7 Stocks to Pretend You Found Before Everyone Else (August 2025 Edition)
Why You’re Totally Early to These 7 Stocks (Sure You Are)
Ah yes, August—the magical month when Wall Street takes a collective nap, CNBC loops last quarter’s earnings reports, and half the analysts are too sunburned to care. But you, savvy investor that you are, are totally on top of it. You’re not just scrolling TikTok and pretending it’s research—you’re actually hunting for stocks to pretend you found before everyone else.
Lucky for you, I’ve rounded up seven names that are either building serious momentum or quietly setting up for something big—just in time for September’s market “surprise.” Whether you’re looking for dividends, growth, or just a good excuse to say, “I bought it before it was cool,” this list is for you.
Let’s be clear: these are not meme stocks. These 7 stock picks—real companies with earnings, catalysts, and stories Wall Street hasn’t fully priced in. Yet. Some cases, already holding)—complete with the why, the risks, and of course, the sarcasm.
The 7 Stocks to Pretend You Found Before Everyone Else (August 2025 Edition)
1. Palantir Technologies (PLTR) – “The AI Enigma”
Why it’s on the list:
Palantir (NYSE: PLTR) has turned its niche in government contracts into a growing AI software empire. In Q1 2025, Palantir posted $634 million in revenue, up 20% year-over-year, with adjusted EPS of $0.08, beating expectations. Government revenue grew 16%, while commercial revenue popped 27%, thanks to its Foundry AI platform catching fire with enterprise clients.
What’s really turning heads? Their profitability streak continues for the sixth straight quarter—a big shift from their early “meme stock” narrative.
I have my eye on this stock. I’m waiting for earnings to come out before making my decision. Which probably means it will shoot up out of my reach.
How to play it:
Palantir has a history of sharp moves around earnings. With Q2 earnings expected mid-August, strong guidance or surprise new deals (especially with defense, energy, or healthcare sectors) could send it past its stubborn $28–30 resistance. Buy before earnings if you’re feeling spicy. Wait for the dip if not.
2. AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) – “The Dividend Dad That Doesn’t Miss”
Why it’s on the list:
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) has weathered the loss of its blockbuster drug Humira with surprising grace. Skyrizi and Rinvoq brought in over $2.4 billion combined in Q1 2025 and are now projected to replace over 60% of Humira’s revenue within the year. The company reported Q1 revenue of $12.3 billion and EPS of $2.30, maintaining their reputation for consistent performance.
With a forward dividend yield of 3.6%, a payout ratio of 53%, and 52 consecutive years of dividend increases, AbbVie remains a dividend aristocrat with real earnings to back it up.
I have owned this stock for years, its one of my largest holdings and has made me a lot of money.
How to play it:
Great for conservative, long-term investors. Accumulate on dips below $160, reinvest dividends, and don’t check it too often unless you enjoy watching slow, beautiful compounding.
3. Valero Energy (VLO) – “Refining the Profit Playbook”
Why it’s on the list:
Valero (NYSE: VLO) is cashing in on refined products—literally. Q2 crack spreads have widened again, especially for gasoline, driving strong downstream profitability. In Q1 2025, Valero delivered $3.1 billion in net income and EPS of $8.10, supported by robust throughput volumes and export demand.
The company has a dividend yield of ~3.2% and a P/E ratio of just 5.7, which screams undervalued in this market. Analysts have a consensus price target of $185, while it’s still trading under $155.
Same goes for VLO as with AbbVie. I have made a good chunk of money from VLO.
How to play it:
Strong momentum with summer travel peaking. Consider buying on oil dips or if crude drops below $80. Otherwise, this is a free cash flow machine with room to run.
4. Target Corporation (TGT) – “Retail’s Punching Bag Turnaround”
Why it’s on the list:
Target (NYSE: TGT) has been beaten down for everything from inventory mismanagement to culture war backlash. But don’t sleep on the fundamentals. In Q1 2025, Target posted $25.2 billion in revenue, a modest recovery, with EPS of $2.12, showing signs of cost control and improved margins.
Inventory levels are finally normalized, and back-to-school season could bring much-needed foot traffic. Plus, TGT still pays a 2.9% dividend yield, has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years, and boasts a payout ratio of just 45%.
I almost bought this stock recently. But chose Wal-Mart instead. Hopefully I made the correct choice. Only time will tell.
How to play it:
Under $140? Buy it. Between $140–$160? Watch it closely. Above $160? Hope you already own it. Expect more gains if consumer sentiment stabilizes and margins improve.
5. Albemarle Corporation (ALB) – “The EV Underdog”
Why it’s on the list:
Albemarle (NYSE: ALB) was a Wall Street darling… until lithium prices fell off a cliff. But even after the drop, demand remains intact. ALB still reported $1.9 billion in revenue and $1.07 EPS in Q1 2025, despite pricing headwinds.
With EV production expected to ramp again by Q4 and global lithium demand projected to triple by 2030, this may be the cheapest entry point you’ll get in years. Bonus: ALB pays a modest 1.1% dividend and has one of the lowest-cost production footprints in the industry.
How to play it:
It’s trading at just 6.2x forward earnings. This is a classic contrarian value-growth play. Load up under $120 if you’re patient, and wait for the inevitable EV narrative revival.
6. Realty Income (O) – “The Monthly Dividend Machine”
Why it’s on the list:
Realty Income (NYSE: O) is the king of consistency. With a monthly dividend yield north of 5.2%, over 650 consecutive monthly payouts, and tenants like Walgreens, FedEx, and Dollar General, this REIT is a core income anchor.
As interest rate hikes stall and inflation moderates, REITs are regaining favor. O has guided for FY2025 AFFO growth of 3%–4%, and Wall Street sees a 12-month upside to $70+ from its current $56–58 range.
I have owned this stock for years and love the monthly dividend income.
How to play it:
If you love getting paid every month like clockwork, this is your move. Great for DRIP investing and retirees. Add more if it dips below $55.
7. Nvidia (NVDA) – “The Expensive Juggernaut That Keeps Winning”
Why it’s on the list:
Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) has become the infrastructure play of the AI revolution. In Q1 2025, it reported a mind-blowing $26.2 billion in revenue, with EPS of $6.12, nearly doubling year-over-year. Their dominance in AI chips, data centers, and custom silicon (like Blackwell) is untouchable—for now.
Yes, the stock has doubled in the past year. Yes, it trades at a P/E of 48. But if you believe in AI—and let’s face it, everyone from TikTok to Tesla does—then NVDA is still worth watching.
As with most of the stock investing world. I own shares of Nvidia and wish I would have bought more when it was cheaper.
How to play it:
If you’re not in already, wait for a post-earnings pullback or broader tech sell-off. Otherwise, dollar-cost averaging into strength isn’t the worst idea when you’re buying the market’s current MVP.
What Is “7 Stocks to Watch in August 2025”?
“7 Stocks to watch” lists are curated collections of equities that analysts, bloggers (like yours truly), and fund managers believe show potential for the near term—either from technical setups, earnings catalysts, or macro tailwinds.
In this post, “7 stocks to watch August 2025” means companies that are strategically positioned right now—not six months from now—offering solid entry points before the market turns the spotlight back on them.
How Can Watching These 7 Stocks Help You?
Following curated watchlists helps you:
- Narrow down decision fatigue in a noisy market
- Spot undervalued opportunities before the herd piles in
- Stay focused on what actually matters: earnings, catalysts, risk/reward
- Balance your portfolio between risk, yield, and momentum
This August list is built to give you a practical edge—whether you’re buying, watching, or just mentally preparing for Q3.
Conclusion: Why You Should Trust the Witty Picks
August is quiet. Too quiet. And that’s exactly why this month gives you an edge.
While Wall Street interns are covering for bosses on vacation and CNBC rehashes earnings from last quarter, you’ve got the perfect window to make moves that matter. It’s not about chasing headlines—it’s about getting in position before the next market narrative takes shape.
You don’t need to buy all seven of these names. You don’t even need to agree with me (though I recommend it—it’s less emotionally damaging). What you should do is track these companies, understand the macro stories behind them, and stay alert when others are coasting.
These picks blend dividends, growth potential, contrarian upside, and strategic trends like AI, EV infrastructure, and consumer rebound. They’re not wild bets—they’re calculated plays with a side of sarcasm.
If you like investing content that’s brutally honest, mildly funny, and doesn’t talk down to you like a robo-advisor with a superiority complex…
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Should I buy these 7 stocks now or wait until September?
A: August often offers better entry points due to low volume and reduced attention. If you’re long-term focused, now may be the best time to ease in—before the crowd wakes up.
Q: Are these all long-term holds?
A: Not necessarily. Some (like AbbVie or Realty Income) are perfect for long-term dividend growth. Others (like Albemarle or Target) may be better swing trades or medium-term holds.
Q: What tools do you use to build your stock watchlist?
A: I use a mix of Seeking Alpha, Finviz, earnings calendars, and a heaping spoonful of sarcasm. The sarcasm comes naturally. But seriously—strong balance sheets, earnings growth, and macro tailwinds guide most of my decisions.
