Key Takeaways
- The ‘Big Short’ investor Michael Burry announced he has taken positions in both QXO common shares and preferred stock
- Shares of the building-products distributor rallied 7.4% on Monday after Burry’s investment disclosure
- Burry highlighted CEO Brad Jacobs’ proven acquisition track record and QXO’s consolidation strategy as primary investment drivers
- The investor prefers the 5.5% Series B mandatory convertible preferred shares for dividend income and downside cushion
- Stocktwits data shows retail trader sentiment flipped to “extremely bullish,” with message activity jumping 467% over the past month
Michael Burry, the legendary investor who profited from predicting the 2008 subprime mortgage collapse, announced a fresh stake in QXO during Monday’s trading session. Shares responded with a 7.4% rally.
The disclosure came through Burry’s Substack newsletter, where he explained: “QXO is a building products roll-up. Scale makes sense in this business.” His position includes both the company’s common equity and its 5.5% Series B mandatory convertible preferred shares.
The stock finished Monday’s session reflecting that substantial 7.4% jump, marking one of the day’s standout performers across equity markets.
Central to Burry’s investment case is Brad Jacobs, QXO’s chief executive who previously built United Rentals and XPO into major industry players. Burry emphasized Jacobs’ demonstrated ability to create value through strategic acquisitions.
“The stock is way down, and I see an opportunity to jump on board,” Burry explained in his post.
QXO has been rapidly consolidating the highly fragmented building-products distribution sector through targeted acquisitions. The company’s 2025 purchase of Beacon Roofing Supply significantly expanded its footprint throughout roofing and broader construction supply channels.
Preferred Shares Offer Income and Safety Cushion
Burry expressed particular interest in QXO’s preferred stock, which delivers a 7.4% cumulative current dividend yield. These securities are scheduled to automatically convert to common shares on or around May 15, 2028, though early conversion is possible.
“The common is about as attractive as the preferred, but I like the dividend as some downside protection,” he noted.
While recognizing challenges from housing market volatility, interest rate movements, and fuel cost pressures, Burry characterized these factors as temporary headwinds rather than fundamental concerns.
Retail Investor Interest Explodes
Activity on Stocktwits revealed QXO sentiment rocketing from “bullish” to “extremely bullish” within just one week. Message volume exploded 467% month-over-month, while the number of users tracking the ticker increased 4%.
Such enthusiastic retail response to a Burry position announcement has become typical. His reputation continues to resonate strongly, particularly among value-oriented market participants.
Burry’s broader portfolio commentary revealed he’s exiting artificial intelligence investments completely. “The house party is packed, pushing AI higher today, but I am largely ignoring the ‘woo-hoos,'” he stated.
Additional new holdings disclosed include Ero Copper, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Zoetis. He’s also increasing his stake in Temple & Webster, an Australian online furniture retailer that’s declined approximately 82% over the trailing twelve months.
QXO trades significantly below previous peak levels, a factor that caught Burry’s attention. His investment case depends on management’s continued success executing acquisitions and capturing the operational efficiencies that come with larger scale.
The 467% spike in retail discussion volume around QXO during the month after Burry’s announcement indicates his position has resonated far beyond professional investor circles.



