Globenewswire·2026-03-06 14:29Core Viewpoint - Star Bulk Carriers Corp. has entered into a conditional Sale and Purchase Agreement to acquire sixteen vessels from Diana Shipping Inc., contingent upon Diana successfully acquiring Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd. [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The total purchase price for the acquisition of the sixteen vessels is $470.5 million in cash [2] - The vessels include one Newcastlemax, six Capesize, seven Ultramax, and two Supramax, with a total carrying capacity of 1.8 million dwt and an average age of 11.4 years [3] - Upon completion of the transaction, Star Bulk will have a fleet of 157 ships with a total carrying capacity of 15.9 million dwt and an average age of 12.0 years [3] Group 2: Financing Strategy - The purchase will be funded through a combination of existing cash resources, reserves from previous vessel sales, and new debt financing [4] - As of December 31, 2025, Star Bulk had a cash balance of $501.9 million and 27 unlevered ships valued at $628.0 million, with access to $110.0 million in undrawn revolving credit facilities [4] Group 3: Strategic Implications - The transaction is viewed as a disciplined and value-enhancing capital allocation that aligns with Star Bulk's long-term shareholder strategy [5] - The acquisition is expected to generate immediate incremental TCE revenue, EBITDA, and operating cash flow, supporting dividend growth and deleveraging [5] - The CEO emphasized that consolidation in the dry bulk sector creates value for shareholders and that this transaction will enhance Star Bulk's scale, earnings power, and shareholder dividends while maintaining balance sheet strength [6]