Jim Cramer's YEV List: KeyCorp in Fifth Place

Jim Cramer recently selected a group of stocks from the S&P 500 that meet his specific criteria, known as the YEV test. The well-known financial expert looks for stocks that stand out positively in the areas of yield, earnings growth, and value. The goal is to find companies that continue to offer lucrative opportunities despite the positive market environment supported by the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. An interesting candidate on this list is KeyCorp. Despite the challenges Cramer's criteria pose to potential investments, he highlighted KeyCorp as a reliable player. The company, a holding for the KeyBank National Association, offers a wide range of banking services in the United States. Cramer pointed to a significant investment by Scotiabank, which plans to acquire nearly a 15% stake in KeyCorp, and the recent price target increase by John Pancari, an analyst at Evercore ISI, from $18.50 to $20. KeyCorp's recently released quarterly figures show that the company is experiencing a financial recovery. The net income from continuing operations amounted to $237 million in the second quarter of 2024, corresponding to earnings of $0.25 per diluted share. This shows an improvement compared to the first quarter of 2024 but a decline year-on-year. Overall, KeyCorp ranks fifth on Cramer's exclusive YEV list. While the potential of this stock is acknowledged, there remains a conviction that AI stocks can promise higher returns over shorter periods. Those interested in AI investments should consult a report on the most affordable AI stock.