Cramer's Mad Money - Panera Didn't Rise, But It Still Has Dough

Stocks discussed on the in-depth session of Jim Cramer's Mad Money TV Program, Wednesday April 29.

CEO Interview: Ronald Shaich, Panera Bread (PNRA)

What stock gets punished for reporting a 39% growth in earnings? The Street brought Panera down to $7.50, which is very cheap for a stock that is seeing lower raw costs, increasing consumer demand and success at its stores, according to Cramer. Ronald Shiach hasn't lost heart over the way the stock was manhandled and says he tries to remain oblivious to the short-term ups and downs of the stock and aims to deliver for investors over the long-term. "We've had a great run and we'll continue to have a great run," he said, noting the stock is up 20% year over year. Cramer asked about the company's conservative outlook, and Shiach responded he is more interested in "delivering the goods" than pumping the stock. Cramer predicts a downgrade on Thursday based on the stock's unfair treatment on Wednesday and would use the decline as a buying opportunity.

CEO Sean Boyd: Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM), SPDR Gold Trust (GLD)

Cramer urged investors to buy some gold as "a responsible way to invest" and a hedge against inflation. But not all gold stocks are created equal. Cramer has been recommending Agnico Eagle Mines because of its low production costs, and on Wednesday it reported a strong quarter. Boyd told Cramer the company expects to have six new mines up and running within a year and to continue Agnico's tradition of low-cost production. He also discussed the company's strong margins and growing production. Concerning reserves, Boyd said Agnico has 15 years' worth and owns all of its properties. The company can easily expand its mines into adjacent areas instead of opening new mine from scratch. Cramer also praised Agnico-Eagle for its solid dividend and says that the stock, along with SPDR Gold Trust, is a buy.

We are not Japan

Prophets of doom abound and Cramer has been actively refuting them. From skepticism about Obama's stimulus plan to fears of nationalizing the banks, the critics have had their say, and some are convinced that America is facing a crisis similar to Japan's "Lost Decade." While both Japan and America's crisis began with a real estate crisis, there are important differences. America's GDP might have fallen 6%, but that can be attributed to necessary government spending and cutting inventories, which is an effective cost-cutting measure. U.S. consumers tend to spend more than their Japanese counterparts and immigration helps boost the population to create more consumers and more resources. The Japanese population is older on average, which means less spending, and the Japanese economy relies heavily on exports. Finally, Cramer gave Ben Bernanke and Tim Geithner credit for handling the crisis proactively; the Japanese were less aggressive with their reforms.

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