Summary3 min read

Becker Business Podcast Summary

Episode: Apple & Google Provide Some Excitement 9-10-25
Host: Scott Becker
Date: September 10, 2025

Episode Overview

In this concise update, Scott Becker shares his perspective on the latest buzz surrounding two technology giants: Apple’s unveiling of the new iPhone Air and Google’s (Alphabet’s) strong stock performance. He touches on recent market movements, investor sentiment, and upcoming events in the world of AI and private equity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Apple’s New iPhone Air Announcement

Apple’s Big Reveal:
- Apple introduced the “super thin iPhone Air” as part of the iPhone 17 line-up, marking a significant product innovation that excited Becker, a rare event in recent years.
- Quote:
  
  "This is the first iPhone in a few years and I'm actually excited to buy and I can't wait to buy and I'm looking forward to buying..." (01:01)
- Market Performance: Despite product excitement, Apple’s stock is “down about 8 and a half percent year to date.” (00:43)
- Becker speculates whether this enthusiasm for the product will extend beyond himself to the broader public.

2. Google / Alphabet’s Exceptional Year

Alphabet’s Strong Performance:
- Google’s parent company, Alphabet, continues to excel in 2025, with shares up 25% year to date.
- Becker cites Bill Ackman of Pershing Square, noting,
  
  "Bill Ackman of Persian Square has 15% of his funds invested in Alphabet." (01:19)
- Personal Investment Choices:
  - Becker admits his family is not individually invested in Alphabet, but is exposed through the S&P 500 index.
  - He mentions that while they don’t directly own Alphabet or Nvidia, they have investments in Microsoft and Amazon.

3. AI & Private Equity Panel Announcement

Upcoming AI Conference:
- Becker’s team is preparing an “AI Practical Use Cases” panel for September 25th as part of a private equity, startups, and AI conference.
- He invites listeners to join or recommend panelists, highlighting that registration is free.
- Quote:
  
  "We are actually one more panelist for an AI Practical Use Cases panel, September 25th. Message me if you want to join that or you've got somebody you know should join that." (01:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Apple’s Product Excitement:

"This is the first iPhone in a few years and I'm actually excited to buy and I can't wait to buy and I'm looking forward to buying..."
— Scott Becker (01:01)
On Alphabet’s Investment Allure:

"Bill Ackman of Persian Square has 15% of his funds invested in Alphabet."
— Scott Becker (01:19)
On Personal Portfolio Exposure:

"We're not directly in the Alphabet and Nvidia, but of course we generally buy the S&P 500 index, so at least we've got exposure to it."
— Scott Becker (01:35)
On the AI Panel Invitation:

"Message me if you want to join that or you've got somebody you know should join that."
— Scott Becker (01:46)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Apple iPhone Air Excitement: 00:31 – 01:09
Apple’s Stock Performance: 00:43 – 01:09
Alphabet/Google Performance & Investing: 01:09 – 01:35
Ackman’s Investment in Alphabet: 01:17 – 01:24
Portfolio Choices (MSFT, Amazon, Nvidia): 01:24 – 01:40
AI Panel & Conference Announcement: 01:40 – 02:00

Tone & Speaker Style

Scott Becker delivers a rapid, upbeat briefing with a mix of market analysis, personal investment reflection, and opinion. His tone is enthusiastic—especially about Apple’s new release—and candid about his own investment decisions. The style is conversational and accessible, suitable for professionals scanning for business developments.

Summary Takeaways

Apple and Google are central to current business excitement: Apple due to a product launch, Google due to market outperformance.
Investor sentiment on technology is divided: Some see new opportunities, while others regret missing out on certain gains.
The AI panel on September 25th is a highlighted event for those in private equity and technology.

Listeners gain a fast snapshot of what’s moving markets and what’s worth watching in technology and investing right now.

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Transcript2 lines

[00:02]
A
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[00:31]
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This is Scott Becker with the Becker Business and the Becker Private Equity Podcast. Today's discussion is Apple and Google provide some excitement. So this is something we've not seen in a while. Apple unveiled a new phone, a super thin iPhone air, part of their iPhone 17 debut. Apple's down about 8 and a half percent year to date. But I have to tell you, this is the first iPhone in a few years and I'm actually excited to buy and I can't wait to buy and I'm looking forward to buying and we'll see if that type of excitement is palpable throughout. Just not me, but other people as well. Second, Google Alphabet keeps on knocking out of the park. It's up 25% year to date. Bill Ackman of Persian Square has 15% of his funds invested in Alphabet. We are not an individual family investor in Alphabet Google. I wish that we were. We are in Microsoft, Amazon. We're not directly in the Alphabet and Nvidia, but of course we generally buy the S&P 500 index, so at least we've got exposure to it. But that's what we're watching there. A separate Note in the AI world, we're actually one more panelist for an AI Practical Use Cases panel. September 25th. Message me if you want to join that or you've got somebody you know should join that. That conference on the September 25th is Private Equity Startups and AI. You could register for that, no charge. Thank you for listening to the Becker Business Podcast, the Becker Private Equity Podcast. Can't wait to visit with you more tomorrow. Thank you very, very much.