ATHENS, Greece, Jan. 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (the "Company" or "Star Bulk") (Nasdaq: SBLK), today announced that it will release its results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025, after the market closes in New York on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Star Bulk's management team will host a conference call to discuss the Company's financial results on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Conference Call details: Participants should dial into the c ...

Company Performance - Star Bulk Carriers (SBLK) closed at $21.66, marking a +1.21% increase from the previous day, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 0.5% [1] - Over the past month, shares of Star Bulk Carriers have appreciated by 10.14%, significantly exceeding the Transportation sector's gain of 1.17% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.18% [1] Upcoming Earnings - The upcoming earnings release is highly anticipated, with projected earnings per share (EPS) of $0.52, reflecting a 52.94% increase from the same quarter last year [2] - Revenue is estimated at $291.28 million, which represents a decline of 5.71% from the prior-year quarter [2] Annual Estimates - For the annual period, Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of $0.85 per share and revenue of $1.03 billion, indicating a significant decrease of -67.68% in earnings and no change in revenue from the previous year [3] - Recent changes to analyst estimates are crucial as they reflect near-term business trends, with positive revisions indicating analysts' confidence in the company's performance [3] Valuation Metrics - Star Bulk Carriers is currently trading with a Forward P/E ratio of 7.78, which is a discount compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 11.13 [6] - The Transportation - Shipping industry, to which Star Bulk Carriers belongs, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 82, placing it in the top 34% of over 250 industries [6] Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), has a strong track record, with 1 stocks averaging an annual return of +25% since 1988 [5] - Currently, Star Bulk Carriers holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with the consensus EPS projection remaining stagnant over the past 30 days [5]

Company Performance - Star Bulk Carriers (SBLK) closed at $20.90, with a gain of +1.41% from the previous trading session, outperforming the S&P 500 which gained 0.26% [1] - Prior to the recent trading day, shares of Star Bulk Carriers had increased by 12.99%, surpassing the Transportation sector's gain of 0.81% and the S&P 500's gain of 1.57% [1] Earnings Projections - The upcoming EPS for Star Bulk Carriers is projected at $0.52, indicating a 52.94% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year [2] - Revenue is expected to be $291.28 million, reflecting a 5.71% decrease compared to the year-ago quarter [2] Fiscal Year Estimates - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are projected at $0.85 per share, representing a decrease of -67.68% from the prior year, while revenue is estimated to remain unchanged at $1.03 billion [3] Analyst Estimates - Recent modifications to analyst estimates for Star Bulk Carriers are significant as they indicate changing near-term business trends, with positive revisions seen as a favorable sign for business outlook [4] - The Zacks Rank system, which evaluates these estimate changes, currently ranks Star Bulk Carriers as 1 (Strong Buy) [6] Valuation Metrics - Star Bulk Carriers has a Forward P/E ratio of 7.49, indicating a discount compared to its industry's Forward P/E of 12.16 [7] - The Transportation - Shipping industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 160, placing it in the bottom 35% of over 250 industries [7]

Core Viewpoint - Star Bulk Carriers Inc. stock has experienced a recent decline but shows significant growth over the past month and year, raising questions about its valuation despite current performance issues [1]. Group 1: Stock Performance - The current stock price of Star Bulk Carriers Inc. is $19.51, reflecting a 0.66% drop in the current market session [1]. - Over the past month, the stock has increased by 9.48%, and over the past year, it has risen by 30.90% [1]. Group 2: P/E Ratio Analysis - The P/E ratio of Star Bulk Carriers is 41.79, which is significantly higher than the Marine Transportation industry's aggregate P/E ratio of 15.76 [4]. - A higher P/E ratio suggests that investors expect better future performance from Star Bulk Carriers compared to its industry peers, but it may also indicate that the stock is overvalued [4]. Group 3: Investment Considerations - The P/E ratio is a useful metric for evaluating market performance but should be used cautiously, as it can indicate both undervaluation and weak growth prospects [6]. - Investors should consider the P/E ratio alongside other financial ratios, industry trends, and qualitative factors for a comprehensive analysis of a company's financial health [6].

Company Performance - Pony AI Inc. - Sponsored ADR (PONY) has returned approximately 18.1% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the Transportation sector, which has returned an average of 3% [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PONY's full-year earnings has increased by 86.4% over the past quarter, indicating improved analyst sentiment and a stronger earnings outlook [4] Industry Context - Pony AI Inc. belongs to the Transportation - Equipment and Leasing industry, which includes 10 companies and currently ranks 75 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This industry has gained about 17% year-to-date, with PONY performing better than its peers [6] - Another notable stock in the Transportation sector is Star Bulk Carriers (SBLK), which has increased by 6.7% year-to-date and has a consensus EPS estimate that has risen by 91.9% over the past three months [5]

Group 1: Company Performance - Star Bulk Carriers (SBLK) closed at $19.43, reflecting a +2.53% increase from the previous day, outperforming the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.03% [1] - The company's shares experienced a 4% loss over the previous month, underperforming the Transportation sector's gain of 6.83% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.57% [1] Group 2: Upcoming Earnings - The upcoming earnings release for Star Bulk Carriers is projected to show an EPS of $0.52, indicating a 52.94% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year [2] - Revenue is estimated at $291.28 million, representing a 5.71% decline compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year [2] Group 3: Full-Year Estimates - Full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates for Star Bulk Carriers project earnings of $0.85 per share and revenue of $1.03 billion, reflecting year-over-year changes of -67.68% and -18.35%, respectively [3] - Recent changes to analyst estimates for Star Bulk Carriers indicate evolving short-term business trends, with positive revisions suggesting a favorable outlook on business health and profitability [3] Group 4: Zacks Rank and Valuation - Star Bulk Carriers holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remaining unchanged over the last 30 days [5] - The company has a Forward P/E ratio of 22.29, which is a premium compared to its industry's Forward P/E of 10.75 [6] Group 5: Industry Context - The Transportation - Shipping industry, which includes Star Bulk Carriers, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 32, placing it in the top 13% of over 250 industries [6] - The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of industry groups based on the average Zacks Rank of individual stocks, with top-rated industries outperforming lower-rated ones by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]

Core Insights - The webinar featured key executives from major companies in the dry bulk shipping sector, discussing market dynamics and strategic considerations [1] Group 1: Company Strategies - Wah Kwong Maritime Services employs a strategy that balances spot and time charters based on market views and risk management [2] - EuroDry focuses on mid-sized dry bulk segments, avoiding smaller Handysize and larger Capesize vessels, and emphasizes a balanced fleet post-merger with Eagle Bulk Shipping [3] - Pangaea Logistics Solutions prioritizes customer needs, utilizing voyage charter contracts and long-term COAs while mixing spot market activity with contracted cargoes [4] Group 2: Financial Management - EuroDry advocates for a medium leverage strategy targeting approximately 50% loan-to-value to enhance equity returns while remaining resilient during downturns [5] - Pangaea's debt to fair market value is around 40-45%, indicating a comfortable leverage level, while Star Bulk focuses on using cash flow for stock buybacks rather than increasing leverage [6] Group 3: Market Outlook - The dry bulk shipping market experienced volatility, with a weak first half of the year followed by a stronger second half, leading to cautious optimism among executives [7] - Forecasts suggest a modest market correction, with geopolitical factors becoming increasingly significant in influencing freight rates, which are expected to remain stable with a potential variance of 20%-25% [8] - Optimism remains regarding strong volumes for coal, grain, and minor bulks, despite concerns over coal demand due to warm weather [9][10] Group 4: Fleet and Order Book - The newbuild order book is considered manageable, with Kamsarmax at approximately 14% and Ultramax at 11.5%, well within historical norms [11] - Shifts in Chinese demand, particularly in steel exports and power demand from AI data centers, are creating beneficial long-haul shipping demand for raw materials and finished steel [12]

Core Viewpoint - Star Bulk Carriers Corp. estimates its time charter equivalent (TCE) rate for Q4 2025 to be approximately $19,500 per day for about 93% of its owned available days [1] TCE Rate Estimates by Segment - Newcastlemax/Capesize vessels are expected to have a TCE rate of approximately $27,600 per day for about 91% of owned available days [6] - Post Panamax/Kamsarmax/Panamax vessels are estimated to have a TCE rate of approximately $16,400 per day for about 92% of owned available days [6] - Ultramax/Supramax vessels are projected to have a TCE rate of approximately $17,400 per day for about 94% of owned available days [6] Company Overview - Star Bulk is a global shipping company specializing in dry bulk transportation, with a fleet of 145 vessels and an aggregate capacity of 14.3 million deadweight tons (dwt) [3] - The fleet includes various vessel types such as Newcastlemax, Capesize, Kamsarmax, and Ultramax, with carrying capacities ranging from 55,569 dwt to 209,537 dwt [3] - The company was incorporated in the Marshall Islands in 2006 and is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "SBLK" [3]

Core Thesis - Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (SBLK) is viewed positively due to its strong market position, financial health, and favorable industry dynamics [1][2][5] Company Overview - SBLK is the largest publicly traded pure-play dry bulk shipping company, operating a fleet of 142 vessels, including 80 "Eco" ships with an average age of 12 years [2] - The fleet is equipped with scrubbers for environmental compliance and is well-positioned to benefit from rising vessel values [2] Financial Performance - Management has effectively allocated capital, reducing net debt by 45% over 4.5 years, returning $1.35 billion in dividends, $518 million in buybacks, and $624 million in net debt paydown [3] - Share repurchases have been executed at substantial discounts to NAV, indicating strong shareholder alignment [3] Market Positioning - SBLK trades at a significant discount to NAV, reflecting market mispricing and historically low leverage compared to peers [2] - The dry bulk market fundamentals support SBLK's upside, with a low newbuilding order book of 10-11% of the fleet and an aging fleet where 30% will exceed 20 years by 2030 [4] Demand Drivers - Rising ton-mile demand is driven by shifts in iron ore sourcing, increased bauxite exports, and coal import dynamics in China [4] - The Simandou iron ore project in Guinea is expected to create incremental demand, potentially lifting ton-mile demand and time charter rates [4] Strategic Outlook - Seasonality is a short-term variable, but structural supply constraints and strengthening global dry bulk demand are expected to improve vessel values, NAV, and cash flows [5] - With net debt below scrap value and disciplined capital allocation, SBLK presents an attractive risk/reward profile with potential upside from market-driven improvements and strategic investor engagement [5]

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgency to invest now [1][13] - The energy demands of AI technologies are highlighted, with data centers consuming as much energy as small cities, leading to concerns about power grid strain and rising electricity prices [2][3] Investment Opportunity - A specific company is presented as a key player in the AI energy sector, owning critical energy infrastructure assets that are essential for supporting the anticipated surge in energy demand from AI data centers [3][7] - This company is characterized as a "toll booth" operator in the AI energy boom, benefiting from the increasing need for energy as AI technologies expand [4][5] Market Position - The company is noted for its unique position in the market, being debt-free and holding a significant cash reserve, which is approximately one-third of its market capitalization [8][10] - It also has a substantial equity stake in another AI-related company, providing investors with indirect exposure to multiple growth opportunities in the AI sector [9][10] Strategic Advantages - The company is involved in large-scale engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects across various energy sectors, including nuclear energy, which is crucial for America's future power strategy [7][8] - The current political climate, particularly the push for onshoring and increased U.S. LNG exports, positions this company favorably to capitalize on these trends [6][14] Future Outlook - The influx of talent into the AI sector is expected to drive continuous innovation and advancements, reinforcing the importance of investing in AI-related companies [12] - The potential for significant returns is emphasized, with projections suggesting a possible 100% return within 12 to 24 months for investors who act promptly [15]