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Double-digit growth guides Lincoln Educational (NASDAQ: LINC) outlook for 2026

Filing Impact
(Very High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Lincoln Educational Services reported strong fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results and issued an upbeat 2026 outlook. Revenue for 2025 rose to $518.2 million from $440.1 million, while net income doubled to $20.0 million from $9.9 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $67.1 million from $42.3 million.

Fourth-quarter 2025 revenue grew to $142.9 million from $119.4 million, with net income climbing to $12.7 million from $6.8 million. Student starts for 2025 reached 20,906, up 15.2%, driven by transportation and skilled trades programs, where starts rose 23.4%.

For 2026, Lincoln targets revenue of $580–$590 million, adjusted EBITDA of $72–$76 million, and net income of $20–$23 million, with diluted EPS of $0.64–$0.74. Guidance implies continued double-digit growth and includes about $10 million of new campus and strategic initiative costs.

Positive

  • Full-year 2025 revenue grew to $518.2 million from $440.1 million and net income doubled to $20.0 million, with 2026 guidance targeting roughly 13% revenue and 30% adjusted EBITDA growth at the midpoint.

Negative

  • None.

Insights

Lincoln posts strong 2025 growth and signals another step-up in 2026.

Lincoln Educational Services delivered broad-based growth in 2025, with revenue rising to $518.2 million and net income to $20.0 million, roughly double the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA reached $67.1 million, helped by higher student starts and a larger average student population.

Operationally, campus operations revenue grew nearly 20% for the year, and total 2025 starts increased 15.2% to 20,906, led by transportation and skilled trades programs where starts rose 23.4%. Operating income from campus operations expanded faster than revenue, indicating improving scale benefits despite higher corporate expenses to support growth.

For 2026, management guides revenue to $580–$590 million and adjusted EBITDA to $72–$76 million, implying around 13% revenue and 30% adjusted EBITDA growth versus 2025 at the guidance midpoint. Guidance explicitly includes about $10.0 million of losses and costs tied to new campuses and strategic initiatives, suggesting an ongoing investment phase alongside earnings growth.


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 
     
 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported):  February 23, 2026

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

New Jersey
 
000-51371
 
57-1150621
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
 
(Commission File Number)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
14 Sylvan Way, Suite A, Parsippany, NJ 07054
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (973) 736-9340
 
Not applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which
registered
Common Stock No Par Value
LINC
NASDAQ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934  (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.                                                            ☐
 


Item 2.02.
Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On February 23, 2026, Lincoln Educational Services Corporation. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2025. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated in this Item 2.02 by reference.

 The information contained under this Item 2.02 in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section. Furthermore, the information contained under this Item 2.02 in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless specifically identified therein as being incorporated therein by reference.  The furnishing of the information under this Item 2.02 in this Current Report is not intended to, and does not, constitute a determination or admission by the Company that the information contained under this Item 2.02 in this Current Report is material or complete, or that investors should consider this information before making an investment decision with respect to any security of the Company.

Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d)
Exhibits
 
     
 
99.1
Press release of Lincoln Educational Services Corporation dated February 23, 2026
     
 
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the inline XBRL document).


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
       
Date:  February 23, 2026
     
       
 
By:
/s/ Brian K. Meyers  
 
Name:
Brian K. Meyers
 
Title:  
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer




Exhibit 99.1

Lincoln Educational Services’ Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results Exceed Financial Guidance; Continued Strong Growth Forecasted for 2026
 
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– 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, or 19.7%; 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, or 51.2%
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 or 17.8% 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 a 102.2% increase
Adjusted EBITDA increased 58.7% to $67.1 million
Net cash flow from operations increased $30.0 million, or 102.4% 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 15.7% student start growth, marking the thirteenth consecutive quarter of growth for this critical metric. While new campus openings and program replications meaningfully contributed to the overall increase, student starts for our programs that have been operating for more than one year grew by 4% on a same campus same program basis. This core growth was a major contributor to our net income nearly doubling, and the 51.2% increase in adjusted EBITDA during the fourth quarter. We also generated double-digit increases in total student population and total revenue over last year’s fourth quarter.

“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 $600 million revenue level for the full year, providing the opportunity to expand on our operating leverage as we further enhance the Lincoln student experience. We have established a standard of excellence within our programs that meet or exceed existing regulatory standards, and we have continued to build our student placement rate in rewarding, long-term careers. Our outlook for the year ahead is robust and we look forward to presenting a full five-year roadmap of Lincoln’s future growth during our Investor Day at our new Nashville campus on March 19, 2026.” 

2025 FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS
  
(Quarter ended December 31, 2025, compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024)
 

Revenue increased by $23.5 million, or 19.7% to $142.9 million, primarily due to a 14.7% 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, or 19.5% 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, or 14.6% 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 $25.2 million, or 21.4% to $142.9 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased by $13.0 million, or 42.4% to $43.8 million, from $30.7 million in the prior year comparable period.
 
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 $1.7 million and operating expenses of $2.3 million. The sale of the Summerlin campus was completed on January 1, 2025. Throughout 2025, no campuses were classified in the Transitional segment.

Corporate and Other
This category includes unallocated expenses incurred on behalf of the entire Company. Corporate and other expenses were $16.7 million, compared to $13.8 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase was primarily driven by higher salary and benefits expenses related to workforce expansion to support a larger student population and execute the growth initiatives. 

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 15% over 2025. Lincoln is well positioned to achieve another year of strong growth in key financial metrics, as reflected in the following outlook for 2026:

   
FY 2025
   
2026 Guidance
   
Year-Over-
Year
 
(In millions, except for student starts)
 
Actuals
   
Low
       
High
   
growth 2
 
Revenue
 
$
518.2
   
$
580
 
-
   
$
590
     
13
%
Adjusted EBITDA 1
 
$
57.1
   
$
72
 
-
   
$
76
     
30
%
Net income
 
$
20.0
   
$
20
 
-
   
$
23
     
8
%
Diluted EPS
 
$
0.64
   
$
0.64
 
-
   
$
0.74
     
8
%
Capital expenditures
 
$
88.0
   
$
70
 
-
   
$
75
     
-18
%
Student starts
   
20,906
     
8
%
-
     
13
%
       

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 $10.0 million of costs related to new campus operating losses and strategic growth initiatives.
 
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 $43,975 and $42,615 at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively
   
36,929
     
42,983
 
Inventories
   
3,986
     
3,053
 
Income tax receivable
   
1,599
     
-
 
Tenant allowance receivable
   
8,127
     
762
 
Prepaid and other assets
   
7,872
      4,031
 
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 $148,068 and $141,271 at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively
   
171,603
     
103,533
 
 
               
OTHER ASSETS:
               
Noncurrent receivables, less allowance of $26,371 and $22,957 at December 31, 2025 and  December 31, 2024, respectively
   
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
)
   
100.0
%
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
     
-100.0
%
Total
   
20,906
     
18,660
     
12.0
%
                         
Average Population:
                       
Campus Operations
   
16,622
     
14,100
     
17.9
%
Transitional
   
-
     
326
     
-100.0
%
Total
   
16,622
     
14,426
     
15.2
%
                         
End of Period Population:
                       
Campus Operations
   
17,046
     
14,838
     
14.9
%
Transitional
   
-
     
300
     
-100.0
%
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 Guidance Range
 
$
72,000 - $76,000
         

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

How did Lincoln Educational Services (LINC) perform financially in 2025?

Lincoln Educational Services reported strong 2025 growth, with revenue rising to $518.2 million from $440.1 million and net income increasing to $20.0 million from $9.9 million. Adjusted EBITDA also improved significantly, reaching $67.1 million versus $42.3 million in 2024.

What were Lincoln Educational Services’ Q4 2025 results?

In Q4 2025, Lincoln generated revenue of $142.9 million, up from $119.4 million a year earlier, and net income of $12.7 million, compared with $6.8 million in Q4 2024. Operating income rose to $17.7 million, reflecting higher student volume and improved campus operations performance.

What 2026 financial guidance did Lincoln Educational Services (LINC) provide?

For 2026, Lincoln expects revenue between $580 million and $590 million, adjusted EBITDA of $72–$76 million, and net income of $20–$23 million. Diluted EPS is guided to $0.64–$0.74, and capital expenditures are projected at $70–$75 million.

How are student enrollments and starts trending at Lincoln Educational Services?

Student metrics strengthened in 2025. Total starts reached 20,906, up 15.2% year over year, while average population rose 17.9% to 16,622. Transportation and skilled trades programs led growth, with starts increasing 23.4% and end-of-period population rising 22.8%.

What is driving Lincoln Educational Services’ growth by segment and program type?

Growth is concentrated in the Campus Operations segment, where 2025 revenue climbed to $518.2 million from $433.0 million. Transportation and skilled trades programs were key drivers, showing higher starts and population, while healthcare and other professions programs experienced modest declines in starts and enrollment levels.

What liquidity and investment capacity does Lincoln Educational Services have?

As of December 31, 2025, Lincoln reported cash and cash equivalents of $28.5 million and access to a $60.0 million credit facility, for total liquidity of $88.5 million. The company plans $70–$75 million of 2026 capital expenditures to support campus expansion and growth initiatives.

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