Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast – Episode 10: "10 Business News Stories We Are Following Today"
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: June 17, 2025
In Episode 10 of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker navigates through ten significant business news stories shaping the private equity landscape and broader market dynamics as of June 17, 2025. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis, enriched with insightful commentary and notable quotes, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of current market trends and corporate performances.
1. Tech Titans Soar: Microsoft and Nvidia's Market Capitalization
Scott kicks off the episode by highlighting the remarkable ascent of two technology giants:
- Microsoft has achieved a market capitalization of $3.56 trillion.
- Nvidia stands closely behind with a market cap of $3.53 trillion.
"Both of these companies are just doing fantastic," Scott remarks [00:00], emphasizing their robust growth and sustained investor confidence in the tech sector.
2. Market Downturn Amid Mideast Ceasefire Hopes
Shifting focus to broader market movements, Scott discusses a slight dip in market indices linked to diminishing hopes for a swift ceasefire in the Middle East.
"The markets point down a little bit today as hopes for a quicker ceasefire in the Mideast lessen," he observes [00:02]. This highlights the delicate interplay between geopolitical stability and market performance.
3. Circle Internet’s Stellar IPO Performance
Circle Internet is celebrated for its outstanding initial public offering:
- The company has soared more than 400% since its debut.
Scott notes, "Circle Internet, which we did a separate podcast on yesterday, went public recently and skyrocketed more than 400% since its debut. That's amazing," [00:03], showcasing investor enthusiasm and the company's strong market positioning.
4. Hymns & Hers: Telehealth Transformation
Hymns & Hers continues to outperform expectations in the telehealth sector:
- The company is up 147% year-to-date.
- It has expanded into a much broader telehealth provider.
"Hymns & Hers continues to outperform and it's up 147% year to date. It's grown into a much broader telehealth company," Scott explains [00:03], underlining the company's strategic growth and market adaptation.
5. Mega Private Equity Funds Face Declines
Contrasting the public markets' success, major private equity funds are experiencing significant downturns:
- Blackstone is down 20% year-to-date.
- KKR has decreased by 16.5% year-to-date.
Scott comments, "The mega private equity funds remain significantly down even though the public markets are doing great," [00:04], highlighting a divergence between private and public investment performances.
6. Moderna and Vaccine Makers' Struggles
The pharmaceutical sector, particularly vaccine manufacturers, are facing challenges:
- Moderna is down nearly 40% year-to-date.
- It stands as one of the biggest market losers over the last 12 months.
"Moderna continues to suffer as do vaccine makers generally. It's one of the biggest market losers over the last 12 months," Scott observes [00:05], pointing to potential saturation in the vaccine market or shifting investor priorities.
7. Personal Anecdote: Golfing with Wealthy Opponents
In a lighter yet personal segment, Scott shares his frustrations on the golf course:
"I keep taking it in the chin in the golf course. I'm playing against a guy who is so rich that his family talks to the Rockefellers and the Carnegies. It's so depressing both because I'm playing awful and he doesn't need the money. He and his family keep buying sports teams, I keep buying new golf shoes. It's so annoying," he laments [00:07]. This anecdote underscores the disparities in wealth and resource allocation even in leisure activities.
8. Leadership Excellence: Shiv Rao of Rich Co
Shiv Rao, co-founder and CEO of Rich Co, is highlighted for his exemplary leadership:
"Rich Co founder and CEO Shiv Rao is one of the most thoughtful and deep-thinking and strategic and gracious leaders you will ever meet," Scott praises [00:08]. This recognition emphasizes the impact of strong leadership on company success and investor confidence.
9. Lintas and Bain Capital’s Strategic Investment
Lintas, under the guidance of visionary leader Mohan Jaredas, is making significant strides in the healthcare sector:
- Lintas leads in operating room infusion therapy and AI-driven management.
- Bain Capital has made a strategic investment in Lintas.
Scott shares insights from a recent visit with Sam Davis Jr. of Rush University System for Health, discussing the success achieved in logistics and operations management [00:09]. This collaboration highlights the synergy between private equity and innovative healthcare solutions.
10. Surgery Partners’ Decline Amid Bain Capital Negotiations
Surgery Partners, recognized as a leading company in its field, is experiencing a downturn:
- The company is down 12% today.
- This decline follows the end of talks with Bain Capital.
"Surgery Partners, which is one of the best companies in the game, is down 12% today as it ends talks with Bain Capital," Scott reports [00:09]. This development may indicate market uncertainty regarding potential acquisitions or strategic shifts.
Conclusion
Scott Becker wraps up the episode by reiterating the dynamic nature of the private equity and business landscapes. From soaring tech giants and successful IPOs to challenges faced by mega funds and pharmaceutical players, the episode provides listeners with a well-rounded view of current market conditions. Personal anecdotes and leadership highlights add depth, making the content both informative and relatable.
Thank you for tuning into the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast. Stay informed and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of business and finance!
Note: Times in brackets [MM:SS] correspond to the moments in the podcast where Scott Becker discusses each topic.
