Piraeus, Greece – October 3, 2025 – Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE: SB), a prominent international provider of marine dry bulk transportation services, has once again affirmed its commitment to its preferred shareholders by declaring a cash dividend of $0.50 per share on both its Series C and Series D Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Shares. This latest declaration, made on the current date, continues a pattern of consistent quarterly payouts, underscoring the company's robust financial health and its dedication to providing stable returns to this class of investors.

The announcement signifies a reliable income stream for holders of these preferred securities. With a record date set for October 16, 2025, and a payment date of October 30, 2025, shareholders can anticipate their quarterly distribution without interruption. This consistent performance is a critical factor for investors who prioritize predictable returns, especially in an often-volatile shipping industry.

Consistent Returns Amidst Dynamic Markets

The recent dividend declaration for Safe Bulkers' Series C (NYSE: SB.PC) and Series D (NYSE: SB.PD) Preferred Shares details a payment of $0.50 per share. This dividend specifically covers the period from July 30, 2025, to October 29, 2025. This consistent quarterly payout aligns with previous declarations made earlier in the year, including those on July 2, 2025 (covering April 30 to July 29, 2025) and April 2, 2025 (covering January 30 to April 29, 2025). Such regularity demonstrates a predictable schedule for investors, with payments typically made on the 30th day of January, April, July, and October.

The Board of Directors of Safe Bulkers (NYSE: SB) is the key stakeholder in these declarations, with their ongoing approval reflecting confidence in the company's operational cash flow and liquidity. For preferred shareholders, these dividends are a cornerstone of their investment strategy, offering a fixed annual yield of 8.00% on the $25.00 liquidation preference. This structured return provides a degree of stability not always found in common equity, making Safe Bulkers' preferred shares attractive to income-focused investors. The consistent declarations also serve as a positive signal to the broader market regarding the company's financial discipline and ability to meet its obligations even within the cyclical nature of the dry bulk shipping sector.

Impact on Shareholders and Company Standing

For the preferred shareholders of Safe Bulkers (NYSE: SB), this consistent dividend declaration is unequivocally positive. They are the primary beneficiaries, receiving a reliable, fixed income stream that is prioritized over common stock dividends. This predictability is crucial for financial planning, particularly for institutional investors and individuals seeking steady cash flow from their portfolios. The cumulative nature of these preferred shares further enhances their security, meaning any missed payments would accrue and must be paid before common shareholders receive anything.

Safe Bulkers, Inc. itself benefits significantly from maintaining these dividend payments. It reinforces the company's reputation as a stable and financially responsible entity, which can help attract and retain a diverse investor base. The ability to consistently pay preferred dividends signals a healthy balance sheet and sufficient operational cash flow, even as the company navigates the complexities of global trade and shipping demands. While common shareholders are junior to preferred in terms of dividend priority, the company's overall financial stability, bolstered by its commitment to preferred dividends, indirectly benefits all shareholders by fostering market confidence and potentially improving its cost of capital for future growth initiatives, such as fleet renewal or expansion.

Broader Market Implications and Industry Trends

Safe Bulkers' (NYSE: SB) consistent preferred dividend payments resonate beyond its immediate shareholder base, offering insights into broader industry trends within the dry bulk shipping sector. The ability of a company like Safe Bulkers to maintain such payouts suggests a degree of stability and profitability within the sector, despite its inherent volatility. This could encourage investor interest in other preferred stock offerings within the maritime industry, particularly for those companies demonstrating strong fundamentals and consistent cash generation. It highlights that even in capital-intensive industries susceptible to global economic fluctuations, well-managed companies can deliver reliable returns to specific classes of investors.

Historically, consistent preferred dividends have been a hallmark of established companies with robust business models. Safe Bulkers' commitment to these payments aligns with a trend of mature shipping companies utilizing preferred shares as a financing tool that also appeals to income-seeking investors. There are no direct regulatory or policy implications from this specific dividend declaration, as it falls under standard corporate governance. However, the company's financial health, as evidenced by these payments, is indirectly influenced by international trade policies, environmental regulations affecting vessel operations, and global economic growth which drives demand for dry bulk commodities. Any ripple effects on competitors would likely be indirect, as Safe Bulkers' stability might encourage a closer look at the financial resilience of other players in the dry bulk market.

The Road Ahead: Sustaining Momentum

Looking ahead, the short-term outlook for Safe Bulkers' (NYSE: SB) preferred shareholders remains positive, with the expectation of continued quarterly dividend payments. The company's consistent track record provides a strong basis for this anticipation. In the long term, the sustainability of these dividends will be intrinsically linked to the broader health of the global economy and the dry bulk shipping market. Factors such as commodity demand, new vessel deliveries, geopolitical stability, and fuel prices will all play a role in Safe Bulkers' future profitability and, by extension, its capacity to maintain shareholder returns.

Potential strategic pivots for Safe Bulkers might involve further modernization of its fleet to enhance fuel efficiency and meet evolving environmental regulations, or strategic partnerships to optimize routes and cargo utilization. Market opportunities could emerge from shifts in global trade patterns, such as increased demand from emerging economies. Conversely, challenges could arise from an oversupply of vessels or significant downturns in global industrial output. Investors should consider various scenarios, from continued stable growth in dry bulk trade supporting consistent dividends, to potential periods of market weakness that could test the company's financial resilience, though preferred dividends typically have a strong claim on available earnings.

A Reliable Anchor in the Dry Bulk Sea

Safe Bulkers' (NYSE: SB) latest declaration of $0.50 per share cash dividends on its Series C and Series D Preferred Shares serves as a powerful reaffirmation of its financial stability and its unwavering commitment to its preferred shareholders. The key takeaway is the consistent and reliable income stream these preferred shares offer, making them an attractive option for investors prioritizing steady returns in a dynamic market. This consistency not only benefits individual investors but also burnishes Safe Bulkers' reputation as a well-managed entity capable of navigating the cyclical nature of the dry bulk shipping industry.

Moving forward, the market will continue to scrutinize the dry bulk sector's performance, but Safe Bulkers' strong dividend history for its preferred shares provides a degree of reassurance. Investors should closely monitor global economic indicators, commodity prices, and the supply-demand balance in the dry bulk market, as these factors will ultimately influence the company's long-term profitability and its ability to sustain these payouts. While future dividend declarations remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors, the current trajectory suggests Safe Bulkers is well-positioned to continue being a reliable anchor for its preferred shareholders in the months and years to come.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.