In this article, we will take a look at 13 stocks that Jim Cramer discussed 12 months ago during his show on April 2, 2024, and examine whether he was right or wrong about those stocks.
In the most recent episode of Mad Money, Jim Cramer shared his thoughts on how the government’s approach to tariffs could play a crucial role in sustaining the stock market rally. Cramer expressed satisfaction with the current direction of policy.
“There’s what happened two weeks ago, two Thursdays ago, more accurately when the stock market official went into correction mode. Until the market broke down like that, I think the president was perfectly willing to hammer anybody just to get his way.”
“I don’t think he (President Donald Trump) wants to punish good American companies that make things here.”
READ ALSO: Did Jim Cramer Nail or Miss These 14 Stocks?
Cramer explained that he no longer thinks the president wants to harm American companies that manufacture goods domestically. He suggested that the shift in attitude is a relatively new development, and it may signal a more nuanced approach going forward. He noted that with the market’s recovery, it is possible that the conversation around protectionist tariffs will surface once again, but the context might have changed.
Cramer speculated that when the market entered correction mode, President Trump may have been influenced by the pleas from various observers about the damaging effects on stocks of good American companies.
“Here’s the bottom line: At the end of the day, America’s the only country on earth that’s played fair on trade. Everybody else breaks the rules to protect their domestic businesses. That’s hollowed out our industrial heartland. And that dynamic can only change if our government takes a more carrot-and-stick approach. Assuming Trump doesn’t go overboard, that might just be what we’ve got and it means stocks can finally stage a real rally again.”
Our Methodology
For this article, we compiled a list of 13 stocks that were discussed by Jim Cramer during the episode of Mad Money on April 2, 2024. We then calculated their performance from April 2nd, 2024, market close to March 24th, 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.
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13. Paychex Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 36
Paychex, Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYX) is a payroll and HR solutions provider for small and medium-sized businesses. Despite initial concerns about revenue, Cramer defended the quarter following the earnings call at the time:
“This was actually a very fine quarter and the only hair I saw on it was the difficulty of companies to get the right people […] At the end of the day, the stock was up nicely, which is pretty good for Paychex.”
Paychex Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYX) has risen 18.06% since that episode, validating Cramer’s defense of the quarterly numbers.
Jim Cramer has not changed his stance on the stock over the past year. Here’s what he said on the 21st of March:
“We got a pair of small business-oriented companies that will report Wednesday, Cintas and Paychex… As for Paychex, this payroll processor has a lot of bearish analysts covering it and I gotta tell you something, they got smoked in that last quarter, just smoked by the great numbers. Paychex, I think it’s going to continue to do well.”
12. Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 126
Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is a leading electric vehicle and clean energy company. Cramer pointed out multiple headwinds and lowered expectations:
“Tesla’s numbers were weaker than expected […] 387,000 vehicles when we expected them to sell more than 457,000 […] The real problem with Tesla is that it turns out to be a mortal car company and not an immortal tech company.”
Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) has soared 72.92% since that episode, outperforming expectations despite Cramer’s cautious tone.
The company has faced some backlash in the past months and the stock has dropped a lot from its peak. Investors worry whether CEO Elon Musk’s politics are affecting its product demand. Here are Cramer’s comments about the matter from March 21st:
“[On Musk’s employee on hands meeting] Yeah it was great. Look I think he’s trying the focus off the fact that it’s a car company. Well look, he just kind of reminds of Henry Ford. Not necessarily some of the political things that Henry Ford was involved in. Henry Ford always said though, when things got tough, never complain and never explain. And this man is kind of hitting on both cylinders there. I, do I like the stock? I think that if you change the narrative and actually produce the data that he talked about for self drive, it would be good. I mean but right now, the long knives are out for him like almost no one I’ve ever seen in history. He’s doing, again, you have to understand there are people who say this man has become the most arch Republican Trumpist in history, and we’re supposed to buy his cars? We bought them because they were pro environment and now he’s in, he’s deeply in the anti-climate change theory. Look it’s heavily political, it’s heavily political.”
“[Dan Ives on Wedbush warning about something have to change, Jonas cutting PT to $410 from $430 and saying it’s a top pick because firm is transitioning to AI and robotics] Well, you know what’s a highly diversified play on AI and robotics? It’s the unfathomably bad acting golden negative bear cross, NVIDIA. . . So I mean if you want AI, I’ll give you NVIDIA. You want self-drive, I’ll give you NVIDIA. And I’ll tell you, do want some NVIDIA? I’ll give you NVIDIA. That stock can’t even seem to hold 117. So I don’t want to, I look at it in a positive way, I like the idea that it’s going toward tech. But right now tech is so hated, I think I’d rather have it go toward GM and Ford.”
“Well I think that people felt by this point that there would be a souring in the relationship between the headstrong Musk and the headstrong Trump. But that hasn’t happened. I think people are kind of surprised that he seems to get a kick out of dismantling the government. Okay, I mean some people get their kicks in strange ways. But I will say that, if he were to say tomorrow, you know what, I’m going back Tesla, then the stock will be at 400. And people want that optionality. I like the stock right here. But I think you have to buy it slowly because I don’t think the numbers have all been fully cut Sarah. I think there’s more number cuts coming.”
11. PVH Corp. (NYSE:PVH)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28
PVH Corp. (NYSE:PVH) is the parent company of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. In that older episode, Cramer noted how the company’s earnings outlook at the time triggered a broader sector selloff:
“PVH gave us a terrific number absolutely, but then it jarred us by talking about a slowdown of some significant proportions […] The report was about weakness in Europe, and we’re not going to extrapolate from Europe to the United States.”
PVH Corp. (NYSE:PVH) has plummeted 38.55% since that episode, confirming Cramer’s concern over its European weakness.
Jim Cramer talked about the company again on the 4th of February. Here are his thoughts:
“I thought these were funny. PVH what are they, buttons on the shirt [inaudible]?. But David, PVH, um, Tommy Hilfiger, the sweaters. Is it about the sweaters? Is that what it’s come down to?
“Could be whimsical, could be actual, but PVH for many years was the master licensee for men’s apparel. Exclusive relationship with Macy’s, great relationship and very nice business. And perhaps, I know that the relationship ended in 2015 when Trump ran for President the first time. PVH has no other business relationship with the President since then. But that would be, kind of uh, nice way to say hey listen . . we’ll even, we’re gonna slap you on the tie. But, so just keep that in mind.”
10. VF Corporation (NYSE:VFC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 36
VF Corporation (NYSE:VFC) is an apparel company that owns brands like The North Face and Vans. Cramer cited European weakness as a reason to avoid the stock:
“VF Corp, that’s the challenged maker of North Face […] 30% of its products are sold in Europe […] You can’t touch it.”
VF Corporation (NYSE:VFC) has gained 15.34% since that episode and proved Cramer wrong.
However, Jim Cramer has changed his stance on VF since then. On January 20 this year, he explained that Bracken Darrell transformed V.F. Corporation (NYSE:VFC) by selling off an important brand.
“Hey, one more. How about this one? Bracken Darrell, he left Logitech for the challenge of turning around the broken clothing company, VF Corp, a little over a year and a half ago. Stock was trading around 19 bucks. Heinous balance sheet. In July of last year, he sold off VF Corp’s hottest brand to Essilor Luxottica for $1.5 billion in cash. It was good, it was a good brand but he had to do it but Darryl, he needed cash. Sure enough, the company reported a great quarter last night and the stock shot up to almost 27 bucks.”
9. GE Healthcare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:GEHC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 65
GE Healthcare Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:GEHC) is a leading provider of medical imaging and diagnostics equipment, spun off from General Electric in early 2023. In that older episode, Cramer reaffirmed his bullish stance on the company’s post-spin potential:
“GE Healthcare got spun off at the beginning of last year. You know I like it so much we bought some for the charitable trust. It rallied from $54 at the time of the spin-off to $88 today. I’ve been telling club members that they can go to $100. I like that stock! […] I keep telling you Wall Street loves breakups.”
GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:GEHC) has dropped 6.41% since that episode, softening after Cramer’s prior bullish outlook.
In December last year, Jim Cramer mentioned the stock again, saying:
“GE Healthcare. GEHC. Which has just been crushed by the fact that they don’t have the China’s order. Now I think that they’re going to annualize [inaudible] so it won’t be so bad.”
And his latest comments from the 22nd of January repeated the issue:
GE Healthcare’s still having a problem with China.”
8. GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 111
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) is a global energy infrastructure company focused on natural gas turbines, grid modernization, and renewables. Back then, Cramer was very bullish on the company following the GE spin-off. Here’s his analysis:
“GE Vernova is a Colossus in the energy industry […] Whenever you hear about efforts to modernize the power grid, know that these guys are getting a piece of that. And there’s a lot of money here because Biden’s various stimulus packages, especially the bipartisan infrastructure bill that has poured tens of billions of dollars into grid modernization that is so needed.
At the same time the rise of artificial intelligence has created this unheard of demand for electricity because the data centers the power of these platforms consume tremendous amounts of power. Electricity demand is now growing at a 5% annual clip which is huge for GE Vernova. […] As I see it wind power still has a lot of room to run.
If the company can hit its longer-term forecast, this stock will be a fantastic buy. But beyond the numbers I like GE Vernova because the company’s set up perfectly for the energy transition that’s expected to take place over the next two decades […]
Finally, I am impressed with CEO Scott Strazik who’s made a great case for this company on Wall Street. […]
Now what about the stock? I think it’s still worth owning […] While spin-offs often have a lot of volatility in their first few months, I recommend gradually building a position in this one.”
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) has skyrocketed 140.14% since that episode, strongly supporting Cramer’s bullish take on the spin-off.
On March 5th this year, a caller asked if Cramer was still bullish on GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) and here’s what he said in response:
“Yes, I am. I’m high on GE Vernova. I’m high on GE Aerospace. And if that dog, GE Healthcare would stop giving up the gains that it has, we own that for the trust, I’d be higher on that one too.”
7. GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 101
GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) is the newly renamed aerospace business following GE’s breakup. In that episode, Cramer gave the green light on the stock while highlighting some risks:
“GE Aerospace is basically a pure play on aircraft […] GE is in a dominant position in engines for both narrow body and widebody aircraft which are the top choices for country travel and international flights respectively. They do have a fantastic service division with great cash flow. The only concern here is the company’s exposure to Boeing which seems to have forgotten how to consistently make safe planes. […]
At the end of the day the world is desperate for commercial aircraft and GE makes the best engines […]
Bottom line, both the new GE Aerospace and GE Vernova are worth owning going forward as long as you’re disciplined about building a position. I want you to take your time don’t buy at once. Wait for a pullback before you truly pounce on what I think will be two terrific long-term winners. Ultimately I am giving you my okay to do some buying.”
GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) has jumped 55.44% since that episode, aligning with Cramer’s view that the business remained a top-tier aerospace play.
On March 14th this year, Cramer was asked if GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) could take more share from Boeing and Cramer replied with:
“Oh man. Okay… I think the answer is they can take a ton. They, and you have to, you have to buy it and buy it like mad because what’s gonna happen is there’s going to be so much servicing of these planes and that’s where they make their biggest money. And don’t forget, you’re getting Larry Culp who’s one of the greatest executives in America.”
6. Interactive Brokers Group Inc. (NASDAQ:IBKR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:IBKR) is a leading electronic trading platform for investors worldwide. Cramer was supportive when asked about the company:
“I think it’s an incredibly well-run company […] Everybody feels that way that I know […] It’s been remarkable.”
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:IBKR) has advanced 56.72% since that episode, backing Cramer’s praise of its management and performance.
When asked about the stock recently on the 27th of February, he reiterated that he likes the stock even though it might be approaching overpriced levels:
“They’re good. Stock’s very high and stock is very expensive, but they’re good.”
5. Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 111
Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) is a Chinese e-commerce and cloud computing giant. When asked about it, Cramer made clear it was his only acceptable pick among Chinese stocks:
“Look, if you have to own one, it is going to be Alibaba. That is the one that has the most American-like financials. I’m not a fan of Chinese stocks, but BABA is the one to own if you want to go there.”
Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) has surged 82.15% since that episode, being one of the top performing Chinese stocks over the past year.
Jim Cramer did mention Alibaba again more recently, once again stating that it’s the only Chinese stock he likes. Here’s what he said on the 25th of February when asked about Chinese stocks:
“Oh my god, WeRide. Oh geez. You cut me to the quick. I don’t want to go, look, I like Alibaba. That was the only Chinese stock I like and it’s been absolutely terrific.
4. Charter Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 73
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is one of the largest broadband and cable operators in the United States. In that older episode, Cramer gave an extremely bearish take during the lightning round:
“That’s an awful stock […] That may actually be the most awful stock that I know […] I’m putting that in the pantheon of awful.”
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) has rallied 34.89% since that episode, defying Cramer’s extremely negative outlook.
3. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (NYSE:CMG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 83
Towards the end of the show, Cramer discussed the potential advantages of a stock split and used Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) as an example of a great company that voted for a stock split at the time:
“The incredible CFO of Chipotle Jack Hartung has embraced the concept of a stock split and has shareholders voting on a 50-to-1 split which would be sensational for anyone who doesn’t want to pay $3,000 a share for this thing. Even though this split would cause a flood of new shares and therefore a flood of commissions for the big institutions who want to buy large positions in Chipotle, Jack told us there’s been no push back whatsoever by any of his institutional investors. Well of course they should care more about Chipotle’s unbelievable performance it’d be strange to criticize a company where if you bought $750 a stock on the IPO you have $100,000 today.”
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) has fallen 14.71% since that episode, despite Cramer’s enthusiasm around the stock split and fundamentals.
On the 27th of February, Jim Cramer gave his thoughts on the stock again:
“Alright, you know, Chipotle is a growth stock. Now, I just, I preface that by saying the growth stocks are suddenly incredibly out of favor. I think Chipotle’s good. It has come down a lot. I think that, that Scott Boatwright is doing a good job. I think it’s actually a pretty decent level to start a position. Please don’t buy this all at once. This stock has been, become very erratic of late.”
2. Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 96
Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) is a leading membership-based retail warehouse club. Back then, Cramer recommended starting a position during the pullback:
“Costco’s retreat is actually at a level where we have been saying for the CNBC Investing Club you need to start buying […] So my answer to that is I want to be two-faced? I said start buying, I can’t walk away and tell you not to.”
The shares of Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) have risen by 31.36% since that episode.
On the 20th of March, appearing on Squawk on the Street, Cramer said:
“Costco, someone lowered their price tag. Costco’s the cheapest place on Earth to shop. And they had a good quarter. People just didn’t recognize it.”
1. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 75
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is a major U.S. wireless and telecommunications provider. At the time, Cramer expressed renewed confidence in the stock:
“I think it’s actually getting better […] It was just a couple of things that were dogging it […] I think it’s a good situation to buy a 6 and 1/4% yield with the stock at 42. I like Verizon.”
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) has inched up 2.23% since that episode, slightly supporting Cramer’s cautiously positive take.
However, the host of Mad Money has recently changed his stance on the stock. Here’s what he said in March this year when a caller asked about his position:
“I want you to keep that position small because it’s terrible. Sorry, it’s true. I took a picture of a Verizon store last night and posted it on X. Verizon is not the stock it used to be. AT&T is the stock it used to be, but Verizon’s not. Verizon switched with AT&T. It’s like a man with two brains, and now he has one brain. The brain you want is AT&T, not Verizon.”
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