Upstart Stock Jumps After Analyst Upgrades to ‘Buy’

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​Upstart Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: UPST), a leading AI-driven lending platform, experienced a significant surge in its stock price following a notable upgrade from Needham & Company. The firm upgraded Upstart's rating from "Hold" to "Buy," setting a price target of $100, a level not seen since 2022. This upgrade was primarily attributed to improved funding conditions and the company's innovative AI-powered credit assessment model. On the day of the announcement, Upstart's stock jumped over 9%, reaching $84.20, nearing its two-year high of $86.07This positive momentum was further fueled by additional analyst upgrades. B. Riley Securities raised its rating from "Neutral" to "Buy," increasing the price target from $49 to $105. The firm highlighted a "striking acceleration" in growth during Q4 2024, surpassing both guidance and consensus estimates. B. Riley anticipates a 57% revenue growth in 2025, up from 24% in 2024, driven by an improving macro environment and a scalable fee-based model . JPMorgan also upgraded Upstart's rating from "Underweight" to "Neutral," raising the price target from $57 to $79. The bank cited a rebound in origination volume and adjusted EBITDA margins to their highest levels since 2022. Analysts noted that enhancements in underwriting models and better macroeconomic conditions were pivotal in driving this turnaround