Lincoln Educational Services’ Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results Exceed Financial Guidance; Continued Strong Growth Forecasted for 2026
Rhea-AI Summary
Lincoln Educational Services (Nasdaq: LINC) reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results that exceeded guidance and announced strong 2026 guidance and an Investor Day on March 19, 2026 at its new Nashville campus. FY2025 revenue was $518.2M and management forecasts $580–$590M revenue in 2026.
Key 4Q25 metrics: revenue $142.9M, net income $12.7M ($0.40/share), adjusted EBITDA rose materially; full-year net income was $20.0M. 2026 guidance targets double-digit revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth with ~17,000 students starting the year.
Positive
- Revenue +17.8% FY2025 to $518.2M
- Net income +102.2% YoY to $20.0M
- Adjusted EBITDA increased substantially to $67.1M
- Net cash flow from operations +102.4% to $59.3M
- 2026 revenue guidance of $580–$590M (~13% growth)
Negative
- Capital expenditures guidance down to $70–$75M (-18% YoY)
- Company will include ~$10.0M of new campus operating losses in 2026 adjusted EBITDA
- Selling, general and administrative expense rose 14.6% in 4Q25 to support growth
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
LINC fell 3.6% while key peers showed mixed moves: APEI up 0.83%, KLC up 1.46%, QSG down 3.06%, GOTU down 0.47%, UDMY down 1.24%. Only GOTU appeared in momentum scans, suggesting LINC’s move is stock-specific rather than a sector-wide education trade.
Previous Earnings Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 11 | Q2 2025 earnings | Positive | -15.1% | Strong Q2 2025 growth and raised FY2025 guidance across key metrics. |
| May 12 | Q1 2025 earnings | Positive | +1.9% | Double-digit revenue and student start growth; 2025 guidance increased. |
| Feb 24 | Q4 2024 earnings | Positive | +15.3% | Strong Q4 and FY 2024 results plus growth-focused 2025 outlook. |
| Nov 11 | Q3 2024 earnings | Positive | +3.6% | Q3 2024 double-digit growth and raised full-year 2024 guidance. |
| Aug 08 | Q2 2024 earnings | Positive | +4.5% | Q2 2024 revenue and starts up double digits; outlook raised. |
Earnings releases have usually led to positive reactions, with 4 of the last 5 tagged earnings events moving up the next day and 1 notable downside divergence.
Across recent earnings reports since Aug 2024, Lincoln has consistently posted double-digit revenue and student start growth, frequently raising full-year guidance and highlighting campus expansion in markets like Nashville, Levittown, Houston, and Hicksville. Liquidity has been maintained while funding heavy capital investment. Today’s Q4 and full-year 2025 beat, plus 2026 guidance targeting higher revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and EPS, extends this pattern of growth-focused earnings updates and forward-looking targets.
Historical Comparison
Over the last 5 earnings releases, LINC’s average next-day move was about 2.05%, usually positive. A -3.6% reaction to this beat and raised 2026 outlook would represent a larger downside divergence than typical.
Earnings releases since 2024 have shown sustained double-digit revenue and student start growth, repeated guidance raises for 2025, and expansion of the campus footprint, culminating in 2025 results that exceed guidance and a higher 2026 outlook.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement delivered Q4 and full-year 2025 results that exceeded prior guidance, with revenue reaching $518.2M and net income of $20.0M, alongside double-digit growth in student starts and population. Management issued 2026 guidance targeting higher revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and EPS, while moderating capital expenditures. Historically, earnings updates have highlighted consistent enrollment growth and campus expansion. Investors may watch delivery versus 2026 targets and the impact of new campuses on margins and cash generation.
Key Terms
adjusted ebitda financial
diluted eps financial
capital expenditures financial
stock-based compensation financial
non-gaap measures financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Conference Call Today, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Investor Day Scheduled for March 19, 2026, at the new Nashville, TN campus
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (Nasdaq: LINC) today announced financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, as well as recent business developments.
Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial and Operational Highlights
- Revenue of
$142.9 million , increased$23.5 million , or19.7% ;21.4% excluding the Transitional segment - Net income increased to
$12.7 million , or$0.40 per share, compared to$6.8 million , or$0.22 per share last year - Adjusted EBITDA of
$29.1 million , increased by$9.9 million , or51.2% - Net cash flow from operations of
$43.5 million , compared to$30.3 million last year - Student starts grew by
15.7% excluding the Transitional segment - Student population rose by
14.9% excluding the Transitional segment
Full Year 2025 Financial and Operational Highlights
- Surpassed fiscal year 2025 guidance ranges for revenue, adjusted EBITDA and net income
- Total revenue increased
$78.2 million or17.8% to$518.2 million ;19.7% excluding the Transitional segment - Net income of
$20.0 million , compared to$9.9 million in the prior year, representing a102.2% increase - Adjusted EBITDA increased
58.7% to$67.1 million - Net cash flow from operations increased
$30.0 million , or102.4% to$59.3 million - Student starts grew by
15.2% excluding the Transitional segment - Student population rose by
14.9% excluding the Transitional segment
A complete listing of Lincoln's non-GAAP measures is described and reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures at the end of this release.
Recent Business Developments
- Launched electrical program at South Plainfield, NJ campus
- Initiated a new corporate relationship with New Jersey Transit and expanded the existing relationship with Johnson Controls
- Established full year 2026 guidance forecasting continued strong growth
- Announced investor day for March 19, 2026 at the new Nashville campus to review strategies and five-year financial targets
“There are three major drivers behind our exceptional finish to 2025 and our outlook for continued double-digit growth for revenue and adjusted EBITDA in 2026,” said Scott Shaw, President and Chief Executive Officer. “First, due to continuing high employer demand, the nation is increasingly aware of the safe, rewarding long-term career opportunities created through skilled trades and we have positioned the Company’s operations to benefit from this trend, as well as recent public policy actions promoting skilled trades training.
“Second, our carefully executed new campus development and program replication strategies are delivering strong results. Third, our core operations continue to demonstrate consistent growth. Together these drivers have led Lincoln to exceed the financial guidance we had consistently raised for 2025 and set the stage for consistent long-term growth in the years ahead.”
“During the fourth quarter, we achieved
“Our campus relocations and program expansions at our Nashville, Tennessee and Levittown, Pennsylvania campuses, and our new campus in Houston, Texas, are meeting or exceeding our expectations, and our new campuses in Hicksville, New York and Rowlett, Texas remain on schedule to begin enrollment during the fourth quarter of this year and the first quarter of next year, respectively. At the same time, we continue to evaluate opportunities to expand into other under-served U.S. markets as we deploy strategies to build on our core operations growth. For instance, we have expanded investments in targeted high school initiatives, which are leading to greater interest among students, their parents and school districts, and we are enrolling increasing numbers of high school students in the share programs that we have established with certain high schools allowing high school juniors and seniors to take career and technical education courses helping them to begin training for skilled trades while still in high school, providing early, hands-on experience in automotive or other technical fields.”
“Our 2026 financial guidance announced today illustrates our confidence in continuing growth trends in our existing operations as well as continuing progress in our recently launched operations. We now believe we can approach the
2025 FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS
(Quarter ended December 31, 2025, compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024)
- Revenue increased by
$23.5 million , or19.7% to$142.9 million , primarily due to a14.7% increase in average student population, reflecting the Company’s robust student start growth, and tuition increases during the year. - Educational services and facilities expense increased by
$8.8 million , or19.5% to$53.9 million . The primary driver of the increase was higher costs associated with supporting a larger student population and higher depreciation expense associated with the Company’s recent growth initiatives. - Selling, general and administrative expense increased by
$9.1 million , or14.6% to$71.2 million . The increase over the prior year was primarily driven by higher administrative expense associated with the expanding student population; compensation expenses, and higher sales and marketing expenses resulting from investments in new programs.
2025 FOURTH QUARTER SEGMENT RESULTS
Campus Operations Segment
Revenue increased by
Transitional Segment
During 2024, the Company’s Summerlin, Las Vegas campus was classified in the Transitional segment and in that period the Summerlin campus had revenue of
Corporate and Other
This category includes unallocated expenses incurred on behalf of the entire Company. Corporate and other expenses were
FULL YEAR 2026 OUTLOOK
The Company ended 2025 in a position of strength with significant liquidity to fund expansion plans. Lincoln will begin 2026 with over 17,000 students, an increase of nearly
| FY 2025 | 2026 Guidance | Year-Over-Year | |||||||||
| (In millions, except for student starts) | Actuals | Low | High | growth2 | |||||||
| Revenue | - | 13 | % | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA1 | - | 30 | % | ||||||||
| Net income | - | 8 | % | ||||||||
| Diluted EPS | - | 8 | % | ||||||||
| Capital expenditures | - | -18 | % | ||||||||
| Student starts | 20,906 | - | |||||||||
1 Due to a methodology change in 2026, 2025 adjusted EBITDA has been restated to reflect add back only for stock-based compensation expense, pension adjustment and other one-time costs.
2 Year-over-year growth percentages are calculated using the fiscal 2026 guidance midpoint.
As a reminder, to provide a clearer view of the Company’s underlying performance, guidance excludes non-cash stock-based compensation and one-time, non-recurring items. Additionally, historically Adjusted EBITDA has excluded pre-opening costs, as well as net operating losses from new campuses, for up to four quarters after the campus opening, or until the campus becomes profitable, whichever occurs first. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Company will no longer adjust adjusted EBITDA for pre-opening costs and net operating losses from new campuses and program expansions. Going forward, adjusted EBITDA will reflect only the add-back of non-cash stock-based compensation and other non-recurring items, if any. Notably, our 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance includes approximately
March 19, 2026 Investor Day
The Company will host an Investor Day at its Nashville, Tennessee campus, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, with presentations from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Central Time. A live webcast of the presentations, along with a question-and-answer session with the Company’s executive leaders and guests, will focus on Lincoln’s strategic priorities and growth initiatives over the next five years, through 2030. Investors interested in attending should contact Michael Polyviou of EVC Group (mpolyviou@evcgroup.com, 732-933-2754 (office), 732-232-6914 (mobile)) by March 6, 2026.
CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION
Lincoln will host a conference call today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time to discuss results. To access the live webcast of the conference call, please go to the Investor Overview section of Lincoln’s website at http://www.lincolntech.edu. Participants may also register via teleconference at: Q4 2025 Lincoln Educational Services Earnings Conference Call. Once registration is completed, participants will be provided with a dial-in number containing a personalized PIN to access the call. Participants are requested to register at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call.
An archived version of the webcast will be accessible for 90 days at http://www.lincolntech.edu.
ABOUT LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation is a leading provider of diversified career-oriented post-secondary education helping to provide solutions to America’s skills gap. Lincoln offers career-oriented programs to recent high school graduates and working adults in four principal areas of study: skilled trades, automotive, health sciences and information technology. Lincoln has provided the workforce with skilled technicians since its inception in 1946 and currently operates 22 campuses in 12 states under the brands Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology and Nashville Auto Diesel College. The Company was incorporated in New Jersey in 2003 as the successor-in-interest to various acquired schools including Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc. which opened its first campus in Newark, New Jersey in 1946. For more information, please go to www.lincolntech.edu.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements in this press release and in oral statements made from time to time by representatives of Lincoln Educational Services Corporation that are not historical facts, including those made in a conference call, may be “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the federal securities laws. The words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “goal,” “target” and “continue,” and similar expressions and their opposite are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved, if at all. The Company cautions you that these statements concern current expectations about the Company’s future performance or events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks, and other influences, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that may affect the accuracy of the statements or the prospects upon which the statements are based including, without limitation, risks associated with our ability to comply with the extensive federal and state regulatory framework applicable to the for-profit education industry such as the 90/10 rule, prescribed cohort default rates, the effect of current and future Title IV Program regulations arising out of negotiated rulemakings, including any potential reductions in funding or restrictions on the use of funds received through Title IV Programs and financial responsibility and administrative capability standards; the effect of future legislative or regulatory initiatives related to veterans' benefit programs; our ability to obtain timely regulatory approvals in connection with acquisitions of additional schools and the related risks associated with integration of acquired schools; risks associated with the opening of new campuses; our ability to execute our growth strategies including updating and expanding the content of existing programs and developing new programs for our students in a timely and cost-effective manner while maintaining positive student outcomes; our ability to effectively compete within our industry; impacts related to epidemics or pandemics; risks associated with cybersecurity; general economic conditions; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Reports and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Lincoln undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof.
| LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share amounts) (Unaudited) | |||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 28,519 | $ | 59,273 | |||
| Accounts receivable, less allowance of | 36,929 | 42,983 | |||||
| Inventories | 3,986 | 3,053 | |||||
| Income tax receivable | 1,599 | - | |||||
| Tenant allowance receivable | 8,127 | 4,793 | |||||
| Prepaid and other assets | 7,872 | ||||||
| Assets held for sale | - | 1,150 | |||||
| Total current assets | 87,032 | 111,252 | |||||
| PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES - At cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of | 171,603 | 103,533 | |||||
| OTHER ASSETS: | |||||||
| Noncurrent receivables, less allowance of | 21,248 | 19,627 | |||||
| Deferred finance charges | 302 | 323 | |||||
| Deferred income taxes, net | 21,668 | 25,359 | |||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 154,223 | 136,034 | |||||
| Finance lease right-of-use assets | 25,075 | 26,745 | |||||
| Goodwill | 10,742 | 10,742 | |||||
| Pension plan assets, net | - | 1,554 | |||||
| Other assets, net | 1,271 | 1,387 | |||||
| Total other assets | 234,529 | 221,771 | |||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 493,164 | $ | 436,556 | |||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||||||
| Unearned tuition | $ | 44,159 | $ | 30,631 | |||
| Accounts payable | 27,023 | 37,026 | |||||
| Accrued expenses | 18,430 | 11,986 | |||||
| Income taxes payable | - | 1,072 | |||||
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 10,634 | 9,497 | |||||
| Current portion of finance lease liabilities | 463 | - | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 100,709 | 90,212 | |||||
| NONCURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||||||
| Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities | 162,113 | 138,803 | |||||
| Long-term portion of finance lease liabilities | 30,654 | 29,261 | |||||
| Other long-term liabilities | - | 16 | |||||
| Total liabilities | 293,476 | 258,292 | |||||
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | |||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: | |||||||
| Common stock, no par value - authorized 100,000,000 shares at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, issued and outstanding 31,623,795 shares at December 31, 2025 and 31,462,640 shares at December 31, 2024 | 48,181 | 48,181 | |||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 52,339 | 50,639 | |||||
| Retained earnings | 99,168 | 79,170 | |||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | - | 274 | |||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 199,688 | 178,264 | |||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 493,164 | $ | 436,556 | |||
| LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| REVENUE | $ | 142,872 | $ | 119,374 | $ | 518,241 | $ | 440,064 | |||||||
| COSTS AND EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||
| Educational services and facilities | 53,907 | 45,122 | 205,389 | 181,759 | |||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 71,169 | 62,105 | 282,946 | 243,803 | |||||||||||
| Gain on insurance proceeds | - | - | - | (2,794 | ) | ||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on sale of assets | 60 | 1,218 | (406 | ) | 2,119 | ||||||||||
| Total costs & expenses | 125,136 | 108,445 | 487,929 | 424,887 | |||||||||||
| OPERATING INCOME | 17,736 | 10,929 | 30,312 | 15,177 | |||||||||||
| OTHER: | |||||||||||||||
| Interest income | - | 299 | 126 | 2,099 | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | (889 | ) | (672 | ) | (3,394 | ) | (2,565 | ) | |||||||
| Pension excise tax | (926 | ) | - | (926 | ) | - | |||||||||
| INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 15,921 | 10,556 | 26,118 | 14,711 | |||||||||||
| PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES | 3,221 | 3,722 | 6,120 | 4,820 | |||||||||||
| NET INCOME | $ | 12,700 | $ | 6,834 | $ | 19,998 | $ | 9,891 | |||||||
| Basic | |||||||||||||||
| Net income per common share | $ | 0.41 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.32 | |||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||||||
| Net income per common share | $ | 0.40 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.64 | $ | 0.32 | |||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | 31,006 | 30,679 | 30,942 | 30,580 | |||||||||||
| Diluted | 31,381 | 31,144 | 31,260 | 30,891 | |||||||||||
| LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited) | |||||||
| Year Ended | |||||||
| December 31, | |||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||
| Net income | $ | 19,998 | $ | 9,891 | |||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 19,161 | 11,334 | |||||
| Finance lease amortization | 1,670 | 1,622 | |||||
| Amortization of deferred finance charges | 142 | 133 | |||||
| Deferred income taxes | 2,623 | (2,242 | ) | ||||
| (Gain) loss on sale of assets | (406 | ) | 2,119 | ||||
| Gain on insurance proceeds | - | (2,794 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from insurance | - | 2,794 | |||||
| Fixed asset donations | (311 | ) | (277 | ) | |||
| Provision for credit losses | 58,085 | 56,578 | |||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 5,488 | 4,629 | |||||
| (Increase) decrease in assets: | |||||||
| Accounts receivable | (53,652 | ) | (65,984 | ) | |||
| Inventories | (933 | ) | (184 | ) | |||
| Prepaid income taxes | (1,599 | ) | - | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and current assets | (10,381 | ) | (687 | ) | |||
| Other assets, net | 7,169 | 110 | |||||
| Increase (decrease) in liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts payable | (9,292 | ) | 11,583 | ||||
| Accrued expenses | 6,444 | (1,667 | ) | ||||
| Unearned tuition | 13,528 | 3,770 | |||||
| Income taxes payable | (1,072 | ) | (1,760 | ) | |||
| Other liabilities | 2,649 | 338 | |||||
| Total adjustments | 39,313 | 19,415 | |||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 59,311 | 29,306 | |||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||
| Capital expenditures | (86,633 | ) | (56,866 | ) | |||
| Proceeds from sale of property and equipment | 434 | 9,895 | |||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (86,199 | ) | (46,971 | ) | |||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||
| Proceeds from borrowings | 45,000 | - | |||||
| Payments on borrowings | (45,000 | ) | - | ||||
| Payment of deferred finance fees | (121 | ) | (456 | ) | |||
| Finance lease principal paid | (356 | ) | (267 | ) | |||
| Tenant allowance finance leases | 399 | 762 | |||||
| Net share settlement for equity-based compensation | (3,788 | ) | (3,370 | ) | |||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (3,866 | ) | (3,331 | ) | |||
| NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (30,754 | ) | (20,996 | ) | |||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS —Beginning of period | 59,273 | 80,269 | |||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period | $ | 28,519 | $ | 59,273 | |||
(1) RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
In addition to disclosing financial results that are determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the Company believes it is useful to present non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain significant items as a means to understand the performance of its business, and to enable comparability of operating performance between periods. Additionally, the Company’s management regularly uses our non-GAAP financial measures to make operating decisions, for planning and forecasting purposes. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and total liquidity are measures not recognized in financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP.
- We define EBITDA as income (loss) before net interest expense (interest income), provision (benefit) for income taxes, depreciation and amortization.
- We define adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA plus stock-based compensation expense and adjustments for items not considered part of the Company’s normal recurring operations.
- We define adjusted net income as net income plus adjustments for items not considered part of the Company’s normal recurring operations.
- We define total liquidity as the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and available borrowings under our credit facility.
EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and total liquidity are presented because we believe they are useful indicators of the Company’s performance and ability to make strategic investments and meet capital expenditures and debt service requirements. However, they are not intended to represent cash flows from operations as defined by GAAP and should not be used as an alternative to net income (loss) as indicators of operating performance or cash flow as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and total liquidity are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income (loss), and total liquidity (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | Campus Operations | Transitional | Corporate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 12,700 | $ | 6,834 | $ | 33,850 | $ | 24,730 | $ | - | $ | (604 | ) | $ | (21,150 | ) | $ | (17,292 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense (income), net | 888 | 373 | 607 | 574 | - | - | 281 | (201 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 3,221 | 3,722 | - | - | - | 3,221 | 3,722 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 6,898 | 3,440 | 6,767 | 3,274 | - | 131 | 166 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EBITDA | 23,707 | 14,369 | 41,224 | 28,578 | - | (604 | ) | (17,517 | ) | (13,605 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 1,408 | 1,275 | - | - | - | - | 1,408 | 1,275 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New campus and campus relocation costs | 2,254 | 1,970 | 2,254 | 1,970 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Program expansions | 287 | 178 | 287 | 178 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on sale of Summerlin Las Vegas | - | 1,178 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,178 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Severance and other one-time costs | - | 257 | - | - | - | - | - | 257 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pension adjustment and other one-time costs | 1,421 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,421 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 29,077 | $ | 19,227 | $ | 43,765 | $ | 30,726 | $ | - | $ | (604 | ) | $ | (14,688 | ) | $ | (10,895 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | Campus Operations | Transitional | Corporate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 19,998 | 9,891 | $ | 96,283 | $ | 61,350 | $ | - | $ | (2,038 | ) | $ | (76,285 | ) | $ | (49,421 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Interest expense (income), net | 3,268 | 466 | 2,415 | 2,208 | - | - | 853 | (1,742 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 6,120 | 4,820 | - | - | - | - | 6,120 | 4,820 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 20,831 | 12,956 | 20,228 | 12,200 | - | 56 | 603 | 700 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EBITDA | 50,217 | 28,133 | 118,926 | 75,758 | - | (1,982 | ) | (68,709 | ) | (45,643 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 5,488 | 4,629 | - | - | - | - | 5,488 | 4,629 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on insurance proceeds | - | (2,794 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | (2,794 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| New campus and campus relocation costs | 8,148 | 8,793 | 8,148 | 8,793 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Program expansions | 1,860 | 1,050 | 1,860 | 1,050 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on sale of Summerlin Las Vegas | - | 1,178 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,178 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Severance and other one-time costs | - | 1,323 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,323 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pension adjustment and other one-time costs | 1,421 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,421 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 67,134 | $ | 42,312 | $ | 128,934 | $ | 85,601 | $ | - | $ | (1,982 | ) | $ | (61,800 | ) | $ | (41,307 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | Campus Operations | Transitional | Corporate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 12,700 | $ | 6,834 | $ | 33,850 | $ | 24,730 | $ | - | $ | (604 | ) | $ | (21,150 | ) | $ | (17,292 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Adjustments to net income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New campus and campus relocation costs | 2,254 | 1,970 | 2,254 | 1,970 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Program expansions | 287 | 178 | 287 | 178 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| New campuses depreciation | 498 | - | 498 | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on Summerlin, Las Vegas | - | 1,178 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,178 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on insurance proceeds | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Severance and other one time costs | 1,421 | 507 | - | 507 | - | - | 1,421 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-recurring adjustments | 4,460 | 3,833 | 3,039 | 2,655 | - | - | 1,421 | 1,178 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax effect | (1,338 | ) | (1,150 | ) | - | - | - | - | (1,338 | ) | (1,150 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss), non-GAAP | $ | 15,822 | $ | 9,517 | $ | 36,889 | $ | 27,385 | $ | - | $ | (604 | ) | $ | (21,067 | ) | $ | (17,264 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | Campus Operations | Transitional | Corporate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 19,998 | $ | 9,891 | $ | 96,283 | $ | 61,350 | $ | - | $ | (2,038 | ) | $ | (76,285 | ) | $ | (49,421 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Adjustments to net income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New campus and campus relocation costs | 8,148 | 8,793 | 8,148 | 8,793 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Program expansions | 1,860 | 1,050 | 1,860 | 1,050 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| New campuses depreciation | 505 | 511 | 505 | 511 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on Summerlin, Las Vegas | 1,178 | - | - | 1,178 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on insurance proceeds | - | (2,794 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | (2,794 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Severance and other one time costs | 1,421 | 1,833 | - | - | - | - | 1,421 | 1,833 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-recurring adjustments | 11,934 | 10,571 | 10,513 | 10,354 | - | - | 1,421 | 217 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax effect | (3,580 | ) | (3,171 | ) | - | - | - | - | (3,580 | ) | (3,171 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss), non-GAAP | $ | 28,352 | $ | 17,291 | $ | 106,796 | $ | 71,704 | $ | - | $ | (2,038 | ) | $ | (78,444 | ) | $ | (52,375 | ) | ||||||||||||
| As of | |||
| | December 31, 2025 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 28,519 | |
| Credit facility | 60,000 | ||
| Total Liquidity | $ | 88,519 |
*As of December 31, 2025, there was no debt outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
The tables below present selected operating metrics for our reportable segments (in thousands, except for student population and starts) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025:
| Three Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | % Change | |||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||
| Campus Operations | $ | 142,872 | $ | 117,666 | 21.4 | % | |||||
| Transitional | - | 1,708 | (100.0 | )% | |||||||
| Total | $ | 142,872 | $ | 119,374 | 19.7 | % | |||||
| Operating Income (loss): | |||||||||||
| Campus Operations | $ | 34,457 | $ | 25,304 | 36.2 | % | |||||
| Transitional | - | (604 | ) | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| Corporate | (16,721 | ) | (13,771 | ) | (21.4 | )% | |||||
| Total | $ | 17,736 | $ | 10,929 | 62.3 | % | |||||
| Starts: | |||||||||||
| Campus Operations | 3,930 | 3,397 | 15.7 | % | |||||||
| Transitional | - | 100 | (100.0 | )% | |||||||
| Total | 3,930 | 3,497 | 12.4 | % | |||||||
| Average Population: | |||||||||||
| Campus Operations | 18,243 | 15,586 | 17.0 | % | |||||||
| Transitional | - | 318 | (100.0 | )% | |||||||
| Total | 18,243 | 15,904 | 14.7 | % | |||||||
| End of Period Population: | |||||||||||
| Campus Operations | 17,046 | 14,838 | 14.9 | % | |||||||
| Transitional | - | 300 | (100.0 | )% | |||||||
| Total | 17,046 | 15,138 | 12.6 | % | |||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | % Change | |||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||
| Campus Operations | $ | 518,241 | $ | 432,966 | 19.7 | % | |||||
| Transitional | - | 7,098 | (100.0 | )% | |||||||
| Total | 518,241 | 440,064 | 17.8 | % | |||||||
| Operating Income (loss): | |||||||||||
| Campus Operations | $ | 98,698 | $ | 63,558 | 55.3 | % | |||||
| Transitional | - | (2,039 | ) | 100 | % | ||||||
| Corporate | (68,386 | ) | (46,342 | ) | (47.6 | )% | |||||
| Total | 30,312 | 15,177 | 99.7 | % | |||||||
| Starts: | |||||||||||
| Campus Operations | 20,906 | 18,153 | 15.2 | % | |||||||
| Transitional | - | 507 | (100 | )% | |||||||
| Total | 20,906 | 18,660 | 12.0 | % | |||||||
| Average Population: | |||||||||||
| Campus Operations | 16,622 | 14,100 | 17.9 | % | |||||||
| Transitional | - | 326 | (100 | )% | |||||||
| Total | 16,622 | 14,426 | 15.2 | % | |||||||
| End of Period Population: | |||||||||||
| Campus Operations | 17,046 | 14,838 | 14.9 | % | |||||||
| Transitional | - | 300 | (100 | )% | |||||||
| Total | 17,046 | 15,138 | 12.6 | % | |||||||
Information included in the table below provides student starts and population under the Campus Operations segment with a breakdown by Transportation and Skilled Trade programs and Healthcare and Other Professions programs.
Population by Program (Campus Operations Segment):
| Three Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | % Change | ||||||||
| Starts: | ||||||||||
| Transportation and Skilled Trades | 2.920 | 2,366 | 23.4 | % | ||||||
| Healthcare and Other Professions | 1,010 | 1,031 | (2.0 | %) | ||||||
| Total | 3,930 | 3,397 | 15.7 | % | ||||||
| Average Population: | ||||||||||
| Transportation and Skilled Trades | 14,612 | 11,654 | 25.4 | % | ||||||
| Healthcare and Other Professions | 3,631 | 3,932 | (7.7 | %) | ||||||
| Total | 18,243 | 15,586 | 17.0 | % | ||||||
| End of Period Population: | ||||||||||
| Transportation and Skilled Trades | 13,612 | 11,081 | 22.8 | % | ||||||
| Healthcare and Other Professions | 3,434 | 3,757 | (8.6 | %) | ||||||
| Total | 17,046 | 14,838 | 14.9 | % | ||||||
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | % Change | |||||||
| Starts: | |||||||||
| Transportation and Skilled Trades | 16,526 | 13,396 | 23.4 | % | |||||
| Healthcare and Other Professions | 4,380 | 4,757 | (7.9 | )% | |||||
| Total | 20,906 | 18,153 | 15.2 | % | |||||
| Average Population: | |||||||||
| Transportation and Skilled Trades | 12,984 | 10,347 | 25.5 | % | |||||
| Healthcare and Other Professions | 3,638 | 3,753 | (3.1 | )% | |||||
| Total | 16,622 | 14,100 | 17.9 | % | |||||
| End of Period Population: | |||||||||
| Transportation and Skilled Trades | 13,612 | 11,081 | 22.8 | % | |||||
| Healthcare and Other Professions | 3,434 | 3,757 | (8.6 | )% | |||||
| Total | 17,046 | 14,838 | 14.9 | % | |||||
The reconciliations provided below represent management’s projections of various components included in our outlook for the full year 2026. These calculations are for illustrative purposes and will be reviewed as the year progresses to reflect actual results, our outlook and continued relevance of specific items. Any revisions or modifications, if necessary, will be disclosed in future announcements of 2026 quarterly results. Adjusted EBITDA and net income have been reconciled to the midpoint of our guidance.
Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income - 2026 Guidance
(Reconciled to the Mid-Point of 2026 Guidance)
| Adjusted | |||||||||
| EBITDA | Net Income | ||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 21,500 | $ | 21,500 | |||||
| Interest expense, net | 4,500 | - | |||||||
| Provision for taxes | 8,800 | - | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 33,000 | - | |||||||
| EBITDA | 67,800 | - | |||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 6,200 | - | |||||||
| Total | $ | 74,000 | $ | 21,500 | |||||
| 2026 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance range | |||||||||
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Brian Meyers, CFO
973-736-9340
EVC GROUP LLC
Investor Relations: Michael Polyviou, mpolyviou@evcgroup.com, 732-933-2754
Media Relations: Tom Gibson, 201-476-0322
FAQ
What is Lincoln Educational Services' (LINC) revenue guidance for 2026?
How did LINC perform in full-year 2025 on net income and adjusted EBITDA?
What drove Lincoln's student growth and starts in 2025 (LINC)?
How will 2026 adjusted EBITDA be affected by new campus costs for LINC?
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