Small Cap News Movers: Your Daily Digest of Stocks Making Moves on Market News
While most stocks have struggled recently, a handful of companies have bucked the trend fueled by substantial news, major acquisitions, and record earnings.
The broader stock market faced renewed selling pressure today, with major indices experiencing sharp declines. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) plunged 427 points or 1%, extending its recent losing streak as investors remained cautious amid economic uncertainties. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 (SPX) fell 1.78%, and the NASDAQ Composite (IXIC) also slid 2.6%, weighed down by AI-related concerns and disappointing earnings from key tech firms.
While most stocks have struggled recently, a handful of companies have bucked the trend fueled by substantial news, major acquisitions, and record earnings. This article explores the eight micro, small, and mid-cap companies that, despite turbulent market conditions, have seen their shares go through the roof.
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8. MP Materials (MP)
Market Cap as of March 6: $3.99 Billion
MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is a leading producer of rare earth materials, primarily neodymium and praseodymium, essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense applications. The company operates the Mountain Pass mine in California, the only large-scale rare earth mining operation in North America.
Trump’s Announcement: President Donald Trump announced in his address to Congress that his administration is taking historic action to dramatically expand the production of critical minerals and rare earth elements in the United States.
Expected Benefit from New Policy: As the largest rare earth miner in the US, MP Materials is expected to benefit from the new policy.
Recent Achievements: The company reported a record production of rare earth oxides, with 45,455 metric tons of REO in concentrate in 2024.
Supply Agreements: MP Materials has signed supply agreements with major global automakers and the US Department of Defense.
Government Subsidy: The company recently received a $58.5 million tax credit from the government to accelerate its production ramp, which makes it logical to assume that MP will benefit from the new policy.
Stock Performance: MP Materials stock slipped 4.91% on Thursday but is still up 5.17% over the past five days and 48.87% YTD.
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7. SiTime (SITM)
Market Cap as of March 6: $4.2 Billion
SiTime (NASDAQ: SITM) is a leading provider of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) timing solutions that replace traditional quartz crystal oscillators. Its technology enables higher precision and reliability in applications such as 5G, automotive, and IoT devices.
Inclusion in iPhone 16e: A device teardown by TechInsights revealed that SiTime’s timer chips are used in the new iPhone 16e and indicate a significant partnership with Apple.
Confirmation by CEO: SiTime’s CEO, Rajesh Vashist, confirmed the arrangement during a Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) event, stating that the company “has a couple of chips” in the iPhone 16e.
Potential Market Opportunity: SiTime’s precision-timing technology has a vast potential market, and it can be used in various devices, including cars and military navigation systems.
Apple’s Reliance on SiTime: According to SiTime’s annual report, Apple accounts for about 22% of the company’s revenue, making it the largest end customer.
Stock Performance: Despite its shares dipping 2.26% on Thursday, SiTime stock is up 17.16% over the past five trading sessions. YTD, SITM stock is down 20.36%.
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6. Tonix Pharmaceuticals (TNXP)
Market Cap as of March 6: $81.79 Million
Tonix Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: TNXP) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for central nervous system disorders, infectious diseases, and rare conditions. Its pipeline includes potential therapies for fibromyalgia, PTSD, and long COVID.
Positive Data Presentation: Tonix Pharmaceuticals has presented data and analyses of TNX-102 SL treatment effects on fibromyalgia at the 7th International Congress on Controversies in Fibromyalgia, which showed statistically significant improvement in reducing fibromyalgia pain in two double-blind randomized Phase 3 studies.
Upcoming FDA Decision: The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of August 15, 2025, for a decision on marketing authorization for TNX-102 SL, which could lead to the approval of the first new treatment option for fibromyalgia patients in 15 years.
Potential For First-In-Class Treatment: If approved, TNX-102 SL would become the first member of a new class of non-opioid analgesic drugs for fibromyalgia, providing a new treatment option for patients with limited effective treatments.
Contract With the US Department of Defense: Tonix Pharmaceuticals recently announced a contract with the US DoD’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) for up to $34 million over five years to develop TNX-4200, a small molecule broad-spectrum antiviral agent, which demonstrates the company’s potential for partnerships and collaborations.
Stock Performance: After soaring 33.49% on Thursday, Tonix Pharmaceuticals stock is now up 82.65% over the past five days. However, TNXP shares are down 53.41% YTD.
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5. CarParts.com (PRTS)
Market Cap as of March 6: $63.8 Million
CarParts.com (NASDAQ: PRTS) is an e-commerce platform specializing in aftermarket auto parts and accessories. The company leverages data-driven inventory management and a direct-to-consumer model to provide cost-effective car repair solutions.
Exploration of Strategic Alternatives: CarParts announced that it is exploring strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value, including a possible sale of the company.
Possible Sale of The Company: The mention of a possible sale of the company sparked speculation about a potential takeover or acquisition, which can often lead to a significant increase in stock price.
Inbound Strategic Inquiries: CarParts.com has received inbound strategic inquiries, suggesting potential buyers are interested in the company.
Engagement of Financial and Legal Advisors: The appointment of Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC as financial advisor and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati as legal counsel indicates that the company is taking a serious and professional approach to exploring strategic alternatives.
Stock Performance: CarParts.com shares are up 19% over the past five days, even after Thursday’s 4.03% decline. YTD, PRTS stock is up 16.67%.
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4. ChromaDex (CDXC)
Market Cap as of March 6: $597.9 Million
ChromaDex (NASDAQ: CDXC) is a bioscience company known for its proprietary ingredient, Niagen, a patented form of nicotinamide riboside (NR) that supports cellular health and aging research. The company partners with major health brands to commercialize its anti-aging supplements.
Record Revenue Growth: ChromaDex reported a 37% year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching $29.1 million in Q4 2024, surpassing the consensus estimate by 7.47%. The company’s gross margin improved by 150 basis points to 62.5%.
Net Income Turnaround: The company achieved a net income of $7.2 million in Q4 2024, contributing to a full−year net income of $8.6 million, a significant turnaround from a net loss in 2023. The company reported quarterly earnings of $0.03 per share, beating the consensus estimate of $0.02 per share by 50%
Strong E-commerce Sales: The e-commerce channel experienced robust growth with net sales of $17.3 million, a 30% increase year-over-year.
NIAGEN Ingredient Sales Growth: The NIAGEN ingredients business saw a 96% increase in net sales year-over-year, driven by strong demand for food- and pharmaceutical-grade products.
Strong Financial Health: ChromaDex ended the year with $44.7 million in cash and no debt, indicating strong financial health.
Stock Performance: Despite Thursday’s 10.06% correction, ChromaDex shares are up 41.62% over the past five trading sessions. YTD, CDXC stock is up 40.33%.
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3. ARB IOT (ARBB)
Market Cap as of March 6: $20.33 Million
ARB IOT (NASDAQ: ARBB) is a Malaysian technology company that provides IoT (Internet of Things) solutions for smart buildings, energy management, and industrial automation.
Major Order Win: ARB IOT has secured a significant order with Gajah Kapitalan worth approximately $45 million for its AI data center server solution, which is a substantial revenue boost.
Validation of ARB IOT’s Technology: The order from GKSB validates ARB IOT’s AI server solutions and its ability to deliver high-performance and cost-effective products. The partnership also provides a platform for future collaborations and growth opportunities, both in Malaysia and beyond.
Positive Guidance: The company’s CEO, Dato’ Sri Liew Kok Leong, expressed confidence in the company’s ability to deliver significant cost savings and operational efficiencies to customers, which suggests a positive outlook for the company’s future financial performance.
Stock Performance: ARB IOT stock experienced a modest 8.08% pullback on Thursday, but ARBB shares are still up 21.87% over the past five days. YTD, ARB IOT stock is up 53.80%.
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2. Chimerix (CMRX)
Market Cap as of March 6: $758.48 Million
Chimerix (NASDAQ: CMRX) is a biopharmaceutical company developing antiviral and oncology treatments. Its pipeline includes ONC201, a promising therapy for brain tumors, and brincidofovir, an antiviral treatment for smallpox and other viral infections.
Potential Acquisition: Chimerix’s stock has surged by almost 70% due to announcing a definitive agreement with Jazz to acquire the company for approximately $935 million. The acquisition is expected to close in Q2 2025, pending approval.
Significant Premium: Jazz Pharmaceuticals is offering $8.55 per share, a 72.4% premium to Chimerix’s closing price of $4.96 on March 4.
All-Cash Deal: The acquisition is an all-cash transaction, provides certainty for Chimerix shareholders and eliminates any potential risks associated with a stock-based transaction.
Potential Value of Dordaviprone: Dordaviprone, Chimerix’s lead investigational candidate, has significant potential value as a treatment for a rare and aggressive brain tumor. Dordaviprone is currently under review by the FDA.
Stock Performance: Despite a tiny 0.35% decline on Thursday, Chimerix stock is up 75.26% over the past five days. YTD, CMRX stock is up 148.67%.
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1. Visionary Holdings (GV)
Market Cap as of March 6: $18.46 Million
Visionary Holdings (NASDAQ: GV) is a China-based company specializing in private education services. The company operates international schools and vocational training programs, benefiting from China’s growing demand for high-quality education services.
New Energy Vehicle Project: Visionary Holdings has entered the new energy vehicle market with a focus on developing a range of new energy vehicles, including compact sedans, luxury SUVs, and pickup trucks.
Financing Deal: Visionary Holdings has secured a $1 billion financing consent letter from the Alfardan Group of Qatar, which will be used to drive the development of its new energy vehicle project, PEGASUS.
Global Expansion: Visionary Holdings plans to expand into the European and American markets and to cooperate with internationally renowned enterprises.
Strong Product Pipeline: The company has initially launched two core vehicle models and plans to introduce more models.
Technological Advancements: Visionar Holdings is focusing on developing advanced technologies, such as high-energy-density solid-state battery technology, to stay ahead of the competition.
Stock Performance: Shares of Visionary Holdings soared another 32.34% on Thursday and is up 221.71% over the past five trading sessions. YTD, GV stock is up 112.61%.
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Conclusion
Despite the recent turmoil in the US stock market, several stocks have bucked the trend and posted notable gains. To capitalize on these opportunities while minimizing risk, it’s essential for investors to understand industry developments, and company-specific factors can help investors identify the key catalysts driving the performance of these smaller-cap stocks. Often overlooked in favor of their larger counterparts, these stocks can provide significant growth opportunities for those willing to delve deeper.
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Disclaimer: Wealthy VC does not hold a position in any of the stocks, ETFs or cryptocurrencies mentioned in this article.
