Investors with an interest in Schools stocks have likely encountered both TAL Education (TAL) and Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (LINC) . But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now? Let's take a closer look.Everyone has their own methods for finding great value opportunities, but our model includes pairing an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system with a strong Zacks Rank. The Zacks Rank favors stocks with strong earnings ...

Core Insights - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation celebrated the 65th anniversary of its Columbia, MD campus, which has been instrumental in providing specialized technical training and supporting Maryland's economy [1][3][4] - The campus offers training in five fields, with projections indicating over 64,000 job openings in these industries across Maryland by 2032 [9] Group 1: Anniversary Celebration - The anniversary event included speeches from key representatives, campus tours, program demonstrations, and networking opportunities [2] - Dr. Sanjay Rai, Secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission, emphasized the importance of aligning employer needs with jobseekers' skills [4] - Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball highlighted the role of Lincoln Tech in launching careers and supporting local businesses [4][6] Group 2: Community and Economic Impact - The campus has helped thousands of graduates secure jobs in critical technical roles, contributing to Maryland's economic competitiveness [4][9] - Local dignitaries presented proclamations and certificates recognizing Lincoln Tech's contributions to workforce development and community stability [5][6][7] - The training programs offered at the campus include Automotive Service, Electrical/Electronics, HVAC, Welding, and Medical Assisting [9] Group 3: Advanced Training Facilities - The campus hosts specialized training facilities such as the Johnson Controls International Academy and the Tesla START Training Center, focusing on advanced technologies [9] - Partnerships with industry leaders provide students with additional training opportunities, enhancing their employability in high-demand fields [9]

Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (NASDAQ:LINC) is among the best education stocks to buy right now. American Century Companies Inc. has lifted its holdings in Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (NASDAQ:LINC) through the purchase of 51,650 shares during the first quarter. The firm’s investment in the company is valued at $1,572,000, which translates to an ownership of 0.31%. A key strategy for expansion is directing Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (NASDAQ:LINC), a company that analys ...

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying stocks that can fulfill their growth potential is challenging due to associated risks and volatility [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (LINC) is currently recommended as a growth stock by the Zacks Growth Style Score system, which evaluates a company's real growth prospects beyond traditional metrics [2] - The company has a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank, indicating strong potential for growth investors [9] Group 2: Earnings Growth - The historical EPS growth rate for Lincoln Educational Services is 1.8%, but projected EPS growth for this year is expected to be 34.8%, significantly surpassing the industry average of 15.8% [4] Group 3: Cash Flow Growth - Year-over-year cash flow growth for Lincoln Educational Services is currently at 41%, which is substantially higher than the industry average of 8% [5] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 22.9%, compared to the industry average of 10.5% [6] Group 4: Earnings Estimate Revisions - The current-year earnings estimates for Lincoln Educational Services have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 4.9% over the past month [7] Group 5: Investment Potential - Lincoln Educational Services has achieved a Growth Score of A and a Zacks Rank 2 due to positive earnings estimate revisions, indicating it is a solid choice for growth investors [9]

Summary of Lincoln Educational Services (LINC) FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Lincoln Educational Services (LINC) - **Industry**: Skilled Trades Education - **Market Position**: Leader in skilled trades education with a focus on automotive, healthcare, and skilled trades programs [2][3] Key Points and Arguments Growth and Financial Performance - **Revenue Growth**: Revenue increased by 15% and starts were up 22% in the second quarter [6] - **Profitability**: Profitability is growing due to operational leverage; additional students in classrooms lead to increased margins [4] - **Debt Management**: Company finished the quarter with approximately $13 million in debt and plans to be debt-free by year-end [5] - **Liquidity**: Holds a $60 million credit facility with a $20 million accordion feature for potential acquisitions [5] Operational Strategy - **Blended Learning Model**: Transitioned to a blended learning model called Lincoln 10, incorporating AI to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency [6] - **New Facilities**: Recently opened new campuses in Nashville and Levittown, with plans for a Houston campus [7][8] - **Program Expansion**: New programs in HVAC and electrical trades are being introduced, with a focus on meeting market demand [8][9] Market Dynamics - **Skilled Trades Demand**: There is a significant skills gap in the market, with high demand for skilled tradespeople in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and construction [30][32] - **Student Demographics**: Average student age is 25, with a mix of working adults and high school graduates [26] - **Job Security**: The company emphasizes that skilled trades jobs are less likely to be replaced by AI, making them a stable career choice [18] Competitive Landscape - **Market Positioning**: Competes with community colleges and other trade schools, emphasizing superior hands-on training and customer service [33][20] - **Marketing Strategy**: Shifted to a digital marketing strategy, with 90% of marketing efforts focused on online platforms [59] Future Outlook - **Growth Projections**: Forecasting 13% growth in starts for the full year, with expectations for continued organic growth and potential acquisitions [42][44] - **Expansion Plans**: Plans to open additional campuses in high-demand areas, particularly in the South and West [24][25] Additional Important Insights - **Regulatory Environment**: The company operates in a highly regulated industry, with a focus on maintaining compliance with federal funding regulations [39] - **Student Financial Aid**: A significant portion of revenue comes from Pell Grants and Title IV loans, with a focus on serving underserved populations [48][49] - **Acquisition Strategy**: The company is open to acquisitions but is disciplined in its approach, focusing on programs that align with its core offerings [17][69] Conclusion - **Overall Position**: Lincoln Educational Services is well-positioned for growth in the skilled trades education sector, with a strong financial foundation, effective operational strategies, and a clear understanding of market demands and competitive dynamics [44][45]

Core Insights - The Zacks Schools industry is experiencing a rebound driven by increased demand for career-focused programs in healthcare, skilled trades, cybersecurity, and IT, supported by a labor market that values job-ready skills and government initiatives promoting non-degree pathways [1][2] - Digital innovation is a key differentiator, with institutions investing in adaptive learning tools and scalable online platforms to enhance engagement and support flexible learning for working adults [1][8] - The sector is undergoing consolidation as larger players acquire smaller institutions to broaden offerings and improve scale, with recent legislative changes like "Workforce Pell" expanding market opportunities for accredited programs [6][12] Industry Overview - The Zacks Schools industry includes for-profit education companies offering undergraduate, graduate, and specialized programs in various fields such as finance, healthcare, and technology [3] - The industry is focused on providing career-oriented programs that align with labor market needs, particularly in high-demand areas like nursing and cybersecurity [3][5] Trends Influencing Growth - There is a rising demand for workforce-oriented programs, particularly among adult learners and career switchers, as the labor market increasingly values job-ready skills over traditional degrees [4] - The healthcare sector is facing a significant shortage of skilled professionals, prompting educational institutions to design rigorous programs that meet workforce needs [5] - Digital transformation is driving interest in IT boot camps and tech-aligned certifications, where for-profit providers have established a scalable presence [4] Financial Performance and Market Position - The Zacks Schools industry has lagged the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector but has outperformed the S&P 500 Composite over the past year, with a collective gain of 20.6% [16] - The industry's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio is currently at 15.32X, lower than the S&P 500's 22.76X, indicating potential value opportunities [19] Company Highlights - Grand Canyon Education has seen a 10% increase in total online enrollment and a 42.1% stock surge over the past year, with earnings for 2025 expected to grow by 12.8% [25] - Laureate Education's stock has rallied 76.6% over the past year, with a projected earnings growth of 28.2% for 2025 [28] - Stride has experienced a 107.8% stock increase, with fiscal 2026 earnings expected to grow by 5.2% [32] - Lincoln Educational Services has surged 59.5% in stock price, with a projected earnings growth of 19.6% for 2025 [34] - Perdoceo Education's stock has risen 44.7%, with earnings for 2025 expected to grow by 10% [39]

Core Insights - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation is experiencing strong demand for its programs, leading to significant revenue growth and increased student enrollment [2][3] - The company's growth strategy, including new campus developments and program replication initiatives, is expected to drive future growth [2] - Lincoln operates 22 campuses across 12 states, focusing on skilled trades, automotive, health sciences, and information technology [3] Company Overview - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation has been a leader in specialized technical training for over 75 years, addressing America's skills gap [3] - The company was incorporated in New Jersey in 2003 and has a history dating back to 1946 with the opening of its first campus [3] Upcoming Events - The company will participate in several investor conferences in the coming weeks, including the Midwest IDEAS Conference on August 27 and the B. Riley Securities Consumer & TMT Conference on September 10 [5]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking growth stocks that demonstrate above-average growth potential, with Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (LINC) being highlighted as a strong candidate due to its favorable growth metrics and Zacks Rank [2][10]. Group 1: Earnings Growth - The historical EPS growth rate for Lincoln Educational Services is 1.8%, but projected EPS growth for this year is expected to be 19.6%, surpassing the industry average of 15.2% [5]. Group 2: Cash Flow Growth - Lincoln Educational Services has a year-over-year cash flow growth of 41%, significantly higher than the industry average of 8% [6]. - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 22.9%, compared to the industry average of 10.5% [7]. Group 3: Earnings Estimate Revisions - The current-year earnings estimates for Lincoln Educational Services have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 4.9% over the past month [9]. Group 4: Overall Assessment - Lincoln Educational Services holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Growth Score of A, indicating its potential as a strong growth investment [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (LINC) has experienced significant selling pressure, resulting in a 16.5% stock price decline over the past four weeks, but analysts anticipate improved earnings in the near future [1] Group 1: Technical Analysis - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) for LINC is currently at 29.79, indicating that the stock is in oversold territory and may be poised for a rebound as selling pressure exhausts [5] - RSI is a momentum oscillator that helps identify overbought or oversold conditions, with readings below 30 typically signaling an oversold stock [2][3] Group 2: Fundamental Analysis - There has been a consensus among sell-side analysts to raise earnings estimates for LINC, with a 4.9% increase in the consensus EPS estimate over the last 30 days, suggesting potential price appreciation [7] - LINC holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises, indicating a strong potential for a turnaround [8]

Core Viewpoint - Lincoln Educational Services (NASDAQ: LINC) has experienced a 15% decline in stock price recently, yet it remains the largest holding in the author's portfolio, indicating a strong belief in the company's long-term value despite short-term volatility [1]. Company Summary - The company has been a focus of investment for several years, reflecting a commitment to its potential for value over growth [1]. - The author has a beneficial long position in LINC shares, indicating confidence in the company's future performance [2]. Industry Context - The author has a background in investment, having witnessed significant market events such as the dot-com bubble, which may provide insights into the current market dynamics affecting companies like LINC [1].