Jim Cramer, the host of Mad Money, told viewers on Friday to brace for a complicated week on Wall Street, with fresh economic data and a new batch of earnings reports coming up.
“Now, this is a tricky week. Why? Because on Tuesday, we get something that we’re used to seeing on the first Friday of every month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics non-farm payroll report. You know, we’ve been flying blind for several months now, thanks to the… shutdown that just wouldn’t end, remember? And that means there’s been a lot of second-guessing of the Fed right down to its latest quarter-point cut on Wednesday. A strong employment number will call into question the need for any additional rate cuts. It might end up being one-two punch because the very next day after we get those numbers, New York Fed President John Williams is going to comment.”
READ ALSO: Jim Cramer Expressed Thoughts on These 14 Stocks and Jim Cramer Highlighted 7 Stocks in Light of the Fed Rate Cut.
Cramer also noted that Tuesday will bring additional macroeconomic data, including retail sales. He said weaker retail sales numbers would be needed to support the case for more rate cuts. He explained that rate policy has become the market’s main focus, and that bulls are relying on a steady stream of negative economic headlines to keep the pressure on the Fed to continue easing.
“The bottom line: We’re taking an Oracle-Broadcom inspired break, although I don’t think anything’s really wrong with Broadcom, and I’m not worried about its gross margins. That sell-off today was just plain out overdone. But an overdone sell-off doesn’t end in one day. I have been worried about Oracle ever since it decided it was going all in on data centers. Didn’t really get it. I always looked at it as a go big or go home initiative. And today… I found myself thinking, you know what, where exactly does Oracle live? What’s its address? Because right now, the Street thinks it’s going home.”
Our Methodology
For this article, we compiled a list of 10 stocks that were discussed by Jim Cramer during the episode of Mad Money aired on December 12. We listed the stocks in the order that Cramer mentioned them. We also provided hedge fund sentiment for each stock as of the third quarter of 2025, which was taken from Insider Monkey’s database of 978 hedge funds.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
10 Stocks on Jim Cramer’s Game Plan This Week
10. Paychex, Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 53
Paychex, Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYX) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan this week. Cramer finished his game plan with the stock, as he commented:
“Finally, Friday, we have a bunch of good reads on a slew of different industries… Paychex handles the payouts of millions of individuals who work at small and medium-sized firms. We need every piece of data to keep up on what’s really happening as the money rotates from the Magnificent Seven to all these other different areas, kind of like a fire hose.”
Paychex, Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYX) provides human capital management solutions, including payroll processing, payroll tax and compliance, HR administration, benefits, and workforce management for small to mid-sized businesses. Cramer mentioned the stock during the September 30 episode and said:
“What happened today to the stock of Paychex, the payroll processor, human capital management company that caters to small, medium-sized businesses? After reporting what to me seemed like a real solid set of numbers this morning, the stock plunged 7% early in the trading session, largely because I think some people felt the margins were taking a hit. But as I’ve told you repeatedly, the stock tends to sell off in response to earnings, even when the numbers are good.
Maybe Wall Street got the memo because ultimately Paychex rebounded, finishing the day off nearly 1.4%. That’s a, it is a little tricky in a declining interest rate environment. There is a payroll processor issue. The company actually makes more money when rates are high, but after employers prefund their payrolls, Paychex collects interest on that money for every minute before it’s deposited in your bank account… That used to be a big issue, but the company’s gotten well beyond that. There’s a lot of other levers that it pulls.”
9. Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 34
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan this week. Cramer mentioned the importance of the company’s numbers for a better read on economic data, as he remarked:
“Finally, Friday, we have a bunch of good reads on a slew of different industries… Conagra Brands got a lot of stuff in their freezer case. Can show… whether people are cooking at home in ever larger numbers.”
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) makes packaged foods, including pantry staples, frozen meals, snacks, and foodservice items. Some of its well-known brands include Marie Callender’s, Slim Jim, Birds Eye, and BOOMCHICKAPOP. Cullen Capital Management, LLC, operating under the name Schafer Cullen Capital Management, Inc. stated the following regarding Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter:
“Our position in Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) was sold during the quarter. Conagra has bolstered its food portfolio over the years through M&A, however industry challenges impacting leading traditional brands have yet to abate. The frozen food category, approximately 1/3 of CAG’s sales, has struggled amidst intense competition from challenger brands while volumes continue to decline following inflationary price increases. While the stock’s valuation is attractive at 11x forward earnings, the entire food industry has de-rated over the past several years. In addition, the current dividend payout ratio is 80% versus the company’s target of 50-55% which places the dividend at risk.”
8. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan this week. Cramer mentioned the company during the episode and said:
“Finally, Friday, we have a bunch of good reads on a slew of different industries. Carnival Cruise will tell us about discretionary spending. You don’t have to go on a cruise if you don’t want to.”
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) runs cruise lines and offers vacation trips. The company also manages ports, hotels, lodges, and tours that support its cruise business. During the lightning round of the October 17 episode, Cramer said he is a “buyer” of the stock. The Mad Money host stated, “I’m a buyer of Carnival. Let me throw in that I like Royal too.”
In addition, it should be noted that Cramer commented on the industry while mentioning the stock during the September 26 episode, as he remarked:
“Now, we got a game plan. Let’s get to it. On Monday, we’ve got reports from two oddly important companies, Carnival and Jefferies. Carnival, along with the rest of the cruise industry, has been in super bull market mode ever since the end of COVID. Can it continue? I actually think so, led by Royal, by the way, because consumers know that cruises are relative bargains when it comes to leisure travel.”
7. FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 60
FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan this week. Cramer was bullish on the company during the episode, as he commented:
“Next up, I like Thursday… After the close is the biggest night of the week when CNBC Investing Club position, Nike reports, and FedEx also issues its quarterly numbers… FedEx could be the star of the week. This company is the leanest it’s ever been. The leanest. It’s got furious growth of e-commerce… No chance of abating there. FedEx could put up a monster set of numbers. That’s how well-run the company is.”
FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) provides transportation, shipping, and logistics services, including express and freight delivery, e-commerce solutions, and supply chain management. Ariel Investments stated the following regarding FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter:
“We addedFedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX), a global leader in package delivery, operating in a stable, competitive market alongside UPS. Despite macro uncertainty, under new leadership the company has made progress improving margins through cost efficiencies. A major catalyst is the planned spin-off of FedEx Freight (LTL) by June 2026, which could unlock significant value given LTL peers trade at much higher valuations. This move also will allow FedEx to sharpen its focus on the core delivery business, where margin improvements could help close the gap with UPS. Additional catalysts include the upcoming anniversary of the United States Postal Service contract termination in October 2025, clarity on tariffs, and a potential cyclical recovery. While risks such as economic slowdown and tariff impacts remain, we think FedEx offers upside through operational improvements, portfolio simplification, and the potential for a re-rating as investor confidence builds.”
6. NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 89
NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan this week. Cramer highlighted what he said about the stock during his club’s call, as he remarked:
“Next up, I like Thursday… After the close is the biggest night of the week when CNBC Investing Club position, Nike reports, and FedEx also issues its quarterly numbers. Now, I told people listening to the club call today that I think it’s still too soon to make a big swing at Nike. I’m not doing that yet because the company was so messed up, much more than we thought before Elliott Hill came in, the new CEO, that was a year ago. But it’s been that tough to turn around. I do like that we have the World Cup next year. A good showcase ahead. But it’s the old inventory that I worry about.”
NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is an athletic and casual footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories company that sells its products under brands, including Nike, Jordan, and Converse. It is worth noting that during the October 17 episode, Cramer said that he wants to “be a buyer, not a seller” of the stock. He commented:
“Same deal with Nike. The previous CEO took a good company and turned it into an also-ran… Now that Nike old hand, Elliott Hill has come in, he needs to reinvent the entire business. First, he needs to go back to the old brick-and-mortar distribution network… It means new science and innovation have to be developed, which seems to have been obliterated under the previous regime. Third, he has to fix China, not a quick fix. Oh, and let me just tell you, there’s still inventory within the system, and that holds down earnings. But most importantly, he’s got management and the rank and file rowing in the same direction because he was much loved before he left… This is another stock though that’s been pulling back as analysts realize that the fast turnaround is impossible. Again, they don’t seem to understand that turnarounds do take a lot of time. This is precisely the moment when people want to give up on Starbucks and on Nike, which is why I want to be a buyer, not a seller of both.”
5. Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ:CTAS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 61
Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ:CTAS) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan this week. Cramer highlighted the importance of the stock for small businesses, as he said:
“Next up, I like Thursday… Cintas, the uniform and safety equipment supplier, reports too. That’s a terrific barometer of the mood of small business.”
Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ:CTAS) provides uniform rental, facility services, and workplace supplies, including garments, mats, restroom products, and cleaning services for businesses. Moreover, the company offers first aid, safety, and fire protection products and services. Renaissance Large Cap Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ:CTAS) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter:
“Conversely, we sold our long-term position in Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ:CTAS) following a deterioration in fundamental factors. Our original investment thesis has come to fruition, with Cintas growing both their Fire and First Aid segments into material contributors to revenue growth and operating margin expansion. However, more recently, revenue growth has decelerated, and margin expansion has peaked. Consequently, despite its history as a high-quality compounder since we purchased the stock in April 2019, we believe that the risk-reward is no longer advantageous, with valuation multiples near all-time highs along with a deteriorating employment environment. Until the employment environment reaccelerates, we believe that estimates for revenue growth may be too high as the company potentially faces weaker demand in the near to-intermediate term.”
4. Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan this week. Cramer noted Olive Garden’s “minimal beef exposure” during the episode as he stated:
“Next up, I like Thursday. Almost all of the restaurant stocks have been horrendous because of the soaring price of beef, which just refuses to come down. But… this one, Darden, well, it’s anchored by Olive Garden, which has minimal beef exposure. The OG is crushing it, and so is the stock, at least over the past few weeks.”
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) owns and operates full-service restaurants under brands such as Olive Garden, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Capital Grille, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, LongHorn Steakhouse, and others. Cramer discussed the company during the September 19 episode, as he remarked:
“It’s funny, when you look at the numbers, the results don’t seem all that bad, more of a mix of positive and negative… However, thanks to inflation, their margins came under pressure… So sure, it’s a mixed quarter, but does that justify the stock’s decline from 208 to below 185? Come on. Look, I think Wall Street got freaked out by Darden’s higher-than-expected costs…But the investors that are selling the stock down on cost issues, I think they might be missing all the things that Darden’s doing right to attract customers in this tricky environment.
I keep telling you that only value-oriented restaurant chains like value-oriented retailers, that’s who’s attracting lots of customers in this economy, and Darden’s definitely focused on value… In the end, I get why so many people sold Darden in response to those higher-than-expected costs. If food inflation’s really out of control, then this is a very tough business to be in. It really is. But the bottom line: I also don’t want to overlook what Darden’s been doing right. The company’s been able to resonate with consumers at a time when they’re increasingly discerning about where to spend their money.
That’s why I don’t want to get too hung up on rising costs that, as management sees it, are temporary. And it’s why I don’t want to give up on Darden’s stock, especially now that it’s sold all the way down here. 17 times earnings, 3.25% yield. You could certainly do a lot worse than owning shares in Darden, which I believe will come through… this bout of inflation just fine. It always has. Maybe that’s why, in the end, people like it so much.”
3. General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 48
General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan this week. Cramer noted the health habits of the younger generation affect the company, as he remarked:
“Now, lots of people have been wondering if the food stocks will ever catch a bid, and if they don’t after this, I don’t know what to say. We need to hear what General Mills is saying when it reports Wednesday morning. You want a litmus test for the group? What could be better than the maker of Cheerios, Lucky Charms, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch? With these, you alienate the Secretary of Health and Human Services. You’re taking fire from the GLP-1 weight loss drugs, and you run smack into a new generation of people in… their teens and early 20s who somehow, they’re committed to eating healthy.”
General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) provides branded foods, including cereals, snacks, meals, baking products, frozen items, ice cream, and pet food. During the November 11 episode, Cramer noted how GLP-1 drugs are affecting stocks like General Mills. He said:
“Sometimes when stocks are doing badly, I get worried, not because I want to get out, but because I wonder if I might be missing a once-in-a-generational bottom. Those don’t come around all that often, of course… Risk takers might want to consider General Mills, but only if you’re betting on a takeover because the food stocks are being eaten alive by those GLP-1 weight loss drugs.”
2. Jabil Inc. (NYSE:JBL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 54
Jabil Inc. (NYSE:JBL) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan this week. Cramer called the company’s upcoming report “really important,” as he said:
“Then on Wednesday morning, we hear from Jabil. Okay, now, this is really important. This manufactures a lot of the infrastructure and hardware of inside data centers. I expect this could be the data center turning point, if we’re going to get one. I think you need to listen to Jabil very closely because it can undo the negativity that was unleashed by the Oracle story. This could be a huge reversal as short sellers will be running rampant in the AI stocks on Monday and Tuesday, sensing they finally have a chance to bring them down.”
Jabil Inc. (NYSE:JBL) provides manufacturing, design, and product management services, including electronics design, prototyping, and system assembly. During the October 1 episode, Cramer called the company stock one of his favorites, as he stated:
“Right now, we’ve got a quiet bull market in what’s called contract manufacturers, although they do far more than that, the companies that provide outsourced manufacturing for all sorts of industries. Take Jabil, one of my favorites, which does manufacturing for everything from healthcare to autos to electronics and equipment that goes into the data center. This company’s been putting up excellent numbers, including last Thursday when Jabil reported a blowout quarter with better-than-expected guidance for the current quarter.
Bizarrely, the stock actually sold off in response. This has been happening quite a few times lately, losing almost 7% of its value in a single session, although since then, it’s recouped about a third of those losses. Now, some of that might be because Jabil’s revenue guidance seemed a little conservative. I think a lot of it’s just profit taking in a traditionally quiet company that’s seen its shares explode higher deservedly over the past year.”
1. Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 63
Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan this week. Cramer highlighted that he likes it “second best” among home builders, as he commented:
“… New York Fed President John Williams is going to comment… And you better believe he’ll talk about whether or not we need more rate cuts, in face of the persistently high inflation that we have. That’s all people are going to talk about, even if it overshadows the results from one of the biggest home builders, Lennar, which is later in the day. If the labor report is weak, that means the Fed can keep cutting. And if we’re headed for lower rates, then Lennar is a buy. Actually, I gotta tell you, other than Toll Brothers, I think I like Lennar second best.”
Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) builds and sells single-family and multifamily homes, develops residential land, and manages rental properties for buyers ranging from first-time to luxury. During the September 25 episode, Cramer highlighted the importance of rate cuts for the company. He remarked:
“Needless to say, the earnings were not that good. Even worse, Lennar says their earnings for the current quarter are likely to come in below the expectation. And remember, Lennar is a fantastic company… They’re quite optimistic that stronger sales activity will come soon. So maybe you want to call it green shoots and that things can get better if rates continue to come down…
… Like everybody else in the industry, Lennar needs lower long-term interest rates. Usually, when the Fed cuts short rates, long rates will come down too, but that’s not always the case. Last fall, for instance, the Fed cut short rates and long rates skyrocketed. Worth keeping in mind. I mean, I know I’m very concerned that we could repeat last year’s fiasco as long rates are still creeping up higher after that last recent rate cut. That’s not good.”
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READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
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