Genco Shipping Responds to Diana Shipping Nomination
Genco Shipping & Trading (GNK) responded to Diana Shipping (DSX), which disclosed its intent to nominate six director candidates to stand for election to the Genco Board of Directors at the Company's 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Genco issued the following statement: "Our Board is dedicated to upholding the highest standards for corporate governance to further its fiduciary duties. In that light, the Board takes its composition seriously and has a rigorous process to review and consider director candidates that it applies to every candidate. That process has resulted in a Board with six highly qualified individuals, five of whom are independent and all of whom possess valuable skills and experience in shipping and other areas relevant to advancing Genco's strategy and creating shareholder value. Our Board and leadership team are executing a comprehensive value strategy that is delivering strong operating and financial results and positioning Genco to create significant shareholder value throughout the cycles. Moreover, Genco has also earned top quartile rankings in an industry-wide corporate governance research report for many years. Today, Diana has disclosed its intention to nominate six director candidates to replace our entire Board in furtherance of an indicative, unsolicited proposal to acquire all outstanding shares of Genco that it did not already own for $20.60 per share. As previously disclosed, our Board thoroughly reviewed the proposal with the assistance of external advisors and determined the proposal significantly undervalued Genco, was not in the best interest of our shareholders and had considerable execution risks. Our Board therefore determined that further engagement on the proposal was not warranted. However, as part of its review, our Board determined that an acquisition of Diana by Genco would create value for both Diana and Genco shareholders. As we announced, our Board therefore authorized our management team to engage with Diana on an alternative structure in which Genco would acquire Diana using cash and Genco's superior equity currency as consideration. Instead of working constructively toward a path forward that would create significant value for its shareholders, Diana refused to engage, has doubled down on its previously rejected indicative proposal and disclosed its intention to nominate directors to replace our entire Board.Notwithstanding that Diana's apparent sole objective is to acquire Genco at a significant discount to its NAV and without an appropriate premium in exchange for control of Genco, our Board will remain true to its high standards for governance and its fiduciary duties. As such, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of our Board will review the proposed nominees in accordance with the Company's standard process and guidelines. Our Board and leadership are committed to optimizing the value Genco creates for shareholders and taking actions that are in the best interest of Genco shareholders."
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- Charter Extension: Diana Shipping has extended the time charter contract for the m/v Amphitrite with Cobelfret S.A. at a gross rate of $13,000 per day for the first 30 days and $16,500 thereafter, commencing on February 8, 2026, and lasting until at least March 1, 2027, up to April 30, 2027.
- Revenue Expectations: The charter extension is anticipated to generate approximately $6.15 million in gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period, reflecting the company's stability and profitability in the dry bulk shipping market.
- Fleet Size: Diana Shipping's fleet currently consists of 36 dry bulk vessels with a total carrying capacity of about 4.1 million dwt and a weighted average age of 12.19 years, indicating the company's competitive edge and market position.
- Future Deliveries: The company expects to take delivery of two methanol dual-fuel new-building Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels by the second half of 2027 and the first half of 2028, enhancing its fleet's environmental capabilities and market adaptability.
Shipping in New Charter Period: The new shipping charter period is expected to commence on February 8, 2026.
Impact on Industry: This upcoming charter period may have significant implications for shipping operations and logistics planning.
Charter Contract Extension: Diana Shipping Inc. has extended the charter contract for the M/V Amphitrite, a vessel in its fleet.
Duration and Terms: The extension of the charter is set for a period of 12 months, with specific terms agreed upon by both parties.
- Share Buybacks and Acquisition Proposal: Diana Shipping repurchased approximately 11.5 million shares for $22.9 million in 2025 and proposed a $20.60 per share acquisition of Genco, which was rejected by Genco's board, indicating Diana's aggressive strategy to expand its market share.
- Revenue Visibility and Financial Position: The management has locked in about 71% of remaining ownership days for 2026 with average fixed revenues near $17,700 per day, reporting cash reserves of $133 million and a loan-to-value ratio rising to 53%, with a cash break-even point estimated at around $16,800 per day, suggesting a solid foundation for future profitability.
- Decarbonization and Fleet Renewal: Diana has established a formal decarbonization plan that has improved efficiency by approximately 15% through operational measures and retrofits, and is set to deliver two methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax newbuilds by late 2027 to early 2028, aligning with industry sustainability trends.
- Market Outlook and ESG Priorities: Management noted weak demand in the first half of 2025 but a recovery in the second half, with expectations for global GDP growth of about 3.3% in 2026, while the company continues to advance its sustainability efforts, having published six ESG reports, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Takeover Proposal Overview: Diana Shipping has proposed an all-cash takeover of Genco Shipping at $20.60 per share, representing a 15% premium, aimed at providing Genco shareholders with attractive value, despite Genco's board rejecting the offer and failing to engage in dialogue.
- Financing Support Details: Diana stated that its acquisition plan is backed by strong financing letters from two leading shipping banks, demonstrating confidence in the transaction, even though Genco's decision-making process took over six weeks without timely response.
- Board Nomination Plan: Diana has nominated six shipping industry experts for Genco's new board, aiming to explore strategic alternatives and promote consolidation in the sector, thereby enhancing competitive positioning.
- Market Reaction Analysis: Although Diana's shares fell 0.48% on Friday, retail sentiment on Stocktwits for DSX remains in the 'bullish' territory, indicating investor optimism regarding potential consolidation opportunities.

- Proxy Fight Initiation: Diana Shipping has announced a proxy fight against Genco Shipping, nominating six industry professionals for election to Genco's board, aiming to push for a serious evaluation of its $20.60 per share acquisition proposal to enhance shareholder value.
- Acquisition Proposal Rejected: Genco's board rejected Diana's takeover offer, labeling it inadequate, and took six weeks to respond, indicating a lack of constructive engagement that could impact future collaboration opportunities between the two companies.
- Belief in Industry Consolidation: Diana asserts that consolidation is necessary in the dry bulk shipping sector, believing that a merger would significantly benefit shareholders, reflecting its confidence in the industry's future and commitment to maximizing shareholder value.
- Counterproposal Dispute: Genco again rejected Diana's offer, stating that Diana refused to engage on Genco's counterproposal involving cash and equity, highlighting a clear divide in negotiations that may lead to further confrontational dynamics.








