Becker Business Podcast — Episode Summary
Host: Scott Becker
Episode Title: 5 Stories We Are Following Today 8-19-25
Date: August 19, 2025
Overview
In this concise episode of the Becker Business Podcast, Scott Becker offers a quick rundown of five key business stories dominating financial news on August 19, 2025. The focus is on recent market movements, standout stocks, and notable earnings performances, providing listeners with actionable updates and insights into the current business landscape.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Market Performance: Slight Downturn
- The overall markets are experiencing a small dip, down roughly a third of a percentage point.
- Scott notes it’s “not too bad,” indicating no major panic or bearish sentiment—just a minor pullback.
2. Intel Surges on SoftBank Investment
- Intel is up nearly 8% in trading, attributed to news of a new investment from SoftBank.
- “Intel’s been rebounding some,” Scott observes, highlighting this as a significant positive reversal for the company amidst previous struggles.
3. Calendar (AI Stock) Slumps for Fifth Straight Day
- Calendar, identified as one of the hottest AI stocks in the prior year, has fallen again, marking its fifth consecutive day of losses.
- This is its “first consecutive five-day loss period” in a very long time, suggesting a noteworthy shift in investor sentiment or company news.
4. Peloton: Short-Term Drop, Long-Term Rebound
- Peloton’s stock dropped 5.8% for the day and is down about 8% year-to-date in 2025.
- Despite short-term losses, “still a great rebound over the last year” with the stock up 146% over the past 52 weeks.
- Scott sums up the current moment: “Peloton is spinning its wheels.”
5. Premier Inc. (Healthcare GPO) Beats Expectations
- Premier Inc., a group purchasing organization (GPO) in healthcare, is up 8% today after surpassing both revenue and earnings expectations.
- Scott draws a parallel to broader healthcare industries: “Just like health systems having a better first half than expected. I put Premier into that category too.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Market Movement:
“The markets are slightly down again today. We’ll see if that lasts, but not too bad—about a third of a percentage point.”
— Scott Becker [00:05]
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On Intel’s Rally:
“Intel is up almost 8%. A news that SoftBank is going to take an investment in Intel. Intel’s been rebounding some.”
— Scott Becker [00:10]
-
On Calendar’s Streak:
“That’s the first consecutive five-day loss period they’ve had and I think forever—at least in a very long time.”
— Scott Becker [00:32]
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On Peloton’s Performance:
“Peloton is spinning its wheels. It’s down 5.8% today... but still a great rebound over the last year where it’s up 146% over the last 52 weeks.”
— Scott Becker [00:35]
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On Premier’s Performance in Healthcare:
“Premier Inc. GPO firm in healthcare. It’s up 8% today on beating on revenues and beating on earnings again, just like health systems having a better first half than expected.”
— Scott Becker [00:53]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Market update: [00:05]
- Intel news: [00:10]
- Calendar’s downturn: [00:23]
- Peloton highlights: [00:35]
- Premier Inc. earnings: [00:53]
Conclusion
Scott Becker delivers a rapid-fire summary of five impactful business stories for August 19, 2025—giving listeners quick insights into the market, standout stocks (particularly in AI, hardware, and healthcare), and the broader trends behind the day’s headlines. The episode serves as a practical snapshot for business-minded listeners looking to keep up with essential news.
