Austrian energy company Verbund is aiming to keep its payout ratio at or above its current rate of 46% and plans to finance its future investments in western and eastern Europe based on its annual cash flow, reported Thomson Financial, citing the Austrian press agency APA, which quoted Verbund's chief executive Michael Pistauer.

<p>Mr Pistauer also confirmed that a capital increase is unlikely and that the company does not intend to lower its dividend.<br /><br />In addition, the APA report also said that Verbund may enter into a joint venture with Norway&#0039;s Hydro to construct a 1,000MW hydroelectric power plant in Russia.</p>