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Today's Featured Story The 3 Penny Stocks You Swore You'd Never Buy (But You'll Check Anyway)Written by Chris Markoch. Article 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. That often means backing 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, investors can realize outsized returns. For investors who favor crowd-sourced signals, MarketBeat offers a tool that lists the 100 Most Popular Penny Stocks, ranked by the number of MarketBeat subscribers following each company. While that's no guarantee of success, it can provide additional conviction in a stock's potential. Some analysts are revisiting historical monetary resets and the role gold has played when governments faced large debt imbalances.
A new free report examines how gold was previously revalued to support national balance sheets, why recent comments from policymakers and investors have renewed interest in this topic, and what individuals may want to understand about protecting long-term savings during periods of monetary change. Download the free report here Some investors define a penny stock as any equity trading at $5 or less. This screener uses the traditional definition — stocks priced under $1. These securities are highly volatile; conduct your own research and understand 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 infectious diseases, including influenza, norovirus and COVID-19. Unlike traditional injectables, Vaxart's tablet-based platform aims to simplify distribution and improve global accessibility. The bull case for Vaxart rests on its novel delivery approach. If the company secures FDA approval and scales manufacturing, its oral vaccines could reduce logistical barriers to mass immunization and create significant licensing opportunities. Positive trial data or a commercial collaboration could materially 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 expensive 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 show only a single analyst covering VXRT, which is not uncommon for microcap biotech names but should give investors pause. Institutional ownership is relatively low at about 18%. On the positive side, the stock currently has only about 2% short interest, 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. The company's hardware and software 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 hinges on continued progress toward vehicle automation and potential partnerships with major automakers. If Microvision can demonstrate performance or cost advantages, it could win supply agreements or licensing deals that significantly improve revenue visibility. The technology also has potential applications in robotics and smart-city infrastructure, offering additional growth optionality. Still, Microvision faces stiff competition from LiDAR incumbents such as Luminar (NASDAQ: LAZR), Innoviz (NASDAQ: INVZ) and Ouster (NYSE: OUST). The path to profitability is uncertain, and recurring delays in commercial adoption of LiDAR tech continue to frustrate investors. MVIS is covered by three analysts and carries a consensus price target of $2.50, roughly a 169% upside from its Jan. 15 close. Like many speculative names, Microvision shows modest institutional ownership (around 30%) and elevated short interest (around 21%), which can contribute to high volatility for long-term investors. 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 convert 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 centers on Datavault's niche focus and scalability potential. As data becomes an increasingly valuable commodity, businesses and individuals are exploring ways to safely monetize digital information. Datavault's technology could benefit from broader AI adoption and rising interest in data sovereignty. Early-stage 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 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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