Becker Business Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Walmart, Exact Sciences, & Verizon 11-21-25
Host: Scott Becker
Date: November 21, 2025

Overview

In this concise business update episode, Scott Becker discusses the latest earnings and strategic news from three major companies: Walmart, Exact Sciences, and Verizon. He provides a summary of their recent moves in the stock market and what drove these developments, offering quick insights for business listeners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Walmart: Strong Earnings and Positive Outlook

• Positive Earnings Guidance:
  • Walmart reported earnings that exceeded market expectations.
  • The company raised its guidance, indicating confidence in future performance.
• Market Reaction:
  • Walmart's stock "rose almost six and a half percent yesterday" ([00:13]), demonstrating investor enthusiasm following the announcement.
• Host's Take:
  • "Big companies gave positive guidance with their earnings" ([00:10])—emphasizing the broader impact of Walmart’s performance.

2. Exact Sciences: Acquisition Sparks a Surge

• Company Background:
  • Exact Sciences is known for non-invasive cancer screening products, notably Cologuard.
• Major Buyout News:
  • Abbott Amber is set to acquire Exact Sciences at a "valuation of about $21 billion" ([00:33]).
  • The deal was announced yesterday.
• Market Response:
  • The news led to Exact Sciences’ stock "jump[ing] 15%" ([00:28]).
• Host's Observation:
  • He describes the acquisition price as "a big number" ([00:35]), highlighting the scale and significance of the transaction.

3. Verizon: Workforce Restructuring

• Layoff Announcement:
  • Verizon announced plans to lay off 13,000 employees.
  • The restructuring is likely aimed at streamlining operations or cost management.
• Stock Performance:
  • Despite the tough news for employees, Verizon is "up about 2% year to date" ([00:43]).
• Host Reaction:
  • Offers context for the layoff within the broader company performance, noting the juxtaposition of layoffs and moderate stock gains.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Walmart’s Performance:

  • "Walmart big companies gave positive guidance with their earnings and they're almost six and a half percent yesterday as it raised it." (Scott Becker, [00:10])

• On Exact Sciences Acquisition:

  • "Exact Sciences, ... has done brilliantly well. It jumped 15%. Yesterday, a news of a buyout by Abbott Amber will acquire the company at a valuation of about $21 billion. That's a big number." (Scott Becker, [00:25]–[00:35])

• On Verizon’s Layoffs:

  • "Finally, third, Verizon announced yesterday that they're going to be laying off 13,000 people, 13,000 employees. They're up about 2% year to date." (Scott Becker, [00:41]–[00:43])

Important Segments by Timestamp

• 00:10 – Walmart positive earnings and stock jump
• 00:25–00:35 – Exact Sciences buyout by Abbott Amber, big valuation, stock surge
• 00:41–00:43 – Verizon layoff announcement, stock performance
• 00:47 – Closing thoughts: "What a fascinating time."

Conclusion

Scott Becker wraps up the episode by reflecting on the dynamism in the business landscape, highlighting the contrasting fortunes and strategic pivots of these major companies—all within a succinct, news-driven update. The episode provides a snapshot of how market actions and corporate strategies can rapidly shift the playing field for some of the nation’s largest and most influential businesses.