Cramer Hails AI Stock Amid Market Volatility, Holds Steady on Starbucks

Jim Cramer, host of CNBC’s 'Mad Money,' spotlighted a technology stock with strong AI-driven revenue growth during the March 9 Morning Meeting, describing it as 'a terrific story' due to its expanding platform capabilities and sustained client acquisition. The company, which has not been named in the public transcript but operates in the cloud infrastructure and generative AI space, posted 42% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2025, with gross margins increasing to 68%—a significant improvement from 61% in the prior-year period. Cramer emphasized the firm's strategic partnerships with major enterprise clients, including a three-year agreement with a Fortune 500 retailer to deploy AI-powered logistics systems. This deal, valued at $140 million over its term, underscores the company’s ability to convert innovation into scalable contracts. The stock, currently trading at $198.30, has risen 112% year-to-date, outpacing the S&P 500’s 23% gain and the Nasdaq Composite’s 31% surge. Meanwhile, Cramer reiterated his long-term hold on Starbucks (SBUX), citing resilient same-store sales growth of 6.3% in Q4 2025 and an expanding digital ecosystem that contributed 45% of total revenue. Despite a 3.8% dip in the S&P 500 over the past week and a spike in the CBOE Volatility Index (^VIX) to 22.6—its highest level since November 2024—Cramer maintained that Starbucks remains a defensive staple with consistent cash flow and a 2.9% dividend yield. The commentary comes amid rising uncertainty in the tech sector, with Apple (AAPL) seeing a 2.7% pullback in early trading as investors reassess supply chain risks. Crude oil futures (CL=F) rose 1.9% to $84.60 per barrel, reflecting geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and OPEC+ production adjustments. Cramer’s remarks may influence retail investor sentiment, particularly in AI and consumer discretionary stocks.