Podcast Summary: Becker Business
Episode: The Magnificent 7 & Their YTD Results 2-2-26
Host: Scott Becker
Date: February 2, 2026
Episode Overview
In this short, data-driven episode, Scott Becker delivers a concise update on the "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks and their performance so far in 2026. The focus is on year-to-date (YTD) returns, market cap rankings, and quick commentary on recent notable trends affecting these industry giants. The episode serves business-minded listeners who want a pulse check on the most influential stocks in the market.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Magnificent Seven YTD Performance (00:10 – 01:15)
Scott Becker provides a quick rundown of each company's YTD stock performance as of the morning of February 2, 2026:
- Meta Platforms: Up 8.55%
- Alphabet: Up 7.99%
- Amazon: Up 3.47%
- Nvidia: Up 2.5%
- Tesla: Down 4.29%
- Apple: Down 4.55%
- Microsoft: Down 11.93%
Quote:
“Meta platforms is up 8.55% year to date. And mind you, these are numbers as of the start of business on February 2. On Monday, these will change throughout the day.”
— Scott Becker (00:16)
2. Winners & Losers
- Top Performers: Meta and Alphabet lead the group with impressive single-digit gains.
- Underperformers: Microsoft posts the steepest drop, down nearly 12%. Apple and Tesla also start the year in the red.
Quote:
“Microsoft doing worst of the of the seven Magnificent Seven stocks.”
— Scott Becker (01:15)
3. Amazon’s Record Quarter (01:15 – 01:44)
Surprisingly, Amazon set a new record for iPhone sales:
- Sales figure: $85 billion in iPhone sales during the last quarter, a significant leap from $69 billion the year prior.
- Margin concerns: Despite strong top-line growth, Becker briefly notes ongoing worries about maintaining margins moving forward.
Quote:
“Amazon just had a record quarter for iPhone sales. They sold $85 billion worth of iPhone sales. That's an amazing number. That compares to about $69 billion the same quarter the year before.”
— Scott Becker (01:20)
4. Market Cap Rankings (01:44 – 02:15)
Scott recaps the current top five global companies by market cap—all but two are part of the Magnificent Seven:
- Nvidia
- Alphabet
- Apple
- Microsoft
- Amazon
Quote:
"Nvidia number one, Alphabet number two, Apple number three, Microsoft number four and Amazon number five. These are the top five by market cap."
— Scott Becker (01:55)
5. Listener Engagement (02:15 – end)
Scott closes with an invitation for listeners to predict which Magnificent Seven stock will excel in 2026, offering a $25 Amazon gift certificate for responses.
Quote:
"If anybody comments or messages me with their opinion on which Magnificent Seven stock is going to be the most successful this year, we'll send you a $25 Amazon gift certificate."
— Scott Becker (02:20)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “Meta platforms the top of the list so far this year, just followed by Alphabet.” (01:10)
- “These are the top five by market cap. But those are your results for the Magnificent Seven.” (02:05)
- “Thank you for listening to the Becker Business, the Becker private equity podcast.” (02:30)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:10 – Magnificent Seven YTD performance breakdown
- 01:15 – Amazon’s record iPhone sales and margin discussion
- 01:44 – Magnificent Seven's position by market cap
- 02:15 – Listener engagement and contest announcement
Summary Takeaway
Scott Becker’s episode succinctly covers the early-year standings of the Magnificent Seven stocks. Meta and Alphabet have taken an early lead, while Microsoft faces a rocky start. Amazon’s exceptional sales are a highlight, though future profitability is a concern. The episode ends with a call for listener predictions on 2026’s biggest winner among these titans.