in technology as well as safety and environmental
requirements, plus the actual time scale to complete decommissioning and fuel
storage activities, the ultimate provision requirements could either increase or
decrease significantly from the Company's current estimates.
Since 2002, pursuant to a new interpretation of the International Financial
Reporting Interpretation Committee ("IFRIC"), changes in a decommissioning
liability that result from a change in the current best estimate of cash flows
required to settle the obligation or a change in the discount rate are added to
(or deducted from) the amount recognized as the related asset to the extent the
change relates to future periods. However, to the extent that such a treatment
would result in a negative asset, the effect of the change should be recognized
in the income for the current period. To the extent the change relates to the
current or prior periods, it is reported as income or expense for the current
period. Until 2001 the changes in a decommissioning liability were recognized as
income or expense for the period.
2.22. Treasury Shares
Treasury shares are presented in the balance sheet as a deduction from equity.
The acquisition of treasury shares is presented in the statement of equity as a
reduction to equity. No gain or loss is recognized in the income statement on
the sale, issuance, or cancellation of treasury shares. Consideration received
is presented in the financial statements as an addition to equity.
2.23. Share Options
Board of directors, certain members of management of the Company and the
Supervisory Board members have been granted options to purchase common shares of
the Company. Employee compensation expense is measured on the date of the grant
to the extent the quoted market price of the shares exceeds the exercise price
of the share options.
F-14
2.24. Translation of Foreign Currencies
Assets whose acquisition or construction costs were denominated in foreign
currencies are translated to Czech crowns at the exchange rates prevailing at
the date of each acquisition or at the date on which the related items were
included in assets.
Foreign currency on hand, bank accounts, receivables and payables denominated in
foreign currencies are translated to Czech crowns at the exchange rates existing
at the transaction date and are adjusted at year-end to exchange rates at that
date as published by the Czech National Bank.
Exchange rate differences arising on settlement of transactions or on reporting
foreign currency transactions at rates different from those at which they were
originally recorded are included in the Statement of Income as they occur.
3. Net Plant in Service
Net plant in service at December 31, 2002 and 2001 is as follows (in millions
CZK):
Accumulated
Depreciation
Plant and Land and and Net Plant
Buildings Equipment Other Impairment Losses in Service
------------ ------------- ------------ -------------- -------------
December 31, 2000 58,831 110,167 8,363 (84,408) 92,953
Plant additions 1,595 1,871 517 - 3,983
Retirements (384) (615) (93) 924 (168)
Depreciation - - - (9,127) (9,127)
Change in provisions - - - (3) (3)
------------ ------------- ------------ -------------- -------------
December 31, 2001 60,042 111,423 8,787 (92,614) 87,638
Plant additions 14,953 46,605 1,785 - 63,343
Retirements (632) (541) (84) 699 (558)
Depreciation - - - (11,375) (11,375)
Change in provisions - - - (65) (65)
------------ ------------- ------------ -------------- -------------
December 31, 2002 74,363 157,487 10,488 (103,355) 138,983
============ ============= ============ ============== =============
At December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, plant and equipment included the
capitalized costs of nuclear provisions with a net book value of 7,565 million
CZK, 5,222 million CZK and 5,413 million CZK, respectively (see Note 2.21).
Capitalized costs of provisions related to second unit of Temelin nuclear power
plant are included in construction work in progress. At December 31, 2002, such
capitalized costs amount to 873 million CZK, of which 619 million CZK relates to
plant and equipment and 254 million CZK relates to nuclear fuel.
In 2002, 2001 and 2000 the Company capitalized 1,373 million CZK, 922 million
CZK and 1 million CZK of revenues, which were earned during the construction of
assets (see Note 2.9).
None of the Company's plant in service is pledged as security for liabilities.
F-15
4. Investments and Other Financial Assets, Net
Investments at December 31, 2002 and 2001 consist of the following (in millions
CZK):
2002 2001
-------- --------
Investments in REAS, net (see Notes 1 and 19) 1,937 1,946
Other shareholdings, net 1,969 2,115
Restricted funds for nuclear decommissioning 944 -
Other restricted funds 735 1,085
Long-term receivables, net 46 49
-------- --------
Total 5,631 5,195
======== ========
Investments and other shareholdings consist of majority and minority
shareholdings in operationally related companies and minor interests in shares
and share rights of certain of the Company's electric distribution company
customers. There is currently no active market for any of the equity investments
held by the Company. The Company therefore measures those investments at their
acquisition cost net of impairment provisions and no changes in fair value of
investments have been recognized in equity.
At December 31, 2002 and 2001 impairment provisions for investments in REAS and
other shareholdings amounted to 190 million CZK and 221 million CZK,
respectively. At December 31, 2002 and 2001 impairment provisions for long-term
receivables amounted to 13 million CZK and 13 million CZK, respectively.
5. Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible assets at December 31, 2002 and 2001 were as follows (in millions
CZK):
Net
Accumulated Intangible
Software Rights Amortization Assets
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
December 31, 2000 1,193 32 (633) 592
Additions 521 4 - 525
Retirements (7) (1) 4 (4)
Amortization - - (239) (239)
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
December 31, 2001 1,707 35 (868) 874
Additions 271 11 - 282
Retirements (1) - 1 -
Amortization - - (346) (346)
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
December 31, 2002 1,977 46 (1,213) 810
============== ============== =============== ==============
At December 31, 2002 and 2001, intangible assets presented on the balance sheet
included intangible assets in progress in the amount of 364 million CZK and 270
million CZK, respectively.
F-16
6. Cash and Cash Equivalents
The composition of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2002 and 2001 is as
follows (in millions CZK):
2002 2001
---------- ----------
Cash on hand and current accounts with banks 356 750
Short-term bank notes 3,520 1,502
Term deposits 349 28
---------- ----------
Total 4,225 2,280
========== ==========
At December 31, 2002 and 2001, cash and cash equivalents included foreign
currency deposits of 1,346 million CZK and 933 million CZK, respectively.
The weighted average interest rate on short-term bank notes and term deposits at
December 31, 2002 and 2001 was 2.6% and 4.2%, respectively. For the years 2002,
2001 and 2000 the weighted average interest rate was 3.0%, 4.8% and 5.1%,
respectively.
7. Receivables, Net
The composition of receivables, net, at December 31, 2002 and 2001 is as follows
(in millions CZK):
2002 2001
----------- -----------
Trade receivables 4,374 4,220
Other 471 428
Less allowance for doubtful receivables (728) (715)
----------- -----------
Total 4,117 3,933
=========== ===========
At December 31, 2002 and 2001, the total receivables included receivables from
associates and unconsolidated subsidiaries in the net amount of 341 million CZK
and 477 million CZK, respectively.
8. Other Current Assets
The composition of other current assets at December 31, 2002 and 2001 is as
follows (in millions CZK):
2002 2001
----------- -----------
Advances granted 178 158
Prepayments 261 153
Derivatives 1,404 1,933
Embedded derivatives 92 33
----------- -----------
Total 1,935 2,277
=========== ===========
F-17
9. Shareholders' Equity
The Company's stated capital as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 is as follows:
Number of Shares Par Value per Total
Outstanding Share (CZK) (millions CZK)
----------------- -------------- ---------------
2002
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Registered shares 592,210,843 100 59,221
Treasury shares (1,935,000) 100 (180)
------------------ ----------------
Total 590,275,843 59,041
================== ================
2001
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Registered shares 592,088,461 100 59,209
Treasury shares (1,950,000) 100 (159)
------------------ ----------------
Total 590,138,461 59,050
================== ================
In November and December 2001 the Company acquired 1,950,000 of its own shares
("treasury shares"). In October 2002 these treasury shares were sold. In
December 2002 the Company acquired another 1,950,000 treasury shares and at the
same time sold 15,000 treasury shares. The remaining 1,935,000 treasury shares
are reflected in the balance sheet at cost as a deduction from stated capital.
The profit on sale of treasury shares was included in retained earnings.
In accordance with Czech regulations, joint stock companies are required to
establish an undistributable reserve fund for contingencies against possible
future losses and other events. Contributions must be a minimum of 20% of
after-tax profit in the first year in which profits are made and 5% of profit
each year thereafter, until the fund reaches at least 20% of capital. The fund
can only be used to offset losses. As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, the balance
was 8,872 million CZK and 8,528 million CZK, respectively, and is reported as a
component of retained earnings.
10. Long-term Debt
Long-term debt at December 31, 2002 and 2001 is as follows (in millions CZK):
2002 2001
-------- --------
7.125% Notes, due 2007 5,336 6,419
7.25% Eurobonds, due 2006 6,299 6,368
8.75% Debentures, due 2004 2,995 2,990
9.22% Zero Coupon Debentures, due 2009 1) 2,832 2,623
9.22% Debentures, due 2014 2) 2,493 2,492
11.0625% Debentures, due 2008 2,987 2,984
Long-term bank loans:
less than 4.00%, due 2003 to 2013 11,550 5,749
4.00% to 4.99%, due 2004 to 2006 13 5,440
5.00% to 5.99%, due 2004 to 2013 1,010 7,038
6.00% to 6.99%, due 2003 to 2013 2,589 553
7.00% to 7.99%, due 2004 to 2013 1,850 5,532
8.00% and more, due in 2003 10 19
-------- --------
Total long-term debt 39,964 48,207
Less: Current portion (4,235) (5,126)
-------- --------
Long-term debt, net of current portion 35,729 43,081
======== ========
1) Nominal value of these zero coupon debentures is 4,500 million CZK
2) From 2006 the interest rate changes to consumer price index plus 4.2%.
F-18
The interest rates indicated above are historical rates for fixed rate debt and
current market rates for floating rate debt. The actual interest payments are
affected by interest rate risk hedging carried out by the Company. For fair
values of interest rate hedging instruments see Note 11.
The future maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in millions CZK):
2003 4,235
2004 5,189
2005 2,247
2006 8,461
2007 8,107
Thereafter 11,725
---------
Total long-term debt 39,964
=========
The following table analyses the long-term debt at December 31, 2002 and 2001 by
currency (in millions):
2002 2001
------------------------ ------------------------
Foreign Foreign
currency CZK currency CZK
----------- -------- ---------- -------
USD 502 15,111 553 20,017
EUR 296 9,325 355 11,330
CZK - 15,528 - 16,860
-------- --------
Total long-term debt 39,964 48,207
======== ========
In the normal course of business, the financial position of the Company is
routinely subjected to a variety of risks, including market risk associated with
interest rate movements and with currency rate movements on non-Czech crown
denominated liabilities. The Company regularly assesses these risks and has
established policies and business practices to partially protect against the
adverse effects of these and other potential exposures.
As currency rate movements expose the Company to significant risk, the Company
uses sensitivity analyses to determine the impacts that market risk exposures
may have on the fair values of the Company's financial instruments. To perform
sensitivity analyses, the Company assesses the risk of loss in fair values from
the impact of hypothetical changes in foreign currency exchange rates and
interest rates on market sensitive instruments and considers the expected costs
and benefits of various hedging techniques. The Company will continue to explore
cost-effective possibilities to reduce its current exchange rate movement and
other market risks.
The Company has entered into a number of currency swap contracts to hedge its
long-term debt against currency risk (see Note 11). Although these swaps
represent effective economic hedges of the currency risk, the Company elected
not to apply hedge accounting for these transactions.
Long-term debt with floating interest rates exposes the Company to interest rate
risk. The following table summarizes long-term debt with floating rates of
interest by contractual reprising dates at December 31, 2002 and 2001 (in
millions CZK):
2002 2001
--------- ----------
Floating rate long-term debt
with interest rate fixed for 1 month 2,354 6,554
with interest rate fixed from 1 to 3 months 6,941 5,736
with interest rate fixed from 3 months to 1 year 4,517 7,276
with interest rate fixed for more than 1 year 2,493 2,492
--------- ----------
Total floating rate long-term debt 16,305 22,058
Fixed rate long-term debt 23,659 26,149
--------- ----------
Total long-term debt 39,964 48,207
========= ==========
F-19
11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is defined as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged
in a current transaction between knowledgeable willing parties in an arm's
length transaction, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Fair values are
obtained from quoted market prices, discounted cash flow models and option
pricing models, as appropriate.
The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of
each class of financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents, current investments
- ----------------------------------------------
The carrying amount of cash and other current financial assets approximates fair
value due to the relatively short-term maturity of these financial instruments.
Investments
- -----------
The fair values of instruments, which are publicly traded on active markets, are
estimated based on quoted market prices. The management believes that for
instruments for which there are no quoted market prices the carrying amount
approximates the fair value of such investments.
Receivables and Payables
- ------------------------
The carrying amount of receivables and payables approximates fair value due to
the short-term maturity of these financial instruments.
Short-term loans
- ----------------
The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short period to
maturity of those instruments.
Long-term debt
- --------------
The fair value of long-term debt is based on the quoted market price for the
same or similar issues or on the current rates available for debt with the same
maturity profile. The carrying amount of long-term debt and other payables with
variable interest rates approximates their fair values.
Derivatives
- -----------
The fair value of derivatives is based upon mark to market valuations.
F-20
Carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of financial instruments at
December 31, 2002 and 2001 were as follows (in millions CZK):
2002 2001
------------------------ -------------------------
Carrying Carrying
amount Fair value amount Fair value
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
Assets:
Investments 5,631 5,631 5,195 5,195
Receivables 4,117 4,117 3,933 3,933
Cash and cash equivalents 4,225 4,225 2,280 2,280
Liabilities:
Long-term debt (39,964) (42,726) (48,207) (49,074)
Short-term loans - - (514) (514)
Accounts payable (5,333) (5,333) (4,660) (4,660)
Derivatives:
Currency swaps
Assets 1,110 1,110 1,693 1,693
Liabilities (3,201) (3,201) (3,583) (3,583)
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
Currency swaps, net (2,089) (2,089) (1,890) (1,890)
========== ============ ========== ============
Forward currency contracts - liabilities (12) (12) - -
Interest rate swaps
Assets 294 294 228 228
Liabilities (50) (50) (43) (43)
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
Interest rate swaps, net 244 244 185 185
========== ============ ========== ============
Other interest rate derivatives
Assets - - 12 12
Liabilities (221) (221) (91) (91)
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
Other interest rate derivatives, net (221) (221) (79) (79)
========== ============ ========== ============
Embedded forward currency contracts
Assets 92 92 33 33
Liabilities (117) (117) (274) (274)
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
Embedded forward currency contracts, net (25) (25) (241) (241)
========== ============ ========== ============
12. Nuclear Decommissioning, Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Disposal
CEZ's fully operating nuclear plant, Dukovany, consists of four 440 MW units
which were placed into service from 1985 to 1987. CEZ is also finalizing
construction of a second nuclear power plant, Temelin, where one of the two 981
MW units started commercial operation in June 2002. The Czech government has
enacted a Nuclear Act ("Act"), which defines certain obligations for the
decontamination and dismantling ("decommissioning") of the Company's nuclear
power plants and the final disposal of radioactive waste and spent fuel
("disposal"). The Act requires that all nuclear parts of plant and equipment be
decommissioned following the end of the plant's operating life, currently 2018
for Dukovany and approximately 2033 for Temelin. An updated 2002 Dukovany
estimate and a 1999 Temelin decommissioning cost study estimate that nuclear
decommissioning will cost 16.2 billion CZK and 11.1 billion CZK, respectively.
Pursuant to the Act, the Ministry of Industry and Trade established the
Radioactive Waste Repository Authority ("RAWRA") as the central organizer and
operator of facilities for the final disposal of radioactive waste and spent
fuel. The RAWRA centrally organizes, supervises and is responsible for all
disposal facilities and for disposal of radioactive waste and spent fuel
therein. The activities of the RAWRA are financed through a "nuclear account"
F-21
funded by the originators of radioactive waste (such as the Company).
Contribution to the nuclear account was stated by a government resolution in
1997, at 50 CZK per MWh produced at nuclear power plants. Since October 1, 1997,
CEZ has made regular payments to the nuclear account based on its average
nuclear MWh generated during the last 5 years. From 2003 CEZ is making these
payments based on the actual quantity of electricity generated in nuclear power
plants. The originator of radioactive waste directly covers all costs associated
with interim storage of radioactive waste and spent fuel. Actual costs incurred
are charged against the accumulated provision for interim and long-term spent
fuel storage.
CEZ has established provisions as described in Note 2.21, to recognize its
estimated liabilities for decommissioning and spent fuel storage. The following
is a summary of the provisions for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and
2000.
Accumulated provisions
----------------------------------------------------------------
Nuclear Spent fuel storage
Decommis- ---------------------------
sioning Interim Long-term Total
--------------- ---------- ------------ -------
Balance at December 31, 1999 3,130 2,225 13,102 18,457
Movements during 2000
Discount accretion 79 54 319 452
Effect of inflation 141 97 575 813
Provision charged to income statement - 97 - 97
Capitalized cost of Temelin provisions 1,695 254 - 1,949
Current cash expenditures - (225) (641) (866)
--------------- ---------- ------------ -------
Balance at December 31, 2000 5,045 2,502 13,355 20,902
Movements during 2001
Discount accretion 126 63 334 523
Effect of inflation 227 112 601 940
Provision charged to income statement - 107 - 107
Effect of change in estimate charged (credited) to
income statement (Note 2.21) - 57 (288) (231)
Current cash expenditures - (190) (655) (845)
--------------- ---------- ------------ -------
Balance at December 31, 2001 5,398 2,651 13,347 21,396
Movements during 2002
Discount accretion 144 70 334 548
Effect of inflation 258 126 600 984
Provision charged to income statement - 82 - 82
Effect of change in estimate credited to income
statement (Note 2.21) - (82) - (82)
Effect of change in estimate added to (deducted
from) fixed assets (Note 2.21) 932 - (59) 873
Capitalized cost of Temelin provisions 619 254 - 873
Current cash expenditures - (135) (673) (808)
--------------- ---------- ------------ -------
Balance at December 31, 2002 7,351 2,966 13,549 23,866
=============== ========== ============ =======
The current cash expenditures for the long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel
represent payments to the state controlled nuclear account and the expenditures
for interim storage represent mainly the purchase of interim fuel storage
containers.
The actual decommissioning and spent fuel storage costs could vary substantially
from the above estimates because of new regulatory requirements, changes in
technology, increased costs of labor, materials, and equipment and/or the actual
time required to complete all decommissioning, disposal and storage activities.
F-22
13. Short-term Loans
Short-term loans at December 31, 2002 and 2001 are as follows (in millions CZK):
2002 2001
------ ------
Short-term loans - 514
------ ------
Total - 514
====== ======
Interest on short-term loans is variable. The weighted average interest rate was
3.0% at December 31, 2001. For the years 2002, 2001 and 2000 the weighted
average interest rate was 3.0% and 4.1%, 8.0%, respectively.
14. Trade and Other Payables
Trade and other payables at December 31, 2002 and 2001 are as follows (in
millions CZK):
2002 2001
------- ------
Trade payables 4,999 4,156
Other payables 334 504
Derivatives 3,484 3,717
Embedded derivatives 117 274
------- --------
Total 8,934 8,651
======= ========
15. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities at December 31, 2002 and 2001 consist of the following (in
millions CZK):
2002 2001
--------- -------
Accrued interest 951 1,042
Provision for ash storage reclamation 432 395
Estimated environmental claims (Note 23) 220 254
Social and bonus funds 167 201
Unbilled goods and services 186 232
Other accrued liabilities 273 586
-------- ---------
Total 2,229 2,710
========= =========
F-23
16. Income Taxes
Income Tax Legislation
- ----------------------
Corporate income tax is calculated in accordance with Czech tax regulations at
the rate of 31% in 2002, 2001 and 2000. The corporate income tax rate for 2003
will be 31%.
The Czech Republic currently has a number of laws related to various taxes
imposed by governmental authorities. Applicable taxes include value-added tax,
corporate tax, and payroll (social) taxes, together with others. Tax
declarations, together with other legal compliance areas (as examples, customs
and currency control matters) are subject to review and investigation by a
number of authorities, who are enabled by law to impose severe fines, penalties
and interest charges. Management believes that it has adequately provided for
tax liabilities in the accompanying financial statements; however, the risk
remains those relevant authorities could take differing positions with regard to
interpretive issues and the effect could be significant.
The tax authorities have completed audits of income tax returns of the Company
through 2000. However, according to Czech legislation the audited periods can be
reopened for review by the tax authorities.
Income Tax Provision
- --------------------
The components of the income tax provision are as follows (in millions CZK):
2002 2001 2000
---------- ------------ ----------
Current income taxes charge 450 2,047 1,572
Adjustments in respect of current income tax of previous
periods 254 87 -
Deferred income taxes 2,671 2,035 1,792
---------- ------------ ----------
Total 3,375 4,169 3,364
========== ============ ==========
The differences between income tax expense computed at statutory rate and income
tax expense provided on earnings are as follows (in millions CZK):
2002 2001 2000
---------- ------------ -----------
Income before income taxes 11,796 13,292 10,601
Statutory income tax rate 31% 31% 31%
---------- ------------ -----------
"Expected" income tax expense 3,657 4,121 3,286
Add (deduct) tax effect of:
Czech/IFRS accounting differences 282 17 15
Non deductible provisions, net (30) 4 109
Investment tax relief (1,181) (43) (79)
Other non deductible (nontaxable) items, net (117) 62 34
Tax credits (103) (79) (1)
Additional tax assessments 254 87 -
Deferred tax on undistributed profits of subsidiary 613 - -
---------- ------------ -----------
Income taxes 3,375 4,169 3,364
========== ============ ===========
Effective tax rate 29% 31% 32%
========== ============ ===========
F-24
Deferred Income Taxes, Net
- --------------------------
Deferred income taxes at December 31, 2002 and 2001 consist of the following (in
millions CZK):
2002 2001
--------- ---------
Accumulated provision for nuclear decommissioning and
spent fuel storage 6,129 5,656
Foreign exchange - 352
CASTOR containers write off 367 347
Derivatives 8 628
Other provisions 300 292
Other deductible differences 187 202
--------- ---------
Total deferred tax assets 6,991 7,477
--------- ---------
Tax depreciation in excess of financial statement
depreciation 8,226 7,399
Capitalized interest 6,227 5,808
Capitalized cost of provisions 2,683 2,223
Repairs and maintenance accrual 967 891
Penalty receivables 164 187
Additional foreign exchange rate differences under IAS 39 - 259
Other IAS 39 differences 25 64
Investment in associate 627 516
Investment in subsidiary 613 -
--------- ---------
Deferred tax liabilities 19,532 17,347
--------- ---------
Total deferred tax liabilities, net 12,541 9,870
========= =========
17. Other Operating Expenses (Income), Net
Other operating expenses (income), net, for the year ended December 31, 2002,
2001 and 2000 consist of the following (in millions CZK):
2002 2001 2000
-------- -------- --------
Services 3,199 2,872 2,793
Costs of ash storage, air and water pollution and
environmental claims 365 328 43
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 20 52 24
Loss (gain) on sale of material 136 381 (27)
Capitalization of expenses to the cost of fixed assets (437) (430) (505)
Fines and penalties revenue (260) (871) (43)
Change in provisions and valuation allowances (19) 320 334
Other, net (162) 477 508
-------- -------- --------
Total 2,842 3,129 3,127
======== ======== ========
F-25
18. Other Expenses, net
Other expenses, net, for the year ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 consist
of the following (in millions CZK):
2002 2001 2000
-------- -------- --------
Derivative losses (gains), net 1,643 1,720 -
Loss (gain) on sale of financial investments (385) 3 -
Other, net 72 51 38
-------- -------- --------
Total 1,330 1,774 38
======== ======== ========
19. Related Parties
The Company purchases products from related parties in the ordinary course of
business. Approximately 60% of the brown coal consumption is supplied by
Severoceske doly a.s. (SD), a company in which CEZ holds a 37% share. In 2002,
2001 and 2000, coal purchases from SD amounted to 4,921 million CZK and 5,416
million CZK, 5,388 million CZK, respectively. Receivables from SD amounted to 11
million CZK and 11 million CZK as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Payables to SD amounted to 560 million CZK and 515 million CZK as of December
31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The prices of fossil fuel supplies from SD do
not differ significantly from market prices.
Skoda Praha, a.s. is the Company's general supplier of technology and equipment
for the Temelin nuclear power plant and is 55 % owned by the National Property
Fund. In February and July 1999, the Company purchased 166,122 shares of Skoda
Praha, a.s., which represents a 30% interest in the company. The Company's
purchases from Skoda Praha, a.s., including value added tax, amounted to 3,461
million CZK, 4,862 million CZK and 8,237 million CZK in 2002, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. The purchases from Skoda Praha, a.s., are mainly for construction
of Temelin nuclear power plant.
Between 1999 and 2002 the Company acquired minority interests ranging from 0.01%
to 10.43% in six out of the eight REAS, the Company's major customers. The
interests were purchased at the direction of the Ministry of Industry and Trade
to enable the National Property Fund, together with the Company, to regain
majority interests for the government in the REAS. During 2002 the Company
signed contracts for the purchase of majority shareholdings in five and minority
shareholdings in three of the eight REAS (see Note 1).
During 2001 and 2002 the Company granted share options to the Board of
Directors, certain members of the management of the Company and Supervisory
Board members. The following table shows changes during 2001 and 2002 in the
number of granted share options and the weighted average exercise price of these
options:
Number of Weighted average
share exercise price (CZK
options per share)
------------ --------------------
Share options at December 31, 2000 - -
Options granted 3,375,000 92.58
Options exercised - -
Options forfeited - -
------------
Share options at December 31, 2001 3,375,000 92.58
Options granted 30,000 73.30
Options exercised (30,000) 79.38
Options forfeited (300,000) 96.39
------------
Share options at December 31, 2002 3,075,000 92.15
============
At December 31, 2002, the aggregate number of share options granted to
management and to members of Board of Directors was 1,625,000 and the number of
share options granted to Supervisory Board members was 1,450,000. The options
granted do not have any vesting period and can be exercised during the terms of
office of the respective
F-26
Board members and for certain managers during the period ending June 2003. The
exercise price for the granted options was based on the average quoted market
price on the Prague stock exchange in the six-month period preceding the date of
the grant. In 2002 and 2001 the Company has not recognized any compensation
expense related to the granted options. The Company has settled options
exercised during 2002 using treasury shares. The gain on the sale of treasury
shares was recognized directly in equity.
20. Segment Information
CEZ's generation and transmission activities are accounted for as separate
businesses, both operating in the Czech Republic. CEZ, a. s., forms the
generation segment and CEZ's wholly owned transmission subsidiary CEPS, a. s.
(CEPS) forms the transmission segment.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note
2. The Company accounts for intersegment revenues and transfers as if the
revenues or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current market prices
or where the regulation applies at regulated prices. The Company evaluates the
performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on operating
income.
On June 11, 2002, the Shareholder's Meeting of CEZ approved the sale of a
majority share in CEPS (see Note 28).
The following table summarizes segment information for the years ended December
31, 2002 and 2001, respectively (in millions CZK):
Year 2002:
Power
Production Transmission Combined Elimination Consolidated
------------- --------------- ---------- ------------- --------------
Sales other than intersegment sales 43,651 11,927 55,578 - 55,578
Intersegment sales 6,235 441 6,676 (6,676) -
------------- -------------- ----------- ------------- --------------
Total revenues 49,886 12,368 62,254 (6,676) 55,578
Operating income 9,570 661 10,231 1,023 11,254
Identifiable assets 195,747 17,899 213,646 (10,219) 203,427
Identifiable liabilities 74,462 3,704 78,166 (2,917) 75,249
Investment in associate 5,880 - 5,880 - 5,880
Income from associate 497 - 497 - 497
Depreciation and amortization 10,869 1,865 12,734 (1,013) 11,721
Cash flow information:
Cash flow from operating activities 17,523 1,888 19,411 (428) 18,983
Cash flow from investing activities (9,440) (477) (9,917) - (9,917)
Cash flow from financing activities (6,902) (428) (7,330) 428 (6,902)
F-27
Year 2001:
Power
Production Transmission Combined Elimination Consolidated
------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- --------------
Sales other than intersegment sales 44,735 11,320 56,055 - 56,055
Intersegment sales 7,193 1,106 8,299 (8,299) -
------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- --------------
Total revenues 51,928 12,426 64,354 (8,299) 56,055
Operating income 13,042 524 13,566 1,112 14,678
Identifiable assets 197,444 19,323 216,767 (11,233) 205,534
Identifiable liabilities 81,689 4,431 86,120 (3,689) 82,431
Investment in associate 5,518 - 5,518 - 5,518
Income from associate 360 - 360 - 360
Depreciation and amortization 8,584 1,882 10,466 (1,100) 9,366
Cash flow information:
Cash flow from operating activities 20,055 2,066 22,121 (359) 21,762
Cash flow from investing activities (15,181) (762) (15,943) - (15,943)
Cash flow from financing activities (6,372) (359) (6,731) 359 (6,372)
The power generation segment sells the major part of its electricity generated
to the eight REAS. The power generation segment charges the cost of power losses
in the transmission grid and the supplies of ancillary services to the
transmission segment. The transmission segment sells ancillary services and
transmission services mainly to the eight REAS.
Prices in certain intersegment transactions are regulated by the Energy
Regulatory Office (see Note 1).
21. Discontinuing Operation
On March 11, 2002 the Government decided to purchase from CEZ a 66% share in its
transmission subsidiary CEPS. The purchase would be made by OSINEK, a.s., a
company controlled by the National Property Fund, and the Ministry of Labor and
Social Affairs. The sale was approved at the shareholder's meeting of CEZ, which
was held on June 11, 2002.
On March 18, 2003 The Economic Competition Protection Authority approved the
transaction and on April 1, 2003 the transaction was registered at The Czech
Securities Commission. According to the signed contracts the total selling price
amounts to 15,039 million CZK. The selling price can be adjusted based on the
value determined by independent valuator.
The operations of CEPS were reported in the transmission segment (see Note 27).
The carrying amounts of total assets and total liabilities attributable to the
discontinuing operation at December 31, 2002 and 2001 are as follows (in
millions CZK):
2002 2001
-------- ---------
Total asset 5,542 4,725
Total liabilities (1,536) (1,420)
-------- ---------
Total net assets to be disposed off 4,006 3,305
======== =========
The amounts shown above do not include the deferred tax liability from
consolidation of undistributed retained earnings of CEPS. This deferred tax
liability will decrease as result of the partial disposal of CEPS and will
affect the income tax expense on the transaction.
F-28
The following items of income, expenses and cash flows can be attributed to the
discontinuing operation (in millions CZK):
2002 2001 2000
------------ ------------ ------------
Total revenues 5,692 4,127 _1)
Operating profit 1,684 1,636 721
Income before income taxes 1,531 1,424 398
Income tax expense 470 436 158
Cash flow from operating activities 1,460 1,707 430
Cash flow from investing activities (477) (762) (597)
Cash flow from financing activities - - -
1) In 2000 all revenues attributable to discontinuing operation were eliminated
in the consolidation.
The income tax expense shown above does not include deferred tax from
consolidation of undistributed retained earnings of CEPS.
22. Net Income per Share
2002 2001 2000
------------ ------------ ------------
Numerator (millions CZK)
Basic/Diluted
Net income 8,421 9,123 7,237
============ ============ ============
Denominator (thousands shares)
Basic:
Weighted average shares outstanding 590,363 591,926 592,088
Dilutive effect of treasury shares 1,787 162 -
------------ ------------ ------------
Diluted:
Adjusted weighted average shares 592,150 592,088 592,088
============ ============ ============
23. Commitments and Contingencies
Construction Program
The Company is engaged in a continuous construction program, currently estimated
as of December 31, 2002 to total 47.2 billion CZK over the next five years, as
follows (in billions CZK): 9.6 in 2003, 9.2 in 2004, 9.1 in 2005, 9.4 in 2006
and 9.9 in 2007. These figures do not include the anticipated purchase of shares
in the eight REAS (see Note 1). Pursuant to its interest capitalization policy
(see Note 2.8), the 47.2 billion CZK includes approximately 0.6 billion CZK of
interest in excess of interest capitalized under Czech accounting principles.
Such additional capitalized interest results in an increase in the Company's net
income and construction expenditures, but does not affect either its cash
requirements or its cash flow. The construction programs are subject to periodic
reviews and actual construction may vary from the above estimates. At December
31, 2002 significant purchase commitments were outstanding in connection with
the construction program.
The Company currently projects that its planned construction expenditures will
be funded with cash provided by operating activities. To the extent financing is
required, the Company has obtained the following credit ratings from Moody's
Investors Service: Baa1 and Standard & Poor's: BBB+ with a stable outlook.
F-29
Temelin Nuclear Power Plant
The Company is currently finalizing construction of a nuclear power plant near
Temelin in South Bohemia, in the Czech Republic. The plant consists of two
Soviet-designed PWR 981 MW units with modifications to upgrade safety and
control systems to Western standards.
The construction and testing of the first unit was successfully finished in June
2002 and the unit began its commercial operation. The cost of the first unit was
transferred from construction work in progress into plant in service and the
Company started depreciation of the unit.
Second unit was loaded with fuel in March 2002 and the nuclear reaction was
activated in May 2002. The second unit is expected to go into service in the
second quarter of 2003. The Company estimates that the remaining costs required
to finish the second unit will be approximately 2.7 billion CZK.
Environmental Matters
The Czech Republic has adopted a series of environmental acts and laws and
regulations ("the Acts") including a timetable for the reduction of atmospheric
emissions in the period from 1992 through December 31, 1998. As of December 31,
1998, all plants operated by the Company had been upgraded to meet the
environmental requirements of the Acts.
The Company is also liable under the Acts for past environmental damage (see
Note 15). In 2002, 2001 and 2000, payments made to state farms, individual
farms, cooperatives, other agricultural firms and forests totaled 9 millions
CZK, 7 million CZK and 25 million CZK, respectively. Based on current estimates
of its probable future obligations, the Company provided 47 million CZK in 2002,
57 million CZK in 2001 and 83 million CZK in 2000, respectively, for pollution
damages. In 2000, based on a successful legal case with the state forest
company, the Company reversed 300 million CZK of the accumulated provision for
environmental claims. In 2002 and 2001 the Company further reversed 72 million
CZK and 84 million CZK, respectively. Although uncertainties exist due to
interpretations of applicable laws, management does not believe, based upon the
information available at this time, that the ultimate outcome of these matters
will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or
results of operations.
Insurance Matters
The Nuclear Act (see Note 12) sets limits for liabilities for nuclear damages by
the operator of nuclear installations/licenses. The Nuclear Act provides that
operators of nuclear facilities are liable for up to 6 billion CZK per incident
and that the reimbursement of such liability up to 6 billion CZK is guaranteed
by the state. The Nuclear Act limits the liability for damage caused by other
activities (such as transportation) to 1.5 billion CZK. The Nuclear Act also
requires an operator/licensee to insure its liability connected with the
operation of a nuclear power plant up to a minimum of 1.5 billion CZK and up to
a minimum of 200 million CZK for other activities (such as transportation). CEZ
has a nuclear third party liability policy for damages connected with the
operation of the Temelin nuclear power plant. Two separate insurance policies
for Temelin cover risk connected with transportation and storage of nuclear fuel
according to the requirements of the Nuclear Act. CEZ has a nuclear third party
liability policy for damages connected with the operation of nuclear power plant
Dukovany, a policy covering transport of nuclear fuel to Dukovany and a property
insurance policy for Dukovany covering damages up to 3 billion CZK.
CEZ and CEPS have various insurance coverages, including Directors and Officers
Liability, a property policy to cover "all risks" associated with the operation
of CEZ's fossil and hydro power plants, general third party liability insurance
and risks connected with CEPS' property and liabilities of the transmission
business.
F-30
24. Subsequent Events
In April 2003, CEZ acquired a majority share in five REAS, and a minority share
in three REAS. On March 18, 2003, the Economic Competition Protection Authority
approved the transaction and on April 1, 2003 the transaction was registered at
The Czech Securities Commission. However, the Economic Competition Protection
Authority has ruled that CEZ should sell its shares in one of the REAS in which
it will hold a majority share and in three of the REAS in which it will hold a
minority share. The Economic Competition Protection Authority has also decided
that CEZ should sell its remaining equity share in CEPS.
In June 2003, CEZ agreed with E.ON on mutual exchange of minorities in REAS.
According to the agreement, CEZ will transfer to E.ON 35.2% in Jihomoravska
energetika, a.s. and 34.0% in Jihoceska energetika, a.s. in exchange, CEZ will
receive from E.ON 34.4% in Zapadoceska energetika, a.s. and 41.7% in
Vychodoceska energetika, a.s. It is expected that the transaction would occur in
the second half of 2003 with possible supplementary payment by CEZ.
On June 16, 2003, CEZ and Skoda Praha a.s. agreed on that CEZ's receivables due
from Skoda Praha a.s. would be converted in shares in Skoda Praha a.s. in the
amount of 700 million CZK. The transaction should be carried out in the second
half of 2003.
CEZ intends to exercise a call option for 3.0 billion CZK 11 1/16% bonds and to
repay these bonds using proceeds from new 3.0 billion CZK domestic 3.35% bonds
due 2008, which should be issued on June 23, 2003.
25. Presentation of Financial Statements
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented on the basis of
International Financial Reporting Standards and Interpretations issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board. Certain accounting principles
generally accepted in the Czech Republic (CAS) do not conform to IFRS used in
preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements. A description of
the significant adjustments required to conform the Company's statutory balances
to consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS is set
forth in the following tables.
The effect on retained earnings of differences in IFRS and CAS is as follows (in
millions CZK):
December 31,
---------------------------
2002 2001
------------ ------------
Balance per CAS 72,087 67,172
Accumulated provision for nuclear decommissioning and spent fuel storage (Note 12) (9,715) (10,128)
Deferred tax on nuclear provisions 3,553 3,140
Capitalized costs of nuclear provisions, net of deferred tax 4,226 4,947
Reversal of repairs and maintenance accrual, net of deferred tax 2,152 1,982
CASTOR containers write-off, net of deferred tax (816) (772)
Impact of CAS/IFRS accounting differences on the associate, net of deferred tax (171) (262)
Interest capitalized, net of deferred tax 15,482 14,076
Depreciation of interest capitalized, net of deferred tax (1,620) (1,149)
Other depreciation differences, net of deferred tax (416) (450)
Gain (loss) on derivatives, net of deferred tax - (1,231)
Gain (loss) on embedded derivatives, net of deferred tax (17) (166)
Additional foreign exchange rate differences under IAS 39, net of deferred tax - 577
Other IAS 39 differences 57 142
Reclassification of items from retained earnings (168) (202)
------------ ------------
Balance per IFRS 84,634 77,676
============ ============
F-31
The effect on net income of differences in IFRS and CAS is as follows (in
millions CZK):
Year ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income per CAS 7,321 7,801 6,070
Nuclear decommissioning and spent fuel storage costs (Note 12) 413 452 268
Deferred tax on nuclear provisions 413 (140) 521
Capitalized costs of provisions, net of deferred tax (721) (132) (736)
Repairs and maintenance accrual, net of deferred tax 170 252 (441)
CASTOR containers write-off, net of deferred tax (44) (86) (102)
Impact of CAS/IFRS accounting differences on the associate, net of
deferred tax 91 (82) 46
Interest capitalized, net of deferred tax 1,405 1,650 1,960
Depreciation of interest capitalized, net of deferred tax (471) (290) (275)
Other depreciation differences, net of deferred tax 34 32 33
Gain (loss) on derivatives, net of deferred tax 431 (1,096) -
Gain (loss) on embedded derivatives, net of deferred tax 149 (58) -
Additional foreign exchange rate differences under IAS 39, net of
deferred tax (577) 844 -
Other IAS 39 differences (85) 127 -
Deferred tax on tax loss carryforward - (95) 10
Deferred tax on other provisions - - (71)
Profit on sale of treasury shares (18) - -
Reclassification of items from retained earnings, net (90) (56) (46)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income per IFRS 8,421 9,123 7,237
F-32
26. Summary of Differences between Accounting Principles Adopted by CEZ and
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (US GAAP)
The consolidated financial statements of CEZ have been prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which differ in certain
respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (US
GAAP). The significant differences are described below. Other differences do not
have a significant effect on either consolidated net income or shareholders'
equity.
Reconciliation of Consolidated Net Income and Shareholders' Equity
The estimated effect of the significant adjustments to net income and
shareholders' equity which would be required if US GAAP were to be applied are
summarized as follows (in millions of CZK):
Year ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income under IFRS 8,421 9,123 7,237
Debt issuance costs - - (41)
Deferred tax effect of debt issuance costs - - 13
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income under US GAAP before cumulative effect of
accounting changes: 8,421 9,123 7,209
------------ ------------ ------------
Effect of IAS 37 implementation - - 8,826
Effect of SFAS No. 133 implementation - (848) -
Deferred tax on effect of IAS 37 and SFAS No. 133
implementation - 263 (2,736)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income under US GAAP 8,421 8,538 13,299
Other comprehensive income - - -
------------ ------------ ------------
Total comprehensive income 8,421 8,538 13,299
============ ============ ============
December 31,
-----------------------------
2002 2001
------------ ------------
Shareholders' equity under IFRS 143,675 136,726
Reconciling items - -
------------ ------------
Shareholders' equity under US GAAP 143,675 136,726
============ ============
F-33
Year ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
------------ ------------ ------------
Total comprehensive income 8,421 8,538 13,299
------------ ------------ ------------
Earnings per share (CZK per share):
Income before cumulative effect of change in
accounting policy
Basic 14.3 15.4 12.2
Diluted 14.2 15.4 12.2
Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy
Basic - (1.0) 10.3
Diluted - (1.0) 10.3
Net income
Basic 14.3 14.4 22.5
Diluted 14.2 14.4 22.5
Average number of shares (000's shares)
Basic 590,363 591,926 592,088
Diluted 592,150 592,088 592,088
US GAAP Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (in millions of CZK)
Number of
Shares (in Stated Retained Shareholders'
thousands) Capital Earnings Equity
-------------- ----------- ------------ -----------------
December 31, 1999 592,088 59,209 57,023 116,232
Net income - - 13,299 13,299
-------------- ----------- ------------ -----------------
December 31, 2000 592,088 59,209 70,322 129,531
Net income - - 8,538 8,538
Acquisition of treasury shares (1,950) (159) - (159)
Dividends declared - - (1,184) (1,184)
-------------- ----------- ------------ -----------------
December 31, 2001 590,138 59,050 77,676 136,726
Non-cash capital contribution 123 12 - 12
Net income - - 8,421 8,421
Acquisition of treasury shares (1,950) (181) - (181)
Sale of treasury shares 1,965 160 17 177
Dividends declared - - (1,480) (1,480)
-------------- ----------- ------------ -----------------
December 31, 2002 590,276 59,041 84,634 143,675
============== =========== ============ =================
Dividends paid per share were 2.5 and 2 CZK for 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Dividends from 2002 profit will be declared on general meeting, which will be
held in June 2003.
F-34
Effect of Adopting IAS No. 37
In 2000 CEZ adopted IAS 37 to account for its nuclear liabilities. IAS 37
required that the effects of adopting the standard be applied retroactively. US
GAAP requires that the cumulative effect of changing an accounting principle be
reflected in the income statement in the year of change. The cumulative effect
was reflected in the Net Income reconciliation for 2000.
Effect of SFAS No. 133 Implementation
In 2001 the Company has applied for the first time Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities" (SFAS No. 133). In 2001 the Company applied International Accounting
Standard No. 39 "Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement" (IAS 39).
Although SFAS No. 133 in general requires similar accounting as IAS 39, the
transitional provisions of the two standards are different. Under SFAS No. 133
the Company is required to report the transition adjustment resulting from
adopting the statement in net income, whereas IAS 39 requires the transition
adjustment to be reported directly in equity.
Debt Discount and Issuance Costs
In 2000 CEZ expensed as incurred costs associated with the issuance of debt. US
GAAP requires that amounts for debt discount and debt issuance costs be deferred
and amortized over the life of the debt. Such an adjustment is reflected in the
reconciliation. The discount and issuance costs are amortized using the
effective interest rate method and the charge is reported as interest expense.
In 2001 the Company implemented International Accounting Standard IAS 39, which
requires the same accounting for debt issuance costs as prescribed by US GAAP.
Other US GAAP Related Disclosures:
CEZ Finance B.V.
As described in Note 2.2, the Company's consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of its wholly owned subsidiary, CEZ Finance B.V.
CEZ Finance B.V. was established to issue securities and loan the proceeds from
securities sales to CEZ. CEZ, solely, fully and unconditially guarantees the
debt of CEZ Finance B.V. Substantially all of CEZ Finance B.V.'s expenses and
income are from interest expense on its debt and interest income from CEZ. There
are no restrictions on payments by CEZ Finance B.V. to CEZ.
Associate Companies
As described in Note 2.2, the Company accounts for its investment in Severoceske
doly, a.s., using the equity method.
Consolidated retained earnings include undistributed earnings of Severoceske
doly, a.s. These undistributed earnings net of deferred tax amounted to 1,399
million CZK, and 1,149 million CZK as of December 31, 2002 and 2001. In 2002,
2001 and 2000, net dividends received from Severoceske doly, a. s., amounted to
114 million CZK, 57 million CZK and 100 million CZK, respectively.
F-35
Nuclear Decommissioning, Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Disposal Provisions
As discussed in Notes 2.21 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements in
2000 the Company adopted International Accounting Standard IAS 37 "Provisions,
Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets". According to the IAS 37, the
amount recognized as a provision should be the best estimate of the expenditure
required to settle the present obligation at the balance sheet date. For
calculation of these estimates in the case of nuclear provisions CEZ has
discounted expected future cash flows to their present values. The initial costs
of provisions were capitalized and are depreciated over the useful life of the
related assets (nuclear power plants). The increase of the provisions due to the
accretion of discount and effect of inflation is charged to income as a separate
component of interest expense. Under U.S. GAAP the accretion of discount is
recorded as other income/expense. Changes in the provision, which result from
the consumption of nuclear fuel, are charged to income as part of the fuel
expense.
CEZ applied SFAS No. 143 "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations " in 2002.
The statement requires the classification of the provision as a liability on the
balance sheet using an expected cash flow approach, in which multiple cash flow
scenarios that reflect the range of possible outcomes and a credit-adjusted
risk-free rate are used to estimate fair value. Since very similar approach is
used when calculating provision under IAS 37, there is no material difference in
calculation of the provision under US GAAP and IFRS.
Significant Debt Covenants
In 1992 the Company has entered into a loan agreement with the International
Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The agreement contains financial
covenants relating to capital expenditure coverage, cash flow coverage and debt
service coverage. In 2002 and 2001 the Company has complied with the required
covenants.
Stock-based Compensation
As described in Note 19, during 2002 and 2001 the Company has granted stock
options to members of the Board of Directors, Supervisory board and certain
other members of management. No options were granted in the years prior to 2001.
The Company has elected to account for employee stock options under US GAAP in
accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB 25) "Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees" and related interpretations and to furnish the
pro forma disclosures required under SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation".
APB 25 requires recognition of compensation expense over the period, when the
employee performs services for the Company. The expense recognized in accordance
with APB 25 is the quoted market price of the stock at the measurement date less
the amount, if any, that the employee is required to pay. The measurement date
is the first date on which are known both the number of shares that an
individual employee is entitled to receive and the exercise price payable by the
employee. In contrast, SFAS No. 123 requires recognition of compensation expense
for grants of stock options based on the estimated grant-date fair values of
those grants.
The options may be exercised immediately and at any time during the period
specified in the relevant stock with option agreement, such period generally set
to correspond the term for which the member was elected or appointed to the
respective board. Accordingly, the measurement date was the grant date.
F-36
As the exercise price of CEZ's employee stock options was higher than the market
price of the underlying stock at the measurement days, no compensation expense
was recognized in accordance with APB 25 in 2001 and 2002. Had compensation cost
for management incentive schemes been determined based on the fair value at the
grant dates for options under those schemes consistent with the method
prescribed in SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share
would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below (in CZK
millions, except per share data):
2002 2001
------------ ------------
Net income, as reported 8,421 8,538
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense
included in reported net income, net of related tax
effects - -
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation
expense determined under fair value based method for
all awards -* 24
Pro forma 8,421 8,514
============ ============
Basic income per share (CZK per share)
As reported 14.3 14.4
Pro forma 14.3 14.4
Diluted income per share (CZK per share)
As reported 14.2 14.4
Pro forma 14.2 14.4
* The fair value of options granted in 2002 is 0.3 million CZK.
The fair value of the options is estimated on the date of grant using the
binomial option-pricing model. Because the Company's employee stock options have
characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and
because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the
fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not
necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee
stock options.
At the grant dates, the underlying assumptions and the resulting fair values per
option were as follows:
2002 2001
------------ ------------
Weighted average assumptions
Dividend yield 2.9% 2.4%
Expected volatility 40.2% 36.0%
Risk-free interest rate 2.6% 4.8%
Expected life (years) 1.3 2.3
The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted in 2002 and 2001
was 17.4 CZK and 10.2 CZK per option, respectively. The exercise prices of
outstanding options were in the range from 72.5 to 96.4 CZK and from 86.3 to
96.4 CZK per share and the options outstanding had an average remaining
contractual life of 1.4 and 2.0 years on December, 31 2002 and 2001,
respectively.
For further information on stock-based compensation see Note 19.
F-37
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at Charges to
beginning cost and Balance at
Provisions on assets to which they apply: of year expenses Deductions end of year
-------------- ------------- ------------ -------------
2000
Impairment provision for investments 19 141 - 160
Inventory obsolescence provision 131 180 (29) 282
Provision for bad and doubtful debts 216 49 (14) 251
2001
Impairment provision for investments 160 74 - 234
Inventory obsolescence provision 282 11 (280) 13
Provision for bad and doubtful debts 251 489 (25) 715
2002
Impairment provision for investments 234 - (31) 203
Inventory obsolescence provision 13 - (13) -
Provision for bad and doubtful debts 715 348 (335) 728
Discontinued Operation
The Company has classified sale of CEPS under IFRS as discontinuing operation
(see Note 21). Under US GAAP the transaction does not represent discontinued
operation, as the Company retains a 34% ownership in CEPS.
F-38
Deferred Taxes
Under IFRS, the presentation of deferred taxes differs from the methodology set
forth in US GAAP. For purposes of US GAAP, deferred tax assets and liabilities
must either be classified as current on non-current based on the classification
of the related non-tax asset or liability for financial reporting. The table
presents the deferred tax assets and liabilities according to the presentation
prescribed by FAS 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes" (in millions of CZK).
2002 2001
------------ ------------
Current assets:
Foreign exchange - 352
Derivatives 8 628
------------ ------------
8 980
------------ ------------
Non-current assets:
Accumulated provision for nuclear decommissioning and
spent fuel storage 6,129 5,656
CASTOR containers write off 367 347
Other provisions 300 292
Other deductible differences 187 202
------------ ------------
6,983 6,497
------------ ------------
Deferred tax assets 6,991 7,477
------------ ------------
Current liabilities:
Penalty receivables 164 187
Additional foreign exchange rate differences under US GAAP - 259
Other US GAAP differences 25 64
------------ ------------
189 510
------------ ------------
Non-current liabilities:
Tax depreciation in excess of financial statement
depreciation 8,226 7,399
Capitalized interest 6,227 5,808
Capitalized cost of provisions 2,683 2,223
Repairs and maintenance accrual 967 891
Investment in associate 627 516
Investment in subsidiary 613 -
------------ ------------
19,343 16,837
------------ ------------
Deferred tax liabilities 19,532 17,347
------------ ------------
Total deferred tax liabilities, net 12,541 9,870
============ ============
F-39
Accounting Changes
In April 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 145 "Rescission of FASB Statements No.4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB
Statement No.13 and Technical Corrections." The principal change is that gains
or losses from extinguishment of debt which are classified as extraordinary
items by SFAS 4 "Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt an
amendment of APB Opinion No. 30" will no longer be classified as such. The
provisions of SFAS 145 are effective for fiscal years beginning after May
15,2002 although early application of the Statement related to the rescission of
SFAS 4 is encouraged. The Company plans to adopt SFAS 145 for its fiscal year
ending December 31,2003. The Company does not expect this statement to have a
material impact on the financial statements.
In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146 "Accounting for Costs Associated with
Exit or Disposal Activities". SFAS No. 146 addresses financial accounting and
reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies
Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3 "Liability Recognition for Certain
Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including
Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)". This statement requires that a
liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized
when the liability is incurred and can be measured at fair value. The provisions
of this statement are effective prospectively for exit or disposal activities
initiated after December 31, 2002. The Company does not expect this statement to
have a material impact on the financial statements.
In December 2002, The FASB issued SFAS No. 148 "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation - Transition and Disclosure". SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", to provide alternative methods of
transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value based method
of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. It also requires disclosing
about the effects on reported net income of an entity. The statement requires
additional disclosure on method used to account for stock-based employee
compensation, and also pro forma net income, and basic and diluted earning per
share as if the fair value based method was used. It is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2002, and early adoption is permitted. CEZ
has evaluated the new standard, and adopted all required disclosures.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest
Entities (VIEs), in an effort to expand upon and strengthen existing accounting
guidance that addresses when a company should include in its financial
statements the assets, liabilities and activities of another entity. In general,
a VIE is a corporation, partnership, trust, or any other legal structure used
for business purposes that either (a) does not have equity investors with voting
rights or (b) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial
resources for the entity to support its activities. Interpretation 46 requires a
VIE to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of
the risk of loss from the VIE's activities, is entitled to receive a majority of
the VIE's residual returns, or both. The Interpretation also requires
disclosures about VIEs that the company is not required to consolidate, but in
which it has a significant variable interest. The consolidation requirements of
FIN 46 apply immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31,
2003, and to older entities no later than the third quarter of 2003. Certain of
the disclosure requirements are required in all financial statements issued
after January 31, 2003, regardless of when the variable interest entity was
established. The Company has not identified any VIEs that must be consolidated.
In November 2002, the FASB issued FIN 45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure
Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of
Others). FIN 45 requires certain guarantees to be recorded at fair value, which
is different from current practice to record a liability only when a loss is
probable and reasonably estimable, as those terms are defined in FASB Statement
5, Accounting for Contingencies. FIN 45 also requires the Company to make
significant new disclosures about guarantees. The Interpretations disclosure
requirements are effective for financial statements of interim and annual
periods ending after December 15, 2002. Its initial recognition and initial
measurement provisions are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees
issued or modified after December 15, 2002 irrespective of the guarantor's
fiscal year-end. The guarantor's previous accounting for guarantees issued prior
to the date of the interpretations initial application should not be revised or
restated. The adoption of FIN 45 is not expected to have a material impact on
the Company's results of operations, financial position, or cash flow.
F-40
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing
on Form 20-F and has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CEZ, a. s.
/s/ Jaroslav Mil
By:_______________________________
Name: Jaroslav Mil
Title: Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
/s/ David Svojitka
By: __________________________________
Name: David Svojitka
Title: Chief Financial Officer and
Member of the Board of Directors
Date: June 25, 2003
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Jaroslav Mil, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 20-F of CEZ, a. s.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this Annual Report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this Annual Report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this Annual Report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of
the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this Annual Report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this Annual Report
is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this Annual Report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this Annual Report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this
Annual Report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Date: June 25, 2003
/s/ Jaroslav Mil
----------------------------------
Chief Executive Officer
CERTIFICATIONS
I, David Svojitka, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 20-F of CEZ, a. s.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this Annual Report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this Annual Report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this Annual Report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of
the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this Annual Report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this Annual Report
is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this Annual Report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this Annual Report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this
Annual Report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Date: June 25, 2003
/s/ David Svojitka
----------------------------------
Chief Financial Officer
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
CEZ, a. s.
Exhibits to Form 20-F
1. Articles of Association (Stanovy) of CEZ, a. s.
4.1 Share Purchase Agreement between Fond narodniho majetku Ceske republiky
as Seller and CEZ, a. s. as Purchaser, dated June 28, 2002
4.2 Share Purchase Agreement between CEZ, a. s. as Seller and OSINEK, a.s.
as Purchaser, dated June 28, 2002
4.3 Share Purchase Agreement between Ceska konsolidacni agentura as Seller
and CEZ, a. s. as Purchaser, dated July 22, 2002
4.4 Share Purchase Agreement between CEZ, a. s. as Seller and Czech
Republic - Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs as Purchaser, dated
August 19, 2002
8. List of Subsidiaries
10(a).1 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
