Becker Business Podcast Summary
Host: Scott Becker
Episode: Lululemon, Lucid Motors, Bitcoin, & Oracle 2-5-26
Date: February 5, 2026
Episode Overview
In this concise episode, Scott Becker delivers sharp business updates and candid opinions about four major public companies: Oracle, Bitcoin, Lululemon, and Lucid Motors. With his signature directness and a dash of humor, Scott analyzes recent performance metrics, discusses leadership changes and industry challenges, and offers personal reflections on consumer trends—all in just a few concentrated minutes.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Oracle’s 2026 Slump
- Performance Update:
- Oracle was praised as "the bell of the ball" last year, making significant gains and boosting the profile of its leader, Larry Ellison.
- Now, the company is down approximately 16% year-to-date, erasing most of its previous gains.
- Market Sentiment:
- "[Oracle] is now down 16% or so year to date. ... Given up most all its gains from when it was on fire last year and Larry Ellison was the most famous person in America." (01:13)
- Implication:
- The downturn illustrates how quickly momentum can shift in tech and markets.
2. Bitcoin’s Volatility
- Current Position:
- Bitcoin opened the week at $77,500, down around 31-33% over the past six months.
- Changing Attitudes:
- "At one time, Bitcoin was so on fire that everybody thought they were getting rich from Bitcoin. But that's slowing down a little bit and we'll see how it goes." (01:38)
- Outlook:
- Caution replaces previous euphoria, as Bitcoin faces typical market corrections.
3. Lululemon’s Leadership and Brand Struggles
- Recent Changes:
- The company recently underwent a leadership change.
- Stock Performance:
- Lululemon is "just getting crushed," down 57% over the last year.
- Scott’s Personal Take:
- "I at one point was an avid Lulu shopper, and I know that's a little embarrassing for a man, but it is what it is. But now it's just really hard to go in there. There's nothing exciting, nothing interesting. They’ve got to refine their vibe, refine their merchandising. Just awful." (02:05)
- Business Analysis:
- The company needs to reinvent its in-store experience and product allure to recapture customer interest and growth.
4. Lucid Motors’ Scale Problem
- Status Update:
- Lucid is the smallest of the big three EV makers, trailing behind Tesla and Rivian.
- Stock Performance:
- Shares are down about 56% over the last year.
- Key Issue – Lack of Scale:
- "Lucid Motors remains completely stuck. It's too small for a car company. This is another business where size does matter. You need to have scale. You got to sell enough vehicles to get your average cost down per vehicle and Lucid continues to get crushed being the smallest of the spot." (02:35)
- Industry Insight:
- Scale is critical in automotive; Lucid’s failure to expand leaves it vulnerable and cost-ineffective.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Lululemon’s Decline:
- "At one point was an avid Lulu shopper, and I know that's a little embarrassing for a man, but it is what it is." (02:09)
-
On Lucid’s Perpetual Struggle:
- "This is another business where size does matter. You need to have scale. ... Lucid continues to get crushed being the smallest of the spot." (02:40)
-
Market Reality Check:
- "At one time, Bitcoin was so on fire that everybody thought they were getting rich from bitcoin. But that's slowing down a little bit and we'll see how it goes." (01:38)
Timestamps of Important Segments
- Oracle’s Performance & Context: 00:53 – 01:31
- Bitcoin’s Trajectory: 01:32 – 01:54
- Lululemon’s Troubles & Personal Anecdote: 01:55 – 02:22
- Lucid’s Lack of Scale: 02:23 – 02:52
Closing Notes
Scott Becker wraps up by inviting listener feedback on the podcast’s cadence and content mix, joking about including his personal struggles—like his golf game. He gives out his number and offers a reward for the first detailed response. He thanks the audience and his producer, keeping his tone warm and inviting throughout despite the tough business news.
Overall tone: Direct, candid, and slightly self-deprecating, Scott balances sharp market insights with personal touches to make business setbacks relatable and engaging.
