Deutsche Bank analyst Amit Mehrotra upgraded Star Bulk Carriers (SBLK) to Buy saying his trip to Asia last week supported his expectation for "strong outperformance" in dry bulk equities starting in 2016. "Sharply" higher spot rates in the last two months of this year will provide a catalyst for shares, Mehrotra tells investors in a research note. He keeps a $3 price target for the stock. Star Bulk closed Friday up 20c to $2.43. The analyst also has Buy ratings on Diana Shipping (DSX) and Scorpio Bulkers (SALT).

Diana Shipping has entered into a time charter contract with Bohai Shipping Co., Ltd, for one of its Capesize dry bulk vessels, the m/v P. S. Palios. The gross charter rate is $27,150 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period until minimum November 1, 2025 up to maximum December 31, 2025. The charter is expected to commence on May 12, 2024. The "P. S. Palios" is a 179,134 dwt Capesize dry bulk vessel built in 2013. The employment of "P. S. Palios" is anticipated to generate approximately $14.39 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charter.