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FORM 6-K


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549


Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For the month of August 2008


STAR BULK CARRIERS CORP.

(Translation of registrant's name into English)


Star Bulk Carriers Corp.
Aethrion Center, Suite B-34
40 Ag. Konstantinou
Maroussi 15124
Athens, Greece

(Address of principal executive offices)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual

reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.


Form 20-F |X| Form 40-F |_|


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information

contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the

commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


Yes |_| No |X|

<PAGE>


INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS FORM 6-K REPORT


EXHIBIT 1


















[f081208sblk6k001.jpg]


STAR BULK CARRIERS CORP. REPORTS FINANCIAL RESULTS
FOR THE SECOND QUARTER AND FIRST HALF 2008


ATHENS, GREECE, August 12, 2008 – Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (the “Company” or “Star Bulk”) (NASDAQ: SBLK), a global shipping company focusing on transportation of dry bulk cargoes, today announced the unaudited interim consolidated condensed financial and operating results for the quarter and first half ended June 30, 2008.

Financial Highlights:


Second Quarter 2008


·

The Company reported net income of $31.57 million for the second quarter of 2008 compared to net income of $0.58 million for the second quarter of 2007.

·

Voyage and time charter revenues were $ 59.23 million for the second quarter of 2008.  This figure includes revenues of $17.05 million attributable to the amortization of the fair value of below/above market acquired time charters.

·

Earnings per share, basic and diluted for the second quarter of 2008 were $0.62 and $0.56, respectively.  These figures are based on a weighted average of 50,963,213 shares outstanding, basic and on a weighted average of 56,047,237 shares outstanding, diluted in the second quarter of 2008.

First Half 2008

·

The Company reported net income of $48.29 million for the first half of 2008 compared to net income of $0.85 million for the first half of 2007.

·

Voyage and time charter revenues were $ 100.92 million for the first half of 2008.  This figure includes revenues of $34.92 million attributable to the amortization of the fair value of below/above market acquired time charters.

·

Earnings per share, basic and diluted for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were $1.01 and $0.91, respectively.  These figures are based on a weighted average of 47,855,865 shares outstanding, basic and on a weighted average of 52,798,013 shares outstanding, diluted in the first half of 2008.  

We commenced operations during the fourth quarter of 2007 (December 3, 2007).  Included in this release are our Unaudited Interim consolidated condensed financial statements which include comparisons between the first half of 2008 and 2007.  During the period from the Company’s inception (May 13, 2005) to the date it commenced operations (December 3, 2007), the Company was a development stage enterprise.

The Unaudited Interim consolidated condensed Income Statements, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Statements presented herein, include the accounts of Star Bulk Carriers Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiaries and of its predecessor Star Maritime Acquisition Corp. (“Star Maritime”).

Star Maritime was organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on May 13, 2005 as a blank check company formed to acquire, through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or similar business combination, one or more assets or target businesses in the shipping industry.  

On November 27, 2007, Star Maritime obtained shareholder approval for the acquisition of the initial fleet of eight drybulk carriers and for effecting the Redomiciliation Merger whereby Star Maritime merged with and into Star Bulk with Star Bulk as the surviving entity.  The Redomiciliation Merger was completed on November 30, 2007 as a result of which each outstanding share of Star Maritime common stock was converted into the right to receive one share of Star Bulk common stock and each outstanding warrant of Star Maritime was assumed by Star Bulk with the same terms and restrictions except that each became exercisable for common stock of Star Bulk. Star Bulk’s common stock and warrants are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbols "SBLK" and "SBLKW" respectively.

First Quarter 2008 Results; Adjustment of Net Income and Earnings Per Share for First Quarter 2008:

In connection with the acquisition of the vessels in the initial fleet, the Company agreed to issue to TMT Co. Ltd. a total of 1,606,962 additional shares of common stock in two equal tranches of 803,481 shares 10 days after the filing of the Company’s Form 20-F in 2008 and 2009 respectively. The company intended to report the issuance of these shares in either the second or third quarter 2008 whenever the issuance of the first tranche would take place. The Company has now concluded that proper treatment US GAAP, is to deem   the additional shares as having been issued for reporting purposes upon the completion of delivery of all vessels in the initial fleet, which occurred in March 2008. Accordingly, the Company has restated its first quarter earnings. Net income and earnings per share for the first quarter of 2008 were reported as $17.8 million and $0.40 respectively. Instead, net income for the first quarter is now adjusted from previously reported $17.8 million to $16.7 million and earnings per share for the same period are adjusted from previously reported $0.40 to $0.37 per share. The resulting change to the first quarter of 2008 also includes an increase in previously reported vessel cost and additional paid-in capital adjustment of $18.9 million. No change in the Company’s dividend policy will be made as a result of this restatement.


Akis Tsirigakis, President and CEO of Star Bulk commented: “We are pleased to report our third consecutive profitable quarter since we commenced operations in December 2007. During the second quarter 2008 we acquired two additional vessels, bringing our acquisition total to five vessels since we completed the Redomiciliation Merger. Out of these five vessels we have already taken delivery of four and expect to take delivery of the fifth vessel in September 2008. Also, during the second quarter we agreed to sell our oldest vessel, Star Iota, which once delivered will lower our average age of our fleet to 8.9 years. Following the completion of this sale and purchase activity we will have a fleet of twelve vessels with a cargo capacity of over one million in dwt. Furthermore, our strong balance sheet which is approximately 27% of our debt to fleet value provides us with the ability to look for further fleet growth.

We also declared a dividend of $0.35 per share, our third consecutive quarterly dividend since our inception. I would like to mention that our time charter coverage protects our dividend payment from any market volatility.  The dividend represents approximately 57% of our expected 2008 free cash flow and I would also like to mention that we are not a full payout company.  As having one of the highest dividend yields in the sector we believe it is important to focus on opportunities for further fleet expansion thereby creating long term shareholder value.”  









Fleet Employment Profile (As of August 12, 2008)

Currently Star Bulk’s fleet is employed as follows:

Vessel Name

Type

DWT

Year Built

Time Charter Expiry (1)

Time Charter Rate (2)

CAPESIZE FLEET

Star Alpha

Capesize

175,075

1992

Jul 5  - Oct 5, 2009

$47,500

Star Beta

Capesize

174,691

1993

Feb 12 - May 2, 2010

$106,500

Star Sigma

Capesize

184,400

1991

Mar 1 - Mar 31, 2009

Mar 2010

Mar 2011

Mar - Aug 2012

$100,000

$ 69,000

$ 63,000

$ 57,000

SUPRAMAX FLEET

Star Gamma

Supramax

53,098

2002

Jan 4 - Feb 14, 2009

Feb 2010

Feb 2011

Jan -Mar 2012

$28,500

$45,000

$38,000

$31,000

Star Delta

Supramax

52,434

2000

Feb 7 - May 7, 2009

$25,800

Star Epsilon

Supramax

52,402

2001

Dec 15, ’08- Mar 15, ’09

Feb 2014 – May 2014

$25,550

$32,400

Star Zeta

Supramax

52,994

2003

Apr 2011 – Jul 2011

$42,500

Star Theta

Supramax

52,425

2003

April 2 - Jun 16, 2009

$32,500

Star Kappa

Supramax

52,055

2001

Aug 24 - Nov 23,  2010

$47,800

Star Omicron

Supramax

53,489

2005

Feb - May 2011

$43,000

Star Cosmo (3)

Supramax

52,247

2005

Mar 2009

Mar 2010

Mar 2011

$55,900

$41,900

$27,900

VESSELS ACQUIRED – NOT YET DELIVERED

Star Ypsilon (4)

Capesize

150,940

1991

Jul 2009

Jul 2010

Jul 2011

$112,600

$93,300

$74,100

VESSELS HELD FOR SALE

Star Iota (5)

Panamax

78,585

1983

Mar 7 - Apr 17, 2009

$18,000

Grand Total

13

1,184,835

 

 

 


(1)

The date range presented represents the earliest and latest expiration dates allowed under the respective charter party. Charterers have the right to add off-hire days, if any, which occurred during the charter period.

(2)

Represents the gross daily rate.

(3)

Star Cosmo delivered to Star Bulk on July 1, 2008.

(4)

Star Ypsilon is expected to be delivered to Star Bulk in September 2008.

(5)

Star Iota is expected to be delivered to its buyers in September 2008.


We commenced operations during the fourth quarter of 2007 (December 3, 2007) and therefore we are unable to present a meaningful comparison of our first half and/or second quarter of 2008 and 2007 results.  

Second Quarter 2008 Results

For the quarter ended June 30, 2008, Voyage Revenues amounted to $59.23 million and Operating Income amounted to $33.20 million.  Net Income for the second quarter of 2008 was $31.57 million representing $0.62 earnings per share calculated on 50,963,213 weighted average number of shares, basic and $0.56 earnings per share calculated on 56,047,237 weighted average number of shares, diluted.

The above Net Income figure includes:

·

Vessel impairment loss of $0.59 million, or $0.01 per basic and diluted share, in connection with the sale of the vessel Star Iota.

·

Amortization of fair value of below/above market acquired time charters of $17.05 million, or $0.33 and $0.30 per basic and diluted share, respectively, associated with time charters attached to vessels acquired, which are amortized over the remaining period of the time charter as increases to net revenue and depreciation expense.

·

Expenses of $0.79 million, or $0.02 and $0.01 per basic and diluted share, respectively, relating to the amortization for the Stock – based compensation recognized for a total 315,000 restricted common shares issued to directors.

Excluding all the above items for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, adjusted Net Income was $15.73 million representing $0.31 earnings per share calculated on 50,963,213 weighted average number of shares, basic and $0.28 earnings per share calculated on 56,047,237 weighted average number of shares, diluted.  Therefore, the effect of the above items on earnings per share would be $0.31 and $0.28 per basic and diluted share, respectively.  

EBITDA for the second quarter of 2008 was $45.36 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the same period excluding all the above items was $29.69 million.  Please see later in this release for a reconciliation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to net cash provided by cash flows from operating activities.

An average of 10.6 vessels were owned and operated during the second quarter of 2008, earning an average Time Charter Equivalent, or TCE rate of $65,097 per day.  Adjusted to exclude the effect of the amortization of below/above market acquired time charters the time charter equivalent rate for the second quarter of 2008 was $46,068.  Please see later in this release for further information regarding our calculation of TCE rate.


First Half 2008 Results


For the first half year ended June 30, 2008, Voyage Revenues amounted to $100.92 million and Operating Income amounted to $50.89 million.  Net Income for the first half of 2008 was $48.29 million representing $1.01 earnings per share calculated on 47,855,865 weighted average number of shares, basic and $0.91 earnings per share calculated on 52,798,013 weighted average number of shares, diluted.

The above Net Income figure includes:

·

Vessel impairment loss of $4.64 million, or $0.10 and $0.09 per basic and diluted share, in connection with the sale of the vessel Star Iota.

·

Amortization of fair value of below/above market acquired time charters of $34.92 million, or $0.73 and $0.66 per basic and diluted share, respectively, associated with time charters attached to vessels acquired, which are amortized over the remaining period of the time charter as increases to net revenue and depreciation expense.

·

Expenses of $2.22 million, or $0.05 and $0.04 per basic and diluted share, respectively, relating to the amortization for the stock – based compensation recognized for a total 315,000 restricted common shares issued to directors.

Excluding all the above items for the half year ended June 30, 2008, adjusted Net Income was $20.24 million representing $0.42 earnings per share calculated on 47,855,865 weighted average number of shares, basic and $0.38 earnings per share calculated on 52,798,013 weighted average number of shares, diluted.  Therefore, the effect of the above items on earnings per share would be $0.59 and $0.53 per basic and diluted share, respectively.  

EBITDA for the first half of 2008 was $71.90 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the same period excluding all the above items was $43.85 million.  Please see later in this release for a reconciliation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to net cash provided by cash flows from operating activities.

An average of 9.4 vessels were owned and operated during the second quarter of 2008, earning an average Time Charter Equivalent, or TCE rate of $64,378 per day.  Adjusted to exclude the effect of the amortization of below/above market acquired time charters the time charter equivalent rate for the second quarter of 2008 was $41,747.  Please see later in this release for further information regarding our calculation of TCE rate.


Dry-docking related expenses

During the first quarter of 2008, we elected to change our method of accounting for dry-docking costs from the deferral method, under which costs associated with dry-docking a ship are deferred and charged to expense over the period until a ship’s next scheduled dry-docking, to the direct expense method, under which we will expense all dry-docking costs as incurred. We view this as a preferable method since it eliminates the subjectivity and significant amount of time that is needed to determine which costs related to dry-docking activities should be deferred and amortized over a future period.

During the second quarter and first half of 2008 dry-docking costs amounted $3.60 million and $6.40 million, respectively.


Fleet Developments

Vessel delivery

On July 1, 2008, the Company took delivery of the Supramax dry bulk carrier vessel Star Cosmo.


Financing activities

On, July 1, 2008 the Company concluded a loan agreement of up to $35 million with Piraeus Bank A.E. in order to partly finance the acquisition cost of vessel Star Cosmo.  The full amount of the loan was drawn down, on same date.  The loan bears interest at Libor plus a margin and will be repaid in twenty-four quarterly installments through July 2014.  



Summary of Selected Data

(TCE rate in Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Three months Ended

 

Six months Ended

 

June 30, 2008

 

June 30, 2008

Average number of vessels(1)

10.6

 

9.4

Number of vessels

11

 

11

Average age of operational fleet (in years) (2)

10.4

 

10.4

Ownership days (3)

965

 

1,702

Available days (4)

911

 

1,573

Voyage days for fleet (5)

896

 

1,543

Fleet Utilization (6)

93%

 

91%

Time charter equivalent rate(7)

65,097

 

64,378


(1) Average number of vessels is the number of vessels that constituted our fleet for the relevant period, as measured by the sum of the number of days each vessel was a part of our fleet during the period divided by the number of calendar days in that period.

(2) Average age of operational fleet is calculated as at June 30, 2008.

(3) Ownership days are the total calendar days each vessel in the fleet was owned by Star Bulk for the relevant period.

(4) Available days for the fleet are the total calendar days the vessels were in possession for the relevant period after subtracting for off-hire days with major repairs dry-docking or special or intermediate surveys or transfer of ownership.

(5) Voyage days are the total days the vessels were in our possession for the relevant period after subtracting all off-hire days incurred for any reason (including off-hire for dry-docking, major repairs, special or intermediate surveys).  

(6) Fleet utilization is calculated by dividing voyage days by ownership days for the relevant period and takes into account the dry-docking periods.

(7) Time charter equivalent rate, or 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) or time charter equivalent revenue or TCE revenue 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., spot charters, time charters and bareboat charters) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods.


During the six months ended June 30, 2008, our fleet utilization was significantly affected by the dry-docking of the three vessels, Star Beta, Star Iota and Star Theta, which resulted in 130 off-hire days.  If days associated with these dry-dockings were excluded from the above table, fleet utilization would amount to approximately 99% and 98% for second quarter and first half 2008, respectively.



TCE rate and adjusted TCE rate

Star Bulk Carriers Corp. included TCE revenues, a non-GAAP measure, as it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with voyage revenues, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, because it assists Company management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of its vessels and in evaluating their financial performance.  TCE rate is also included herein because it 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., spot charters, time charters and bareboat charters) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods and because the Company believes that it presents useful information to investors.  

The Company excluded amortization of fair value of above/below market acquired time charter agreements,  to derive the adjusted TCE rate.

The following table reflects the calculation of our TCE rates and adjusted TCE rates as reflected in the unaudited interim consolidated condensed income statements for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008:

 

 

Three months Ended

 

Six months Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

June 30, 2008

 

June 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Voyage revenues

 

59,226

 

100,921

Voyage expenses

 

(899)

 

(1,585)

 

 

 

 

 

Time Charter equivalent revenues

 

58,327

 

99,336

 

 

 

 

 

Total voyage days for fleet

 

896

 

1,543

 

 

 

 

 

Time charter equivalent (TCE) rate

 

65,097

 

64,378

 

 

 

 

 

Voyage revenues

 

59,226

 

100,921

Less:

 

 

 

 

Amortization of fair value of above/below market acquired time charter agreements

 

(17,050)

 

(34,920)

Voyage expenses

 

(899)

 

(1,585)

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Time Charter equivalent revenues

 

41,277

 

64,416

 

 

 

 

 

Total voyage days for fleet

 

896

 

1,543

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Time charter equivalent (TCE) rate

 

46,068

 

41,747


Dividend Payments

On July 29, 2008, the Company declared dividend of $0.35 per share payable on or about August 18, 2008, to the stockholders of record as of August 8, 2008.


EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

Star Bulk Carriers Corp. considers EBITDA to represent net income before interest, 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 the Company assesses its liquidity position; it is used by our lenders as a measure of our compliance with certain loan covenants; and because the Company believes that it presents useful information to investors regarding the Company's ability to service and/or incur indebtedness.  

The Company excluded amortization expense associated with above/below market acquired time charter associated with time charters attached to vessels acquired, the vessel impairment loss and expenses relating to the amortization of Stock – based compensation recognized to derive the adjusted EBITDA rate.

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

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Three months Ended

 

Six months Ended

 

 

June 30, 2008

 

June 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

30,776

 

47,594

Net increase (decrease) in current assets

 

183

 

1,882

Net decrease in current liabilities, excluding currrent portion of long term debt

 

(2,816)

 

(8,038)

Amortization of fair value of above/below market acquired time charter agreements

 

17,050

 

34,920

Amortization  of deferred Finance fees

 

(64)

 

(81)

Vessel impairment loss

 

(588)

 

(4,642)

Equity Incentive plan compensation expenses

 

(789)

 

(2,222)

Other non-cash

 

(16)

 

(74)

Net Interest expense

 

1,624

 

2,563

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA

 

45,360

 

71,902

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

Amortization of fair value of above/below market acquired time charter agreements

 

(17,050)

 

(34,920)

Plus:

 

 

 

 

Stock – based compensation

 

789

 

2,222

Vessel impairment loss

 

588

 

4,642

Adjusted EBITDA

 

29,687

 

43,846


Financial Statements

The Unaudited Interim Consolidated Condensed Income Statements, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Statements include the accounts of Star Bulk Carriers Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiaries and of its predecessor Star Maritime Acquisition Corp.

Income Statements

The following are Star Bulk Carriers Corp.’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Condensed Income Statements for the three and the six month periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2008:

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except for share and per share data)

 

3-month period ended June 30, 2007

 

6-month period ended June 30, 2007

 

3-month period ended June 30, 2008

 

6-month period ended June 30, 2008

 

Unaudited

 

Unaudited

 

Unaudited

 

Unaudited

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voyage revenues

 -

 

 -

 

59,226

 

100,921

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voyage expenses

 -

 

 -

 

899

 

1,585

Vessel operating expenses

 -

 

 -

 

5,781

 

10,333

Drydocking expenses

 -

 

 -

 

3,598

 

6,392

Depreciation

1

 

1

 

12,166

 

21,046

Management fees

                         -   

 

                         -   

 

340

 

              590

Vessel impairment loss

                         -   

 

                         -   

 

588

 

4,642

General and administrative expenses

608

 

1,456

 

2,657

 

5,444

Operating (loss) income

(609)

 

(1,457)

 

33,197

 

50,889

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and finance costs

                          -

 

                          -

 

(1,904)

 

(3,242)

Interest income

1,188

 

2,311

 

280

 

679

Other

-

 

-

 

(4)

 

(33)

Total other income (expenses), net

1,188

 

2,311

 

(1,628)

 

(2,596)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

579

 

854

 

31,569

 

48,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share, basic

0.02

 

0.03

 

0.62

 

1.01

Earnings per share, diluted

0.02

 

0.03

 

0.56

 

0.91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic

29,026,924

 

29,026,924

 

50,963,213

 

  47,855,865

Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted

29,026,924

 

29,026,924

 

56,047,237

 

     52,798,013










  Balance Sheet

The following are Star Bulk Carriers Corp.’s unaudited Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008:


(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except for share and per share data)

 

 

 

December 31,

 

June 30,

 

2007

 

2008

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

ASSETS

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

18,985

 

38,043

Trade accounts receivable, net

-

 

40

Inventories

598

 

804

Prepaid expenses and other receivables

299

 

830

Due from managers

-

 

1,045

Vessel held-for-sale

-

 

15,562

Total Current Assets

19,882

 

56,324

 

 

 

 

FIXED ASSETS

 

 

 

Advances for vessels to be acquired

118,242

 

15,611

Vessels and other fixed assets, net

262,946

 

704,459

Total Fixed Assets

381,188

 

720,070

 

 

 

 

OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

Deferred finance charges

600

 

1,029

Due from managers

120

 

180

Fair value of above market acquired time charter agreements

1,952

 

1,585

Restricted cash

-

 

11,010

TOTAL ASSETS

403,742

 

790,198

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Short term loan

-

 

22,000

Accounts payable

168

 

1,636

Due to related party

480

 

1,262

Due to managers

-

 

168

Accrued liabilities

1,493

 

3,136

Deferred revenue

916

 

4,293

Total Current Liabilities

3,057

 

32,495

 

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Long term debt

-

 

183,000

Fair value of below market acquired time charter agreements

25,307

 

65,264

Other non-current liabilities

-

 

74

Total Non-current Liabilities

25,307

 

248,338

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

Preferred Stock; $0.01 par value, authorized 25,000,000 shares; none issued or outstanding at December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008

-

 

-

Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 42,516,433 and 54,532,989

 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008, respectively

425

 

545

Additional paid in capital

368,454

 

477,472

Retained earnings

6,499

 

31,348

Total Stockholders' Equity

375,378

 

509,365

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

403,742

 

790,198

 

 

 

 

Cash flow Statements

The following are Star Bulk Carriers Corp.’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Condensed Cash Flow Statements for the six month periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2008:

 

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

 

Six months Ended June 30,

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

854

 

48,293

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

1

 

21,046

Amortization of fair value of above market acquired time charter agreements

 

-

 

367

Amortization of fair value of below market acquired time charter   agreements

 

 -

 

(35,286)

Amortization of deferred finance charges

 

-

 

81

Vessel impairment loss

 

 -

 

4,642

Stock – based compensation

 

-

 

2,222

    Other non cash charges

 

 -

 

74

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

(Increase)/Decrease in:

 

 

 

 

Value of trust account

 

(3,169)

 

-

Trade accounts receivable

 

-

 

(40)

Inventories

 

 -

 

(206)

Prepaid expenses and other receivables

 

27

 

(531)

Due from managers

 

 -

 

(1,105)

Increase/(Decrease) in:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

(129)

 

1,468

Due to related party

 

 

782

Accrued liabilities

 

 

2,295

Due to managers

 

-

 

168

Income taxes payable

 

(207)

 

-

Deferred interest

 

1,129

 

-

Deferred revenue

 

 

3,377

Net cash provided by/(used in) Operating Activities

 

(1,494)

 

47,647

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

Advances for vessels to be acquired

 

 -

 

(15,611)

Additions to vessel cost and office equipment

 

(4)

 

(270,385)

Increase in restricted cash

 

-

 

(11,010)

Net cash used in Investing Activities

 

(4)

 

(297,006)

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from bank loan

 

-

 

213,500

Bank loan repayment

 

-

 

(8,500)

Proceeds from exercise of warrants

 

-

 

94,029

Repurchase of shares and warrants

 

-

 

(6,059)

Financing costs paid

 

-

 

(1,110)

Cash dividend

 

-

 

(23,443)

Net cash provided by Financing Activities

 

-

 

268,417

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(1,498)

 

19,058

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

2,118

 

18,985

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

620

 

38,043

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

Interest payments

 

 -

 

2,548

Non-cash items:

 

 

 

 

Issue of common stock at  fair value for delivery of vessels

 

 

 

18,946

Fair value of below market acquired time charter agreements

 

 -

 

75,244





Other Developments

Star Bulk also announced today that a TMT Co. Ltd., an indirect shareholder of Star Bulk through its nominee (F5 Capital), has alleged that it has suffered unspecified damages arising from an alleged breach by Star Bulk of a purported obligation under the Master Agreement dated as of January 12, 2007 (the “Master Agreement”) to maintain a registration statement in effect so as to permit TMT to sell its Star Bulk shares freely on the open market.  Among other things, TMT demanded that Star Bulk repurchase approximately 3.8 million shares (the “Shares”) from TMT at a share price of $14.04 per share, which was the closing price of Star Bulk shares on Nasdaq on June 2, 2008.

Star Bulk denied that it has any such obligation under the Master Agreement and has been discussing the matter with TMT.

Star Bulk denies liability and would vigorously contest any claims that might be brought by TMT.


Conference Call details:

Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 1(866) 819-7111 (from the US), 0(800) 953-0329 (from the UK) or +(44) (0) 1452 542 301 (from outside the US). Please quote "StarBulk".

A replay of the conference call will be available until August 20, 2008. The United States replay number is 1(866) 247-4222; from the UK 0(800) 953-1533; the standard international replay number (+44) (0) 1452 55 00 00 and the access code required for the replay is: 3128607#.

Slides and audio webcast:

There will also be a simultaneous live webcast over the Internet, through the Star Bulk website (www.starbulk.com). Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

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 such as bauxite, fertilizers and steel products. Star Bulk was incorporated in the Marshall Islands on December 13, 2006 and is headquartered in Athens, Greece. Its common stock and warrants trade on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbols "SBLK" and "SBLKW" respectively. Currently, Star Bulk has an operating fleet of twelve dry bulk carriers, plus definitive agreements to acquire one Capesize dry bulk carrier and sell its Panamax dry bulk carrier. The total fleet consists of four Capesize, one Panamax and eight Supramax dry bulk vessels with an average age of approximately 10 years and a combined cargo carrying capacity of 1,184,835 deadweight tons.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: (1) the delivery and operation of assets of Star Bulk; (2) Star Bulk's future operating or financial results; (3) future, pending or recent acquisitions, business strategy, areas of possible expansion, and expected capital spending or operating expenses; (4) drybulk market trends, including charter rates and factors affecting vessel supply and demand; and (5) other statements identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "should," "may," or words of similar meaning.

Such forward-looking statements are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, Star Bulk's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in their records and other data available from third parties. Although Star Bulk 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 its control, Star Bulk cannot assure you that Star Bulk will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the failure of a seller to deliver one or more vessels, the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including changes in charterhire rates and vessel values, changes in demand that may affect attitudes of time charterers to scheduled and unscheduled drydocking, changes in Star Bulk's operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents and political events or acts by terrorists. Additional factors that could cause Star Bulk's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Star Bulk's Registration Statement on Form F-1/F-4 and reports on Form 6-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and Star Bulk disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.


Company:
George Syllantavos

CFO

Star Bulk Carriers Corp.
7 Fragoklisias Str.
Maroussi 15125
Athens, Greece
www.starbulk.com

E-mail: ir@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: nbornozis@capitallink.com

www.capitallink.com




STAR BULK CARRIERS CORP.

(Registrant)


Dated August 12, 2008

By:

/s/ PROKOPIOS TSIRIGAKIS

Name: Prokopios Tsirigakis

Title: Chief Executive Officer and President