Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (SBLK) AI Stock Analysis

NASDAQ: SBLKAI research summary: business, growth, valuation, analysts, bull and bear case.

SBLK AI stock analysis summary

AI Research

Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (SBLK) is a global dry bulk shipping operator serving international ocean routes. Over the trailing twelve months, the company generated $1.20B in revenue with an operating margin of 39.7%. SBLK shares have gained 70.4% over the past year while trading at a forward P/E of 7.1x.

Market cap
$3.23B
Revenue (TTM)
$1.20B
P/E
10.9x
fwd 7.1x
1Y return
70.4%
S&P 500 16.8%
Avg. target
$34.44
23.9% vs last close

Bull case

  • Shares advanced 70.4% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 return of 16.8%.
  • Star Bulk trades at a forward P/E of 7.1x, which stands well below the median of its US-listed Industrials peers of 17.2x.
  • Trailing twelve month operating margin reached 39.7%, exceeding the peer group median of 11.7%.

Bear case

  • Analysts project next fiscal year revenue to contract 11.7% to $1.04B alongside a 20.0% drop in EPS to $3.52.
  • Financial results have proven cyclical, with net income falling from $304.7M in FY2024 to $84.2M in FY2025.
  • The company carries $1.18B in total debt, resulting in net debt of $613.9M as of June 30, 2026.

What Star Bulk Carriers does

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Marousi, Greece, Star Bulk Carriers Corp. specializes in the ocean transportation of dry bulk cargoes. The company transports major bulks such as iron ores, coal, and grains, alongside minor bulks including bauxite, fertilizers, and steel products. As of December 31, 2021, Star Bulk operated a fleet of 128 vessels with an aggregate capacity of approximately 14.1 million deadweight tons. The fleet includes Newcastlemax, Capesize, Post Panamax, Kamsarmax, Panamax, Ultramax, and Supramax vessels. In addition to transport, the company provides vessel management services to support efficient and safe fleet operations.

Growth and profitability

Star Bulk experienced top-line volatility across recent fiscal years. Revenue rose 105.9% in FY2021 to $1.43B and reached $1.44B in FY2022 before dropping 33.9% to $949.3M in FY2023. In FY2024, revenue rebounded 33.3% to $1.27B with net income of $304.7M, but declined 17.6% to $1.04B in FY2025 as net income fell to $84.2M and operating margin dropped to 13.5%. From FY2020 to FY2025, revenue registered a 5-year CAGR of 8.5%. In the quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue grew 44.5% year-over-year, lifting trailing twelve month revenue to $1.20B with an operating margin of 39.7% and a profit margin of 23.9%.

SBLK income statement →

Balance sheet and cash flow

As of June 30, 2026, Star Bulk held $565.1M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $1.18B, leaving net debt at $613.9M. Total assets stood at $3.85B and shareholders' equity was $2.51B, supporting a current ratio of 1.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. In FY2025, operating cash flow was $295.9M and free cash flow was $211.9M. Capital allocation for FY2025 included $84.0M in capital expenditures, $98.1M in share buybacks, and $34.4M in dividends paid.

SBLK balance sheet →

Valuation and performance

SBLK closed at $27.79 on October 16, 2026, giving it a market capitalization of $3.23B and an enterprise value of $4.21B. The stock trades at a trailing P/E of 10.9x and a forward P/E of 7.1x, below the median of its US-listed Industrials peers of 24.8x and 17.2x, respectively. Its EV to EBITDA ratio of 8.3x also sits below the peer median of 13.9x, while its price-to-sales multiple of 2.7x exceeds the peer median of 1.5x. Over the past year, SBLK gained 70.4%, compared to a 16.8% return for the S&P 500.

SBLK key metrics →

SBLK dividend

Star Bulk pays a quarterly dividend with an annualized forward payout of $1.88 per share, representing a 6.77% dividend yield as of October 16, 2026. The company maintains a payout ratio of 70.4% and has paid dividends for 8 consecutive years. Its 5-year annualized dividend growth rate stands at 43.1%, with its most recent ex-dividend date on August 21, 2026.

SBLK dividend history →

What analysts expect

Wall Street consensus consists of 3 Strong Buy, 1 Buy, and 1 Hold ratings. The mean price target of $34.44 implies 23.9% upside compared to the last close of $27.79. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, analysts project EPS of $4.40 on revenue of $1.18B. For the following fiscal year, 4 analysts estimate EPS will decline 20.0% to $3.52 on revenue of $1.04B. Star Bulk exceeded EPS estimates in all 4 of the last 4 quarters, with its next earnings release scheduled for November 17, 2026.

SBLK forecast and price target →

Key risks and what to watch

  • Earnings face cyclical volatility, highlighted by FY2025 net margin contracting to 8.1% from 24.1% in FY2024.
  • A dividend payout ratio of 70.4% could come under pressure if free cash flow repeats the decline seen from $416.1M in FY2024 to $211.9M in FY2025.
  • Analyst estimates project next fiscal year EPS will decrease 20.0% from the current fiscal year forecast of $4.40 to $3.52.

AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer

About this SBLK AI stock analysis

This page is an AI-written research summary of Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (SBLK). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.

Related: SBLK income statement, SBLK balance sheet, SBLK key metrics, SBLK analyst forecast, SBLK chart. See the SBLK stock overview for the latest quote and news.

SBLK AI stock analysis FAQ

What is Star Bulk Carriers' dividend yield and payout schedule?

Star Bulk pays an annualized forward dividend of $1.88 per share, which equals a 6.77% yield. Distributions are paid on a quarterly schedule, with a payout ratio of 70.4%.

When is Star Bulk Carriers' next earnings report?

The company is scheduled to report its next quarterly financial results on November 17, 2026. It beat EPS estimates in each of the past 4 quarters.

How much debt does Star Bulk Carriers have?

As of June 30, 2026, Star Bulk held total debt of $1.18B against cash and short-term investments of $565.1M, representing net debt of $613.9M and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47.

What is the Wall Street price target for SBLK stock?

Analysts have set a mean price target of $34.44 for SBLK, which is 23.9% above its closing price of $27.79 on October 16, 2026. The coverage includes 3 Strong Buy, 1 Buy, and 1 Hold ratings.

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