Becker Business Podcast Summary

Host: Scott Becker
Episode: 5 Stocks We Love to Follow & Their Best to Worst YTD Results 2-5-26
Date: February 5, 2026

Overview

In this focused solo episode, host Scott Becker reviews the year-to-date (YTD) performance of five stocks he closely follows—Intel, Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Astera Labs, and UnitedHealth Group—with a bonus mention of Palantir Technologies. Scott candidly shares both his investment rationale and personal experiences with these stocks, offering insights into his portfolio’s hits and misses so far in 2026.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stocks Discussed and Rationale for Following Each

• Intel (INTC)

  • Followed for personal interest in tech; not an investor.
  • YTD performance: Up 25–26%
  • Noted as the top YTD performer among the group.

• Coca-Cola (KO)

  • Personal investment driven by admiration for Warren Buffett’s strategies.
  • YTD performance: Up 7.99%
  • "Coca-Cola, Bank of America are two stocks that I invested in when I went through a period of time trying to follow what Warren Buffett was investing in." [01:08]

• Bank of America (BAC)

  • Long-term holding, again inspired by Warren Buffett’s portfolio.
  • YTD performance: Down 3.3%

• Astera Labs

  • Received through a hedge fund distribution.
  • YTD performance: Down 9.46%
  • "I ended up in Astera Labs through a hedge fund I invested in when they made a distribution of the stock. That’s how I have it. I haven’t done it. I’ve held it since." [01:43]

• UnitedHealth Group (UNH)

  • Follows due to deep involvement in the healthcare sector.
  • YTD performance: Down 13%
  • Notes the payer business as "stuck in purgatory," referencing industry-wide stagnation challenges.
  • "Again, the payer business, like the private equity business, as we discussed on another podcast, seems a little bit stuck in purgatory." [01:56]

• Palantir Technologies (PLTR)

  • Additional mention; personal investment from a few years ago.
  • YTD performance: Down 17–18%
  • Admits Palantir was once his “most successful individual stock.”
  • "Of course, that was my most successful individual stock I held. So it is what it is." [02:23]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Investment Inspiration:

  • "Coca-Cola, Bank of America are two stocks that I invested in when I went through a period of time trying to follow what Warren Buffett was investing in." [01:08]

• Healthcare industry sentiment:

  • "The payer business, like the private equity business, as we discussed on another podcast, seems a little bit stuck in purgatory. We’ll see how that goes, whether that changes or revolves. But that’s what’s going on with United Health Group." [01:56]

• Honest Acknowledgement of Losses:

  • "Of course, that was my most successful individual stock I held. So it is what it is." (On Palantir’s sharp YTD decline) [02:23]

Important Timestamps

• 00:10 — Introduction of stocks being covered and rationale for following or investing in them.
• 00:50 — Intel’s strong positive performance (+25–26% YTD).
• 01:00 — Coca-Cola’s steady gain (+7.99% YTD); Buffett-influenced investment philosophy.
• 01:15 — Bank of America’s mild decline (–3.3% YTD).
• 01:30 — Astera Labs’ drop, origin via hedge fund distribution (–9.46% YTD).
• 01:45 — UnitedHealth’s struggles, healthcare market commentary (–13% YTD).
• 02:10 — Palantir Technologies’ steep decline and Becker’s emotional candidness (–17/18% YTD).

Conclusion

This episode gives listeners a transparent look at Scott Becker’s current thinking around major equities he tracks, mixing both the analytical and personal aspects of investing. He highlights the volatility and unpredictability of even well-chosen stocks, while subtly emphasizing diversification and learning from icons like Buffett. Scott’s straightforward “wins and losses” approach is both relatable and informative, particularly for those interested in following real investor journeys through market cycles.