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Exclusive Story The 3 Penny Stocks You Swore You'd Never Buy (But You'll Check Anyway)Submitted by Chris Markoch. Publication Date: 1/18/2026. 
Key Points - 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 hunt for companies with disruptive technologies, exposure to an emerging trend, or a compelling turnaround story. Many of these companies will never survive or scale, but if one does, investors can earn outsized returns. For investors who believe strength lies in numbers, MarketBeat offers a tool that lists the 100 Most Popular Penny Stocks. This ranking is based on the number of MarketBeat subscribers following each company. While that's no guarantee of success, it can give investors added conviction in a stock's potential. Some investors define a penny stock as any stock trading for $5 or less. The stocks covered by this screener, however, follow the traditional definition: i.e., stocks priced below $1. These issues are highly volatile. Be sure to conduct your own research and understand your risk tolerance before initiating 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 such as 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 novel approach. If the company secures FDA approval and successfully scales, its oral vaccines could reduce logistical barriers to mass immunization and create meaningful licensing opportunities. Even positive trial results or a commercial collaboration could materially change sentiment and valuation given the stock's low base. Clinical risk is the largest challenge. Vaxart has not yet brought a product to market, and vaccine development is costly and unpredictable. Competition from established players with larger R&D budgets also limits visibility. For now, Vaxart is a long-term speculative bet on platform validation rather than near-term profitability. The MarketBeat analyst ratings for Vaxart show only a single analyst covering the stock, which may concern investors. VXRT also has just 18% institutional ownership. On the plus side, the stock has only about 2% short interest, which could limit one source of 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 solutions enable precise 3D mapping needed for self-driving systems and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Microvision focuses on developing compact, cost-effective LiDAR units that could appeal to automakers seeking scalable sensor solutions. The bull case for Microvision rests on two factors: continued progress toward vehicle automation and potential partnerships with major automotive manufacturers. If the company can demonstrate superior performance or cost advantages, it could secure supply agreements or licensing deals that significantly improve revenue visibility. Microvision's technology could also be applied beyond vehicles—in robotics and smart cities—adding optionality to its growth story. Despite the promise, Microvision faces stiff competition from LiDAR players such as Luminar (NASDAQ: LAZR), Innoviz (NASDAQ: INVZ), and Ouster (NYSE: OUST). The path to profitability is uncertain, and persistent delays in commercial adoption of LiDAR technology continue to frustrate investors. MVIS is covered by three analysts and has a consensus price target of $2.50, a 169% gain from its Jan. 15 closing price. However, like many speculative names, Microvision has relatively low institutional ownership (around 30%) and high short interest (around 21%), which contributes to significant 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 helps organizations turn raw data into tradable, revenue-generating assets through its patented Datavault platform. By combining AI, blockchain, and analytics tools, Datavault AI aims to democratize data ownership and unlock monetization opportunities that traditional systems overlook. The bullish thesis for Datavault AI lies in its niche focus and scalability potential. As data becomes more valuable, businesses—and potentially individuals—are seeking ways to monetize digital information safely. Datavault's technology could benefit from broader AI adoption and increased attention to data sovereignty. Early-stage traction or strategic partnerships could catalyze investor confidence. Still, Datavault AI operates in a highly experimental area. The company's business model is still evolving, and its path to meaningful revenue growth 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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