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Monday's Bonus Story The 3 Penny Stocks You Swore You'd Never Buy (But You'll Check Anyway)Submitted by Chris Markoch. Originally Published: 1/18/2026. 
In Brief - 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. That often means targeting companies with disruptive technologies, those tied to emerging trends, or firms with compelling turnaround stories. Many of these businesses will never scale or survive, but if even one succeeds, investors can see outsized returns. For investors who believe strength lies in numbers, MarketBeat offers a tool that lists the 100 Most Popular Penny Stocks, ranked by how many MarketBeat subscribers follow each company. While follower count isn't a guarantee of success, it can give investors additional conviction in a stock's potential. A former hedge fund manager known for cutting through market noise is briefly opening access to his flagship trading strategy. In a short demo, he explains how his "One Ticker" approach works — and how readers can access the full service for a year at a steep discount. Watch the brief demo here Definitions vary, and some investors call any stock trading at $5 or less a penny stock. The stocks highlighted by this screener, however, use the traditional definition: i.e., shares priced below $1. These issues are highly volatile — do your own research and know your risk tolerance before opening 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 influenza, norovirus, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases. Unlike traditional injectable vaccines, Vaxart's tablet-based platform is designed to simplify distribution and improve global accessibility. The bull case for Vaxart centers on that innovative delivery approach. If the company secures FDA approval and can scale production, its oral vaccines could reduce logistical barriers for mass immunization and create attractive licensing opportunities. Positive trial data or a commercial collaboration could quickly shift sentiment and valuation, especially given the stock's low base. Clinical risk is the chief challenge. Vaxart has not yet brought a product to market, and vaccine development is expensive and unpredictable. Competition from established players with much larger R&D budgets also constrains visibility. For now, Vaxart is a long-term speculative bet on platform validation rather than near-term profitability. The MarketBeat analyst ratings show only one analyst covering Vaxart — not uncommon for microcap biotechs, but something investors should note. Institutional ownership is only about 18%, while short interest is roughly 2%, which may temper some 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. Its hardware and software aim to enable precise 3D mapping needed for self-driving and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), with a focus on compact, cost-effective units that could appeal to automakers seeking scalable sensors. The bullish thesis rests on two things: the ongoing shift toward vehicle automation and the potential for partnerships with major automotive manufacturers. If Microvision can demonstrate performance or cost advantages, it could win supply agreements or licensing deals that boost revenue visibility. Its technology also has potential applications in robotics and smart cities, adding optionality to the growth story. That said, Microvision faces intense competition from LiDAR specialists such as Luminar (NASDAQ: LAZR), Innoviz (NASDAQ: INVZ), and Ouster (NYSE: OUST). Profitability remains uncertain, and recurring delays in LiDAR adoption have frustrated investors. MVIS is covered by three analysts and carries a consensus price target of $2.50 — about a 169% increase from its Jan. 15 close. Still, it has relatively low institutional ownership (around 30%) and high short interest (around 21%), which means investors should be prepared for considerable volatility. Datavault AI: Trying to Democratize Data Ownership Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ: DVLT) operates at the intersection of artificial intelligence, data monetization, and digital asset management. The company's patented Datavault platform helps organizations convert raw data into tradable, revenue-generating assets by combining AI, blockchain, and analytics tools. Datavault AI's stated goal is to democratize data ownership and unlock monetization opportunities overlooked by traditional systems. The bullish case hinges on a niche focus and potential scalability. As data becomes more valuable, businesses — and individuals — are seeking ways to monetize digital information securely. Datavault's technology could benefit from broader AI adoption and rising interest in data sovereignty. Early traction or strategic partnerships could act as catalysts for investor confidence. Still, Datavault AI sits in a highly experimental space. Its business model is evolving, and a sustainable path to significant revenue is unproven. Institutional ownership is under 1%, and short interest exceeds 16% at the time of writing. Investors should treat DVLT 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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