Mad Money w/ Jim Cramer – July 10, 2025 Episode Summary

Host: Jim Cramer
Produced by: CNBC
Release Date: July 10, 2025

Introduction

In the July 10, 2025 episode of Mad Money, hosted by Jim Cramer, viewers are treated to an insightful deep dive into the current stock market trends, strategic stock picks, and in-depth interviews with industry leaders. Cramer's energetic and analytical approach aims to demystify Wall Street's complexities, offering listeners actionable investment advice.

Market Overview

Jim Cramer opens the show by assessing the bullish performance of the stock market. He notes the Dow's impressive gain of 192 points and highlights the S&P 500's 7% increase alongside the NASDAQ's 9% ascent. Cramer emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between stocks that decline for fundamental reasons versus those stumbling due to market misconceptions.

"On a day where we hit some more records... I think we have to try to distinguish between stocks that go down because they should be going down and stocks that go down because of a widespread misperception."
(02:15)

Stock Analyses

Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)

Cramer discusses Costco's recent performance, sparked by a slight miss in same-store sales growth for June. Despite a 5.5% increase—just shy of the expected 6%—Costco's stock dipped by over 100 points. Cramer views this decline as a misconstrued reaction, asserting that Costco remains a high-quality buy opportunity.

"There is never a good time to buy the great ones... But on a day where we hit some more records... So on a day where we hit some more records."
(03:00)

He references the late Charlie Munger's strong endorsement of Costco, highlighting Munger's commitment to holding Costco shares regardless of price fluctuations.

"I'm never going to sell a share, no matter how high the stock went in 2023."
(04:10)

Cramer concludes that Costco's substantial drop from its high provides a rare buying opportunity for investors.

Home Depot Inc. (HD)

Shifting focus to Home Depot, Cramer challenges the prevailing negative sentiment tied to the struggling housing market. He points out Home Depot's strategic acquisitions, such as SRS Distribution and GMS, which bolster their position in the remodeling and renovation sectors.

"It's geared to remodeling and renovation. That's why the depot just spent $18.5 billion to buy SRS Distribution."
(06:10)

Cramer notes that Home Depot's current trading price represents a significant discount from its previous highs, positioning it as a valuable investment when the stock experiences a downturn.

"This is the right time to buy. Starbucks goes down a little more. You get to buy more."
(07:45)

Starbucks Corporation (SBUX)

Addressing Starbucks, Cramer rebuffs the notion that tariffs on Brazilian coffee beans warrant selling the stock. He argues that the cost of coffee beans constitutes a minor portion of Starbucks' expenses and praises the company's ability to leverage its scale to mitigate cost increases.

"Starbucks with its incredible scale is better suited than anyone else to be able to deal with and find cheaper sources of beans."
(09:05)

Cramer highlights the resilience of Starbucks under CEO Brian Sweeney, comparing the company's turnaround potential to Chipotle's successful recovery.

McDonald's Corporation (MCD)

Cramer discusses McDonald's recent upgrades from Goldman Sachs and stresses the importance of purchasing high-quality franchises like McDonald's at discounted prices.

"The great ones never come cheap, but they can be cheaper when they're, well, let's say where they can be cheaper from where they were."
(12:45)

He emphasizes that investing in McDonald's during periods of lower stock performance can minimize the risk associated with a high purchase price.

Interview with Michelle Goss, President & CEO of Levi Strauss & Co.

Cramer welcomes Michelle Goss, Levi Strauss's CEO, to discuss the company's outstanding quarterly performance and strategic initiatives.

Company Performance and Strategies

Michelle Goss shares Levi's impressive results, highlighting a 9% organic sales growth and significant margin expansion across various segments.

"We have now three-quarters of high single-digit growth. As we look ahead, we see that momentum... we've raised our guidance for the year."
(13:59)

She elaborates on Levi's pivot to a direct-to-consumer (DTC) model and becoming a comprehensive lifestyle retailer centered around denim.

"We are focused on becoming a $10 billion stronger, more profitable company and we have a lot working on that."
(15:08)

Product Development and International Growth

Goss discusses Levi's product pipeline, including successful collaborations with major brands like Nike and Sakai, and strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing brand visibility and consumer engagement.

"We've launched our collaboration with Nike today, and earlier this year with Sakai... these partnerships are contributing to the great place we are right now."
(17:48)

She also highlights the robust international performance, particularly in Europe, where Levi's has achieved impressive organic growth through strong brand resonance among younger consumers.

"The Levi's brand is on fire in Europe... 14%, 50% on organic growth."
(16:58)

Tariffs and Supply Chain Management

Addressing concerns about tariffs, Goss explains Levi's strategic positioning and minimal exposure to Chinese tariffs, alongside efforts to enhance supply chain efficiency through SKU rationalization and full-price selling.

"We're accounting for about a 20 basis point net impact... We're executing better on our DTC strategy."
(19:09)

Conclusion of Interview

Cramer congratulates Goss on Levi's stellar performance and underscores the stock's attractiveness as a rare market bargain.

"Michelle Goss is President & CEO of Levi Strauss. Thank you. Thank you so much for coming on Mad Money."
(21:17)

Insights from Rob Pace, Founder & CEO of 100X

In a segment with Rob Pace from 100X, Cramer delves into consumer insights data that influence investment strategies.

Autonomous Vehicles: Waymo vs. Uber

Rob Pace shares encouraging data about Waymo's acceptance compared to Uber in the autonomous taxi sector, highlighting improved safety perceptions.

"Only 12% of people now have concerns about getting into a Waymo. To give you context, that number is 8% for Uber."
(32:07)

He notes that Waymo's brand strength and safety advancements position it favorably against competitors.

Airline Sector: Impact of Baggage Fees

Pace discusses the negative consumer response to airlines' baggage fee implementations, specifically Delta's declining favorability.

"Their favorability on baggage went from the industry best, 70% positive. Now it's at Delta's level at 20%."
(34:14)

This shift indicates potential long-term impacts on airline loyalty and stock valuations.

Retail Brands: Costco and Wrangler

Rob Pace highlights Costco's superior quality perception and Wrangler's strong durability ratings, reinforcing their positions as valuable investments.

"Costco's quality perceptions are 30 points higher than competitors."
(36:31)

He emphasizes that companies like Costco are unrivaled in their execution across multiple categories, making them top investment picks.

Lightning Round: Viewer Calls

During the Lightning Round, Cramer engages with various callers, offering quick takes on stocks such as Nvidia, American Express, Lincoln Electric, Diageo, and Campbell's Soup. Highlights include:

• Nvidia (NVDA): Praise for timely investment at $18/share.

  "Nvidia was a good pick by me."
  (35:24)

• Okta (OKTA): Mixed sentiments with some callers optimistic despite recent downturns.

  "I think Fico is good. I'm going to stick my neck out..."
  (37:03)

• Campbell's Soup (CPB): Cramer identifies a buying opportunity post-price decline.

  "I am no longer willing to bash it at $29. I think you're fine to be able to buy some."
  (40:55)

National Security and Rare Earth Minerals

Cramer concludes the episode by discussing the strategic importance of rare earth minerals and recent governmental investments to reduce reliance on China.

"For decades, America moved the dirty mining and smelting jobs to foreign countries, especially China... Now we're paying the price for that trade-off because China supplies most of the world's rare earth minerals."
(43:10)

He highlights MP Materials' significant Defense Department stake and the broader implications for national security and supply chain independence.

"The Defense Department has assured us that the United States will be in a better position in the future by putting a price on the Mountain Pass sites."
(44:05)

Cramer underscores the necessity of re-establishing domestic production of essential minerals to safeguard technological and military advancements.

Conclusion

Jim Cramer wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of strategic investments in high-quality companies even during market volatility. He encourages listeners to leverage insights from industry leaders and consumer data to make informed investment decisions.

"Use them. Don't make it gospel. They're insights. Insight makes you a more powerful, competent investor."
(37:50)

Notable Quotes:

• "The great ones never come cheap, but they can be cheaper when they're, well, let's say where they can be cheaper from where they were."
  — Jim Cramer (12:45)

• "We have got to earn it every single day. And that's where we talked about. I mean, I would say that the product pipeline has never been stronger across denim and fabrics."
  — Michelle Goss (20:25)

• "Costco's quality perceptions are 30 points higher than competitors."
  — Rob Pace (36:31)

Key Takeaways:

1. High-Quality Stocks on Dip: Cramer emphasizes buying solid companies like Costco, Home Depot, Starbucks, and McDonald's when they experience stock price declines, viewing these dips as buying opportunities.

2. Strategic Company Shifts: Levi Strauss's pivot to a DTC model and international expansion, coupled with strategic partnerships, positions the company for sustained growth.

3. Consumer Sentiment Data: Insights from 100X reveal shifting consumer perceptions impacting sectors like autonomous vehicles and airlines, guiding investment strategies.

4. National Security Investments: The U.S. government's increased investment in domestic rare earth mineral production underscores the strategic move towards supply chain independence from China.

5. Investor Education: The episode underscores the importance of informed decision-making, leveraging both expert interviews and consumer data to navigate market complexities.

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Mad Money provides a comprehensive overview of current market dynamics, strategic stock evaluations, and the critical interplay between consumer behavior and investment performance. Through engaging discussions and expert interviews, Jim Cramer equips investors with the knowledge to make informed and strategic financial decisions.