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Four Stocks Cramer Likes: AMD, Etsy, Vertex, MongoDB

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/202 .. stocks-cramer-likes-amd-etsy-vertex-mongodb.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 0:38 GMT by CNBC
      Locales: California, Texas, Colorado, Massachusetts, UNITED STATES

Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 - As the market digests the final results of 2025, and looks forward to 2026, financial analysts are dissecting which stocks truly delivered. CNBC's Jim Cramer recently highlighted four companies - Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Etsy (ETSY), Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX), and MongoDB (MDB) - as standout performers in the fourth quarter. These weren't the flashy, headline-grabbing winners; rather, they quietly and consistently outperformed, prompting Cramer to suggest they have the potential to continue this momentum into the new year. But can they? This article delves deeper into each company, examining the factors that fueled their 2025 success and, more importantly, what challenges and opportunities lie ahead in 2026.

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD): Maintaining Momentum in a Competitive Landscape

AMD's impressive 35% gain in 2025, dwarfing Intel's 16%, is a testament to its successful execution. The company has effectively positioned itself as a serious competitor in both the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) markets. However, the tech landscape is relentlessly competitive. Intel is aggressively working to regain lost ground, and Nvidia remains the dominant force in high-end GPUs, particularly those crucial for artificial intelligence applications. For AMD to continue its ascent in 2026, it must maintain its innovative edge. This means consistently delivering processors that offer a compelling balance of performance, power efficiency, and price. The upcoming generation of Ryzen and Radeon products will be critical. Analysts are watching closely to see if AMD can capture a larger share of the data center market, where Nvidia currently holds a significant lead. The demand for AI-capable hardware presents both an opportunity and a threat; AMD needs to demonstrate that its GPUs can effectively compete in this rapidly evolving space. Furthermore, supply chain resilience will be key. Component shortages plagued the industry in prior years, and any disruption could hamper AMD's ability to meet demand.

Etsy (ETSY): Scaling the Marketplace Without Losing Authenticity

Etsy's 43% surge in 2025 demonstrates the continued appeal of handmade, vintage, and unique goods. The platform has successfully tapped into a consumer desire for authenticity and personalization. However, scaling a marketplace comes with its own set of challenges. Maintaining the "handmade" ethos while accommodating a growing number of sellers and products is crucial. Concerns about mass-produced items masquerading as handcrafted goods have surfaced in the past, and Etsy needs to address these issues proactively. Expanding the marketplace is vital, but not at the expense of quality and authenticity. A key focus for 2026 will be international expansion. While Etsy has a growing global presence, penetrating new markets requires careful localization and adaptation. Competition from larger e-commerce giants like Amazon and Shopify is also intensifying, demanding continued investment in marketing and customer experience.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX): Innovation Beyond Cystic Fibrosis

Vertex's remarkable 69% increase in 2025 reflects the company's success in treating cystic fibrosis (CF). Its therapies have dramatically improved the lives of CF patients. However, relying heavily on a single therapeutic area is a risk. The company's continued success hinges on its ability to diversify its pipeline. Cramer rightly points to the need for innovation and new therapies. Vertex is currently investing heavily in areas like pain management, kidney disease, and sickle cell disease. The development and regulatory approval of new drugs in these areas will be crucial for sustaining growth in 2026 and beyond. Investors will be closely monitoring clinical trial results and the company's progress in expanding its research and development efforts. Competition in these new therapeutic areas will be fierce, and Vertex will need to demonstrate a clear competitive advantage.

MongoDB (MDB): Cementing its Position as a Leading Database Provider

MongoDB's astounding 90% leap in 2025 showcases the growing demand for flexible and scalable database solutions. The company's document-oriented database is particularly well-suited for modern applications, which often require handling unstructured data. However, the database market is crowded, with established players like Oracle, Microsoft, and Amazon offering competing products. MongoDB's strength lies in its developer-friendly interface and its ability to handle the demands of rapidly evolving applications. To maintain its momentum in 2026, MongoDB must continue to expand its ecosystem and attract more users to its platform. This includes providing robust tools and resources for developers, as well as offering a compelling cloud-based service. The company also needs to demonstrate its ability to scale its infrastructure to meet the growing needs of its customers. Moreover, integrating with other key technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning platforms, will be essential for driving future growth.

In conclusion, while these four companies demonstrated impressive performance in 2025, their continued success in 2026 is not guaranteed. Each faces unique challenges and opportunities. Successful navigation of these complexities will determine whether they can maintain their winning streak and deliver further value to investors.