The 9 Best Stocks to Buy Right Now in October (2026)

Parkev Tatevosian, CFA•Oct 5, 2026

Summary

Parkev presents a detailed investment thesis focused on nine high-conviction stock picks for October, using discounted cash flow (DCF) models to determine fair value. Parkev's market outlook acknowledges significant near-term challenges, such as massive capital expenditures for AI infrastructure and potential negative free cash flow for several tech giants through 2026, yet Parkev maintains that the long-term risk-to-reward ratio remains highly favorable for these industry leaders.

Amazon (AMZN): Parkev calculates a fair value of $292, suggesting over 16% upside from the current market price of $251. While Parkev notes that AI-related investments will cause negative free cash flow in 2026 and 2027, Parkev highlights accelerating growth in the AWS segment as a primary bullish catalyst. Parkev has already purchased Amazon shares for a personal portfolio.

Meta Platforms (META): Parkev sets a fair value of $838 compared to a market price of $728, representing a 15% upside. Parkev is encouraged by the progress of Meta's AI agent, Muse, and believes the company's massive scale creates a growing competitive moat against smaller social media rivals. Parkev has added Meta to a personal investment portfolio.

Netflix (NFLX): Parkev argues that Netflix is one of the most undervalued stocks on the list, with a fair value over $118 despite trading near $67. Parkev acknowledges concerns over slowing engagement but remains optimistic about the company's expansion into short-form content and its industry-leading profit margins. Netflix represents the largest holding in Parkev's portfolio.

Nvidia (NVDA): Parkev values Nvidia at $335 per share, significantly above the current $234 market price. Although Parkev recognizes rising competition and difficult unit economics for AI customers, Parkev emphasizes that Nvidia remains steps ahead of rivals and will benefit from over $800 billion in hyperscaler spending by 2026. Nvidia is Parkev's second-largest portfolio position.

Uber (UBER): Parkev estimates a fair value of $113 for Uber, noting that the stock is currently trading near 52-week lows at $68. Parkev believes the threat from autonomous vehicles is delayed by regulation and that Uber can actually benefit by integrating this technology through partnerships with companies like Lucid and Rivian. Parkev recently bought Uber shares and intends to buy more.

Pinterest (PINS): Parkev identifies a fair value of $35 for Pinterest against a market price of $19. While Parkev notes the risk of Meta capturing more market share due to superior AI investment capacity, Parkev is bullish on Pinterest's growth in the high-ARPU North American user category. Parkev continues to hold Pinterest due to the attractive risk-reward profile.

Visa (V): Parkev calculates a fair value of over $434, projecting an upside of more than 20% from the $361 price level. Parkev acknowledges risks from international regulatory hostility but points to the 4 billion Visa cards in circulation as an inescapable advantage that forces merchant acceptance. Parkev currently holds Visa shares and is interested in increasing the position.

Adobe (ADBE): Parkev values Adobe at $339, citing the company's high switching costs and sticky product ecosystem as protection against AI-driven competitors. Despite current investor concerns, Parkev believes the business remains robust and holds Adobe shares in a personal portfolio.

McDonald's (MCD): Parkev sets a fair value of $283 for McDonald's, seeing potential in the stock even as the market price sits at $232. Parkev argues that innovations in AI drive-thrus, kiosks, and delivery robots will lower labor costs and expand the reach of existing locations. McDonald's is the only stock on the list Parkev does not yet own but intends to add soon.

Mentioned Stocks

AMZN

Sentiment: BUYAction: BOUGHT

Reasoning: Parkev calculates a fair value of $292, which is significantly above the current market price of $251. Despite projected negative free cash flow in 2026/2027 due to heavy AI spending, Parkev views the 37% AWS growth and improving margins as strong tailwinds. Parkev finds the risk-to-reward ratio attractive and has purchased the stock for a personal portfolio.

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