Star Bulk reports Q2 profit of $39,000 amid lower charter rates

Published 06/08/2025, 21:34
Star Bulk reports Q2 profit of $39,000 amid lower charter rates

ATHENS - Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:SBLK), currently trading at an attractive P/E ratio of 9.6 and showing a strong year-to-date return of 30%, reported a significant decline in second-quarter earnings, with net income falling to just $39,000 from $106.1 million in the same period last year, according to a company press release issued Wednesday. InvestingPro analysis suggests the company is currently undervalued, with additional insights available in the comprehensive Pro Research Report.

The global dry bulk shipping company’s voyage revenues decreased to $247.4 million in the second quarter of 2025, compared to $352.9 million a year earlier. Despite the revenue decline, the company maintains a strong financial health score of "GOOD" according to InvestingPro metrics, with liquid assets exceeding short-term obligations. The decline was primarily attributed to lower charter rates and a reduction in fleet size, with the average number of vessels decreasing to 147.6 from 155.0 during the relevant periods.

The company’s daily Time Charter Equivalent (TCE) rate fell to $13,624 in the second quarter from $19,268 a year earlier, reflecting weaker market conditions.

Despite the earnings decline, Star Bulk declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share, marking its 18th consecutive quarter of capital returns. The dividend will be payable on September 10 to shareholders of record as of August 28.

During the quarter, Star Bulk continued its share repurchase program, acquiring 3.3 million shares at an average price of $16.47 per share for a total of $54 million. The company’s board has authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program.

Star Bulk also sold nine vessels during the quarter that "no longer fit with our commercial profile," according to CEO Petros Pappas. The company expects to collect approximately $104 million in gross proceeds from vessel sales during the third and fourth quarters.

The company strengthened its liquidity position, which now exceeds $520 million, by signing two new revolving facilities totaling $115 million. With a robust free cash flow yield of 16% and a market capitalization of $2.21 billion, Star Bulk demonstrates strong financial fundamentals. For deeper insights into Star Bulk’s valuation and growth potential, access the full InvestingPro Research Report, part of the comprehensive analysis available for 1,400+ US stocks.

In other recent news, Star Bulk Carriers Corp. has completed the repurchase of 1.9 million shares for $32.2 million, reducing its outstanding shares to 115.6 million. This buyback program, initially announced in February, accounted for 5.4% of the firm’s shares. Jefferies analyst Omar Nokta maintained a Buy rating on Star Bulk Carriers, with a steady price target of $5.00, noting the company’s strong first-quarter performance despite challenging market conditions. The company’s ability to secure profits was attributed to its contracted cash flow from period and fixed charters. Additionally, Star Bulk Carriers has declared a regular dividend of $0.05 per share for the quarter. The company also confirmed the re-election of its Class C Directors and the appointment of DELOITTE CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS S.A. as its independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. These developments reflect the company’s ongoing strategic initiatives and governance practices.

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