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IMPORTANT NOTICE – DISCLAIMER Not for release or distribution or publication in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into Australia, Canada, Japan or the Republic of South Africa. These materials do not contain or constitute an offer for sale or the solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or the Republic of South Africa.

Shipping stocks continue to stand out as elevated freight rates and favorable supply-demand dynamics support stronger earnings and shareholder distributions.

The transaction had a total value of approximately $313,384. The disposal reduced the officer's direct equity holdings by 14%.

Star Bulk Carriers is the sector's best-run operator, with a 138-vessel fleet and the lowest breakeven costs among peers. I see fair value at $36 per share, 18% above current levels, based on a conservative, forward-looking cash flow estimate. SBLK's 100% payout policy yields a 10.5% dividend at the curve, with strong asset backing and prudent capital management.

Star Bulk Carriers Corp. delivered strong Q2 results, beating estimates with $1.23 EPS and a robust $0.9 dividend (12% yield). SBLK's financial position is solid, with $565M cash, $981M debt, and debt below scrap value; valuation stands at 0.85x NAV. I expect continued strong quarters, with Q3 and Q4 earnings supporting a dividend around $0.90 and $4 full-year EPS.

Amid rising geopolitical risks, investors can consider buying value stocks like DAR, AVT, SBLK and DKL, which boast high earnings yield.

VLO and SBLK made it to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) value stocks list on August 17, 2026.