Daily FNArena News - Small Caps

Goldman Sachs has downgraded Oakton to a Neutral rating following recent share price gains while also removing the stock from its Buy list.

Having not made an acquisition since 2010, Programmed Maintenance has expanded its ground maintenance operations and on the news equity brokers remain positive on the stock.

Interest in junior oil and gas services company Matrix Composites and Engineering is expanding as Goldman Sachs has initiated coverage on the stock.

Moelis has initiated coverage on mining services junior MACA with a Buy rating, attracted to both valuation and a solid earnings growth outlook.

Brokers argue the market is missing the upside opportunity of a likely major de-risking ahead for biotech Pharmaxis.

Exploration success is likely to see Nimrodel Resources add to its coal resource in Botswana, suggests DJ Carmichael.

LaserBond is a micro-cap specialising in protective coatings for machinery operating in hostile environments, and is on the move.

Small cap specialist researcher Microequities has issued a Strong Buy recommendation on Cash Converters following its regulation-inspired fall.

Fresh from signing deals with Holcim in Sri Lanka and with major airline Lufthansa, Algae.Tec has now signed an equity joint venture in China with a 250-module facility to be constructed.

QRxPharma has signed a strategic partnership with Actavis and brokers are positive on the deal given the royalties to be received and the potential for further agreements to be signed.