Cramer's Holy Grail of Stocks

Even Secular Growth Stocks Don't Last: Cramer

Most of the time you can hang onto stocks for years, but if you find a secular growth story, than there is nothing wrong with owning it, says Mad Money host Jim Cramer. Just do your homework, he says.

As you put money to work in the stock market chances are you've encountered all kinds of stocks; there are value stocks, momentum stocks, dividend payers and more.

But if there's a Holy Grail among stocks - it's got to be this.

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"I'm talking about secular growth stocks, a rare breed that you should always be on the lookout for," said Jim Cramer.

"These companies are driven by powerful long-term stories that transcend the strength or weakness of the underlying economy."

Cramer pointed out that a true secular growth story can deliver stellar results even in a down economy. "Unlike cyclical growth names, secular growth may even continue to expand during a slowdown," Cramer said.

"I like to look for big-picture themes, where you have a company that's a play on a much broader trend.

Take the move toward healthy eating in this country, and the interest in natural and organic foods," he said."This organic theme has made Whole Foods, the go-to supermarket for all things healthy and organic. And the same goes for Hain Celestial, which makes many of the products found in the aisles of Whole Foods."

Other secular themes Cramer says to watch include the renaissance of housing and the discovery of vast energy resources in the US.

Cramer has recommended playing the former theme with Toll Brothers, a stock he considers best of breed.

And Cramer has recommended leveraging the latter with chemical companies such as Dow Chemical and Eastman Chemical, because they should benefit from lower input costs.

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However, that's not to say playing a secular trend makes homework unnecessary - that's not the case at all. As the secular growth trends age, there will be fewer plays that make money.

Read More: Cramer's Big Invesing Themes for 2013

While a stock might provide a great ride, Cramer reiterated that nothing lasts forever.

"Remember, even the biggest wave ends up crashing on the shore," he said. "Only homework will keep you from crashing along with it."

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