Core Insights - Aspo Plc reported a strong start to 2025 with continued profitability improvement, achieving net sales of EUR 151.2 million, a 13.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [7][11][19] - The company expects comparable EBITA for 2025 to be between EUR 35 million and EUR 45 million, up from EUR 29.1 million in 2024 [3][4] Financial Performance - Net sales increased to EUR 151.2 million from EUR 132.7 million in Q1 2024 [9] - Comparable EBITA grew to EUR 8.8 million, representing 5.8% of net sales, compared to EUR 5.1 million and 3.8% in the previous year [9][12] - The profit for the period was EUR 3.9 million, a recovery from a loss of EUR 6.0 million in Q1 2024 [9] - Comparable earnings per share rose to EUR 0.13 from EUR 0.09 [9] Business Segments - ESL Shipping's comparable EBITA improved to EUR 4.1 million from EUR 2.7 million, despite weak demand and low pricing in the spot market [9][13] - Telko's comparable EBITA increased to EUR 4.4 million from EUR 2.3 million, driven by acquisitions and organic growth [9][14] - Leipurin's comparable EBITA was EUR 1.5 million, up from EUR 1.2 million, benefiting from supply chain efficiency improvements [9][14] Strategic Outlook - The company anticipates a challenging operating environment in the first half of 2025, with gradual improvement expected in the second half, supported by increased defense and infrastructure spending in Europe [4] - Aspo aims to achieve a financial ambition of EUR 1 billion in net sales and an EBITA margin of 8% by 2028, with a total investment program of EUR 300–350 million planned for 2024–2028 [17][18] - The company is focused on integrating acquisitions and enhancing organic growth while managing profitability improvement actions across all business units [10][18]

Core Viewpoint - High-Trend International Group has appointed Christopher Nixon Cox as Chairman and Bo Cui as Chief Legal Officer, aiming to enhance governance and drive strategic growth in innovation-driven sectors, particularly in maritime low-carbon initiatives [1][6]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Christopher Nixon Cox has been appointed as Chairman of High-Trend International Group, effective immediately, bringing extensive expertise in global markets and sustainability [1]. - Mr. Jinyu Chang has resigned as Chairman but will remain a director of the Company [1]. - Bo Cui has been named the new Chief Legal Officer, emphasizing the Company's commitment to governance and compliance [1]. Group 2: Leadership Background - Christopher Nixon Cox has a diverse background, serving as CEO of Lightswitch Capital and Argali Carbon Corporation, and has experience in funding breakthrough therapies and advancing green infrastructure [2]. - Bo Cui has over two decades of experience in cross-border finance and mergers and acquisitions, having executed over $10 billion in strategic deals during his tenure at HNA Group [5]. Group 3: Strategic Focus - The Company aims to leverage Mr. Cox's expertise to advance maritime low-carbon initiatives and strengthen traditional shipping operations in the U.S. [6]. - Bo Cui's dual expertise in law and technology is expected to enhance the Company's legal strategy and risk management efforts as it navigates global markets [6].