Markets

Insider Trading

Hedge Funds

Retirement

Opinion

Jim Cramer Names NVIDIA the Main Portfolio “Running Back”

During the September 8 episode of Mad Money, host Jim Cramer compared NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) to Detroit Lions star running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Cramer emphasized its complete package of hardware and software dominance, as he remarked:

Next, let’s talk running backs, key position in fantasy. What you want are the equivalent of compounders, stocks that can consistently grow and grow and grow over time. Basically, you want a running back like NVIDIA, the other stock on my “own it, don’t trade it” list. Now, in the past, I’ve called NVIDIA a wide receiver for your portfolio, more of a rapid growth name, but at this point, it’s matured enough to be a running back.

That said, NVIDIA is still on track to put up 70% revenue growth next year. Don’t worry about today’s action. It was just crazy down. For the NFL analog, I like probably the best player in the game, Jahmyr Gibbs, the thrilling running back for the Detroit Lions who can stack up yards and touchdowns both by running the ball and catching passes. He’s the complete package, just like NVIDIA’s advanced computing platforms, which combine chips, networking equipment, and software. Both Gibbs and NVIDIA are known for their speed. But overall, this is a comparison all about quality. Just as NVIDIA should be one of the first stocks someone buys when starting to build a portfolio, Gibbs is going to be one of the first few players taken in any fantasy draft. Put it this way: I have the eighth pick in my league’s draft and there’s no way I’m going to be able to get Gibbs. I’m lucky if I get Cam Skattebo.

Full-Stack Infrastructure and Compound Growth Drivers

Cramer’s updated view highlights just how much NVIDIA Corporation has changed over the years. It used to be treated like a standard chipmaker that rises and falls with tech cycles, but it’s now the critical foundation of corporate tech. The company doesn’t just sell individual graphics cards anymore; it provides a complete ecosystem that combines specialized networking gear and powerful software. Because major cloud giants and developers build their entire AI projects directly using its software, they are not likely to switch anytime soon.

Macro Headwinds and Industry Concentration

Even with its leading market position, investing in NVIDIA Corporation comes with some possible structural challenges. Because a massive share of its data center revenue is tied to a handful of major cloud hyperscalers building out AI infrastructure, any sudden shift or cooling in their multi-billion-dollar capital spending can create temporary headwinds.

In addition, geopolitical trade dynamics and shifting export regulations introduce ongoing compliance hurdles across international markets. Finally, increasing competition from custom in-house AI chips developed by major tech clients means NVIDIA must continuously stay ahead of the curve to defend its market share.

Smart Money View and Short Interest

Institutional backing for NVIDIA Corporation remains exceptionally strong, showing broad support among professional asset managers. According to Insider Monkey’s database tracking over 1,000 hedge funds, 285 hedge funds held a stake in the company in Q2, up from 275 in the prior quarter. Meanwhile, short interest sits at a modest 1.23%.

NVIDIA combines deep ecosystem integration with consistent operational execution, which solidifies its status as a core compounder for long-term investors looking past near-term market turbulence.

READ NEXT: Jim Cramer Says Five Below (FIVE) is a “Buy, Buy, Buy” and Jim Cramer Calls Natera (NTRA) “a Promising Story”.

Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.