LexinFintech (LX) Surges on Stock Buyback, CEO Confidence

LexinFintech Holdings stock (NASDAQ: LX) is on the move pre-market, trading up 9.35% as a newly authorized $50 million share repurchase program and substantial insider buying by the company's Chief Executive Officer boosts sentiment.

The $50 million buyback authorization signals a strong vote of confidence from LexinFintech's board in the company's financial health and future prospects. Share repurchase programs are often viewed favorably by investors as they reduce the number of outstanding shares, potentially increasing earnings per share and signaling that the company believes its stock is undervalued.

This move is further amplified by the CEO's decision to personally invest in the company, a powerful signal that leadership is aligned with shareholders and optimistic about the company's direction. Insider buying is generally considered a strong indicator of future positive performance.

However, this positive news arrives against a backdrop of recent price weakness. Over the past week, LX had declined from $7.08 to $6.32, representing a 10.7% drop. This short-term downward trend contrasts sharply with the stock's impressive one-year performance, where it has significantly outperformed the broader market, delivering a return of over 257% compared to the S&P 500's 14% gain. This highlights the inherent volatility associated with LX, further evidenced by its beta of 1.45, indicating higher-than-average price swings.

Operational Improvements Support Move

Adding to the positive sentiment, LexinFintech recently reported robust first-quarter 2025 financial results. Net income reached RMB430 million, a remarkable 113% year-over-year increase and a 19% quarter-over-quarter growth. This strong performance was attributed to improved risk management and enhanced operational efficiency. The company also saw growth in its user base, with total registered users reaching 232 million, an 8.1% year-over-year increase.

Furthermore, the 90-day+ delinquency ratio improved to 3.3%, indicating better credit quality. While operating revenue saw a slight decrease of 4.3% year-over-year, the company remains optimistic, projecting significant year-over-year net income growth for the full year 2025, despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties.

The Board also approved an increase in the cash dividend payout ratio from 25% to 30% of total net income, effective from the second half of 2025, further rewarding shareholders.

Financial analysts have also taken notice of LexinFintech's positive trajectory. UBS Group, for example, has set a price target of $13.60 on LX shares, maintaining a “buy” rating. The average price target of 11.55 also reflects considerable perceived upside from current price action.