Here is Why Hedge Funds Favor LendingClub (LC)

LendingClub Corporation (NYSE:LC) is one of the best financial pure plays under $100 according to Hedge Funds.

JPMorgan analyst Reginald Smith reaffirmed his stance on LendingClub Corporation (NYSE:LC) on December 4. The analyst reiterated an Overweight rating for the stock and raised his price target from $22 to $25. According to Smith’s revised estimates, the stock offers over 19% upside from the current level.

Smith raised his price target for LendingClub Corporation (NYSE:LC) based on his 2026 outlook for the broader sector. He anticipates a slowdown in the sector’s real growth, which will result in “soft-landing grind” during the year. The analyst attributes this slowdown to weakness in the labor market. Moreover, the lagged effects of tariffs are expected to materialize in 2026, which will also take a toll on the sector. Although these effects are expected to be partially offset by some tax cuts, the potential risks still outweigh that.

On December 30, the consensus ratings indicate a bullish stance towards LendingClub Corporation (NYSE:LC). The company received coverage from 9 analysts, 8 of whom assigned Buy ratings and 1 gave a Hold call. The resulting consensus 1-year average price target for the stock is $23, which offers a 19.4% upside.

LendingClub Corporation (NYSE:LC) operates an online lending marketplace and is among the first financial technology companies to hold a national bank charter. Being one of the largest unsecured personal loan providers in the U.S., they have originated more than $100 billion in loans.

While we acknowledge the potential of LC as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.