Mad Money w/ Jim Cramer – Episode Summary (April 28, 2025)

Hosted by CNBC, "Mad Money" with Jim Cramer offers an in-depth exploration of Wall Street's intricacies, providing investors with actionable insights and stock recommendations. In the April 28, 2025 episode, Jim Cramer delves into the current economic climate, examines top-performing stocks over the past two decades, and engages with callers to address their investment queries. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the episode's key discussions, insights, and conclusions.

1. Market Sentiment and Economic Outlook

Timestamp: [00:01] – [08:11]

Jim Cramer opens the episode with a candid assessment of the prevailing market sentiment. He acknowledges the pervasive negativity surrounding the economy but emphasizes that the situation may not be as dire as pessimists suggest.

• Jim Cramer: “It’s so easy to be negative right now. It’s so obvious that things are bad that it’s almost too obvious.” ([00:01])

Despite concerns about potential recessions, Cramer remains optimistic about the job market's resilience.

• Jim Cramer: “Recessions revolve around employment and there are still so many more jobs than we have people to fill them. That makes me think it will be very difficult to have a recession this year.” ([02:45])

He highlights the impact of tariffs, acknowledging that while they may lead to higher prices and potential shortages, the economy's underlying strength, particularly in job creation, makes a recession unlikely in the near term.

2. Tariffs, Supply Chains, and Consumer Behavior

Timestamp: [04:00] – [08:00]

Cramer discusses the complexities of tariffs and their implications on supply chains and consumer behavior. He points out that large retailers like Costco and Walmart possess significant market power, enabling them to negotiate lower prices with suppliers to offset tariff impacts.

• Jim Cramer: “These two retailers have more market power than any two companies I’ve ever seen. They can negotiate lower prices with the suppliers to offset the tariffs, including the Chinese.” ([05:30])

He also touches on consumer adaptability, suggesting that Americans might adjust to higher prices or shortages by altering their purchasing habits.

3. Technical Market Indicators

Timestamp: [03:30] – [07:00]

Cramer references a strategy involving three consecutive days of market rallies exceeding 1.5%, noting its historical reliability in predicting continued market growth.

• Jim Cramer: “After this rare three day in a row plus one occurrence, the market’s gone higher 10 out of 10 times and by an average of 21.6%. I’m calling that dispositive.” ([04:50])

He uses this technical indicator to reinforce his bullish outlook despite prevailing negative sentiments.

4. Engaging with Callers: Stock Recommendations

Timestamp: [08:11] – [19:21]

Cramer transitions to taking calls from listeners, offering tailored stock advice based on individual queries.

• Caller Julio from Pennsylvania: Asks about investing in Chipotle (CMG).

  • Jim Cramer: “I would emphasize to you about Chipotle, it’s never going to be cheap, but it’s rarely down this long.” ([08:30])

• Caller Juan from Florida: Inquires about Intel's (INTC) prospects amidst leadership changes.

  • Jim Cramer: “Right now it’s dead money. But Lip Bhutan is the real deal... I believe in Lip Bhutan.” ([09:07])

• Caller Chris from New Jersey: Seeks advice on Citigroup (C).

  • Jim Cramer: “I want you to buy Citi. It’s not my favorite, but absolutely.” ([10:09])

Throughout these interactions, Cramer balances his recommendations with nuanced perspectives, acknowledging both potential and risks associated with each stock.

5. Celebrating Two Decades: Top Performing Stocks

Timestamp: [19:25] – [37:45]

As "Mad Money" marks its 20th anniversary, Cramer reflects on the show's history by ranking the top 20 best-performing stocks since its inception in March 2005. He previews discussing positions 20 through 11 in this episode, with the top 10 reserved for the following day.

• Jim Cramer: “While the overall averages have done very well with the Dow up 272%, SBF 58%, NASDAQ 100 up 1,182%... you can make much more money in individual stocks of great companies than you can in these indices.” ([19:25])

Notable Stocks Discussed:

1. O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY) – +5,292%

   • Dominates the auto parts retail space alongside AutoZone.
   • Jim Cramer: “O’Reilly has been a voracious buyer of its own stock, shrinking its share count by nearly 2/3 since 2010.” ([19:35])

2. Heiko Corp. – +5,364%

   • Leading supplier to the aerospace industry.
   • Jim Cramer: “Heiko is a leading supplier of aftermarket parts and repair solutions to the aerospace industry.” ([19:50])

3. UFP Technologies – +5,510%

   • Design and manufacturing partner for medical devices and aerospace.
   • Jim Cramer: “UFP provides advanced materials and process control solutions used in semiconductor manufacturing.” ([19:56])

4. Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) – +5,732%

   • Renowned for the FICO credit score.
   • Jim Cramer: “Nobody’s been able to beat the FICO score, have they?” ([19:58])

5. Novo Ltd. – +5,769%

   • Semiconductor manufacturing advanced materials provider.
   • Jim Cramer: “Novo’s in a fabulous long-term growth industry that's produced tremendous winners over the past 20 years.” ([20:10])

6. XPO Trucking Company – +6,493%

   • Evolved from a fragmented logistics company to a leading LTL provider.
   • Jim Cramer: “Brad Jacobs is now also doing Beacon Supply, a roll-up in the roofing industry.” ([20:25])

7. Salesforce (CRM) – +6,738%

   • Pioneered cloud-based CRM solutions, now a leading enterprise software giant.
   • Jim Cramer: “Salesforce now offers an entire suite of products spanning sales, marketing, customer service, and data analytics.” ([20:35])

8. Monolithic Power Systems – +6,867%

   • Specializes in power management semiconductors for various industries.
   • Jim Cramer: “Monolithic is a stalwart semiconductor company specializing in reliable compact chips.” ([20:50])

9. Tyler Technologies – +7,197%

   • Dominates public sector software solutions.
   • Jim Cramer: “Tyler Technologies now dominates the public sector software space.” ([20:58])

10. RadNet – +7,873%

    • Leader in outpatient imaging centers.
    • Jim Cramer: “RadNet is the national leader in outpatient imaging centers with a network of 3,375 locations.” ([21:05])

Cramer's analysis underscores the importance of sector diversity and strategic growth in achieving exceptional stock performance. He lauds these companies for their innovation, market dominance, and shareholder value strategies, such as stock buybacks and share count reductions.

6. In-Depth Interview: Russell Weiner, CEO of Domino’s Pizza

Timestamp: [11:34] – [19:21]

Cramer sits down with Russell Weiner, the CEO of Domino’s Pizza, to discuss the company's recent performance and future strategies amidst economic challenges.

• Jim Cramer: “You made out, I thought you laid out a very good long-term case for why Domino’s Pizza is the right kind of stock to own in this market.” ([12:15])

Key Discussion Points:

• Quarterly Performance:

  • Mixed results with softer revenue but earnings beat expectations.
  • Russell Weiner: “We grew market share almost a point pretty much every year...” ([12:35])

• Innovation and Expansion:

  • Introduction of stuffed crust pizza and partnership with DoorDash.
  • Russell Weiner: “Stuffed crust is something that was a big hit... we’re getting on DoorDash which sells about twice as many pizzas as Uber.” ([14:06])

• Store Growth Strategy:

  • Emphasis on splitting territories to maximize carryout business.
  • Russell Weiner: “When you split a territory, 80% of the carryout business is incremental.” ([15:27])

• Financial Health:

  • Strong EBITDA per store and robust marketing budget.
  • Russell Weiner: “The average EBITDA of our stores last year was $162,000, which by far is best in class.” ([16:41])

Cramer's conversation with Weiner highlights Domino's strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, expand market presence, and sustain growth despite economic headwinds. The CEO's focus on innovation, such as new product offerings and strategic partnerships, positions Domino's for continued success.

7. Spotlight on Gold Mining: Interview with Amar Al Jundi, CEO of Agnico Eagle

Timestamp: [28:09] – [35:17]

Jim Cramer engages with Amar Al Jundi, the President and CEO of Agnico Eagle, to gain insights into the gold mining sector's outlook and the company's strategies.

• Jim Cramer: “Last time you were on, you predicted gold was going to head higher. You were spot on.” ([29:58])

Key Discussion Points:

• Gold Price Stability:

  • Supported by high demand and strategic production increases.
  • Amar Al Jundi: “We’ve got five big projects, all of which leverage off existing assets.” ([33:06])

• Operational Excellence:

  • Expansion of existing mines to increase output.
  • Amar Al Jundi: “We’re going to take that mine from 700,000 ounces a year to a million ounces a year.” ([33:33])

• Financial Strength:

  • Elimination of net debt and commitment to shareholder returns through buybacks and dividends.
  • Amar Al Jundi: “We have no net debt now. We are doing share buybacks, we’re maintaining our dividend and we’re investing in our business.” ([34:30])

Cramer's interview with Al Jundi emphasizes Agnico Eagle's robust financial health, strategic asset management, and proactive expansion plans. The company's ability to scale operations while maintaining financial discipline underscores its potential as a solid investment in the gold sector.

8. Lightning Round: Rapid-Fire Stock Tips

Timestamp: [35:24] – [39:03]

In the high-energy Lightning Round segment, Cramer addresses multiple listener queries with succinct stock recommendations.

• Lululemon (LULU):

  • Caller: “Bought at $368, now at $268. Good time to invest?”
  • Jim Cramer: “I think you want to put a small position on Lulu.” ([36:05])

• Take Two Interactive (TTWO):

  • Caller: Questions about the stock's prospects.
  • Jim Cramer: “Grand Theft Auto new edition comes out this year. I think it’s going much higher.” ([36:22])

• Micron Technology (MU):

  • Caller: Considering starting a position.
  • Jim Cramer: “Micron’s just okay... no catalyst to get it to go higher.” ([37:19])

• Erie Indemnity (ERIE):

  • Caller: Dividend Aristocrat with a 100-year history.
  • Jim Cramer: “I have to do more work on Erie Indemnity... recognize its long-term status.” ([38:10])

• First Energy (FE):

  • Caller: Seeking advice.
  • Jim Cramer: “It’s not a great energy company, but it sells a little bit cheaper than the others and I think it’s a buy.” ([38:45])

This segment underscores Cramer's ability to provide quick, yet thoughtful, stock evaluations, balancing immediate opportunities with long-term considerations.

9. Final Thoughts: Navigating the Trade War with China

Timestamp: [39:40] – [43:22]

In the concluding segment, Jim Cramer addresses the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, exploring their implications for American companies and the broader market.

• Jim Cramer: “The Chinese government, please. They have the upper hand in any potential trade negotiations because they make every necessity imaginable.” ([39:40])

Key Insights:

• Tariff Impacts:

  • Higher tariffs lead to increased consumer prices and potential shortages.
  • Jim Cramer: “They make hardly any [necessities]. They no doubt believe that the new much higher prices... will be blamed on President Trump.” ([39:40])

• Consumer Adaptation:

  • Shifts in purchasing behavior towards bulk retailers like Costco and Walmart to mitigate price hikes.
  • Jim Cramer: “We’ll just go to Costco and Walmart... They can negotiate lower prices with suppliers.” ([39:40])

• Economic Resilience:

  • Despite tariffs and supply chain disruptions, Cramer remains optimistic about the market's ability to adapt and thrive.
  • Jim Cramer: “American executives know what to do even if the government doesn’t... We'll get through this just fine.” ([39:40])

Cramer's analysis paints a picture of an economy capable of weathering trade-induced challenges through strategic adaptation and the inherent resilience of American businesses. He encourages investors to maintain a positive outlook, emphasizing opportunities amidst adversity.

Conclusion

In this episode of "Mad Money," Jim Cramer offers a balanced perspective on the current economic landscape, highlighting potential opportunities amidst widespread pessimism. Through detailed discussions on top-performing stocks, insightful interviews with industry leaders, and responsive interactions with listeners, Cramer equips investors with the knowledge to navigate complex market dynamics. His unwavering optimism, combined with a pragmatic approach to investment strategies, underscores the show's commitment to empowering individual investors in their financial journeys.