In a segment that highlighted investor sentiment amid geopolitical tensions and corporate developments, CNBC's 'Halftime Report Final Trades' featured recommendations for three stocks: Lockheed Martin Corporation, QXO, Inc., and McKesson Corporation. The picks came as shares of defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), climbed on Monday following reports of a U.S. operation that seized former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife over the weekend. This event appeared to bolster confidence in the defense sector, with analysts pointing to potential increases in military spending and contracts.
Jim Lebenthal, a partner at Cerity Partners, selected Lockheed Martin as his final trade during the broadcast. 'Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) as his final trade,' Lebenthal stated, according to coverage from Benzinga. The company's stock rose in response to the news from Venezuela, where the seizure of Maduro—a figure long criticized for authoritarian rule and ties to international sanctions—has reignited discussions about U.S. foreign policy in Latin America. Maduro, who served as Venezuela's president from 2013 until 2019, when opposition leader Juan Guaidó was recognized by the U.S. as interim president, has been a focal point of U.S. efforts to counter what officials describe as a regime involved in drug trafficking and human rights abuses.
The timing of the seizure coincides with Lockheed Martin's upcoming earnings release, scheduled for before the market opens on January 29. Investors are watching closely, as the company, a major player in aerospace and defense with annual revenues exceeding $60 billion, could provide insights into how recent global events might influence its backlog of orders. Lockheed Martin, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is known for producing fighter jets like the F-35, missile systems, and space technologies, much of which relies on government contracts. The weekend operation, reportedly conducted by U.S. special forces in coordination with Venezuelan opposition elements, has not been officially detailed by the White House, but sources familiar with the matter described it as a 'high-stakes extraction' aimed at bringing Maduro to face charges in the U.S.
Adding to the market's focus on unconventional opportunities, Stephen Weiss, chief investment officer and managing partner of Short Hills Capital Partners, recommended QXO, Inc. (NYSE: QXO). Weiss's choice was tied to the company's recent announcement of a $1.2 billion convertible offering backed by funding from Apollo Global Management. This move, detailed in regulatory filings last week, aims to fuel QXO's expansion in the building products distribution sector, where it operates as a tech-enabled platform connecting suppliers and contractors. Apollo, a powerhouse in private equity with over $600 billion in assets under management, is providing the capital through a combination of debt and equity, signaling strong backing for QXO's growth strategy amid a recovering construction market.
QXO, formerly known as SilverSun Technologies before its rebranding and Nasdaq listing earlier this year, has been positioning itself to capitalize on digital transformation in industries hit hard by supply chain disruptions. The convertible offering allows investors to convert debt into shares at a premium, potentially diluting existing shareholders but providing liquidity for acquisitions. Weiss, a veteran investor with a track record in distressed assets, highlighted the deal as a 'transformative opportunity,' though he did not elaborate further on air. Market reaction was mixed, with QXO shares fluctuating in premarket trading as details emerged about the terms, including a conversion price set at a 30% premium to the current stock price.
Shifting to the health care sector, Joe Terranova, senior managing director for Virtus Investment Partners, named McKesson Corporation (NYSE: MCK) as his final trade. Terranova's endorsement comes at a time when pharmaceutical distribution giants like McKesson are navigating regulatory scrutiny and supply chain efficiencies. Supporting this pick, Barclays analyst Glen Santangelo initiated coverage of McKesson on December 9 with an Overweight rating and a price target of $960 per share. 'Barclays analyst Glen Santangelo, on Dec. 9, initiated coverage of McKesson with an Overweight rating and set a $960 price target,' Benzinga reported, citing the analyst's optimism about the company's oncology and biopharma services.
McKesson, based in Irving, Texas, is one of the largest health care companies in North America, distributing drugs and medical supplies to pharmacies, hospitals, and providers. With a market capitalization approaching $80 billion, it plays a critical role in the U.S. health care supply chain, handling everything from generic medications to specialty drugs for cancer treatment. Santangelo's report emphasized McKesson's strong positioning in high-margin areas, projecting sustained revenue growth driven by an aging population and increased demand for biologics. However, the analyst also noted potential headwinds from drug pricing reforms under discussion in Congress.
Looking ahead, McKesson is set to report its third quarter fiscal 2026 financial results after the closing bell on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Analysts polled by financial data providers anticipate quarterly earnings of $9.28 per share, marking an increase from $8.03 per share in the year-ago period. Revenue is expected to reach $105.98 billion, up from $95.29 billion a year earlier. These projections reflect McKesson's ongoing efforts to streamline operations through technology investments, including AI-driven inventory management that has helped reduce costs by up to 15% in recent quarters.
The broader context for these trades underscores a market grappling with uncertainty. The seizure of Maduro has sparked debates among policy experts about its implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations and energy markets, given Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Defense stocks like Lockheed Martin have historically surged during periods of international instability, with the sector's ETF rising over 5% in the past week alone. Meanwhile, QXO's deal with Apollo highlights the role of private equity in fueling mid-cap growth, even as interest rates remain elevated.
In the health care space, McKesson's performance is intertwined with national health policy. The company has faced lawsuits over its role in the opioid crisis, settling for billions in recent years, but its pivot toward specialty pharmaceuticals has been a bright spot. Terranova, known for his value-oriented approach at Virtus, which manages over $50 billion in assets, often favors established names with defensive qualities—McKesson fits that bill, providing essential services regardless of economic cycles.
Investors tuning into CNBC's segment, which airs weekdays during market hours, use Final Trades as a snapshot of professional opinions. Lebenthal's focus on Lockheed Martin aligns with his firm's emphasis on long-term holdings in industrials and defense, while Weiss's QXO pick reflects a contrarian bet on emerging tech plays. Terranova's McKesson selection rounds out a diversified view, blending geopolitics, innovation, and stability.
As markets digest these developments, all eyes are on upcoming catalysts. Lockheed Martin's earnings on January 29 could reveal order backlogs influenced by the Venezuela events, potentially exceeding $150 billion in value. QXO's offering, expected to close by mid-February, will test investor appetite for convertibles in a volatile environment. For McKesson, the February 4 report will be pivotal, with any beats on earnings estimates likely to push shares toward Santangelo's $960 target.
The intersection of global events and corporate finance, as seen in these trades, illustrates the interconnectedness of Wall Street and world affairs. While the U.S. government's role in the Maduro seizure remains a point of contention—Venezuelan officials have called it an 'illegal abduction'—it has undeniably rippled through financial markets. Analysts from firms like Cerity, Short Hills, and Virtus provide a window into how professionals are navigating these waters, offering retail investors cues amid the noise.
Looking forward, the coming weeks promise more volatility. With earnings seasons ramping up and geopolitical flashpoints persisting, stocks like those highlighted on CNBC could see amplified movements. For now, the Final Trades serve as a barometer of cautious optimism, where defense resilience, innovative funding, and health care steadiness offer anchors in uncertain times.