Becker Business Podcast: "Tesla, Microsoft, & Private Equity 9-8-25"
Host: Scott Becker
Date: September 8, 2025
Episode Overview
In this short episode, Scott Becker rounds up major business news stories focusing on three key themes: Tesla’s shrinking US market share, Microsoft’s rapid cloud growth, and the current headwinds facing private equity. Becker connects these headline stories to broader sector trends, offering quick insights and industry context.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Tesla’s US Market Share Decline
- Tesla has reached an eight-year low in US market share for August 2025.
- Increased competition: Consumers are now buying electric vehicles (EVs) "from a wide variety of rivals, not just Tesla."
- Stock performance: "Tesla's down 13% year to date." (01:09)
- Perspective on Elon Musk and Tesla: Despite these issues, Becker expresses measured optimism:
“It still has so many positive things going on that we won't worry very much about Elon Musk and Tesla.” (01:16)
2. Microsoft’s Cloud Business Surge
- Microsoft's cloud growth outpaces Amazon AWS, which is "slowing somewhat."
- Remarkable year-over-year growth: "Microsoft is picking up the slack. It's growing 39% year over year revenue growth last quarter. It's got this crazy backlog load of orders." (01:24)
- Positive outlook: Microsoft "continues to really thrive." (01:30)
3. Private Equity Struggles
- Private equity facing liquidity challenges:
“Private equity firms are being left with an inability to ultimately to exit deals. A $3 trillion backlog of aging unsold stakes.” (01:37) - Market contraction: For the first time in two decades, "the total dollar amount invested with private equity shrunk... declining 2% last year to $4.7 trillion." (01:47)
- Industry source: Becker references "a great piece in the Daily Upside today on the struggles of private equity.” (01:34)
- Not all negative: The Carlyle Group stands out as a high-performing firm: “The Carlyle Group, one of the largest private equity funds ... is performing really well. They're up about 26% year to date.” (02:03)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Tesla’s resilience:
“Tesla's down 13% year to date. It still has so many positive things going on that we won't worry very much about Elon Musk and Tesla.” – Scott Becker (01:09–01:16) -
On Microsoft’s cloud growth:
“Microsoft's cloud business is exploding as Amazon slows … It's growing 39% year over year revenue growth last quarter. It's got this crazy backlog load of orders.” – Scott Becker (01:24–01:28) -
On private equity’s bottleneck:
“Private equity firms are being left with an inability to ultimately to exit deals. A $3 trillion backlog of aging unsold stakes.” – Scott Becker (01:37) -
On market contraction:
“The total dollar amount invested with private equity shrunk for the first time in 20 years or so, declining 2% last year to $4.7 trillion.” – Scott Becker (01:47) -
On bright spots:
“The Carlyle Group... is performing really well. They're up about 26% year to date.” – Scott Becker (02:03)
Important Timestamps
- 00:31 – Episode begins, Becker introduces the main topics: Tesla, Microsoft, Private Equity
- 01:00 – Discussion of Tesla’s falling US market share
- 01:24 – Microsoft’s outstanding cloud business performance
- 01:34 – Challenges faced by private equity, based on Daily Upside report
- 02:03 – Highlight of Carlyle Group’s positive performance amid industry struggles
Summary Flow
Scott Becker jumps briskly between three major business stories, synthesizing recent statistics and headline developments. The tone is pragmatic yet upbeat, especially regarding Tesla’s long-term prospects and Microsoft’s current dominance in cloud computing. Even while highlighting private equity’s mounting challenges, Becker notes bright spots and high performers, ensuring the segment concludes on a balanced, informed note.
For listeners who missed the episode: Expect a rapid-fire, insightful briefing connecting market performance and business trends across high-profile sectors, with Becker’s seasoned take tailoring each story to private equity professionals and business enthusiasts alike.