5 Top Stocks to Buy in October

As we enter the final three months of 2025, some investors may be looking for red-hot growth stocks with room to run. Whereas others may be searching for beaten-down stocks at compelling valuations to boost their passive income.

With the major indexes near record highs and just a handful of companies able to move the entire S 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC), some investors may feel that there's little choice but to ride the wave. But there are plenty of opportunities if you know where to look.

Down between 11% and 66% from their 52-week highs, here's why these Fool.com contributors believe that PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP), Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET), Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: VRTX), and The Trade Desk (NASDAQ: TTD) stand out as top stocks to buy in October.