** U.S. construction supplies distributor QXO QXO.N on Sunday agreed to buy building products distributor and installer TopBuild BLD.N in $17 billion deal, marking another major acquisition under billionaire dealmaker Brad Jacobs

** Shares of BLD jump ~19%, while QXO falls 5%

SCALE MEETS STRATEGY

** Jefferies says while BLD's installation-heavy model differs from QXO's earlier focus on pure distribution, deal is strategically attractive as it brings in high-quality asset and places QXO closer to its customer

** D.A. Davidson says deal brings in top-tier operator and enhances combined company by adding large-scale installation business that increases its value beyond pure distribution

** Truist Securities says deal could boost earnings meaningfully by 2027, supported by QXO's high valuation, BLD's strong margins and potential for improved market environment

** William Blair says deal is positive as it fits QXO's strategy of building fully integrated building-supplies platform through transformational acquisitions