Mad Money w/ Jim Cramer – Episode Summary (July 30, 2025)

Host: Jim Cramer
Podcast: Mad Money w/ Jim Cramer
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Duration: Approximately 46 minutes

1. Market Overview

Jim Cramer opens the episode with a critical assessment of the current market dynamics post-Federal Reserve meeting. He expresses skepticism about the market's morale, attributing mixed performances to the Fed's decision to maintain steady interest rates despite pressure for cuts.

Jim Cramer [01:43]: "The market has officially lost its mojo."

Cramer highlights the divergent performances across major indices, noting that while the Dow lost 172 points and the S&P 500 shed 0.12%, the Nasdaq gained 0.15%. He criticizes a segment of investors for expecting surprise rate cuts from the Fed and reacting negatively when they don't materialize.

2. Federal Reserve and Monetary Policy

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates. Cramer critiques Fed Chair Jay Powell for not signaling imminent rate cuts, which he believes could have bolstered the broader market.

Jim Cramer [02:30]: "Why didn't they? Other than televisions, I can't find anything that's retreated in price."

He delves into Powell’s cautious approach, emphasizing the strong GDP growth, robust labor market, and persistent housing market weaknesses. Cramer argues that the Fed's reluctance to cut rates stems from concerns over inflation and the broader economic uncertainty.

Jim Cramer [06:10]: "We just say the market fell apart today because the Fed seems reluctant to give us that rate cut backstop."

Cramer anticipates increased political pressure on Powell, particularly from the President, regarding monetary policy decisions.

3. Corporate Earnings Highlights

a. VF Corporation (VF Corp.) Cramer discusses VF Corp.'s impressive quarterly performance, attributing the turnaround to strategic leadership under CEO Bracken Darrell.

Jim Cramer [15:46]: "Has VF Corp. Finally gotten its groove back?"

He showcases Darrell’s commitment to revitalizing brands like Vans and The North Face, highlighting significant growth in divisions such as trail running shoes and apparel.

Bracken Darrell [16:34]: "Vans is absolutely going to be turned around."

b. Microsoft and Meta Highlighting strong earnings from tech giants, Cramer points out that companies like Microsoft and Meta are outperforming expectations, largely driven by their cloud infrastructure and AI-driven initiatives.

Jim Cramer [05:50]: "Microsoft also reported a monster top and bottom line beat with tremendous strength in their Azure cloud infrastructure business."

c. Starbucks A detailed analysis of Starbucks' latest quarterly results follows. Despite initial stock volatility, Cramer remains optimistic about the company's turnaround efforts under CEO Brian Nichols.

Jim Cramer [25:59]: "I remain a believer. I told investing club members to be a big buyer."

He praises the introduction of the Green Apron service model aimed at improving in-store efficiency and customer experience, which has shown promising results in pilot stores.

Brian Nichols [29:58]: "We're reducing the number of hours where we have minimum staffing and making sure we have the right number of partners in the right positions at the right times."

4. Listener Calls and Analysis

a. On Holdings (On Cloud Monster) A listener from Massachusetts shares concerns about a design flaw in On Holdings' shoes affecting repeat purchases. Cramer responds by expressing confidence in the company's ability to address the issue based on its track record.

Jim Cramer [09:50]: "The reason why I like the stock is that they have adjusted every time that there's been a problem."

b. Intel (INTC) Investment Inquiry Another caller from Illinois inquires about Intel's foray into the Foundry business. Cramer advises cautious optimism, acknowledging the challenges but noting the strategic shifts under the new CEO Lip Bhutan.

Jim Cramer [10:55]: "The Foundry was ill advised... It's still a little too early."

c. General Mills and Costco During the Lightning Round, Cramer addresses questions about General Mills’ pricing challenges and defends Costco’s valuation, encouraging investors to buy more shares.

Jim Cramer [33:05]: "They have input costs that cost too much... the stock is going to go down anyway."

5. Lightning Round

Cramer engages in a rapid-fire segment, offering buy, sell, or hold recommendations based on caller inquiries.

• Uber: Cramer advocates for buying more shares, predicting significant growth.

  Jim Cramer [43:11]: "This company should be $120... I think Uber's going to 200."

• Micron (MU): He advises a cautious approach, suggesting limited purchases until DRAM pricing improves.

  Jim Cramer [44:02]: "I think you buy a little bit here but we do need to see DRAM pricing go back up."

• Key Stock (unspecified): Cramer expresses confidence despite current valuations.

  Jim Cramer [44:38]: "They are in expansion mode... especially that 4.5% yield."

6. In-Depth Analysis: Starbucks' Turnaround Strategy

Cramer revisits Starbucks to elaborate on its strategic initiatives aimed at revitalizing the U.S. market. He underscores the positive feedback from the Green Apron pilot program and the company’s aggressive rollout plans.

Jim Cramer [30:24]: "Management's plan for improving the core business here at home... they're already showing some really promising results."

He also touches upon Starbucks' performance in international markets, particularly China, where the company is exploring potential partnerships and expansion into lower-tier cities.

Jim Cramer [34:10]: "Customers were responding to beverage innovation and new customization options."

7. Economic Insights and Final Thoughts

In his closing remarks, Cramer connects the dots between rising consumer prices, Fed policies, and corporate earnings. He attributes persistent inflation to supply chain disruptions and tariff-induced cost increases, questioning the sustainability of current business models without significant consumer-driven price adjustments.

Jim Cramer [45:20]: "Businesses exist to make money for their shareholders, so they won't cut price unless their consumers, their customers finally force them to."

He remains optimistic about select sectors, particularly technology, which continue to thrive despite broader economic challenges.

Jim Cramer [43:22]: "Businesses keep raising prices no matter what the Fed does."

Cramer concludes by encouraging listeners to focus on long-term investment strategies amidst short-term market volatility.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jim Cramer [01:43]: "The market has officially lost its mojo."
• Jim Cramer [02:30]: "Why didn't they? Other than televisions, I can't find anything that's retreated in price."
• Jim Cramer [05:50]: "Microsoft also reported a monster top and bottom line beat with tremendous strength in their Azure cloud infrastructure business."
• Bracken Darrell [16:34]: "Vans is absolutely going to be turned around."
• Jim Cramer [15:46]: "Has VF Corp. Finally gotten its groove back?"
• Jim Cramer [25:59]: "I remain a believer. I told investing club members to be a big buyer."
• Brian Nichols [29:58]: "We're reducing the number of hours where we have minimum staffing and making sure we have the right number of partners in the right positions at the right times."
• Jim Cramer [43:11]: "This company should be $120... I think Uber's going to 200."
• Jim Cramer [44:02]: "I think you buy a little bit here but we do need to see DRAM pricing go back up."
• Jim Cramer [45:20]: "Businesses exist to make money for their shareholders, so they won't cut price unless their consumers, their customers finally force them to."

Key Takeaways

• Fed Policy Impact: The Federal Reserve's decision to hold steady on interest rates amidst mixed economic indicators is causing uncertainty and affecting market sentiment.

• Corporate Performances: While tech giants like Microsoft and Meta continue to excel, traditional sectors face challenges due to inflationary pressures and supply chain issues.

• Strategic Turnarounds: Companies like VF Corp. and Starbucks are implementing strategic changes to rejuvenate their brands and improve operational efficiencies, showing promising early results.

• Investment Recommendations: Cramer encourages investors to focus on growth sectors, remain cautious with companies facing pricing pressures, and consider long-term strategies over reacting to short-term market fluctuations.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and recommendations from the July 30, 2025, episode of "Mad Money w/ Jim Cramer," providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and investors alike.