On Thursday, Jim Cramer discussed recent retail earnings and pointed out why certain companies continue to perform well. Here’s what the Mad Money host had to say:
“If you want to know what makes a successful retailer, all you have to do is read the conference calls. Everything’s on display, no secret sauces. I’m always telling you to read these transcripts. That’s how you spot the best companies.”
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Cramer noted that retail is one of the simplest sectors to analyze because consumers experience it firsthand. He explained that anyone can walk into a store, observe what seems to be working, and then compare those observations to actual results and stock performance.
In discussing three major retailers that have continued to perform well, Cramer highlighted a factor they share: effective sourcing. He explained that the companies have adapted to challenges like tariffs and supply chain disruptions and also drew from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. He added:
“They know how to get what they need from all different places. China does play almost no role with any of these…. Unlike so many big box retailers, these all have a lot of room to expand.”
Our Methodology
For this article, we compiled a list of 13 stocks that were discussed by Jim Cramer during the episodes of Mad Money aired on May 22. We listed the stocks in the order that Cramer mentioned them. We also provided hedge fund sentiment for each stock as of the first quarter of 2025, which was taken from Insider Monkey’s database of 1,000 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 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
Jim Cramer Talked About These 13 Stocks
13. The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 77
Cramer highlighted that The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX) stock “represents the best value right now,” as he said:
“I want to highlight to you three retailers that reported excellent quarters in just the last couple of days, and only one was recognized as fabulous, that’s Urban Outfitters. One’s holding on with its fingertips, that’s RL, Ralph Lauren. And then a third, TJX, that’s getting sold off, yet presents, I think, now the best buying opportunity… And then there’s the king of value, TJX. While the stock went down today and has been going down since the quarter reported, keep in mind that it regularly sells off after the quarter, as I said to you, even when the earnings are good.
TJX is a simple story. The values here are extraordinary because they’re selling merchandise that retailers had to rapidly get rid of either to bring in new inventory or to pay the bills. I like it much more, for instance, than Ross Stores, also in its cohort, which really disappointed this very evening as opposed to the faux disappointment for TJX.
T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, Marshals, they’ve got, they’re great value for all income groups, and that’s kind of what makes it such a great shopping experience. TJX told us that things are going terrific, just right now, great guns. I’d say, what the heck is the stock down for? It is time to buy it. It’s one of the most successful retailers of all time… TJX, the company, has more than 5,000 locations, and management thinks there’s room for another 2000 on top of that. Now, some of their brands are dramatically underpenetrated, especially in Europe.
Again, that’s why I think TJX stock represents the best value right now. Look, there are a ton of terrific retailers, but these three really put up amazing numbers, and only one is being recognized. I see that as an opportunity because it’s just a matter of time before Wall Street realizes that the kings of retail came out, showed you their best stuff this quarter, and you want to get into all of them before everybody else figures out what I just told you.”
TJX (NYSE:TJX) is a discount retailer that sells a variety of products such as family apparel, home items, jewelry, and other merchandise.
12. Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45
Cramer highlighted that Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) was among the companies that showed Wall Street its “best stuff” when it reported its quarterly earnings.
“I want to highlight to you three retailers that reported excellent quarters in just the last couple of days, and only one was recognized as fabulous, that’s Urban Outfitters. One’s holding on with its fingertips, that’s RL, Ralph Lauren. And then a third, TJX, that’s getting sold off, yet presents, I think, now the best buying opportunity…
Next, we may not associate Ralph Lauren with value, but that’s completely wrong. Unlike pretty much every single retailer I follow, RL has iconic brands that never go out of fashion. They call it timeless. They’re right. I still wear Lauren’s stuff I bought 20 years ago, that makes it valuable…
Look, there are a ton of terrific retailers, but these three really put up amazing numbers, and only one is being recognized. I see that as an opportunity because it’s just a matter of time before Wall Street realizes that the kings of retail came out, showed you their best stuff this quarter, and you want to get into all of them before everybody else figures out what I just told you.”
Ralph Lauren (NYSE:RL) is a well-known brand that designs, markets, and sells lifestyle goods such as clothing, home products, and accessories.
11. Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 35
Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) was among the retailers that reported solid quarterly earnings and was highlighted by Cramer as he said:
“I want to highlight to you three retailers that reported excellent quarters in just the last couple of days, and only one was recognized as fabulous, that’s Urban Outfitters. One’s holding on with its fingertips, that’s RL, Ralph Lauren. And then a third, TJX, that’s getting sold off, yet presents, I think, now the best buying opportunity… They each have their own value proposition. Urban Outfitters is made up of its eponymous flagship store along with Anthropologie and Free People. They’re all doing incredibly well.
But when I listened to the call, I am struck by one particular division Nuuly…. This is Urban’s apparel rental business for women, and it’s growing at a stunning 60%… Now, every single one of the divisions have positive same-store sales, but up 60% even on a small base, that is stunning. For 98 bucks a month, Nuuly lets you rent six items a month, and you can buy them at discounted prices if you like them after you wear them…. At a time when clothes can eat up a huge chunk of your disposable income, I think this is the answer, that’s value…
Look, there are a ton of terrific retailers, but these three really put up amazing numbers, and only one is being recognized. I see that as an opportunity because it’s just a matter of time before Wall Street realizes that the kings of retail came out, showed you their best stuff this quarter, and you want to get into all of them before everybody else figures out what I just told you.”
Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ:URBN) offers a range of lifestyle products and services through multiple retail brands, selling fashion, accessories, home goods, beauty items, and wellness products targeted at various age groups. The company also operates a clothing rental service, restaurants, event spaces, and markets its own apparel lines.
10. Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 51
A caller asked if they should buy Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) stock for their retirement portfolio. Here’s what Mad Money’s host had to say:
“You know, Nucor’s a very… let me just go over this for a second. Nucor sells at a price that looks very cheap, but if we have a recession, people keep dumping this stock. I want you to own this for the long term. I think it would be a terrific situation, but don’t expect it to turn up anytime soon because people, so many people think we’re going into recession.”
Nucor (NYSE:NUE) makes and distributes various steel products to buyers across North America. The company is also involved in creating and handling raw materials used in steel production and other industrial uses. In April, appearing on Squawk on the Street, Cramer remarked:
“I got concerned about Nucor bought back a lot of stock high. I mean buybacks, if not done with precision can really make it so that you don’t have enough cash. But Nucor’s a great company. So is RH.”
9. Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16
When a caller inquired about Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW), Cramer commented:
“No, no, too much risk. I don’t want you… in there. Don’t be fooled. Don’t, don’t reach for yield 7%. No, no, no. If you need yield, just go buy Realty Income, okay.”
Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPW) is a real estate investment trust that invests in hospital facilities through a financing model designed to support acquisitions and recapitalizations. For the first quarter, the company reported a net loss of $0.20 per share. It distributed a regular quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share in April. Lastly, the company holds approximately $14.9 billion in total assets.
8. Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 92
A caller asked if they should buy more, hold, or sell Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT). Cramer replied:
“Oh, I like Vertiv. I like Vertiv now. It’s, it’s bounced well off the bottom, but it’s got Dave Cote as the chairman, and we have Mr. Albertazzi as the CEO. Here’s what you need to know about this, this company has incredible demand, and therefore, it’s just, if I see that kind of demand and they have good gross margins, I want to own the stock.”
Vertiv Holdings (NYSE:VRT) provides support for digital infrastructure by managing lifecycle services for data centers, communication networks, and a range of commercial or industrial systems. Hardman Johnston Global Equity Strategy stated the following regarding the company in its Q4 2024 investor letter:
“From a sector standpoint, the main drivers of the portfolio’s outperformance during the fourth quarter were Industrials and Materials. Within Industrials, Howmet Aerospace, Inc. and Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT) were the largest contributors to outperformance. Vertiv has been a stellar performer for the past year and beyond. The global leader in data center thermal and electrical equipment continued to execute on its record backlog, with strong order flow largely related to AI-driven data center demand. Data center operators and hyperscalers are partnering with the company to develop next generation designs to optimize power and thermal efficiency. Vertiv’s global service network is uniquely positioned to help clients design and maintain these important data centers.”
7. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 86
A caller inquired about ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) in light of the budget bill, lower oil prices, and tariffs. Here is what Cramer said in response:
“It’s actually the, I think, the best of the lot these days. I just don’t want to stick my head out and get it cut off at a time when I think that OPEC+ is going to do another big slug of oil… making oil go through the 60 level.”
ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) is involved in the production, transportation, and exploration of crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and natural gas liquids. Early on in April, when Cramer was asked about the stock, he remarked:
“I like it here. I would buy it… It’s inexpensive, yields three and a quarter. It’s one of the best run oils. You never really see this thing down like this… When you see the stock down 10, probably going to go down three or four more points, and then I would buy some. It’s exactly where you want to be and it’s a great call.”
6. Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 166
A caller asked Cramer’s thoughts on Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER). In response, he said:
“I’m thinking that even though Uber’s up 45% for the year, you ain’t seen nothing yet. I think the stock can go much higher over multiple years.”
Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER) develops technology used in transportation, delivery, and freight. The company connects users to ride services, supports merchants with order delivery, and runs a logistics network for shippers and carriers. Optimist Fund stated the following regarding the company in its Q1 2025 investor letter:
“Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) – Uber posted its strongest quarter yet, with gross bookings rising 18% year-over-year to $44.2 billion and revenue growing 20% to $12.0 billion. Adjusted EBITDA jumped 44% to $1.8 billion, fueled by record demand across both Mobility and Delivery, while free cash flow reached $1.7 billion. Exceeding its three-year financial targets, the company heads into 2025 with accelerating momentum and emerging upside from autonomous vehicles. Uber’s growing free cash flow profile is attracting broader investor attention—including a recent investment from renowned value investor Bill Ackman. Our investment thesis remains intact.”
5. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 80
When a caller confessed that they got out of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), Cramer said:
“I came out this, came out this morning very much in favor of AT&T because of that 4% yield, but there’s lots of other 4% yielders around these days.”
AT&T (NYSE:T) provides a range of telecommunications and technology services that include wireless voice, data plans, broadband internet, cloud solutions, and managed services. It is worth noting that on April 11, Cramer said:
“So what made this list so far? Right now there’s peace among the phone companies. The big price war seems to be a thing of the past. That means you can own both Verizon and AT&T. Both have good yields. Both are reporting better-than-expected earnings. They’re worth owning because their businesses have very little cyclicality. So that’s the paradigm, okay?”
4. Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 60
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV) was mentioned during the episode, and here’s what Cramer had to say:
“This is a stock that you know I’ve liked for a long, long time, and it’s been a huge winner over the years. Really well managed… I think the stock’s deserves to roar because if the main question for Live Nation was whether the softer economy would start impacting their business, well, the answer, at least three weeks ago, was an emphatic no, and that’s why I think the stock still very much works in this environment. Beyond that encouraging update about how the business is holding up, I come back to the core reason, core reason why I like Live Nation, it’s a secular growth winner thanks to major structural changes to the music industry over the past decade.
… The demand for live music is clearly there for consumers. We know this. I think Live Nation is the best way to play this theme, and the company continues to grow its share of the concert industry as it builds or requires more and more venues. It’s the best way to play any music. It may be the best way to play any entertainment…
In this tricky market… it’s important to check in on… even the best stories because you have to make sure that they still work in a brand new environment. And when it comes to Live Nation Entertainment, I still think we’ve got a big time winner on our hands.”
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE:LYV) runs a live entertainment business that promotes music events, handles ticketing services, sells advertising and sponsorships, and owns and manages different entertainment venues.
3. Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 44
A caller asked what Cramer thought of Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA), and he said:
“There’s gotta be some value in Moderna. There just has to be, but I’ve been against this stock for so long. I first discovered it at 18. Maybe that should be the price target.”
Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA) is a biotech company focused on creating vaccines and treatments using messenger RNA technology. The company works on solutions for various diseases. On March 26, highlighting the stock’s decline, Cramer said:
“Now, let’s consider the other side of the trade, the biggest losers, all of which were somehow connected to the data center except Moderna, which plunged 7% because of Financial Time’s story. It says they might… be targeted by RFK Junior at Health and Human Services and it’s certainly possible.”
2. Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 44
A caller asked where Cramer thinks Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) is going, and he replied:
“Ah, that’s a tough one. You know, I’ve always felt that Tyson should be much, much higher, but it doesn’t have the earnings power for me to be able to say that. I think you gotta, I think why you gotta put this one on hold, I don’t see it presenting ourselves any great opportunities at this very moment.”
Tyson Foods (NYSE:TSN) is a food company that produces and sells various meat products such as beef, pork, and chicken. It also provides frozen and refrigerated ready-to-eat meals under multiple recognized brand names. In November 2024, whilst commenting on the company, Cramer said:
“Lots of people wanna know why food prices got so outta hand in the last few years. You wanna learn? Why don’t you listen to the Tyson Foods conference call like I will. You’ll get a ton about pricing and they’re the dominant player, meat and chicken. Sometimes you don’t listen to a conference call to pick a stock, you listen to learn. I learn from Tyson.”
1. GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 111
Calling GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) the “unknown soldier” that made it, Cramer said:
“… GE Vernova is the unknown soldier, okay? The one that got to the other side, and I think is going to keep going, and that’s what matters… GE Vernova is at the heart of every major power trend there is, except solar, which is lucky because the solar stocks got eviscerated today by the big ugly bill that just passed out…
I think the nat-gas for data center and nuclear opportunities are some of the biggest out there, and GE Vernova dominates both of them. So the tariff avoidance theme, they got that too. I was a skeptic about nuclear power because the CEO, Scott Strazik, told me I was too bullish about it when I interviewed him back when GE Vernova came public. Scott’s not dissuading me anymore… The possibility of what could go right at GE Vernova is so incredible that the stock’s value just can’t measure up to the opportunity.
The bottom line: No wonder when I surveyed the battlefield, I could only find one soldier left standing that I like, one that fixes trade surpluses, restarts a new nuclear trend, and solves the conundrum of powering the data center and firing up the growing electric grid. GE Vernova is made for this moment. This is the one big stock that’s survived the making and passing, at least in the House of that big beautiful bill, and I bet it keeps winning.”
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) provides technologies and services for generating, transferring, converting, and storing electricity, offering solutions across gas, nuclear, hydro, steam, wind, solar, storage, and grid systems. Moreover, the company offers software and hardware for managing and distributing electrical power efficiently.
While we acknowledge the potential of GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that 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 GEV and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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