3 Magnificent Stocks to Buy in September

The stock market, that most elegant of games, offers fortunes to those who play with both wit and wisdom. To build wealth, one must invest in enterprises that are not only profitable but possess the gravitas of enduring brands. A prudent investor might begin by considering the companies that grace their daily lives, for familiarity often breeds both comfort and confidence.

To illuminate the path, three sages of Fool.com present their case for three stocks worthy of attention this September: Apple (AAPL), Airbnb (ABNB), and RH (RH). Let us examine their arguments with the detached curiosity such matters demand.

1. Apple still has an ace up its sleeve

John Ballard (Apple): Apple’s shares, having ascended 40% over three years, now linger below their 52-week zenith of $260. A curious state of affairs, given the company’s formidable moat-a fortress of ecosystems that binds customers with the tenacity of a well-tied bow. While flat iPhone sales and a lackluster AI strategy have stirred murmurs among investors, the recent dip is, one might say, a most inviting opportunity.

Apple, that paragon of consumer branding, boasts an installed base of devices that rivals the population of a small nation. With over 2.35 billion active devices, it fuels a services revenue that now constitutes a quarter of its empire. The recent introduction of Apple Intelligence, while a boon for iPhone 16 sales, has failed to ignite the fervor of its proponents. Yet, with $96 billion in free cash flow, Apple’s capacity for acquisition ensures it shall not remain behind for long.

The company’s ecosystem, its growing device base, and its profitability render it a bastion of stability. These advantages, though, are not without their limitations; Apple’s AI strategy remains a curious enigma. Yet, for the patient investor, the current valuation offers a tantalizing proposition.

2. This travel powerhouse is thriving, but its stock isn’t keeping up

Jennifer Saibil (Airbnb): Airbnb’s stock, though lagging its growth, remains a most promising prospect. The company, that arbiter of vacation rentals, has redefined travel with its eclectic array of services-from short-term stays to salons and photography. Its expansion into experiences and global markets is a testament to its adaptability.

Revenue growth, though tempered, remains in double digits, with a 13% increase in Q2. New features, such as flexible payments and refined search systems, enhance user engagement. Yet, the market’s impatience with slowing growth and regulatory hurdles has left its stock languishing. A pity, for Airbnb’s free cash flow of $1 billion and 31% margin suggest resilience.

One might argue that the market’s myopia is tiresome. Airbnb, a company that has mastered the art of reinvention, deserves better. Its brand, now ubiquitous in the U.S., is steadily gaining traction abroad. A stock that has yet to reflect its true potential.

3. Housing stocks are coming back

Jeremy Bowman (RH): RH, once Restoration Hardware, has endured a tempestuous few years. Yet, as the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts loom, the company may find itself in a most favorable position. Its fortunes, tied to the housing market, are poised for a revival.

RH’s expansion into Europe and new ventures-guesthouses, yachts, and more-signals a bold strategy to transcend its traditional niche. With revenue up 12% in Q1 and a valuation trading at 15 times next year’s earnings, the stock appears undervalued. A second-quarter report on Sept. 11 could prove pivotal.

Over time, RH’s potential is considerable. Should the housing market recover, the company’s upside could be as exhilarating as a well-timed champagne toast. For now, it remains a stock worth watching with the patience of a connoisseur.

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2025-08-30 15:12

1. Apple still has an ace up its sleeve

2. This travel powerhouse is thriving, but its stock isn’t keeping up

3. Housing stocks are coming back

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