
Lincoln Educational’s first-quarter results were well received by the market, with management pointing to strong student start growth and operational efficiency as key drivers. CEO Scott Shaw specifically highlighted that 19.5% growth in student starts was split between organic expansion at existing campuses and contributions from newer locations. Shaw attributed the momentum to rising demand for skilled trades education, noting, “We are clearly benefiting from the expanding interest across America in skilled trades training as employer demand for skilled workers continues to exceed supply.”
Is now the time to buy LINC? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).
Lincoln Educational (LINC) Q1 CY2026 Highlights:
- Revenue: $144 million vs analyst estimates of $136.2 million (22.5% year-on-year growth, 5.7% beat)
- EPS (GAAP): $0.14 vs analyst estimates of $0.04 (significant beat)
- Adjusted EBITDA: $15.48 million vs analyst estimates of $12.39 million (10.8% margin, 25% beat)
- The company lifted its revenue guidance for the full year to $595 million at the midpoint from $585 million, a 1.7% increase
- EPS (GAAP) guidance for the full year is $0.78 at the midpoint, beating analyst estimates by 14.6%
- EBITDA guidance for the full year is $78 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $74.04 million
- Operating Margin: 4.5%, up from 2.9% in the same quarter last year
- Enrolled Students: up 2,798 year on year
- Market Capitalization: $1.56 billion
While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.
Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Lincoln Educational’s Q1 Earnings Call
- Lucas John Horton (Northland Capital Markets) asked about the split between organic and new campus-driven growth, with CEO Scott Shaw stating that about half of student start growth is expected to remain organic for the year.
- Lucas John Horton (Northland Capital Markets) inquired about new program opportunities, such as aviation or robotics. Shaw responded that while plumbing is often suggested, the company is currently exploring areas like mechatronics and industrial automation as potential additions.
- Eric Martinuzzi (Lake Street Capital) questioned whether new facilities would expand health care offerings. Shaw said the company is open to adding health care programs at new campuses once profitability targets are met, highlighting recent progress in nursing.
- Eric Martinuzzi (Lake Street Capital) sought clarity on the recovery of the Paramus nursing program and state oversight. Shaw confirmed a full green light from regulators and noted NCLEX pass rates above state benchmarks.
- Griffin Boss (B. Riley Securities) asked if the expanded credit facility would speed up the campus rollout plan. Shaw replied that while the plan remains at two new campuses per year, the added flexibility could allow acceleration if suitable sites become available.
Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters
In the coming quarters, our analyst team will be closely following (1) execution and enrollment trends at new and relocated campuses, especially as Hicksville and Roulette approach their opening dates; (2) the trajectory of health care program profitability and enrollment recovery, particularly for nursing; and (3) the company’s ability to leverage its expanded credit facility to accelerate growth. We will also monitor the impact of operational efficiencies on margins and student outcomes.
Lincoln Educational currently trades at $49.10, up from $44.75 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free).
The Best Stocks for High-Quality Investors
ONE MORE THING: Top 6 Stocks for This Week. This market is separating quality stocks from expensive ones fast. AI taking down whole sectors with no warning. In a rotation this fast, you need more than a list of good companies.
Our AI system flagged Palantir before it ran 1,662%. AppLovin before it ran 753%. Nvidia before it ran 1,178%. Each week it produces 6 new names that pass the same tests. Get Our Top 6 Stocks for Free HERE.
Stocks that have made our list include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.