Episode Overview
Episode Title: Five of the Worst Performing Stocks Over the Last 52 Weeks
Host: Scott Becker
Date: August 26, 2025
Theme:
Scott Becker explores the reality that investing in popular or high-profile companies does not always yield strong returns. He highlights five of the worst performing stocks over the past year, emphasizing the unpredictability of the market and the need for careful due diligence, even with seemingly promising investments.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Cautionary Tale: The Grass Isn’t Always Greener (00:05)
- Scott Becker frames the episode as a reality check for investors, challenging the notion that headline-making companies or sectors guarantee returns.
- “Everybody thinks this will be exciting, invest in these different types of companies and so forth. But here are five that you invested in. You're very sorry you did.” — Scott Becker [00:12]
2. The Five Worst Performers
A. Vivid Seats (00:19)
- Performance: Down 82% over the past 52 weeks.
- Context: No additional commentary; Scott positions this as a startling example of how rapidly fortunes can change.
B. Acadia Healthcare (00:23)
- Performance: Down 71%.
- Host’s Note: Becker admits unfamiliarity with Acadia, underlining that not all “bad” investments are intensely followed.
- “I don't know that much about Acadia.” — Scott Becker [00:24]
C. Centene Corporation (00:29)
- Performance: Down 62%.
- Background: The largest manager of Medicaid managed care plans in the U.S. for states, indicating that even dominant market positions don’t guarantee investor success.
D. Lucid Motors (00:39)
- Performance: Down 52%.
- Insight: Despite being one of the “big three pure EV players,” Lucid Motors struggles with production, stuck at 10,000–20,000 vehicles a year.
- “Lucid Motors, one of the big three pure EV players, still is stuck at about 10 to 20,000 vehicles a year.” — Scott Becker [00:41]
E. UnitedHealth Group (United Healthcare) (00:49)
- Performance: Down 47% year-to-date.
- Notable Context: Recently received positive attention from Warren Buffett, yet still suffers significant market losses.
- “UnitedHealth Group, which just got a shot in the arm from Warren Buffett, is down 47% year to date and we'll see if that changes or how that goes. God bless Warren Buffett and good luck to United Healthcare.” — Scott Becker [00:51]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the Illusion of Exciting Investments:
“Everybody thinks this will be exciting, invest in these different types of companies and so forth. But here are five that you invested in. You're very sorry you did.” — Scott Becker [00:12]
-
Candid Admission:
“I don't know that much about Acadia.” — Scott Becker [00:24]
-
On Lucid’s Struggles:
“Lucid Motors, one of the big three pure EV players, still is stuck at about 10 to 20,000 vehicles a year.” — Scott Becker [00:41]
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Sarcasm on United Healthcare’s Downturn Despite Buffett’s Involvement:
“God bless Warren Buffett and good luck to United Healthcare.” — Scott Becker [00:54]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:05 — Introduction & episode theme
- 00:19 — Vivid Seats: Down 82%
- 00:23 — Acadia Healthcare: Down 71%
- 00:29 — Centene Corporation: Down 62%
- 00:39 — Lucid Motors: Down 52%
- 00:49 — UnitedHealth Group: Down 47%, Buffett reference
- 00:54 — Closing thoughts
Summary
Scott Becker succinctly highlights how even prominent, hyped, or industry-dominant companies can face severe downturns, reminding investors to look beyond the surface excitement of stocks. Through his rundown of the “five worst performing stocks” of the year, Becker delivers a quick, cautionary tale of humility and vigilance in investing, punctuated with dry humor and candid observations.
