Jim Cramer delivered his rapid-fire stock verdicts during CNBC's "Mad Money Lightning Round" on Wednesday, covering everything from aerospace materials to used car dealerships. Some got the thumbs up, others got the boot.

Hexcel Gets Cramer's Stamp of Approval

Cramer called Hexcel Corporation (HXL) a "very good" company. The aerospace composites manufacturer has reason to feel confident after reporting solid third-quarter results on Oct. 22. The company posted earnings of 37 cents per share, matching analyst expectations, while revenue of $456.200 million beat the consensus estimate of $443.412 million.

SoundHound AI Lacks Profitability

When it came to SoundHound AI, Inc. (SOUN), Cramer was blunt: the company doesn't make any money. That assessment comes despite DA Davidson analyst Gil Luria maintaining a Buy rating on Nov. 18 with a $17 price target. Sometimes Wall Street analysts see potential where the Mad Money host sees red ink.

Root Gets the Red Light

Root, Inc. (ROOT) didn't fare much better. When asked about the insurance company, Cramer advised viewers to look elsewhere: "No, you got to keep looking in something else. It's not going to do it for you." The company did manage to beat earnings expectations on Nov. 5, reporting losses of 35 cents per share compared to the consensus estimate of losses of 48 cents per share. But apparently, beating by being less unprofitable wasn't enough to win Cramer over.

Carvana Revs Up Cramer's Enthusiasm

Carvana Co. (CVNA) is headed higher, according to Cramer, who praised CEO Ernie Garcia's approach: "I think Ernie Garcia has a better model than anybody else." Bank of America Securities analyst Michael McGovern backed that optimism on Dec. 8, maintaining a Buy rating and boosting the price target from $385 to $455.

AES Presents a Buying Opportunity

Cramer sees value in AES (AES) at current levels. "I've taken a liking to it down here. I think you've got a buying opportunity in AES," he said. Argus Research analyst John Eade shared that sentiment, upgrading the utility company from Hold to Buy on Dec. 5 with an $18 price target.

Price Action

• Hexcel shares fell 0.1% to settle at $76.42 on Wednesday.
• SoundHound shares declined 0.8% to close at $12.21.
• Root shares rose 3.6% to settle at $83.52 on Wednesday.
• Carvana shares gained 2.5% to close at $467.67.
• AES shares fell 1.2% to settle at $13.80 on Wednesday.