Podcast Summary: The Rundown – Meta Wins Big in Court, Google Launches Gemini 3 and Target Sales Slump
Date: November 19, 2025
Host: Zaid Admani, Public.com

Episode Overview

In this fast-paced episode, Zaid Admani dives into critical stock market news and tech industry updates. The show spotlights Nvidia's much-anticipated earnings report, Meta’s decisive victory in an antitrust case, and Google’s splashy launch of Gemini 3. Rounding out the episode are insights on the diverging fortunes of Target and Lowe’s, plus a quirky note about Sweetgreen’s new high-protein menu. The tone is energetic, analytical, and peppered with investment insight.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Market Outlook and Nvidia’s Earnings Anticipation

• Tech Stock Downturn:
  • S&P 500 dropped 0.8%; Nasdaq down 1.2%, led by a sharp decline in tech stocks, despite notable AI announcements.
  • Big news like Microsoft and Nvidia’s investment in Anthropic didn’t buoy the market as it once might have.
  • Vibe Shift: Zaid calls out a sentiment change and warns of a potential AI bubble pop unless Nvidia delivers a stellar report.
• Nvidia’s Earnings (03:20):
  • Tonight’s report could stabilize or send markets into panic.
  • “Nvidia has to absolutely crush earnings expectations... If they have just a slight beat or mediocre guidance, that's going to send their stock lower.”
  • Options market predicts an 8% swing in Nvidia’s stock price—huge volatility for a $4.4T company.

Meta's Court Victory (04:25)

• Antitrust Case Outcome:
  • Meta cleared of antitrust violations in its Instagram (2012) and WhatsApp (2014) acquisitions.
  • Judge ruled the FTC didn’t prove Meta was stifling competition, especially given today’s diverse social media landscape with “TikTok alone” as a rival.
• Evolving Market Context:
  • Zaid observes that while the monopoly case may have been strong in 2020, it’s weaker in 2025 due to increased competition: “Instagram and Facebook aren't the only game in town... TikTok and YouTube offer similar experiences.”
• Government Challenges:
  • The FTC and DOJ have lost high-profile cases against Microsoft (Activision), Google (search monopoly), and now Meta (04:55).
  • Zaid questions whether the government will persist: “Are big tech companies going to see that as an opportunity to consolidate and actually become a monopoly?”

Google Unleashes Gemini 3 (07:10)

• Product Rollout:
  • Gemini 3 launched across Google’s ecosystem—including the app and AI-enhanced search.
  • A direct challenge to OpenAI; Google claims Gemini 3 offers more “genuine insight and not cliche and flattery” (07:40).
• Benchmarks and Reach:
  • Early reviews are strong; Gemini 3 outperforms GPT-5.1 and Claude Sonnet 4.5 in most categories.
  • Gemini app monthly users have surged to 650M (up from 450M in July), narrowing the gap with ChatGPT (800M weekly).
  • Zaid’s bullish take: “Google has such a huge advantage... they can put their technology in front of the billion plus people that use Google every day.”

Retail Earnings: Lowe’s Versus Target (09:25)

• Lowe’s:
  • Strong earnings beat; positive same-store sales for 2 straight quarters.
  • Online sales up 11% YoY; professional contractor business is robust.
  • Acquired Foundation Building Materials for $8.8B, giving them an edge over Home Depot.
  • Stock up 5% this morning.
• Target:
  • Suffering: Q3 sales down 1.5% to $25.3B, with third straight quarter of same-store sales decline.
  • Stock has lost two-thirds of its value since 2021 (10:35).
  • Moves: New CEO in February, $5B investment in store updates, 1,800 jobs cut, and new AI partnership with OpenAI for in-chat purchases.
  • Zaid skeptical: “I think all these moves by Target is nice, but it doesn't solve Target's core problem...consumers just aren't buying discretionary items.”

Sweetgreen’s Unusual Comeback Play (12:30)

• Power Max Protein Bowl Launched:
  • 106g protein per serving, available only via app until December 15.
  • A tongue-in-cheek attempt to court ‘gym bros’ and make up for lagging sales.
  • Sweetgreen stock is down 80% this year.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• On the AI Bubble & Nvidia’s Importance:
  • “It feels like the AI bubble pop is just inevitable, and the only company that can stop that from happening is Nvidia.” — Zaid Admani (02:30)
• On Meta’s Competitive Landscape:
  • “Instagram and Facebook aren't the only game in town when it comes to social media and consuming content. TikTok and YouTube offer similar experiences.” — Zaid Admani (05:45)
• On Gemini 3’s Ambitions:
  • “Google even threw a little shade at ChatGPT, saying that Gemini 3 aims to deliver genuine insight and not cliche and flattery. So there seems to be some AI trash talking going on, and I kind of like it.” — Zaid Admani (07:40)
• On Target’s Fundamental Challenge:
  • “No one’s going to Target to buy groceries.” — Zaid Admani (11:50)
• On Sweetgreen’s New Menu:
  • “They responded by stuffing an entire rotisserie’s worth of meat into a bowl.” — Zaid Admani (12:45)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Market Recap & Nvidia Outlook: 00:50 – 03:50
• Meta Antitrust Lawsuit Explained: 04:25 – 06:55
• Google’s Gemini 3 Launch & AI Competition: 07:10 – 09:20
• Retail Earnings (Lowe’s & Target): 09:25 – 12:09
• Sweetgreen’s Comeback Attempt: 12:30 – 13:40

Conclusion

This episode delivers a concise and insightful market snapshot, particularly for tech and retail investors. Zaid’s analysis is forthright and peppered with wit, balancing sharp skepticism (especially on Target’s woes) with enthusiasm (Google’s AI momentum). The major themes—AI hype, big tech regulatory battles, and the changing fate of once-hot retailers—are threaded throughout, giving listeners a clear roadmap of the day’s market forces and trends.