New York, NY – On a recent episode of CNBC’s “Mad Money Lightning Round,” host Jim Cramer shared his thoughts on several notable stocks, including those in the biotech sector like Moderna and BioNTech.
Cramer gave an endorsement for Moderna, saying he believes CEO Stephane Bancel is “the real deal.” Moderna skyrocketed to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic for its mRNA vaccine technology. While the stock has come down significantly from pandemic highs, Cramer seems confident in Moderna’s future prospects.
For fellow mRNA vaccine maker BioNTech, Cramer said he doesn’t understand why the stock is trading so cheaply at the moment. BioNTech partnered with Pfizer to produce a highly effective COVID vaccine, but like Moderna, its stock price has declined substantially as pandemic tailwinds fade. Cramer’s comments suggest BioNTech may be undervalued given its proven technology.
Beyond biotech, Cramer also weighed in on other stocks and sectors. For example, he recommended investors buy shares of Lockheed Martin, one of the largest defense contractors in the world. With geopolitical tensions high, Lockheed Martin expects strong demand for its fighter jets, missiles, and other defense systems. Cramer thinks the stock is attractive following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and increased defense spending by NATO members.
Cramer was also bullish on real estate investment trust Starwood Property Trust, run by Barry Sternlicht. With inflation and interest rates rising, REITs face headwinds as property values and financing costs fluctuate. But Cramer believes in Sternlicht’s track record and Starwood’s high dividend yield.
On the flip side, Cramer advised avoiding generic injectable drug maker Amphastar Pharmaceuticals. He believes demand for the company’s products will dry up as the pandemic wanes. Instead, he suggested looking at medical device maker Becton Dickinson, which should have more stable long-term growth.
Across the lightning round, Cramer provided insight into sectors like biotech, aerospace, real estate, and pharmaceuticals. While only offering brief recommendations, his comments give a glimpse into what stocks pique his interest in the current environment. Cramer remains bullish on certain tech and defense names, while urging caution around pandemic winners across healthcare.
