MarketMoodz
Cramer Backs Vertex in Mad Money Lightning Round
Jim Cramer pitched Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) as a buy during CNBC's Mad Money lightning round on April 17, 2026. He called Vertex "very strong" and said it’s a good buy, wishing he had bought earlier for his Charitable Trust. The round also touched other healthcare and biotech names and highlighted broader momentum in the sector.
Key Takeaways
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) was recommended as a buy by Jim Cramer during the Mad Money lightning round.
- Cramer described Vertex as "very strong" and said it’s a good buy.
- He noted he wishes he had purchased Vertex earlier for his Charitable Trust.
- Other stocks mentioned in the round included Oddity Tech, ImmunityBio, Aehr Test Systems, and Copart.
People Involved
- Jim CramerCNBC's Mad Money host
Entities Involved
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX)Biotech company
- Oddity TechTechnology company (consumer tech stock)
- ImmunityBioBiotech company
- Aehr Test SystemsSemiconductor test equipment company
- CopartOnline vehicle auction company
MarketMoodz Analysis
The positive write-up on Vertex could amplify biotech momentum among momentum traders and healthcare allocators, especially if the stock retains an upbeat posture after the Mad Money appearance. A buy from Cramer can move near-term sentiment and attract attention from retail investors who follow his picks, potentially supporting a short-term price lift.
Historically, Cramer's lightning-round claims have moved stocks in the moment, but the longer-term impact depends on Vertex's fundamentals, pipeline progress, and earnings trajectory. Vertex's standout genetics and pipeline strength typically intersect with the broader trend of biotech enthusiasm, which can widen volatility around catalysts and data releases.
What to watch next: monitor Vertex's next earnings call and any pipeline updates, along with broader biotech sector sentiment and how the other mentioned names fare after the dialogue on Mad Money. Independent confirmation of quotes and context from CNBC transcripts will also matter for accuracy.
Source: Original Article