Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast Summary

Title: 5 Stocks Taking it On the Chin
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: July 29, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 5 of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker delves into the performance of five underperforming stocks, analyzing the factors contributing to their recent declines. This detailed breakdown provides investors with insights into the challenges these companies are facing and the broader market implications.

1. Novo Nordisk

Performance: Down over 20%
Key Issues:

• Increased Competition: Novo Nordisk is experiencing significant pressure in the GLP (Glucagon-like peptide) market, facing rising competition that is eroding its market share.
• Guidance Reduction: The company has cut its guidance for the year, signaling potential struggles in meeting its financial targets.

Quote:
“At more and more competition comes to the GLP market and they cut their guidance for the year.” [02:15]

Insight:
Scott Becker emphasizes that Novo Nordisk's substantial drop is primarily due to intensified competition and reduced future outlooks, making it a stock to watch closely in the pharmaceutical sector.

2. UnitedHealthcare

Performance: Down over 5% today; Year-to-Date: -46%
Key Issues:

• Revenue Decline: As one of the largest companies in the United States by revenue, UnitedHealthcare is facing significant headwinds that are impacting its financial stability.
• Operational Challenges: The healthcare giant is navigating increasingly tough market conditions, contributing to its declining stock performance.

Quote:
“They're down 46% year to date. Things are getting tougher and tougher in the world of UnitedHealthcare.” [05:30]

Insight:
Becker highlights the severe downturn UnitedHealthcare is experiencing, underlining the broader challenges in the healthcare industry and the company's struggle to maintain its revenue streams.

3. Spotify

Performance: Down approximately 11% today
Key Issues:

• Business Challenges: Spotify is grappling with operational difficulties that are affecting its stock price, despite being a leading player in the podcast and streaming industry.

Quote:
“We're watching that third Spotify, the podcast firm, down about 11% today and more and more challenges in their business.” [08:45]

Insight:
The decline in Spotify's stock reflects deeper issues within its business model, possibly related to competition, monetization strategies, or market saturation in the streaming sector.

4. UPS (United Parcel Service)

Performance: Down about 10% today
Key Issues:

• Operational Strain: While UPS remains a beloved and essential service provider, its stock is experiencing a dip, potentially due to logistical challenges or increased operational costs.
• Company Sentiment: Despite the stock performance, Scott Becker expresses strong personal confidence in UPS, citing positive interactions and reliable service.

Quote:
“We're huge fans of UPS. We use it almost daily. They've got a great UPS right near us here where we live. We love the store. They're just a pleasure to work with.” [12:00]

Insight:
Becker’s personal endorsement of UPS contrasts with its stock performance, suggesting that while the company may be facing short-term challenges, its long-term prospects and operational excellence remain solid.

5. Stellantis Jeep

Performance: Facing a potential hit of ~$1.7 billion
Key Issues:

• Financial Setbacks: Stellantis Jeep announced a significant financial hit due to costs associated with TERs (likely tariffs, regulatory fees, or similar expenses).
• Management Critique: Scott Becker criticizes Stellantis Jeep’s management, pointing out consistent underperformance and attributing their troubles to possibly scapegoating external factors like tariffs rather than addressing underlying issues.

Quote:
“it's hard for me not to think that they're looking for excuses and to point things in different directions than reality.” [17:45]

Insight:
Becker is skeptical of Stellantis Jeep's explanations for their financial woes, suggesting that the company's prolonged poor performance is a result of mismanagement rather than just external economic factors.

Conclusion

Scott Becker wraps up the episode by summarizing the struggles of the five highlighted stocks, offering valuable perspectives for investors navigating these turbulent times. His insights emphasize the importance of understanding both market-driven and company-specific factors that influence stock performance.

Contact & Feedback

Listeners are encouraged to reach out with suggestions or comments by texting Scott Becker at 773-766-5322, fostering an interactive community around the Becker Business Podcast.

This summary captures the key points and discussions from Episode 5 of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the episode.