Stocks to Buy Today
Here are five U.S.-listed stocks to watch on Friday, August 14, ranked after the first 25 minutes of trading. The model highlights companies with strong cash flow, upgraded guidance, and valuations that offer some margin for error. Prices are based on intraday data close to 9:54 a.m. ET; consider limit orders as opening volatility continues.
Retail sales fell for the first time in nine months, missing expectations for a 0.1% increase. Stocks were mostly unchanged, as weaker consumption hints at a less aggressive rate policy, though rising oil prices continue to pose an inflation risk.
AerCap
NYSE: AER
AerCap stands out for its strong cash flow, generous capital returns, and attractive valuation. Adjusted return on equity hit 18% in the second quarter, with operating cash flow at $1.5 billion and buybacks for 2026 exceeding $1.4 billion. Shares are priced at less than nine times the company’s upgraded earnings outlook.
09:53 ET: Shares at $150.76, up 1.05%. Consensus rating is Strong Buy, with an average price target of $179.30 and a range of $165 to $190, implying an 18.9% potential upside.
Adjusted net income came in at $811 million, with adjusted earnings per share at $5.14. Operating cash flow totaled $1.5 billion, while asset sales reached $1.4 billion. The gain-on-sale margin stood at 20%.
The 2026 adjusted EPS is forecast at approximately $16.80, with guided earnings at 9.0 times and a book value of $119.21 per share. The adjusted return on equity stands at 18%.
Initial buy between $149 and $152. Add more if the price falls to $143–$146. Avoid buying above $154.
Lease yields, airline credit quality, aircraft sale margins, and stock buybacks, with shares still trading near initial entry levels.
Uber
NYSE: UBER
Uber’s gross bookings rose 24%, and quarterly free cash flow hit $2.79 billion. Free cash flow over the past 12 months topped $10 billion for the first time. The stock trades at nearly 17 times projected 2027 earnings.
At 09:53 ET, shares were at $76.22, up 0.45%. The stock holds a consensus Buy rating, with an average price target of $102.59 and estimates ranging from $70 to $150, suggesting an implied upside of 34.6%.
Gross bookings rose 24% to $58.02bn. Revenue was up 12% to $14.19bn, with adjusted EBITDA climbing 33% to $2.82bn. Free cash flow reached $2.79bn.
Third-quarter bookings are projected between $58.25 billion and $60.25 billion, with non-GAAP EPS expected to range from $0.84 to $0.88. Consensus for fiscal 2027 EPS stands at $4.46, valuing the stock at 17.1 times forward earnings.
Initial buy range: $75–$77; consider adding at $71–$73; avoid purchases above $80
Mobility and delivery margins, free cash flow conversion, share count reduction, and capital needs for autonomous vehicle partnerships.
Taiwan Semiconductor
NYSE: TSM
TSMC reported a 44.7% year-over-year increase in July revenue, following a quarter with a 67.7% gross margin. Trading at roughly 19.7 times projected 2027 earnings, the ADR is still less expensive than many peers benefiting directly from AI. The current pullback provides an attractive entry point for investors.
As of 09:53 ET, shares are priced at $427.25, down 0.75%. Analysts rate the stock a Strong Buy, with an average target of $547.09 and estimates ranging from $431.50 to $700, indicating a potential upside of 28.1%.
Second-quarter revenue reached $40.20 billion, with a gross margin of 67.7% and an operating margin of 60.3%. July revenue came in at NT$467.58 billion, up 44.7% from a year ago.
The company forecasts third-quarter revenue between $44.6 billion and $45.8 billion, with an expected gross margin of 65% to 67%. Analysts project full-year 2027 earnings per share at $21.74, valuing the stock at 19.7 times forward earnings.
Initial tranche: $424–$430. Add positions at $410–$417. Avoid chasing above $438.
August revenue, growth in advanced-packaging capacity, progress on the 2-nanometre ramp, and the impact of new overseas fabs on margins.
dLocal
NASDAQ: DLO
dLocal reported a 92% increase in payment volume and raised its forecasts for both volume and gross profit. However, this comes with a lower take rate and a gross margin of 32%. While today’s share decline makes the stock more attractive on valuation, the position remains smaller than the three main holdings.
As of 09:53 ET, shares traded at $14.36, down 2.71%. The stock holds a consensus Buy rating, with an average price target of $18.35 and a range from $14.50 to $21, suggesting a potential upside of 27.8%.
Total payment volume reached $17.7 billion, up 92%. Revenue climbed 56% to $399.7 million. Gross profit rose 29% to $127.2 million, while adjusted free cash flow increased 41% to $68.5 million.
Guidance for 2026 projects TPV growth of 60%–70% and gross profit growth between 25% and 30%. Full-year 2026 consensus EPS stands at $0.83, valuing shares at 17.3 times forward earnings.
Initial tranche at $14.20–$14.55; add between $13.40–$13.80; avoid buying above $15.05.
Gross profit per dollar of TPV, operating leverage, Mexico pricing, and customer concentration are key factors.
Tapestry
NYSE: TPR
Tapestry shares dropped 16.5% on Thursday, erasing much of the company’s recent valuation gains. Coach sales rose 14%, quarterly profit topped forecasts, and the midpoint of fiscal 2027 EPS guidance is just above previous consensus. Kate Spade continues to be the main reason for the stock’s lower weighting.
At 09:53 ET, shares traded at $129.16, up 0.60%. The stock carries a consensus Buy rating, with an average target price of $175.13 and estimates ranging from $138 to $232, implying a potential upside of 35.6%.
In the fourth quarter, revenue rose 8.9% to $1.88 billion. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.32. Coach sales grew 14%, while Kate Spade sales fell 7%. Revenue from China jumped 28%.
Forecasts for fiscal 2027 call for revenue between $8.4 billion and $8.5 billion, with adjusted earnings per share expected to range from $7.80 to $7.90. Guidance implies a 16.5 times multiple at the midpoint. The company has also increased its quarterly dividend by 16%.
Initial buy range: $126–$130. Consider adding between $118–$122. Avoid purchases above $135.
Coach posted growth in the first quarter, while Kate Spade showed signs of a turnaround. The company also reported steady North American traffic and maintained strong gross-margin discipline.
| Ticker | Price | Forecast | Fwd P/E | Avg target | Upside | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AER | $150.76 | 2026 guide $16.80 | 9.0× | $179.30 | +18.9% | $149–$152 |
| UBER | $76.22 | FY2027 est. $4.46 | 17.1× | $102.59 | +34.6% | $75–$77 |
| TSM | $427.25 | FY2027 est. $21.74 | 19.7× | $547.09 | +28.1% | $424–$430 |
| DLO | $14.36 | FY2026 est. $0.83 | 17.3× | $18.35 | +27.8% | $14.20–$14.55 |
| TPR | $129.16 | FY2027 guide $7.85 | 16.5× | $175.13 | +35.6% | $126–$130 |
Prices reflect intraday levels as of 09:54 ET. Tapestry and dLocal analyst estimates could still be updating following Thursday’s results. Broad target ranges indicate analyst disagreement rather than assured returns.
Earnings and forecast updates
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet
Valuation compared to projections
Entry quality following the move
Short-term event risk
Let the first hour settle; build each position in three tranches.
Initiate positions in AerCap, Uber, and TSMC within their current ranges. Hold dLocal and Tapestry at half their suggested weights until the first hour shows sustained buying following earnings updates. Avoid using market orders after sharp price movements.
WAIT FOR PRICE DISCOVERY
Shares fell 3.4% as of 09:54 ET following the quarterly report. A broad opening range and a steep current-year multiple make the stock less attractive for new positions.
DO NOT CHASE VOLATILITY
Shares fell 2.1% following an 11.6% earnings surge on Thursday, suggesting the stock is consolidating after a volatile two-day move.
QUALITY, LITTLE DISCOUNT
Shares rose 1.1% to around $361.53. With an earnings multiple in the mid-30s, there’s limited margin for missteps.
The broader market is approaching record highs, oil prices are climbing, and two picks have recently updated earnings. AerCap, Uber, and TSMC make up the largest share of the portfolio, while dLocal and Tapestry have smaller initial positions.
Retail sales slipped 0.6% in July, while crude prices holding above $82 continue to pose an inflation risk. Any fresh climb in Treasury yields could pressure technology stock valuations. In this market, limit orders are proving more important than chasing target-price gains.