Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast: Episode Summary Title: Amazon Hanging Tough + 5 Largest Companies By Revenue
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction

In the July 21, 2025 episode of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker delves into the current standings of major corporations, focusing on Amazon's resilience amidst a challenging business landscape and outlining the top five companies by revenue. This episode provides insightful analysis into the shifting dynamics of these industry giants, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of their performance and strategic positioning.

Amazon’s Resilience in a Shifting Market

Scott Becker opens the discussion by highlighting Amazon's performance over the past year. Despite encountering a tougher business environment, Amazon has managed to sustain a 3% increase year-to-date (YTD).

“Amazon is up about 3% year to date. It's had probably a tougher year.” – Scott Becker [00:20]

Becker notes that Amazon is transitioning more towards a retail-centric model, which contrasts with its traditional identity as a tech powerhouse. This strategic shift has tempered its explosive growth seen in previous years, positioning Amazon as a more stable yet less rapidly expanding entity in the tech sector.

However, the company's cloud business remains a bright spot, continuing to perform robustly despite broader challenges.

“But its cloud business continues to do well.” – Scott Becker [00:40]

This sustained performance in Amazon Web Services (AWS) underscores the enduring demand for cloud solutions and the sector's critical role in Amazon's overall revenue stream.

Top Five Companies by Revenue

Becker proceeds to identify and briefly discuss the top five companies by revenue, providing a snapshot of their standings and highlighting key factors influencing their performances.

1. Walmart

   • Position: Number One
   • Performance: Maintains its leading position, leveraging its extensive retail network and adapting to evolving consumer behaviors.

2. Amazon

   • Position: Number Two
   • Performance: Despite a more challenging year, Amazon remains a close second, underpinned by its diversified revenue streams.

3. Berkshire Hathaway

   • Position: Number Three
   • Performance: Continues to thrive under the strategic leadership of Warren Buffett, with investments spanning various industries ensuring steady revenue growth.

4. UnitedHealthcare

   • Position: Number Four
   • Performance: Demonstrates strong financial health, benefiting from the growing demand for healthcare services and insurance solutions.

5. Apple

   • Position: Number Five
   • Performance: Facing significant challenges, Apple holds the fifth spot but experiences notable declines, which Becker explores in detail.

Apple’s Struggles: A Detailed Analysis

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to examining Apple's recent downturn. Becker elucidates the factors contributing to Apple's decline, marking it as "one of the worst performing of the Magnificent Seven."

“Apple itself remains down nearly 16% year to date. So it's one of the worst performing of the Magnificent Seven.” – Scott Becker [02:10]

Key Challenges:

1. Stalled Growth in the Phone Business:
   Apple's flagship product, the iPhone, has seen its growth plateau, failing to capture new market segments or drive substantial revenue increases compared to previous years.

   “Its Apple business starts to stall, sort of the phone business not growing as it used to grow.” – Scott Becker [02:40]

2. Tariff-Related Issues:
   Ongoing challenges with international tariffs have imposed additional costs, squeezing profit margins and complicating Apple's global supply chain operations.

   “Also challenges with tariffs.” – Scott Becker [02:50]

3. Market Saturation:
   The smartphone market is reaching saturation, limiting Apple's ability to achieve the same sales volumes that fueled its past successes.

4. Competitive Pressures:
   Increased competition from other tech giants and emerging brands has intensified, making it harder for Apple to maintain its dominant market position.

“Apple down 60% year to date.” – Scott Becker [03:00]
[Note: This figure appears inconsistent with the earlier 16% decline mentioned and may be a transcription error.]

Becker's analysis underscores the importance of innovation and strategic agility for Apple as it navigates these hurdles. The episode suggests that without addressing these core issues, Apple's revenue growth may continue to lag behind its peers.

Conclusion

Scott Becker wraps up the episode by reiterating the resilience of Amazon amidst a shifting marketplace and summarizing the standings of the top five companies by revenue. The discussion underscores the dynamic nature of the business world, where even industry leaders like Amazon and Apple must continuously adapt to maintain their positions.

“That's today's story. Amazon hanging tough. Those are your five largest by revenues.” – Scott Becker [03:30]

Becker's insights provide valuable perspectives for investors, business professionals, and enthusiasts aiming to understand the current economic landscape and the performance trajectories of these major corporations.

Key Takeaways:

• Amazon remains a strong contender in the retail and cloud sectors despite a more challenging year.
• Walmart continues to lead as the top company by revenue, showcasing robust retail operations.
• Apple faces significant hurdles, including stalled product growth and tariff challenges, impacting its market performance.
• Understanding the dynamics of these leading companies offers critical insights into broader market trends and investment opportunities.

Notable Quotes:

• “Amazon is up about 3% year to date. It's had probably a tougher year.” – Scott Becker [00:20]
• “But its cloud business continues to do well.” – Scott Becker [00:40]
• “Apple itself remains down nearly 16% year to date. So it's one of the worst performing of the Magnificent Seven.” – Scott Becker [02:10]
• “Its Apple business starts to stall, sort of the phone business not growing as it used to grow.” – Scott Becker [02:40]
• “Also challenges with tariffs.” – Scott Becker [02:50]
• “That's today's story. Amazon hanging tough. Those are your five largest by revenues.” – Scott Becker [03:30]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and analyses presented in the episode, providing a clear and detailed overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.