Suddenly Whirlpool is in the driver's seat, says Jim Cramer

Key Concepts:

1. Introduction: The Power of Stories in the Market

Cramer emphasizes the importance of stories in understanding and profiting from market movements. He states that stories are driving the current market buoyancy.
He contrasts focusing on market minutiae (e.g., basis point moves, job losses) with focusing on stories that can generate profit.
Cramer's goal is to help viewers make money, not just predict Fed moves or appointments.

2. Cramer's Personal Story: The Value of Storytelling

Cramer recounts his early career struggles as a reporter and his eventual success on Wall Street, attributing it to his ability to tell compelling stories.
He describes his persistence in getting a job at Goldman Sachs, highlighting an anecdote where he was left waiting all day for an interview that never happened.
David Darst championed Cramer because of his "brazen Exxon answer" and storytelling ability.

3. Vietnam Tariff Story: Supply Chain Shifts and Opportunities

Cramer discusses the story of potential tariffs on exports from Vietnam, initially proposed at 46% but later reduced to 20%.
He references Eric Ambler's novel "Passage of Arms" to illustrate historical concerns about Chinese control over Vietnamese industries.
The tariff news impacted companies that had shifted manufacturing from China to Vietnam to avoid previous tariffs.
Examples:
- Nike: Stock rose 4% due to its significant manufacturing presence in Vietnam.
- Gap: Richard Nixon, CEO, appeared on the show after the stock was crushed by the initial tariff news.
- Williams-Sonoma: Laura Albert, CEO, moved a lot of manufacturing to Vietnam; stock jumped over 2% on the revised tariff news.
- Levi's: Had decent Vietnam exposure.
- RH (Restoration Hardware): Could be a short squeeze due to its Vietnam-sourced products.
- Kontoor Brands (Lee and Wrangler): Acquired Helly Hansen, which has a major manufacturing hub in Vietnam.
- Whirlpool: Could benefit from tariffs on foreign appliance manufacturers like LG and Samsung.

4. The Weaker Dollar Story: Impact on Multinational Corporations

Cramer dismisses concerns about the dollar's four-year low, arguing that a weaker dollar benefits U.S. multinational corporations.
He explains that companies like Procter & Gamble often complain about a strong dollar because it reduces their overseas earnings when translated back to U.S. currency.
He predicts that Procter & Gamble will likely beat earnings estimates due to the weaker dollar.

5. Meme Stock Resurgence: The Power of the Narrative

Cramer notes the return of meme stock buying, particularly in names like Palantir, Coinbase, and Robinhood.
He expects Palantir to reach $200 this quarter.
He also mentions Nvidia and other semiconductor companies (Texas Instruments, Broadcom, NXP Semiconductors) as the "new software stocks."
He references Oracle's deal after the close.

6. Listener Call: Etsy Analysis

7. Listener Call: Capital One and Discover Acquisition

A caller asks about buying more Capital One stock after Cramer recommended it at $170, and it's now at $215.
Cramer advises against violating his cost basis, as the club got in at an "unbelievable price."
He believes the acquisition of Discover will lead to great things for Capital One.

8. The Metals Company: A Speculative Story

Cramer mentions The Metals Company, a deep-sea mineral exploration company, as a speculative story contributing to the renewable energy space.
He notes that the CEO was one of the most speculative guests he's had on the show.
The company fell 40% after withdrawing its guidance.

9. Conclusion: Focus on Stories, Not Minutiae

Cramer reiterates the importance of focusing on company stories rather than market minutiae to make money.
He promises to continue telling these stories, as that's where the profit lies.