LendingClub (LC) Jumps On Lower-than-Expected Q3 Loss

Shares of LendingClub Corporation (NYSE:LC) surged over 15% following the release of its third-quarter 2016 results. Also, the announcement that National Bank of Canada (through its U.S. subsidiary) has approved investments up to $1.3 billion to be deployed on the LendingClub platform played a role in the jump in share price.

LendingClub’s loss per share of 8 cents was lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate loss of 10 cents. However, the figure shows deterioration from 1 cent recorded in the year-ago quarter.

Results in the reported quarter included several significant items. Including these net loss, on a GAAP basis, came in at $36.5 billion as against net income of $1 million in the year-ago quarter.

Lower Revenue, Rise in Costs Hurt Bottom Line

Total net revenue edged down 1.5% year over year to $114.6 million. The fall was due to a decrease in all revenue components, except servicing fees. However, the figure outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $100.8 million.

Total operating expenses were $151.3 million, a surge of 32.6% from the prior-year quarter. The increase was triggered by rise in all expense components.

Adjusted loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization totaled $11.1 million, as against adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $21.2 million in the prior-year quarter.

In the reported quarter, loan originations were $1.97 billion, down 11.8% from the year-ago quarter.

As of Sep 30, 2016, cash and cash equivalents were $521 million, down 9% from the prior quarter. Further, loans were relatively stable sequentially at $4.4 billion. Total stockholders' equity summed $977 million, down 1% from Jun 30, 2016 level.

Guidance

Based on the information available as of Nov 7, 2016, LendingClub provided the following outlook for fourth-quarter 2016:

• Operating revenue in the range of $116–$123 million
• Adjusted loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization in the range of $15–$5 million
• Net loss in the range of $48–$38 million

Our Viewpoint

Results reflect the turmoil faced by the company since May 2016. Additionally, given the reduced volumes of loan in the reported quarter and dismal outlook for the fourth quarter, it is expected that the headwinds shall continue hurting the company’s financials.

LENDINGCLUB CP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

LENDINGCLUB CP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | LENDINGCLUB CP Quote

Currently, LendingClub carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Stocks That Warrant a Look

Some finance stocks worth considering, include Washington Federal, Inc. (NASDAQ:WAFD) , Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) .

Washington Federal has witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 2.3% over the past 30 days. Moreover, its share price is up over 15% in the past six months. It sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Bank of America currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). It has witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of nearly 5.6% over the past 30 days. Its share price is up nearly 22% in the six-month period.

JPMorgan also carries a Zacks Rank #2 and witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 3% over the past 30 days. Also, its share price has gained more than 14% in the past six months.

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