Jim Cramer ran through his usual roster of rapid-fire stock opinions on CNBC's Mad Money Lightning Round, and Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (ELAN) emerged as the clear winner of the segment.

"They are doing everything right. I am so impressed with the way they've turned that company around," Cramer said about the animal health company.

His enthusiasm isn't entirely lonely. Barclays analyst Glen Santangelo initiated coverage on Elanco Animal Health on Dec. 9 with an Overweight rating and set a price target of $30, suggesting the Street is starting to notice the company's progress.

Rockets and Minerals Get Mixed Reviews

Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) received a cautiously optimistic nod from Cramer, who called it a "very good spec, ahead of another big offering in the rocket world next year. I think you can own in as your spec play."

The company has been making moves. On Tuesday, Rocket Lab announced its next Electron rocket launch has been moved forward significantly, highlighting its expanding role in responsive space operations for government customers. The upcoming Electron launch will carry the STP-S30 mission—cheekily titled "Don't Be Such A Square"—for the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command.

Meanwhile, Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) got the opposite treatment. Cramer recommended selling, calling it a "yesteryear" stock and declaring it a "no-go." This comes even as the company prepares to join the S&P/TSX Composite index before the open on Dec. 22. Apparently, index inclusion isn't enough to change Cramer's mind about the lithium miner's prospects.

The Banking and Tech Verdict

Daktronics, Inc. (DAKT) landed in lukewarm territory. "It's just ok," Cramer said. "It's just not compelling enough to put your money into." This tepid response came despite the company reporting better-than-expected second-quarter financial results on Dec. 10.

M&T Bank Corporation (MTB) received the Mad Money host's endorsement this morning, with Cramer calling it a "very well-run" bank. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst David Konrad maintained M&T Bank with a Market Perform rating on Wednesday and bumped the price target from $220 to $230.

When a caller asked about Ondas Holdings Inc. (ONDS), Cramer declined to weigh in: "I'm going to have to take a pass." The company had just announced Wednesday that it completed the acquisition of Roboteam Ltd., but that news wasn't enough to earn Cramer's attention.

How the Stocks Moved

Wednesday's trading session showed mixed results for Cramer's picks:

• Elanco shares fell 1.8% to settle at $22.08.
• Rocket Lab shares declined 2.8% to close at $53.96.
• Lithium Americas shares fell 3.6% to close at $4.61.
• Daktronics shares declined 0.9% to settle at $19.02.
• M&T Bank shares rose 1% to close at $206.12.
• Ondas Holdings shares dipped 6.1% to settle at $7.60.