Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast: "6 Stories We Are Following This Morning 8-21-25"
Host: Scott Becker
Date: August 21, 2025
Episode Overview
In this quick-hitting episode, host Scott Becker provides a rundown of six key stories from the business and private equity world on the morning of August 21, 2025. The episode focuses on major market movements, company performance highlights, and trends impacting both large-cap and emerging businesses.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Walmart Earnings Miss
- Main Point: Walmart missed earnings expectations, despite solid revenue growth.
- Context: Expenses were higher than anticipated, which impacted ultimate earnings numbers.
- Stock Performance: Walmart stock is down approximately 5% today, but remains the largest US company by revenue and “continues to prosper in the big scheme of things.”
- Notable Quote (00:23):
“The stock is down about 5% today, but remains the largest company in the US by revenues and continues to prosper in the big scheme of things.”
— Scott Becker
2. Markets Trending Downward
- Main Point: Broader equity markets are facing downward pressure.
- S&P 500: Down about half a percentage point (slightly less at the time of reporting).
- NASDAQ: Following a similar trend.
- Market Sentiment: Still uncertain; Scott notes “We’ll see how that goes throughout the day.”
- Notable Quote (00:46):
“The S and P is down about half a percentage point, a little bit less than that so far. The NASDAQ as well…”
— Scott Becker
3. Palantir Technologies’ Strong Year-To-Date Gains
- Main Point: Palantir Technologies has experienced remarkable growth with its stock up 107% year to date, even after facing “a series of challenging days.”
- Significance: This reflects resilience and a strong overall year for the company, despite short-term volatility.
4. Vivid Seats’ Significant Decline
- Main Point: Vivid Seats has seen its stock drop by 82% over the past 52 weeks.
- Cause: Cited “a number of headwinds in their business,” leading to continued challenges.
- Notable Quote (01:13):
“Vivid Seats, down 82% over the last 52 weeks, says there’s just a number of headwinds in their business. It continues to be challenging.”
— Scott Becker
5. Tempus AI’s Notable Performance
- Main Point: Tempus AI is up 117% year to date.
- Highlight: It remains “a key component in the fight against cancer,” emphasizing its impact beyond financials.
6. Alliance Bernstein’s Steady Growth
- Main Point: Alliance Bernstein, which Scott notes is a stock watched “for provincial reasons,” is up 7.5% year to date and continues to show solid performance.
- Perspective: While not as dramatic as other moves, this growth illustrates steady management and results.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Walmart’s size despite the earnings miss:
“...remains the largest company in the US by revenues and continues to prosper in the big scheme of things.” (00:27)
- On Vivid Seats facing lasting difficulties:
“...says there's just a number of headwinds in their business. It continues to be challenging.” (01:13)
- Summing up the six key stories:
“So that's four stories so far. Walmart down 5% today. Palantir remains up 107% year to date. The markets point down today. Vivid Seats down 82% over the last 52 weeks.” (01:17)
- On Tempus AI’s mission:
“...continues to be a key component in the fight against cancer.” (01:32)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:00–00:20 — Introduction and episode purpose
- 00:20–00:46 — Walmart earnings miss, market overview
- 00:46–01:05 — S&P 500 and NASDAQ update, Palantir’s gains
- 01:05–01:18 — Vivid Seats decline
- 01:18–01:34 — Tempus AI and Alliance Bernstein stock updates
Summary
Scott Becker delivers a concise, no-nonsense briefing on six business stories shaping the day, blending performance metrics with strategic context. By highlighting both the winners (Tempus AI, Palantir) and the strugglers (Vivid Seats, Walmart’s earnings), he offers listeners a broad, quick-scan view of today’s private equity and business landscape. The tone is factual and measured, staying focused on market movements and company fundamentals.