Jim Cramer Blog

Waiting for the Fed : Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO - News)
Cramer warns viewers not to get "spooked out" by the market, or they may miss a big interest rate cut which will send stocks soaring. He suggests looking at the food, drug and telecom sectors and reassures investors about the subprime lending disaster, because that will also lead to a cut. He isn't worried about problems with the yen, which is down because it has grown too much, because "Their pain is our gain." Although KO had a big loss in Japan, it will recover when it "repatriates its yen." Cramer is also optimistic about a drop in commodities, because they will also trigger a rate cut. In addition to food, drug and telecom stocks, which are "bottoming," Cramer recommends buying stocks that are defensive, have strong buybacks and are not dependent on the US GDP. Cramer predicts the Fed will cut interest rates in May.

IPO Bargains: BigBand Networks, Sourcefire Networks, Clearwire and Amtrust Financial Services (NasdaqGM: AFSI)
While investing is not gambling, Cramer says investment banks are trying to bring people back to the table with cheap IPOs after last week's big loss, and he suggests taking advantage and buying good stocks at low prices. BigBand Networks, which will trade under the symbol BBND, has a triple play of internet, phone and cable, and services cable and telco companies. Atlhough it is priced at $11, Cramer thinks it is worth more than $14, and is growing faster than Cisco. Cramer prefers BBND, but he also likes Sourcefire, which will trade under FIRE, and although it should be between $12 and $14, Cramer thinks it is worth around $16.50. He would sell the stock over $20. When a caller asked about Clearwire, set to go public on Wednesday under the symbol CLWR, Cramer said, "they'll price that deal so you make money." He told another caller to stick with AFSI, which is up 40% since its November IPO.
Portfolio Recovery Associates (NasdaqGS: PRAA)
With the worry over subprime lending and the perception that "bankruptcies are running rampant," Cramer suggests PRAA which repossess everything, including houses and earns money by purchasing defaulted debt. It is a disciplined company which has grown its cash collections by over 30% since it went public, Cramer said, praising PRAA's strong cash flow, lack of debt and potential mortgage business. Since the stock has been affected by panic and has a strong short position, Cramer would get into the stock before a short squeeze.
CEO Interview: Joel Moskowitz, Ceradyne (NasdaqGS: CRDN)
Joel Moskowitz told Cramer that CRDN does not have complete procurement for the Department of Defense, and commented on a potential request for a proposal; "It is our understanding that it will be a five-year requirement," he said. "That's the biggest we would ever see." Joel Moskowitz took issue with Wachovia's statement that CRDN's peak margins would not go higher, and commented the company's yields are growing and will continue to rise with margin improvement. Cramer said he is still bullish on CRDN.