Mad Money w/ Jim Cramer – April 29, 2025 | Episode Summary

Release Date: April 29, 2025
Host: Jim Cramer
Podcast: Mad Money w/ Jim Cramer, CNBC

Introduction and Host’s Opening Statements

The episode kicks off with Jim Cramer energetically setting the tone for a milestone celebration of "Mad Money's" 20th anniversary. He emphasizes the show's mission to educate and empower individual investors, stating, “My job is not just entertain, but educate the teaching” (02:21). Cramer passionately argues against the misconception that stock ownership is solely for the wealthy, asserting, “More than 60% of Americans have some exposure to the market, directly or indirectly” (02:21).

The Stock Ownership Debate

Cramer delves into the ongoing debate about stock market participation among Americans. He references a recent New York Times article discussing Trump voters' regrets over market downturns, challenging the notion that stock ownership is indifferent to political leanings. “More than MAGA doesn't have stocks. They don't care,” he quotes a caller’s perspective, then counters it by highlighting the vast number of Americans invested in stocks, IRAs, and 401(k)s (02:21).

He passionately defends the importance of individual stock picking, recounting the show's origins aimed at augmenting viewers' paychecks and providing a champion for everyday investors. Cramer shares personal anecdotes about listeners who have benefited from the show, reinforcing his commitment: “We fight for you and we champion you” (07:00).

Caller Interactions and Stock Recommendations

Throughout the episode, Cramer engages with various callers, offering buy, sell, and hold recommendations. Notable interactions include:

• Trey from Texas (08:58): Trey praises the show and inquires about Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF). Cramer assesses ANF's valuation and advises cautious optimism, suggesting potential for a slight uptick but recommending a wait-and-see approach (09:15).

• Dave from Illinois (09:39): Dave asks about Okta (OKTA). Cramer lauds Okta as “terrific” and suggests adding CrowdStrike (CRWD) and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) to his portfolio (10:21).

• Bill from Massachusetts (31:10): Bill reminisces about growing up with the show, expressing gratitude. Cramer responds warmly, reinforcing the show's educational mission (31:18).

• Joe from New Jersey (38:38): Joe discusses Costco and Apple holdings. Cramer commends Joe’s strategy, emphasizing the strength of these long-term investments (38:56).

These interactions encapsulate Cramer's dedication to providing personalized investment advice and fostering a community of informed investors.

Interview with Leon Topalian, CEO of Nucor

A significant portion of the episode features an in-depth interview with Leon Topalian, Chairman, President, and CEO of Nucor Corporation. Key discussion points include:

• Company Performance and Optimism (17:05): Topalian shares Nucor's robust performance, highlighting a 30% increase in backlogs and strong order entries. He emphasizes the company's resilience amid economic uncertainties, stating, “Nucor's best days are still in front of us” (20:52).

• Impact of Tariffs and Trade Policies (19:10): Both Cramer and Topalian discuss the importance of a level playing field in international trade. Topalian praises recent policy adjustments under the Trump administration, which have bolstered the American steel industry by addressing unfair trade practices (19:10).

• Community Investment and Job Creation (20:05): Topalian details Nucor's substantial investments in the U.S., including $20 billion over five years and the creation of 9,000 direct jobs. He underscores the company's commitment to community development and sustainability (20:05).

Cramer concludes the interview by affirming his confidence in Nucor's growth prospects, noting, “This stock is at the right price, believe me” (22:46).

Jim Cramer's Top 10 Performing Stocks Over 20 Years

In celebration of the show's 20th anniversary, Cramer presents a countdown of the top 10 best-performing stocks featured on "Mad Money." Key highlights include:

1. Netflix (NFLX) – 82,000% Gain: As the pioneer of streaming, Netflix transformed media consumption and remains a staunch recommendation for long-term investment, despite recent volatility (24:19).

2. Nvidia (NVDA) – 50,000% Gain: Recognized for its leadership in artificial intelligence and accelerated computing, Nvidia is lauded as a future-proof investment (24:19).

3. Priceline Holdings (BKNG) – 22,000% Gain: Now Booking Holdings, the online travel agency has dominated the digital travel space through strategic acquisitions and innovation (24:19).

4. Apple (AAPL) – 14,500% Gain: Despite geopolitical challenges, Apple’s consistent innovation and market dominance make it a perennial favorite (24:19).

5. Texas Pacific Land Corporation (TPL) – 13,000% Gain: Benefiting from valuable landholdings in oil and gas-rich regions, TPL represents a unique investment in natural resources (24:19).

6. Amazon (AMZN) – 10,700% Gain: From e-commerce roots to cloud computing giant, Amazon’s multifaceted growth ensures its place in the top performers list (24:19).

7. Monster Beverage (MNST) – 10,300% Gain: Transitioning from Hanson Natural, Monster Beverage's rebranding and market expansion have yielded substantial returns (24:19).

8. Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) – 10,000% Gain: Creator of the Da Vinci robotic surgical system, Intuitive Surgical has revolutionized minimally invasive surgery (24:19).

9. Regeneron Pharma (REGN) – 9,000% Gain: Despite recent setbacks with patent cliffs, Regeneron remains a powerhouse in biopharma innovation (24:19).

10. Repligen Corporation (RGEN) – 77,800% Gain: A critical player in bioprocessing for life sciences, Repligen has seen immense growth, particularly during the pandemic (24:19).

Cramer underscores the importance of long-term investment and diligent stock picking: “when you look at the 10 best performing stocks of the last 20 odd years, so many of these were gettable if you simply believed in your ability to pick stocks and stuck with them for the long haul” (24:19).

Interview with Bimal Kapoor, CEO of Honeywell

Another pivotal interview features Bimal Kapoor, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell International. Major discussion points include:

• Quarterly Performance and Growth (33:10): Kapoor reports a stellar quarter with high single-digit growth in aerospace and building automation, meeting or exceeding expectations (35:27).

• Strategic Business Divestitures (34:20): Honeywell’s strategic plan to spin off its chemicals and aerospace divisions into standalone companies by end of the year and second half of 2026, respectively. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing operational focus and shareholder value (34:28).

• Impact of Tariffs and Local Production (36:11): Kapoor discusses Honeywell’s “local for local” strategy, mitigating tariff impacts by manufacturing products domestically, thus protecting earnings and maintaining competitive pricing (35:35).

• Future Outlook and Innovation (35:35): Emphasizing automation’s pervasive role in modern infrastructure, Kapoor highlights Honeywell’s commitment to innovation in building and industrial automation, positioning the company for continued growth as data-driven services expand (35:35).

Cramer applauds Honeywell’s strategic initiatives and optimistic outlook, reinforcing his support for the company: “Congratulations to Bimal Kapoor. He's the chairman and CEO of Honeywell” (37:07).

Lightning Round

The Lightning Round segment features a rapid-fire Q&A session with callers seeking quick stock advice. Highlights include:

• Alaska Airlines (ALK): Cramer advises against purchasing due to anticipated declines, asserting, “I don't think Doors is a place to be” (40:19).

• CrowdStrike (CRWD): Despite recent profits taken by investors, Cramer maintains a positive long-term view, praising CEO George Kurtz and the company’s cybersecurity offerings (39:41).

• Kimberly-Clark (KMB): Cramer expresses hesitation, suggesting waiting for a lower entry point due to recent earnings misses (39:07).

• Nxt Tracker (NXT): Cramer acknowledges solid quarter performance but remains neutral, overall rating it as “okay” (40:42).

These brief exchanges demonstrate Cramer's swift analytical approach to diverse investment inquiries, providing strategic insights for immediate decision-making.

Jim Cramer's Origin Story

Closing the episode, Cramer shares a personal narrative tracing the roots of his investment philosophy:

• Early Investment Lessons (41:14): Cramer recounts his days of horse racing betting, learning disciplined investment strategies from mentors. “Discipline, conviction, no larks, no tips” became the cornerstone of his approach.

• Transition to Professional Investing (44:23): He draws parallels between disciplined horse racing and stock investing, emphasizing the importance of homework and strategic thinking in achieving investment success.

• Mission of Mad Money (44:32): Cramer articulates his enduring mission to educate and empower individual investors, striving to increase their chances of financial success through informed stock picking and long-term commitment.

Conclusion

Jim Cramer wraps up the episode by reaffirming his dedication to the "Mad Money" community. He highlights the show's evolution over two decades, celebrating listener success stories and reiterating the show's foundational principles of education, advocacy, and entertainment for everyday investors. The episode concludes with a teaser for an upcoming documentary showcasing "Mad Money's" journey and impact over the past 20 years.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jim Cramer (02:21): “More than 60% of Americans have some exposure to the market, directly or indirectly.”

• Jim Cramer (07:00): “We fight for you and we champion you.”

• Leon Topalian (19:10): “We have a strong, resilient industry for national defense.”

• Jim Cramer (22:46): “This stock is at the right price, believe me.”

• Bimal Kapoor (35:35): “Automation is all pervasive in our life and Honeywell provides automation in buildings, in infrastructure, in process industry, in industrial sector.”

• Jim Cramer (24:19): “You can get a piece of the winners in the future as long as you believe in your stock picks and you stick with them for the long haul.”

Key Takeaways

• Empowerment of Individual Investors: Cramer emphasizes the accessibility of stock ownership and the importance of informed investing for financial growth.

• Strategic Stock Insights: Through interviews and detailed analyses, listeners gain valuable perspectives on leading companies like Nucor and Honeywell.

• Long-Term Investment Strategies: The discussion of top-performing stocks underscores the benefits of patience and strategic selection in building wealth.

• Commitment to Education: Cramer's narrative and interactive segments highlight his dedication to educating and supporting the "Mad Money" community.

This episode serves not only as a celebration of "Mad Money's" two-decade legacy but also as a comprehensive guide for investors seeking to navigate the complexities of the stock market with confidence and knowledge.

Timestamp Reference Guide

• <a name="timestamp02:21">02:21</a>
• <a name="timestamp07:00">07:00</a>
• <a name="timestamp08:58">08:58</a>
• <a name="timestamp09:15">09:15</a>
• <a name="timestamp09:39">09:39</a>
• <a name="timestamp10:21">10:21</a>
• <a name="timestamp17:05">17:05</a>
• <a name="timestamp19:10">19:10</a>
• <a name="timestamp20:05">20:05</a>
• <a name="timestamp22:46">22:46</a>
• <a name="timestamp24:19">24:19</a>
• <a name="timestamp31:10">31:10</a>
• <a name="timestamp33:10">33:10</a>
• <a name="timestamp34:20">34:20</a>
• <a name="timestamp35:27">35:27</a>
• <a name="timestamp35:35">35:35</a>
• <a name="timestamp36:11">36:11</a>
• <a name="timestamp37:07">37:07</a>
• <a name="timestamp38:38">38:38</a>
• <a name="timestamp39:07">39:07</a>
• <a name="timestamp39:41">39:41</a>
• <a name="timestamp40:19">40:19</a>
• <a name="timestamp40:42">40:42</a>
• <a name="timestamp41:14">41:14</a>
• <a name="timestamp44:23">44:23</a>