Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast Episode: 6 Big-Name Stocks That Got Crushed This Year
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: April 26, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 6 of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker delves into the tumultuous year faced by six prominent stocks. Focusing on significant declines, Scott provides insights into each company's struggles over the past 52 weeks, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of notable setbacks in the market.

1. Moderna: A Pharmaceutical Giant’s Decline

Timestamp: [00:15]

Scott opens the discussion with Moderna, a leading vaccine manufacturer renowned for its rapid development of mRNA vaccines. Despite its groundbreaking work, Moderna has experienced a staggering 74% decline over the last year.

“First is the vaccine maker Moderna, which is down about 74% over the last year, just having a horrible time.”
— Scott Becker [00:15]

The downturn is attributed to various factors, including diminishing demand post-pandemic and increased competition in the biotech sector. Investors are grappling with uncertainties about Moderna's long-term growth prospects beyond COVID-19 vaccines.

2. Acadia Healthcare: Legal and Governmental Challenges

Timestamp: [00:35]

Next, Scott discusses Acadia Healthcare, a provider in the behavioral health sector. The company has plummeted 71% in value over the past year, primarily due to ongoing legal issues and governmental scrutiny.

“Acadia Healthcare, which keeps on seeming to get in trouble from either the government or lawyers and other types of things. They're down about 71% over the last year.”
— Scott Becker [00:35]

These challenges have eroded investor confidence, highlighting the vulnerabilities of companies operating in highly regulated industries.

3. Stellantis Jeep: Leadership Decisions Impact Sales

Timestamp: [00:55]

Stellantis Jeep is the third stock on Scott's list, with a 63% decline. Despite the beloved Jeep Cherokee being the company’s second-best-selling vehicle, recent strategic missteps by the CEO have negatively impacted the brand.

“The moronic CEO at Stellantis Jeep got rid of that in their line to go, you know, to diverge the line some... they really screwed the pooch.”
— Scott Becker [01:10]

Scott shares a personal anecdote about his Jeep Cherokee, emphasizing his satisfaction with the vehicle despite its battery issues. The CEO’s decision to streamline the product line, removing the Cherokee in favor of other models like the Compass and Grand Cherokee, has not resonated well with consumers.

4. Estée Lauder: Beauty Industry Setbacks

Timestamp: [01:30]

Estée Lauder, a titan in the cosmetics industry, has seen its stock decline by 61%. Scott expresses a personal connection, mentioning a family friend employed at the company, which underscores the broader impact of the downturn.

“Estee Lauder, the makeup company... they're down 61% the last year.”
— Scott Becker [01:45]

The decline may be influenced by shifting consumer preferences, increased competition from indie brands, and economic factors affecting discretionary spending on beauty products.

5. American Eagle Outfitters: Changing Retail Landscapes

Timestamp: [02:00]

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) follows, with a 52% decrease in stock value. Scott attributes the slump to declining shopper engagement and possibly outdated retail strategies.

“I don't know anybody that shops anymore. The bloom is off the rose at a e O down 52% over the last year.”
— Scott Becker [02:05]

The fashion retail sector's transformation, accelerated by e-commerce growth and changing consumer behaviors, has posed substantial challenges for traditional brick-and-mortar companies like AEO.

6. Oatly: Navigating the Oat Milk Boom

Timestamp: [02:20]

Rounding out the list is Oatly, the oat milk company, which has struggled with a 40% decline. Scott comments on the competitive landscape of plant-based milk alternatives.

“Somebody's got to make oat milk great again, but always down 40 years over the last year.”
— Scott Becker [02:25]

Despite the oat milk trend reaching its peak, Oatly has faced difficulties maintaining its market share amid increasing competition and market saturation.

Personal Investment Insights

Timestamp: [02:40]

Scott reflects on his investment strategy, revealing that he does not own any of the six discussed stocks. However, he mentions holding shares in Astero Labs, another company experiencing significant losses.

“I do own Astero Labs directly, which I think is in the top number of stocks that are down 60% this year, year to date.”
— Scott Becker [02:50]

This admission serves to illustrate that even amidst downturns, there are numerous investment opportunities, albeit with their own risks.

Investment Takeaways

Timestamp: [03:05]

Concluding the discussion, Scott advises caution regarding the six highlighted stocks, emphasizing that neither he nor listeners should consider investing in them without thorough analysis.

“I'm not an investor in them. I don't know that you should be either, but that's for other people to decide and talk about.”
— Scott Becker [03:10]

He underscores the importance of due diligence and strategic portfolio management in navigating volatile markets.

Conclusion

Scott Becker's analysis offers a sobering look at six major stocks that have underperformed in 2025. By highlighting the specific challenges each company faces, he provides valuable context for investors seeking to understand market dynamics and make informed decisions. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the volatility inherent in both established and emerging companies across various industries.

Note: This summary excludes the advertisement segment that begins at [02:29], focusing solely on the podcast's core content as per the listener's request.