ATHENS, Greece, March 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (the "Company" or "Star Bulk") (Nasdaq: SBLK), today announced that the Company’s annual report on Form 20‐F (the “Annual Report”), which contains the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2026. The Annual Report can be found on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at https://www.sta ...

ATHENS, Greece, March 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (the "Company" or "Star Bulk") (Nasdaq: SBLK), today announced that the Company’s annual report on Form 20‐F (the “Annual Report”), which contains the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2026. The Annual Report can be found on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at https://www.sta ...

NEW YORK, March 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capital Link is hosting a series of online Company Presentations, during which the Senior Management teams of leading publicly listed maritime companies will present their business development, strategy, growth prospects, and overall sector outlook.Upcoming Webinars March 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET - Star Bulk Carriers (NASDAQ: SBLK) March 31, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET - Seanergy Maritime (NASDAQ: SHIP) For additional information, please visit the Company Presentation S ...

Core Viewpoint - Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:SBLK) is highlighted as a strong marine shipping stock investment opportunity due to its balanced capital allocation strategy and solid financial performance in recent quarters [1][2]. Financial Performance - In Q4, net income rose to $65.2 million, or $0.57 per share, compared to $42.4 million, or $0.36 per share, in Q4 of 2024, indicating a significant increase [3]. - Voyage revenues for Q4 decreased to $300.6 million from $308.9 million year-over-year, attributed to a reduction in fleet size from 153.1 million to 137.5 million [3]. - For the full year, voyage revenue fell to $1.04 billion from $1.265 billion in 2024, and net income decreased to $84.17 million from $304 million in 2024 [4]. Capital Allocation Strategy - The company's board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.37, payable on March 19, 2026, with plans to distribute 100% of cash flow from operations after debt service [4]. Market Outlook - The dry bulk market has shown counter-seasonal strength at the start of 2026 across all vessel segments, which is viewed as a positive indicator for the future [5]. - Despite an increasing order book, the aging fleet and renewal requirements, along with structural demand driven by global infrastructure needs, support optimism for the dry bulk market in the coming years [5]. - Star Bulk's scale, diverse and efficient fleet, and strong financial position position the company well to take advantage of favorable market conditions and enhance shareholder value [5]. Company Overview - Star Bulk Carriers Corp. is a global shipping company based in Greece, specializing in the transportation of dry bulk commodities such as iron ore, coal, grain, bauxite, fertilizers, and steel products [6].

Core Viewpoint - Diana Shipping Inc. has increased its all-cash offer to acquire Genco Shipping & Trading Limited to $23.50 per share, reflecting confidence in the acquisition's financial and strategic merits [1]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The revised offer is supported by $1.433 billion of fully committed financing, arranged by DNB Carnegie and Nordea, with participation from leading international banks [2]. - Star Bulk Carriers Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement with Diana to acquire 16 Genco vessels for $470.5 million in cash upon completion of Diana's acquisition of Genco [3]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (GNK) is currently trading at $21.93, down 5.31 percent, while Diana Shipping Inc. (DSX) is down 6.52 percent to $2.36 on the New York Stock Exchange [3]. - Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (SBLK) is also experiencing a decline, falling 4.58 percent to $23.48 on the Nasdaq [3].

Core Viewpoint - Diana Shipping Inc. has increased its acquisition offer for Genco Shipping & Trading Limited to $23.50 per share, representing a 31% premium over the previous closing price before the initial offer [2][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The new all-cash offer of $23.50 per share follows a previous offer of $20.60 per share, which was rejected by Genco's board [4]. - The acquisition involves sixteen vessels, including one Newcastlemax, six Capesize vessels, seven Ultramax vessels, and two Supramax vessels, with a total carrying capacity of 1.8 million dwt and an average age of 11.4 years [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - If the acquisition is successful, Star Bulk will have a total of 157 ships with a carrying capacity of 15.9 million dwt and an average age of 12.0 years [3]. - The CEO of Star Bulk expressed support for the acquisition, highlighting that it would enhance scale, earnings power, and shareholder dividends while maintaining balance sheet strength and low leverage [5]. Group 3: Market Reaction - Following the announcement, shares of Diana Shipping fell by 4.15% to $2.42, Star Bulk Carriers declined by 3.17% to $23.84, and Genco Shipping slipped by 4.27% to $22.17 [5].

Core Viewpoint - Star Bulk Carriers Corp. has entered into a conditional Sale and Purchase Agreement to acquire sixteen vessels from Diana Shipping Inc., contingent upon Diana successfully acquiring Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd. [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The total purchase price for the acquisition of the sixteen vessels is $470.5 million in cash [2] - The vessels include one Newcastlemax, six Capesize, seven Ultramax, and two Supramax, with a total carrying capacity of 1.8 million dwt and an average age of 11.4 years [3] - Upon completion of the transaction, Star Bulk will have a fleet of 157 ships with a total carrying capacity of 15.9 million dwt and an average age of 12.0 years [3] Group 2: Financing Strategy - The purchase will be funded through a combination of existing cash resources, reserves from previous vessel sales, and new debt financing [4] - As of December 31, 2025, Star Bulk had a cash balance of $501.9 million and 27 unlevered ships valued at $628.0 million, with access to $110.0 million in undrawn revolving credit facilities [4] Group 3: Strategic Implications - The transaction is viewed as a disciplined and value-enhancing capital allocation that aligns with Star Bulk's long-term shareholder strategy [5] - The acquisition is expected to generate immediate incremental TCE revenue, EBITDA, and operating cash flow, supporting dividend growth and deleveraging [5] - The CEO emphasized that consolidation in the dry bulk sector creates value for shareholders and that this transaction will enhance Star Bulk's scale, earnings power, and shareholder dividends while maintaining balance sheet strength [6]

Core Viewpoint - Star Bulk Carriers Corp. has entered into a conditional Sale and Purchase Agreement to acquire sixteen vessels from Diana Shipping Inc., contingent upon Diana successfully acquiring Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd. [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The total purchase price for the acquisition of the sixteen vessels is $470.5 million in cash [2] - The vessels include one Newcastlemax, six Capesize, seven Ultramax, and two Supramax, with a total carrying capacity of 1.8 million dwt and an average age of 11.4 years [3] - Upon completion of the transaction, Star Bulk will have a fleet of 157 ships with a total carrying capacity of 15.9 million dwt and an average age of 12.0 years [3] Group 2: Financing Strategy - The purchase will be funded through a combination of existing cash resources, reserves from previous vessel sales, and new debt financing [4] - As of December 31, 2025, Star Bulk had a cash balance of $501.9 million and 27 unlevered ships valued at $628.0 million, with access to $110.0 million in undrawn revolving credit facilities [4] Group 3: Strategic Implications - The transaction is viewed as a disciplined and value-enhancing capital allocation that aligns with Star Bulk's long-term shareholder strategy [5] - The acquisition is expected to generate immediate incremental TCE revenue, EBITDA, and operating cash flow, supporting dividend growth and deleveraging [5] - The CEO emphasized that consolidation in the dry bulk sector creates value for shareholders and that this transaction will enhance Star Bulk's scale, earnings power, and shareholder dividends while maintaining balance sheet strength [6]

Core Viewpoint - Diana Shipping Inc. has increased its cash offer to acquire Genco Shipping & Trading Limited to $23.50 per share, representing a 31% premium over the closing price prior to the initial offer, and is urging Genco's board to engage in negotiations [1][6][18] Financing and Offer Details - The revised offer of $23.50 per share is supported by $1.433 billion in fully committed financing arranged by DNB Carnegie and Nordea, along with participation from other leading international banks [2][4] - The offer reflects Diana's belief in the financial and strategic merits of the acquisition, aiming to enhance value for Genco shareholders [2][5] Acquisition Agreement - Star Bulk Carriers Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement with Diana to acquire 16 Genco vessels for $470.5 million in cash, contingent upon the completion of Diana's acquisition of Genco [3][4] Shareholder Engagement - Diana is calling on Genco's board to engage in good faith negotiations and is encouraging Genco shareholders to support the offer [5][7] - The company has nominated independent director candidates for Genco's upcoming Annual Meeting, emphasizing the need for board changes to maximize shareholder value [7] Financial Metrics - The increased offer implies a dividend yield of 9.1% and 8.3% based on analyst estimates for 2026 and 2027, respectively, and a price/net asset value ratio of 1.0x, indicating a premium compared to Genco's historical trading [6]

Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, the company reported a net income of $65.2 million and an adjusted net income of $74.5 million, translating to an adjusted EPS of $0.16 [4] - Adjusted EBITDA was $126.4 million, indicating strong cash generation capacity even in a moderate rate environment [4] - The company repurchased 1.2 million shares for $22.7 million during Q4 and approximately 1.9 million shares for $37.9 million year-to-date in Q1 2026 [4][5] - A dividend of $0.37 per share was declared for Q4, payable on March 19, 2026 [4] Capital Allocation and Balance Sheet - Total cash and cash equivalents stood at approximately $459 million, with outstanding debt around $1 billion [5] - The company has an undrawn revolving capacity of $110 million and 27 debt-free vessels valued at approximately $630 million [5] - The capital allocation strategy includes distributing 100% of free cash flow while maintaining a minimum cash balance of $2.1 million per vessel and a minimum quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share [5][6] Operational Performance - Daily operating expenses for Q4 were $5,045 per vessel, with net cash G&A at $1,399 per vessel, both among the lowest in the peer group [12] - The company continues to invest in fleet upgrades, with 13 vessels fitted with energy-saving devices and 55 out of 80 installations completed [13] - The fleet consists of 141 vessels with an average age of approximately 12.1 years [16] Market and Industry Outlook - The dry bulk trade grew by 1.3% in volume and 2.1% in ton-miles during 2025, driven by strong exports and recovery in key commodities [22] - The company anticipates a 0.6% growth in dry bulk demand in tons and 1.9% in ton-miles for 2026, supported by a favorable economic outlook [24] - Geopolitical risks and environmental regulations are expected to influence market dynamics, with a focus on managing an ECO-rated fleet [28] Management Commentary - Management expressed confidence in the company's cash flow visibility and commitment to maintaining a competitive capital return profile [7] - The operational efficiency and disciplined capital allocation framework position the company well to navigate market volatility [10] - The company remains focused on enhancing energy efficiency and compliance with environmental regulations [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on iron ore market dynamics - The company noted strong trade in grains, with expected ton-mile increases from Brazil and West Africa, alongside potential increases in coal ton-miles due to export cuts from Indonesia [31][32] Question: Capital return policy details - Management indicated that the decision to boost the dividend payout was influenced by strong share performance, with a preference for dividends over share repurchases in such scenarios [41] Question: Free cash flow representation - It was clarified that while earnings provide a rough approximation of free cash flow, factors like depreciation, debt repayment, and changes in working capital must also be considered [42][45]