Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast Episode 7: Stocks Tanking Today & Staying Healthy on the Road Release Date: April 30, 2025 Host: Scott Becker

Introduction

In Episode 7 of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker delves into two primary topics of interest for business professionals and investors: the performance of seven underperforming stocks in today's volatile market and strategies for maintaining health and wellness while traveling for business. This comprehensive discussion offers valuable insights for listeners navigating both the financial and personal aspects of their professional lives.

Section 1: Seven Stocks Tanking Today

Scott Becker begins the episode by analyzing the performance of seven stocks that have experienced significant declines on the day of release. He provides detailed insights into each company's challenges and the broader market conditions contributing to their downturns.

1. Bausch and Loam

Scott highlights that Bausch and Loam reported "horrendous first quarter earnings," failing to meet both earnings and sales targets. This missed performance has severely impacted investor confidence, resulting in a substantial drop in the stock price.

• Quote: "Bausch and Loam on horrendous first quarter earnings, missing their targets and missing their sales targets." [02:15]

2. Snapchat

Snapchat has faced investor unease as the company announced it will not be providing future guidance, adding to market uncertainty. This lack of transparency has led to a decline in investor trust and a subsequent drop in stock value.

• Quote: "Snapchat also deciding not to provide guidance going forward." [03:10]

3. Hertz

Hertz continues to struggle amidst ongoing financial challenges. The company’s inability to stabilize its operations has resulted in a decline of over 10%, reflecting persistent investor skepticism about its turnaround prospects.

• Quote: "Hertz itself struggling too." [04:05]

4. Etsy

Etsy’s stock has decreased by approximately 6%, attributed to lower same-store sales and cautious market conditions. The platform faces increased competition and shifting consumer preferences, impacting its revenue growth.

• Quote: "Etsy probably in the same sort of area." [05:20]

5. Starbucks

Starbucks experienced a 6.5% to 7% decline in its stock price, driven by disappointing same-store sales figures. The company’s performance indicates challenges in maintaining growth in a competitive retail environment.

• Quote: "Starbucks down six and a half to 7% based on a lower same store sales." [06:35]

6. Hims and Hers

Hims and Hers saw a 6% decline today, reversing the 23% gain from the previous day. This volatility reflects investor concerns over the company’s sustainable growth trajectory amidst market fluctuations.

• Quote: "Hims and hers of course is up 23% yesterday. So being down 6% today, it's not a big deal." [07:50]

7. Hitachi

Hitachi also faced a downturn, aligning with the overall trend of declining stocks. The company’s challenges mirror broader market instability impacting various sectors.

• Quote: "Hitachi also way down today." [08:30]

Section 2: Market Context

Scott underscores that the current market environment is particularly challenging, with increased volatility and uncertainty affecting investor sentiment across multiple industries. He emphasizes the importance of staying informed and adaptable in such turbulent times.

• Quote: "This is in the backdrop of a challenging market that we're seeing out there." [09:10]

Section 3: Staying Healthy on the Road and at Conferences

Transitioning from financial woes, Scott shifts focus to the personal well-being of professionals who frequently travel for business. He explores various strategies for maintaining health during busy schedules and remote work conditions.

Diet and Nutrition

Maintaining a healthy diet while traveling can be challenging. Scott discusses the importance of making mindful food choices, even when options are limited, such as choosing healthier alternatives at restaurants like Potbelly over less nutritious fast-food chains.

• Quote: "Trying to eat healthy at a place like Potbelly is always a challenge, but working at it better than probably Chipotle." [11:45]

Exercise and Fitness

Staying active is crucial for long-term health. Scott highlights the importance of integrating exercise into a busy travel schedule, whether through regular gym sessions, practicing martial arts like jiu-jitsu, or utilizing hotel fitness facilities.

• Quote: "If you're a regular practitioner of jiu jitsu or other types of things and you can't use your wearables, then making sure that you're getting out and trying to schedule class even though you're busy." [13:20]

Use of Wearables and Tracking

Wearable technology plays a significant role in helping professionals monitor their health metrics. Scott mentions devices such as Apple Watches and Aura Rings that track physical activity, encouraging users to stay active even during conferences.

• Quote: "Wearables and tracking whether wearing an aura ring, an apple watch or whatever they're doing to try and keep track of their steps." [14:05]

Hydration Challenges

Proper hydration is a fundamental aspect of staying healthy. Scott discusses the challenges of balancing water intake with caffeine consumption, especially for those who frequently engage in public speaking or presentations, which can restrict bathroom breaks.

• Quote: "Trying to drink massive amounts water and stay hydrated, which is one of the great qualities for staying healthy too, but constantly a challenge too." [16:00]

Conclusion

In concluding the episode, Scott Becker reiterates the dual focus on the financial market's current turbulence and the essential practices for maintaining personal health amidst a demanding professional lifestyle. He acknowledges the efforts of the team at Executive Podcast Solutions for their support in producing the episode and thanks listeners for tuning in.

• Quote: "Today’s episode seven stocks that that are taken on the chin today. Plus some thoughts on on health well at business events." [18:30]

Key Takeaways:

• Market Insights: Understanding the factors behind the decline of specific stocks can inform investment decisions and risk management strategies.
• Health Strategies: Implementing practical health and wellness routines, even while traveling, is essential for sustaining performance and overall well-being.
• Technology Utilization: Leveraging wearable technology can aid in maintaining health goals amidst a busy schedule.

For listeners seeking to navigate both the complexities of the financial markets and the demands of a mobile professional lifestyle, Episode 7 of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast offers actionable advice and insightful analysis.

Thank you for listening to the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast.