Becker Business – "Apple Bounces Back: The 3 Big Market Cap Stocks"

Host: Scott Becker
Date: October 20, 2025

Episode Overview

In this short but focused episode, Scott Becker examines the recent market cap race among three tech giants—Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft. The episode specifically highlights Apple’s return to the number two global position by market capitalization, outpacing Microsoft once again but still trailing Nvidia. Becker shares insights into Apple’s resilience and touches on recent developments propelling their comeback.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Apple's Position in the Market Cap Hierarchy

• Historical Dominance: Becker begins by noting Apple’s consistent decade-long lead in market capitalization:
  • “For most of the last five to 10 years, the last decade, Apple’s been the number one player in terms of market cap.” (00:11)
• 2025 Shake-up: For much of this year, Apple slipped:
  • “For a long period of time, it fell significantly below both Nvidia and Microsoft.” (00:20)
• Current Rankings: As of this episode:
  • Apple has regained the number two spot, right behind Nvidia and just ahead of Microsoft.
  • Quote: “Apple, though, is suddenly back in the number two position after Nvidia, but in front of Microsoft. And the numbers are quite close. They're both around $3.89 trillion, $3.85 trillion.” (00:34)
  • Nvidia leads the pack with a significant margin: “Nvidia is way in the $4.5 trillion range, way ahead right now of Microsoft and Apple.” (00:43)

2. Apple’s Stability and Platform Strength

• Becker expresses admiration for Apple's resilience:
  • “I'm sort of amazed at the stability and power of the Apple platform and what they've done.” (00:49)
• The consistent success is attributed to the enduring appeal and robustness of Apple’s ecosystem.

3. Product Momentum – The iPhone 17

• Apple’s product playbook continues to impress:
  • “I was fascinated to see their iPhone 17 is moving much better than the iPhone 16 did and they're really making progress.” (00:55)
• This improvement in iPhone sales is identified as a factor in Apple’s market resurgence.

4. Reflections on Market Dynamics

• Becker finds the competitive dynamic between Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft particularly interesting:
  • “I find this fascinating to watch this sort of bounce back of Apple.” (01:02)
• The episode closes with a reminder of the fluidity and competitiveness at the very top of global markets.

Memorable Quotes & Highlights

• “[...] Apple’s been the number one player in terms of market cap.” (Scott Becker, 00:11)
• “Apple, though, is suddenly back in the number two position after Nvidia, but in front of Microsoft.” (Scott Becker, 00:34)
• “Nvidia is way in the $4.5 trillion range, way ahead right now of Microsoft and Apple.” (Scott Becker, 00:43)
• “I'm sort of amazed at the stability and power of the Apple platform and what they've done.” (Scott Becker, 00:49)
• “Their iPhone 17 is moving much better than the iPhone 16 did and they're really making progress.” (Scott Becker, 00:55)

Important Timestamps

• 00:11: Apple's decade-long dominance and recent slip in market cap
• 00:34: The latest repositioning: Apple overtaking Microsoft but still trailing Nvidia
• 00:49: Appreciation for Apple’s stability and platform
• 00:55: Success of iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16
• 01:02: Fascination with Apple’s market bounce-back

Tone and Style

Scott Becker’s tone throughout the episode is analytical yet conversational. He expresses admiration for Apple’s strategy, refers to financial figures with precision, and conveys a sense of ongoing intrigue at the evolving big-tech landscape.

Summary

This concise episode delivers a timely analysis of tech’s top three by market cap, spotlighting Apple’s bounce-back in 2025 and identifying both competitive forces and key product wins (notably the iPhone 17) as factors. Becker mixes data, historical context, and personal insights to illustrate the dynamic and closely contested race at the top of the technology world.