Upgrade to SI Premium - Free Trial

Star Bulk Carriers Corp. Reports Financial Results for the Second Quarter and First Half of 2016, and Announces Agreement With Its Lenders to Defer 100% of Its Debt Repayment for 25 Months to June 30,

September 14, 2016 4:06 PM

ATHENS, GREECE -- (Marketwired) -- 09/14/16 -- Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (the "Company" or "Star Bulk") (NASDAQ: SBLK), a global shipping company focusing on the transportation of dry bulk cargoes, today announced its unaudited financial and operating results for the second quarter and the first half of 2016.

Financial Highlights


                                                            Six       Six
                                                          months    months
(Expressed in thousands of U.S.       Second    Second     ended     ended
 dollars, except for daily rates and  quarter   quarter  June 30,  June 30,
 per share data)                       2016      2015      2016      2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Revenues                         52,649    55,817    98,953   101,318
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income/(loss) (2)                 (32,908)  (65,021)  (81,696) (105,197)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA (1)                               (521)  (33,338)  (14,610)  (44,902)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted EBITDA (1)                     1,630     6,262    (5,679)      624
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted Net income / (loss) (2)      (30,196)  (22,319)  (68,491)  (52,135)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings / (loss) per share basic
 and diluted                            (0.75)    (1.72)    (1.86)    (3.06)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted earnings / (loss) per share
 basic and diluted (2)                  (0.69)    (0.59)    (1.56)    (1.52)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Number of Vessels                71.0      69.7      71.9      67.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voyage revenues                        52,605    55,749    98,862   101,182
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Time Charter Equivalent Rate
 ("TCE") (3)                            6,463     8,616     5,715     7,806
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average daily OPEX per vessel           3,841     4,598     3,828     4,665
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average daily OPEX per vessel
 (excluding pre-delivery expenses)      3,796     4,311     3,692     4,372
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1)  EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures, please see the table
     at the back of this release for a reconciliation to Net Cash Provided
     by / (Used in) Operating Activities, which is the most directly
     comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance
     with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
     ("U.S. GAAP"). To derive Adjusted EBITDA we exclude non-cash gains /
     (losses) and non-recurring items.

(2)  Adjusted Net income / (loss) is a non-GAAP measure, please see the
     table at the back of this release for a reconciliation to Net income /
     (loss).

(3)  Daily Time Charter Equivalent Rate ("TCE") is a non-GAAP measure,
     please see the table at the back of this release for a reconciliation
     to Voyage Revenues.

Petros Pappas, Chief Executive Officer of Star Bulk, commented: "We are pleased to announce today an agreement with our lenders including a waiver of approximately $223.9 million in debt principal repayments until June 30, 2018, as well as waivers or substantial relaxation of our financial covenants until the end of 2019.

"This agreement assists our Company to successfully weather current market conditions even if they were to last well into 2019, and positions us to take advantage of a subsequent market upturn. The agreement was based on the strong relationships we have developed over time with all 15 of our banking institutions and credit agencies and their faith in Star Bulk's high quality management and low cost operations.

"In conjunction with the agreement with our lenders, we have agreed to complete an equity raise for $50.0 million of net proceeds which we launched today. Our significant shareholders have indicated that they will support our efforts.

"We released today our H1 and Q2 2016 financial results, reporting $53 million in revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 and a positive $1.6 million adjusted EBITDA. Our average net daily TCE per vessel for Q2 2016 was $6,463 after deduction of $17.7 million in voyage expenses, with almost no legacy charters in place to benefit from.

"Our average daily OPEX per vessel excluding pre-delivery expenses was $3,796 over the same period, reduced by 12% y-o-y. We believe that this reduction in our expenses is not at the expense of the quality of maintenance of our vessels, as evidenced by our vessels' Rightship ratings and Port State control inspection records."

Recent Developments

Existing On the Water Fleet Profile (As of September 9, 2016)


                                   Capacity                Date Delivered to
   Vessel Name       Vessel Type   (dwt.)    Year Built            Star Bulk
 1 Goliath           Newcastlemax    209,537       2015              July-15
 2 Gargantua         Newcastlemax    209,529       2015             April-15
 3 Star Poseidon     Newcastlemax    209,475       2016          February-16
 4 Maharaj           Newcastlemax    209,472       2016              July-15
 5 Star Libra (1)    Newcastlemax    207,765       2016              June-16
 6 Star Marisa (1)   Newcastlemax    207,709       2016             March-16
 7 Leviathan         Capesize        182,511       2014         September-14
 8 Peloreus          Capesize        182,496       2014              July-14
 9 Star Martha       Capesize        180,274       2010           October-14
10 Star Pauline      Capesize        180,274       2008          December-14
11 Pantagruel        Capesize        180,181       2004              July-14
12 Star Borealis     Capesize        179,678       2011         September-11
13 Star Polaris      Capesize        179,600       2011          November-11
14 Star Angie        Capesize        177,931       2007           October-14
15 Big Fish          Capesize        177,662       2004              July-14
16 Kymopolia         Capesize        176,990       2006              July-14
17 Big Bang          Capesize        174,109       2007              July-14
18 Star Aurora       Capesize        171,199       2000         September-10
19 Star Despoina     Capesize        170,162       1999          December-14
20 Star Eleonora     Capesize        164,218       2001          December-14
21 Amami             Post Panamax     98,681       2011              July-14
22 Madredeus         Post Panamax     98,681       2011              July-14
23 Star Sirius       Post Panamax     98,681       2011             March-14
24 Star Vega         Post Panamax     98,681       2011          February-14
25 Star Angelina     Kamsarmax        82,981       2006          December-14
26 Star Gwyneth      Kamsarmax        82,790       2006          December-14
27 Star Kamila       Kamsarmax        82,769       2005         September-14
28 Pendulum          Kamsarmax        82,619       2006              July-14
29 Star Maria        Kamsarmax        82,598       2007          November-14
30 Star Markella     Kamsarmax        82,594       2007         September-14
31 Star Danai        Kamsarmax        82,574       2006           October-14
32 Star Georgia      Kamsarmax        82,298       2006           October-14
33 Star Sophia       Kamsarmax        82,269       2007           October-14
34 Star Mariella     Kamsarmax        82,266       2006         September-14
35 Star Moira        Kamsarmax        82,257       2006          November-14
36 Star Nina         Kamsarmax        82,224       2006           January-15
37 Star Renee        Kamsarmax        82,221       2006          December-14
38 Star Nasia        Kamsarmax        82,220       2006            August-14
39 Star Laura        Kamsarmax        82,209       2006          December-14
40 Star Jennifer     Kamsarmax        82,209       2006             April-15
41 Star Helena       Kamsarmax        82,187       2006          December-14
42 Mercurial Virgo   Kamsarmax        81,545       2013              July-14
43 Star Iris         Panamax          76,466       2004         September-14
44 Star Aline (2)    Panamax          76,429       2004         September-14
45 Star Emily        Panamax          76,417       2004         September-14
46 Star Vanessa      Panamax          72,493       1999          November-14
47 Idee Fixe (1)     Ultramax         63,458       2015             March-15
48 Roberta (1)       Ultramax         63,426       2015             March-15
49 Laura (1)         Ultramax         63,399       2015             April-15
50 Kaley (1)         Ultramax         63,283       2015              June-15
51 Kennadi           Ultramax         63,262       2016           January-16
52 Mackenzie         Ultramax         63,226       2016             March-16
53 Star Challenger   Ultramax         61,462       2012          December-13
54 Star Fighter      Ultramax         61,455       2013          December-13
55 Star Lutas        Ultramax         61,347       2016           January-16
56 Honey Badger      Ultramax         61,320       2015          February-15
57 Wolverine         Ultramax         61,292       2015          February-15
58 Star Antares      Ultramax         61,258       2015           October-15
59 Star Acquarius    Ultramax         60,916       2015              July-15
60 Star Pisces       Ultramax         60,916       2015            August-15
61 Strange Attractor Supramax         55,742       2006              July-14
62 Star Omicron      Supramax         53,489       2005             April-08
63 Star Gamma        Supramax         53,098       2002           January-08
64 Star Zeta         Supramax         52,994       2003           January-08
65 Star Delta        Supramax         52,434       2000           January-08
66 Star Theta        Supramax         52,425       2003          December-07
67 Star Epsilon      Supramax         52,402       2001          December-07
68 Star Cosmo        Supramax         52,247       2005              July-08
69 Star Kappa        Supramax         52,055       2001          December-07
                                   ---------
                     Total dwt:    7,257,037
                                   =========

(1)  Subject to a bareboat charter accounted for as a capital lease.

(2)  Vessel agreed to be sold and due for delivery to its new owners.

Chartered-In Vessel (As of September 9, 2016)


Vessel Name                       Type        Capacity (dwt.)    Year Built
----------------------------- ------------ -------------------- ------------
Astakos (ex - Maiden Voyage)    Supramax          58,722            2012
                                           --------------------
                               Total dwt:         58,722
                                           ====================

Newbuilding Vessels (As of September 9, 2016)


                                                                    Expected
                                                 Capacity           Delivery
  Vessel Name                       Vessel Type   (dwt.)  Shipyard      Date
1 HN 1371 (tbn Star Virgo) (1)      Newcastlemax 208,000  SWS, China  Jan-17
2 HN 1360 (tbn Star Ariadne) (1)    Newcastlemax 208,000  SWS, China  Feb-17
3 HN 1342 (tbn Star Gemini)         Newcastlemax 208,000  SWS, China  Jul-17
4 HN 1361 (tbn Star Magnanimus) (1) Newcastlemax 208,000  SWS, China  Jan-18
5 HN 1343 (tbn Star Leo)            Newcastlemax 208,000  SWS, China  Jan-18
                                                ---------
                                    Total dwt:  1,040,000
                                                =========

(1)  Subject to a bareboat charter that will be accounted for as a capital
     lease.

Second Quarter 2016 and 2015 Results (*)

(*) Amounts relating to variations in period-on-period comparisons shown in this section are derived from the actual numbers in our books and records. In addition, all share and per share amounts disclosed in this report give effect to our company's 1 to 5 reverse stock split effective June 20, 2016, retroactively, for all periods presented. We refer to the presentation of all share and per share amounts as the "reverse split-adjusted basis."

For the second quarter of 2016, total voyage revenues were $52.6 million, compared to $55.7 million for the second quarter of 2015 and the TCE for the corresponding periods was $6,463 and $8,616, respectively. This decrease is primarily driven by the lower charterhire rates prevailing in the dry bulk market during the second quarter of 2016, compared to the second quarter of 2015.

For the second quarter of 2016, operating loss was $20.9 million, which includes a non-cash impairment loss of $0.3 million and a net loss on sale of vessels of $0.2 million compared to operating loss of $56.8 million for the second quarter of 2015, due primarily to a non-cash impairment loss of $27.7 million and a loss on sale of vessels of $11.3 million recognized during the second quarter of 2015, as described in more detail below.

Net loss for the second quarter of 2016 was $32.9 million, or $0.75 loss per basic and diluted share, calculated based on 43,938,755 shares, which is the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares. Net loss for the second quarter of 2015 was $65.0 million, or $1.72 loss per basic and diluted share, calculated based on 37,899,114 shares, which is the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares.

Net loss for the second quarter of 2016 mainly included the following non-cash items:

Excluding all non-cash items, net loss for the second quarter of 2016 would have been $30.2 million, or $0.69 loss, per basic and diluted share, based on 43,938,755 shares, which is the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares.

Net loss for the second quarter of 2015 mainly included the following non-cash items:

Excluding all non-cash items, net loss for the second quarter of 2015 would have been $22.3 million, or $0.59 loss per basic and diluted share, based on 37,899,114 shares, which is the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares.

Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2016 and 2015, excluding the above items, was $1.6 million and $6.3 million, respectively. A reconciliation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to net cash provided by cash flows from operating activities is set forth below.

During the second quarter of 2016 and 2015, we owned and operated an average of 71.0 and 69.7 vessels, respectively, which earned an average Time Charter Equivalent, or ("TCE") of $6,463 and $8,616 per day, respectively and the total voyage revenues for the same periods were $52.6 million and $55.7 million, respectively. We refer you to footnote 8 under the heading "Summary of Selected Data" set forth below for information regarding our calculation of TCE rates.

For the second quarter of 2016, voyage expenses were $17.7 million, compared to $12.9 million for the second quarter of 2015. The increase in voyage expenses was due to the increased level of spot market activity, which is associated with higher voyage expenses than time charters.

For the second quarter of 2016, charter hire expense was $0.9 million, representing the expense for the lease back of the vessel Astakos (ex-Maiden Voyage), which we sold in September 2015.

For the second quarter of 2016 and 2015, vessel operating expenses were $24.5 million and $29.2 million, respectively. The decrease in operating expenses, despite the slightly higher average number of vessels in the second quarter of 2016 compared to the second quarter of 2015 is attributable to our management's focus on cost efficiencies, the addition to our fleet of newly built vessels with lower maintenance requirements and synergies and economies of scale from operating a large fleet. As a result, our average daily operating expenses per vessel for the second quarter of 2016 were $3,841, compared to $4,598 during the second quarter of 2015, representing a 16.5% reduction as a result of synergies and economies of scale from operating a large fleet. In addition, vessel operating expenses for the second quarter of 2016 and 2015, include $0.3 million and $1.8 million of pre-delivery and pre-joining expenses, respectively, incurred in connection with the delivery of the new vessels during each period. Pre-joining and pre-delivery expenses relate to the expenses for the crew manning requirements during vessel sea trials, as well as the initial supply of stores for the vessel upon its delivery. Excluding these amounts, our average daily operating expenses per vessel for the second quarter of 2016 would have been $3,796 versus $4,311 during the second quarter of 2015.

Dry docking expenses for the second quarter of 2016 and 2015 were $0.7 million and $4.1 million, respectively. During the second quarter of 2016 only one vessel underwent its periodic dry docking survey compared to 2015, when ten of our vessels underwent periodic dry docking surveys.

Depreciation expense slightly increased to $20.3 million for the second quarter of 2016, compared to $20.2 million for the second quarter of 2015, mainly due to the slightly higher average number of vessels in the second quarter of 2016 compared to the second quarter of 2015.

Management fees for the second quarter of 2016 and 2015 were $1.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively. During the second quarter of 2016 and 2015, management fees included a daily fee of $295 per vessel to Ship Procurement Services S.A., an unaffiliated third-party management company. In addition, management fees for the second quarter of 2015 included a monthly fee of $17,500 to Maryville Maritime Inc. for the management of three of the Excel Vessels, (Star Martha, Star Pauline and Star Despoina), until the expiration of their then existing time charter agreements (the last expired in November 2015).

General and administrative expenses during the second quarter of 2016 amounted to $7.1 million, compared to $5.6 million general and administrative expenses during the second quarter of 2015. This variation was mainly due to higher stock based compensation expenses of $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2016 as compared to same period in 2015. Excluding the above mentioned stock-based compensation expenses, general and administrative expenses increased, mainly because of the increase in our average number of employees by approximately 5% during the second quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

During the second quarter 2016, we entered into Forward Freight Agreements ("FFAs") and closed our position, which resulted in recording a cash gain of $0.3 million. During the second quarter 2015 we had not entered into any FFAs. During the second quarter of 2016, we recorded an impairment loss of an aggregate of $0.3 million in connection with the write-off of capitalized expenses for two newbuilding contracts that were terminated in February 2016. During the same period in 2015, we recorded an impairment loss of $27.7 million in connection with an agreement to sell one of our newbuilding vessels upon its delivery in 2016, an agreement to sell the vessel Maiden Voyage and the cancellation of one of our newbuilding vessels. An amount of $18.2 million of this impairment loss relates to the fair value adjustment recognized for these vessels in July 2014 in connection with the Oceanbulk Merger.

During the second quarter of 2016, we delivered to their new owners the vessels Indomitable, Obelix, Star Taurus and Star Michele, recognizing an aggregate loss of $0.2 million. Total proceeds from these sales were $96.7 million. During the second quarter of 2015, we sold the vessels Star Big, Star Mega and Star Christianna and recognized an aggregate loss, in connection with the sales, of $11.3 million. Total proceeds from these sales were $18.9 million.

Interest and finance costs for the second quarter of 2016 and 2015 were $10.2 million and $7.4 million, respectively. The increase is attributable to: (i) the higher average balance of our outstanding indebtedness of $1,014.4 million for the second quarter of 2016, including $50.0 million under the 8.00% Senior Notes and our capital lease obligations, compared to $958.8 million for the second quarter of 2015 and (ii) the increase in weighted average interest rate to 3.9% in the second quarter of 2016 compared to 3.2% in the second quarter of 2015, driven by the increase in LIBOR over the same period. These amounts of interest and finance costs for the second quarter of 2016 and 2015 were set off by interest capitalized from general debt of $0.8 million and $2.9 million. We recognized these amounts in connection with the payments made for our newbuilding vessels. In addition, for the second quarter of 2016, interest and finance costs included $0.3 million representing realized loss on interest rate swaps (for four of our swaps accounted as cash flow hedges), whereas for the second quarter of 2015, the corresponding amount was $0.4 million.

During the second quarter of 2016, we recorded $0.6 million of loss on debt extinguishment in connection with the non-cash write-off of unamortized deferred finance charges resulting from the mandatory prepayment in full of outstanding loan balances following the sale of certain vessels in the second quarter of 2016, as mentioned above, as well as from the cancellation of the committed loan amount resulting from the sale of one newbuilding vessel upon its delivery from the shipyard. During the second quarter of 2015, we recorded $0.5 million of loss on debt extinguishment in connection with the non-cash write off of unamortized deferred finance charges due to mandatory prepayments in full of certain of our loan facilities.

During the second quarter of 2016 and 2015, we recorded a loss on derivative financial instruments of $1.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively. During the corresponding periods, five of our swaps outstanding were not designated as accounting hedges and their realized and unrealized gain/(loss) were recorded under gain/(loss) on derivative financial instruments.

First Half 2016 and 2015 Results (*)

(*) Amounts relating to variations in period-on-period comparisons shown in this section are derived from the actual numbers in our books and records. In addition, all share and per share amounts disclosed in this report are presented on a reverse split-adjusted basis.

For the first half of 2016, total voyage revenues were $98.9 million, compared to $101.2 million for the first half of 2015. This decrease is primarily driven by the lower charterhire rates prevailing in the dry bulk market during the first half of 2016, compared to the first half of 2015, and was partially offset by the increase in the average number of vessels from 67.5 during the first half of 2015 to 71.9 during the first half of 2016. The TCE for the corresponding periods was $5,715 and $7,806, respectively.

For the first half of 2016, operating loss was $55.7 million, which includes a non-cash impairment loss of $6.7 million and a net loss on sale of vessels of $0.02 million compared to operating loss of $90.7 million for the first half of 2015, due in part to a non-cash impairment loss of $28.8 million and a net loss on sale of vessels of $13.4 recognized during the first half of 2015, as described in more detail below.

Net loss for the first half of 2016 was $81.7 million, or $1.86 loss per basic and diluted share, calculated based on 43,880,713 shares, which is the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares. Net loss for the first half of 2015 was $105.2 million, or $3.06 loss per basic and diluted share, based on 34,347,332 shares, which is the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares.

Net loss for the first half of 2016 mainly included the following non-cash items:

Excluding all non-cash items, net loss for the second half of 2016 would have been $68.5 million, or $1.56 loss, per basic and diluted share, based on 43,880,713 shares, which is the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares.

Net loss for the first half of 2015 mainly included the following non-cash items:

Excluding all non-cash items, net loss for the first half of 2015 would have been $52.1 million, or $1.52 loss per basic and diluted share, based on 34,347,332 shares, which is the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares.

Adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2016 and 2015, excluding the above items, was ($5.7) million and $0.6 million, respectively. A reconciliation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to net cash provided by/used in operating activities is set forth below.

During the first half of 2016 and 2015, we owned and operated an average of 71.9 and 67.5 vessels, respectively, earning an average TCE rate of $5,715 and $7,806 per day, respectively and the total voyage revenues for the same periods were $98.9 million and $101.2 million, respectively. We refer you to footnote 8 under the heading "Summary of Selected Data" set forth below for information regarding our calculation of TCE rates.

For the first half of 2016, voyage expenses were $37.3 million, compared to $30.6 million for the first half of 2015. The increase in voyage expenses was due to the increase in the average number of vessels in the first half of 2016, compared to the first half of 2015, as well as the increased level of spot market activity, which is associated with higher voyage expenses than time charters.

For the first half of 2016, charter hire expense was $1.9 million, representing the expense for the lease back of the vessel Astakos (ex-Maiden Voyage), which we sold in September 2015.

For the first half of 2016 and 2015, vessel operating expenses totalled $49.4 million and $57.0 million, respectively. The decrease in operating expenses despite the higher average number of vessels in the first half of 2016 compared to the first half of 2015 is attributable to our management's focus on cost efficiencies, the addition to our fleet of newly built vessels with lower maintenance requirements and further realization of synergies and economies of scale from operating a large fleet. Accordingly, our average daily operating expenses per vessel for the first half of 2016 were $3,828, compared to $4,665 during the first half of 2015, representing a 17.9% reduction. In addition, vessel operating expenses for the first half of 2016 and 2015, respectively, included $1.7 million and $3.6 million of pre-delivery and pre-joining expenses, incurred in connection with the delivery of the new vessels in our fleet during each period. Pre-joining and pre-delivery expenses relate to the expenses for the initial crew manning, as well as the initial supply of stores for the vessel upon delivery. Excluding these amounts, our average daily operating expenses per vessel for the first half of 2016 and 2015 would have been $3,692 and $4,372, respectively.

Dry docking expenses for the first half of 2016 and 2015 were $1.6 million and $6.9 million, respectively. During the first half of 2016, three vessels completed their respective periodic dry docking surveys, two of which started in December 2015. During the first half of 2015, 14 of our vessels underwent their periodic dry docking surveys.

Depreciation expense increased to $40.8 million for the first half of 2016, compared to $38.5 million for the first half of 2015. The increase was mainly driven by the higher average number of vessels in the first half of 2016 compared to the first half of 2015.

Management fees for the first half of 2016 and 2015 were $3.9 million and $4.1 million, respectively. During the first half of 2016 and 2015, management fees included a daily fee of $295 per vessel to Ship Procurement Services S.A. In addition, management fees for the first half of 2015 included a monthly fee of $17,500 to Maryville Maritime Inc. for the management of three of the Excel Vessels, (Star Martha, Star Pauline and Star Despoina), until the expiration of their then existing time charter agreements (the last expired in November 2015).

During the first half of 2016, we had $13.3 million general and administrative expenses, compared to $11.2 million during the first half of 2015. During the first half of 2016, we incurred costs of $0.3 million relating to professional advisory services provided to us. These services were completed within the first half 2016 and such costs are not part of our ordinary course of business and will not burden our general and administrative expenses in the following quarters. Stock-based compensation expenses were $0.9 million higher in the second half of 2016 as compared to same period in 2015. Excluding the above mentioned non-recurring costs and stock-based compensation expenses, general and administrative expenses increased, because of the increase in our average number of employees during the first half of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. Average daily net cash general and administrative expenses per vessel excluding non-recurring costs would amount to $1,128 for the first half of 2016.

During the first half 2016, we entered into FFAs and recorded a cash gain of $0.3 million. During the first half of 2015 we had not entered into any FFAs.

During the first half of 2016, we recorded an impairment loss of an aggregate of $6.7 million in connection with the sale of one operating vessel, which was delivered to its new owners in May 2016 and the termination of two newbuilding contracts agreed to in February 2016. During the first half of 2015, we recorded an impairment loss of $28.8 million, relating to: (i) the sale of vessel Star Monika; (ii) the agreement to sell one of our newbuilding vessels upon its delivery to us in 2016; (iii) the agreement to sell the vessel Maiden Voyage; and (iv) the cancellation of one of our newbuilding vessels. The impairment loss recognized in 2015 includes $18.2 million, which is attributed to the write-off of the fair value adjustment recognized for these vessels in July 2014 in connection with the Oceanbulk Merger.

During the first half of 2015, we recognized a $2.1 million write-off of the unamortized fair value of the above-market acquired time charter of the vessel Star Big, due to its redelivery prior to the end of its time charter in connection with its sale and delivery to its new owners in June 2015.

During the first half of 2016, we recognized an aggregate loss on sale of $0.02 million due to the delivery to their new owners of the vessels Behemoth, Bruno Marks, Megalodon, Tsu Ebisu, Star Aries, Magnum Opus, Deep Blue, Jenmark, Indomitable, Obelix, Star Taurus and Star Michele. Total proceeds from these sales were $362.9 million. During the first half of 2015, we recognized an aggregate loss on a sale of vessel of $13.4 million in connection with the sale of the vessels Star Kim, Star Julia, Star Tatianna, Rodon, Star Big, Star Mega and Star Christianna. Total sale proceeds from these sales were $36.1 million, of which $1.1 million was received in 2014 as an advance for the sale of the vessel Star Kim.

Interest and finance costs for the first half of 2016 and 2015 were $19.7 million and $13.9 million, respectively. The increase is attributable to: (i) the higher average balance of our outstanding indebtedness of $1,017.2 million for the first half of 2016, including $50.0 million under the 8.00% Senior Notes and our capital lease obligations, compared to $910.0 million for the first half of 2015, and (ii) the increase in weighted average interest rate to 3.9% in the first half of 2016 compared to 3.3% in the first half of 2015, driven by the increase in LIBOR over the same period. These amounts of interest and finance costs for the first half of 2016 and 2015 were set-off by interest capitalized from general debt of $2.6 million and $6.2 million. We recognized these amounts in connection with the payments made for our newbuilding vessels. In addition, for the first half of 2016, interest and finance costs included $0.7 million realized loss on hedging interest rate swaps compared to $1.5 million for the first half of 2015.

During the first half of 2016, we recorded $1.8 million of loss on debt extinguishment in connection with the non-cash write-off of unamortized deferred finance charges resulting from the mandatory prepayment in full of outstanding loan balances following the sale of certain vessels in the first half of 2016, as mentioned above, as well as from the cancellation of certain committed loan amounts resulting from (a) the sale of certain newbuilding vessels upon their delivery from the shipyards and (b) the termination of two newbuilding contracts agreed in February 2016. During the first half of 2015, we recorded $1.0 million of loss on debt extinguishment, in connection with the non-cash write-off of unamortized deferred finance charges due to mandatory prepayments in full of certain of our loan facilities.

During the first half of 2016 and 2015, we recorded a loss on derivative financial instruments of $4.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively. As of January 1, 2015, all of our interest rate swaps had been designated as cash flow hedges. Our hedge effectiveness test for the second quarter of 2015 indicated that the hedging relationship of certain of our interest rate swaps no longer qualified for special hedge accounting. We therefore de-designated these swaps as accounting cash flow hedges as of April 1, 2015. Accordingly, realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from these swaps from April 1, 2015 onwards have been recorded in our statement of operations under Gain/(Loss) on derivative financial instruments. During the period that these swaps qualified for hedge accounting, their realized and unrealized gain/(loss) were recorded under interest and finance cost and equity, to the extent effective, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

Net cash used in operating activities for the first half of 2016 and 2015 was $36.0 million and $9.5 million, respectively. The increase is due to: i) a working capital outflow of $9.6 million mainly attributable to payments made towards our suppliers, for the first half of 2016 compared to a working capital inflow of $2.3 million for the first half of 2015, ii) higher interest expense and iii) lower Adjusted EBITDA.

Net cash used in investing activities for the first half of 2016 and 2015 was $24.6 million and $278.5 million, respectively.

For the first half of 2016, net cash used in investing activities consisted of:

offset partially by:

For the first half of 2015, net cash used in investing activities consisted of:

offset partially by:

Net cash used in financing activities for the first half of 2016 was $7.0 million and net cash provided by financing activities for the first half of 2015 was $487.2 million, respectively.

For the first half of 2016, net cash used in financing activities consisted of:

offset partially by:

For the first half of 2015, net cash provided by financing activities consisted of:

offset partially by:

Summary of Selected Data


(TCE rates expressed in U.S. dollars)
                                            Second quarter   Second quarter
                                                      2016             2015
                                           ---------------- ----------------
Average number of vessels (1)                         71.0             69.7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of vessels (2)                                   70               69
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average age of operational fleet (in
 years) (3)                                            7.5              7.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ownership days (4)                                   6,367            6,347
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Available days (5)                                   6,227            6,012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voyage days for fleet (6)                            5,404            5,341
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fleet utilization (7)                                 86.8%            88.8%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Time Charter Equivalent Rate (8)     $         6,463  $         8,616
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average daily OPEX per vessel (9)          $         3,841  $         4,598
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average daily OPEX per vessel (excl. pre-
 delivery expenses)                        $         3,796  $         4,311
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average daily Net Cash G&A expenses per
 vessel (10)                               $         1,153  $         1,102
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                Six months       Six months
                                                     ended            ended
                                             June 30, 2016    June 30, 2015
                                           ---------------  ----------------
Average number of vessels (1)                         71.9             67.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of vessels (2)                                   70               69
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average age of operational fleet (in
 years) (3)                                            7.5              7.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ownership days (4)                                  12,896           12,210
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Available days (5)                                  12,438           11,771
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voyage days for fleet (6)                           10,819            9,943
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fleet utilization (7)                                 87.0%            84.5%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Time Charter Equivalent Rate (8)     $         5,715  $         7,806
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average daily OPEX per vessel (9)          $         3,828  $         4,665
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average daily OPEX per vessel (excl. pre-
 delivery expenses)                        $         3,692  $         4,372
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average daily Net Cash G&A expenses per
 vessel (10)                               $         1,150  $         1,107
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 (1) Average number of vessels is the number of vessels that constituted our
     operating fleet (including charter-in vessels) for the relevant period,
     as measured by the sum of the number of days each operating vessel was
     a part of our operating fleet during the period divided by the number
     of calendar days in that period.
 (2) As of the last day of the periods reported.
 (3) Average age of operational fleet is calculated as of June 30, 2016 and
     2015, respectively.
 (4) Ownership days are the total calendar days each vessel in the fleet was
     owned by us for the relevant period.
 (5) Available days for the fleet are the ownership and charter-in days
     after subtracting off-hire days for major repairs, dry docking or
     special or intermediate surveys and lay-up days, if any.
 (6) Voyage days are the total days the vessels were in our possession or
     chartered-in for the relevant period after subtracting off-hire days
     incurred for any reason (including off-hire for major repairs, dry
     docking, special or intermediate surveys or lay-up days, if any).
 (7) Fleet utilization is calculated by dividing voyage days by available
     days for the relevant period. Ballast days for which a charter is not
     fixed are not included in the voyage days for the fleet utilization
     calculation.
 (8) Represents the weighted average daily TCE rates of our entire fleet.
     TCE rate is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a
     vessel on a per voyage basis. Our method of calculating TCE rate is
     determined by dividing voyage revenues (net of voyage expenses and
     amortization of fair value of above/below market acquired time charter
     agreements) by voyage days for the relevant time period. Voyage
     expenses primarily consist of port, canal and fuel costs that are
     unique to a particular voyage, which would otherwise be paid by the
     charterer under a time charter contract, as well as commissions. TCE
     rate is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily
     to compare period-to-period changes in a shipping company's performance
     despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., voyage charters,
     time charters and bareboat charters) under its vessels may be employed
     between the periods. We included TCE revenues, a non-GAAP measure, as
     it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with
     voyage revenues, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, and it
     assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and
     use of our operating vessels and in evaluating our financial
     performance.
 (9) Average daily OPEX per vessel is calculated by dividing vessel
     operating expenses by ownership days.
(10) Average daily Net Cash G&A expenses per vessel is calculated by (1)
     deducting the Management fee Income from, and (2) adding the Management
     fee expense (excluding termination charges in relation to vessels sold)
     to, the General and Administrative expenses (net of stock based
     compensation expense) and (3) then dividing with the ownership days.


Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations


(Expressed in thousands
 of U.S. dollars except       Second      Second    Six months   Six months
 for share and per share     quarter      quarter   ended June   ended June
 data)                          2016         2015     30, 2016     30, 2015
                         -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------


Revenues:
Voyage revenues          $    52,605  $    55,749  $    98,862  $   101,182
Management fee income             44           68           91          136
                         -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Total revenues                52,649       55,817       98,953      101,318
                         -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------

Expenses:
Voyage expenses              (17,722)     (12,891)     (37,284)     (30,637)
Charter-in hire expense         (922)           -       (1,918)           -
Vessel operating
 expenses                    (24,459)     (29,181)     (49,364)     (56,964)
Dry docking expenses            (734)      (4,079)      (1,583)      (6,945)
Depreciation                 (20,312)     (20,235)     (40,847)     (38,519)
Management fees               (1,913)      (2,074)      (3,911)      (4,063)
General and
 administrative expenses      (7,124)      (5,590)     (13,298)     (11,153)
Gain/(Loss) on
 derivative financial
 instruments                     283            -          283            -
Impairment loss                 (339)     (27,749)      (6,694)     (28,829)
Write-off of unamortized
 fair value of above
 market acquired time
 charter                           -            -            -       (2,114)
Other operational loss          (109)           -         (109)           -
Other operational gain             -          550           50          590
Gain/(Loss) on sale of
 vessel                         (173)     (11,336)         (21)     (13,389)

                         -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Operating income/(loss)      (20,875)     (56,768)     (55,743)     (90,705)
                         -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------

Interest and finance
 costs                       (10,222)      (7,439)     (19,694)     (13,871)
Interest and other
 income/(loss)                  (113)         290          154          828
Gain/(Loss) on
 derivative financial
 instruments                  (1,088)        (688)      (4,681)        (688)
Loss on debt
 extinguishment                 (624)        (450)      (1,801)        (974)
                         -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Total other expenses,
 net                         (12,047)      (8,287)     (26,022)     (14,705)
                         -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------

Income/(Loss) before
 equity in investee          (32,922)     (65,055)     (81,765)    (105,410)

Equity in income of
 investee                         14           34           69          213

                         -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net income/(loss)        $   (32,908) $   (65,021) $   (81,696) $  (105,197)
                         ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========

Earnings/(loss) per
 share, basic            $     (0.75) $     (1.72) $     (1.86) $     (3.06)
Earnings/(loss) per
 share, diluted          $     (0.75) $     (1.72) $     (1.86) $     (3.06)
Weighted average number
 of shares outstanding,
 basic                    43,938,755   37,899,114   43,880,713   34,347,332
Weighted average number
 of shares outstanding,
 diluted                  43,938,755   37,899,114   43,880,713   34,347,332


Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets



(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

                                                       June 30, December 31,
ASSETS                                                     2016         2015
                                                   ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents                          $    140,555 $    208,056
Restricted cash, current                                  5,122        3,769
Other current assets                               $     47,862 $     40,233
                                                   ------------ ------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                                    193,539      252,058
                                                   ============ ============

Advances for vessels under construction and
 acquisition of vessels and other assets                 55,892      127,910
Vessels and other fixed assets, net                   1,802,507    1,757,552
Restricted cash, non-current                              8,785       10,228
Other non-current assets                                  2,517        1,098
                                                   ------------ ------------
TOTAL ASSETS                                       $  2,063,240 $  2,148,846
                                                   ============ ============

Current portion of long-term debt                             -      127,141
Lease commitments current                                 9,137        4,490
Other current liabilities                                29,284       35,318
                                                   ------------ ------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                                38,421      166,949
                                                   ============ ============

Long-term debt (net of unamortized deferred
 finance fees of $9,992 and $14,360, respectively)      761,597      720,237
8% 2019 Senior Notes (net of unamortized deferred
 finance fees of $1,461 and $1,677, respectively)        48,539       48,323
Lease commitments non-current                           153,596       75,030
Other non-current liabilities                             5,403        2,949
                                                   ------------ ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES                                     1,007,556    1,013,488
                                                   ============ ============

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                  1,055,684    1,135,358

                                                   ------------ ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY         $  2,063,240 $  2,148,846
                                                   ============ ============


Unaudited Cash Flow Data


                                                             Six        Six
                                                          months     months
                                                           ended      ended
                                                        June 30,   June 30,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)                    2016       2015
                                                       ---------  ---------

Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities  $ (35,972) $  (9,499)

Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities    (24,568)  (278,524)

Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities     (6,961)   487,226

EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

We consider EBITDA to represent net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or cash flow from operations, as determined by United States generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, and our calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. EBITDA is included herein because it is a basis upon which we assess our liquidity position, because it is a measure used by our lenders as a measure of our compliance with certain loan covenants and because we believe that it presents useful information to investors regarding our ability to service and/or incur indebtedness.

We excluded non-cash gains/losses such as those related to sale of vessels, stock-based compensation expense, the write off of the unamortized fair value of above-market acquired time charters, impairment losses and the equity in income of investee, to derive adjusted EBITDA. We excluded the items described above when deriving adjusted EBITDA because we believe that these items do not reflect the ongoing operational cash inflows and outflows of our fleet.

The following table reconciles net cash provided by operating activities to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA:


                                                             Six        Six
                                                          months     months
                                    Second     Second      ended      ended
(Expressed in thousands of U.S.    quarter    quarter   June 30,   June 30,
 dollars)                             2016       2015       2016       2015
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net cash provided by/(used in)
 operating activities            $  (9,439) $    (905) $ (35,972) $  (9,499)
Net decrease / (increase) in
 current assets                     (1,062)     2,814      4,710     (2,631)
Net increase / (decrease) in
 operating liabilities,
 excluding current portion of
 long term debt                      1,408     (2,769)     4,728        281
Impairment loss                       (339)   (27,749)    (6,694)   (28,829)
Loss on debt extinguishment           (624)      (450)    (1,801)      (974)
Stock - based compensation          (1,653)      (549)    (2,285)    (1,407)
Amortization of deferred finance
 charges                              (789)      (693)    (1,561)    (1,199)
Unrealized and accrued
 gain/(loss) on derivative
 instruments                            89        (22)    (1,805)       (59)
Total other expenses, net           12,047      8,287     26,022     14,705
Gain/(Loss) on sale of vessel         (173)   (11,336)       (21)   (13,389)
Write-off of unamortized fair
 value of above market acquired
 time charter                            -          -          -     (2,114)
Equity in income of investee            14         34         69        213
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
EBITDA                           $    (521) $ (33,338) $ (14,610) $ (44,902)
                                 =========  =========  =========  =========
Less:
Equity in income of investee           (14)       (34)       (69)      (213)
Plus:
Stock-based compensation             1,653        549      2,285      1,407
Impairment loss                        339     27,749      6,694     28,829
Loss on sale of vessel                 173     11,336         21     13,389
Write-off of unamortized fair
 value of above market acquired
 time charter                            -          -          -      2,114
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Adjusted EBITDA                  $   1,630  $   6,262  $  (5,679) $     624
                                 =========  =========  =========  =========


Net income / (loss) and Adjusted Net income / (loss) Reconciliation


                            second       second     Six months   Six months
(Expressed in thousands    quarter      quarter     ended June   ended June
 of U.S. dollars)            2016         2015       30, 2016     30, 2015
                         -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net income / (loss)          (32,908)     (65,021)     (81,696)    (105,197)
Amortization of fair
 value of above market
 acquired time charter
 agreements                       47        3,161          254        7,071
Write-off of unamortized
 fair value of above
 market acquired time
 charter                           -            -            -        2,114
Stock - based
 compensation                  1,653          549        2,285        1,407
Unrealized gain/loss on
 derivative instruments          (91)        (509)       2,256         (509)
Loss on sale of vessel           173       11,336           21       13,389
Vessel impairment loss           339       27,749        6,694       28,829
Amortization of deferred
 gain                            (19)           -          (37)           -
Loss on debt
 extinguishment                  624          450        1,801          974
Equity in income of
 investee                        (14)         (34)         (69)        (213)
                         -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Adjusted Net Income /
 (loss)                  $   (30,196) $   (22,319) $   (68,491) $   (52,135)
                         ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Weighted average number
 of shares
 outstanding,basic and
 diluted                  43,938,755   37,899,114   43,880,713   34,347,332
Adjusted Basic and
 Diluted Earnings /
 (Loss) Per Share              (0.69)       (0.59)       (1.56)       (1.52)


Voyage Revenues to Daily Time Charter Equivalent ("TCE") Reconciliation



(In thousands of U.S. Dollars,
 except as otherwise stated)

                                                             Six        Six
                                                          months     months
                                    Second     Second      ended      ended
                                   quarter    quarter   June 30,   June 30,
                                      2016       2015       2016       2015
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Voyage revenues                     52,605     55,749     98,862    101,182
Less:
Voyage expenses                    (17,722)   (12,891)   (37,284)   (30,637)
Amortization of fair value of
 below/above market acquired
 time charter agreements                47      3,161        254      7,071
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Time Charter equivalent revenues    34,930     46,019     61,832     77,616
                                 =========  =========  =========  =========

Voyage days for fleet                5,404      5,341     10,819      9,943
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Daily Time Charter Equivalent
 Rate ("TCE")                        6,463      8,616      5,715      7,806
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

About Star Bulk Star Bulk is a global shipping company providing worldwide seaborne transportation solutions in the dry bulk sector. Star Bulk's vessels transport major bulks, which include iron ore, coal and grain and minor bulks which include bauxite, fertilizers and steel products. Star Bulk was incorporated in the Marshall Islands on December 13, 2006 and maintains executive offices in Athens, Greece. Its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "SBLK". On a fully delivered basis, Star Bulk will have a fleet of 73 vessels, with an aggregate capacity of 8.2 million dwt, consisting of Newcastlemax, Capesize, Post Panamax, Kamsarmax, Panamax, Ultramax and Supramax vessels with carrying capacities between 52,055 dwt and 209,537 dwt. Our fleet currently includes 69 operating vessels and 5 newbuilding vessels under construction at a shipyard in China. All of the newbuilding vessels are expected to be delivered during 2017 and 2018. Additionally, the Company has one chartered-in Supramax vessel, under a time charter expiring in September 2017.

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words "believe," "anticipate," "intends," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "plan," "potential," "may," "should," "expect," "pending" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, examination by the Company's management of historical operating trends, data contained in its records and other data available from third parties. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond the Company's control, the Company cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in the Company's view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include general dry bulk shipping market conditions, including fluctuations in charterhire rates and vessel values, the strength of world economies the stability of Europe and the Euro, fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates, changes in demand in the dry bulk shipping industry, including the market for our vessels, changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry docking and insurance costs, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, the availability of financing and refinancing, our ability to meet requirements for additional capital and financing to complete our newbuilding program and grow our business, the impact of the level of our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hire, risks associated with vessel construction, potential exposure or loss from investment in derivative instruments, potential conflicts of interest involving our Chief Executive Officer, his family and other members of our senior management, and our ability to complete the restructuring transactions with our various lenders. Please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.

Contacts
Company:
Simos Spyrou, Christos Begleris
Co - Chief Financial Officers
Star Bulk Carriers Corp.
c/o Star Bulk Management Inc.
40 Ag. Konstantinou Av.
Maroussi 15124
Athens, Greece
Email: [email protected]
www.starbulk.com

Investor Relations / Financial Media:
Nicolas Bornozis
President
Capital Link, Inc.
230 Park Avenue, Suite 1536
New York, NY 10169
Tel. (212) 661-7566
E-mail: [email protected]
www.capitallink.com

Source: Star Bulk Carriers Corp.

Categories

Press Releases

Next Articles