Here is Why Hedge Funds Favor LendingClub (LC)

Group 1 - LendingClub Corporation (NYSE:LC) is recognized as one of the best financial pure plays under $100, with an Overweight rating reaffirmed by JPMorgan analyst Reginald Smith, who raised the price target from $22 to $25, indicating over 19% upside potential from the current level [1] - The price target increase is based on Smith's 2026 outlook for the broader sector, anticipating a slowdown in real growth due to labor market weakness and the lagged effects of tariffs, which are expected to impact the sector in 2026 [2] - Consensus ratings for LendingClub Corporation show a bullish stance, with 9 analysts covering the stock, 8 assigning Buy ratings and 1 giving a Hold call, resulting in a 1-year average price target of $23, which offers a 19.4% upside [3] Group 2 - LendingClub Corporation operates an online lending marketplace and is one of the first financial technology companies to hold a national bank charter, having originated over $100 billion in loans, making it one of the largest unsecured personal loan providers in the U.S. [4]