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Today's Featured Story The 3 Penny Stocks You Swore You'd Never Buy (But You'll Check Anyway)Written by Chris Markoch. Article Posted: 1/18/2026. 
At a Glance - Vaxart is a clinical-stage biotech developing oral vaccines that could transform global immunization if its platform proves effective.
- Microvision develops cost-effective lidar technology for autonomous vehicles, with upside tied to industry adoption and potential partnerships.
- Datavault AI focuses on monetizing digital data through AI and blockchain tools, offering speculative exposure to the emerging data-as-an-asset theme.
Penny stocks attract speculative investors seeking high-risk, high-reward opportunities. Investors often target companies with disruptive technologies, exposure to an emerging trend, or a compelling turnaround story. Many of these firms will never scale or survive, but if even one succeeds, returns can be significant. For investors who believe strength lies in numbers, MarketBeat offers a tool that lists the 100 Most Popular Penny Stocks, ranked by the number of MarketBeat subscribers following each company. While follower counts aren't a guarantee of success, they can provide added conviction for some investors. A major shift is coming to the gold market — the world's largest gold buyer is preparing to launch a new way for everyday Americans to invest in gold with a click, and when it goes live in 2026 it could unleash a wave of demand unlike anything we've seen. Garrett Goggin believes one $1.60 gold stock is positioned to be a prime beneficiary of this surge — a move where even a small price jump could mean a meaningful gain — along with several other miners set to ride the same trend. Click here to see the $1.60 gold stock and Garrett's full list of recommendations Some investors define penny stocks as any shares trading at $5 or less, but this screener uses the traditional definition — stocks priced below $1. These securities are highly volatile; conduct your own research and know your risk tolerance before establishing a position. Vaxart: A Potential Game-Changer for Global Immunization Efforts Vaxart Inc. (NASDAQ: VXRT) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing oral vaccines for infectious diseases, including influenza, norovirus, and COVID-19. Unlike traditional injectable vaccines, Vaxart's tablet-based platform aims to simplify distribution and improve global accessibility. The bull case for Vaxart centers on its innovative delivery approach. If the company obtains regulatory approval and can scale production, its oral vaccines could reduce logistical barriers to mass immunization and enable lucrative licensing partnerships. Positive trial results or a commercial collaboration could markedly shift sentiment and valuation from the stock's current low base. That said, clinical risk is the primary challenge. Vaxart has not yet brought a product to market, and vaccine development is costly and uncertain. Competition from established players with larger R&D budgets also constrains visibility. For now, Vaxart represents a long-term speculative bet on platform validation rather than near-term profitability. The MarketBeat analyst ratings show only a single analyst covering Vaxart, which warrants caution. VXRT has about 18% institutional ownership. On the positive side, the stock has only about 2% short interest, which may limit some downside pressure and reduce a portion of its volatility. Microvision: Developing Cost-Effective LiDAR Units For Autonomous Driving Microvision Inc. (NASDAQ: MVIS) develops LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors used in autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, and industrial sensing. The company's hardware and software enable precise 3D mapping needed for self-driving systems and advanced driver-assistance (ADAS). Microvision focuses on compact, cost-effective LiDAR units that could appeal to automakers seeking scalable sensor solutions. The bull case for Microvision rests on two catalysts: continued progress toward vehicle automation and potential partnerships with major automotive manufacturers. If Microvision can demonstrate superior performance or cost advantages, it could secure supply agreements or licensing deals that materially improve revenue visibility. The technology could also find applications beyond vehicles — in robotics and smart-city deployments — adding optionality to its growth thesis. Despite the promise, Microvision faces stiff competition from LiDAR specialists such as Luminar (NASDAQ: LAZR), Innoviz (NASDAQ: INVZ), and Ouster (NYSE: OUST). The path to profitability remains uncertain, and delays in commercial adoption of LiDAR continue to frustrate investors. MVIS is covered by three analysts and carries a consensus price target of $2.50 — roughly a 169% increase from its Jan. 15 closing price. However, like many speculative names, Microvision has relatively low institutional ownership (around 30%) and elevated short interest (about 21%), which can contribute to pronounced volatility. Datavault AI: Trying to Democratize Data Ownership Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ: DVLT) operates where artificial intelligence, data monetization, and digital asset management intersect. The company helps organizations turn raw data into tradable, revenue-generating assets via its patented Datavault platform. By combining AI, blockchain, and analytics, Datavault AI aims to democratize data ownership and unlock monetization opportunities that traditional systems often overlook. The bullish thesis for Datavault AI lies in its niche focus and scalability potential. As data grows more valuable, businesses — and even individuals — are exploring ways to securely monetize digital information. Datavault's technology could benefit from broader AI adoption and rising awareness of data sovereignty. Early traction or strategic partnerships could catalyze investor interest. Still, Datavault AI operates in a highly experimental space. Its business model is evolving, and the path to meaningful revenue is unproven. Institutions own less than 1% of the stock, and short interest exceeds 16% as of this writing. Investors considering DVLT should view it as a long-term, speculative position based on belief in data-as-an-asset innovation rather than near-term earnings potential.
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