Download your copy of my QXO investment thesis right here.

After nearly 30 years in the markets—watching, trading, teaching—I can tell you that real opportunity doesn’t usually show up in headlines. It shows up in behavior.

Big moves happen when capital, conviction, and timing collide. And this one? This is one of the most compelling setups I’ve seen in years.

Today, I want to walk you through a trade I usually would’ve saved for my All Access members. But this one’s too good. I’m sharing it with everyone who watches Masters in Trading Live—because I believe this trade has the potential to be one of the most explosive growth stories of the next decade.

Meet QXO: The Jacobs Effect

QXO isn’t your typical mid-cap growth stock. It’s the launchpad for Brad Jacobs’ next billion-dollar blueprint. If you don’t know Jacobs’ name yet, you should.

He built United Rentals (URI) into the largest equipment rental company in the world. He took a small trucking outfit and turned it into XPO Logistics—now a global logistics giant.

And now? He’s back, with a brand-new public vehicle designed to roll up the massively fragmented, analog, $800 billion building products distribution industry.

And get this—Jacobs’ goal? Turn QXO from zero into a $50 billion revenue machine. That’s not me speculating. That’s his stated ambition.

Big Money, Big Moves

In July 2024, Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners dropped $150 million into QXO at $9.14 per share. They joined the board. They funded QXO’s first major acquisition—Beacon Roofing Supply—for $11.2 billion.

That’s not a test run. That’s institutional conviction.

Now you’ve got smart money, a proven operator, and a giant, under-digitized market filled with slow, regional players. That’s Jacobs’ sweet spot. And we’ve seen what he does with that combination. Just look at the charts for XPO and URI after he took the wheel. It’s not hyperbole—it’s precedent.

The Setup Right Now

The chart looks like nothing… until you zoom in. What matters isn’t what QXO was doing a year ago—it’s what it’s doing right now under new leadership. We’re starting to see volume upticks and price momentum as the market catches on to what’s happening under the surface.

And in the options market? That’s where it gets even more interesting.

We’re seeing big volume come into the August 18 calls. Heavy activity that signals institutions are already positioning.

But I’m not chasing that same strike. I want better premium control, so we’re going a little closer to the money. Still bullish. Still directional. Just better risk/reward for retail traders who want in on the action.

Inside All Access, we’ll be diving deeper into the option chain, examining trade structure, and walking through how to play this with precision. But for everyone watching MIT Live, here’s the simple message: this is a stock worth knowing. And it’s early.

Why This Trade Works

Let’s be clear—this isn’t just a story stock. Here’s why I like the setup:

• Founder edge: Jacobs has a track record of building empires.
• Massive market: The $800B total addressable market (TAM) is fragmented, slow, and ripe for consolidation.
• Capital base: With Affinity and Sequoia behind him, Jacobs has the fuel to scale fast.
• No real competition: There’s no other public roll-up doing this.
• Optionality: The options market is already pricing in movement, and we have a way to play it smarter.

We’ve identified potential acquisition targets like BlueLinx Holdings (BXC), GMS (GMS), SiteOne Landscape Supply (SITE), and Builders FirstSource (BLDR) —all of which could play a role in this consolidation story or get disrupted in the process. And if you’re long QXO, those names are worth keeping on your watchlist.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just another story stock I’m pumping up. This is a calculated bet on a proven operator entering his sweet spot with unlimited capital and zero real competition.

The smart money already sees it. Kushner’s $150 million bet proves that. The options activity confirms institutions are positioning. And Jacobs’ track record tells us how this story ends.

I’m obnoxiously bullish on QXO. I think it trades over $30 in the next 12 months. You don’t need to be a pro to see what’s setting up here.

As always, do your own research, understand your risk, and never trade blind.

But if you’re looking for a real opportunity with long-term potential and near-term momentum?

This is one to watch.

Remember, the creative trader wins…

Jonathan Rose

Founder, Masters in Trading