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Vassiliko Cement Works Endorses AGM Resolutions And Announces Dividend Distribution

AGM Approval And Operational Overview

Vassiliko Cement Works Public Company Ltd has confirmed the approval of all resolutions presented at its annual general meeting (AGM) held on June 5, 2025. The firm, a leader in clinker and cement production, meticulously oversees five dedicated quarries—including Cyprus’s largest limestone quarry, a reef limestone quarry, two clay quarries, and a gypsum quarry—to ensure an uninterrupted supply of high-quality raw materials, underscoring its operational robustness.

Financial Reports And Dividend Declarations

The AGM ratified the management report and comprehensive financial statements for the year 2024, which are accessible on the company’s official website. In a firm demonstration of fiscal integrity, shareholders approved the disbursement of a total dividend of €12.94 million, equivalent to €0.18 per ordinary share. This dividend allocation comprises €0.06 derived from 2023 profits and €0.12 from 2024 retained earnings.

Shareholders registered in the Cyprus Stock Exchange registry on June 18, 2025, will receive the dividend, with the company’s shares trading ex-dividend as of June 17, 2025. Investors completing transactions by the close of trading on June 16, 2025, are eligible for the dividend, including beneficiaries of off-exchange share transfers finalized by the record date. The dividend payment is scheduled for execution by July 15, 2025.

Board Reconstitution And Director Compensation

The meeting also reaffirmed strategic leadership with the re-election of Directors George St. Galatariotis, Mihail Polendakov, and Ioannis Savvides, who had retired by rotation. Shareholders endorsed the remunerations report, setting director fees for 2025 at €30,000 for the chairman and €25,000 for each board member, in addition to a representation allowance of €300 per meeting for board and committee attendance.

Audit Appointment And Future Outlook

Concluding the AGM, PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited was appointed as the company’s auditor for 2025, with the board entrusted with determining the auditors’ remuneration. This series of decisive resolutions highlights Vassiliko Cement Works’ unwavering commitment to corporate governance and financial transparency, positioning the company for sustained strategic growth in an increasingly competitive industry.

DBRS Warns Of Middle East Risks For Greek And Cypriot Banks’ Key Sector

Rising Geopolitical Risks And Economic Vulnerabilities

DBRS said rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East increase risks for Greece and Cyprus, citing their exposure to shipping and tourism. The assessment highlights sector dependence as a key vulnerability in both economies.

Impact On Economic Activity And Banking Systems

Despite recent resilience in Cyprus, ongoing volatility is affecting economic activity and the banking sector. The report, titled “Middle East Tensions Heighten Risks for Greek and Cypriot Banks’ Shipping and Tourism Exposures,” compares risks across both countries and identifies areas of exposure.

Tourism And Shipping: The Economic Double-Edged Sword

Tourism and shipping account for a larger share of economic activity in Cyprus and Greece than in most EU countries. In Cyprus, these sectors represent 6.6% of gross value added, compared with 7.3% in Greece and an EU average of 2.9%. Beyond direct activity, tourism supports transport and leisure services, influencing consumption and broader economic output. According to DBRS, banks in both countries have above-average exposure to these sectors, increasing credit risk in the event of a prolonged downturn.

Differentiated Exposure: Cyprus Versus Greece

Exposure differs between the two banking systems. Greek banks hold a larger share of internationally secured shipping loans, while Cypriot banks have greater exposure to tourism-related activity. This makes Cyprus more sensitive to changes in travel demand. Both systems maintain profitability and capital buffers that may support performance under pressure.

Economic Ripple Effects And Sectoral Vulnerabilities

A decline in tourism flows would affect small and medium-sized businesses, household income, and real estate values. These factors are linked to asset quality in Cypriot banks. Early indicators point to higher cancellation rates and weaker travel demand in Cyprus, reflecting its proximity to regional tensions. Greece may see a more limited short-term impact due to lower exposure and potential diversion of tourism demand from affected regions.

Maintaining Profitability In A Challenging Environment

Bank profitability in both countries remained above the EU average as of the fourth quarter of 2025. Capital levels in Cypriot banks remain strong, while Greek banks continue to align with broader European benchmarks. Asset quality has improved, with non-performing loan ratios in transportation and storage close to 0% in 2025, compared with an EU average of 2.3%. In lodging and food services, non-performing loans stood at 2.1% in Greece and 0.7% in Cyprus, both below the EU average of 5%.

Sectoral Exposure And Wider Banking Implications

Data from the European Banking Authority show that transportation and storage accounted for 19.8% of loans to non-financial corporations in Greece and 11.2% in Cyprus in 2025, compared with an EU average of 5.5%. Exposure to lodging and food services reached 11.1% in Greece and 21.2% in Cyprus, exceeding the EU average of 2.6%.

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