Jim Cramer ran through his usual rapid-fire stock picks on CNBC's "Mad Money Lightning Round," and the results were a mixed bag for investors looking for guidance. The host tackled nearly a dozen companies, ranging from aerospace to streaming services to insurance.
On Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL), Cramer wasn't feeling it. He chose not to recommend the semiconductor company, though he didn't elaborate on his reasoning. In contrast, he told viewers to hold onto Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM), suggesting confidence in the aerospace parts manufacturer's prospects.
Iron Mountain and Aviation Headwinds
When a caller brought up Iron Mountain Incorporated (IRM), Cramer's advice was straightforward and bearish. "If it rallies at all, I do want you to sell it. I just don't see the upside," he said. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for the data storage and management company.
For FTAI Aviation Ltd. (FTAI), Cramer recommended holding but acknowledged the company's challenges. "Aviation is not doing as well as the companies in travel, and that's what's hurting FTAI," he noted. It's a reminder that even within related sectors, performance can diverge significantly.
Space Stocks and Semiconductor Plays
Cramer showed some enthusiasm for Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB), the space company that's become something of a speculative favorite. "As specs go, I like it as these prices," he said, giving a qualified endorsement based on current valuation.
Astera Labs, Inc. (ALAB) presented a tougher call. While Cramer acknowledged it's a "very, very good" company, he couldn't get behind it at current price levels. Quality matters, but so does what you pay for it.
The Communication Services Winner
Spotify Technology S.A. (SPOT) got the clearest buy recommendation of the night. Cramer called it "a great subscription business" and said it's worth buying. The streaming giant's recurring revenue model clearly appeals to the Mad Money host's investment philosophy.
Industrial and Insurance Picks
On Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (BAH), Cramer went contrarian. "I'm going to take the other side of the sellers and recommend this stock," he said, suggesting the government contractor has been unfairly beaten down.
For Jacobs Solutions Inc. (J), Cramer got specific with his price target, saying he'd buy the engineering company at $132. The stock closed Monday at $132.87, so viewers would need a slight pullback to hit his entry point.
When asked about Neptune Insurance Holdings Inc. (NP), Cramer pivoted to his preferred insurance play. He said Chubb (CB) is the only insurance company he'd recommend, effectively dismissing Neptune while reaffirming his faith in the insurance giant.
Price Action
Monday's trading showed some interesting moves across the stocks Cramer discussed:
- Howmet Aerospace shares gained 1.4% to settle at $200.12.
- Marvell Technology shares jumped 8.2% to close at $83.79.
- Spotify shares gained 0.2% to settle at $584.98.
- Neptune Insurance shares fell 0.9% to settle at $23.17.
- Booz Allen Hamilton shares slipped 0.02% to settle at $80.76.
- FTAI Aviation shares gained 3.1% to settle at $162.44.
- Iron Mountain shares fell 0.3% to close at $84.73.
- Rocket Lab shares gained 5.3% to settle at $42.45.
- Jacobs shares rose 3.2% to close at $132.87.
- Astera Labs shares gained 4.1% to close at $147.75.