Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast – Episode Summary

Title: 3 Stocks Having a Horrendous Year
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: July 8, 2025

In the July 8, 2025, episode of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker delves into the tumultuous performance of four prominent stocks that have experienced significant downturns over the past year. This comprehensive analysis provides investors and business enthusiasts with valuable insights into the challenges these companies face, offering a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to their declining valuations.

1. Stellantis Jeep: Leadership Woes

Scott begins by discussing Stellantis Jeep, a brand that has been under his scrutiny for some time. Over the last 52 weeks, Stellantis Jeep's stock has plummeted by approximately 50%, marking a concerning trend for investors.

“First, Stellantis Jeep, which we talked about regularly, just ended up with horrible, horrible leadership.”
[01:15]

Becker attributes the downturn primarily to poor leadership decisions within the company. The lack of strategic direction and ineffective management have eroded investor confidence, leading to a significant decline in stock performance. This situation underscores the critical role that leadership plays in steering a company's success, especially within highly competitive industries like automotive manufacturing.

2. Abercrombie & Fitch: Inconsistent Branding Strategies

The conversation then shifts to Abercrombie & Fitch, a once-iconic apparel retailer that has struggled to maintain its market position. Over the past year, Abercrombie & Fitch's stock has also seen a 50% decrease.

“Second is the Abercrombie and Fitch, which has gone through so many weird phases in terms of youth modeling and other kinds of things. It just makes it sort of a weird company.”
[03:45]

Becker highlights the company's erratic branding strategies as a significant factor in its declining performance. Frequent shifts in target demographics and inconsistent marketing campaigns have confused consumers and diluted the brand's identity. This lack of a coherent brand strategy has led to diminished customer loyalty and reduced sales, contributing to the substantial drop in stock value.

3. Centene Corporation: Managed Care Challenges

Next, Scott examines Centene Corporation, a leading Medicaid managed care company. Despite being a dominant player in the managed care sector, Centene has seen its stock value halve over the last year.

“Third is the managed care company Centene, which is a huge, has been a huge winner, one of the largest Medicaid managed care companies in the world. And it's really just had an incredible escalation over the last several years. But this year, taken in the chin, down 50% recently said it's going to stop giving guidance for the year.”
[06:30]

Becker points out that Centene's recent struggles are attributed to several factors, including regulatory challenges, increased competition, and perhaps internal inefficiencies. The company's decision to cease providing financial guidance is a red flag for investors, signaling uncertainty about future performance and further eroding trust in the company's stability.

4. Moderna: Post-Pandemic Setbacks

Additionally, Becker touches upon Moderna, adding it to the list of struggling stocks. Known for its success during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Moderna's fortunes have waned recently.

“Now I'll throw in a fourth, Moderna. Moderna, you know, got famous, made a lot of money during the COVID vaccine period and now it's taking it on the chin. It is not a fan favorite of RFK Jr and crew.”
[09:10]

The decline in Moderna's stock is attributed to several factors, including decreased demand for vaccines as the world moves past the pandemic phase, increased competition from other pharmaceutical companies, and reputational challenges stemming from public figures like RFK Jr. opposing some of its initiatives. These elements collectively contribute to a challenging environment for Moderna, resulting in a significant drop in its market value.

Conclusion

In this episode, Scott Becker provides a critical examination of four major companies facing substantial stock declines. Through his analysis of Stellantis Jeep, Abercrombie & Fitch, Centene Corporation, and Moderna, Becker highlights the importance of effective leadership, consistent branding, regulatory stability, and adaptability in maintaining a company's market position. Investors are encouraged to consider these factors when evaluating the health and potential of their investment portfolios.

“That’s those are three of the stocks they're just getting nailed over the last 52 weeks. Plus we threw in Moderna as well for you. Thank you for listening to the Becker Business Podcast and the Becker Private Equity and Business Podcast.”
[12:00]

Scott Becker wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of monitoring stock performance and understanding the underlying issues that contribute to market volatility. This episode serves as a valuable resource for investors seeking to navigate the complexities of the stock market and make informed investment decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership and Management: Effective leadership is crucial for a company's success. Poor management can lead to significant stock declines, as seen with Stellantis Jeep.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining a consistent brand identity is essential for customer loyalty and market performance. Abercrombie & Fitch's inconsistent strategies have adversely affected its stock performance.

• Regulatory and Market Dynamics: Companies like Centene Corporation face challenges from regulatory changes and increased competition, impacting their financial stability and investor confidence.

• Post-Pandemic Adjustments: Pharmaceutical companies like Moderna must navigate the transition from pandemic-driven demand, adapting their strategies to maintain market relevance and profitability.

For Further Listening:

Stay tuned to the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast for more in-depth analyses and discussions on the latest trends and developments in the private equity and business sectors.