HTCO Highlights Strengthening Dry Bulk Market as BDI Rises Approximately 9.2% in July and Shipping Equities Gain Investor Attention

Rhea-AI Summary

High-Trend International Group (Nasdaq: HTCO) highlighted a strengthening dry bulk shipping environment, citing the Baltic Dry Index at 2,732 on July 31, 2026, up approximately 9.2% in July. Capesize and Panamax segments improved, while Supramax conditions remained comparatively weaker amid ongoing geopolitical-related route disruptions and cost pressures.

For the six months ended April 30, 2026, HTCO reported revenue of $137.5 million, up 38.3% year over year, with Total Voyage Days rising 37.4% to 4,698 and Average Charge Per Day edging up 0.7% to $29,149. Management plans to focus on disciplined risk management and optimizing shipping cash flows.

According to Lloyd's List and Bloomberg data cited by HTCO, selected U.S.-listed dry bulk stocks with market caps above $300 million gained about 37% year to date and 91% over 12 months, while EuroDry’s year-to-date total return reached roughly 106.6%, indicating renewed investor interest in parts of the sector.

Positive

• Revenue +38.3% YoY to $137.5 million for six months ended April 30, 2026
• Total Voyage Days +37.4% to 4,698 days over the same six-month period
• Average Charge Per Day +0.7% to approximately $29,149
• Baltic Dry Index +9.2% in July 2026 to 2,732 points
• Selected U.S.-listed dry bulk peers +37% YTD and +91% over 12 months, per Lloyd's List
• EuroDry year-to-date total return 106.6% through July 31, 2026, according to Bloomberg

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – EDRY

+1.26% 3.1x vol

1 alert

+1.26% Session close to close

$105.64M Market Cap

3.1x Rel. Volume

In the Aug 13 session, EDRY gained 1.26%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction. Trading volume was very high at 3.1x the daily average, suggesting strong buying interest.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

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NEW YORK, Aug 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- High-Trend International Group (Nasdaq: HTCO) ("HTCO" or the "Company") today highlighted improving conditions in the global dry bulk shipping market. HTCO Management believes these developments may provide a more favorable operating environment for the industry, although future operating results will depend on cargo volumes, charter arrangements, operating costs and other company-specific factors.

Improving Freight-Rate Environment May Support Industry Operating Conditions

According to the Baltic Exchange, the Baltic Dry Index ("BDI") reached 2,732 points as of July 31, 2026, representing an increase of approximately 9.2% during July. Market conditions differed across vessel classes, with Capesize and Panamax indices strengthening while the Supramax index remained comparatively weaker.

According to Baltic Exchange market commentary and other publicly available shipping market reports, the recent market recovery has been associated with stronger Capesize freight rates, increased long-haul iron ore cargo activity from Brazil and West Africa, and tighter effective vessel capacity resulting from adjustments to certain international shipping routes. At the same time, geopolitical risks surrounding the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to rerouting, waiting time, insurance premiums and bunker fuel costs for certain vessels, contributing to greater divergence among vessel classes and trading routes.

HTCO believes that higher dry bulk freight rates and the continuing reconfiguration of global shipping routes may contribute to a more favorable operating environment for shipping companies, including those with flexible vessel deployment, established customer relationships and effective cost pass-through mechanisms. For shipping operations conducted under spot voyage charters or other short-term freight arrangements, increases in market freight rates may be reflected more quickly in customer pricing. The extent of any benefit, however, will depend on bunker fuel prices, war-risk insurance premiums, crew-related expenses, extended voyage durations and port delays.

HTCO Operating Performance and Management Perspective

As previously reported by the Company in its unaudited financial statements for the six months ended April 30, 2026, revenue increased 38.3% year over year to $137.5 million from $99.4 million, Total Voyage Days increased 37.4% from 3,420 days to 4,698 days, and Average Charge Per Day increased 0.7% from approximately $28,945 to $29,149.

Mr. Bruce He, CEO of HTCO stated: "Leveraging our experience in international shipping and logistics, we will continue to evaluate market opportunities carefully, optimize resource allocation and strengthen the quality of our shipping revenue and operating cash flow while maintaining disciplined geopolitical, operational and financial risk management."

Dry Bulk Equities Attract Renewed Capital-Market Attention

In addition to improving freight indices, the share-price performance of selected publicly traded dry bulk shipping companies may reflect renewed investor interest in portions of the dry bulk shipping sector.

According to a May 2026 analysis titled "Dry Bulk Shipping Is Quietly Racking Up Impressive Stock Market Gains," Lloyd's List reported that, as of the article's publication date, selected U.S.-listed dry bulk shipping companies with market capitalizations above $300 million had increased approximately 37% year to date, compared with approximately 5% for the SPDR S&P 500 ETF. Over the preceding 12 months, the selected dry bulk shipping companies had increased approximately 91%, compared with approximately 29% for the benchmark. Separately, according to Bloomberg, EuroDry  Ltd., a publicly traded dry bulk vessel owner, generated a year-to-date total return of approximately 106.6% through July 31, 2026.

HTCO Management believes the combination of strengthening freight indices and the market performance discussed above may suggest improving investor sentiment toward portions of the dry bulk shipping sector. However, investor valuations are influenced by numerous company-specific factors, and these market observations should not be interpreted as predictive of HTCO's future operating results, financial performance or share-price performance.

About High-Trend International Group

High-Trend International Group is a global ocean transportation company with core businesses in international shipping.

Market Data Sources Disclosure

Unless otherwise indicated, market information cited in this press release was obtained from publicly available sources, including the Baltic Exchange, Bloomberg, Lloyd's List, Clarksons Research, BIMCO Market Analysis, and the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes these sources to be reliable, it has not independently verified all third-party information referenced in this press release. Such information is provided solely for general market context. References to other publicly traded companies and third-party market analyses are provided solely for market context and should not be interpreted as indicative of HTCO's future operating performance, financial results or share-price performance.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, made under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "future," "will," "intend," "plan," "estimate" or similar expressions. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements due to various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/htco-highlights-strengthening-dry-bulk-market-as-bdi-rises-approximately-9-2-in-july-and-shipping-equities-gain-investor-attention-302850689.html

SOURCE High-Trend International Group

FAQ

How did the Baltic Dry Index move in July 2026 and why is it relevant to HTCO (Nasdaq: HTCO)?

The Baltic Dry Index reached 2,732 on July 31, 2026, up about 9.2% in July. According to HTCO, stronger Capesize and Panamax freight rates may support a more favorable operating backdrop for dry bulk operators, although company results still depend on costs and charter arrangements.

What revenue growth did High-Trend International Group (HTCO) report for the six months ended April 30, 2026?

HTCO reported revenue of $137.5 million for the six months ended April 30, 2026, a 38.3% year-over-year increase. According to HTCO, this period also saw Total Voyage Days rise 37.4% to 4,698 and Average Charge Per Day increase 0.7% to about $29,149.

How is HTCO’s shipping operating activity changing based on its latest reported Total Voyage Days?

HTCO’s Total Voyage Days increased from 3,420 to 4,698, a rise of 37.4% year over year. According to HTCO, this higher activity, alongside a modest rise in Average Charge Per Day, contributed to the company’s six-month revenue growth to $137.5 million.

What does HTCO say about investor sentiment toward dry bulk shipping equities in 2026?

HTCO notes that selected U.S.-listed dry bulk stocks above $300 million market cap rose about 37% year to date and 91% over 12 months. According to HTCO, this performance, plus stronger freight indices, may suggest improving investor sentiment toward parts of the sector.

How has EuroDry (EDRY) performed in 2026 compared with the broader dry bulk sector figures cited by HTCO?

According to Bloomberg data cited by HTCO, EuroDry generated a year-to-date total return of about 106.6% through July 31, 2026. HTCO contrasts this with selected larger U.S.-listed dry bulk companies, which gained around 37% year to date and 91% over 12 months.

What key risks and cost factors could affect HTCO despite higher dry bulk freight rates?

HTCO highlights that bunker fuel prices, war-risk insurance premiums, crew expenses, longer voyage durations and port delays can influence outcomes. According to HTCO, geopolitical issues around the Red Sea and nearby straits also drive route changes, waiting times and costs, potentially offsetting freight-rate benefits.

What strategic focus did HTCO management outline in light of the 2026 dry bulk market conditions?

HTCO’s CEO emphasized focusing on carefully evaluating market opportunities, optimizing resource allocation and strengthening shipping revenue quality and operating cash flow. According to HTCO, management also intends to maintain disciplined geopolitical, operational and financial risk management amid evolving freight markets and route disruptions.