9 Top Stocks To Buy Now For August 2026

1. Micron Technology (MU)

2. Kodiak Gas Services (KGS)

8. Neurocrine Biosciences (NBIX)

9. Applovin Corporation (APP)

The S&P 500 gained nearly 8% in the first half of 2026, despite geopolitical tensions, lingering inflation and an energy supply shock. Investors have looked past the negatives to the focus on the one positive that can consistently move markets: earnings.

According to Factset, S&P 500 companies have beat consensus estimates by an average 9.2% over the past four quarters. Stock market outlooks from Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Charles Schwab have noted the strong earnings trend and expect it to continue, pushing the S&P 500 even higher by year end. For that reason, the best stocks to buy now focus on large- and mid-cap companies with impressive earnings outlooks.

9 Top Stocks To Buy Now For August 2026

To identify investable companies expected to deliver solid earnings growth, I screened U.S.-traded stocks on:

Expected 2026 EPS growth of 30% or more. EPS growth for this year is the primary qualifier for this list.

Expected EPS growth over the next three years of 20% or more. Adding a lengthier EPS growth outlook threshold helps screen out companies that are benefiting from non-recurring circumstances.

Expected 2026 revenue growth of 15% or more. Earnings growth is often more sustainable when it comes with revenue growth.

Free cash flow growth of 20% or more. Recent free cash flow gains support the growth story, since cash flow is harder to manipulate than EPS.

Forward PE ratio below 30. Forward PE ratio shows the relationship between future earnings and the share price. A high forward PE shows investor confidence in the outlook, but it also adds risk. The stock price could be volatile if the company falls short of expectations.

Market capitalization of $2 billion or more. Larger companies often have more analyst coverage, greater liquidity and more reliable financial reporting.

More than 10 covering analysts and a consensus buy or strong buy rating. Analysts track their companies over time and can quickly identify opportunities and obstacles.

The nine qualifying companies with the highest expected EPS growth rates are introduced in the table below.

A review of each business follows. Metrics are sourced from company reports and StockAnalysis.com. For more investing ideas, see Best index funds 2026 and Best dividend stocks.

1. Micron Technology (MU)

Micron Technology Business Overview

Expected EPS growth: 785%

Expected three-year EPS growth: 171%

Expected revenue growth: 247%

Free cash flow growth: 1,291%

Forward PE ratio: 5.9

U.S.-based Micron makes computer memory and data storage products that are used in AI data centers and a broad range of products.

Why MU Is A Top Choice

Analysts expect Micron Technology to report a 785% EPS gain for fiscal year 2026, which ends on August 31. Micron reported a 538% EPS in the prior year.

The earnings momentum has been good for MU shareholders. The stock price is........

© Forbes