During the most recent episode of Mad Money, which aired on Friday, May 16th, Jim Cramer highlighted a sharp turnaround in market sentiment, noting how investors shifted from fear to renewed optimism over the past week:
“We often speak of moments when the stock market tends to do well…. We know that stocks thrive, for instance, when interest rates are going down but there’s another auspicious moment and that’s when the conventional wisdom collectively decides that because of extenuating circumstances, in this case, a welcome break from ever higher tariffs, we’re no longer at risk of a recession in the near future.”
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Cramer compared the change in investor mood to a jolt of energy for the market, just as powerful as a rate cut by the Fed. In his view, these rare moments when fear gives way to optimism often open the door to meaningful gains for those paying attention.
As he recapped the past week, Cramer called it a clear break from the gloom that’s dominated recent market narratives. With recession talk suddenly on pause, he said investors rushed back into economically sensitive stocks, transforming what began as caution into a full-blown buying spree.
“If hedge funds thought we were about to experience the apocalypse, and many of them did, then they were poorly positioned coming into this week. And when hedge funds are poorly positioned, you get incredibly motivated buyers like the ones we saw all week that help take us all the way…. And they may not be done with all of their buying, at least because we’re suddenly in a very different world with the pessimists having been caught with their pants down. Until they turn optimistic, which might take a little bit, we should remain in good shape.”
Our Methodology
For this article, we compiled a list of 12 stocks that were discussed by Jim Cramer during the Mad Money episodes that aired between the 15th and 17th of May 2024. We then calculated their performance for the past 12 months, until May 16th, 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).
12. GE Healthcare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:GEHC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64
Back in 2024, on May 15, Mad Money’s Jim Cramer discussed GE Healthcare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:GEHC) as the first spinoff in GE’s transformation, noting its solid performance despite slower recent momentum.
“GE Health is up 46%. They both trounced the S&P 500, which is up 39% over the same period. Now, most of GE Healthcare’s gains came early on, and it’s more of a grind since then. It’s still mainly a grind higher. We have used some moments of weakness to buy some for the Charitable Trust.”
This one quietly slipped 10.06%, making Cramer’s optimism look misplaced in hindsight. GE Healthcare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:GEHC) has struggled to excite investors as margin pressure and slowing diagnostics growth weigh on sentiment.
However, Cramer recently admitted that he changed his course on the stock. Here’s what he replied to a caller on May 13:
“Okay, now you know, you’re a club member, you know I sold a lot in the high 80s and then gave up on the rest. The reason I did was because it’s inconsistent and too controlled by China, not America. So I am not going to be a backer. I am going to say the fabled [don’t buy, don’t buy, don’t buy].”
11. Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 101
Back in 2024, on May 15, Mad Money’s Jim Cramer discussed how some long-time outperformers were being overlooked, reemphasizing his confidence in Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) after its recent spin-off of Veralto, saying:
“Danaher — this is one of the great performers of all time. Only up 20%. It’s now a pure play on diagnostics and medical equipment, which is very fast-growing. Last fall, Danaher spun off its water purification and applied solutions businesses as Veralto. Both stocks are now lagging the S&P 500, but given how these stories usually play out, I think it could be a terrific buying opportunity to pick up Danaher. […]
Do not overlook that stock. These guys know how to run a company.”
His conviction didn’t pan out here, with the stock falling 25.95% and underperforming peers. Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) is underperforming despite a clear focus on diagnostics and medical devices following its recent corporate refocus.
Here’s what Cramer said about the stock on April 22:
“I was surprised at Danaher, which I felt that Danaher’s one of the worst stocks I’ve ever had after being for years one of the best stocks. But that was because of China so I was gratified to see that they kept things okay.”
10. Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27
Back in 2024, on May 15, a caller asked about Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO), a newly listed nuclear energy firm focused on small modular reactors. Cramer advised avoiding it and pointed to an alternative.
“That one’s too risky. I’m still going to send you to GE Vernova — that’s the one. They’re going to do the small form factor nukes. That’s the place you want to be.”
One of the worst calls as the stock exploded towards the end of 2024 and is now up 291.29% for the year. Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) rocketed as speculative interest in next-gen nuclear drove investor enthusiasm far beyond fundamentals.
Despite the stock’s explosive performance, Cramer remains bearish on it. Here’s what he said in April this year:
‘Well, I’m a great believer in nuclear power, but that does not make me want to own any of the stocks that are involved in it right now, given the fact that it’s going to be so many years before we actually build it. So I’m gonna have to say [sell, sell, sell] Oklo.”
9. DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 65
Back in 2024, on May 16, a caller asked about sports betting stocks ahead of football season at the time, specifically DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG). Cramer said:
“Look, I saw Flutter’s numbers — that means that DraftKings is the one to buy. It’s terrific.”
DraftKings went the wrong way after Cramer’s call, dropping 17.95% even as sports betting continued growing. DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) is slipping despite strong sports betting trends, as rising costs and competition pressure margins.
During a recent Mad Money episode which aired on May 15, Cramer admitted he was too bullish on the stock, but he still sees a potential bullish scenario. Here’s what he said:
“I’ve gotta tell you, you could say I’ve been too bullish on it. I just really believe that we were, you know, we’re still too far away from football season, but I do genuinely believe that what has to happen is some of these states that don’t have gambling have to get gambling, and that’s what I think it’s really about. I thought it was about the handle. I thought it was about the hold. I’m beginning to think it’s about these states that don’t allow gambling yet that have to.”
8. MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 33
Back in 2024, on May 16, a caller asked about MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP), a rare earth miner that had disappointed since being featured on the show back then. Cramer admitted he lost confidence at the time:
“It’s been disappointing. And I think it’s because they’re not making a lot of money. They have to — the CEO has to come on and say, ‘Listen, I’m done talking — I’m just going to make a lot of money.’ And then we have something. But otherwise what I feel like is — I’ve got behind a losing horse, and I don’t like to be betting behind losing horses. What can I say? That’s how I feel.”
MP Materials proved Cramer wrong, rebounding 17.87% after he lost confidence in its outlook.
MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP) is emerging as a critical rare earth supplier just as the U.S. reshuffles its strategic sourcing priorities. When asked about the stock again in April, Cramer admitted that the stock might prove to be a winner and that he’s giving it another chance:
“Okay… used to come on our program all the time, James Litinsky, and it’s had a good run. It’s moved up all the way from the bottom, but it used to be much, much higher. My take is this: I think that the rare earth specialty materials are going to do well under Trump and I like Litinsky. I think he’s the real deal, but boy, they keep losing money. This is the year that they either make money or I go against them. Period. End of story.”
7. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 92
Back in 2024, on May 17, a caller asked about Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), which had struggled post-COVID. Cramer said the turnaround was underway and highlighted the stock’s dividend and pipeline, saying:
“I like Pfizer here. It’s making a big turn — people don’t even seem to be aware of it. I’ve been talking about it every day in the office. I keep saying, ‘Has anyone watched this turn in Pfizer?’ 5.8% yield. I always liked Seagen, which is the old Seattle Genetics — I think Dr. Bourla’s got it right. They have a lot of cash. Yes — Pfizer is a buy.”
Pfizer failed to deliver the turnaround Cramer expected, with shares down 21.06% since his buy recommendation.
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is struggling to reassure investors despite a strong dividend and recent oncology-focused acquisitions. When asked about it again recently, Cramer stated that he remains a believer in the stock. Here’s what he said on May 12:
“You know, look, I think Pfizer, I think it can bottom here. I do believe, I still believe in the Seagen acquisition. I know I seem like, that I’m alone along with Dr. Bourla, but I think that there’s a lot of good stuff that they have, so I would say keep it here.”
6. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 51
Back in 2024, on May 17, a caller highlighted Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF)’s impressive returns and asked Cramer to weigh in. He was enthusiastic and called it the best retailer he followed at the time:
“Oh yeah, I mean I was reading the MVP again today. I think — I expect nothing but good things. You are dead right. Why is that market cap so small and that company so good? I think it’s because of leftover memory of what it used to be like.”
However, Cramer’s favorite retailer dropped sharply after his endorsement, falling 41.69% and reversing its momentum.
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) has disappointed after a powerful run, weighed down by tough comps and shifting consumer habits. Cramer appeared more cautious in a recent episode in late April but still thinks it’s a good buying opportunity. Here’s the outlook he gave for the stock:
“You know what, I’ve got to see what they look like in a tariffed world… because I don’t know exactly how much of their stuff is going to have to go up in price. The stock is reflecting a lot of that, but you’re right, it’s six times earnings. But you and I both know six times earnings means usually that the earnings are too high. But it’s 65 bucks, $3.3 billion company. I think you can pick up a little, but then wait.”
5. Nutanix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTNX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 51
Back in 2024, on May 217, a caller asked if Nutanix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTNX) had more room to run after a sharp rally. Cramer noted the market’s love for enterprise software but cautioned on valuation.
“Nutanix is what the market wants right now. It’s enterprise software. Enterprise cloud platforms. People can’t get enough of it. They don’t seem to care about the valuation — they just buy, buy, buy. I have too much discipline to recommend that stock at this level.”
Cramer was wrong to be skeptical as the stock is up 20.01% since.
Nutanix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTNX) has impressed the market with recurring revenue growth and demand for hybrid cloud and storage solutions.
4. Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:OTIS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 38
Back in 2024, on May 15, Mad Money’s Jim Cramer discussed how certain spin-offs quietly outperformed, praising Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:OTIS) for thriving as a service-heavy elevator company even amid macroeconomic softness.
“Otis Worldwide’s up 121% since the breakup — thank you, Judy Marks — gives you 134% total return including dividends. The elevator business is now worth nearly $40 billion all on its own. Look, a lot of people think of Otis as a traditional movement play — cyclical, hostage to new construction — but in reality the company gets the vast bulk of its money from servicing and repairing existing elevators, which is why even though China’s soft, you still got to repair them.”
Despite Cramer’s praise, this one barely moved, up just 2.41%, making his enthusiasm feel a bit overstated.
Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:OTIS) continues to benefit from its global elevator servicing operations which provide resilient, recurring revenue.
3. The Trade Desk, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 63
Back in 2024, on May 16, Mad Money’s Jim Cramer spotlighted The Trade Desk, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTD) in response to its new partnership with Netflix, highlighting the company’s strong fundamentals, record quarter, and strategic role as a growing third power in digital advertising:
“I’ve been following this company since it came public in late 2016, recommending it repeatedly over the years to you […] Investors seized on The Trade Desk involvement as particularly important because this is a proven outfit with a good track record […] Long story short, The Trade Desk is on — it’s just in fuego, inking multiple new deals that could be hugely beneficial to the numbers in the quarters or years to come […] And I know it’s moved up, but I’m telling you — this is a winner. And if it comes down, you can buy […] I like The Trade Desk because it’s one of the best pure plays on a huge secular theme — the continued movement of advertising dollars from legacy media channels toward digital… It’s a picks-and-shovels play for effective online advertising… That’s why I think, if it comes back at all — and it could — The Trade Desk can keep working its way higher.”
The stock disappointed after Cramer’s endorsement, falling 18.11% and failing to hold investor momentum.
The Trade Desk, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTD) has faltered lately as digital ad spending growth slows and competition intensifies across streaming and connected TV. Explaining the stock’s downfall, here’s what Cramer said on May 15:
“You made the right move. Now let me tell you something. They had a self-inflicted issue. In other words, they had a problem, they made a mistake… It was like they were doing a new software that didn’t work initially, and the stock just got crushed. It went all the way down from like $120, down to $60. But I will tell you, it actually went down to $42 at one point in April, that I think all the problems are fixed, and all the things you said that are good, they’re happening. I like your call, I think you’re right. I would actually buy more.”
2. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 96
Back in 2024, on May 16, a caller on the Mad Money show asked whether to buy, sell, or hold Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD), amid the AI chip arms race. Cramer praised Lisa Su and backed AMD’s GPU pipeline back then:
“AMD? Lisa Su is doing a terrific job. I think she’s going to revise up how many of these GPUs — of the really good chips — she’s going to have and how much she’s going to sell. I think you buy AMD here.”
AMD did not live up to expectations, falling 27.95% after Cramer called it a buy based on AI strength.
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) is navigating intense AI competition, and while its product pipeline is strong, investors expected more near-term upside. Talking about the company ahead of its earnings in early May, Cramer tried to maintain his bullish outlook:
“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. Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 79
Back in 2024, on May 16, a caller on the Mad Money show asked about Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN), which had dropped 20% post-earnings at the time. Cramer acknowledged the weak sentiment but suggested better options while still supporting Accenture:
“Boy, I’ll tell you — I saw the downgrade yesterday too, and I couldn’t believe all the way down here they downgraded. And I was thinking maybe it’s Kindryl picking up the slack, maybe it’s IBM. But I’m with you — I think Accenture’s too low. But Professor, I think SAP is better. And I like ServiceNow more too.”
Although the stock did climb initially, it fell back down to what it was back then, overall up 3.15% since.
Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is trying to rediscover its AI positioning but has struggled to regain sustained investor enthusiasm since its correction. Cramer refrained from recommending it lately. When asked about it in April, Cramer said this:
“Accenture got, apparently, the way that people are looking at Accenture is that Accenture’s being hurt by the DOGE crowd, and if that’s the case, you can’t go against DOGE. It’s, I’ll tell you the truth, it’s better to buy Palantir.”
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