NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Baltic Trading Limited (NYSE: BALT) ("Baltic Trading" or the "Company") today reported its financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2013.

The following financial review discusses the results for the three months and years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Fourth Quarter 2013 and Year-to-Date Highlights


    --  Declared a $0.03 per share dividend payable on or about March 17, 2014
        to all shareholders of record as of March 10, 2014 based on Q4 2013
        results;
    --  Recorded net income of $0.6 million, or $0.01 basic and diluted earnings
        per share for the fourth quarter;
    --  Agreed to acquire two Ultramax newbuildings, to be named the Baltic
        Hornet and the Baltic Wasp, for an aggregate purchase price of $56.0
        million, with the option to acquire two additional such vessels;
        --  Exercised the option to acquire the two additional Ultramax
            newbuildings, to be named the Baltic Scorpion and the Baltic Mantis,
            for an aggregate purchase price of $56.0 million;
    --  Completed the acquisition of the Baltic Tiger and the Baltic Lion, two
        modern Capesize vessels;
    --  Executed a $44 million credit agreement with DVB to partially fund the
        acquisition of the Baltic Tiger and the Baltic Lion on favorable terms;
        and
    --  Raised $58.2 million of gross proceeds in a follow-on equity offering.

Financial Review: 2013 Fourth Quarter

The Company recorded net income for the fourth quarter of 2013 of $0.6 million, or $0.01 basic and diluted earnings per share. Comparatively, for the three months ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a net loss of $4.3 million, or $0.19 basic and diluted net loss per share.

EBITDA was $6.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013 versus $0.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2012.

John C. Wobensmith, President and Chief Financial Officer, commented, "During the fourth quarter and full year 2013, Baltic Trading capitalized on an attractive acquisition environment, marking a new period of growth for the Company. By entering into agreements last year to acquire eight drybulk vessels at prices near historic lows, Baltic Trading is poised to more than double the size of its modern fleet on a tonnage basis. With an expanding fleet comprised of modern first-in-class vessels, combined with an improving drybulk market, Baltic Trading is in a strong position to continue to take advantage of the positive demand for the global transportation of core commodities and increase the Company's long-term earnings and dividend potential."

The Company's revenues increased by 104% to $14.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013 compared to $7.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2012. The rise was primarily due to higher spot market rates achieved by our vessels as well as the increase in the size of our fleet during the fourth quarter of 2013.

The average daily time charter equivalent, or TCE, rates obtained by the Company's fleet was $13,507 per day for the three months ended December 31, 2013 as compared to $7,953 for the three months ended December 31, 2012. The increase in TCE was primarily due to higher spot rates achieved by the vessels in our fleet during the fourth quarter of 2013 versus the fourth quarter of 2012 as well as the addition of two Capesize vessels to our fleet towards the end of 2013. The fourth quarter of 2013 embodied a strong freight rate environment, as an increase in iron ore and coal cargo demand emerged at a time of decelerating fleet growth. Incremental iron ore volumes were made available by the expansion of capacity in Australia and the seasonal rise of iron ore exports out of Brazil driving China's demand for imported ore to record levels.

Total operating expenses were $12.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013 compared to $10.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2012. Vessel operating expenses increased to $5.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013 from $4.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2012 primarily due to the increase in the size of our fleet. General, administrative and technical management expenses were $1.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to $1.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2012, as a result of an increase in the size of our fleet as well as an increase in compensation. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased to $4.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013 versus $3.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2012 due to the increase in the size of our fleet.

Daily vessel operating expenses, or DVOE, decreased to $4,995 per vessel per day for the fourth quarter of 2013 from $5,141 per vessel per day for the same quarter of 2012 due to lower insurance and maintenance related expenses. We note that our fourth quarter and full year 2013 DVOE are below our budget set forth at the beginning of the year. We believe daily vessel operating expenses are best measured for comparative purposes over a 12?month period in order to take into account all of the expenses that each vessel in our fleet will incur over a full year of operation. Based on estimates provided by our technical managers and management's expectations, we expect DVOE for 2014 to be $5,400 per vessel per day on a weighted average basis.

Financial Review: Full Year 2013

The Company recorded a net loss of $11.4 million or $0.36 basic and diluted net loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to a net loss of $17.3 million or $0.78 basic and diluted net loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2012. Voyage revenues increased to $36.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $27.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 due to higher spot market rates achieved by the majority of our vessels and the increase in the size of our fleet. EBITDA was $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 versus $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. TCE rates obtained by the Company increased to $9,723 per day for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $7,863 per day for the year ended December 31, 2012 mainly due to higher rates achieved by the Capesize vessels in our fleet during 2013. Total operating expenses were $42.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $40.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, and daily vessel operating expenses per vessel were $4,941 versus $5,079 in the comparative periods due to lower insurance and maintenance related expenses, as well as timing of purchases of stores and spare parts.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Net cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $2.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The $2.2 million change in cash provided by operating activities was a result of a lower recorded net loss in the amount of $11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to a net loss of $17.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. This was partially offset by an increase of receivables in the amount of $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2012 mainly due to the timing of payments from charterers and the higher rates achieved by our fleet towards the end of the quarter ended December 31, 2013.

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $147.2 million and primarily related to the purchase of two Handysize and two Capesize vessels. For the year ended December 31, 2012, net cash used in investing activities was $5,000 for the purchase of fixed assets.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $199.5 million as compared to net cash used in financing activities of $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily a result of $136.3 million of net proceeds from our follow-on offerings in May, September and November 2013, $44.0 million of proceeds from our $44 Million Term Loan Facility, $22.0 million of proceeds from our $22 Million Term Loan Facility as well as a $1.0 million draw down under our 2010 Credit Facility, slightly offset by a $0.4 million repayment of debt under our $22 Million Term Loan Facility and $1.5 million for payments of deferred financing costs. Cash dividends paid during 2013 were $1.9 million compared to $5.4 million paid during 2012.

Capital Expenditures

We make capital expenditures from time to time in connection with vessel acquisitions. Currently, our fleet consists of four Capesize, four Supramax, and five Handysize vessels with an aggregate capacity of approximately 1,095,000 dwt. After the expected delivery of the four Ultramax newbuildings that Baltic Trading has agreed to acquire, we will own 17 drybulk vessels, consisting of four Capesize, four Ultramax, four Supramax and five Handysize vessels with a total carrying capacity of approximately 1,351,000 dwt.

In addition to acquisitions that we may undertake in future periods, we will incur additional capital expenditures due to special surveys and drydockings for our fleet. None of our vessels were drydocked in the fourth quarter of 2013. We currently expect three of our vessels to be drydocked in the first quarter of 2014. We further anticipate that three of our vessels will be drydocked during the remainder of the year.

In our continuous effort to provide superior service to customers and enhance our long-term commercial prospects, we have initiated a fuel efficiency upgrade program for certain of our vessels. We believe this program will generate considerable fuel savings going forward and increase the future earnings potential for these vessels. The cost of the upgrades, which will be performed under the planned drydocking schedule, is expected to be approximately $250,000 per vessel and is included in our estimated drydocking costs below. The upgrades have been successfully installed on two of our vessels, the Baltic Cougar and Baltic Panther, which completed their planned drydocking during the first quarter of 2014.

We estimate our drydocking costs for our fleet through 2014 to be:




                                    Q1 2014           Q2-Q4 2014
                                    -------           ----------

    Estimated Costs (1)             $2.9 million       $2.7 million

    Estimated Offhire Days
     (2)                                      60                 60



    (1)            Estimates are based on our
                   budgeted cost of drydocking
                   our vessels in China.  Actual
                   costs will vary based on
                   various factors, including
                   where the drydockings are
                   actually performed.  We expect
                   to fund these costs with cash
                   from operations.


    (2)            Assumes 20 days per drydocking
                   per vessel.  Actual length
                   will vary based on the
                   condition of the vessel, yard
                   schedules and other factors.

Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data

The following table summarizes Baltic Trading Limited's selected consolidated financial and other data for the periods indicated below.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                                             Three Months Ended                                                      Twelve Months Ended
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                             December 31, 2013                                                        December 31, 2012                                                        December 31, 2013                                                     December 31, 2012
                                                                                                                                                             -----------------                                                        -----------------                                                        -----------------                                                     -----------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                              (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share                        (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share
                                                                                                                                                                    data)                                                                    data)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                                (unaudited)                                                              (unaudited)
                                                                                                                                                                 ----------                                                               ----------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Revenues                                                                                                                                                                              $14,505                                                                      $7,116                                                               $35,973                                                               $27,304
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Operating expenses:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                        Voyage expenses                                                              175                                                                   456                                                                       1,151                                                                 1,142
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                        Voyage expenses to parent                                                    188                                                                    86                                                                         461                                                                   346
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                        Vessel operating expenses                                                  5,257                                                                 4,257                                                                      17,590                                                                16,730
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                         General, administrative and technical
                                                         management fees                                                           1,826                                                                 1,244                                                                       5,445                                                                 4,768
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                        Management fees to parent                                                    790                                                                   622                                                                       2,671                                                                 2,471
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                        Depreciation                                                               4,393                                                                 3,724                                                                      15,564                                                                14,814
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                        12,629                                                                                             10,389                                                                      42,882                                                                40,271
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                          Total operating expenses
                                                        ----------------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Operating income (loss)                                                                                                                                                                 1,876                                                                      (3,273)                                                               (6,909)                                                              (12,967)
                                                                                                                                                                                            -----                                                                      ------                                                                ------                                                               -------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Other (expense) income:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                        Other expense                                                                 (8)                                                                   (6)                                                                        (17)                                                                  (28)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                        Interest income                                                               15                                                                     1                                                                          23                                                                     5
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                        Interest expense                                                          (1,284)                                                               (1,051)                                                                     (4,455)                                                               (4,252)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                        (1,277)                                                                                            (1,056)                                                                     (4,449)                                                               (4,275)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                          Other expense, net
                                                        ------------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Income (loss) before income taxes                                                                                                                                                         599                                                                      (4,329)                                                              (11,358)                                                              (17,242)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                        Income tax expense                                                           (12)                                                                   (2)                                                                        (34)                                                                  (28)
                                                        ------------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Net income (loss)                                                                                                                                                                        $587                                                                     $(4,331)                                                             $(11,392)                                                             $(17,270)
                                                                                                                                                                                             ====                                                                     =======                                                              ========                                                              ========
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Net earnings (loss) per share - basic                                                                                                                                                   $0.01                                                                      $(0.19)                                                               $(0.36)                                                               $(0.78)
                                                                                                                                                                                            =====                                                                      ======                                                                ======                                                                ======
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Net earnings (loss) per share - diluted                                                                                                                                                 $0.01                                                                      $(0.19)                                                               $(0.36)                                                               $(0.78)
                                                                                                                                                                                            =====                                                                      ======                                                                ======                                                                ======
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Shares used in per share calculation - basic                                                                                                                                       49,355,688                                                                  22,310,159                                                            31,720,714                                                            22,261,846
                                                                                                                                                                                       ==========                                                                  ==========                                                            ==========                                                            ==========
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Shares used in per share calculation - diluted                                                                                                                                     49,711,011                                                                  22,310,159                                                            31,720,714                                                            22,261,846
                                                                                                                                                                                       ==========                                                                  ==========                                                            ==========                                                            ==========
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      December 31, 2013                                                        December 31, 2012
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      -----------------                                                        -----------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
    BALANCE SHEET DATA:                                                                                                                                                                                                                  (unaudited)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Cash                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              $58,193                                                                $3,280
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Current assets                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     66,690                                                                 7,117
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Total assets                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      557,367                                                               364,370
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Current liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 8,639                                                                 2,458
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Total long-term debt (including current portion)                                                                                                                                                                                                                  167,875                                                               101,250
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Shareholders' equity                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              385,103                                                               260,662
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Twelve Months Ended
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     -------------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      December 31, 2013                                                        December 31, 2012
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      -----------------                                                        -----------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         (unaudited)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                                                                                                                                                                          $2,603                                                                  $433
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Net cash used in investing activities                                                                                                                                                                                                                            (147,212)                                                                   (5)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                                                                                                                                                                                                               199,522                                                                (5,448)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                                             Three Months Ended                                                      Twelve Months Ended
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                             December 31, 2013                                                        December 31, 2012                                                        December 31, 2013                                                     December 31, 2012
                                                                                                                                                             -----------------                                                        -----------------                                                        -----------------                                                     -----------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
    FLEET DATA:                                                                                                                                                 (unaudited)                                                              (unaudited)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Total number of vessels at end of period                                                                                                                                                   13                                                                           9                                                                    13                                                                     9
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Average number of vessels(1)                                                                                                                                                             11.4                                                                         9.0                                                                   9.8                                                                   9.0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Total ownership days for fleet(2)                                                                                                                                                       1,053                                                                         828                                                                 3,560                                                                 3,294
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Total available days for fleet(3)                                                                                                                                                       1,047                                                                         827                                                                 3,534                                                                 3,283
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Total operating days for fleet(4)                                                                                                                                                       1,031                                                                         824                                                                 3,506                                                                 3,260
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Fleet utilization(5)                                                                                                                                                                     98.5%                                                                       99.7%                                                                 99.2%                                                                 99.3%
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    AVERAGE DAILY RESULTS:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Time charter equivalent(6)                                                                                                                                                            $13,507                                                                      $7,953                                                                $9,723                                                                $7,863
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    Daily vessel operating expenses per vessel (7)                                                                                                                                          4,995                                                                       5,141                                                                 4,941                                                                 5,079
                                                                                                                                                                                            -----                                                                       -----                                                                 -----                                                                 -----
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                                             Three Months Ended                                                      Twelve Months Ended
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                             December 31, 2013                                                        December 31, 2012                                                        December 31, 2013                                                     December 31, 2012
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                                           (Dollars in thousands)                                                   (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                                                                                           ---------------------                                                    ---------------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
    EBITDA Reconciliation:                                                                                                                                      (unaudited)                                                              (unaudited)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                        Net income (loss)                                                           $587                                                               $(4,331)                                                                   $(11,392)                                                             $(17,270)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                        + Net interest expense                                                     1,269                                                                 1,050                                                                       4,432                                                                 4,247
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                        + Depreciation                                                             4,393                                                                 3,724                                                                      15,564                                                                14,814
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                        + Income tax expense                                                          12                                                                     2                                                                          34                                                                    28
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                           EBITDA(8)                                                              $6,261                                                                  $445                                                                      $8,638                                                                $1,819
                                                        ========


    (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 part of our
                   fleet during the period divided by
                   the number of calendar days in that
                   period.

    (2)            We define ownership days as the
                   aggregate number of days in a period
                   during which each vessel in our
                   fleet has been owned by us.
                   Ownership days are an indicator of
                   the size of our fleet over a period
                   and affect both the amount of
                   revenues and the amount of expenses
                   that we record during a period.

    (3)            We define available days as the
                   number of our ownership days less
                   the aggregate number of days that
                   our vessels are off-hire due to
                   scheduled repairs or repairs under
                   guarantee, vessel upgrades or
                   special surveys and the aggregate
                   amount of time that we spend
                   positioning our vessels between time
                   charters. Companies in the shipping
                   industry generally use available
                   days to measure the number of days
                   in a period during which vessels
                   should be capable of generating
                   revenues.

    (4)            We define operating days as the
                   number of our available days in a
                   period less the aggregate number of
                   days that our vessels are off-hire
                   due to unforeseen circumstances. The
                   shipping industry uses operating
                   days to measure the aggregate number
                   of days in a period during which
                   vessels actually generate revenues.

    (5)            We calculate fleet utilization by
                   dividing the number of our operating
                   days during a period by the number
                   of our available days during the
                   period. The shipping industry uses
                   fleet utilization to measure a
                   company's efficiency in finding
                   suitable employment for its vessels
                   and minimizing the number of days
                   that its vessels are off-hire for
                   reasons other than scheduled repairs
                   or repairs under guarantee, vessel
                   upgrades, special surveys or vessel
                   positioning.

    (6)            We define TCE rates as our net voyage
                   revenue (voyage revenues less voyage
                   expenses (including voyage expenses
                   to Parent)) divided by the number of
                   our available days during the
                   period, which is consistent with
                   industry standards. TCE rate is a
                   common shipping industry performance
                   measure used primarily to compare
                   daily earnings generated by vessels
                   on time charters with daily earnings
                   generated by vessels on voyage
                   charters, because charterhire rates
                   for vessels on voyage charters are
                   generally not expressed in per-day
                   amounts while charterhire rates for
                   vessels on time charters generally
                   are expressed in such amounts.

    (7)            We define daily vessel operating
                   expenses to include crew wages and
                   related costs, the cost of insurance
                   expenses relating to repairs and
                   maintenance (excluding drydocking),
                   the costs of spares and consumable
                   stores, tonnage taxes and other
                   miscellaneous expenses. Daily vessel
                   operating expenses are calculated by
                   dividing vessel operating expenses
                   by ownership days for the relevant
                   period.

    (8)            EBITDA represents net income (loss)
                   plus net interest expense, taxes,
                   and depreciation and amortization.
                   EBITDA is included because it is
                   used by management and certain
                   investors as a measure of operating
                   performance. EBITDA is used by
                   analysts in the shipping industry as
                   a common performance measure to
                   compare results across peers. Our
                   management uses EBITDA as a
                   performance measure in consolidating
                   internal financial statements and it
                   is presented for review at our board
                   meetings. For these reasons, we
                   believe that EBITDA is a useful
                   measure to present to our investors.
                   EBITDA is not an item recognized by
                   U.S. GAAP and should not be
                   considered as an alternative to net
                   income, operating income or any
                   other indicator of a company's
                   operating performance required by
                   U.S. GAAP. EBITDA is not a source of
                   liquidity or cash flows as shown in
                   our consolidated statement of cash
                   flows. The definition of EBITDA used
                   here may not be comparable to that
                   used by other companies.

Baltic Trading Limited's Fleet

Baltic Trading Limited transports iron ore, coal, grain, steel products and other drybulk cargoes along worldwide shipping routes. Baltic Trading Limited's current fleet consists of four Capesize, four Supramax, and five Handysize vessels with an aggregate capacity of approximately 1,095,000 dwt. After the expected delivery of the four Ultramax newbuildings that Baltic Trading has agreed to acquire, we will own 17 drybulk vessels, consisting of four Capesize, four Ultramax, four Supramax and five Handysize vessels with a total carrying capacity of approximately 1,351,000 dwt.

Our current fleet contains five groups of sister ships, which are vessels of virtually identical sizes and specifications. We believe that maintaining a fleet that includes sister ships reduces costs by creating economies of scale in the maintenance, supply and crewing of our vessels. As of February 26, 2014, the average age of our current fleet was 3.9 years, as compared to the average age for the world fleet of approximately nine years for the drybulk shipping segments in which we compete.

The following table reflects the current employment of Baltic Trading's fleet:


           Vessel      Year                                    Charterer                                  Charter        Employment                  Expected
                       Built                                                                           Expiration(1)     Structure                  Delivery(2)


      Capesize Vessels

        Baltic Bear          2010                      Swissmarine Services S.A.                       February 2015 101.5% of BCI (3)

        Baltic Wolf          2010                      Cargill International S.A.                        July 2014    100% of BCI (4)

        Baltic Tiger         2011                       Swissmarine Services S.A                       October 2014  102.75% of BCI (5)

        Baltic Lion          2012                      Cargill International S.A.                      November 2014 102.75% of BCI (6)

      Ultramax Vessels

       Baltic Hornet         2014                                 TBD                                       TBD             TBD                       Q3 2014

        Baltic Wasp          2014                                 TBD                                       TBD             TBD                       Q4 2014

      Baltic Scorpion        2015                                 TBD                                       TBD             TBD                       Q2 2015

       Baltic Mantis         2015                                 TBD                                       TBD             TBD                       Q3 2015

      Supramax Vessels

       Baltic Leopard        2009                       Resource Marine PTE Ltd.                        March 2014     95% of BSI (7)

                                                      (part of the Macquarie group
                                                             of companies)

       Baltic Panther        2009                      Bulkhandling Handymax A/S                         May 2014      Spot Pool (8)

       Baltic Jaguar         2009 Resource Marine PTE Ltd. (part of the Macquarie group of companies)   April 2014     95% of BSI (9)

       Baltic Cougar         2009                      Bulkhandling Handymax A/S                         May 2014      Spot Pool (8)



     Handysize Vessels

        Baltic Wind          2009                       Pioneer Navigation Ltd.                        February 2014                    $8,785 (10)

        Baltic Cove          2010                         Trammo Bulk Carriers                         January 2015  106% of BHSI (11)

       Baltic Breeze         2010                      Cargill International S.A.                        July 2014   115% of BHSI (12)

         Baltic Fox          2010                         Clipper Logger Pool                         September 2015   Spot Pool (13)

        Baltic Hare          2009                         Clipper Logger Pool                         September 2015   Spot Pool (13)




    (1)               The charter expiration dates
                      presented represent the
                      earliest dates that our
                      charters may be terminated in
                      the ordinary course.  Under the
                      terms of each contract, the
                      charterer is entitled to extend
                      the time charters from two to
                      four months in order to
                      complete the vessel's final
                      voyage plus any time the vessel
                      has been off-hire.

    (2)               The dates for the vessels being
                      delivered in the future are
                      estimates based on guidance
                      received from the sellers.

    (3)               We have agreed to an extension
                      with Swissmarine Services S.A.
                      on a spot market-related time
                      charter based on 101.5% of the
                      average of the daily rates of
                      the Baltic Capesize Index
                      (BCI), published by the Baltic
                      Exchange, as reflected in daily
                      reports.  Hire is paid in
                      arrears net of a 6.25%
                      brokerage commission, which
                      includes the 1.25% commission
                      payable to Genco Shipping &
                      Trading Limited ("Genco").  The
                      minimum and maximum expiration
                      dates of the time charter are
                      February 1, 2015 and April 15,
                      2015, respectively.

    (4)               We have reached an agreement
                      with Cargill International S.A.
                      on a spot market-related time
                      charter based on 100% of the
                      average of the daily rates of
                      the BCI, as reflected in daily
                      reports.  Hire is paid every 15
                      days in arrears net of a 5.00%
                      brokerage commission, which
                      includes the 1.25% commission
                      payable to Genco.  The duration
                      of the spot market-related
                      time charter is 21.5 to 26.5
                      months.

    (5)               We have reached an agreement
                      with Swissmarine Services S.A.
                      on a spot market-related time
                      charter for 10.5 to 13.5 months
                      based on 102.75% of the average
                      of the daily rates of the BCI,
                      as reflected in daily reports.
                      Hire is paid every 15 days in
                      arrears net of a 6.25%
                      brokerage commission, which
                      includes the 1.25% commission
                      payable to Genco.  The vessel
                      delivered to charterers on
                      November 29, 2013.

    (6)               We have reached an agreement
                      with Cargill International S.A.
                      on a spot market-related time
                      charter for 10.5 to 13.5 months
                      based on 102.75% of the average
                      of the daily rates of the BCI,
                      as reflected in daily reports.
                      Hire is paid every 15 days in
                      arrears net of a 6.25%
                      brokerage commission, which
                      includes the 1.25% commission
                      payable to Genco.  The vessel
                      delivered to charterers on
                      December 29, 2013.

    (7)               We have reached an agreement
                      with Resource Marine PTE Ltd.
                      on a spot market-related time
                      charter for a minimum of 18.5
                      months to a maximum end date of
                      May 30, 2014 based on 95% of
                      the average of the daily rates
                      of the Baltic Supramax Index
                      (BSI), published by the Baltic
                      Exchange, as reflected in daily
                      reports.  Hire is paid every 15
                      days in arrears net of a 6.25%
                      brokerage commission, which
                      includes the 1.25% commission
                      payable to Genco.

    (8)               We have reached an agreement to
                      enter these vessels into the
                      Bulkhandling Handymax A/S
                      Pool, a vessel pool trading in
                      the spot market of which
                      Torvald Klaveness acts as the
                      pool manager. The vessels have
                      to remain in the pool for a
                      minimum of six months, after
                      which Baltic Trading can
                      withdraw a vessel with three
                      months' notice.

    (9)               We have reached an agreement
                      with Resource Marine PTE Ltd.
                      on a spot market-related time
                      charter for a minimum of 20.5
                      months to a maximum end date of
                      July 11, 2014 based on 95% of
                      the average of the daily rates
                      of the BSI, as reflected in
                      daily reports.  Hire is paid
                      every 15 days in arrears net of
                      a 6.25% brokerage commission,
                      which includes the 1.25%
                      commission payable to Genco.

    (10)              We have reached an agreement
                      with Pioneer Navigation Ltd. on
                      a short term spot market-
                      related time charter for 3.5 to
                      5.5 months in order to position
                      the vessel for its upcoming
                      drydocking.  Hire is paid in
                      arrears net of a 6.25%
                      brokerage commission which
                      includes the 1.25% commission
                      payable to Genco.

    (11)              We have reached an agreement
                      with Trammo Bulk Carriers on a
                      spot market-related time
                      charter for 10.5 months to a
                      maximum expiration date of
                      April 1, 2015 based on 106% of
                      the average of the daily rates
                      of the Baltic Handysize Index
                      (BHSI), published by the Baltic
                      Exchange, as reflected in daily
                      reports except for the initial
                      58 days in which the hire rate
                      is based on the average of the
                      Baltic Handysize HS5 and HS6
                      routes.  Hire is paid every 15
                      days in arrears net of a 6.25%
                      brokerage commission, which
                      includes the 1.25% commission
                      payable to Genco.  The vessel
                      delivered to charterers on
                      February 15, 2014.

    (12)              The rate for the spot market-
                      related time charter is based
                      on 115% of the average of the
                      daily rates of the BHSI, as
                      reflected in daily reports.
                      Hire is paid every 15 days in
                      advance net of a 6.25%
                      brokerage commission, which
                      includes the 1.25% commission
                      payable to Genco.

    (13)              We have reached an agreement to
                      enter these vessels into the
                      Clipper Logger Pool, a vessel
                      pool trading in the spot market
                      of which Clipper Group acts as
                      the pool manager.  The vessels
                      will remain in the pool for a
                      minimum period of two years.

Dividend Announcement and Policy

The Company's Board of Directors declared a dividend for the fourth quarter of 2013 of $0.03 per share payable on or about March 17, 2014 to all shareholders of record as of March 10, 2014. Our dividend policy is to pay a variable quarterly dividend equal to our Cash Available for Distribution, during the previous quarter, subject to any reserves our board of directors may from time to time determine are required. The application of the formula in our policy would have resulted in a lesser dividend for the fourth quarter of 2013. However, our Board of Directors nonetheless determined to declare a $0.03 per share dividend after taking into account our cash flow and our liquidity and capital resources. Dividends will be paid equally on a per-share basis between our common stock and our Class B stock. Cash Available for Distribution represents our net income less cash expenditures for capital items related to our fleet, such as drydocking or special surveys, other than vessel acquisitions and related expenses, plus non-cash compensation. For purposes of calculating Cash Available for Distribution, we may disregard non-cash adjustments to our net income, such as those that would result from acquiring a vessel subject to a charter that was above or below market rates. We intend to pay dividends on a quarterly basis.

The declaration and payment of any dividend will be subject to the discretion of our board of directors. The timing and amount of dividend payments will depend on our earnings, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, fleet renewal and expansion, restrictions in our loan agreements, the provisions of Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of distributions to shareholders and other factors. Our board of directors may review and amend our dividend policy from time to time in light of our plans for future growth and other factors.

About Baltic Trading Limited

Baltic Trading Limited is a drybulk company focused on the spot charter market. Baltic Trading transports iron ore, coal, grain, steel products and other drybulk cargoes along global shipping routes. Baltic Trading Limited's current fleet consists of four Capesize, four Supramax, and five Handysize vessels with an aggregate capacity of approximately 1,095,000 dwt. After the expected delivery of the four Ultramax newbuildings that Baltic Trading has agreed to acquire, we will own 17 drybulk vessels, consisting of four Capesize, four Ultramax, four Supramax and five Handysize vessels with a total carrying capacity of approximately 1,351,000 dwt.

Conference Call Announcement

Baltic Trading Limited announced that it will hold a conference call on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, to discuss its 2013 fourth quarter financial results. The conference call and a presentation will be simultaneously webcast and will be available on the Company's website, www.BalticTrading.com. To access the conference call, dial (888) 503-8175 or (719) 325-2429 and enter passcode 9027298. A replay of the conference call can also be accessed for two weeks by dialing (888) 203-1112 or (719) 457-0820 and entering the passcode 9027298. The Company intends to place additional materials related to the earnings announcement, including a slide presentation, on its website prior to the conference call.

Website Information

We intend to use our website, www.BalticTrading.com, as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Such disclosures will be included in our website's Investor Relations section. Accordingly, investors should monitor the Investor Relations portion of our website, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, and webcasts. To subscribe to our e-mail alert service, please click the "Receive E-mail Alerts" link in the Investor Relations section of our website and submit your email address. The information contained in, or that may be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into or a part of this document or any other report or document we file with or furnish to the SEC, and any references to our website are intended to be inactive textual references only.

"Safe Harbor" Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements use words such as "anticipate," "budget," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of potential future events, circumstances or future operating or financial performance. These forward looking statements are based on management's current expectations and observations. Included among the factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward looking statements contained in this report are the following: (i) declines in demand or rates in the drybulk shipping industry; (ii) prolonged weakness in drybulk shipping rates; (iii) changes in the supply of or demand for drybulk products, generally or in particular regions; (iv) changes in the supply of drybulk carriers including newbuilding of vessels or lower than anticipated scrapping of older vessels; (v) changes in rules and regulations applicable to the cargo industry, including, without limitation, legislation adopted by international organizations or by individual countries and actions taken by regulatory authorities; (vi) increases in costs and expenses including but not limited to: crew wages, insurance, provisions, lube, oil, bunkers, repairs, maintenance and general, administrative, and management fee expenses; (vii) whether our insurance arrangements are adequate; (viii) changes in general domestic and international political conditions; (ix) acts of war, terrorism, or piracy; (x) changes in the condition of the Company's vessels or applicable maintenance or regulatory standards (which may affect, among other things, our anticipated drydocking or maintenance and repair costs) and unanticipated drydock expenditures; (xi) the amount of offhire time needed to complete repairs on vessels and the timing and amount of any reimbursement by our insurance carriers for insurance claims, including offhire days; (xii) the Company's acquisition or disposition of vessels; (xiii) our ability to leverage Genco's relationships in the shipping industry; (xiv) the completion of definitive documentation with respect to charters; (xv) charterers' compliance with the terms of their charters in the current market environment; (xvi) the fulfillment of the closing conditions under, or the execution of additional documentation for, the Company's agreements to acquire vessels; (xvii) obtaining, completion of definitive documentation for, and funding of financing for the vessel acquisitions on acceptable terms; and other factors listed from time to time in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and its reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. Our ability to pay dividends in any period will depend upon various factors, including the limitations under any credit agreements to which we may be a party, applicable provisions of Marshall Islands law and the final determination by the Board of Directors each quarter after its review of our financial performance. The timing and amount of dividends, if any, could also be affected by factors affecting cash flows, results of operations, required capital expenditures, or reserves. As a result, the amount of dividends actually paid may vary. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward?looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Baltic Trading Limited