Becker Business Podcast Summary

Host: Scott Becker
Episode: Meta Platforms, Google, Apple, & Microsoft 10-25-25
Date: October 25, 2025

Episode Overview

In this concise solo episode, Scott Becker provides a focused update on the current performance and outlook of four of the world's biggest tech companies: Meta Platforms, Google, Apple, and Microsoft. He offers a rapid-fire analysis of their market caps, year-to-date returns, and resilience amidst industry challenges, all in Becker’s trademark conversational and enthusiastic tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Enduring Strength of Big Tech Giants

• Google

  • Exceptional year-to-date performance: up almost 33%.
  • Shows strong resilience despite AI innovations, business model changes, and antitrust challenges.
    • "All the changes in AI and all the challenges to its business model and all the antitrust challenges. Google keeps on rocking on." (Scott Becker, 00:26)

• Meta Platforms (Facebook)

  • Up 26% year to date.
  • Praises Mark Zuckerberg for continuous innovation.
    • "You have to give great credit to Mark Zuckerberg. He is able to keep on inventing and keep on improving." (Scott Becker, 00:38)

• Apple

  • Bounce back after a sluggish early year: now about 4% up year to date, with a market cap near $3.9 trillion.
  • Recovery attributed to the success of the iPhone 17 and generally positive financial news.
    • "Apple spent a lot of time this year somewhat in the doldrums. Now it seems to be recovering on the sales of its iPhone 17 and just generally lots of positive news there." (Scott Becker, 01:02)

• Microsoft

  • Limited media attention relative to peers but up 24% year to date.
  • Emphasizes persistent strong performance with a market cap around $3.9 trillion, nearly matching Apple.
    • "Microsoft may be the company that gets less attention but just keeps on winning. It just keeps on keeping on." (Scott Becker, 01:23)

2. Market Cap Comparison

• Both Apple and Microsoft hover near ~$3.9 trillion.
• Apple recently edged up to $3.87 trillion.

3. Personal Reflection

• Scott acknowledges that he wishes he had more direct investment in these tech leaders rather than just in index funds.
  • "I wish I was invested more in them directly than just in index funds, but this is life." (Scott Becker, 01:54)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Google’s resilience:
  "Google is up almost 33% year to date and just continues to kill it." (Scott Becker, 00:17)

• Recognition of Zuckerberg:
  "You have to give great credit to Mark Zuckerberg. He is able to keep on inventing and keep on improving." (Scott Becker, 00:38)

• Microsoft’s Quiet Dominance:
  "Microsoft may be the company that gets less attention but just keeps on winning. It just keeps on keeping on." (Scott Becker, 01:23)

• Personal Investing Regret:
  "I wish I was invested more in them directly than just in index funds, but this is life." (Scott Becker, 01:54)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 — Introduction and overview of four tech giants
• 00:17 — Google’s strong performance and resilience
• 00:38 — Meta’s steady innovation and growth under Zuckerberg
• 01:02 — Apple’s recovery and iPhone 17 impact
• 01:23 — Microsoft’s ongoing success and lack of limelight
• 01:54 — Host’s personal investment reflection

Overall Tone and Summary

Scott Becker delivers market updates with clarity, enthusiasm, and a personal touch, grounding data in everyday investment realities. Rather than deep dives, the episode is an efficient pulse-check on the top tech firms, peppered with personal insight and notable highlights.