** Truist initiates coverage on Ireland-based aircraft leasing company AerCap Holdings AER.N with "buy" rating and a price target of $159

** PT represents a 14.7% upside to the stock's last close

** Truist believes AER could easily work with original equipment manufacturers to grow its order book, but co won't pay up for that growth

** Brokerage calls AER's recent deal to acquire an order book of 52 A320neo (latest technology) aircraft from a customer that filed for bankruptcy along with options to buy 45 additional aircraft, a great example

** "AER operates at lower than required leverage to ensure it has the capacity to act when attractive acquisitions or asset deals arise." - Truist

** Adds, supply/demand for aircraft remains in lessors' favor; expects adj. EPS of $15.41 and $16.72 in 2026 and 2027

** Eight of nine brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher and one "hold"; their median PT is $148.5; according to data compiled by LSEG

** As of last close, shares up 44.8% YTD

(Reporting by Megavarshini G. Somasundaram in Bengaluru)

((Megavarshini.SomasundaramGnanasundari@thomsonreuters.com))