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 (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, 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 EBITDA1   $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 ([email protected], 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       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 $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 %
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     $72,000 – $76,000            
                   

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION

Brian Meyers, CFO
973-736-9340

EVC GROUP LLC

Investor Relations: Michael Polyviou, [email protected], 732-933-2754
Media Relations: Tom Gibson, 201-476-0322