Shares of Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (NASDAQ: LINC) are soaring 15.79% in pre-market trading on Monday, following the release of impressive third-quarter financial results and an upward revision of its full-year 2025 guidance.
The career-oriented post-secondary education provider reported Q3 revenue of $141.39 million, significantly beating analyst estimates of $130.54 million. Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter came in at $0.12, more than doubling the expected $0.05. This represents a 140% beat on earnings, despite a slight decrease from $0.13 per share in the same period last year.
Lincoln Educational's strong performance was primarily driven by robust student enrollment growth. The company reported a 17.2% increase in average student population, excluding its Transitional segment. This growth in the student base, coupled with tuition increases, contributed to the 23.6% year-over-year revenue surge. Additionally, the company's adjusted EBITDA rose to $16.9 million, up 65.1% from the previous year.
Based on these strong results, Lincoln Educational has raised its financial guidance for the full year 2025. The company now expects annual revenue in the range of $505 million to $510 million, up from its previous forecast of $490 million to $500 million. Additionally, adjusted EBITDA guidance was increased to $65 million - $67 million, reflecting improved operational efficiency and the positive impact of its growth strategies.
Scott Shaw, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Educational Services, commented on the results, stating, "As the demand for high-value career-focused training continues to reach new heights across America, Lincoln's proven expertise, innovative training platforms, and campus development strategies are creating sustained levels of growth." The company's focus on expanding its campus network and implementing its Lincoln 10.0 hybrid teaching model appears to be paying off, attracting more students and driving financial performance.
Investors are reacting positively to these results and the optimistic outlook, as evidenced by the significant pre-market stock price increase. The company's ability to exceed expectations in a challenging educational landscape and its confident projection for future growth are likely key factors driving this surge in investor interest.