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Monday's Bonus Article The 3 Penny Stocks You Swore You'd Never Buy (But You'll Check Anyway)Written by Chris Markoch. Date Posted: 1/18/2026. 
Key Takeaways - 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 typically look for companies with disruptive technologies, exposure to emerging trends, or compelling turnaround stories. Many of these firms will never survive or scale, but if one succeeds, the returns can be impressive. For investors who prefer crowd signals, 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 not a guarantee of success, it can help provide conviction when evaluating speculative names. The Wall Street Journal is asking whether a stock market crash is coming. Research from Weiss Ratings suggests the first half of 2026 could be very tough for certain stocks as a radical shift hits the market. Some of America's most popular names could take serious damage. Analysts have identified five stocks you should consider avoiding before this event plays out. If these are in your portfolio, you'll want to review your positions carefully. See the five stocks to avoid and learn what's driving this shift. Some investors use a $5 threshold to define penny stocks. This screener uses the traditional definition: stocks priced below $1. These issues 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 such as influenza, norovirus, and COVID-19. Unlike 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 platform. If the company can secure FDA approval and scale manufacturing, oral vaccines could reduce logistical barriers to mass immunization and unlock significant licensing or partnership opportunities. Positive trial results or a commercial collaboration could materially change 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 unpredictable. Competition from established players with 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 a single analyst covering VXRT, which should give investors pause. The stock has roughly 18% institutional ownership, and relatively low short interest (~2%), which may dampen 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 solutions enable the precise 3D mapping required 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 bull case rests on continued progress toward vehicle automation and potential partnerships with major automotive manufacturers. If Microvision can demonstrate performance or cost advantages, it could land supply agreements or licensing deals that materially improve revenue visibility. The technology also has potential applications in robotics and smart cities, which adds optionality to the 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 remains uncertain, and repeated delays in commercial LiDAR adoption have tested investor patience. MVIS is covered by three analysts, with a consensus price target of $2.50—about a 169% premium to its Jan. 15 close. Like many speculative names, Microvision shows modest institutional ownership (~30%) and notable short interest (~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 traditional systems often miss. The bullish thesis for Datavault AI is its niche focus and scalability potential. As data becomes increasingly valuable, businesses—and potentially individuals—are seeking ways to monetize digital information securely. Datavault's platform could benefit from broader AI adoption and growing concern for data sovereignty. Early-stage traction or strategic partnerships could catalyze investor interest. That said, Datavault AI operates in an experimental space. Its business model remains in development, and a clear path to meaningful revenue has yet to be demonstrated. Institutional ownership is under 1%, and short interest exceeds 16% at the time of writing. Investors considering DVLT should treat 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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