Does LendingClub (LC) have what it takes to be a top stock pick for momentum investors? Let's find out.
U.S. stock futures were mixed this morning, with the Nasdaq futures gaining around 0.4% on Wednesday.
The web-based lending company's quarterly revenue beat Wall Street estimates.
LendingClub's latest quarterly results, released Tuesday (Jan. 28), indicated growth across several key metrics, including loan originations and deposits through its digital banking arm, and some improving credit metrics. However, in some cases, growth decelerated in the final quarter of the year, and forward-looking guidance helped send shares down 23% after hours on Tuesday.
LendingClub Corporation (NYSE:LC ) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call January 28, 2025 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Artem Nalivayko - IR Scott Sanborn - CEO Drew LaBenne - CFO Conference Call Participants Vincent Caintic - BTIG Brad Capuzzi - Piper Sandler Tim Switzer - KBW Giuliano Bologna - Compass Bill Ryan - Seaport Research Partners John Hecht - Jefferies Reggie Smith - JPMorgan Operator Good afternoon. Thank you for attending today's LendingClub Fourth Quarter ‘24 Earnings Conference Call.
LendingClub (LC) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.11 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.10 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.09 per share a year ago.
An improvement in the top line, driven by the expected rise in interest-earning assets and other revenue components to aid LC's Q4 earnings.
Since acquiring Radius Bank in 2021, LendingClub's stock has been volatile. The high interest rate environment proved challenging, but the company has begun to turn the corner thanks to a more stable rate environment and the potential for further interest rate cuts. LendingClub can grow earnings significantly in 2025/2026 as loan originations ramp and bank buyers return to the marketplace.
LendingClub remains an attractive investment due to significant growth opportunities, strong execution, and a valuation below historical norms, despite a strong 2024 performance. The company has evolved from a P2P lender to a mature financial institution, offering diverse loan products across personal, business, auto, and banking services. LendingClub's focus on consumer education and innovative solutions like DebtIQ and Tally positions it to capitalize on rising credit card debt and high interest rates.
LendingClub stock price recovered strongly after bottoming at $4.90 in 2023 as concerns about its viability continued. LC has soared to $17.50, its highest level since February 2022, bringing its market cap to over $1.97 billion.
LendingClub Corp. (LC) is strategically growing its customer base and profits.
I believe the 750 bps spread between credit card rates and personal loan rates will drive continued demand for debt consolidation loans, leading to double-digit origination fee growth in 2025. The 75 bps Fed's rate cuts have made the returns on LendingClub's loans significantly more attractive than US Treasuries, increasing demand from banks and asset managers. Despite a 73% rally, I find LendingClub's P/B ratio of 1.48 remains undervalued relative to its 2021 highs and industry peers.