In this piece, we will look at the stocks Jim Cramer discussed.
In a recent appearance on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street, Jim Cramer discussed sentiment among business leaders when it came to the Trump administration’s policies. The CNBC TV host remarked that the sentiment among the executives appeared to be quite different from what was being shared on the record versus off the record:
“Right I think that there is a tone, they’re speaking with a lot of terrific CEOs on the record, I speak with a lot of CEOs a little more off the record. And there is a sense of relief, but there’s also a sense of, it’s a little unreal, that this is American hegemony once again. I mean you read these articles, New York Times basically says, we are losing our place. And Wall Street Journal, that China is passing us. The execs I see are saying, hey listen, you know, win one, another one, let’s move on to the next. He’s speaking for us, we’ve got the year made. And then you try to go, deep record, and keep saying, but isn’t there an absurdity to it. Isn’t there something about, when you look at Greenland, that it was an overreach, Cuba about to go. David, no one will go, no one will say it to me. No one will say, you know what Jim, it is an interesting time. They don’t even give you interesting time, I think it’s important to point out.”
Our Methodology
To make our list of the stocks that Jim Cramer talked about, we listed down the stocks he mentioned during CNBC’s Squawk on the Street aired on January 22nd and tweeted about. 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).
13. Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING)
Number of Hedge Fund Holdings: 39
Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) is a fast food restaurant chain that specializes in selling wings. Its shares are down by 7.2% over the past year and are up by 5.7% year-to-date. As the month kicked off, Stifel discussed the shares and cut the share price target to $290 from $300 and maintained a Buy rating. The financial firm pointed out that the restaurant industry was facing headwinds that could affect the company. Along with Stifel, Barclays also discussed Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING)’s shares. However, it increased the share price target to $335 from $295 and kept an Overweight rating on the shares. Barclays commented that the headwinds in the restaurant industry could lead to quick-service restaurants gaining an edge over fast casual and traditional restaurants. Mizuho also lowered Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING)’s share price target in January. It reduced the target to $310 from $320 and maintained an Overweight rating. Cramer briefly commented on the stock on the 25th and outlined that it was “too tough a call” with “too cavalier a management.”
Alger Small Cap Focus Fund also discussed Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter:
“Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) is a global restaurant brand best known for its cooked to-order, hand-sauced chicken wings. The company operates just over 2,000 locations worldwide, with most in the United States. Wingstop delivered strong fiscal second-quarter results, exceeding expectations despite facing tough comparisons from prior years. Sales momentum was supported by several factors, including new menu offerings, increased marketing, and continued growth in digital ordering, all of which have boosted brand awareness and profitability. However, shares declined later in the quarter following reports of softer sales trends, as the restaurant industry has experienced a growth slowdown due to broad based consumer price aversion and a rotation towards food-at-home. Despite the near-term industry slowdown, we continue to view Wingstop favorably for its long-term growth potential and near-term catalysts, including the rollout of Smart Kitchen initiatives and an enhanced loyalty program.”
12. Duolingo Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holdings: 50
Duolingo Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL) is a technology company that provides a language learning platform. The shares have lost 52% over the past year and are down 11% year-to-date. Cramer has discussed Duolingo Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL) several times over the past months, and his opinions have varied. For instance, in September, he commented that while he would sell the shares, the stock was “too good” to short. Yet, in November, the CNBC TV host remarked that “I don’t know why you need Duolingo.” Despite Cramer’s caution, Morgan Stanley kept an optimistic tone about Duolingo Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL) in January. The bank reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares and cut the share price target to $275 from $300. The investment bank commented that for Duolingo Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL), like for other internet companies, it will be important to leverage AI in 2026. Cramer mentioned the stock in a tweet on January 25th. He mentioned the share price movement and remarked that Duolingo Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL) was “oversold.” Yet, Cramer added that he feared “Apple and Meta translation aides” and liked both products.
11. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holdings: 75
Banking giant The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS)’s shares are up by a strong 45% over the past year. Cramer has also discussed the firm several times over this time period. The CNBC TV host has remarked that the bank has benefited from the growth in markets activity under the Trump administration. HSBC also discussed The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) in January. It lowered the share price target to $604 from $608 and maintained a Hold rating. HSBC remarked that the banking sector’s pullback had created some opportunities. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS)’s CEO, David Solomon, sat down with CNBC’s Squawk Box at the WEF earlier this month and commented that the US economy could see growth acceleration. The shares had dipped earlier this month after President Trump had raised the possibility of placing a cap on credit card interest rates. Cramer commented on what he believes The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) and other banks should do:
“They better get on the case. This is something that, everything involving credit card, also Visa, Mastercard. It is always going to Congress. And Congress has an affinity for the banks, because there are bankers in every single area. And one of the great areas for profit is the credit card. I think that if you listen to the real, the bankers will say, listen, some people will have to pay more. And it’s very clear, if you ever go and look at their website to be able to buy things, it’s clear that [inaudible] is in the house.
“. . .Again, ten percent with a thousand dollar credit line, could work for one year, and they have to come to the table or else they’re gonna be made fun of and embarrassed everyday.”
10. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holdings: 76
Banking giant Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC)’s shares are up by 11% over the past year. However, in 2026, the stock is down by 8.7%. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC)’s shares tumbled in January after the bank reported its fourth-quarter earnings. The results saw it post $1.62 in net income per share, which missed analyst estimates of $1.67. Part of the reason Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) suffered from profitability was its severance costs. The results saw the bank outline $612 million in severance expenses. Additionally, Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) also forecast $50 billion in interest income for 2026, which sat slightly below analyst estimates of $50.33 billion. Recently, bank stocks also suffered after President Trump raised the possibility of capping credit card interest rates at 10%. Cramer remarked that Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) and other banks have to respond to the possibility quickly:
“They better get on the case. This is something that, everything involving credit card, also Visa, Mastercard. It is always going to Congress. And Congress has an affinity for the banks, because there are bankers in every single area. And one of the great areas for profit is the credit card. I think that if you listen to the real, the bankers will say, listen, some people will have to pay more. And it’s very clear, if you ever go and look at their website to be able to buy things, it’s clear that [inaudible] is in the house.
“. . .Again, ten percent with a thousand dollar credit line, could work for one year, and they have to come to the table or else they’re gonna be made fun of and embarrassed everyday.”
9. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V)
Number of Hedge Fund Holdings: 179
Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is a payment processing firm. The shares are down by 2.5% over the past year and by 5.9% year-to-date. A key theme in the card market these days has been President Trump’s proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10%. On this front, Cramer initially remarked that Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) was a processing company and not a credit card company. More recently, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warned that the move could end up removing backup credit for a large number of Americans. Dimon added that payment processors such as Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) could face greater regulatory risks, particularly since legislators head into midterm elections later this year. Cramer appeared to agree with Dimon, as he commented that Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) and others need to prepare their strategies:
“They better get on the case. This is something that, everything involving credit card, also Visa, Mastercard. It is always going to Congress. And Congress has an affinity for the banks, because there are bankers in every single area. And one of the great areas for profit is the credit card. I think that if you listen to the real, the bankers will say, listen, some people will have to pay more. And it’s very clear, if you ever go and look at their website to be able to buy things, it’s clear that [inaudible] is in the house.
“. . .Again, ten percent with a thousand dollar credit line, could work for one year, and they have to come to the table or else they’re gonna be made fun of and embarrassed everyday.”
8. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holdings: 136
Payment processor Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)’s shares are down by 4% over the past year and by 6.8% year-to-date. As per The Fly, Compass Point upgraded the shares to Buy from Neutral and raised the share price target to $735 from $620 in mid-January. The firm pointed out that Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)’s sector was finding a bottom that could occur after the fourth quarter earnings cycle was complete. Later, Truist reduced the share price target to $609 from $630 and kept a Buy rating. Like Compass Point, Truist’s coverage was part of its comments on the broader financial sector. Along with the two, TD Cowen also discussed Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)’s shares. It increased the share price target to $668 from $654 and kept a Buy rating. The shares have struggled recently after President Trump suggested a 10% cap on credit card interest rates. Cramer commented on the President’s remarks and outlined that Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) and others need to be quick on their feet:
“They better get on the case. This is something that, everything involving credit card, also Visa, Mastercard. It is always going to Congress. And Congress has an affinity for the banks, because there are bankers in every single area. And one of the great areas for profit is the credit card. I think that if you listen to the real, the bankers will say, listen, some people will have to pay more. And it’s very clear, if you ever go and look at their website to be able to buy things, it’s clear that [inaudible] is in the house.”
“. . .Again, ten percent with a thousand dollar credit line, could work for one year, and they have to come to the table or else they’re gonna be made fun of and embarrassed everyday.”
7. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holdings: 81
Chip manufacturing giant Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC)’s shares are among the top performers in the market. They are up by 122% over the past year and by 14% year-to-date. In January, Seaport Global Securities upgraded the shares to Buy from Neutral with a $65 share price target. In its coverage, the financial firm pointed out that Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) was experiencing solid demand for its products and tailwinds with the controversial Intel Foundry Business. The foundry business has seen considerable attention from investors and media since Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) has to secure orders from third parties for its chip manufacturing technologies in order to make the business viable. Financial firm Jefferies, while hiking the share price target to $45 in January, had also pointed towards growing demand for server products. Cramer tied the demand and the foundry business to the skill of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) CEO, Lip-Bu Tan:
“Yes it is, it’s a must own. I’ve loved Lip-Bu Tan from the time I met him. Worked with him. I do think what he’s done is he’s ridden the wave, there is a shortage for most his product. They’re actually losing some share to AMD which is doing well but it doesn’t matter. What I point out is even the Foundry initiative, which everyone thought could be a white elephant may be right. Lucky. Good. Doesn’t matter.
“[On US investing $10 billion] That was a good buy.
“I thought that Ben Reitzes piece was very strong, and I think Apple’s going to be able to get some business, they actually need the foundry. Now there’s an example by the way, I’ve been very critical of Pat Gelsinger, remember this is the US government backed them. They have great partners, US government and NVIDIA. By the way, Jensen Huang, long term friend of Lip-Bu Tan, Lip-Bu Tan being perhaps the godfather of semiconductor in this country. Morris Chang of course being in Taiwan.”
6. Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU)
Number of Hedge Fund Holdings: 105
Over the past couple of months, Cramer has been nothing but praiseful of memory chip manufacturer Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU). The shares are among the top performers in the market as they are up by 331% over the past year and by 24.6% year-to-date. Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) has benefited from the strong demand for memory chips. HSBC was out with a very optimistic take about the firm recently, as it bumped the share price target to $500 from $350 and kept a Buy rating on the stock. The bank commented that Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU)’s shares had benefited from the rally in DRAM prices and forecast that the firm could post high double-digit growth in its second quarter operating profit. In his recent remarks about Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU), Cramer has praised the firm’s CEO and remarked that the CEO is too modest. In this appearance, he listed Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) among a handful of stocks that were experiencing a shortage:
“Okay, so, here’s the ones that have a shortage that can’t be met. Micron . . . Those stocks are up 36% [MU’s gains]. . .this is from the year began.”
5. Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:WDC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holdings: 84
Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:WDC) is a computer memory storage manufacturer. The strong movement in the firm’s shares, with the stock up by 404% over the year, has also stimulated plenty of analyst coverage. For instance, Rosenblatt recently commented on Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:WDC), increased the share price target to $270 from $165, and kept a Buy rating on the stock. The financial firm outlined that the technology company can benefit from its build-to-order strategy and approval for its heat-assisted magnetic recording devices for the data storage industry. Similarly, Bank of America raised Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:WDC)’s share price target to $257 from $197 and kept a Buy rating. As per BofA, the firm can benefit from a stable pricing environment and post strong fiscal second-quarter earnings. Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:WDC)’s share price performance hasn’t escaped Cramer’s attention either, as the CNBC TV host also discussed the demand for the firm’s products:
“Okay, so, here’s the ones that have a shortage that can’t be met. . . .Western Digital. . .Those stocks are up. . .40[%]. . .this is from the year began.”
4. Seagate Technology Holdings plc (NASDAQ:STX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holdings: 72
Storage devices manufacturer Seagate Technology Holdings plc (NASDAQ:STX)’s shares are among the top performers in the market. The shares are up by 256% over the past year and by 28% year-to-date. Several analysts discussed Seagate Technology Holdings plc (NASDAQ:STX) in January. For instance, BofA increased the share price target to $400 from $320 and kept a Buy rating on the shares. According to the bank, Seagate Technology Holdings plc (NASDAQ:STX) can beat analyst estimates for its upcoming earnings report. One key catalyst for the company, according to BofA, is its heat-assisted recording memory, as the bank commented that Seagate Technology Holdings plc (NASDAQ:STX) can continue to grow its list of customers for these products. Similarly, Rosenblatt increased the share price target to $370 from $270 and kept a Buy rating on the stock. The financial firm remarked that Seagate Technology Holdings plc (NASDAQ:STX) could benefit from all-around strong demand for high-density memory devices:
“Okay, so, here’s the ones that have a shortage that can’t be met. . .Seagate. . .Those stocks are up . . .25[%]. . .this is from the year began.”
3. Sandisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK)
Number of Hedge Fund Holdings: 61
Sandisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK), like its peers in the computer data storage device manufacturing industry, has performed well on the stock market. Since March 2024, the stock is up by 863%, and year to date, the stock is up by 76%. Benchmark discussed Sandisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) in mid-January. It raised the share price target to $450 from $260 and kept a Buy rating on the shares. One factor that the financial firm cited for its optimism was the capacity in the NAND market. Benchmark commented that Sandisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) could benefit from a deliberate expansion in memory capacity, which was different from previous cycles of high demand that had seen aggressive capacity expansion and led to an oversupply in the market. As Sandisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK)’s shares have stunned market observers, Cramer has discussed the stock several times. Recently, he advised viewers to sell the stock to take profit, given the massive share price rise. This time, like the analysts, the CNBC TV host mentioned the shortage of Sandisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK)’s products:
“Okay, so, here’s the ones that have a shortage that can’t be met. . .Sandisk. . .Those stocks are up. . .111 at Sandisk. . .this is from the year began.”
2. Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holdings: 115
Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) designs and sells computer chips that are used in computers, data centers, and other applications. The shares are up by 119% over the past year and by 13% year-to-date. Citi discussed Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) in mid-January as it kept a Neutral rating and a $260 share price target. The financial firm discussed the technology company’s AI business and margin. Along with Citi, RBC Capital also discussed Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) in January. The firm initiated the stock with a Sector Perform rating and a $230 share price target as it commented that the chip company’s shares already account for the ramp-up of crucial AI chips. Jefferies and Truist also discussed Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD)’s shares this month. Jefferies kept a Buy rating while Truist kept a Buy rating and a $277 share price target. In his recent remarks about the firm, Cramer has praised its CEO and AI chips. In this appearance, he commented on the demand for the firm’s products and the share price performance:
“Okay, so, here’s the ones that have a shortage that can’t be met. . . .Advanced Micro. . .Those stocks are up. . .16 at Advanced Micro. . .this is from the year began.”
1. ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML)
Number of Hedge Fund Holdings: 82
ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) is one of the most important technology companies in the world. It is a semiconductor manufacturing equipment provider and the only company capable of manufacturing high-end EUV chip machines that produce the latest AI chips. ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML)’s shares are up by 103% over the past year and by 20% year-to-date. Bernstein reiterated an Outperform rating and a $1,642 share price target for the firm in January on the back of structural tailwinds for the next couple of years. The financial firm added that ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) can beat consensus expectations for its upcoming earnings report on January 28th. UBS also discussed the firm. It raised the share price target to €1,400 from €1,030 on the back of higher earnings estimates and demand strength across memory and logic chips. Like Bernstein, the bank also commented that ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) can surpass its earnings estimates. Similarly, Cramer discussed the demand for the firm’s products:
“Okay, so, here’s the ones that have a shortage that can’t be met. . .ASML. . .Those stocks are up . . .27[%] ASML, this is from the year began.”
While we acknowledge the potential of ASML to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ASML and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
Disclosure: None. Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily e-newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below.
