Becker Business Podcast

Episode: Intel, Starbucks, Disney, & Nike: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly 4-9-26

Host: Scott Becker

Date: April 10, 2026

Episode Overview

In this short and punchy episode, Scott Becker gives listeners his signature “good, bad, and ugly” rundown of four iconic American companies: Intel, Starbucks, Disney, and Nike. With a focus on recent business performance, leadership developments, and market sentiment, Becker provides quick insights and colorful analogies to bring the fortunes of these giants into sharp relief.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Good: Intel and Starbucks

Intel’s Comeback

• [00:30] Intel's performance has been exceptional: the stock is up 64% year to date and rose 11% on Wednesday alone.
• Becker compares Intel’s turnaround to a major sports comeback:
  • “They remind me, unfortunately, of the University of Michigan that went from eight wins a couple years ago to win a national title this year. Intel is that kind of rebound.” – Scott Becker [00:45]
• Described as “having a comeback of all comebacks,” Intel is “really moving in the right direction.”

Starbucks’ Strong Position

• Starbucks, led by a CEO from Chipotle, is also categorized as a “good” performer, up 16% year to date.
• Despite closing about 400 stores, Starbucks maintains a massive global footprint of around 18,500 stores.
• Becker is astonished by Starbucks’ dominance:
  • “What’s fascinating about Starbucks is that 40% of all coffee shop traffic in the entire world, I think, goes through Starbucks as a stat I saw recently.” – Scott Becker [01:20]
• “Starbucks and Intel are doing great and kicking it.”

The Bad: Disney’s Struggles

• Disney’s year-to-date performance is poor, down “about 12, 13% year to date, 13 40% year to date.” (A minor slip in estimated figures.)
• The company is transitioning leadership as “a new CEO” takes over from Bob Iger, whom Becker characterizes as “incredibly ego strong.”
• Cost-cutting measures are becoming prominent, with several rounds of layoffs.
• “Disney’s the bad.” – Scott Becker [01:44]

The Ugly: Nike’s Troubles

• Nike's long-term performance stands out as disastrous: “down 76% over the last five years.”
• Becker illustrates the drop vividly:
  • “That means if you put in $1,000 five years ago, you’ve got $240 left now.” (Becker slightly misspeaks, but the point is clear.) [02:02]
• Nike is described as “in dire need of the brilliant Phil Knight to come back and be the shoe dog that he once was,” but Becker doubts this will happen.
• Closing note:
  • “Nike’s the ugly… Down 76% over the last five years. I’m glad I’m not a Nike direct investor.” – Scott Becker [02:15]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Intel’s resurgence:
  “Intel is up 64% this year and having a comeback of all comebacks.” [00:34]

• On Starbucks’ reach:
  “40% of all coffee shop traffic in the entire world goes through Starbucks as a stat I saw recently.” [01:20]

• On Disney’s challenges:
  “Disney is down about 12, 13% year to date... The new CEO is facing some challenges cutting a thousand jobs here, a thousand jobs there.” [01:44]

• On Nike’s decline:
  “Nike... is down 76% over the last five years. That means if you put in $1,000 five years ago, you’ve got $240 left now.” [02:02]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:30 — Opening remarks and topic rundown
• 00:34 — Intel’s dramatic rebound
• 01:05 — Starbucks’s growth and CEO transition
• 01:44 — Disney classified as “bad”; management and layoffs
• 02:02 — Nike’s dramatic long-term fall, call for Phil Knight
• 02:15 — Episode summary and closing thoughts

Tone & Feel

Scott Becker keeps the tone conversational, quick-hitting, and opinionated, mixing numeric performance metrics with memorable analogies and candid asides.

Summary

Scott Becker’s “good, bad, and ugly” analysis offers an accessible snapshot of the current fortunes of Intel (good), Starbucks (good), Disney (bad), and Nike (ugly). Intel and Starbucks are highlighted as comeback stories and market leaders, while Disney faces leadership and operational challenges, and Nike is painted as a company in urgent need of revived vision and leadership. Becker’s clarity and color make this short episode a must-listen (or read) for anyone seeking quick market perspectives on household business names.