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Lincoln Educational Services Reports Strong First Quarter Financial Results, Raises Guidance for Full-Year 2026

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Lincoln Educational Services (Nasdaq:LINC) reported strong Q1 2026 results, with revenue up 22.5% to $144.0 million and net income rising to $4.4 million ($0.14 per share). Adjusted EBITDA grew 85% to $15.5 million, operating cash flow turned positive at $4.6 million, and liquidity reached about $72 million.

Student starts increased 19.5% to 5,500 and ending student population rose 17.6% to 18,702. Lincoln raised its 2026 guidance for revenue, adjusted EBITDA, net income, EPS, and student starts, and expanded its revolving credit facility to $125 million to support growth.

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AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Positive

  • Revenue up 22.5% to $144.0 million year-over-year
  • Net income increased to $4.4 million from $1.9 million
  • Adjusted EBITDA rose 85% to $15.5 million
  • Operating cash flow improved by $13 million to $4.6 million generated
  • 2026 revenue guidance raised to $590–$600 million
  • Revolving credit facility increased to $125 million, boosting liquidity

Negative

  • Educational services and facilities expense rose 23.2% to $58.4 million
  • Selling, general and administrative expense increased 18.3% to $79.2 million
  • Corporate and other expenses grew to $21.3 million from $18.3 million
  • 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance includes about $10 million in losses from new campuses
  • Capital expenditure guidance maintained at a high $70–$75 million for 2026

Key Figures

Q1 2026 Revenue: $144.0M Q1 2025 Revenue: $117.5M Q1 2026 Net Income: $4.4M +5 more
8 metrics
Q1 2026 Revenue $144.0M Quarter ended March 31, 2026
Q1 2025 Revenue $117.5M Prior-year quarter comparison
Q1 2026 Net Income $4.4M More than doubled vs. $1.9M in Q1 2025
Q1 2026 Diluted EPS $0.14 Quarter ended March 31, 2026
Q1 2026 Adjusted EBITDA $15.5M Up from $8.4M in Q1 2025
Cash from Operations $4.6M Q1 2026 net cash from operating activities
Total Liquidity Approximately $72M As of March 31, 2026
FY 2026 Revenue Guidance $590–$600M Updated full-year 2026 outlook

Market Reality Check

Price: $44.75 Vol: Volume 767,218 vs 20-day ...
high vol
$44.75 Last Close
Volume Volume 767,218 vs 20-day average 432,305 (relative volume 1.77) ahead of the earnings release. high
Technical Shares at $44.75, trading above 200-day MA of $27.19 and within 1.61% of the 52-week high $45.48.

Peers on Argus

LINC gained 1.47% while peers were mixed: APEI +2.74%, GOTU +1.03%, KLC +0.77%, ...

LINC gained 1.47% while peers were mixed: APEI +2.74%, GOTU +1.03%, KLC +0.77%, but QSG -3.06% and UDMY -6.84%, indicating a stock-specific reaction rather than a broad education-sector move.

Previous Earnings Reports

5 past events · Latest: Feb 23 (Positive)
Same Type Pattern 5 events
Date Event Sentiment Move Catalyst
Feb 23 Q4/FY25 earnings Positive +10.2% FY2025 revenue $518.2M with 2026 revenue guided to $580–$590M.
Aug 11 Q2 2025 earnings Positive -15.1% Strong Q2 2025 growth and FY2025 guidance raise despite subsequent share price drop.
May 12 Q1 2025 earnings Positive +1.9% Double‑digit revenue and start growth drove an increase to FY2025 guidance.
Feb 24 Q4/FY24 earnings Positive +15.3% Strong Q4 and FY2024 growth with guidance targeting $550M revenue by 2027.
Nov 11 Q3 2024 earnings Positive +3.6% Q3 2024 revenue up 15% and raised 2024 outlook with higher EBITDA targets.
Pattern Detected

Earnings releases have generally driven positive reactions, with 4 out of 5 past earnings reports seeing gains, but one notable selloff followed a strong guidance raise in Q2 2025.

Recent Company History

Over recent earnings cycles, Lincoln Educational Services has repeatedly delivered strong results with raised guidance. Q4/FY2025 results exceeded guidance with $518.2M FY revenue and a 2026 outlook of $580–$590M. Earlier, Q2 and Q1 2025 earnings both featured double‑digit revenue and student start growth plus guidance increases. Q4 2024 and Q3 2024 also showed robust revenue and student metrics, alongside liquidity often near or above $90M. Today’s Q1 2026 beat and guidance raise extend this multi‑year growth and upgrade pattern.

Historical Comparison

+3.2% avg move · Past earnings releases for LINC have averaged a 3.18% move, usually positive after guidance increase...
earnings
+3.2%
Average Historical Move earnings

Past earnings releases for LINC have averaged a 3.18% move, usually positive after guidance increases. Today’s Q1 2026 beat and guidance raise fit this established earnings-driven reaction pattern.

Earnings updates show a consistent progression: FY2024 revenue of $440.1M grew to FY2025’s $518.2M, with guidance stepping up from 2024’s $430–$435M outlook to 2026 guidance of $590–$600M, reinforcing a multi‑year growth trajectory.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights another quarter of double‑digit revenue and student start growth, impro...
Analysis

This announcement highlights another quarter of double‑digit revenue and student start growth, improved profitability, and a higher 2026 outlook, including revenue guidance of $590–$600M and increased adjusted EBITDA targets. Historically, earnings updates have often been followed by favorable price moves, though there has been at least one sharp post‑earnings decline. Investors may watch execution on campus expansions, enrollment growth, and future earnings reports to assess how well results track these upgraded longer‑term objectives.

Key Terms

adjusted ebitda, non-gaap financial measures, revolving credit facility, diluted eps, +1 more
5 terms
adjusted ebitda financial
"Adjusted EBITDA1 increased 85% to $15.5 million from $8.4 million"
Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.
non-gaap financial measures financial
"For additional information, see (1) Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures below"
Non-GAAP financial measures are numbers companies use to show their financial performance that exclude certain expenses or income. They help investors see how the company might perform without one-time costs or other unusual items, giving a different perspective from official reports. However, since they can be adjusted, they don’t always tell the full story and should be looked at alongside standard financial figures.
revolving credit facility financial
"increasing its aggregate principal amount of its revolving credit facility to $125 million"
A revolving credit facility is a type of loan that a business can borrow from whenever it needs money, up to a set limit. It’s like having a credit card for companies—allowing them to borrow, pay back, and borrow again as needed, providing flexibility for managing cash flow or funding short-term expenses.
diluted eps financial
"Diluted EPS | $0.64 - $0.74 | | $0.74 - $0.83"
Diluted earnings per share (EPS) shows how much profit a company makes for each share of stock, assuming all possible shares from stock options or convertible securities are used. It provides a more conservative estimate than basic EPS, accounting for potential share increases that could dilute ownership. Investors use diluted EPS to get a clearer picture of a company's true profitability on a per-share basis.
capital expenditures financial
"Capital expenditures | $70 - $75 | | $70 - $75"
Capital expenditures are the money a company spends to buy or improve big assets like buildings, equipment, or machines that will last a long time. These investments matter because they help the company grow and operate more efficiently, similar to how upgrading a home’s appliances or adding a new room can make it better and more valuable.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Conference Call Today, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time

PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (Nasdaq: LINC) today reported continued financial and operating momentum during the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, as well as recent business developments.

First Quarter 2026 Financial and Operational Highlights
(Quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to quarter ended March 31, 2025, unless otherwise noted)

  • Revenue increased 22.5% to $144.0 million from $117.5 million
  • Net income more than doubled to $4.4 million, or $0.14 per share, compared to $1.9 million, or $0.06 per share
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 increased 85% to $15.5 million from $8.4 million
  • Net cash from operating activities improved $13 million to $4.6 million generated versus $8.4 million used last year
  • Total liquidity as of March 31, 2026 of approximately $72 million
  • Student starts grew by 19.5% to 5,500, an increase of approximately 900 
  • Student ending-population rose by 17.6% to 18,702, an increase of nearly 2,800
  • 2026 financial guidance raised to reflect strong first quarter results and current trends

 1 For additional information, see (1) Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures below.

A complete listing of Lincoln's non-GAAP measures, along with descriptions and reconciliations to the corresponding GAAP measures, is included at the end of this release.

Recent Business Developments 

  • In April, Lincoln amended its credit agreement, increasing its aggregate principal amount of its revolving credit facility to $125 million. The additional $65 million in available liquidity enhances Lincoln’s financial flexibility to execute its growth initiatives and meet its long-term operating objectives

“The first quarter financial and operating results illustrate the substantial progress made towards achieving our objective of providing the best education and training for in-demand careers while generating consistent, increasing returns to our shareholders,” said Scott Shaw, CEO and President. “In a constantly evolving market, we are continuing to experience high employer demand for our graduates and increasing interest in our programs as awareness of the rewarding long-term career opportunities created through skilled trades continues to expand. Our carefully executed strategies of new campus development and program replication, combined with continued growth from our core operations have combined to create a strong start to 2026.

“The 19.5% student start growth during the first quarter exceeded our expectations, which has led to increasing our student start growth guidance for the full year to between 10% and 14%. We have now grown starts for fourteen consecutive quarters, with about half of the increase attributed to organic growth, comprised of our campuses and programs operating over one year. This performance, combined with our graduation rate and placement rates, attests to our expanding leadership in the market.

“The relocations and program expansions at our Nashville, Tennessee and Levittown, Philadelphia campuses, as well as our new campus in Houston, Texas, are all meeting our expectations. Moreover, the development of our new Hicksville, New York and Rowlett, Texas campuses remain on schedule to begin enrollment during the fourth quarter of this year and first quarter of next year, respectively. At the same time, we are actively negotiating two additional greenfield locations to expand our best-in-class campuses and presence into other under-served U.S. markets.

“We also are investing in people and processes to continuously drive superior outcomes, which is positively impacting our student retention rate. Additionally, we continue to develop our corporate partnerships, expand our high school initiatives, as well as execute strategies to attract and build our veteran student population. These efforts are designed to begin yielding meaningful contributions as we turn into 2027.  
  
“In addition to our overall growth across all key metrics, the first quarter bottom-line outperformance is largely attributed to increased operating efficiencies throughout our organization. We also generated cash from our operating activities during the first quarter, which has typically been a negative cash flow period for the company. These results, combined with our outlook for the remainder of the year, enable us to raise our 2026 guidance. This strong start to the year and our increased credit facility are important first strides as we advance towards our recently announced 2030 objectives of $850 million in revenue and $150 million of EBITDA, while continuing to build on our leadership position in providing superior education for in-demand careers.” 

2026 FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS
  
(Quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to quarter ended March 31, 2025)

  • Revenue increased by $26.5 million, or 22.5% to $144.0 million, primarily due to an 18.2% increase in average student population driven by 19.5% start growth, with the remainder attributable to tuition increases.
  • Educational services and facilities expense increased by $11.0 million, or 23.2% to $58.4 million. This includes a $2.9 million increase in costs related to the new campuses in Houston, Hicksville, and Rowlett. The increase was primarily driven by costs associated with a larger student population. The remaining increase was attributable to $3.9 million higher depreciation expense, largely resulting from recent capital investments to support our growth initiatives.
  • Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $12.2 million, or 18.3% to $79.2 million. This includes a $1.9 million increase in costs related to new campuses in Houston, Hicksville, and Rowlett. The increase was primarily driven by $5.1 million or 17.7% higher administrative expenses primarily driven by costs associated with enrollment growth, due to increased student population, and growth initiatives. Sales and marketing expense increased by $4.2 million, or 21.3%, including $1.2 million related to the Company's new campuses, resulting from planned investments and the timing of the marketing activities. Student services expense increased $1.1 million, or 17.9%, driven by continued investments in staffing and support infrastructure to serve a growing student base.

Corporate and Other
This category includes unallocated expenses incurred on behalf of the entire Company. Corporate and other expenses were $21.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to $18.3 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase was primarily driven by higher salaries and benefits due to workforce expansion to support a larger student population and to execute the Company's growth initiatives.

FULL YEAR 2026 OUTLOOK

Based on the 2026 first quarter operating and financial results, as well as the outlook for the remainder of the year, the Company is raising its guidance for revenue, adjusted EBITDA, net income and student starts as follows:    

 (In millions, except for diluted EPS and student starts)Previous
FY 2026 Guidance
 Updated
FY 2026 Guidance
Revenue$580 - $590 $590 - $600
Adjusted EBITDA1$72 - $76 $76 - $80
Net income$20 - $23 $23 - $26
Diluted EPS$0.64 - $0.74 $0.74 - $0.83
Capital expenditures$70 - $75 $70 - $75
Student starts8% - 13% 10% - 14%


 1The guidance in this release includes references to non-GAAP operating measures. A reconciliation to the midpoint of our guidance can be reviewed below in the non-GAAP operating measures at the end of this release. Our 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance includes approximately $10.0 million in losses related to new campus openings and strategic growth initiatives.
  

CONFERENCE CALL INFO

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: Q1 2026 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 encouraged 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
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
       
  March 31,   December 31,
  2026   2025
       
ASSETS      
CURRENT ASSETS:      
Cash and cash equivalents$16,690  $28,519
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $44,971 and $43,975 at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively 41,734   36,929
Inventories 2,488   3,986
Income tax receivable 501   1,599
Tenant allowance receivable 8,127   8,127
Prepaid and other assets 6,863   7,872
Total current assets 76,403   87,032
       
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES - At cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $154,578 and $148,067 at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively 179,352   171,603
       
OTHER ASSETS:      
Noncurrent receivables, less allowance of $25,706 and $26,371 at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively 20,711   21,248
Deferred finance charges 267   302
Deferred income taxes, net 21,668   21,668
Operating lease right-of-use assets 151,209   154,223
Finance lease right-of-use assets 24,657   25,075
Goodwill 10,742   10,742
Other assets, net 1,725   1,271
Total other assets 230,979   234,529
TOTAL ASSETS$486,734  $493,164
       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY      
CURRENT LIABILITIES:      
Unearned tuition$39,287  $44,159
Accounts payable 28,253   27,023
Accrued expenses 13,816   18,430
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 10,445   10,634
Current portion of finance lease liabilities 498   463
Total current liabilities 92,299   100,709
       
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:      
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities 160,089   162,113
Long-term portion of finance lease liabilities 30,518   30,654
Long-term debt 5,000   -
Total liabilities 287,906   293,476
       
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES      
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:      
Common stock, no par value - authorized 100,000,000 shares at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, issued and outstanding 31,696,582 shares at March 31, 2026 and 31,623,795 shares at December 31, 2025 48,181   48,181
Additional paid-in capital 47,123   52,339
Retained earnings 103,524   99,168
Total stockholders' equity 198,828   199,688
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY$486,734  $493,164
       


LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
        
 Three Months ended
 March 31,
  2026   2025 
        
REVENUE$143,957  $117,506 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:       
Educational services and facilities 58,392   47,409 
Selling, general and administrative 79,152   66,904 
Loss (gain) on sale of assets 6   (220
Total costs and expenses 137,550   114,093 
OPERATING INCOME 6,407   3,413 
OTHER:       
Interest income 30   114 
Interest expense (837  (701
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 5,600   2,826 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 1,244   882 
NET INCOME$4,356  $1,944 
Basic       
Net income per common share$0.14  $0.06 
Diluted       
Net income per common share$0.14  $0.06 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:       
Basic 31,130   30,809 
Diluted 31,333   31,074 
        


LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
        
 Three Months ended
 March 31,
  2026   2025 
        
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:       
Net income$4,356  $1,944 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:       
Depreciation and amortization 7,214   3,345 
Finance lease amortization 418   418 
Amortization of deferred finance charges 35   40 
Deferred income taxes -   547 
Loss (gain) on sale of assets 6   (220
Fixed asset donations (93  (171
Provision for credit losses 13,683   11,835 
Stock-based compensation expense 1,444   1,205 
(Increase) decrease in assets:       
Accounts receivable (17,951  (13,289
Inventories 1,498   659 
Prepaid income taxes 1,098   - 
Prepaid expenses and current assets 995   (3,243
Other assets, net 725   1,230 
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:       
Accounts payable 1,002   (8,070
Accrued expenses (4,614  (3,137
Unearned tuition (4,872  (1,785
Income taxes payable -   225 
Other liabilities (378  89 
Total adjustments 210   (10,322
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 4,566   (8,378
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:       
Capital expenditures (14,628  (19,889
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment (6  249 
  Net cash used in investing activities (14,634  (19,640
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:       
Proceeds from borrowings 33,000   - 
Payments on borrowings (28,000  - 
Payment of deferred finance fees -   (75
Finance lease principal paid (101  (88
Tenant allowance finance leases -   1,196 
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation (6,660  (3,633
  Net cash used in financing activities (1,761  (2,600
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (11,829  (30,618
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS —Beginning of period 28,519   59,273 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period$16,690  $28,655 
        

(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, 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 total liquidity as the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and available borrowings under our credit facility.

EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, 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, and total liquidity are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
 
Adjusted EBITDA excludes non-cash stock-based compensation and one-time, non-recurring items. 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 no longer adjusts 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. Prior period amounts in this release have been recast to conform to the current methodology.

The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, as well as a presentation of total liquidity (in thousands):

   Three Months Ended March 31,
   (Unaudited)
   Consolidated  Campus Operations Corporate
    2026   2025   2026   2025   2026   2025 
                          
Net income (loss)  $4,356  $1,944  $27,155  $21,077  $(22,799 $(19,133
Interest expense (income), net   807   587   575   595   232   (8
Provision for income taxes   1,244   882   -   -   1,244   882 
Depreciation and amortization   7,632   3,763   7,500   3,600   132   163 
EBITDA   14,039   7,176   35,230   25,272   (21,191  (18,096
Stock-based compensation expense   1,444   1,205   -   -   1,444   1,205 
Adjusted EBITDA  $15,483  $8,381  $35,230  $25,272  $(19,747 $(16,891
                          

   

  As of 
  March 31, 2026 
Cash and cash equivalents$16,690 
Credit facility 55,000 
Total Liquidity$71,690 
    

*As of March 31, 2026, $5.0 million was outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

The table below presents operating income (loss) (in thousands) for the three months ended March 31, 2026:

  2026   2025   % Change 
Operating Income (loss):           
Campus Operations$27,731  $21,671   28.0%
Corporate (21,324  (18,258  (16.8%)
Total$6,407  $3,413   87.7%
            

Information included in the table below provides student starts and population with a breakdown by Transportation and Skilled Trade programs and Healthcare and Other Professions programs.
  

Population by Program:

 Three Months Ended March 31,
  2026   2025   % Change 
Starts:           
Transportation and Skilled Trades$4,397  $3,551   23.8%
Healthcare and Other Professions 1,112   1,059   5.0%
Total$5,509  $4,610   19.5%
            
Average Population:           
Transportation and Skilled Trades$14,695  $11,695   25.7%
Healthcare and Other Professions 3,590   3,774   (4.9)%
Total$18,285  $15,469   18.2%
            
End of Period Population:           
Transportation and Skilled Trades$15,032  $12,130   23.9%
Healthcare and Other Professions 3,670   3,774   (2.8)%
Total$18,702  $15,904   17.6%
            

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 - 2026 Guidance
(Reconciled to the Mid-Point of 2026 Guidance)

      
     Adjusted
     EBITDA
 Net Income  $24,500
 Interest expense, net   4,000
 Provision for taxes   10,300
 Depreciation and amortization1   33,000
 EBITDA   71,800
 Stock-based compensation expense   6,200
 Total  $78,000
      
 2026 Guidance Range   $76,000 - $80,000
      

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Brian Meyers, Chief Financial Officer
973-736-9340

EVC GROUP LLC
Investor Relations: Michael Polyviou, mpolyviou@evcgroup.com, 732-933-2754
Media Relations: Tom Gibson, 201-476-0322


FAQ

How did Lincoln Educational Services (NASDAQ:LINC) perform in Q1 2026?

Lincoln reported higher Q1 2026 revenue and earnings. According to Lincoln, revenue rose 22.5% to $144.0 million, net income increased to $4.4 million ($0.14 per share), and adjusted EBITDA grew 85% to $15.5 million, supported by strong enrollment and operating leverage.

How much did Lincoln Educational Services raise its 2026 revenue guidance for LINC?

Lincoln modestly lifted its 2026 revenue outlook. According to Lincoln, full-year 2026 revenue guidance increased from $580–$590 million to $590–$600 million, reflecting strong Q1 performance and current operating trends across its campuses and program portfolio.

What are the updated 2026 adjusted EBITDA and net income targets for Lincoln (NASDAQ:LINC)?

Lincoln now expects higher profitability in 2026. According to Lincoln, adjusted EBITDA guidance increased from $72–$76 million to $76–$80 million, while net income guidance rose from $20–$23 million to $23–$26 million, alongside higher diluted EPS expectations.

How did student starts and enrollment change in Q1 2026 for Lincoln Educational Services (LINC)?

Student demand increased significantly in Q1 2026. According to Lincoln, student starts grew 19.5% to 5,500, an increase of about 900, while ending student population rose 17.6% to 18,702, adding nearly 2,800 students year-over-year.

What is Lincoln Educational Services' 2026 capital expenditure guidance for LINC?

Lincoln plans substantial 2026 capital investments. According to Lincoln, capital expenditure guidance is unchanged at $70–$75 million for 2026, supporting growth initiatives, new campuses, and capacity expansion to serve a larger student population and employer demand.

How does the new $125 million credit facility affect Lincoln Educational Services (NASDAQ:LINC)?

The expanded facility increases Lincoln’s financial flexibility. According to Lincoln, the amended credit agreement raises the revolving credit facility to $125 million, adding $65 million of available liquidity to fund growth initiatives and support long-term operating objectives.

What changes did Lincoln Educational Services make to its 2026 student start guidance for LINC?

Lincoln raised its student start growth expectations for 2026. According to Lincoln, full-year student starts guidance increased from 8%–13% growth to 10%–14%, following 19.5% start growth in Q1 2026 and fourteen consecutive quarters of start expansion.