The Club held its “Monthly Meeting” for April on Tuesday, providing a window into our current thinking on the stocks in Jim Cramer’s Charitable Trust — including an updated list of the 10 core holdings in the portfolio. Those 10 companies , which we generally view as the best in their respective industries, are Apple (AAPL), Costco Wholesale (COST), Morgan Stanley (MS), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Starbucks (SBUX), Danaher (DHR), Nvidia (NVDA), Linde (LIN), Eli Lilly (LLY) and Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD). In addition to an in-depth look at the core holdings, we’re providing key takeaways here on the other 25 stocks in the Club’s portfolio. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD): Bottoms are increasingly evident in the chipmaker’s key end-markets like personal computers, laying the groundwork for AMD’s business to meaningfully turn around later this year. When AMD reports earnings next week, we’ll be looking for signs that its integration of Xilinx has proven a success. Amazon (AMZN): Investors will be looking closely at profit margins and the growth rate at cloud unit Amazon Web Services when the company reports earnings after the closing bell Thursday. We maintain our view that the ecommerce giant can do more to improve its bloated cost structure. Bausch Health (BHC): For the pharmaceutical company’s stock to gain any traction, Jim said it needs to win the fight over its Xifaxan drug patent . We wish we had more insight into that legal dispute than management has provided. Caterpillar (CAT): A flood of U.S. government spending on infrastructure should provide multiyear tailwinds to Caterpillar’s business starting this year. But in the near term, investor attention will be on the health of its order backlog when the manufacturing company reports first-quarter earnings before the opening bell on Thursday. Salesforce (CRM): Questions continue to swirl about the overall state of enterprise software spending. But at Salesforce, CEO Marc Benioff is ushering in a slimmer, more-profitable version of the company. The newfound cost discipline is what shareholders like us — and the numerous activist investors that have swarmed Salesforce in recent months — wanted to see. Cisco Systems (CSCO): Wall Street seems to believe that Cisco will never see a period of meaningful growth again. The pessimistic attitude has prevented Cisco shares from breaking out, even as the company has reported quality results of late. Its next earnings release, set for May 17, may provide a spark for the stock and give us a chance to sell. Coterra Energy (CTRA): Jim said for those wanting to put money to work in one of the Club’s energy holdings right now, Coterra is his top choice. Management has wisely made stock buybacks a major priority, and the company’s exposure to natural gas should pay off over the long term. Disney (DS): The media-and-entertainment giant’s stock performance has been exceedingly frustrating. But there’s no denying Disney’s franchise value . As the company’s cost-cutting moves under CEO Bob Iger take hold, an inflection point should arrive. Unfortunately, it might not happen when the company reports fiscal second-quarter results May 10 and, instead, may be more of a third-quarter earnings story. Estee Lauder (EL): Shares of the prestige cosmetics firm have climbed more than 30% from early November lows. And there’s more upside ahead for the stock, as China’s economy continues to reopen this year. China accounts for roughly a third of Estee Lauder’s total revenue. Emerson Electric (EMR): We remain frustrated with management at this automation-focused industrial, despite it ultimately reaching an amicable deal to buy National Instruments (NATI) following an initial hostile-takeover bid. Jim said he’s giving the company six months to demonstrate its strategy is working, or else we’ll part ways. Ford Motor (F): The automaker is another Club holding on a short leash. After a disappointing fourth-quarter print, we’re hoping to see evidence that CEO Jim Farley has righted the ship. We remain curious about the potential impact Tesla ‘s (TSLA) aggressive price cuts on electric vehicles could have on Ford and its legacy peers. Foot Locker (FL): We added to our newest Club holding on a pullback Monday. We’re banking with CEO Mary Dillon, whose impressive run leading Ulta Beauty (ULTA) instills confidence in her ability to turn around the sportswear retailer. Alphabet (GOOGL): The tech behemoth has been dropped from our core-holdings list, replaced by Nvidia. Jim said his faith in Google’s parent company has waned because it has failed to capitalize on a range of initiatives outside its core search engine business. Faced with increased competition around artificial intelligence, Jim said he wants to see improving financials at Alphabet, not just talk. Alphabet reported better-than-expected first-quarter results after the closing bell on Tuesday. Halliburton (HAL): Halliburton’s first-quarter earnings, released before the bell Tuesday, fortified our conviction in the oilfield services firm . The results were considerably better than the stock’s 3.5% drop would indicate. Honeywell International (HON): Honeywell was replaced by Linde on our core-holdings list. Our rationale for the switch largely centers around the industrial conglomerate’s upcoming CEO shakeup. With the retiring Darius Adamczyk set to be replaced by Vimal Kapur in June, we’re in wait-and-see mode with the stock. Humana (HUM): The market frequently changes its mind about Humana. One week, the health-care stock will be firmly out of favor. Investors will then return to Humana and its managed care brethren when economic slowdown fears are more pronounced. That’s been the case so far this week, with the stock up more than 2%. We’ll see if the traction sticks after Humana reports Wednesday morning. Meta Platforms (META): CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s “year of efficiency” has propelled the social media firm’s stock more than 70% higher this year, following a brutal 2022. Zuckerberg deserves credit for reining in costs. But now we want to see whether the Facebook and Instagram parent can begin to reaccelerate top-line growth. It reports quarterly numbers after Wednesday’s close. Microsoft (MSFT): After Tuesday’s close, Microsoft issued better-than-expected quarterly numbers and strong revenue guidance, while highlighting its AI prowess — a key pillar of our investment thesis. Palo Alto Networks (PANW): Cybersecurity spending has been resilient despite concerns about an economic slowdown, which is why we continue to stick with Palo Alto. We purchased 25 shares on April 10, gradually growing our position in a company we first bought in February. Procter & Gamble (PG): The consumer products giant on Friday delivered an earnings beat , while raising its full-year guidance. Crucially, P & G’s volumes were down only 3%, despite a 10% price increase. A rollover in chemical prices, along with declining freight costs, should help lift the company’s profitability in the coming quarters. Qualcomm (QCOM): Jim said he remains committed to exiting our Qualcomm position into strength. He acknowledged that the chipmaker’s low price-to-earnings multiple hasn’t been enough for the investment to be fruitful. Constellation Brands (STZ): Wall Street hasn’t seemed to appreciate the quality guidance the Corona beer parent issued in early April. We’re more than wiling to be patient, though, especially knowing Constellation just hiked its dividend by 11% . TJX Companies (TJX): The off-price retailer may prove to be a beneficiary of Bed Bath & Beyond’s bankruptcy . Jim said he’s shocked TJX’s stock price isn’t higher, while urging Club members to be patient with their ownership. Wells Fargo (WFC): When turbulence strikes shares of Wells Fargo, it could be an opportunity to buy the stock, not sell it. With each passing quarter, the bank continues to resolve regulatory issues that have plagued it for years. Wynn Resorts (WYNN): Like Estee Lauder, Wynn Resorts is a play on China’s economic recovery after roughly three years of Covid-19 restrictions. Shares of the casino operator have almost doubled over the past six months, but the turnaround of its business in the Chinese gaming hub of Macao is still playing out. (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer’s Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Jim Cramer at the NYSE, June 30, 2022.
Virginia Sherwood | CNBC
The Club held its “Monthly Meeting” for April on Tuesday, providing a window into our current thinking on the stocks in Jim Cramer’s Charitable Trust — including an updated list of the 10 core holdings in the portfolio.
Spring is finally here, and so are some solid EV lease deals. Right now, a few EVs are going for under $300 a month. Here are the cheapest EVs we could find this March.
Cheapest EVs you can lease this March
After a record year with over 1.3 million EVs sold in the US in 2024, the trend is expected to continue in 2025, with about 15 new models arriving.
Nearly 200,000 electric vehicles were sold in the first two months of the year. In February, the top five best-selling models were the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, Honda Prologue, and Rivian R1S.
Outside of Rivian’s electric SUV and now the Tesla Model Y (the old model is sold out), you can lease any of them for under $300 a month this March. With the average monthly lease payment for an electric car $175 less per month than the average loan, it’s no wonder buyers are choosing to lease.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
According to Experian, the Tesla Model 3, Honda Prologue, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Chevrolet Equinox are among the most leased EVs. Again, all of these are under $300 a month right now.
Hyundai’s new 2025 IONIQ 5 Limited with a Tesla NACS port (Source: Hyundai)
Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
2025 Kia Niro EV
$129
24
$3,999
$295
2024 Kia EV6
$179
24
$3,999
$345
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
$159
24
$3,999
$325
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5
$199
24
$3,999
$365
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6
$149
24
$3,999
$315
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6
$169
24
$3,999
$335
2025 Genesis GV60
$299
24
$5,999
$548
Kia and Hyundai continue to offer some of the most affordable, efficient electric vehicles on the market. The Niro EV is one of the cheapest EVs you can lease this month at just $129 per month.
The new 2025 IONIQ 5 (now with more range and a Tesla NACS charging port) and IONIQ 6 are arriving with big discounts. Even the luxury 2025 Genesis GV60 can be leased for under $300 a month this March.
Earlier this week, Hyundai launched a promo giving those who buy or lease a new 2024 or 2025 model year IONIQ 5 or IONIQ 6 a free ChargePoint Level 2 home charger. If you already have one, you can also opt for a $400 public charging credit.
2024 Honda Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)
Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
2024 Honda Prologue
$239
36
$1,399
$335
2024 Acura ZDX
$299
24
$2,999
$424
Honda’s electric SUV continues to take the US market by storm. In the second half of 2024, the Prologue was the second best-selling electric SUV behind the Tesla Model Y. It has now been a top five best-seller in the US for the first two months of 2025.
With an ultra-low lease rate of just $239 per month, the Prologue is even more affordable than a Civic this month. No wonder sales are surging.
Honda launched the 2025 model earlier this month, which has more range (now up to 308 miles) and power but keeps the same low starting price.
Acura’s luxury electric SUV can be leased for as low as $299 for 24 months. With only $2,999 due at signing, the ZDX is even cheaper than the Genesis GV60, thanks to generous discounts. In some states, ZDX discounts reach as high as $28,000, also making it more affordable than a Civic to lease this month.
Chevy Equinox EV LT (Source: GM)
Chevy Blazer and Equinox EVs
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
2024 Chevy Equinox EV
$299
24
$3,169
$431
2024 Chevy Blazer EV
$299
24
$3,879
$461
Chevy’s new electric SUVs are quickly rolling out. The electric Equinox was among the top five best-selling EVs in the final three months of 2024. Both can be leased for under $300 a month this March. The Blazer EV is still slightly more expensive, at $3,879. Keep in mind that the Blazer EV deal also includes a $1,000 trade-in bonus.
The electric Equinox SUV, or “America’s most affordable +315 miles range EV,” as Chevy calls it, is even cheaper than the gas model this month with up to $8,500 in savings.
Ford Mustang Mach-E (left) and F-150 Lightning (right) (Source: Ford)
Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E
$213
36
$4,462
$337
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
$233
24
$6,792
$421
Although F-150 Lightning sales are down this year, the Mustang Mach-E remained a top-selling electric SUV through the first two months of 2025
Ford is sweetening the deal with a free Level 2 home charger for any EV purchase or lease through its “Power Promise,” along with a host of other benefits.
2024 Subaru Solterra (Source: Subaru)
Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
2025 Toyota bZ4X
$259
36
$2,999
$342
2024 Subaru Solterra
$279
36
$279
$287
Japanese automakers are starting to find their rhythm. Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra sales are picking up. With an effective cost of only $287 per month, the Solterra may be the better option this month with standard AWD.
Tesla Model 3 (Source: Tesla)
Tesla Model 3 is still among the cheapest EVs in March
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
Tesla Model 3
$299
36
$2,999
$382
Although Tesla sold out of old Model Y inventory this month, you can still snag a Model 3 for under $300 a month. The Tesla Model 3 is still one the best-selling EVs in the US, and for a good reason.
The new Long Range AWD Model 3 has an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 363 miles and can add up to 195 miles in just 15 minutes.
Other EVs for lease for under $300 a month
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
2025 Nissan LEAF
$259
36
$2,279
$322
Fiat 500e
$159
24
$1,999
$242
Some of these rates may vary by region. The $239 per month Honda Prologue lease deal is offered in California and other ZEV states. Acura’s $299 ZDX promo is only available in CA, NY, OR, and other select states.
In other parts of the country, the Prologue is still listed at just $269 per month for 36 months. With $3,199 due at signing, the effective cost is still just $358 per month. However, a $1,000 conquest or loyalty offer can lower monthly payments to around $330.
With the Trump administration looking to end federal EV incentives, including the $7,500 tax credit, many of these savings could disappear soon. Automakers can offer such low lease prices right now largely because the tax credit is factored in.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Aptera Motors has shared another exciting progress update video, giving us our best look yet at its production-intent solar EV out in the real world. The SEV startup recently completed the PI build’s first-ever road trip, traveling over 300 miles using an all-electric battery and free energy from the Sun.
We’re nearing the end of the month here so naturally, that means were due for a video update from our favorite (and only) solar EV startup, Aptera. This time around, we only had to wait about 25 days since Aptera’s last video update, in which it took a production-intent solar EV to a proving ground in the Mojave Desert and completed core efficiency testing under real-world conditions.
Per Aptera, some of those results were “groundbreaking,” including a coast-down test that measured the solar EV’s aerodynamic, rolling, and powertrain losses by tracking how efficiently the vehicle moves through the air along a given road.
At that point, Aptera’s video footage of said testing was our best glimpse of its budding technology, but much of it was on lonely desert roads. This go around, Aptera took to the highway for the first time ever, documenting a 300+ mile road trip you can see in the video below.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
Source: Aptera
New video showcases Aptera SEV’s 300+ mile journey
Aptera released its latest video alongside a blog post this afternoon. The post shared details of the production-intent solar EV’s first-ever road trip, which was navigated by co-founder and co-CEO Steve Fambro and a support team that helped film it.
As you can see on Aptera’s map above, the solar EV’s journey began at an elevation in Flagstaff, Arizona, where the team documented the solar EV was gathering 300 watts of energy before they even left for the day. In the video, you see Fambro navigate west then south down the historic Route 66, stopping at fun landmarks like Bearizona (a very cool animal sanctuary if you’ve never been) and Lake Havasu.
At one point, Aptera’s video noted that its solar EV was pulling over 545 watts of solar input, even though it was overcast. The vehicle’s all-electric powertrain, paired with additional range from the Sun, helped propel the car over 300 miles to its final destination in Imperial Valley, California, turning heads and garnering plenty of photos along the way. Per Fambro:
Almost everyone we passed had their phones out filming us. It’s clear that Aptera’s design stops traffic—without needing to stop for a charge.
To celebrate its first road trip validating its solar EV in real-world conditions on a public highway, Aptera is giving away a $800 “solar-powered prize pack.” You can learn more about how to enter here, and be sure to watch Aptera’s full video of the road trip below.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Hyundai is launching new EVs in every corner of the world. The IONIQ 9, its first three-row electric SUV, is about to launch in the US, the low-cost Inster EV is already seeing demand in Europe, and now, Hyundai is about to take on China, the world’s largest EV market. Here’s a sneak peek of Hyundai’s new electric SUV that could launch as the IONIQ 4 in China.
First look at Hyundai’s new electric SUV for China
While many legacy automakers are cutting back in China with the flood of domestic EVs and intensifying price war, Hyundai is doubling down on the market.
The facility is expected to play a key role as Hyundai looks to compete with China’s leading EV makers like BYD. By working with local tech companies and suppliers, the R&D center will create vehicles tailored to customers in the region.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
Unlike its other models, like the IONIQ 5, Hyundai’s EVs in China will feature local technology and designs to attract buyers.
After Beijing Hyundai released the first spy photos this week, we are getting a closer look at its “first pure electric platform SUV” in China.
Like the IONIQ 9, Hyundai’s new electric SUV features a full-length light bar and closed grille up front, but there are some noticeable differences. For one, it’s clearly smaller and slightly less boxy. The rear also gains a futuristic light bar.
According to TheKoreanCarBlog, the vehicle is internally known as “OE,” hinting that it could still be part of its IONIQ EV series.
Hyundai’s new electric SUV winter testing in China (Source: Beijing Hyundai)
All Hyundai IONIQ vehicles have had an “E” in their name, which makes the case even stronger that this could be the IONIQ 4.
We should learn more soon, as Hyundai’s new electric SUV is set to launch in China later this year. Check back soon for more information, including specs and prices.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.