Prague- The Czech energy firm CEZ said Thursday its net profit jumped by 46 per cent to 12.3 billion koruny (608.6 million dollars) in the third quarter of 2008, from 8.42 billion koruny in the same period the previous year.

The state-controlled company reported July-September sales of 41.4 billion koruny (2 billion dollars), up by 2.6 per cent from 40.3 billion koruny last year.

CEZ saw strong results in the third quarter despite falling energy prices amid the turmoil on the global financial markets.

"According to our expectations, the financial crisis will influence CEZ Group's business only marginally. Consumption will grow, only the pace of the growth will decline," the firm said.

The company left its 2008 net profit forecast at 48.6 billlion koruny, up by 14 per cent from 2007. The firm also said it would stick to paying out 50 to 60 per cent of profits in dividends.

CEZ shares were down 0.7 per cent at 759.6 koruny (37.60 dollars) per share in late afternoon trading on the Prague Stock Exchange.

CEZ is the Czech Republic's most profitable company, which has been on an investment spree across former communist countries and Turkey. (dpa)