Q2 2026 Wallenius Wilhelmsen ASA Earnings Call

August 11, 2026

Operator: Good morning, good evening, and good afternoon to everyone watching us online, and a very warm welcome to everyone here at the Lysaker office. Very nice to see everyone. Quarterly results. What can we expect, Anders?

Speaker #1: Good morning, good evening, and good afternoon to everyone watching us online. And a very warm welcome to everyone here at the Lysaker office—very nice to see everyone.

Speaker #1: What about the quarterly results? What can we expect, Anders?

Anders Redigh Karlsen: We will hear a little bit about the market strength, which is driven by China. I think that's an important message, and a little bit about dividends and our results for the quarter.

Speaker #2: We'll hear a little bit about the market strength, which is driven by China. I think that's an important message, and a little bit about dividends and our results for the quarter as well.

Speaker #1: So, something to look forward to. And we do the usual drill with our CEO, Lasse Kristoffersen—we'll cover the market and the business—and then CFO Bjørnar Bukholm will follow.

Operator: Something to look forward to. We do the usual drill with our CEO, Lasse Kristoffersen, will take the market and the business. Then CFO, Bjørnar Bukholm, will take the numbers, and then Lasse will take the prospects before you run a Q&A session. Some practical information on that part.

Speaker #1: We'll take the numbers, and then Lasse will take the prospects before you run a Q&A session. So, some practical information on that part.

Speaker #2: Yeah. If you have questions, you can post questions via the webcast. Just do it as early as you can, or, you know, during the presentation—that's fine.

Anders Redigh Karlsen: Yeah. If you have questions, you can pose questions via the webcast. Just do it as early as you can or during the presentation, that's fine. Do allow some time between the questions are posed and they're actually arriving on this end. There will also be a possibility to pose questions from the audience.

Speaker #2: Do you allow some time between the questions I post and when they actually arrive on your end? There will also be a possibility to post questions from the audience, so that's it.

Operator: Okay. Be ready. I think we can just start. With that, Lasse, welcome.

Speaker #1: So, be ready. And then, I think we can just start. So with that, Lasse, welcome.

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Thank you. Thank you, and good morning, good afternoon. Very happy to invite you to this presentation. We have, in our view, another solid quarter. We are in a market that is firming up in shipping, and where we are really proud that we see results of the hard work we do to improve performance, also the other segments, in particular in logistics. We are here with what we believe is a strong report and a strong market outlook. I will talk you through some of the details, starting with the headlines. The continued demand in shipping causes basically the whole world fleet to be sold out, and so it is with us. We have, at the moment, a fully sold-out fleet out of Asia. I will come back to the cargo balance, but that story continues.

Speaker #2: Thank you, and good morning or good afternoon. We are very happy to invite you to this presentation. In our view, we have had another solid quarter, and we are in a shipping market that is firming up. We are really proud to see the results of the hard work we are doing to improve performance in other segments as well, particularly in logistics.

Speaker #2: So, we are here with what we believe is a strong report and a strong market outlook. I will talk you through some of the details, starting with the headlines.

Lasse Kristoffersen: I will talk you through some of the details, starting with the headlines. The continued demand in shipping causes basically the whole world fleet to be sold out, and so it is with us. We have, at the moment, a fully sold-out fleet out of Asia. I will come back to the cargo balance, but that story continues.

Speaker #2: The continued demand in shipping causes basically the whole world fleet to be sold out, and so it is with us. So we have, at the moment, a fully sold-out fleet out of Asia. I will come back to the cargo balance, but that story continues.

Speaker #2: And that has caused a significant hike in both freight rates and charter rates in the quarter. I will come back to more details. The EBITDA—Bjørnar will give you more details—but a solid EBITDA at $361 million.

Lasse Kristoffersen: That has caused a significant hike in both freight rates and charter rates in the quarter. I will come back to more details. The EBITDA, Bjørnar will give you more details, but a solid EBITDA at $361 million. It is down quarter-over-quarter, and this is largely due to increased fuel costs that the customers have not compensated us yet. The development in logistics continues. We deliver a very strong quarter in logistics, the best in many quarters, thanks to improved underlying performance. The outlook for the year is maintained, although we say it is a very strong outlook in the market. For this year, we maintain our outlook of EBITDA around $1.6 billion, and we today announced a dividend of $0.61 per share.

Speaker #2: It's down quarter over quarter, and this is largely due to increased fuel costs that the customers have not compensated us for yet. The development in logistics continues.

Speaker #2: We delivered a very strong quarter in logistics, the best in many, many quarters, thanks to improved underlying performance. The outlook for the year is maintained, although we say it's a very strong outlook in the market.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We deliver a very strong quarter in logistics, the best in many quarters, thanks to improved underlying performance. The outlook for the year is maintained, although we say it is a very strong outlook in the market. For this year, we maintain our outlook of EBITDA around $1.6 billion, and we today announced a dividend of $0.61 per share.

Speaker #2: For this year, we maintained our outlook of EBITDA around $1.6 billion, and today we announced a dividend of $0.61 per share. This is 50% of net profit, plus $100 million in extraordinary dividends.

Lasse Kristoffersen: This is 50% of net profit, plus $100 million in extraordinary dividends, lifting us up to 82% of net profits in dividend for the quarter, the H1, sorry. Let me then talk you through the key elements of the market, and there are three themes I would like to focus on. We cannot avoid talking about the China story as it continues. We will try to give you some more background on that. Second, there is an increasing gap between what China needs and what China gets from our industry. That finally has caused the markets to move quite significantly, both on freight, charters, and there is still fuel volatility. Let me take them one by one. China continues to grow.

Speaker #2: Lifting us up to 82% of net profits in dividend for the quarter—and the first half year, sorry. So let me then talk you through the key elements of the market, and there are three themes I'd like to focus on.

Speaker #2: We cannot avoid talking about the China story, as it continues. We will try to give you some more background on that. Second, there is an increasing gap between what China needs and what China gets from our industry.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Second, there is an increasing gap between what China needs and what China gets from our industry. That finally has caused the markets to move quite significantly, both on freight, charters, and there is still fuel volatility. Let me take them one by one. China continues to grow.

Speaker #2: And that finally has caused the markets to move quite significantly, both on freight and charters, and there is still fuel volatility. So let me take them one by one.

Speaker #2: China continues to grow, and for those who remember well, when we came towards the end of 2025, we're in 2026 now, we said that we expected a much stronger growth out of, or volumes and exports out of China than consensus was in forecasts.

Lasse Kristoffersen: For those who remember well, when we came towards the end of 2025, we are in 2026 now, we said that we expected a much stronger growth out of volumes and exports out of China than consensus was in forecasts. Actually, at that time, S&P Global forecasted lower exports in 2026 than 2025. Fortunately, according to our plan, we were right, and China has, if anything, surprised on the upside. We were expecting them to export some 10 million cars this year if they got the capacity. We still believe that is the best guess, but right now, in June, and increasing in July, they passed 1 million cars in exports per month. Meaning that the current run rates indicates more than 12 million cars ex-China. Remember before COVID, 2019, this was 1 million or less cars.

Speaker #2: Actually, at that time, S&P forecasted lower exports in 2026 than in 2025. And fortunately, according to our plan, we were right, and China has, if anything, surprised on the upside.

Speaker #2: We were expecting them to export some 10 million cars this year, if they got there, but right now, in June—and increasing in July—they passed 1 million cars in exports per month, meaning that the current run rate indicates more than 12 million cars ex-China.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We still believe that is the best guess, but right now, in June, and increasing in July, they passed 1 million cars in exports per month. Meaning that the current run rates indicates more than 12 million cars ex-China. Remember before COVID, 2019, this was 1 million or less cars.

Speaker #2: Remember, before COVID, in 2019, this was a million or fewer cars. At the same time, global car sales have not developed much, and actually, they're down quarter over quarter, meaning that China is massively eating market share.

Lasse Kristoffersen: At the same time, the global car sales has not developed much, and actually it is down quarter over quarter, meaning that China is massively eating market share, and I will come back to that. Unfortunately for the Western OEMs, the story continues. The exports are continuing to slide down, and in particular into Asia and China, the European OEMs are struggling. The American OEMs has for quite a while lost market share, still falling. In general, this causes an issue in the industry where we are absolutely sold out out of Asia, but we for sure could have had more cargo going back to Asia from Europe, from the US. There are two main reasons why China is now seeing a massive export. The number one reason is that they have a fantastic product.

Speaker #2: And I'll come back to that. Unfortunately for the Western OEMs, the story continues. The exports are continuing to slide down, and in particular, into Asia and China, the European OEMs are struggling.

Speaker #2: The American OEMs have for quite a while lost market share, still falling, but in general, this causes an issue in the industry where we are absolutely sold out out of Asia. But we for sure could have had more cargo going back for to Asia, from Europe or from the US.

Lasse Kristoffersen: In general, this causes an issue in the industry where we are absolutely sold out out of Asia, but we for sure could have had more cargo going back to Asia from Europe, from the US. There are two main reasons why China is now seeing a massive export. The number one reason is that they have a fantastic product.

Speaker #2: There are two main reasons why China is now seeing a massive export. The number one reason is that they have a fantastic product. They have, in terms of technology, functionality, and quality—some would even say design—but certainly also price.

Lasse Kristoffersen: They have, in terms of technology, functionality, and quality, some would even say design, but certainly also price, they are extremely competitive. That is the reason why the whole world ask for Chinese cars. They are growing all over the world except for the US because they are not allowed. In the quarter, this was even pushed further by the fact that the car sales in China slowed down. So quarter over quarter, or if we do the 12 months rolling, in any way, the sales in China are down. For the OEMs in China to keep up their volumes, they are pushing even harder on exports. Remember, you cannot push harder on exports if you do not have the competitive product, and that is what is the basis. I said in the last presentation, it used to be a cheap product. Now it is a preferred product. That is very different.

Speaker #2: They are extremely competitive. So that's the reason why the whole world is asking for Chinese cars. They are growing all over the world, except for the US, because they're not allowed.

Speaker #2: In the quarter, this was pushed even further by the fact that car sales in China slowed down. So, quarter over quarter, or if you do the 12-month rolling, in any way, sales in China are down, and for the OEMs in China to keep up the volumes, they are pushing even harder on exports.

Speaker #2: But remember, you cannot push harder on exports if you don't have the competitive product, and that's what's the basis. And I said in the last presentation, it used to be a cheap product—now it is a preferred product.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Remember, you cannot push harder on exports if you do not have the competitive product, and that is what is the basis. I said in the last presentation, it used to be a cheap product. Now it is a preferred product. That is very different.

Speaker #2: That's very different. And this is the result: where China was a cradle for strong profits, in particular for some of the European premium OEMs, their market share has more or less been cut in half since COVID, while China and Chinese OEMs have more or less taken full control of the domestic market.

Lasse Kristoffersen: This is the result. Where China was a cradle for strong profits, in particular for some of the European premium OEMs, their market share have more or less cut in half since COVID, while China and Chinese OEMs have taken more or less full control of the domestic market. So today, 70% of the new car sales in China are from Chinese OEMs. This does not mean only Chinese-produced, because quite a few of the non-Chinese OEMs are also producing in China. So the market share of Chinese-produced in China is higher, the Chinese OEMs, and China is the biggest single market in the world. There are close to 30, maybe 27, 28 million cars sold annually. Globally, we are close to 90 million. Comparable in Europe, we sell around 50 million cars. In the US, we sell around 50 million cars.

Speaker #2: So today, 70% of new car sales in China are from Chinese OEMs. This does not mean only Chinese-produced, because quite a few of the non-Chinese OEMs are also producing in China.

Speaker #2: So the market share of Chinese-produced vehicles in China is higher, but the Chinese OEMs and China are the biggest single market in the world.

Lasse Kristoffersen: So the market share of Chinese-produced in China is higher, the Chinese OEMs, and China is the biggest single market in the world. There are close to 30, maybe 27, 28 million cars sold annually. Globally, we are close to 90 million. Comparable in Europe, we sell around 50 million cars. In the US, we sell around 50 million cars.

Speaker #2: There are close to 30, maybe 28 million cars sold annually. Globally, we are close to 90 million. Comparably, in Europe, we sell around 15 million cars. In the US, we sell around 15 million cars.

Speaker #2: So the Chinese market is as big as the US and Europe, more or less, together. They're also winning market share outside China, and they have gone up from a very minor market share five years ago to today being above 10% globally.

Lasse Kristoffersen: The Chinese market is as big as US and Europe more or less together. They are also winning market share outside China, and they have gone up from a very minor market share 5 years ago. Today, they are above 10% globally. Then remember that they are not basically allowed to compete in the US. All of this is outside US, meaning that they have a much higher market share in the markets in which they compete. A question has been asked, are they just pushing cars out or are they being sold? We have done that analysis, and we have looked into statistics on the exports. We are looking at the new registration of cars. We are looking in our own facilities. Are we piling up Chinese cars? The answer is no.

Speaker #2: And then remember that they are not basically allowed to compete in the US, so all of this is outside the US, meaning that they have a much higher market share in the markets in which they compete.

Speaker #2: A question has been asked: are they just pushing cars out, or are they being sold? We have done that analysis, and we have looked into statistics on the exports. We're looking at new registrations of cars, we are looking in our own facilities—are we piling up Chinese cars?

Lasse Kristoffersen: A question has been asked, are they just pushing cars out or are they being sold? We have done that analysis, and we have looked into statistics on the exports. We are looking at the new registration of cars. We are looking in our own facilities. Are we piling up Chinese cars? The answer is no.

Speaker #2: The answer is no. The Chinese cars are being sold, and there is no sign of increasing inventory of Chinese cars. So this is not just a push to market; it's also cars that are sold in the market.

Lasse Kristoffersen: The Chinese cars are being sold, and there is no sign of increasing inventory of Chinese cars. This is not just a push to market, it is also cars that are sold in the market. Despite the extreme growth, the sales are pursuing and following. That leads us to the issue in China now, and I am lucky to go to China every now and then. We have a team there. We have a lot of focus on China. We are the biggest player out of China. Every single customer I meet tells us that they would prefer ro-ro if they could get access. Sometimes we get a question, is it a threat with container and others? According to our customers, it is not. It is just the fact that they do not get enough capacity. That is what we have illustrated here.

Speaker #2: And despite the extreme growth, the sales are pursuing and following. And that leads us to the issue in China now, and I'm lucky to go to China every now and then. We have a team there, we have a lot of focus on China, we are the biggest player out of China, and every single customer I meet tells us that they would prefer RORO if they could get access.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Every single customer I meet tells us that they would prefer ro-ro if they could get access. Sometimes we get a question, is it a threat with container and others? According to our customers, it is not. It is just the fact that they do not get enough capacity. That is what we have illustrated here.

Speaker #2: So, sometimes we get the question: is it a threat with container and others? According to our customers, it's not. It's just the fact that they don't get enough capacity, and that's what we have illustrated here.

Speaker #2: We have plotted the exports out of China—that's the top graph—and then the capacity allocated by ROROs, measured using AIS data, to China.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We have plotted the exports out of China on there. That is the top graph. Then the capacity allocated by ro-ros, measured on AIS data to China. As you can see, that gap is increasing. We now believe that there are somewhere between 2 million and 4 million cars exported out of China on other means than ro-ro. Although the vast majority of that, our customers would like to use ro-ro if they could. If anything, we think that number is closer to 4 million than 2 million. This is future demand for ro-ro. Although we are sold out now and with no future growth, we are confident that the majority of these volumes will come to ro-ro. That is why we are saying, and the market sees, that the outlook for demand for ro-ro out of China is very strong.

Speaker #2: And as you can see, that gap is increasing. We now believe that there are somewhere between 2 and 4 million cars exported out of China by other means than RORO.

Speaker #2: Although the vast majority of that—or customers—would like to use RORO if they could. And if anything, we think that number is closer to 4 than 2.

Speaker #2: And this is future demand for RoRo. Although we're sold out now and with no future growth, we are confident that the majority of these volumes will come to RoRo.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Although we are sold out now and with no future growth, we are confident that the majority of these volumes will come to ro-ro. That is why we are saying, and the market sees, that the outlook for demand for ro-ro out of China is very strong.

Speaker #2: And that's why we are saying, and the market sees, that the outlook for demand for RORO out of China is very, very strong. So what we feared a couple of years ago was that there was a big order book going back to '24-ish—I think we had 40% of the world sailing fleet on order—and most of us expected '26 or '27 to maybe have more vessels than cargo.

Lasse Kristoffersen: What we feared a couple of years ago was that there was a big order book going back to 2024-ish. I think we had 40% of the world's sailing fleet on order. Most of us expected 2026, 2027 to maybe have more vessels than cargo. That has not happened. Despite a massive growth in the fleets, all of it has been consumed, all of it is sold out, and there are hardly any vessel available for charter over the next few years. That has also caused that the new building activity has come back in our segment. It paused for a while. By the end of Q1 or in Q1, we had around 14% of the world's fleet on order. Through the orders in Q2, we are now past 20%, 21% of the fleet is now on order.

Speaker #2: That has not happened. So, despite a massive growth in the fleet, all of it has been consumed, all of it is sold out, and there are hardly any vessels available for charter over the next few years.

Speaker #2: And that has also caused the new building activity to come back in our segment. It paused for a while, and by the end of Q1, or in Q1, we had around 14% of the world fleet on order. Through the orders in Q2, we are now past 20%, 21% of the fleet is now on order, and we know, based on discussions going on with a lot of players in the industry, that the actual number is higher.

Lasse Kristoffersen: That has also caused that the new building activity has come back in our segment. It paused for a while. By the end of Q1 or in Q1, we had around 14% of the world's fleet on order. Through the orders in Q2, we are now past 20%, 21% of the fleet is now on order.

Lasse Kristoffersen: And we know based on discussions going on with a lot of players in the industry, that the actual number is higher. So we expect this new building order book to grow even further. But, and there is a big but, these vessels will arrive in 2030 and onwards. The yard capacity is basically sold out up until 2029. So any new order now comes in 2030 and beyond. The basic assumption is that when we get that far out, unless demand falls off, there is quite a big need for fleet replacement. So if you look at the big numbers and if you scrap vessels that turn 30 years, the world fleet is actually shrinking towards 2030 with a peak somewhere in 2027. So what we thought would be the challenge was the supply side. That has not happened.

Speaker #2: So we expect this newbuilding order book to grow even further. But, and there's a big but, these vessels will arrive in 2030 and onwards.

Speaker #2: The yard capacity is basically sold out up until 2029, so any new order now comes in 2030 and beyond. And the basic assumption is that, when we get that far out—unless demand falls off—there is quite a big need for fleet replacement.

Speaker #2: So, if you look at the big numbers, and if you scrap vessels that turn 30 years, the world fleet is actually shrinking towards 2030, with a peak somewhere in 2027.

Lasse Kristoffersen: So if you look at the big numbers and if you scrap vessels that turn 30 years, the world fleet is actually shrinking towards 2030 with a peak somewhere in 2027. So what we thought would be the challenge was the supply side. That has not happened.

Speaker #2: So, what we thought would be the challenge was the supply side. That has not happened. We don't see that happening anytime soon, unless China is politically stopped from market access in other markets than where they are today.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We do not see that happening anytime soon, unless China is politically stopped from market access in other markets than where they are today. We have seen then, just in this quarter, a massive pickup in the market for ro-ro and PCTC trade. On the left, you see a spot index made by Hesnes. These are spot cargos out of China. We do not do that much spot, but this is the best data we have just to illustrate what has happened. As you can see, the demand out of China and the willingness to pay out of China has grown 80% just within that quarter. That also have led to a bigger appetite for time charter vessels. That is in a market where you can hardly find available capacity. So both the freight market and the time charter markets has probably gone up 80% during the quarter.

Speaker #2: We have seen then, just in this quarter, a massive pickup in the market for RORO and PCTC trade. On the left, you see a spot index made by Helsness. These are spot cargoes out of China. We don't do that much spot, but this is the best data we have just to illustrate what has happened.

Speaker #2: And as you can see, the demand from China and the willingness to pay out of China has grown 80% just within that quarter.

Speaker #2: And that has also led to a bigger appetite for time charter vessels, and that is in a market where you can hardly find available capacity.

Lasse Kristoffersen: That also have led to a bigger appetite for time charter vessels. That is in a market where you can hardly find available capacity. So both the freight market and the time charter markets has probably gone up 80% during the quarter.

Speaker #2: So both the freight market and the time charter markets have probably gone up 80% during the quarter. Adding the recent development, I'm sure you could easily claim that both have doubled so far this year, compared to the lowest point in Q1.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Adding the recent development, I am sure you could easily claim that both have doubled so far this year compared to the lowest point in Q1. So there is a massive need, a massive interest, and a willingness to pay both for freight and for vessels. Then I have to remind all that the left side, freight, that is our income, the right side is our cost. So the fact that time charter vessel goes up is not a good thing for us, but we do not do much short-term chartering on time charters. Last but not least, the Middle East conflict is still affecting the markets. Of course, this causes high and volatile fuel prices. A quarter ago, we were uncertain whether we would get enough fuel. We are not worried about that right now.

Speaker #2: So there is a massive need, a massive interest, and a willingness to pay—both for freight and for vessels. And then I have to remind all that the left side, freight, that's our income; the right side is our cost.

Speaker #2: So the fact that time charter vessel rates go up is not a good thing for us, but we don't do much short-term chartering on time charters.

Speaker #2: Last but not least, the Middle East conflict is still affecting the markets, and of course, this causes high and volatile fuel prices. A quarter ago, we were uncertain whether we would get enough fuel; we're not worried about that right now.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Last but not least, the Middle East conflict is still affecting the markets. Of course, this causes high and volatile fuel prices. A quarter ago, we were uncertain whether we would get enough fuel. We are not worried about that right now.

Speaker #2: There is sufficient supply, although there is a much tighter situation on the diesel and the refined side than on the fuel oil side. But, in sum, we're not concerned about getting access to fuel; however, the cost is still volatile and relatively high.

Lasse Kristoffersen: There is sufficient, although there is much tighter on the diesel and the refined side than on the fuel oil side. But in sum, we are not concerned to get access to fuel, but the cost is still volatile and relatively high, although down from the peak we saw when the conflict arised. Then this has also transferred into our demand segment, and we have seen a massive move in many markets into EVs. In Europe, in Australia, even in the US, we see that the demand for EVs has gone up significantly due to the price of the pump for diesel and gasoline. So with that, I will turn over to the business side. I will do that relatively quick and leave it to Bjørnar to give you the details. Highlights, we are coming in just short of $300 million on EBITDA for shipping.

Speaker #2: Although down from the peak we saw when the conflict arose. And then this has also transferred into our demand segment, and we have seen a massive move in many markets into EVs.

Speaker #2: In Europe, in Australia, and even in the US, we see that the demand for EVs has gone up significantly due to the price at the pump for diesel and gasoline.

Lasse Kristoffersen: In Europe, in Australia, even in the US, we see that the demand for EVs has gone up significantly due to the price of the pump for diesel and gasoline. So with that, I will turn over to the business side. I will do that relatively quick and leave it to Bjørnar to give you the details. Highlights, we are coming in just short of $300 million on EBITDA for shipping.

Speaker #2: So with that, I'll turn over to the business side. I'll do that relatively quickly and leave it to Bjørnar to give you the details.

Speaker #2: Highlights: We are coming in just short of $300 million on EBITDA for shipping. In this day and time, it's not the best quarter we have seen, but again, very much affected by short-term fuel costs that are not compensated yet.

Lasse Kristoffersen: In this day and time, not the best quarter we have seen, but again, very much affected of short-term fuel costs that are not compensated yet. Very happy to show the logistics numbers. The best quarter in, don't arrest me, but I think five years. On top of that, we sold last year a very profitable business in Australia. So what we have been investing there are paying off. In government services, we see a slight pick up quarter-over-quarter, but still a relatively soft quarter for government, and I will come back to that. On shipping, as the capacity is more or less flat and the market is strong and we are sold out, there is no big movements in the volumes. It is a little bit up quarter-over-quarter, but this is more periodization than anything else. Underlying, it is more or less flat on volumes.

Speaker #2: Very happy to show the logistics numbers—the best quarter in, well, don't arrest me, but I think five years. And on top of that, we sold last year a very profitable business in Australia.

Speaker #2: So what we have been investing there is paying off. In government services, we see a slight pickup quarter over quarter, but still a relatively soft quarter for government, and I'll come back to that.

Speaker #2: On shipping, as the capacity is more or less flat and the market is strong and we're sold out, there are not big movements in the volumes. It's a little bit up quarter over quarter, but this is more periodization than anything else.

Lasse Kristoffersen: On shipping, as the capacity is more or less flat and the market is strong and we are sold out, there is no big movements in the volumes. It is a little bit up quarter-over-quarter, but this is more periodization than anything else. Underlying, it is more or less flat on volumes.

Speaker #2: Underlying, it's more or less flat on volumes, but it's a little bit up. That means also, when the percentage of high and heavy is up, the absolute numbers on high and heavy are also up.

Lasse Kristoffersen: It is a little bit up, and that means also when the percentage of high and heavy is up, the absolute numbers on high and heavy is also up. This is good for us. As you know, that is a particularly strong segment for us. Rates are a little bit down. That is partly because, and quarter-over-quarter, because we are now phasing in more of the business done last year. If you do see year-over-year, the customer and trade mix is up. What does that mean? That means that we are doing more relatively out of China, more relatively out of Asia, and less out of the West, and their rates are higher out of Asia than out of Europe. Generally speaking, the rate picture is relatively flat for us quarter-over-quarter.

Speaker #2: And this is good for us. As you know, that's a particularly strong segment for us. Rates are a little bit down, and that is partly because, quarter over quarter, we are now phasing in more of the business done last year.

Speaker #2: But if you do see, year over year, that the customer and trade mix is up, what does that mean? Well, that means we are doing more, relatively, out of China, more out of Asia, and less out of the West. The rates are higher out of Asia than out of Europe.

Lasse Kristoffersen: If you do see year-over-year, the customer and trade mix is up. What does that mean? That means that we are doing more relatively out of China, more relatively out of Asia, and less out of the West, and their rates are higher out of Asia than out of Europe. Generally speaking, the rate picture is relatively flat for us quarter-over-quarter.

Speaker #2: Generally speaking, the rate picture is relatively flat for us quarter over quarter. However, what we did see during the second quarter was that every new business we signed, we did longer deals at higher rates in Q2 compared to the same period last year.

Lasse Kristoffersen: What we did see during Q2 was that every new business we signed, we did longer deals at higher rates in Q2 compared to the same period last year. For us, still, the Middle East is a big challenge. We still consider the Hormuz trade to be untradable, and we have not been trading through Bab-el-Mandeb into the Red Sea since, I think, December 2023. Three, four? At least two and a half years. So this is a big challenge for us and a big challenge for our customers. They really struggle to get product into the Middle East. We have, and others have now started to trade around Africa into the Med, down Suez, and into Aqaba. But recently, that has also been challenged as vessels have been attacked outside Saudi Arabia.

Speaker #2: And for us, still, the Middle East is a big challenge. We still consider the Hormuz trade to be untradable, and we have not been trading through Bab-el-Mandeb into the Red Sea since, I think, December 2021—three, four, yeah, at least two and a half years.

Speaker #2: So, this is a big challenge for us, and a big challenge for our customers. They really struggle to get product into the Middle East.

Lasse Kristoffersen: They really struggle to get product into the Middle East. We have, and others have now started to trade around Africa into the Med, down Suez, and into Aqaba. But recently, that has also been challenged as vessels have been attacked outside Sa udi Arabia.

Speaker #2: We and others have now started to trade around Africa, into the Med, down Suez, and into Aqaba, but recently that has also been challenged, as vessels have been attacked outside Saudi Arabia.

Speaker #2: So we're trying to find solutions for our customers, but they're really struggling. It's hard to get product into the region, and of course it's not critical for the region to get new cars, but at some point, you need to also replace cars in the region.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We are trying to find solutions for our customers, but they are really struggling. It is hard to get product into the region. Of course, it is not critical for the region to get new cars, but at some point, you need to also replace cars in the region. I would say we are very happy to see how the development has been in logistics, and with the little dip in Q4 last year, we have been on a consistent improvement track. This is due to the improvement plan we presented last year. We have actively renegotiated some of our contracts to reflect the current market and costs. We have aggressively looked for cost in the organization, made it more simple, more efficient. We are also able to deploy technology in effective ways.

Speaker #2: As I say, we're very happy to see how the development has been in logistics, and with a little dip in Q4 last year, we have been on a consistent improvement track. This is due to the improvement plan we presented last year. We have actively renegotiated some of our contracts to reflect the current market and cost. We have aggressively looked for costs in the organization, made it more simple, more efficient, and we're also able to deploy technology in an effective way.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We have actively renegotiated some of our contracts to reflect the current market and costs. We have aggressively looked for cost in the organization, made it more simple, more efficient. We are also able to deploy technology in effective ways.

Speaker #2: So we have set a target of reaching 10% cash EBITDA by the end of 2027, and I'm very happy to say that already in the second quarter this year, we are making a good leap towards it. We're now around 8% cash EBITDA margin in logistics, and it seems to be continuing to improve.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We have set the target of reaching 10% cash EBITDA by the end of 2027. I am very happy to say that already in Q2 this year, we are making a good leap towards it. We are now around 8% cash EBITDA margin in logistics and seems to be continued to improving. Government segment said last year we had a particularly strong start to the year. It seems like years ago, but it was actually just one year ago, or one and a half year ago, we changed president in the US. At the end of his term, Biden had a lot of presidential-directed cargoes, meaning that he emptied his pockets, sent stuff to Europe and to Ukraine. We benefited from that H1 last year. It did not happen this year, so there was some less demand.

Speaker #2: Government segment. I said last year we had a particularly strong start to the year—it seems like years ago, but it was actually just one year ago. One and a half years ago, we changed president in the US, and at the end of his term, Biden had a lot of presidential-directed cargoes, meaning that he emptied his pockets, sent stuff to Europe and to Ukraine, and we benefited from that in the first half of last year.

Lasse Kristoffersen: At the end of his term, Biden had a lot of presidential-directed cargoes, meaning that he emptied his pockets, sent stuff to Europe and to Ukraine. We benefited from that H1 last year. It did not happen this year, so there was some less demand.

Speaker #2: That did not happen this year, so there was less demand. But the other main effect was actually that the Middle East conflict normally would drag capacity, but this time around it was not, because it was more an airborne conflict than anything else. So, the vessels that normally trade for the US government into the Middle East are actually now trading in the Atlantic in the second quarter.

Lasse Kristoffersen: The other main effect was actually that the Middle East conflict normally would drag capacity, but this time around it was not because it was more an airborne conflict than anything else. The vessels that normally trade for US government into the Middle East are actually now trading in the Atlantic in Q2. That is now changing. They are moving to Pacific. We see in Q3 that the supply-demand balance in the Atlantic is more normalized. We can also see that now on the contracts that we are winning. We believe that Q1 and Q2 was okay, but it was also reflecting an unusually strong supply of tonnage into the basin. Book of business, we announced a big contract extension over the summer. We are working on new contracts as we speak.

Speaker #2: That is now changing; they are moving to the Pacific. So, we see in the third quarter that the supply and demand balance in the Atlantic is more normalized, and we can also see that now on the contracts that we are winning.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We can also see that now on the contracts that we are winning. We believe that Q1 and Q2 was okay, but it was also reflecting an unusually strong supply of tonnage into the basin. Book of business, we announced a big contract extension over the summer. We are working on new contracts as we speak.

Speaker #2: So we believe that the first and second quarter were okay, but they also reflected an unusually strong supply of tonnage into the basin.

Speaker #2: Regarding our book of business, we announced a big contract extension over the summer, and we are working on new contracts as we speak. And on shipping, there's no doubt that what we did in the second quarter was higher and longer than what we did last year.

Lasse Kristoffersen: On shipping, there is no doubt that what we did in Q2 was higher and longer than what we did last year. We are now building value into our book of business. Quickly on sustainability. As you know, safety is the first thing we think of in the morning and the last thing we think of when we go to bed at night. I am happy to say that our people on board our vessels are safer than ever. We have seen some increase in the numbers in logistics. This is probably also due to more accurate data, but for sure, we are looking into how can we get back on track. The recent trend on the LTIF is positive. No major accidents. That is the most important thing. We were very happy that we could get Morning Concert out of the Gulf late June.

Speaker #2: And we are now building value into our book of business. Quickly on sustainability—as you know, safety is the first thing we think of in the morning, and the last thing we think of when we go to bed at night.

Speaker #2: And I'm happy to say that our people on board our vessels are safer than ever. We have seen some increase in the numbers in logistics—this is probably also due to more accurate data—but for sure, we are looking into how we can get back on track. The recent trend on the LTIF is positive. No major accidents—that's the most important thing.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We have seen some increase in the numbers in logistics. This is probably also due to more accurate data, but for sure, we are looking into how can we get back on track. The recent trend on the LTIF is positive. No major accidents. That is the most important thing. We were very happy that we could get Morning Concert out of the Gulf late June.

Speaker #2: And we were very happy that we could get Morning Concert out of the Gulf in late June. It has been a tough period for them. Seafarers are used to being at sea for a long time, but nobody likes to be stuck and not control your own destiny.

Lasse Kristoffersen: It has been a tough period for them. Seafarers are used to be at sea for a long time, but nobody likes to be stuck and do not control your own destiny. Luckily, they are out and we have no vessels in the region. On emissions, we are delivering improved numbers, but there are still the cargo imbalance and the fact that to meet some customer needs, we needed to speed up a little bit. We are trailing slightly behind our targets, but we are still committed to our decarbonization target, the net zero 2040 and the pathway to it. I wanted to share with you the recent development this year. We have for quite a while worked together with our partner, Oceanbird, on new technology for sails on vessels. This was installed in June, I believe, on board our vessel.

Speaker #2: So, luckily they are out, and we have no vessels in the region. On emissions, we are delivering improved numbers, but there is still the cargo imbalance and the fact that, to meet some customer needs, we needed to speed up a little bit. We are trailing slightly behind our targets, but we are still committed to our decarbonization target—net zero 2040—and the pathway to it.

Speaker #2: But I wanted to share with you the recent development this year. We have, for quite a while, worked together with our partner Oceanbird on new technology for sails on vessels.

Lasse Kristoffersen: I wanted to share with you the recent development this year. We have for quite a while worked together with our partner, Oceanbird, on new technology for sails on vessels. This was installed in June, I believe, on board our vessel.

Speaker #2: This was installed in June, I believe, on board our vessel. As you can see, it's 40 meters high and 14 meters wide. As we have an air bridge and we have bridges that we need to go under, we need to be able to pull it down.

Lasse Kristoffersen: As you can see, 40 meter high, 14 meter wide. As we have air bridge and we have bridges that we need to go under, we need to be able to pull it down. This is quite unique technology. We are testing it now. We are optimistic that it will add value, but we really need to see it full scale. This is a first in the world, and we are a proud partner with Oceanbird on this. With that, Bjørnar.

Speaker #2: So, this is quite a unique technology. We're testing it now, and we're optimistic that it will add value, but we really need to see it at full scale.

Speaker #2: So this is a first in the world, and we're proud to partner with Oceanbird on this. With that, Jonah, thank you, Lasse, and good morning, everyone.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Thank you, Lasse, and good morning, everyone. I must say that coming back after summer and being able to present a report like this with solid numbers for Q2, a strong outlook, and also a strong dividend, that is a great way to start work after summer. Update on the financial side. First of all, solid Q2, although certainly below what we delivered last quarter, but it is largely explained by the conflict in the Middle East and increased bunker prices, and it is as expected. No major surprises on the numbers in this quarter. Starting on the revenue side, we delivered $1.3 billion in revenues. It is up 4% quarter on quarter. The improvement largely driven by shipping due to more volumes on our vessel, largely due to seasonality, with more volumes out of the West.

Speaker #2: I must say that, you know, coming back after summer and being able to present a report like this—with, you know, solid numbers for Q2, a strong outlook, and also a strong dividend—that's a great way to start work after summer.

Speaker #2: Update on the financial side. So, first of all, solid Q2, although certainly below what we delivered last quarter. But it's largely explained by the conflict in the Middle East and increased bunker prices, and it's as expected.

Speaker #2: So, no major surprises on the numbers in this quarter. Starting on the revenue side, we delivered $1.3 billion in revenues, which is up 4% quarter on quarter. The improvement was largely driven by shipping, due to more volumes on our vessels, mainly as a result of seasonality, with more volumes out of the West. But please note, volumes out of the West typically come with lower rates, and that's why we see a net rate reduction in the quarter due to trade mix.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Starting on the revenue side, we delivered $1.3 billion in revenues. It is up 4% quarter on quarter. The improvement largely driven by shipping due to more volumes on our vessel, largely due to seasonality, with more volumes out of the West.

Bjørnar Bukholm: But please note, volumes out of the West, typically with lower rates, and that is why we see a net rate reduction in the quarter due to trade mix. We have slightly lower revenues on logistics side and slightly higher revenues or largely stable revenues on the government side. We compare to last year, revenues are lower, and the reason for that is shipping with lower rates, as Lasse has already shown you. Moving over to adjusted EBITDA, $361 million. That is down 7% quarter and quarter, with the drop explained by shipping and higher net bunker cost, partially or slightly offset by improved results for logistics and also slightly improved results for the government segment. This quarter we had adjustments to EBITDA of $12 million that is related to the investments we are doing in digital transformation and also some severance packages.

Speaker #2: Then we have slightly lower revenues on the logistics side and slightly higher revenues, or largely stable revenues, on the government side. Compared to last year, revenues are lower, and the reason is that shipping is with lower rates, as Lasse has already shown you.

Speaker #2: Moving over to adjusted EBITDA, $361 million. That is down 7% quarter on quarter, with the drop explained by shipping and higher net bunker cost, partially or slightly offset by improved results for logistics and also slightly improved results for the government segment.

Bjørnar Bukholm: That is down 7% quarter and quarter, with the drop explained by shipping and higher net bunker cost, partially or slightly offset by improved results for logistics and also slightly improved results for the government segment. This quarter we had adjustments to EBITDA of $12 million that is related to the investments we are doing in digital transformation and also some severance packages.

Speaker #2: This quarter, we had adjustments to EBITDA of $12 million. That is related to the investments we are making in digital transformation, and also some severance packages.

Speaker #2: Both of these are related to the cost leadership initiative that we presented in the fourth quarter. I'm happy to say that for both programs, we are on track.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Both of these related to the cost leadership initiative that we presented in the fourth quarter. I have to say that for both programs we are on track. Net profit ended at $138 million. This is down around $40 million compared to the previous quarter. Majority of the drop is explained by EBITDA, but then we also have slightly higher or $7 million higher depreciation expense in the quarter. And the reason for that is that we took on some long-term charters towards the end of the first quarter, and these now have full effect on our P&L in the second quarter. Looking at the tax expense and the financial expense, largely in line with the previous quarter. Operating cash flow and the cash flow conversion, rather quite weak actually. The conversion rate is just 72%. The reason for that is higher fuel prices and more fuel on our vessels.

Speaker #2: Net profit ended at $138 million. This is down around $40 million compared to the previous quarter. The majority of the drop is explained by EBITDA, but then we also have slightly higher—or $7 million higher—depreciation expense in the quarter. The reason for that is that we took on some long-term charters towards the end of the first quarter, and these now have full effect on our P&L in the second quarter.

Speaker #2: Looking at the tax expense and the financial expense, they are largely in line with the previous quarter. Operating cash flow and the cash flow conversion are rather quite weak, actually. The conversion rate is just 72%. The reason for that is higher fuel prices and more fuel on our vessels.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Looking at the tax expense and the financial expense, largely in line with the previous quarter. Operating cash flow and the cash flow conversion, rather quite weak actually. The conversion rate is just 72%. The reason for that is higher fuel prices and more fuel on our vessels.

Speaker #2: We see this as a temporary effect and expect that to normalize, assuming also that fuel prices over time are reducing. Net debt: $2 billion, slightly down compared to the previous quarter. You would have normally expected maybe a slightly better development in that quarter, where we do not pay dividends.

Bjørnar Bukholm: We see this as a temporary effect and expect that to normalize, assuming also that fuel prices over time are reducing. Net debt, $2 billion, slightly down compared to the previous quarter. You would have normally expected maybe a slightly better development in a quarter where we do not pay dividends. The reason for the relatively modest improvement is that operating cash flow, as I just addressed, we also had sizable CapEx in the quarter and then also our minority share of RenewCore, they actually got their dividend in April this year of around $35 million. Moving over to the financial targets. Return on capital employed, 15.6% last 12 months trading. If you look at the quarter isolated, it is more around 13%. All the other financial targets reflecting the balance sheet, as you see, is at a very healthy level.

Speaker #2: The reason for the relatively modest improvement is that, as I just addressed, operating cash flow—we also had sizable capex in the quarter. And then also, our minority shareholder in UCOR actually got their dividend in April this year, and that was around $35 million.

Speaker #2: Moving over to the financial targets, return on capital employed, 15.6%, last 12 months trading, if you look at the quarter isolated, it's more around 13%.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Return on capital employed, 15.6% last 12 months trading. If you look at the quarter isolated, it is more around 13%. All the other financial targets reflecting the balance sheet, as you see, is at a very healthy level.

Speaker #2: Although the financial targets reflecting the balance sheet, as you see, are at a very healthy level, I'll be coming back to the details when we talk through the balance sheet in a couple of pages.

Bjørnar Bukholm: I will be coming back to the details when we talk through the balance sheet in a couple of pages. Moving over to Shipping Services. As you heard from Lasse, adjusted EBITDA, $299 million, down around $30 million compared to the previous quarter. This is explained as follows. Net freight is actually slightly up. That is driven by more volumes, but please note, a lot of these volumes are now coming ex West due to stronger seasonality ex the West, not the volumes out of Asia. The volumes out of the West has lower net freight rates than the volumes out of the East. Carrying more volumes also carries more costs. We also see that other voyage and cargo expenses are up in the quarter due to more activity level supporting the additional volumes that carries lower profitability.

Speaker #2: Moving over to shipping services, as you heard from Lasse, adjusted EBITDA was $299 million, down around $30 million compared to the previous quarter. This is explained as follows: net freight is actually slightly up; that is driven by more volumes. But please note, a lot of these volumes are now coming ex-West due to stronger seasonality ex the West, not the volumes out of Asia.

Speaker #2: And the volumes out of the West have lower net freight rates than the volumes out of the East. Carrying more volumes also carries more costs.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Carrying more volumes also carries more costs. We also see that other voyage and cargo expenses are up in the quarter due to more activity level supporting the additional volumes that carries lower profitability.

Speaker #2: We also see that other voyage and cargo expenses are up in the quarter due to higher activity levels, supporting the additional volumes that carry lower profitability.

Speaker #2: The main driver is the net bunker cost, up $31 million due to higher fuel, and with the lag in recovery under over-buff mechanisms.

Bjørnar Bukholm: The main driver is the net bunker cost, up $31 million due to higher fuel and with the lag in recovery under our BAF mechanisms. Vessel OpEx is up $5 million. We had some more maintenance activity in the quarter. We also experienced some inflationary pressure on certain consumables, which is linked also to the conflict in the Middle East. There were some timing effects with typically quite long deliverables to our vessels in January every year. As we talked about last time, net bunker costs were expected to increase significantly in Q2 due to the spike in the prices and the lag in the bunker adjustment clauses. Now that we look into the H2 of this year and also Q3, we expect this to decline.

Speaker #2: Vessel opex is up $5 million, and we had some more maintenance activity in the quarter. We also experienced some inflationary pressure on certain consumables, which is linked also to the conflict in the Middle East, and then there were some timing effects, with typically quite low deliveries—deliverables to our vessels—in January.

Speaker #2: Every year. As we talked about last time, net bunker costs were expected to increase significantly in Q2 due to the spike in prices and the lag in the bunker adjustment clauses.

Bjørnar Bukholm: As we talked about last time, net bunker costs were expected to increase significantly in Q2 due to the spike in the prices and the lag in the bunker adjustment clauses. Now that we look into the H2 of this year and also Q3, we expect this to decline.

Speaker #2: Now that we look into the second half of this year, and also Q3, we expect this to decline, and that over time we will be recovering the additional costs we had to bear in the first half of this year. Of course, this assumes that we continue to see stabilization or a decline in the bunker prices, and that they don’t jump up again.

Bjørnar Bukholm: That we over time will be recovering the additional costs we had to bear in the H1 of this year. Of course, this assumes that we continue to see stabilization or decline in the bunker prices and that they don't jump up again. Moving over to Logistics. Strong quarter. Adjusted EBITDA, $46 million, up 8% quarter on quarter. As you heard from Lasse, this is the best year in five years. So it is the best year since before COVID-19. We have a target of delivering a cash EBITDA for this business of 10% that we shared with you all in Q4. We are now in the area of 78%. We are really making traction here. But I think we need to be honest with ourselves. It is typically easier to deliver the first 3% to 4% of the improvement than delivering the last couple of percent.

Speaker #2: Moving over to the logistics, strong quarter—adjusted EBITDA of $46 million, up 8% quarter-on-quarter—and, as you heard from Lasse, this is the best year in five years, or the best year since before COVID-19.

Speaker #2: We have a target of delivering a cash EBITDA for this business of 10% that we shared with you all in Q4. We are now in the area of 7–8%, so we are really gaining traction here.

Bjørnar Bukholm: We are now in the area of 78%. We are really making traction here. But I think we need to be honest with ourselves. It is typically easier to deliver the first 3% to 4% of the improvement than delivering the last couple of percent.

Speaker #2: I think we need to be honest with ourselves: it's typically easiest to deliver the first three to four percent of the improvement, rather than delivering the last couple of percent.

Speaker #2: We have taken the quick wins and know the even harder work starts profitable as we know it can be. If you look specifically at the quarter and the improvement compared to last quarter, revenues were actually down 11 million, this is linked to the US auto segment, and I say it's two main factors.

Bjørnar Bukholm: We are taking the quick wins and now the even harder work starts to make that business as profitable as we know it can be. If you look specifically at the quarter and the improvement compared to last quarter, revenues were actually down $11 million. This is linked to the US auto segment. As I said, it is two main factors. One is seasonality. We have quite some Japanese customers in the US, and they have the year-end push in March, which is typically then lifting the volumes. We also had one customer contract which was quite big from a revenue perspective that was not renewed and that started in April this year.

Speaker #2: One is seasonality. We have quite a few Japanese customers in the US, and they have the year-end push in March, which typically lifts the volumes.

Speaker #2: Then we also had one customer contract, which was quite big from a revenue perspective, that was not renewed—and that ended in April this year. But then we had other business that was more positive, and we are also starting to see that we are actually quite successful with also increasing some of the rates on the logistics segment, so making individual customer contracts more profitable.

Bjørnar Bukholm: We had other business that were more positive and we are also starting to see that they are actually quite successful with also increasing some of the rates on the logistics segments or making individual customer contracts more profitable. Operating cost significantly down quarter on quarter. In general, we are seeing a very positive development on what we call the cost to revenue ratio, and this is really much linked to the operational improvement program that we practically are working with every site to make them more and more profitable. Moving over to government services, it is a better quarter than the last quarter, but it is not a quarter that we are particularly happy with, and it is very much impacted by what you heard from Lasse, which is the conflict in the Middle East, and somewhat more competition shorter, especially during the quarter.

Speaker #2: Operating costs are significantly down quarter on quarter, and in general, we're seeing a very positive development now when we look at the cost-to-revenue ratio. This is very much linked to the operational improvement program that we have been proactively working on with every site to make them more and more profitable.

Speaker #2: Moving over to government services, it's a better quarter than the last quarter, but it's not a quarter that we are particularly happy with, and it's very much impacted by what you heard from Lasse, which is the conflict in the Middle East and somewhat more competition, especially during the quarter.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Moving over to government services, it is a better quarter than the last quarter, but it is not a quarter that we are particularly happy with, and it is very much impacted by what you heard from Lasse, which is the conflict in the Middle East, and somewhat more competition shorter, especially during the quarter.

Speaker #2: But still, it was an improvement of $3 million quarter-on-quarter. And if you look underneath the number, I would argue that it's actually an improvement of $6 million. As some of you may recall, last quarter we got a retroactive MSP payment of close to $3 million, linked to Q4 2025.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Still, it was an improvement of 3 million quarter on quarter. If you look underneath the number, I would argue that it is actually an improvement of 6 million. As some of you may recall, last quarter we got a retroactive MSP payment of close to $3 million linked to Q4 2025. So the underlying improvement is actually 6 million. The driver for the improvement is more US government revenues than what we had in the Q1. So there is a positive trend. At the same time, we had quite a big drop in commercial revenues. This is then the cooperation between Wallenius Wilhelmsen on the shipping side and Wallenius Wilhelmsen on the government side.

Speaker #2: So, the underlying improvement is actually $6 million. The driver for the improvement is more U.S. government revenues than what we had in Q1, so there is a positive trend.

Bjørnar Bukholm: The driver for the improvement is more US government revenues than what we had in the Q1. So there is a positive trend. At the same time, we had quite a big drop in commercial revenues. This is then the cooperation between Wallenius Wilhelmsen on the shipping side and Wallenius Wilhelmsen on the government side.

Speaker #2: But at the same time, we had quite a big drop in commercial revenues. So this is then the cooperation between Wallenius Wilhelmsen on the shipping side and Wallenius Wilhelmsen on the government side, and this is linked to the fact that we had, I would say, abnormally high dry-docking activity during the quarter for government services, and vessels were not available to actually carry cargo. And as you all heard from Lasse, there is certainly cargo out there to carry.

Bjørnar Bukholm: This is linked to the fact that we had, I would say, abnormal high dry docking activity during the quarter for government services and vessels were not available to actually carry cargo. As you already heard from Lasse, there is certainly cargo out there to carry. Moving over to liquidity and cash flow, the liquidity position remains very solid. At the end of the quarter, we had $1.2 billion in total liquidity, of which cash around $600 million. This is down $200 million quarter on quarter for the following main reasons. Operating cash flow, as already talked about, 260 million, pushed down by inventory buildup in our vessels with more expensive fuel. Temporarily effect, we expect this to turn.

Speaker #2: Moving over to liquidity and cash flow, the liquidity position remains very solid. At the end of the quarter, we had $1.2 billion in total liquidity, of which cash was around $600 million. This is down $200 million quarter-on-quarter, for the following main reasons.

Bjørnar Bukholm: This is down $200 million quarter on quarter for the following main reasons. Operating cash flow, as already talked about, 260 million, pushed down by inventory buildup in our vessels with more expensive fuel. Temporarily effect, we expect this to turn.

Speaker #2: Operating cash flow, as I already talked about, was $260 million, pushed down by inventory buildup and our vessels with more expensive fuel—a temporary effect. We expect this to turn.

Speaker #2: Investing cash flow was quite substantial at $98 million, mainly related to vessels, and especially the newbuilding program, as well as quite a lot of dry-docking activity.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Investing cash flow was quite substantial at USD 98 million, mainly related to vessel and especially the new building program, and also quite a lot of dry docking activity. The main element that pushed the cash flow down, that was the financing side, close to USD 450 million in negative cash flow. USD 364 million is linked over lease payments and bank debt. Within this number, we actually had USD 200 million in voluntarily repayment of debt. This also actually links to the material increase in flexibility we have in our debt, so we can easily flex up and down to avoid having too much cash on the balance sheet, which is not a good way to run your business. Secondly, we also had regular interest cost payment, around USD 30 million.

Speaker #2: The main element that pushed the cash flow down—that was the financing side—was close to $450 million in negative cash flow. $364 million is linked to other lease payments and bank debt. Within this number, we actually had $200 million in voluntary repayment of debt.

Speaker #2: This also actually links to the material increase in flexibility we have in our debts. We can more easily flex up and down to avoid having too much cash on the balance sheet, which is not a good way to run your business.

Bjørnar Bukholm: This also actually links to the material increase in flexibility we have in our debt, so we can easily flex up and down to avoid having too much cash on the balance sheet, which is not a good way to run your business. Secondly, we also had regular interest cost payment, around USD 30 million.

Speaker #2: Secondly, we also had regular interest cost payments of around $30 million, and then, as already mentioned, we paid $30 million, give or take, toward the minority shareholder in the UK, as they are getting their dividend in April, and we are upstreaming cash to AEC from UKOR.

Bjørnar Bukholm: As already mentioned, we paid USD 30 million, give or take, to the minority shareholder in EUKOR as they are getting their dividend in April, and we are upstreaming cash to ASA from EUKOR. Moving over to the balance sheet and our continued strong financial position. Starting on the equity side, big jump on the equity ratio in the quarter up from 39% to 49%. The main driver for this increase, that is the change in the EUKOR put liability with amount reduced from USD 850 million to USD 386 million. Just to remind you all, in April 2026, we reached an agreement with our dear partner, UECC, as a 20% shareholder in EUKOR, that the put and the call could not be exercised as long as the ocean carrier contract had an agreement that, well, EUKOR would carry 50% of the volumes.

Speaker #2: Moving over to the balance sheet and our continued strong financial position. Starting on the equity side, there was a big jump in the equity ratio in the quarter, up from 39% to 49%.

Speaker #2: The main driver for this increase is the change in the UKOR put liability, with the amount reduced from $850 million to $386 million.

Speaker #2: So just to remind you all, in April 2026, we reached an agreement with our dear partner H&G, as the 20% shareholder in UKOR, that the put and the call could not be exercised as long as the ocean carrier contract had an agreement that, well, UKOR would carry 50% of the volumes.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Just to remind you all, in April 2026, we reached an agreement with our dear partner, UECC, as a 20% shareholder in EUKOR, that the put and the call could not be exercised as long as the ocean carrier contract had an agreement that, well, EUKOR would carry 50% of the volumes.

Speaker #2: That contract runs until the end of 2029, and then we have agreed that the earliest date, in theory, that the option could be exercised is January 1, 2031—really, then, reflecting the long-term partnership we have with Hyundai Kia.

Bjørnar Bukholm: That contract runs until the end of 2029, and then we have agreed at the earliest date, in theory, that the option could be exercised is January 1, 2031, really then reflecting the long-term partnership we have with Hyundai Kia. Now the liability is then calculated at the net present value on the, I would say, estimated or forecasted future exercise price. There is, of course, quite some uncertainty around this number. But this is our best estimate. For those of you that are interested in understanding more about this, I would urge you to take a look at our quarterly report and the notes where we are addressing this topic. Net interest-bearing debt, as already mentioned, quite stable at USD 2 billion.

Speaker #2: No reliability is then calculated at the net present value on the, I would say, estimated or forecasted future exercise price. So there is, of course, quite some uncertainty around this number.

Speaker #2: But this is our best estimate. For those of you who are interested in understanding more about this, I would urge you to take a look at our quarterly report and the note where we are addressing this topic.

Bjørnar Bukholm: For those of you that are interested in understanding more about this, I would urge you to take a look at our quarterly report and the notes where we are addressing this topic. Net interest-bearing debt, as already mentioned, quite stable at USD 2 billion.

Speaker #2: Net interest-bearing debt, as already mentioned, is quite stable at $2 billion. We had a reduction in debt, and we had a reduction in cash as we are continuously trying to make our balance sheet more effective.

Bjørnar Bukholm: We had a reduction in debt, and we had a reduction in cash as we are continuously trying to make our balance sheet more effective, and leverage ratio was stable at 1.2x. Liquidity reserves, as mentioned, is now at USD 1.2 billion, and it's around a 50/50 split between cash and undrawn credit facilities. Just as a reminder, the minimum target we are steering against, that is USD 1 billion. We are getting significantly closer to that target. I also wanted to use this opportunity to also take a step back and reflect on what we have actually done together with our partnership banks during the last 18 months to really optimize the capital structure and efficiency of Wallenius Wilhelmsen. So I'm pointing at really three things when I'm looking back. First of all, we have refinanced USD 1.2 billion in debt at significantly improved terms.

Speaker #2: And leverage ratio was stable at 1.2x. Liquidity reserves, as mentioned, are now at $1.2 billion, and it's about a 50-50 split between cash and undrawn credit facilities. And just as a reminder, that's over the minimum target we are steering against, which is $1 billion.

Speaker #2: We have been getting significantly closer to that target. I also wanted to use this opportunity to take a step back and reflect on what we have actually done together with our partnership banks.

Bjørnar Bukholm: I also wanted to use this opportunity to also take a step back and reflect on what we have actually done together with our partnership banks during the last 18 months to really optimize the capital structure and efficiency of Wallenius Wilhelmsen. So I'm pointing at really three things when I'm looking back. First of all, we have refinanced USD 1.2 billion in debt at significantly improved terms.

Speaker #2: During the last 18 months, we've really worked to optimize the capital structure and efficiency of Wallenius Wilhelmsen. So I'm pointing at really three things when I'm looking back.

Speaker #2: First of all, we have refinanced $1.2 billion of debt. That's on significantly improved terms. We have extended maturities from 2026–2028 into 2030, or maybe even 2031 for some of the capacity.

Bjørnar Bukholm: We have extended maturities from 2026, 2028 into 2030 or maybe even 2031 for some of the capacity. We have made a lot of this financing significantly more flexible while converting them from a traditional ship loan to a revolving credit facility that you can decide whether it is drawn one day and not drawn the next day. At the same time, we have reduced the bank debt and the bond debt from USD 1.8 billion to USD 1.1 billion. We are really focused on repaying or refinancing, of course, the most expensive debt, including the bond debt we repaid in March 2026. This has also enabled us to reduce our cash position from USD 1.4 billion to USD 0.6 billion, as the debt is now much more flexible with the revolving credit facilities so we can flex up and down.

Speaker #2: And we have made a lot of this financing significantly more flexible by converting them from a traditional ship loan to a revolving credit facility, so that you can decide whether it's drawn one day and not drawn the next day.

Speaker #2: At the same time, we have reduced the bank debt and the bond debt from $1.8 billion to $1.1 billion, and we are really focused on repaying or refinancing, of course, the most expensive debt, including the bond debt we repaid in March 2026.

Bjørnar Bukholm: We are really focused on repaying or refinancing, of course, the most expensive debt, including the bond debt we repaid in March 2026. This has also enabled us to reduce our cash position from USD 1.4 billion to USD 0.6 billion, as the debt is now much more flexible with the revolving credit facilities so we can flex up and down.

Speaker #2: This has also enabled us to reduce our cash position from $1.4 billion to $0.6 billion, as the debt is now much more flexible with the revolving credit facilities, so we can flex up and down.

Speaker #2: So, we are keeping a strong liquidity buffer without having too much cash on our balance sheets. I think we have taken a big step, but the work continues to make it even better.

Bjørnar Bukholm: We are keeping a strong liquidity buffer without having too much cash in our balances. I think we have taken a big step, but the work continues to make it even better. Last but not least from me, very happy to announce a new strong dividend from Wallenius Wilhelmsen to our dear shareholders. Cash dividend of USD 258 million for the H1, equivalent to $0.61 per share. This is then, as already heard from Lasse, it is 50% of the net profit plus an extraordinary element of $100 million. The dividend is set based on the results, based on the financial position, and based on the strong outlook for the company. Also following paying this dividend, Wallenius Wilhelmsen is, as you have seen, in a very strong financial position to address any opportunities that may arise in the market.

Speaker #2: Last but not least from me, very happy to announce a new strong dividend from Wallenius Wilhelmsen to our dear shareholders: a cash dividend of $258 million for the first half year.

Speaker #2: Equivalent to $0.61 per share. So this is then, as you already heard from Lasse, it's 50% of the net profit, plus an extraordinary element of $100 million.

Speaker #2: The dividend is set based on the result, based on the financial position, and based on the strong outlook for the company. Also, following the payment of this dividend, Wallenius Wilhelmsen is, as you have seen, in a very strong financial position to address any opportunities that may arise in the market. We aim to continue to ensure that Wallenius Wilhelmsen stays financially very solid.

Bjørnar Bukholm: The dividend is set based on the results, based on the financial position, and based on the strong outlook for the company. Also following paying this dividend, Wallenius Wilhelmsen is, as you have seen, in a very strong financial position to address any opportunities that may arise in the market. We aim to continue to ensure that Wallenius Wilhelmsen stay financially very solid. With that, I will hand it over to you, Lasse, for the prospects.

Bjørnar Bukholm: We aim to continue to ensure that Wallenius Wilhelmsen stay financially very solid. With that, I will hand it over to you, Lasse, for the prospects.

Speaker #2: With that, I will hand it over to you, Lasse, for the prospects.

Speaker #1: Yeah, and I can make that rather short. The market has strengthened through the second quarter. We are, of course, benefiting from that on the shipping side.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Yeah, I can make that rather short. The market has strengthened through the Q2. We are, of course, benefiting from that on the shipping side. The improvement in logistics, we expect this here to stay and continue. The prospect for the year and the outlook for the year, USD 1.7 billion in EBITDA. At the same time, an underlying shipping market that is strengthening. So we today can share that we see a very strong outlook for Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With that, we open up for. No, you have an update on those.

Speaker #1: The improvement in logistics we expect is here to stay and continue. So the prospect for the year, and the outlook for the year, is $1.6 billion in EBITDA, and at the same time, an underlying shipping market that is strengthening.

Speaker #1: Today, we can share that we see a very strong outlook for Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With that, we open up for... No, you have an update.

Speaker #2: Yes, a quick update. It's the same date, on the 24th of September. We're going to have a market update here at our offices at Lysaker.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Yes, a quick update. It is a save the date on 24 September. We are going to have a market update here at our offices at Lysaker, where we are going to talk a little bit about what we are seeing in the market and the developments that follow. We will send out an invite to investors, analysts, and other interested parties. For now, it is a save the date, so more to come. On that, we will start the Q&A. We have a lot of interesting questions here. Just starting off with you, Lasse.

Speaker #2: We're going to talk a little bit about what we're seeing in the market and the developments that follow. We will send out an invite to investors, analysts, and other interested parties.

Speaker #2: And for now, it's the same date, so more to come on that. We will start the Q&A, and we have a lot of interesting questions here.

Speaker #2: But just starting off with you, Lasse. You said strong outlook.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Yep.

Bjørnar Bukholm: You said strong outlook.

Speaker #1: Yeah.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Yeah.

Speaker #2: Can you elaborate a little bit more on that?

Bjørnar Bukholm: Can you elaborate a little bit more on that?

Speaker #1: Yeah, this is more, I mean, mostly linked to the market. We see that the demand out of China is continuing, and it's not just, call it, supply push.

Lasse Kristoffersen: This is mostly linked to the market. We see that the demand out of China is continuing. It is not just a, call it supply push, it is really a strong demand and a big success of Chinese cars around the world. We do not see any end to that short-term. That drives a lot of demand. Even though the fleet is growing fast in shipping, there is more demand. We see in the contracts that we are doing during the quarter that what we did the Q2 this year is longer and stronger than what we did last year.

Speaker #1: There's really strong demand and significant success for Chinese cars around the world. We don't see any end to that in the short term, which is driving a lot of demand.

Speaker #1: So even though the fleet is growing fast in shipping, there is more demand. And we see in the contracts that we're doing during the quarter that what we did in the second quarter this year is longer and stronger than what we did last year.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Bjørnar, you maintain the outlook.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Thank you. Bjørnar, you maintain the outlook. Yes. Despite having high fuel cost this quarter, can you put a bit more color to that? Yes, absolutely. It is actually a very simple reason to that. In H1 of this year, we have had extraordinary high bunker cost. The expectations for H2 is that we, to a large extent, will recoup what we paid extra in this quarter, as we are compensated to a large extent from our customers. In addition to that, I will also highlight that there is strength on the shipping side, on the commercial side, and we also expect government services to have some more wind in the sails in H2 of the year. All right, thank you. If you have questions on webcast, please post them in the chat. But first we start opening up for questions from the audience.

Speaker #3: Yes.

Speaker #2: You know, despite having high fuel costs this quarter, can you put a bit more color to that?

Speaker #3: Yes, absolutely. There is actually a very simple reason for that. In the first half of this year, we have had extraordinarily high bunker costs. The expectation for the second half is that we, to a large extent, will recoup what we paid extra in this quarter.

Speaker #3: As we will, we had compensated to a large extent from our customers. In addition to that, I will also highlight that there is, you know, there is strength on the shipping side, on the commercial side.

Bjørnar Bukholm: In addition to that, I will also highlight that there is strength on the shipping side, on the commercial side, and we also expect government services to have some more wind in the sails in H2 of the year. All right, thank you. If you have questions on webcast, please post them in the chat. But first we start opening up for questions from the audience. Is there anyone with questions at the premises? There is one back there. August.

Speaker #3: And we also expect government services to have some more wind in the sails in the second half of the year.

Speaker #2: All right, thank you. If you have questions on the webcast, please post them in the chat. But first, we will start by opening up for questions from the audience.

Speaker #2: Is there anyone with questions at the premises? There's one back there—August.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Is there anyone with questions at the premises? There is one back there. August.

Speaker #4: Thank you.

[Analyst] (Pareto): Thank you. August from Pareto. Lasse, talked about how the order book has increased and 21% currently and possibly higher when you are thinking about discussions going on with the industry players. Does those industry players include yourself?

August Klemp: Thank you. August from Pareto. Lasse, talked about how the order book has increased and 21% currently and possibly higher when you are thinking about discussions going on with the industry players. Does those industry players include yourself?

Speaker #3: August from Pareto. You, Lasse, talked about how the order book has increased, and 21% currently, and possibly higher when you are kind of thinking about discussions going on with industry players.

Speaker #3: Do those industry players include yourself?

Speaker #1: We are constantly looking at opportunities to grow and renew our fleet. We have not made any new commitments—if we had, we would have shared it.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We are constantly looking at the opportunities to grow and renew our fleet. We have not made any new commitments. If so, we would have shared it. But of course, we are continuously looking at extending new building program. We are very happy with the Shaper Class program that we have put in place, 14 vessels that we think are state-of-the-art and represent strong competitiveness for us. But there will sure be more to come, but we have not made any commitments yet.

Speaker #1: But, of course, we are continuously looking at extending our new building program. We are very happy with the Shaper Class program that we have put in place.

Speaker #1: We have 14 vessels that we think are state of the art and represent strong competitiveness for us. But there will surely be more to come. However, we have not made any commitments yet.

Speaker #4: Okay, thank you.

Anders Redigh Karlsen: Okay. Thank you. All right, any further questions from the audience? All right. If not, we will go on to the next one. Sondre at Nordea is asking, could you talk a little bit about the untapped potential in China if we have the capacity? You did touch upon it.

August Klemp: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #2: All right, any further questions from the audience? All right. If not, we'll go on to the next one. Sandra at Nordea is asking, could you talk a little bit about the untapped potential in China if we had the capacity?

Anders Redigh Karlsen: All right, any further questions from the audience? All right. If not, we will go on to the next one. Sondre at Nordea is asking, could you talk a little bit about the untapped potential in China if we have the capacity? You did touch upon it.

Speaker #2: You did touch upon it.

Speaker #1: Yeah. Well, the way it plays out for us in reality is that we are not concerned about filling the ships this year or next year.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Yep. Well, the way it plays out for us in reality is that we are not concerned about filling the ships this year or next year. It is actually really tough prioritizations. We have very deliberate approach to the Chinese markets. We see that the approach from the Chinese players are going from, I would say, more transactional, to today, much more strategic, where they see they need friends and they need companies like us. I have been personally to several meetings where we meet the absolute top management of these OEMs telling us that, "We need your help on shipping. We need your help, your terminals. We need your processing capabilities in the markets you are in. We need your ability to orchestrate end-to-end services." For us, this is a massive opportunity to address growing demand and at the same time utilize the full capability we have.

Speaker #1: It's actually a really tough prioritization. And we have a very deliberate approach to the Chinese markets. We see that the approach from the Chinese players is going from, I would say, more transactional.

Speaker #1: Today, it's much more strategic, where they see that they need friends and they need companies like us. And I've personally been to several meetings where we meet the absolute top management of these OEMs telling us that they need our help on shipping.

Speaker #1: We need your help—your terminals. We need your processing capabilities in the markets you're in. We need your ability to orchestrate end-to-end services. So, for us, this is a massive opportunity to address growing demand and, at the same time, utilize the full capability we have.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We need your help, your terminals. We need your processing capabilities in the markets you are in. We need your ability to orchestrate end-to-end services." For us, this is a massive opportunity to address growing demand and at the same time utilize the full capability we have.

Speaker #1: And I would say, in general, what we did last year was typically one-year contracts in China, and just in one year, this is now moving to more normal, as we do with others, two-, three-, and even five-year type contracts.

Lasse Kristoffersen: I would say in general, what we did last year was typically one-year contracts in China. Just in one year, this is now moving to more normal as we do with others, two, three, and even five-year type contracts. The nature of the shipping out of China is increasing. Despite that we give them priority and others, the demand is just growing faster than capacity in ro-ro. We have seen now, our estimate is probably around 2 million cars going in containers. If you go to Antwerp or Le Havre, you will see that there are containers coming in with cars, even into Europe. Everybody that deals with shipping of cars into Europe know that that is not effective.

Speaker #1: So, the nature of the shipping out of China is increasing. Despite that, even when we give them priority and others, the demand is just growing faster than capacity in raw—raw.

Speaker #1: So, we have seen now our estimate; it's probably around 2 million cars going in containers. If you go to Antwerp or Le Havre, you will see that there are containers coming in with cars, even into Europe.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We have seen now, our estimate is probably around 2 million cars going in containers. If you go to Antwerp or Le Havre, you will see that there are containers coming in with cars, even into Europe. Everybody that deals with shipping of cars into Europe know that that is not effective.

Speaker #1: And everybody that deals with shipping of cars into Europe knows that that is not effective. We even now see that, and it's really hard to know the exact numbers, but a significant amount of cars—maybe more than a million cars—are now going in what we call "meaning dry bulk vessels" and others.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We even now see that, and it is really hard to know the exact numbers, but significant amount of cars, maybe more than 1 million cars, are now going in what we call LoLo, lift-on-lift-off, meaning dry bulk vessels and others. They just, any capacity they can move cars, they use. We believe that this will come back to our segment eventually when there is capacity. Even with no growth out of China, there will be growing demand for ro-ro.

Speaker #1: They use any capacity they can to move cars. We believe that this will come back to our segment eventually when there is capacity.

Speaker #1: So even with no growth out of China, there will be growing demand for raw, raw.

Speaker #2: All right. And then on to—there is a question from Sandra at Nordea. She is asking about our order book or our, you know, open capacity for next year.

Anders Redigh Karlsen: Right. Then on to, it is a question from Sondre at Nordea. He is asking about our order book or our open capacity for next year. We have more than 40%.

Speaker #2: We have more than 40%. How is the time to market affecting our weight negotiations?

Lasse Kristoffersen: Yep.

Anders Redigh Karlsen: How is the time charter market affecting our rate negotiations?

Speaker #1: Yeah, well, these follow each other. And I showed that earlier. And of course, this is what works in any market: if the freight rates go up, the cost of the supply also goes up because people want more vessels.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Well, these follow each other, and I showed that earlier. Of course, this is what works in any market, that if the freight rates go up, the cost of the supply also goes up because people want more vessels. We are not very much exposed to the time charter market short-term, so we are not really tapping into that. We are using some of the medium-term markets a bit forward to build capacity. But in general, we are not very much exposed to the time charter market. So, the capacity we have now is the capacity we plan for next year.

Speaker #1: We are not very much exposed to the time shot of the market short term, so we are not really tapping into that. We are using some of the medium-term markets, a bit forward, to build capacity.

Speaker #1: But in general, we are not very much exposed to the time charter market. So the capacity we have now is the capacity we plan for next year.

Speaker #2: Okay. Then one for you, Bjørnar. Don't want to leave you alone here. The run rate that we see on our logistics now, you know, the big improvement— is that something that we can expect to be the run rate going forward?

Anders Redigh Karlsen: Okay. Then one for you, Bjørnar. Don't want to leave you alone here. The run rate that we see on logistics now, the big improvement, is that something that we can expect to be the run rate going forward?

Speaker #3: Yeah, it's hard to be too exact on that question. But I think what we could safely say is that we have certainly, you know, lifted logistics to a new level.

Bjørnar Bukholm: It's hard to be too exact on that question, but I think what we could safely say is that we have certainly now lifted logistics to a new level. We expect to continue to show good numbers for logistics. Exactly what the numbers will be for quarters ahead, we need to wait and see, but we see that the logistics will continue to perform well also in the quarters ahead.

Speaker #3: And we expect to continue to show good numbers for logistics. Exactly what the numbers will be for the quarter, we need to wait and see.

Speaker #3: But we see that logistics will continue to perform well also in the quarters ahead.

Speaker #2: All right. Then on to, you know, the Chinese push for cars into Europe. There is a question on—there are rumors that European terminals are filling up.

Anders Redigh Karlsen: All right. Then on to the Chinese push for cars into Europe.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Yeah.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Yeah.

Anders Redigh Karlsen: There is question on, there is rumors that European terminals are filling up and delaying vessels. Is this something that we see?

Speaker #2: And delaying vessels— is this something that we see? And...

Speaker #1: Yeah, this has been an up-and-down situation for years. And congestion, meaning that vessels sit and wait outside, that happens every now and then.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Yeah, this has been an up-and-down situation for years, and congestion meaning that vessels sit and wait outside, that happens every now and then. There's not a big, massive change in congestion. If anything, it has been a little bit down lately. As I said, we have no signs of cars piling up in our terminals or in our storage more than before. We have just looked at what we call dwell age, that's the waiting time in our terminals. Not big changes. If anything, a little bit down since last year, and there are no signs that the Chinese are sitting longer than others. As we said, in any way we try to analyze, we cannot see that the move, the velocity of Chinese cars are lower than any other.

Speaker #1: There's not a big, massive change in congestion. If anything, it has been a little bit down lately. And as I said, we have no signs of cars piling up in our terminals or in our storage.

Speaker #1: More than before. We have just looked at what we call drayage—that's the waiting time in our terminals. Not big changes. Everything, if anything, is a little bit down since last year.

Lasse Kristoffersen: We have just looked at what we call dwell age, that's the waiting time in our terminals. Not big changes. If anything, a little bit down since last year, and there are no signs that the Chinese are sitting longer than others. As we said, in any way we try to analyze, we cannot see that the move, the velocity of Chinese cars are lower than any other.

Speaker #1: And there are no signs that the Chinese are sitting longer than others. So, as we said, in any way we try to analyze, we cannot see that the move, you know, the velocity of Chinese cars, is lower than any other.

Speaker #2: Okay. Then there are some questions about the Red Sea rumors that Maersk is, you know, returning to the Red Sea. Chinese players are doing that route.

Anders Redigh Karlsen: Okay. Then there are some questions about the Red Sea. Rumors that Maersk is returning to the Red Sea. Chinese players are doing that route.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Yep.

Speaker #2: What are our thoughts around the Red Sea?

Anders Redigh Karlsen: What are our thoughts around Red Sea?

Speaker #1: Very simple. We don't go until it's safe. We don't consider it safe, and I think the recent activity has shown that it is not safe.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Very simple. We don't go until it's safe. We don't consider it safe. I think the recent activity has shown that it is not safe, and they have been attacking vessels both around Yemen, but also all the way up to the coast of Saudi Arabia. We will be back the second we consider it safe. It seems to us that the Chinese have a safer transit than others. That's at least what we are told. But we don't consider it safe now. What we need to do then is to go all the way around Africa, down Suez, and distribute product. Even that is now more challenging. We just had to change an itinerary going in there because it was not safe to go into even the northern Saudi Arabian ports.

Speaker #1: And they have been attacking vessels both in and around Yemen, but also all the way up to the coast of Saudi Arabia. So we will be back the second we consider it safe.

Speaker #1: It seems to us that the Chinese have a safer transit than others. That's at least what we are told. But we don't consider it safe now.

Lasse Kristoffersen: It seems to us that the Chinese have a safer transit than others. That's at least what we are told. But we don't consider it safe now. What we need to do then is to go all the way around Africa, down Suez, and distribute product. Even that is now more challenging. We just had to change an itinerary going in there because it was not safe to go into even the northern Saudi Arabian ports. Unfortunately, we don't see any immediate ease of the risk of trading in both the southern Red Sea and in the Hormuz.

Speaker #1: So, what we need to do then is go all the way around Africa, down Suez, and distribute product. And even that is now more challenging.

Speaker #1: We just had to change an itinerary going in there because it was not safe to go into even the northern Saudi Arabian ports. So unfortunately, we don't see any immediate ease of the risk of trading in both the southern Red Sea and in the Hormuz.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Unfortunately, we don't see any immediate ease of the risk of trading in both the southern Red Sea and in the Hormuz.

Speaker #2: Okay. Then one for you, Bjørnar. Working capital has been building. Do you see any unwinding of that into the second quarter? And could you talk a little bit about what's driving this change?

Anders Redigh Karlsen: Okay. Then one for you, Bjørnar. Working capital has been building. Do you see any unwinding of that into Q2? Could you talk a little bit about what is driving the change?

Speaker #3: Yes. So the reason for the buildup in inventory is quite simple. Fuel prices are up, and we have also had significantly more fuel on the vessels to ensure that we don't run out of fuel.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Yes. The reason for the buildup in inventory, that is quite simple. It is fuel prices are up, and we have also had significantly more fuel on the vessels to ensure that we do not run out of fuel. As fuel prices are dropping and we see a significantly lower risk of actually running out of fuel because the fuel is available at the pump, we should see a gradual reduction in the inventory and then over time, a normalization. We would say that over time this is a temporary effect.

Speaker #3: As fuel prices are dropping and we see a significantly lower risk of actually running out of fuel because the fuel is available at the pump, we will see a gradual we should see a gradual reduction in the inventory.

Speaker #3: And then, over time, a normalization. So we would say that, over time, this is a temporary effect.

Speaker #2: Okay. Then to you, Lasse, on the average rate of the book of business that we kind of disclosed this quarter. It's down compared to what we saw in Q4.

Anders Redigh Karlsen: Okay. Then to you, Lasse, on the average rate of the book of business that we disclosed this quarter. It is down compared to what we saw in Q4. What are our expectations in terms of that going forward?

Speaker #2: What are our expectations in terms of, you know, that going forward?

Speaker #1: It's down, and you could also see that in the numbers. There was a little bit of a dip in the sentiment last fall when we did some of the renewals.

Lasse Kristoffersen: It is down because, and you could also see that on the numbers, there was a little bit of a dip in the sentiment last fall when we did some of the renewals. We did them only for one year, most of them. The question was, what can we expect? Well, we do not give any forward statements on market, but what I can share is that the contracts that we did in Q2 was at higher rates and longer durations. As I mentioned with the Chinese, typically going from one year towards, say, three years. What we have done in Q2 at stronger rates than what we did in 2025.

Speaker #1: We did them only for one year, most of them. And the question was, what can we expect? Well, we don't give any forward statements on the market.

Speaker #1: But what I can share is that the contracts that we did in Q2 were at higher rates and longer durations. So, as I mentioned, with the Chinese typically going from one year towards, say, three years, and what we have done in the second quarter is at stronger rates than what we did in '25.

Speaker #2: Then on to our outlook statement. We state that it's a little bit dependent upon the duration of the Middle East conflict. What is our base case in terms of our—

Anders Redigh Karlsen: Then onto our outlook statement. We state that it's a little bit dependent upon the duration of the Middle East conflict. What is our base case in terms of our

Speaker #1: Yeah, I would split that in two. And then you fill me in, Bjørnar. But I think in terms of the revenue, utilization on the shipping, and in general, the Middle East conflict is not affecting us that much.

Lasse Kristoffersen: No, I would split that in two and then you fill me in, Bjørnar. But I think in terms of the revenue utilization on the shipping, in general, the Middle East conflict is not affecting us that much. We are able to find alternative deployment of our vessels, and we still have a logistics operation in Dubai that has very little to do, but still we are there. So the effect on us on the Middle East is really on the bunker side, meaning that if we see another spike in bunker costs, that will affect us. And we have not really seen an effect of the increased energy cost on the general economy yet. So that is also, of course, something that can affect global car sales. So there are several effects that could hit us, but it is not really utilization and demand of shipping.

Speaker #1: We're able to find alternative deployment for our vessels. And we still have a logistics operation in Dubai that has very little to do, but still, we're there.

Speaker #1: So the effect on us from the Middle East is really on the bunker side, meaning that if you see another spike in bunker costs, that will affect us.

Speaker #1: And we have not really seen an effect of the increased energy cost on the general economy yet. So that's also, of course, something that can affect global car sales.

Lasse Kristoffersen: And we have not really seen an effect of the increased energy cost on the general economy yet. So that is also, of course, something that can affect global car sales. So there are several effects that could hit us, but it is not really utilization and demand of shipping.

Speaker #1: So there are several effects that could hit us, but it's not really utilization and demand of shipping.

Speaker #2: All right. Then there is a question on the dividends from Jørgen at DNB. He's asking, you know, is the liquidity level the target base for that?

Anders Redigh Karlsen: Right. Then there is a question on dividends from Jørgen at DNB. He is asking, is the liquidity level target-based for that, or are there other measures being taken into account in that situation when we do dividends?

Speaker #2: Or are there other measures being taken into account in that situation when we do dividends?

Speaker #3: Yeah. So, when we look at dividends, and then from a balance sheet perspective, we look at multiple factors. Liquidity is one of them, where we have stated what we consider to be a sound liquidity level—that is, $1 billion, which is split between cash to run the business and then revolving credit capacity to have extra buffers if something happens, or for also exciting investment opportunities.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Yeah. So when we look at dividends, and then from a balance sheet perspective, we look at multiple factors. So liquidity being one of them, where we have stated that what we consider to be a sound liquidity level, that is USD 1 billion, which is split between cash to run the business and then revolving credit capacity to have extra buffers if something happens or for also exciting investment opportunities. Then we also certainly look at how much debt should we have in the company we are looking at, and then we are also looking at the equity ratio. So it all boils down to that we want to have a strong financial position of the companies. It is really that part. And then looking at the net profit.

Speaker #3: Then we also certainly look at, you know, how much debt we should have in the company. And then we're also looking at the equity ratio.

Bjørnar Bukholm: Then we also certainly look at how much debt should we have in the company we are looking at, and then we are also looking at the equity ratio. So it all boils down to that we want to have a strong financial position of the companies. It is really that part. And then looking at the net profit. If the balance sheet is very strong, then we open up for a discussion with the board on whether we should pay a little bit extra, which we have done now many quarters or many H1s in a row.

Speaker #3: It all comes down to wanting to have a strong financial position for the company. So it's really about that part, and then looking at the net profit.

Speaker #3: And if the balance sheet is very, very strong, then we open up for a discussion with the Board on whether we should pay a little bit extra, which we have done now many quarters or many half-years in a row.

Bjørnar Bukholm: If the balance sheet is very strong, then we open up for a discussion with the board on whether we should pay a little bit extra, which we have done now many quarters or many H1s in a row.

Speaker #2: All right, that seems to be running towards the end of the questions—unless we pause a little bit and give it a little time.

Anders Redigh Karlsen: All right. That seems to be running towards the end of the questions, unless we pause a little bit and give it a little time. There is one question about 24 September that we mentioned. It is going to be a market update. So it is going to be concentrated on the market rather than the company as such.

Speaker #2: There is one question about the 24th of September that we mentioned. It's going to be a market update, so it's going to be concentrated on the market rather than the company as such.

Speaker #1: Yeah. And both the global OEM market and then, of course, a deep dive into the shipping market. So you're welcome if you'd like to learn more about that.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Yeah, both the global OEM market, and then of course, deep dive into the shipping market. So you are welcome if you would like to learn more about that.

Speaker #2: All right. Should we wrap it up? Yeah, I think that's it. So, any final words to wrap up, Lasse?

Anders Redigh Karlsen: All right. Should we

Lasse Kristoffersen: Yeah. Let's wrap it up.

Anders Redigh Karlsen: Wrap it up? Yeah, I think that's it. Any final words to wrap up, Lasse?

Speaker #1: Yeah. Well, I will just repeat what I said: we're very happy with the quarter, we're happy with the first half-year, and proud to present a solid dividend.

Lasse Kristoffersen: Well, I will just repeat what I said. We're very happy with the quarter. We're happy with the H1. Proud to present a solid dividend. There is a strong outlook. The outlook has improved during the quarter, and we see quite optimistic on 2026 and the underlying market. Thank you.

Speaker #1: There is a strong outlook. The outlook has improved during the quarter, and we are quite optimistic about 2026 and the underlying market. Thank you.

Anders Redigh Karlsen: Thank you. Yeah.

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Q2 2026 Wallenius Wilhelmsen ASA Earnings Call

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