With 2026 fast approaching, we look at three S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) titans leading analysts expect to outperform in the months ahead.
One of the promising companies operates in the global defence space, while the other two are in the healthcare sector.
So, if you're looking to add one or more ASX 200 stocks to your investment portfolio to help start the new year off on the right foot, read on!
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ASX 200 stock with ongoing growth prospects
The first company that could be set for a year of outperformance is DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO).
"The company provides artificial intelligence-based platforms for protection against advanced threats, such as drones and autonomous systems," said MPC Markets' Mark Gardner (courtesy of The Bull).
Gardner, who has a buy rating on this ASX 200 titan, noted the meteoric rise of DroneShield shares over the first nine months of the year, and the painful crash over the past month.
He said:
The shares had enjoyed a strong run, rising from 76 cents on January 3 to close at $6.60 on October 9, driven by new deals with foreign governments and growth forecasts. The shares fell to $2.25 on November 13 and were trading at $2.095 on November 19.
Explaining the rapid fall, Gardner said, "Investors sold their shares after disclosures to the ASX revealed DRO directors had been selling their holdings."
But Gardner noted the fundamentals and valuation look solid. He concluded:
The company generated strong revenue in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 and has a strong contract pipeline across government and military sectors. The shares are trading at a reasonable price for a company with growth prospects.
Despite the big recent fall, DroneShield shares are up 147% over 12 months.
Sigma Health Care shares off to a strong FY 2026 start
The second ASX 200 titan you may wish to add to your portfolio today is Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG).
That's according to Ord Minnett's Tony Paterno, who has a buy recommendation on Sigma Healthcare.
"The healthcare giant reported normalised earnings before interest and tax of $834.5 million in fiscal year 2025, up 41.4% on the prior corresponding period," Paterno said.
"Beyond the strong earnings, SIG's result was underpinned by operating cashflow of $599 million, better than expected net debt of $752 million and a positive outlook," he added.
Paterno concluded:
SIG has started strongly in fiscal year 2026, with Chemist Warehouse posting double-digit network sales growth and an upgraded synergies target. Furthermore, we continue to expect upside via the international rollout and private label strategies.
Sigma Health Care shares are up 12% in a year.
Which brings us to…
ASX 200 titan with 'growth momentum'
Securities Vault's Nathan Lodge this week recommends buying clinical-stage biotechnology company Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB).
"Mesoblast develops allogenic cellular medicines for treating severe and life-threatening inflammatory conditions," he said. "This regeneration therapy company offers growth momentum."
According to Lodge:
Mesoblast's lead product Ryoncil achieved meaningful revenue growth and now benefits from favourable reimbursement codes in the United States.
The company holds a strong cash position of about $US145 million and offers flexibility via a US$50 million convertible note facility to fund the next growth phase. Company commercialisation is progressing and MSB has generated a pipeline of depth.
The Mesoblast share price is up 41% over 12 months.
