Cramer Bullish on C3.ai and Starbucks
Locales: Washington, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - March 9th, 2026 - CNBC's Jim Cramer reaffirmed his bullish stance on both C3.ai (AI) and Starbucks (SBUX) during Monday's episode of "Mad Money," offering a vote of confidence in the face of recent market fluctuations. While broader economic indicators remain mixed, Cramer highlighted the fundamental strengths of both companies, emphasizing C3.ai's growing enterprise AI solutions and Starbucks' continued brand power and adaptive strategies.
C3.ai, a leading provider of enterprise artificial intelligence software, saw a 3.3% jump in share price Monday following Cramer's commentary. The "Mad Money" host lauded the company's focus on large-scale, business-to-business (B2B) contracts, differentiating it from many AI startups targeting individual consumers. "This is a business that's selling to the world's biggest companies," Cramer emphasized. "They're not selling to individuals. They're selling to large corporations that need the help."
This point is crucial in the current AI landscape. The initial hype surrounding consumer-facing AI applications has begun to normalize. Investors are increasingly scrutinizing business models and focusing on companies demonstrating tangible ROI for enterprise clients. C3.ai's strategy of providing AI solutions for supply chain optimization, predictive maintenance, fraud detection, and other critical business functions positions it well to capitalize on this shift. The company's recent contract wins with major players in industries like energy, manufacturing, and financial services - details increasingly reported in quarterly earnings calls - support Cramer's assessment.
Analysts have noted a growing demand for practical AI applications within enterprises, and C3.ai has managed to carve out a niche by offering pre-built AI models and a low-code development platform. This allows businesses to rapidly deploy and customize AI solutions without requiring a large team of data scientists. However, the company isn't without challenges. Competition in the enterprise AI space is fierce, with established tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google all vying for market share. Successfully navigating this competitive landscape and maintaining a strong pipeline of enterprise contracts will be key to C3.ai's continued success.
Turning to Starbucks, Cramer defended his long-held positive view on the coffee giant despite a recent 4% dip in stock price over the past week. Concerns about slowing growth in China and increased competition from other coffee chains and quick-service restaurants have weighed on investor sentiment. However, Cramer remains convinced that Starbucks' brand loyalty and proactive adjustments to its menu and store formats will ensure its long-term viability.
"I still believe in the brand. I still believe in the management. I still believe in the stores," Cramer stated. This confidence appears to stem from Starbucks' ongoing efforts to reimagine the customer experience. The company has been investing heavily in mobile ordering, personalized recommendations, and store redesigns focused on convenience and digital integration. The rollout of drive-thru only "Starbucks Express" locations, designed for speed and efficiency, is one example. Furthermore, Starbucks is actively experimenting with new menu items, including non-dairy options and cold beverage innovations, to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
Starbucks' commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, while sometimes facing scrutiny, remains a significant draw for environmentally conscious consumers. The company's ongoing initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint and support coffee farmers are increasingly important in attracting and retaining a loyal customer base. However, persistent labor issues and rising operating costs continue to pose headwinds. The company's ability to effectively manage these challenges while maintaining product quality and customer service will be crucial.
Ultimately, Cramer's commentary highlights the importance of looking beyond short-term market volatility and focusing on companies with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential. Both C3.ai and Starbucks, despite facing unique challenges, appear to be positioned to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing business environment. Investors will be closely watching both companies' upcoming earnings reports for further confirmation of their respective growth trajectories.
Read the Full CNBC Article at:
[ https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/09/cramer-calls-this-ai-stock-a-terrific-story-sticks-with-starbucks.html ]