Finnish group Aspo said on Monday that net sales from continuing operations in the first quarter fell 1.7% compared with the same period a year earlier, landing at EUR 114.1 million. The company described the decline as driven by softness in its shipping activities that offset growth recorded in other parts of the business.
Comparable EBITA from continuing operations edged lower in the quarter. The company attributed the reduction principally to lower profitability at its shipping arm, ESL Shipping. Aspo said ESL Shipping experienced weak demand in the early part of the quarter and faced higher fuel costs connected to the war in Iran, factors that weighed on margins.
Key financial metrics for the quarter included earnings per share of EUR 0.50 and net income of EUR 16.1 million. Free cash flow amounted to EUR 50 million and return on equity was reported at 37%.
Aspo's Telko division provided a contrasting picture, delivering notable volume growth and improved profitability. Management pointed to margin management and some price recovery as contributors to the uplift in Telko's performance, even as demand was described as modest and average market prices remained lower in its served markets.
During the quarter Aspo completed the divestment of its Leipurin business. The company said the sale bolstered free cash flow and strengthened the balance sheet.
Looking ahead to 2026, Aspo expects comparable EBITA from continuing operations to increase from EUR 29.4 million in 2025. The company cautioned that it foresees a slow economic recovery in its core markets and flagged ongoing geopolitical and trade risks as uncertainties for the outlook.
On the shipping side, management said it expects ESL Shipping demand and spot pricing to improve in 2026. However, the second quarter of the year is likely to face headwinds from high docking activity, which will have an impact on near-term shipping operations.
Summary takeaways - Aspo reported a modest decline in first-quarter net sales to EUR 114.1 million, with comparable EBITA slipping mainly because of ESL Shipping's weaker profitability. Telko posted volume and margin improvements, the Leipurin divestment strengthened cash flow and the balance sheet, and the company expects comparable EBITA to rise in 2026 while noting a slow recovery and geopolitical risks.