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Just For You The 3 Penny Stocks You Swore You'd Never Buy (But You'll Check Anyway)Author: Chris Markoch. Originally Published: 1/18/2026. 
What You Need to Know - 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 typically means looking for companies with disruptive technologies, those tied to emerging trends, or firms with a compelling turnaround story. Many of these companies will never survive or scale, but if even one succeeds, investors can see impressive returns. For investors who believe strength lies in numbers, MarketBeat offers a tool that lists the 100 Most Popular Penny Stocks. This list is based on the number of MarketBeat subscribers following each company. While that's not a guarantee of success, it can provide additional conviction about a stock's potential. A widely followed Wall Street analyst is highlighting AES Corp (AES) as a stock to watch right now, based on signals from his proprietary Power Gauge system. The model tracks factors like momentum, financial strength, and institutional activity across thousands of U.S. stocks.
He breaks down the full reasoning in a short briefing, including why AES is showing unusual strength at this stage of the market. See the full analysis here Some investors define a penny stock as any stock trading for $5 or less. The stocks covered by this screener use the traditional definition: shares priced below $1. These stocks are highly volatile. Do 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, 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 approach. If the company secures FDA approval and successfully scales manufacturing, its oral vaccines could reduce logistical barriers to mass immunization and create meaningful licensing opportunities. Positive trial results or a commercial collaboration could also meaningfully shift sentiment and valuation from the stock's current low base. Clinical risk is the primary 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 limits visibility. For now, Vaxart is 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 may give some investors pause. The stock has about 18% institutional ownership and roughly 2% short interest, which could help limit at least 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. The company's hardware and software enable precise 3D mapping needed for self-driving 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 bullish case for Microvision rests on two factors: continued progress toward vehicle automation and the potential for partnerships with major automotive manufacturers. If the company can demonstrate performance or cost advantages, it could win supply agreements or licensing deals that improve revenue visibility. Microvision's technology may also find applications in robotics and smart-city projects, adding optionality to its growth story. Despite the promise, Microvision faces stiff competition from LiDAR specialists like Luminar (NASDAQ: LAZR), Innoviz (NASDAQ: INVZ), and Ouster (NYSE: OUST). The path to profitability is uncertain, and recurring delays in commercial LiDAR adoption have frustrated investors. MVIS is covered by three analysts and carries a consensus price target of $2.50, roughly a 169% upside from its Jan. 15 closing price. Like many speculative stocks, Microvision shows relatively low institutional ownership (around 30%) and high short interest (about 21%), suggesting investors should expect 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, Datavault AI aims to democratize data ownership and unlock monetization opportunities that traditional systems often miss. The bullish thesis for Datavault AI rests on its niche focus and potential scalability. As data becomes more valuable, businesses and individuals are increasingly interested in safely monetizing digital information. Datavault's platform could benefit from broader AI adoption and rising awareness of data sovereignty. Early traction or strategic partnerships could boost investor confidence. Datavault AI remains an experimental, early-stage company. Its business model is still evolving, and the path to meaningful revenue is unproven. Institutional ownership is under 1%, and short interest exceeds 16% at the time of 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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