Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast – Episode Summary: "5 Stories We Are Following Today" (May 2, 2025)

Host: Scott Becker

In this episode of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker delves into five significant stories impacting the private equity and broader business landscape as of May 2, 2025. The discussion provides insightful analysis into market movements, major corporate performances, and notable developments within specific sectors. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics covered.

1. Market Performance Uptick

Timestamp: 00:10

Scott begins by addressing the recent positive movements in the stock markets. He highlights that the S&P 500 has risen by nearly 1.5%, with the Nasdaq performing slightly better. This uptick marks an encouraging trend after a rough start to the year.

• “So that's good news,” Scott remarks at 00:50, reflecting optimism about the market's resilience.

Despite the year's challenging start, the S&P 500 is now approximately 4% down year-to-date, a relatively modest decline considering earlier projections. Scott interprets this as a sign of stabilization in investor sentiment.

2. Tech Giants: Microsoft and Apple Dynamics

Timestamp: 02:00

The conversation shifts to significant movements among major technology companies, starting with Microsoft. The company's stock surged by 7.6% the previous day, elevating its market capitalization to an impressive $3.16 trillion.

• “I wouldn't be surprised if at the end of the day, Microsoft again takes a top spot for the highest market cap company from Apple,” Scott observes at 04:20, predicting a potential shift in the ranking of the most valuable companies.

In contrast, Apple experienced a downturn, closing 3% lower in pre-market trading. This decline is attributed to ongoing tariff negotiations between China and the U.S., which could impact Apple’s supply chain and pricing strategies.

• Scott notes at 03:40, “Apple's down about 14% year to date.”

The host speculates that with the easing of tariff tensions, Apple may see a rebound, while Microsoft continues its upward trajectory. He also references Nvidia's previous position as a top market cap contender, indicating the volatility and competitive nature of the tech sector.

3. Apollo Global Management's Mixed Performance

Timestamp: 06:00

Turning to private equity, Scott discusses Apollo Global Management, a heavyweight in the industry. The firm reported solid earnings, primarily driven by fee generation.

• “Essentially on fees,” Scott explains at 06:30, highlighting the stability in income from management fees.

However, Apollo's stock remains down about 16% year to date, reflecting challenges in executing profitable deals and successful exits.

• “Not so well on true deals and exits, which is applicable to the market as a whole,” he adds at 06:50, suggesting that Apollo’s struggles are indicative of broader market difficulties in private equity deal-making.

Scott’s analysis underscores the dichotomy between steady fee-based revenue and the volatility inherent in investment performance, painting a cautious picture for investors in the private equity space.

4. Astero Labs: A Portfolio Wake-Up Call

Timestamp: 08:30

Scott candidly addresses his personal investment portfolio, singling out Astero Labs as the biggest loser this year, with a 47% decline.

• “Whenever I think I'm a genius, I just remember my investment in Astero Labs, which is down 47% year to date,” Scott confesses at 09:00.

This admission serves as a humbling reminder of the risks involved in investment decisions, even for seasoned professionals. It provides listeners with a transparent look into the challenges and setbacks that can occur within a portfolio, emphasizing the importance of diversification and risk management.

5. Electric Vehicle (EV) Stocks Overview

Timestamp: 10:00

The final story focuses on the fluctuating fortunes of major Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturers. Scott reviews the performance of key players in the sector:

• Tesla: Despite being a household name, Tesla's stock is down 30% year to date. Scott notes the divided opinions among investors, with some bullish on Tesla’s long-term prospects while others adopt a bearish stance.

  • “There are plenty of people that are bullish on Tesla in the long run, others that are bearish but fascinating,” he remarks at 10:45.

• Lucid Motors: The company has seen a 16% decline year to date, reflecting the competitive pressures and market saturation in the EV space.

• Rivian: In contrast, Rivian's stock is up 3% year to date, indicating investor confidence and potential growth in its business model.

Scott concludes by expressing anticipation to see how these EV stocks perform as the year progresses, highlighting the sector's dynamic nature and its significance within the broader market movement.

Conclusion

In this episode, Scott Becker provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of five critical stories shaping the private equity and business environment. From market performance and technology giants' dynamics to private equity challenges, personal investment reflections, and the volatile EV sector, listeners gain valuable insights into current economic trends and investment landscapes. Scott's transparent and analytical approach ensures that even those unfamiliar with the podcast can grasp the essential takeaways and understand their implications for the future.