Assessing High-Momentum Final Trade Picks in 2026: Lockheed Martin, QXO, and McKesson

The final quarter of 2026 has emerged as a pivotal moment for investors seeking to capitalize on companies poised to benefit from geopolitical tailwinds, strategic capital infusions, and earnings catalysts. Three names-Lockheed Martin (LMT), QXO (QXO), and McKesson (MCK)-stand out as high-momentum plays in defense, technology, and healthcare sectors, respectively. Their trajectories are inextricably linked to the shifting global landscape, where rising defense budgets, supply chain reconfigurations, and healthcare policy evolution are reshaping industry dynamics.

Lockheed Martin: A Geopolitical Powerhouse in Defense Modernization

Lockheed Martin's dominance in the defense sector is being turbocharged by a perfect storm of geopolitical pressures. The U.S. defense budget for 2026, proposed at a 13.4% increase, has unlocked urgent procurement needs, particularly for advanced systems like the F-35 fighter jet and PAC-3 missile defense platforms. According to a report by Global X ETFs, the company has already raised its 2025 production forecasts, driven by sustained demand and a global arms race intensifying amid conflicts in the Middle East and U.S.-China strategic competition.

Geopolitical alliances are further amplifying Lockheed's opportunities. A reported $10 billion deal with Turkey for fighter jets and Boeing airliners, coupled with partnerships like Rheinmetall's missile manufacturing in Germany, underscores Europe's pivot toward self-reliance in defense spending. These moves align with the EU's Readiness 2030 plan, which aims to close the defense spending gap with the U.S. by 2035. For Lockheed, this means a long-term tailwind as nations prioritize modernization over cost efficiency.

QXO: Digital Transformation and Supply Chain Resilience in a Fractured World

QXO's strategic acquisitions and AI-driven operational overhaul position it as a beneficiary of both technological innovation and geopolitical supply chain shifts. The $11 billion acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply in 2025, financed by a $4.9 billion debt raise and $4.8 billion in equity, has accelerated QXO's digital transformation. CEO Brad Jacobs highlighted the discovery of $200 million in pricing leakage through AI analytics, a revelation that has spurred automation in procurement and logistics.

Geopolitical tensions, such as rising tariffs and trade restrictions, have forced QXO to adopt near-sourcing and supplier diversification strategies, mirroring trends in aerospace and defense sectors. Apollo Global Management's $1.2 billion capital infusion in 2026 further validates QXO's approach, enabling it to pursue a $50 billion revenue target by 2035. The company's focus on building a "modern operating system" for building materials- leveraging real-time inventory tracking and AI-driven pricing-positions it to outperform in an industry historically plagued by inefficiencies.

McKesson: Healthcare's Tech-Driven Growth Engine Amid Policy Shifts

McKesson's fiscal 2026 results-$103.2 billion in revenue and $9.86 in adjusted EPS reflect its mastery of healthcare's evolving landscape. The company's strategic pivot toward high-margin oncology and specialty distribution has been a key catalyst, with its Oncology and Multispecialty segment growing 32% year-over-year. This momentum is fueled by the distribution of GLP-1 medications and the launch of Inspiro Care, a patient hub for cell and gene therapies.

Geopolitical and policy shifts are also reshaping McKesson's trajectory. The rescission of federal support for gender-affirming care for minors and stricter ACA exchange regulations in 2025 have created a fragmented healthcare environment. However, McKesson's $1.4 billion acquisition of a health AI analytics firm in 2024 has equipped it to navigate these challenges through data-driven logistics optimization. The company's goal to reduce fulfillment costs by 25% by 2026 through AI-driven supply chain automation aligns with broader industry trends toward resilience and efficiency.

Conclusion: Positioning for 2026's Geopolitical Realities

Lockheed Martin, QXO, and McKesson exemplify how companies can harness geopolitical tailwinds through strategic innovation and capital deployment. Lockheed's defense contracts are riding a wave of global military modernization, QXO's digital transformation is addressing supply chain fragility, and McKesson's healthcare tech investments are navigating policy turbulence. For investors, these firms represent not just growth opportunities but also a hedge against the uncertainties of a rapidly shifting geopolitical order.