Jim Cramer Says Clover Health Was a Good Speculative Pick But Still Prefers UnitedHealth and CVS

June 20, 2026 - 17:10

Jim Cramer weighed in on Clover Health Investments during a recent episode of Mad Money, telling investors to focus on where a stock is headed rather than where it has been. A caller brought up Cramer's earlier characterization of Clover Health as a speculative pick, noting that the company reported GAAP profitability in the first quarter of 2026 and issued forward guidance. Cramer acknowledged the progress but stopped short of changing his overall stance. He said Clover Health worked out well as a speculative trade for those who got in early, but he still prefers the stability and scale of larger healthcare players like UnitedHealth Group and CVS Health. Cramer emphasized that while smaller names can deliver big returns, they come with higher risk. He advised viewers to consider their own risk tolerance before chasing momentum in stocks like Clover Health. The broader takeaway from his comments was that speculative plays can pay off, but they should not replace core holdings in established, diversified companies. For long-term investors, Cramer reiterated that UnitedHealth and CVS offer more predictable earnings and stronger competitive moats.