CNBC’s Jim Cramer said the market just powered through the toughest week of earnings “with flying colors,” but warned that next week could be even more treacherous.
“All the big techs did well … Everything connected with the data center went bonkers,” the “Mad Money” host said.
However, he cautioned against complacency.
“That doesn’t mean we are out of the woods yet,” Cramer said, calling the week ahead “more eclectic, jam-packed on some days, and, frankly, more prone to disappointment.”
The weekend
Berkshire Hathaway reports alongside its annual meeting, its first since Greg Abel took the CEO mantle from Warren Buffett. Recent underperformance may reflect the fading “Buffett premium,” but Cramer thinks that could be short-sighted.
Monday
Palantir reports after the close. While sentiment has turned against pricey software stocks, Cramer said not to trade around the stock given its strong business.
ON Semiconductor and many other chipmakers have been “on fire,” Cramer said, adding that the results of auto-focused peer NXP Semiconductors bodes well for its upcoming numbers.
Tuesday
Data center demand remains front and center, and Cramer expects a solid quarter from Eaton because its power systems and cooling equipment are directly tied to the ongoing expansion of AI infrastructure. Eaton is a holding in Cramer’s Charitable Trust, the portfolio used by the CNBC Investing Club.
Advanced Micro Devices, which reports after the bell, is one of Cramer’s top upside picks. “I would buy some AMD ahead of the quarter,” he said, expecting a potential surprise.
He also likes connectivity names Lumentum and Arista Networks, as well as semiconductor company Astera Labs. “I would press my bet,” he added.
Wednesday
Disney reports, offering insight into higher-end consumer spending. Cramer said the consumer appears resilient and expects a solid quarter under new CEO Josh D’Amaro.
CVS could also deliver a strong quarter, with Cramer crediting CEO David Joyner for turning around the business amid industry consolidation.
After the close, Arm Holdings reports, and Cramer expects it could “be a stock that romps” given continued strength in CPUs and AI-related demand. Cramer’s Trust also owns Arm.
Thursday
Cramer thinks McDonald’s, which reports before the market opens, remains a standout, and is “definitely worth buying.”
Cloudflare reports after the bell, and Cramer said it remains a “terrific cyber defender,” calling it a consistent winner.
Friday
The monthly jobs report takes center stage. Cramer said a softer number could quickly shift expectations toward rate cuts. Beyond the near-term Fed implications, he pointed to a deeper shift underway in the labor market driven, with fewer hires and greater productivity, by artificial intelligence.
That dynamic is exactly what continues to power the market, he added, warning investors not to rotate out of the very stocks leading the move.
“This earnings season is the first one where I found real evidence of the so-called fourth industrial revolution,” he said. “It’s happening now, which is why so many of these tech stocks are worth sticking with.”
