AB Ignitis grupe ($IGN1L)

Dear participants, welcome to the presentation of Ignitis Group's results for the first 3 months of 2026 and our strategic plan for the period from 2026 to 2029. Thank you for joining us today. During today's call, Ignitis Group's CEO and CFO will first present the group's first quarter performance, followed by an interview of the group's 4-year strategic plan. This will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Before we begin, I would like to remind you that today's presentation contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on management's current beliefs, expectations and assumptions and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. I now hand over to Darius to present the strategic highlights.

Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining our earnings call. Over the first quarter of 2026, we delivered a solid performance with key highlights as follows. First, our adjusted EBITDA reached EUR 192 million, representing a 2% year-over-year increase. Second, we continued disciplined Green Capacities portfolio delivery with 2.1 gigawatt of installed capacity and 0.6 gigawatts of assets under construction. Third, we successfully completed our debut asset rotation transaction. We have disposed a 49% stake in Vilnius CHP. 100% of asset equity was valued at EUR 244 million and accordingly, 49% at EUR 120 million. It represents 4.6x multiple over our equity invested. And lastly, in line with our dividend policy for the second half of 2025, paid a dividend of EUR 0.683 per share, representing a 3% increase year-over-year. Now let me take you through the reminder of strategic progress over the reporting period. First, the progress of our Green Capacities portfolio development. Currently, we have 5 projects under construction, which total capacity of 0.6 gigawatts and investments of EUR 0.4 billion. Portfolio includes 1 solar farm in Latvia and 4 projects in Lithuania. To start with 174-megawatt Tume solar farm in Latvia, we have already invested over EUR 83 million out of total EUR 106 million. The project is progressing on track with 115 megawatts of solar panels already installed. Once completed, the project will be capable of supplying green electricity to up to 85,000 households annually. Next, Kruonis 110-megawatt Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power plant expansion project. We have already invested EUR 100 million out of total EUR 150 million. Project currently 70% completed. A critical milestone was recently reached with the delivery of unit's runner from Austria, a handcrafted component specifically optimized for the plant's infrastructure to ensure maximum efficiency. Following the arrival of transformer in January, all key components are now being integrated into the existing system. The project will increase the plant's total capacity to 1 gigawatt and significantly enhance the flexibility and reliability of Baltic Energy Grid. Now on our 3 BESS projects under construction, Kelmė, Kruonis and Mažeikiai. Starting with 147-megawatt Kelmė BESS. We have already invested more than EUR 17 million out of total EUR 63 million, supported by a EUR 7.5 million CapEx subsidy for the project. The first batch of battery components have been delivered. Project is co-located with 314-megawatt Kelmė wind farm, allowing it to benefit from shared high voltage infrastructure. Next, 99-megawatt Kruonis BESS. We have already invested more than EUR 10 million out of total more than EUR 46 million, supported by EUR 5 million CapEx subsidy. Construction works are on track for this stand-alone project. It will unlock to 1.1 gigawatt of flexibility for operational synergies with the Kruonis Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power plant. Finally, 45 megawatts Mažeikiai BESS. We have already invested more than EUR 5 million out of total more than EUR 20 million, owing at EUR 2 million CapEx subsidy for the project. The third batch of battery components has been delivered. The project is co-located with the 63-megawatt Mažeikiai wind farm, allowing it to benefit from shared high-voltage infrastructure. As of now, all projects are being implemented on time and within budget. Next, our sustainability performance. Over 3 months of 2026, our net green share of generation increased by 14 percentage points to 75%, Firstly, due to the lower generation of Elektrėnai Complex, which increased in the first quarter of 2025 in relation to balancing capacity services provided as well as the increase of green electricity generated by solar farms, primarily new assets launched, including Varme and Stelpe projects, which we are not yet operating in the first quarter of 2025. Looking at carbon intensity, our Scope 1 and 2 decreased by 13% as a result of lower electricity generation from natural gas at Elektrėnai Complex. Next, our greenhouse gas emissions it amounted to 1.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, representing a 26% year-over-year increase. This increase was driven by a 40% increase in Scope 3 emissions, largely due to the higher wholesale natural gas sales and electricity sales in Poland, where a high emission factor applies. This increase was partly offset by a decrease in the emission factor in Lithuania. Lastly, on our safety, ensuring the health and safety of our employees and contractors is one of our most fundamental priorities of the group. However, in February 2026, a contractor employee was fatally injured during work. We are committed to take every possible measure to prevent such tragedies in the future. Our employee TRIR has improved and amounted to 0 as no incidents occurred during the reporting period, while contractors TRIR increased to 1. The update of our majority shareholder expectation letter is another important strategic update. The updated expectations received on 9th March of 2026 expresses the expectation of continuity in our strategic directions while simultaneously setting new priorities for our future growth. We shall ensure continuity for sustainable development and maintenance of Green Capacities and Networks, energy resilience and security, offshore wind projects in Lithuania, asset rotation program, good governance practices, positive customer experience and net zero emissions by 2050. To ensure our financial discipline, the majority shareholder expects net debt to adjusted EBITDA below 5x and at least BBB credit rating. Also, our adjusted ROCE shall exceed 6.5%, and we shall increase annual dividends by at least 3%. The majority shareholder also sets our new priorities, including expectations on pursuing new business models to increase energy demand and to attract businesses within high energy demand to Lithuania, given priority to data centers. Additionally, it expects us to analyze and assess the possibilities for development of Green Capacities while taking into account the ratio of electricity supply and demand, the potential in the market as well as invest in their development provided that the required return is ensured. This means that after developing projects until they receive the construction permit or are in the stage of close to it, further significant investments may be made only if the projects meet required return of investment. Furthermore it includes a requirement to prepare possible further scenarios to development of the Curonian Nord offshore wind farm with proposed alternative solutions, ensuring the project will be economically viable. Finally, the letter of expectations include an expectation to increase efficiency in our existing operational activities. With the strategic overview concluded, I will now pass it over to Jonas for the financial update.

Thank you, Darius. Now let's look at the financial highlights of the first quarter of 2026. Adjusted EBITDA grew by 2% year-over-year and reached EUR 192 million, driven by stronger performance in Networks and Customers & Solutions. Adjusted net profit decreased by 20% and amounted to EUR 87 million, mainly due to higher depreciation and amortization and lower financial activity results, which offset the adjusted EBITDA growth. Our investment grew by 7% year-over-year and amounted to EUR 157 million with 71% allocated to the Networks and 25% directed to Green Capacities. Return on capital employed decreased to 7.1%, mainly due to the lower adjusted EBITDA in Green Capacities. Our net debt decreased to EUR 1.9 billion, driven by the completed transaction for the sale of 49% in Vilnius CHP, which was partly offset by higher working capital needs. As a result, net debt to adjusted EBITDA improved to 3.4x and FFO to net debt improved to 21.5%. Finally, in line with our dividend policy for the second half of 2025, we paid a dividend of EUR 0.683 per share, which is 3% higher than last year. Next, let us review each of our key performance indicators, starting with adjusted EBITDA. Firstly, Green Capacities decreased by 21% to EUR 86 million, mainly driven by lower captured prices. Second, Networks grew by 9% and amounted to EUR 81 million, mainly due to higher regulated asset base as a result of continued investments into our electricity network. Thirdly, Reserve Capacities decreased by 13% to EUR 15 million, mainly due to lower result of balancing capacity services. And finally, our Customers & Solutions EBITDA grew to EUR 13.1 million. This growth was mainly supported by higher volumes sold and profitable natural gas wholesale transaction. Moving on, let us take a deeper look at segment level EBITDA performance. Beginning with Green Capacities. The main drivers behind 21% year-over-year increase were, firstly, lower price captured by our Green Generation assets. And secondly, due to a very cold winter, we had very low wind speeds in Q1 of 2026, which meant that even though we launched new assets, the volumes remained similar year-over-year. And thirdly, higher OpEx due to our newly operational assets, which under normal conditions would be more than offset by new revenues. However, due to already mentioned poor wind conditions that did not happen. However, the decrease was partially offset by better results in balancing capacity services. Now the Networks segment. 9% growth in Networks EBITDA was mainly supported by a higher regulated asset base, which increased by 6% from EUR 1.8 billion to EUR 1.9 billion, driven by continued investments into electricity network. WACC remained stable year-over-year at 5.74% Next, Reserve Capacities segment. The segment posted a 13% year-over-year decrease, which was mainly driven by lower results of balancing capacity services and a planned major overhaul of Unit 7 at Elektrėnai Complex. And finally, Customers & Solutions adjusted EBITDA grew to EUR 13 million, driven by both better electricity and better natural gas supply results. These better results were impacted by higher volumes, improved margins and profitable gas wholesale transactions. That being said, electricity B2C business remains loss-making in Germany mainly due to prosumers. Now that we have covered business segment EBITDA drivers, let us move on to our investment activities. In the first quarter of this year, our investments amounted to EUR 157 million and were 7% higher than last year. The reason behind the growth was higher Networks investments driven by expansion of the electricity distribution network, mainly due to several large B2B customers connected. However, increase in investments was offset by lower investments in Green Capacities segment due to 6 projects reaching COD in 2025. Next, a brief look at free cash flow. Free cash flow amounted to negative EUR 74 million in Q1 as the increase in investments and negative change in net working capital outweighed growth of adjusted EBITDA. Moving on to our leverage metrics. Net debt decreased by EUR 19 million and amounted to EUR 1.9 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2026. This decrease was driven by the completed transaction of the sale of 49% stake in Vilnius CHP, which was partly offset by higher net working capital needs. Supported by an increase in FFO, our main credit rating metric, FFO to net debt improved to 21.5% and our net debt to adjusted EBITDA decreased to 3.4x. Finally, our guidance for this year. Following our Q1 performance, which was in line with our expectations, we reiterate our full year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance of EUR 550 million to EUR 600 million and investment guidance of EUR 590 million to EUR 690 million. However, we made a change in the directional guidance for Green Capacities business segment adjusted EBITDA. We now expect its results to be lower compared to the actual 2025 result, while previously, we expected it to remain stable. This reflects lower-than-expected generation volumes in Q1, mainly due to worse wind conditions. With that, I will hand over to Darius to continue with the presentation.

Thank you, Jonas. Let me summarize Ignitis Group performance over the first quarter of 2026. Over the first quarter of 2026, we delivered a solid performance with key highlights as follows. First, our adjusted EBITDA reached EUR 192.2 million, representing a 2% year-over-year increase. Second, we continued disciplined Green Capacities portfolio delivery with 2.1 gigawatt of installed capacity and 0.6 gigawatts of assets under construction. Third, we successfully completed our debut asset rotation transaction. We have disposed a 49% stake in Vilnius CHP. Our 100% of assets equity was valued at EUR 244 million and accordingly 49% at EUR 120 million. It represents 4.6 multiple over our equity invested. Fourth, in line with our dividend policy for the second half of 2025, we paid a dividend of EUR 0.683 per share, representing a 3% increase. And lastly, we reiterate our full year guidance for 2026. We expect adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of EUR 550 million to EUR 600 million and investments between EUR 590 million and EUR 690 million. Next, let us move to our presentation on our strategic plan for 2026-2029 period. The group is now entering a new stage of energy transition. We are shifting from a rapid capacity build-out to the value over volume approach with a strong focus on green flexibility and electricity networks over the 2026-2029 period while keeping energy security as our top priority. We position Ignitis Group as a leading integrated energy group in Baltics, benefiting from the largest network, energy storage capacity and our customer portfolio in the Baltics. Our purpose is to create a 100% secure and green energy ecosystem. And in relation to that, we lead the regional energy transition to strengthen competitiveness and support economic growth. By utilizing our integrated business model, we are maximizing our full potential. This is our backbone for strategy execution. It means that, first, we focus on developing and operating Green Generation and green flexibility assets, reaching between 2.8 and 3.2 gigawatts of installed capacity by 2029. Second, we are building a resilient and efficient distribution network that enables electrification. Third, we focus on value-driven growth through outstanding customer experience. And finally, reserve capacity is positioned to operate as a system reserve with a strategic focus on contributing to the security of energy system. We have outlined our 4 strategic priorities that shape how we will advance our strategy. First, secure, which puts priority on ensuring reliable local energy supply, resilient networks, sufficient system flexibility and reserves to safeguard energy security and support economic growth. Second, green, as we continue to develop Green Generation and flexibility capacities in line with market demand and system needs to deliver discipline and value-creating decarbonization. Third, integrated, meaning we are capturing synergies through an integrated business model, supported by our strong position in the Baltics. Fourth, value-driven. By applying a value over volume approach, we deliver sustainable long-term value for customers, society and investors. Next, let me briefly outline the current European energy transition trends and the need for more electricity, more flexibility and more investments into Networks, which drives our strategy. The electricity demand is expected to nearly double by 2050, driven by electrification of transport sector as well as increasing residential and industrial use of heat pumps. We also expect BEV capacity to increase more than 7x by 2050. And finally, grids has seen yet another key element to enable the energy transition, which is leading to a growing demand for investments into distribution networks. Investments to reinforce cross-border transmission and to increase capacity for the rising electrification needs. Each year, the urgency to address the aging infrastructure is growing, as by now 30% to 40% of distribution grids are more than 40 years old. Let us now deep dive into strategic priorities of each of our business segments. Jonas, passing the word to you to cover our Green Capacities business segment.

Thank you, Darius. Under Green Capacities segment, our strategic priority is to reach between 2.8 to 3.2 gigawatts of installed capacity by 2029 with a focus on value over volume approach. As an introduction, our current Green Capacities portfolio of installed and under construction projects stands at 2.7 gigawatts and contains a mix of generation and flexibility technologies. Green Generation makes up 52% of the total with onshore wind as a dominant technology. Worth to note that among Green Generation portfolio, we have 0.2 gigawatts of green baseload assets with additional flexibility, namely hydro, biomass and waste-to-energy power plants. The other half of the portfolio or 48% are our green flexibility assets, Kruonis Pumped Storage Hydro Plant and 3 BESS projects under construction. We continue to focus on technologies that create the most value in our region. In terms of Green Generation technologies, we focus on onshore and offshore wind. In terms of green flexibility technologies, we focus on hydro pump storage and BESS. The other technologies such as solar, hydro, biomass and waste energy, we consider them complementary with limited growth expected. Now in terms of our Green Capacities targets and progress towards it. Over the past 3 years, we executed a strong strategic expansion of our installed capacities from 1.2 gigawatts in 2022 to 2.1 gigawatts in 2025. Now for 2029, we target to reach between 2.8 and 3.2 gigawatts. And out of these 2.8 to 3.2 gigawatts target for 2029, 2.7 gigawatts are already covered with operational and under construction projects. Over the long term, we aim to deliver a disciplined value-creating decarbonization while ensuring energy system security. Our strategic goal is to deliver between 4 and 5 gigawatts of Green Capacities, prioritizing value over volume and aligning with the market demand and system needs. To achieve these targets, we plan to allocate between EUR 1 billion to EUR 1.2 billion of investments. Out of that, 38% will be directed to assets which we plan to launch during this strategic period. Around 53% will be invested into assets which are expected to launch post 2029 and around 9% will be dedicated to maintenance investments. Now moving on to one of our key current expansion projects. The asset which we already have in our portfolio is on Kruonis Pumped Storage Hydro Plant with 900 megawatts of green flexibility capacity already installed, which is one of the largest energy storage facilities in Europe. We are currently expanding this further by building an additional fifth unit of 110 megawatts of very flexible capacity, which is expected to be launched in 2026. After the expansion, this 1 gigawatt plant will be able to run at full load for around 10 hours straight and provide a massive 10 gigawatt hours of storage capacity. Next, our 3 other green flexibility projects under construction, BESS projects in Kruonis, Kelmė and Mažeikiai. All 3 are located next to our operating assets. The total capacity of these projects will reach 0.3 gigawatts and 0.6 gigawatt hours. All 3 projects have secured CapEx subsidies and all 3 are progressing as planned and are expected to reach COD in 2027. With this, I will pass the word to Darius to cover the remaining business segments.

Thanks, Jonas. Let me move now on the Networks segment. In Networks segment, we own and operate the largest distribution grid in Baltics with 133,000 kilometers of electricity and 10,000 kilometers of natural gas network lines, both covering the entirely of Lithuania. In this segment, we operate as a natural monopoly following a market standard regulatory network. Given the significant investments into the grid, we expect the regulated asset base to grow from EUR 1.8 billion in 2025 to EUR 2.4 billion by 2029, representing a compound annual growth rate of up to around 7%. As just mentioned, our Networks segment operates under traditional RAB times WACC regulatory model, supported by additional mechanisms that enable us to carry out significant investment program. The regulator allows recovery of efficient operating costs. Their pass-through costs grow with inflation minus and efficiency factor along with depreciation of the asset base and the fair return on that regulated asset base using the approved WACC. On top of that, there is an additional tariff component to support a significant investment program plus temporary regulatory adjustments that correct timing differences. Together, these elements determine our allowed revenue. Adjusted EBITDA reflects that allowed revenue basis, the underlying regulatory earnings of the business. Reported EBITDA then incorporates accounting timing effects, including true-ups between allowed revenue and actual revenue from previous years. Our focus in Networks investments are on maintenance and expansion. 46% of total EUR 1.4 billion, EUR 1.6 billion allocated will be invested towards increasing network resilience, rebuilding the aging network, automation and digitalization. 50% will be invested towards expansion to enable electrification, building new connection points and upgrading existing ones as well as integrating consumers. Overall, we see the grids as one of the key elements of energy transition. And therefore, our core focus is on electricity network and customers. First, we invest to ensure efficient and resilient electricity distribution with planned electricity SAIFI reduction by at least 10%. Second, we are expanding our electricity networks capacity. This will further enable green electrification and facilitation of energy market, including transport, industrial and heating electrification and energy efficiency. And the third priority is to enhance end-to-end customer experience, including energy market participants. Next, Reserve Capacities business segment. Its key role is contributing to security of the energy system, mainly by participating in the market for provision of balancing capacity services. In total generation portfolio, this segment concludes 1.1 gigawatts, primarily providing ancillary services with a load factor of 13% and high availability of 98%. On top of that, we will further utilize additional optionality to generate electricity in the market during the low renewables generation positive clean spark spread periods. We will also participate in the market tenders capacity of auctions for provision of ancillary services to other countries like Poland. In 2026, 2029, lower generation from CCGT unit compared to 2025 is expected, driven by a lower expected need for rebalancing services. We aim to contribute to security of the energy system. Therefore, we are actively monitoring market conditions for the new capacities. Now in Customers & Solutions business segment, we aim for value-driven growth through outstanding customer experience. First, we focus on value-driven portfolio growth that also enables integrated green electricity offtake. Second, we continue building a leading EV charging platform in Baltics, enabling the electrification of transport across the Baltics. And finally, we deliver an outstanding customer experience through reliable smart energy solutions, ensuring our continued leadership in this area. As we now ended with our core business segments, data centers is a new opportunity of growth for Ignitis Group as we aim to utilize new market opportunities. As data centers capacity and electricity demand grows, congestion in the main European markets intensifies, putting pressure on already constrained transmission networks. This opens opportunity for our region as Lithuania is well positioned to take advantage of it given available near-term grid capacity for large-scale consumers, high and further increasing renewables penetration, cool climate, large land plots and skilled workforce. As Ignitis Group, we plan to utilize our strategic asset locations development capabilities and power supply in order to attract partners for data center development projects, leading to an increased power demand and enabling further Green Capacities build-out. With that, again, I give the floor to Jonas to cover our financial targets.

Thank you, Darius. Over the next 4 years, we plan to invest between EUR 2.5 billion and EUR 3 billion. 55% of our investments or EUR 1.4 billion to EUR 1.6 billion will be directed to Networks. This will increase our Networks resilience and enable the electrification of other sectors, at the same time, increasing our regulated asset base by around 33% by 2029. Another significant part of our investments will be dedicated to Green Capacities segment. There, we will invest 40% of the total program or between EUR 1 billion and EUR 1.2 billion, resulting in a 40% increase in our installed Green Capacities by 2029. Next, our target returns, which all these investments are expected to generate. First, in terms of IRR to WACC spread, we target at least 100 basis points above WACC in commercial nonregulated activities, while in regulated activities, we target to earn above WACC. Secondly, we target our adjusted return on capital employed to be in the range of 6.5% to 7.5% over 2026-2029 period. Now turning to operational efficiency. Over 2026 to 2029 period, we aim to increase our operational efficiency to deliver a sustainable 10% cost reduction by 2029. Our focus is on reducing the addressable cost base of EUR 156 million, while protecting long-term value creation through growth investments. Our main measures to achieve the target will be process optimization, organizational structure simplification, selective in-sourcing, digitalization and AI-enabled productivity. Our bottom line growth will be driven by focused expansion and operational efficiency. By 2029, we expect to reach between EUR 640 million and EUR 700 million of adjusted EBITDA and between EUR 250 million and EUR 290 million of adjusted net profit, both representing around 6.5% compound annual growth rate. We continue our commitment towards financial discipline and therefore, a solid investment-grade credit rating of BBB or above over the strategic period. We also keep our targeted FFO to net debt above 23%. In addition to that, we are tightening our net debt to adjusted EBITDA target level to between 3 to 4x. Finally, regarding shareholder returns, we expect adjusted EPS to be in the range of EUR 3.5 and EUR 4 in 2029, which is up to 30% higher than what we posted in 2025. We also reconfirm our DPS floor for the strategic period with at least EUR 1.54 DPS for 2029. This implies an estimated dividend yield of 7.2% for 2029. With this, I pass the word back to Darius.

Let me now move on to the most important asset, our people, who altogether contribute to the execution of our strategy. We are a purpose-driven organization of around 4,800 individuals. Powered by our mindset, we strive for excellence in employee experience and diverse workforce through strategic talent gravity, strengthen the energy sector, talent ecosystem and critical skills for the energy transition. Together, we innovate to shape the future energy sector and create new opportunities for our customers. We are actively pursuing innovation across our strategic pillars to unlock further value by harnessing ideas and knowledge through open innovation activities, which include open funding, open infrastructure, open culture and open partnerships. This forces the development of innovative solutions and accelerates the adoption of innovation in core operational areas and establish new strategic business activities. Next, sustainability. We align our business goals and ambitious sustainability priorities with the material sustainability topics and focus on decarbonization, safety, employee experience, diversity, customer experience and sustainable value creation. We focus our efforts on decarbonization that drives business value and ensure energy security. Our first priority while progressing towards decarbonization is energy security, ensuring that reliability and security of power system. Next, we are growing installed Green Capacities when it creates business value. Finally, we provide our customers with alternatives to use more green electricity and fossil-free gas such as biomethane. This may lead to the reduction of carbon intensity of the grid while safeguarding reliable operation of the power system and balancing needs with strengthened regional competitiveness in the long term. Let me now sum up the key points of our strategic plan 2026-2029. We aim to create value for growth and efficiency, reaching adjusted EBITDA of EUR 640 million, EUR 700 million by 2029, which translates into an increase of 17% to 28% compared to 2025. As we sharpen our value-led selective growth, we target to maintain investments of between EUR 2.5 billion to EUR 3 billion over the next 4 years. This will support capital discipline by maintaining our net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio within the 3 to 4x range. Aiming to translate this value into higher shareholder returns, we reconfirm our DPS floor for strategic period with a dividend floor of at least EUR 1.54 per share for 2029, which represents a 12% increase compared to 2025. With that, thank you for your patiently listening to us today.

Thank you to the speakers. We will now proceed to the Q&A session. Our first question is, congrats on the solid start of the year, specifically on surprisingly swift turnaround in Customers & Solutions business segment. Could you please help us understand how you managed to improve EBITDA in the electricity part by such magnitude?

Thank you. So in the C&S segment, better result was driven by both electricity and natural gas supply activities and in both of these parts, better results were a combination of higher volumes due to a cold winter, improved margins and better wholesale results.

Second question. Also, the gas side in Customers & Solutions was helped by an LNG cargo delivery to Ukraine, as I understand. Is that truly a one-off or more much deliveries could be reasonably expected going forward?

Okay. So just to highlight a few points regarding this LNG cargo delivered to Ukraine. So the first thing, which is important is that transaction did not have any material impact on our results in the quarter because the margin was very symbolic. And then second thing is it was more of a test of ability to supply gas to Ukraine, which was successful. And then in the future, we will see. So right now, we know that this corridor works and then we'll see whether these cargoes in that direction will repeat in the future.

Next question. And thanks for providing additional targets, net profit and EPS and the updated strategy. Could you please elaborate a bit more on the 10% efficiency cost reduction improvement target by 2029? That is why now?

Yes. So we are indeed putting more focus on our bottom line, where we see further growth coming from 2 pillars, new investments and operational efficiencies. And on operational efficiency program, we target 10% reduction in addressable cost base in real terms. And we aim to achieve that by optimizing our processes, simplifying the organizational structure and then focusing on digitalization and AI-enabled productivity increase.

Next question. Updated strategy envisages an increase in installed Green Capacities from 2.8 to 3.2 gigawatts by 2029. Previously, you had a goal of hitting 4 to 5 gigawatts by 2030. Do you understand correctly that the 4 to 5 gigawatt target remains intact, though not by 2030, but rather in the longer term, implying a change in wording versus previously?

That is correct. We keep 4 to 5 gigawatt target of installed Green Capacities, but define it as a long term, reflecting our value over volume approach.

One more question. Finally, the targeted CapEx of EUR 2.5 billion to EUR 3 billion for 2026 to 2029. Could you please guide us a bit on how that amount is expected to fall between the years? Would the outlays be front-end loaded, back-end loaded or more like an even flow?

So on the Networks side, the investments will be spread out more or less evenly among the years. On the Green Capacities side, they are more back-end loaded. So overall, the program is slightly back-end loaded.

The following question. Ignitis Group must submit a report no later than the end of June on how the company is implementing the recommendations of the National Audit Office regarding the offshore wind farm under construction. What recommendations the group has already implemented and what key changes to the project could the group outline at the moment? Also, will the recommendations will be implemented on time?

Three recommendations were provided by the National State Audit post Curonian Nord state audit review. We have already implemented 2 recommendations ahead of the deadlines and we are continuing working on the third recommendation, which relates to an analysis of internal and external factors affecting the project. The recommendation we will also implement by its deadline.

Next question. As the lower end of capacity target is mostly secured currently, could it be interpreted such that the market for Green Capacities has matured and there is no room for major solar and onshore wind farm projects?

Yes. So on the Green Capacities target, we indeed target between 2.8 and 3.2 gigawatts by 2029. Our current installed capacity stands at 2.1 gigawatts with additional 0.6 gigawatts of capacity under construction. And in terms of going forward, we still see room for onshore wind projects in the market. However, this needs to be the best projects out there with good locations, good wind resource and et cetera. So there's still room to grow, but you need to be selective on the projects which you choose.

The following question. Could you provide an update on the current situation regarding prosumers? In previous communications, there was mention of a proposed new law aimed at reducing the technical or financial losses associated with prosumer generated energy. Has this legislation been officially passed? And what is the expected impact on the group results?

So the prosumer legislation has not yet been passed. It's currently in the parliament. So we will -- there is no changes to what we have communicated previously. We do expect some legislative changes to happen. And in terms of the magnitude, so we -- the current wording of the legislation is essentially would solve around 70% of prosumer issues in our view.

Next question. Regarding the battery storage projects currently under development, will these facilities be commissioned and brought online in stages during the construction phase? Or is the plan to start operations only once the entire park is fully completed?

So I think the fair statement would be that the majority of the results will start to flow properly when the assets are fully completed. There might be some revenues in the testing phase, but essentially, it would be more fair to assume that the actual full results will fall only when the assets are fully completed.

One more question. Regarding the upcoming bond maturities, when do you expect to begin the refinancing process? And what preparatory steps are already being taken? Furthermore, given the current market environment, what interest rate levels are you anticipating? And how will these higher borrowing costs affect the overall business case and internal rate of return for your future projects?

Yes. So in terms of the bond market, so we are constantly monitoring the situation there. So it's not only the refinancing, but the new debt is being also constantly evaluated whether we do capital market transactions or whether we do it through banks. In terms of the current market environment, we would -- depending on the maturity of the bond, we would see the borrowing costs between probably 3.5% to 4.5%. And in terms of its impact on our business cases, so when we do a new investment decision, we are taking the cost of borrowing, which is available at that particular time of the decision being made, which means that already for the last several years, we've been taking investment decisions based on the actual cost of borrowing, which is close to the levels which I mentioned. And also, it's worth to note that in our -- quite a big part of our bonds have been used in our network activities. And in the Networks, regulation works in a way that it compensates the actual cost of debt. So it's -- the impact of increase in debt is partially protected in the regulatory framework.

Next question. Regarding the group's ambition on data centers, could you clarify what specific stage these development plans are currently in? What concrete milestones have been achieved so far in terms of site selection or partnership negotiations? Furthermore, how does the group intend to balance the high capital expenditure required for such projects with its existing commitments to Green Generation and network expansion?

The area for 2026, key priorities are site preparation and selection of partners.

And the last question, how do you expect to reach the net debt-to-EBITDA target given that investments over the strategic period seem to exceed EBITDA generation and lead to negative free cash flow?

Yes. So in terms of our guidance for net debt to EBITDA over the strategic period of 2026-2029, we intend to stay between 3 and 4x net debt to adjusted EBITDA. And we see it perfectly achievable in our base case scenario with expected EBITDA generation and expected investments.

This concludes our earnings call. Our Investor Relations team remains available for any follow-up questions. We thank you for your participation and look forward to engaging with you again next quarter. Stay safe.