Costamare Inc. Amends Shareholders Rights Agreement

Costamare Inc. (NYSE: CMRE) has entered into a First Amendment to its Shareholders Rights Agreement, originally dated October 19, 2010. The Amendment modifies the definition of an 'Acquiring Person' to lower the threshold for U.S. Persons to 5% beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock, down from the previous 15%. Non-U.S. Persons remain subject to the original 15% threshold. The Board of Directors has also granted exemptions for certain existing U.S.-based shareholders who are passive investors and meet specific criteria. The Amendment was approved in response to recent regulatory developments in China affecting U.S.-linked vessels, aiming to protect stockholder value and strengthen the Company’s ability to respond to potential U.S. Persons seeking to influence the Company’s adherence to these regulations. The Company may rescind the Amendment if the Board deems it no longer necessary.