During a recent episode of Mad Money, which aired on Monday, the 5th of May, Jim Cramer gave some personal anecdotes from his experience as an investor. He emphasized the importance of savings, starting early and investing as much as one can afford:
“If you don’t have enough money or the time to own a stock portfolio, you can only own one or two stocks, send the money in, as little money as you can, to an index fund, to one of these big mutual funds.”
READ ALSO: Jim Cramer Absolutely Nailed These 11 Stock Predictions and Did Jim Cramer Hit or Miss On These 13 Stock Predictions?
Jim Cramer gave advice to his viewers about stock picking and which investing accounts to use. He also warned them to not treat investing the same way as gambling and to not chase hype:
“So here’s the bottom line: You want to get started, go small, invest [in] what you know, research intensely, just research, research, research… It’s as simple as a keystroke and the information’s free, including up-to-the-minute financials, analyst presentations, brokerage research, and of course, the conference calls that I tell you are a must if you want to actually know what you’re doing. Simple? No. Lucrative? You bet it is.”
Our Methodology
For this article, we compiled a list of 13 stocks that were discussed by Jim Cramer during Mad Money episodes that aired on the 5th and 6th of May 2024. We then calculated their performance for the past 12 months, until May 6th, 2025, market close. We have also included the hedge fund sentiment for the stocks, which we sourced from Insider Monkey’s Q4 2024 database of over 900 hedge funds. The stocks are listed in the order that Cramer mentioned them.
Please note that this article mentions Jim Cramer’s previous opinions and may not account for any changes to his opinions regarding the stocks that are mentioned. It is primarily an examination of how his previously provided opinions have panned out.
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 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
13. The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 108
In that episode, Cramer talked about The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) in the context of its upcoming earnings and new leadership. He expressed optimism due to cost-cutting efforts and the resolution of the proxy fight with Nelson Peltz at the time. Here’s what he said back then:
“Tuesday morning when we hear from Disney—interesting by the way, they put it in the evening, perhaps that’s the influence of CFO extraordinaire Hugh Johnston, formerly of PepsiCo, who leads them up. But I think what’s going to be a real orderly conference call for once. I think we should get some excellent numbers because of all the initiatives and cost cuts Disney put in, in part to fend off Nelson Peltz and that rough and tumble proxy fight. Aren’t we glad that’s over.”
Cramer’s optimism proved misplaced, with the stock dropping 18.96% afterward.
But Cramer remains bullish on The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS). Here’s what he said a few days ago ahead of the company’s earnings report:
“Lots of fireworks on Wednesday. We start with Disney. So many doubters. I think too many doubters and not enough supporters. We own this contrarian play for the Charitable Trust. We have not made money in it. It has not been good to us. I hope it gets good. Hope shouldn’t be part of the equation, but I’m just telling you as I see it.”
12. Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64
Cramer brought up Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) in that older episode while discussing exposure to China. He mentioned the company’s upcoming earnings and why it’s a core holding in his charitable trust. Here’s what he said back then:
“Next we’re constantly on the lookout for anything good coming from China, right? And we get results from Wynn Resorts on Tuesday night. Wynn owns two casinos in Macau—the Chinese gambling haven. I think they’ll put up some good numbers, which is why we own it for the Charitable Trust. The Chinese seem to be willing to travel locally even as they’re not showing interest in visiting here.”
Despite Cramer’s confidence, the stock fell 14.20% following his endorsement.
Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) operates high-end casinos and hotels, with a strong presence in Macau and Las Vegas. The host of Mad Money addressed the negativity a few days ago, saying:
“We went to see Wynn Resorts when we were out in Vegas recently, and I know the stock’s been under some pressure. I’d love to hear that the negativity is all hot air.”
11. Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 54
Cramer discussed Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) in the context of weakness at its competitor, Expedia’s Vrbo. He believed technical issues at Vrbo would directly benefit Airbnb at the time. Here’s what he said back then:
“I’m expecting a terrific quarter from Airbnb—but that’s after listening to Expedia’s conference call last night where they talked about Airbnb’s competitor Vrbo having some technical issues that really hurt business. Hey look, what’s bad for Vrbo is most likely good for Airbnb.”
Cramer’s belief that Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) would benefit from Vrbo’s missteps didn’t materialize, as the stock slid 21.80%.
The tech rental company has been struggling since, and Cramer complained about capital outflows from the travel industry. Here’s what he said earlier in April:
“Well, I know that there’s a lot of questions about going out to dinner and going out to dinner, the restaurants that charge too much, not good. The travel boom. Many people feel is over. . .if it’s the airlines, AirBnb has still held up relatively, but Marriott has started to come down. This group is rolling over, but it’s a little self-fulfilling in the sense that you know David, once you get, one of them down, people just say I’m getting out all of them.”
10. Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE:BROS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41
A caller had a question for Cramer about Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE:BROS) back then. Cramer appreciated the brand but flagged insider selling and industry saturation as risks. Here’s what he said at the time:
“Here’s my one problem with Dutch Bros, it’s that every time it lifts its head, somebody comes in, does some insider selling, and it just wrecks it. But I share your appreciation for Dutch Bros. But remember, the coffee market, I say, it’s gotten a little crowded.”
Jim Cramer’s take was a miss, as the stock soared by 121.18% since those comments.
Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE:BROS) is a drive-thru coffee chain known for rapid expansion and a loyal customer base. Being more bullish about the company lately, here’s what Cramer said last week:
“After the close, we got a couple of companies that have caught the fancy of younger viewers, DoorDash and Dutch Bros. I expect both to have very strong quarters that can send their stocks higher. We’ll have the inevitable comparisons between Dutch Bros and Starbucks. Oh, all I can say is that the Bros have the edge right now, but I like them both, and I don’t know, did you see Starbucks starting to move up here?”
9. Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 44
Cramer mentioned Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) during his preview of the company’s earnings at the time. He viewed the company as a turnaround story after several missed quarters and believed it was misunderstood by the market. Here’s what he said back then:
“One of my favorites, Tyson Foods. I still think this is a bounceback play; it’s too cheap and despised on Wall Street for missing many quarters, but that was many moons ago.I like the setup of Tyson Foods I have now called the bottom and we’ve been right.”
Cramer’s take was a miss in this case, as the stock has dropped by 9.58% since then.
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) is a leading American food company focused on protein-based products, including beef, chicken, and pork, serving both retail and foodservice markets.
8. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45
When asked about Stellantis back then, Cramer dismissed the company due to its missed earnings quarter and recommended a viewer to buy stock in Ford Motor (NYSE:F) instead, saying:
“I’m going to have to recommend that you do Ford. Why? Because Ford would be nuts not to do a buyback right here. They should just be buying back stock hand over fist.”
Cramer was wrong about Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), as the stock sank 18.18% since then.
Here’s what Cramer said a few days ago, ahead of the company’s earnings report:
“Now Monday’s key earnings start after the bell. We’re going to see when Ford Motor reports in the morning. Now I have to tell you, I’m a little concerned here. Ford has worked hard to try to mitigate the tariffs, even as they’re the most American of American automakers when it comes to content. Maybe they can break their streak of so-so quarters. I really hope so. I think Jim Farley deserves a break himself.”
7. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 13
Cramer brought up Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) while contrasting it with Tesla in a segment on upcoming auto earnings. He stressed the company’s leadership in hybrids over EVs. Here’s what he said back then:
“It’s become increasingly clear that the sweet spot for automakers is not EVs—no, the ‘E’ is not it. It doesn’t really matter here. It’s hybrid. Hybrid vehicles where Toyota’s long been a leader. I think they’ll put up great numbers like we used to expect from Tesla. But remember, it will be hybrid.”
Cramer’s hybrid-fueled optimism for Toyota didn’t hold up, with the stock falling 17.34%.
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) is a global automotive leader and long-time pioneer in hybrid vehicle technology. Talking about the company in March, Cramer said:
“Well, we don’t have to have a high pass-through because we can just go buy Toyota! They got the de minimis tax!”
6. Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 51
When a caller asked about Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE), Cramer responded cautiously optimistic. He noted recent weakness in steel pricing but still leaned bullish. Here’s what he said back then:
“Nucor, they make many different steel many different kinds of steel, and one of their kinds of steel did have a decline in price and people are saying that that’s very bad for the company. I like Nucor very much; you are going to have to deal with a bit of turbulence here as it comes down but I’m leaning toward buying it not selling it.”
Cramer’s buy recommendation was off the mark as the stock sunk by 31.67% since then.
Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) is one of the largest steel producers in the U.S., known for its mini-mill production model. Ahead of its most recent earnings report, here’s what Cramer had to say:
“So many people are worried about a tariff-induced recession. Steel giant Nucor reports on Monday, and they’re really at the crossroads of both. This domestic steel company, the best there is in the world, it’s been hammered by economic weakness, but they also directly benefit from the tariffs as they should. The world dumps steel on USA. It’s been known for years. And if we didn’t do anything about it, if we didn’t protect our steel companies, we would have no steel, nothing would be made in this country. So let’s hear what they have to say.”
5. AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21
A caller asked Cramer about AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV), a defense tech company known for its unmanned drones. Cramer praised its cost-effectiveness and saw it as a smart play in the current defense landscape. Here’s what he said back then:
“Absolutely, and here’s what you need to know: we have a lot of very expensive military equipment that is just way, way too expensive. And then we’ve got the stuff that AeroVironment makes, and that’s the bargain. And it’s about time that the Pentagon started looking at the guys who don’t cost us an arm and a leg—because our enemies have very inexpensive drones, we can have them too.”
Cramer’s bullish thesis didn’t pan out, with the stock falling 11.89% despite its defense appeal.
AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV) develops unmanned aerial systems and tactical missile systems for defense applications. Addressing the company’s struggles, Cramer had this to say a few days ago:
“Well, it was up seven today. Look, I’ll tell you the problem here…. It’s a stock. I know that sounds a little soporific, but stocks are going down particularly high multiple stocks… We could have, we could have Wahid Nawabi on right now and he could tell us how things are going and things are going great. It just doesn’t matter. People don’t want to own the defense stocks right now. They feel that defense budget’s going to be cut. I don’t agree, but that’s what’s happening.”
4. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 92
Cramer addressed Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) in that older episode after a caller asked whether the pharmaceutical giant still had upside. At the time, he pointed to the Seagen acquisition and migraine treatments as potential growth areas. Here’s what he said back then:
“ I think Pfizer is bottoming. I think that Seagen [acquisition] is starting to kick in. I think they’re doing a lot of stuff by the way with migraine, which makes me very happy being the spokesperson for the American Migraine Foundation. I think it’s- I don’t want to call a new Pfizer I want to call it an energized Pfizer, and I think you’re going to see some good things. In the meantime, you got a 5.9% yield so I like it.”
However, the pharma stock did not bottom and fell by another 18.75% since that episode.
Cramer expressed his frustration about Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) earlier in April, saying:
“You know, this is a quandary. And I’ll tell you what, Dr. Bourla, terrific guy, he bought Seagen, I think it’s going to be great. Right now, it’s caught in a vortex where they can’t seem to be able to produce things to offset things that are coming off patent. I want to stick with it, but that 7.7% yield is not a sign of strength. It’s now a sign of weakness.”
3. SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:SOFI)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 43
A caller asked about SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:SOFI), and Cramer shared his frustration about the stock and admitting he was giving up on it, no longer defending it. Here’s what he said back then:
“SoFi reported, and they report a good quarter, but nobody cares. And you know, I can defend a stock for so long. And I’ve now defended this stock for about almost 2 years; about a year and a half. And I think it’s okay but I am not going to sit here and forever say it’s okay. So here’s what I have to say: I wouldn’t buy it. I’d like to see the stock go up but… Anthony Noto is terrific, but I just don’t know what drives this stock higher. I just don’t know.”
His bearish outlook was a big miss, as the stock has skyrocketed by 77.79% since Cramer said he would give up on it.
SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:SOFI) is a fintech firm offering online banking, lending, and investing products. Cramer is once again bullish as of late and addressed the stock’s downturn in March this year saying:
“Let’s not worry. Let’s not worry. Okay, this is run by Anthony Noto. He is doing a super job. I know that right now, stocks are for sale. I don’t want you to sell it. It can come down a little bit more. Do not panic. The company’s in good hands and the stock was up a great deal not that long ago. I think you’re fine. I’m not saying it can’t go to $10, I am saying that Noto’s money.”
2. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 96
Cramer talked about Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) in the context of AI chip forecasts and investor disappointment. He noted that despite falling short of expectations, the stock had started rebounding and could present a buying opportunity. Here’s what he said back then:
“It’s true that AMD didn’t raise its forecast enough for next year’s ultra-fast graphics chips that that they think can rival Nvidia’s. They took numbers up to about 4 billion from 3.5 billion that they were projecting in January, but Wall Street already wanted at least 5 billion or even more. I think analysts got ahead of themselves. The stock during this period pulled back 38% from peak to trough, now it’s starting to rebound, it’s only at 14 bucks from its lows. That could be an opportunity.”
Turns out it wasn’t a good opportunity, as the stock has fallen by another 36.69% since then.
But Cramer remains hopeful about Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD), the semiconductor firm known for its CPUs and GPUs, competing with Intel and Nvidia. Here’s what he said in late April:
“After the close, we want to hear great things about demand from Advanced Micro Devices, AMD. Perhaps we get the news that AMD’s selling that manufacturing part of the ZT Systems. That’s a company they acquired for $4.9 billion in cash and stock in March. Now that could give this stock a lot of juice.”
1. Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 162
Cramer mentioned Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) when reflecting on strong earnings that failed to lift the stock during a broad tech pullback. He believed the selloff created a bargain opportunity at the time, saying:
“Not that long ago Salesforce CRM gave a terrific quarter. Nice top and bottom line beat. They also threw in a dividend and buying back stock enough to keep the float flat. It was an almost universally applauding quarter! It’s still just a few bucks away from its lows; bargain!”
Although the stock did rise initially, it has since fallen flat, with an overall performance of negative 0.82% since Cramer’s comments.
Despite its weak performance, Cramer highlighted Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) in a recent episode as one of his all-time favorite stocks. Here’s what he said in late April:
“Next, in 14th place is one of my all-time favorites, and that’s Salesforce, up 6,738%. This company started as a customer relations management software play, basically invented the cloud software strategy, and now is one of the largest and most successful enterprise software companies on the planet. Salesforce now offers an entire suite of products spanning sales, marketing, customer service, and data analytics. And it always seems to be at the leading edge of whatever big trend is happening in software, including right now with their Agentic platform that harnesses AI, okay, kind of like a a robot that you would speak to when you’re trying to figure out exactly who you want to get to in a company.
More impressive, the stock still made the list even though it’s down 28% from its highs in December. We just had Salesforce co-founder and CEO Marc Benioff on the show last week. He sounded as confident as ever. I say you doubt this man at your own peril. He did the same thing in the fall of 2008 when the financial crisis was obliterating the stock market. That turned out to be an incredible buying opportunity. I know some of you think I’ve been sticking around too long on this company. I think its Agentforce program could be dramatically understated for the growth prospects it’s going to bring the company. It could blow out the numbers, okay? I’m not sure which quarter’s going to do that, but I swear by this Agentic. It makes too much sense. Don’t leave the stock.”
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