TOP Ships (US:TOPS) Globenewswire·2025-11-17 14:25Core Viewpoint - Top Ships Inc. has successfully closed sale and leaseback financing agreements with a major Chinese financier, raising approximately $27.2 million for refinancing its tanker fleet [1][2]. Financing Details - The financing agreements involve refinancing two 300,000 dwt VLCC tankers, one 157,000 dwt Suezmax tanker, and one 50,000 dwt MR Product Tanker [1]. - The company will bareboat charter back the vessels for ten years (seven years for M/T Eco Marina Del Ray) at monthly installments of $0.25 million per VLCC, $0.18 million for M/T Eco Oceano, and $0.18 million for M/T Eco Marina Del Ray [3]. - A purchase obligation of $38.5 million per VLCC, $20.0 million for M/T Eco Oceano, and $13.0 million for M/T Eco Marina Del Ray is stipulated at the end of the respective charters [3]. Financial Position - The cash released from the financing approximates the company's current market capitalization, maintaining a conservative fleet leverage ratio of about 52% [3]. - The financing agreements bear an interest rate of 3-month term SOFR plus a margin of 1.95% per annum [3]. Covenants and Guarantees - The financing agreements include customary covenants, event of default clauses, and performance requirements, such as maintaining a leverage ratio of no more than 85% and minimum liquid funds per vessel type [4]. - The company provided guarantees for the obligations of its vessel-owning subsidiaries under the SLBs, as well as for similar agreements entered into by Rubico Inc. totaling $84.0 million [5]. Company Overview - Top Ships Inc. is an international owner and operator of modern, fuel-efficient eco tanker vessels, focusing on transporting crude oil, petroleum products, and bulk liquid chemicals [6].