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Just For You The 3 Penny Stocks You Swore You'd Never Buy (But You'll Check Anyway)Submitted by Chris Markoch. Article Published: 1/18/2026. 
Quick Look - 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 looking for companies with disruptive technologies, exposure to emerging trends, or compelling turnaround stories. Many of these firms will never scale, but if 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, ranked by the number of MarketBeat subscribers following each company. While popularity is no guarantee of success, it can give investors additional conviction in a stock's potential. Some investors define a penny stock as any share trading for $5 or less; this screener uses the traditional definition — stocks priced below $1. These shares are highly volatile. Do your own research and know 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 can scale production, its oral vaccines could reduce logistical barriers to mass immunization and create significant licensing opportunities. Positive trial results or a commercial collaboration could materially change sentiment and valuation, given the stock's low base. Clinical risk is the biggest 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 — not uncommon for names at this stage, but a point of caution for investors. VXRT has approximately 18% institutional ownership. On a more positive note, the stock has about 2% short interest, which may 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 enable precise 3D mapping needed for self-driving and advanced driver-assistance systems (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 pillars: the continued push toward vehicle automation and potential partnerships with major automakers. If the company can demonstrate performance or cost advantages, it could secure supply agreements or licensing deals that improve revenue visibility. Microvision's technology also has applications beyond vehicles — robotics and smart cities, for example — 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 recurring delays in LiDAR adoption have frustrated investors. MVIS is covered by three analysts and carries a consensus price target of $2.50, implying roughly a 169% upside from its Jan. 15 close. Like many speculative stocks, Microvision shows relatively low institutional ownership (around 30%) and high short interest (around 21%). That combination can increase volatility, so long-term investors should be cautious. 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 may overlook. The bullish thesis for Datavault AI rests on its niche focus and scalability potential. As data becomes an increasingly valuable commodity, businesses — and potentially individuals — are seeking ways to safely monetize digital information. Datavault's platform could benefit from broader AI adoption and rising awareness of data sovereignty. Early traction or strategic partnerships could catalyze investor confidence. That said, Datavault AI operates in a highly experimental space. Its business model is still evolving, and the 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 should view 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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