Declares Dividend of $0.50 per share for Q4 2025, Marking Highest Dividend Since 2022 and 26th Consecutive Quarterly Dividend Generated Q4 Adj. EBITDA of $42.0 Million and TCE of $20,064, Representing Highest Levels Since 2022 Two Newcastlemax Vessels Expected to be Delivered in Q1 2026, Further Enhancing Earnings Power and Dividend Capacity NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (NYSE:GNK) (“Genco” or the “Company”), the largest U.S. headquartered drybulk shipowner foc ...

Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Transportation - Shipping industry is experiencing growth due to strategic diversification, digitalization, environmental compliance, and low fuel costs [1][2]. Industry Overview - The industry focuses on liquefied natural gas and crude oil marine transportation services under long-term contracts, primarily dealing with crude oil and oil products globally [2]. - The shift in e-commerce due to COVID-19 has led to increased reliance on third-party logistics providers, positively impacting the industry as economic activities resume [2]. Key Trends - **Digitalization and AI Adoption**: Enhancements in efficiency and decision-making through digitalization and AI are reducing operational costs and emissions, improving cargo visibility, and streamlining processes [3]. - **Increased Focus on Green Transition**: Adoption of alternative fuels and sustainable practices is driving technological progress and operational efficiency, while also improving access to green financing [4]. - **Low Oil Prices**: A decline in oil prices, which fell 7% during the October-December period, is benefiting the bottom line of industry participants, particularly oil tanker companies [5]. Challenges - **Supply-Demand Imbalance**: A persistent imbalance is compressing freight rates and weakening profitability due to excess vessel capacity and fluctuating cargo volumes [6]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Transportation-Shipping industry ranks 60 out of 243 Zacks industries, indicating strong near-term prospects [8]. - The industry has outperformed the S&P 500 and broader sector, gaining 32.9% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's 14.1% increase [10]. Valuation - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 14.28X, below the S&P 500's 22.52X and the sector's 14.78X [13]. Stock Recommendations - **Seanergy Maritime (SHIP)**: Strong performance in the Capesize market with a Zacks Rank 1 and an average earnings beat of 76.4% over the past four quarters [17]. - **ZIM Integrated Shipping**: Fleet expansion initiatives and a Zacks Rank 2, with a 10% share price increase over the past year [20]. - **Genco Shipping & Trading (GNK)**: Strong balance sheet and modernization efforts, with a 36% stock gain over the past six months and a significant upward revision in earnings estimates [23].

Core Viewpoint - Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp (SHIP) is currently outperforming its peers in the Transportation sector, with a year-to-date return of 19.7% compared to the sector average of 13.8% [4]. Group 1: Company Performance - Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp is one of 114 companies in the Transportation group, which ranks 4 within the Zacks Sector Rank [2]. - The Zacks Rank for Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp is 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong potential for market outperformance over the next one to three months [3]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SHIP's full-year earnings has increased by 61.1% in the past quarter, reflecting improved analyst sentiment and a stronger earnings outlook [4]. Group 2: Industry Context - Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp belongs to the Transportation - Shipping industry, which includes 36 individual stocks and currently ranks 82 in the Zacks Industry Rank [6]. - The average return for the Transportation - Shipping industry so far this year is 19.2%, indicating that SHIP is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns [6]. Group 3: Comparison with Peers - Genco Shipping & Trading (GNK) is another stock in the Transportation sector that has outperformed, with a year-to-date return of 16.6% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [5]. - Over the past three months, Genco Shipping & Trading's consensus EPS estimate has increased by 387.4%, showcasing strong performance in the sector [5]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Investors interested in Transportation stocks should closely monitor Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp and Genco Shipping & Trading, as both companies are expected to maintain solid performance [7].

Core Viewpoint - GNK Holdings LLC and Marcus Lemonis have proposed an acquisition of BARK, Inc. at $1.10 per share, representing a 22% premium over a competing offer from the CEO valued at $0.90 per share [2][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Proposal - The Group submitted a non-binding indication of interest to acquire BARK in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.10 per share on January 14, 2026 [1]. - This proposal reflects a 22% premium over the CEO's competing offer of $0.90 per share announced on January 9, 2026 [2]. Group 2: Special Committee Formation - BARK announced the formation of a Special Committee on January 9, 2026, to review and evaluate acquisition proposals, including the Group's offer [3]. - The Special Committee has retained legal and financial professionals to assist in this evaluation process [3]. Group 3: Communication Issues - The Group has expressed frustration over the lack of substantive discussions regarding their proposal, claiming the Company has ignored their offer and attempted to impose a non-disclosure agreement [4][5]. - The proposed NDA includes terms that the Group finds unacceptable, including a "standstill" agreement that would limit their ability to make public offers or influence Company management [6]. Group 4: Public Disclosure and Shareholder Value - The Group intends to publicly announce their acquisition interest and believes their proposal maximizes shareholder value, which is a key responsibility of the Special Committee [7][8]. - There has been no indication from the Board regarding the rejection of the CEO's lower offer, raising concerns about transparency [8].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Buy" [3] Core Insights - The dry bulk shipping market is at the beginning of a new cycle, with supply bottoming out and demand showing signs of recovery. The global order book is at a historical low, and the manufacturing PMI has returned above 50, indicating potential demand growth [8][18]. - Different ship types exhibit varying earnings elasticity. The Capesize vessels show the highest elasticity, with a TCE increase of approximately $1,274 per day for every 100-point rise in the BDI index, while smaller vessels have a more muted response [18][96]. - The report highlights the comparative analysis of listed dry bulk shipping companies in the US and Hong Kong, focusing on TCE elasticity and balance sheet quality [18][79]. Summary by Sections Section 1: Elasticity of Listed Companies - The report emphasizes that despite significant differences in fleet size, average age, and order backlog among listed companies, their stock price movements are highly correlated due to the cyclical nature of the industry [18][19]. Section 2: Company Reviews - **Star Bulk Carriers (SBLK)**: SBLK has a diversified fleet and maintains a low average daily operating cost due to its scale. The company has a strong management team with extensive industry experience [21][22]. - **Himalaya Shipping (HSHP)**: HSHP focuses on large bulk carriers and has a young fleet. It benefits from high operational leverage and low cash break-even points, making it a key player in a rising market [34][39]. - **Genco Shipping (GNK)**: GNK has a low debt ratio and focuses on maintaining stable dividends, even during downturns. The company has shifted its strategy to reduce leverage and improve financial health [43][50]. - **Safe Bulkers (SB)**: SB has a concentrated ownership structure and focuses on fleet renewal, replacing older vessels with more environmentally friendly options. The company has a consistent dividend policy [51][55]. - **Diana Shipping (DSX)**: DSX employs a conservative strategy by locking in long-term charters, which stabilizes earnings and supports a steady dividend policy [62][70]. - **Pacific Shipping (2343.HK)**: This company focuses on smaller vessels and has a stable operational model, although it has lower earnings elasticity compared to its US counterparts [72][79]. Section 3: Horizontal Comparison - The report notes a clear differentiation in fleet composition between US and Hong Kong listed companies, with US firms predominantly operating larger vessels. This structural difference impacts their earnings volatility and potential for excess returns during market fluctuations [79][80].

Group 1 - Genco Shipping & Trading Limited will hold a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter 2025 results on February 18, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time [1] - The financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025, will be issued on February 17, 2026, after market close [1] - The conference call will be accessible via a live broadcast on the internet and will include a slide presentation [1] Group 2 - Genco Shipping & Trading Limited is a U.S.-based dry bulk ship owning company focused on the global seaborne transportation of commodities [2] - The company transports key cargoes such as iron ore, coal, grain, steel products, bauxite, cement, and nickel ore [2] - Genco's fleet consists of 45 vessels with an average age of 12.7 years and an aggregate capacity of approximately 5,045,000 deadweight tons (dwt) [2]

Group 1 - Genco has rejected Diana's offer to acquire the company through an all-cash deal [1] - Diana holds approximately a 14.8% stake in Genco [1]

Core Viewpoint - Genco Shipping & Trading Limited is committed to enhancing shareholder value and has responded to Diana Shipping Inc.'s proposal to nominate new directors, asserting that the proposal undervalues Genco and is not in the best interest of its shareholders [3][8][10]. Group 1: Company Response to Diana Shipping - Genco has acknowledged Diana's intent to nominate six director candidates for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders [3][7]. - The Board of Genco emphasizes its commitment to corporate governance and has a rigorous process for reviewing director candidates, resulting in a Board composed of six highly qualified individuals [4][5]. - Genco's Board has determined that Diana's proposal to acquire Genco at $20.60 per share significantly undervalues the company and poses considerable execution risks [8][10]. Group 2: Value Creation Strategy - Genco's leadership is executing a comprehensive value strategy that has led to strong operating and financial results, positioning the company to create significant shareholder value [6][11]. - The Board has authorized management to explore an acquisition of Diana by Genco, which is believed to create value for both companies' shareholders [9]. Group 3: Shareholder Communication - Genco shareholders are not required to take any action at this time regarding the proposed director nominations [12]. - The Board will formally recommend its position on Diana's nominees in the upcoming proxy statement, which will be filed with the SEC [11].

Core Viewpoint - Diana Shipping Inc. intends to nominate six independent director candidates to Genco's Board of Directors, citing the current Board's failure to engage with Diana regarding its acquisition proposal and the need for meaningful change to maximize shareholder value [1][2][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Proposal - Diana proposed to acquire all outstanding shares of Genco not owned by it for $20.60 per share in cash, which represents an attractive premium for Genco shareholders [2][16]. - The current Genco Board took over six weeks to respond to Diana's proposal and did not engage in discussions regarding its financial or structural elements [2][3]. - Diana's offer is backed by a financing letter from two leading shipping banks, indicating strong financial support for the acquisition [2]. Group 2: Board Nomination - Diana believes that Genco shareholders would benefit from electing directors who are open to exploring strategic alternatives, including a serious consideration of Diana's acquisition proposal [2][4]. - The nominated candidates possess extensive experience in shipping, finance, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance, which Diana believes will enhance the Board's effectiveness [1][4][10][16]. - Notable nominees include Gustave Brun-Lie, Chao Sih Hing Francois, and Paul Cornell, each bringing decades of relevant industry experience [4][10][5]. Group 3: Company Background - Diana Shipping Inc. specializes in the ownership and bareboat charter-in of dry bulk vessels, primarily transporting commodities such as iron ore, coal, and grain [7]. - The company currently owns approximately 14.8% of Genco's outstanding shares, making it the largest shareholder [1][16].

Core Viewpoint - GNK Holdings LLC, along with Marcus Lemonis, has submitted a preliminary, non-binding indication of interest to acquire BARK, Inc. for $1.10 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $188.7 million, representing a 22% premium over a previous proposal by Great Dane Ventures, LLC [1][2]. Company Overview - BARK, Inc. is being targeted for acquisition due to its strong brand and customer loyalty, with the Group believing it presents a compelling opportunity for value creation through improved operational execution and customer engagement [3][5]. - GNK Holdings LLC is a private investment firm focused on consumer and retail investments, emphasizing operational value creation and disciplined capital deployment [6]. Proposed Transaction Details - The proposed acquisition values BARK at an implied enterprise value of around $188.7 million, with the offer of $1.10 per share representing a 22% premium [2]. - The transaction is subject to customary conditions, confirmatory due diligence, and the negotiation of definitive agreements, with an accelerated timeline for completion expected within approximately 30 days [8]. - Financing for the transaction will be sourced through equity capital and debt [8].