Company Overview - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation is a leading provider of diversified career-oriented post-secondary education, offering programs in skilled trades, automotive technology, health sciences, and information technology [4]. - The company has been providing skilled technicians to the workforce since its inception in 1946 [4]. - Lincoln operates 21 campuses across 12 states under three brands: Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln Technical Institute, and Nashville Auto Diesel College [5]. Upcoming Financial Results - Lincoln will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter financial results on August 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time [1]. - A news release outlining Lincoln's financial results will be issued before 9:30 a.m. Eastern time on the same day [1]. Accessing the Conference Call - Participants can access the live webcast of the conference call through the investor relations section of Lincoln's website [2]. - Registration for the teleconference is required, and participants will receive a personalized PIN for access [2]. - An archived version of the webcast will be available for 90 days on Lincoln's website [3].

Core Insights - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation's campuses in Melrose Park, IL and South Plainfield, NJ have been recognized as "America's Top Vocational Schools" for 2025 by USA Today, highlighting their commitment to student success and diversity [1][2] Group 1: Recognition and Commitment - The recognition as a top vocational school reflects Lincoln Tech's dedication to training essential workers in vital industries such as transportation, skilled trades, and healthcare support [2] - The award emphasizes Lincoln Tech's commitment to excellence in hands-on education, career readiness, and workforce development, with graduates acquiring high-demand skills that lead to employment opportunities [3][9] Group 2: Evaluation Criteria - The evaluation by USA Today and Statista was based on five main criteria: graduation rate, graduate salaries, diversity within the student body, anticipated years to pay off a program, and social mobility [2] - This is the inaugural year for USA Today to publish this list, indicating a new benchmark for vocational education recognition [2] Group 3: Campus Performance - The Melrose Park campus, established in 1902, reported that 75% of its graduates were hired in their field last year, with over 700 students graduating [3] - The South Plainfield campus also demonstrated strong hiring rates for graduates of its Diesel Service Technology, Heavy Equipment Technology, and Welding Technology programs, with nearly 200 students completing their training last year [4] Group 4: Company Overview - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation has been a leader in diversified career-oriented post-secondary education since 1946, offering programs in transportation, healthcare, skilled trades, and information technology [5][6] - The company operates 21 campuses across 12 states under three brands: Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln Technical Institute, and Nashville Auto-Diesel College [6]

Core Insights - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation is reintroducing its Advanced Manufacturing program at the Mahwah, NJ campus, responding to employer and student demand for training in tech-driven manufacturing careers [2][3] - The program will focus on robotic integration and programming skills essential for modern manufacturing, with a projected increase in job opportunities in the field over the next decade [2][4] Company Overview - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation has been a leader in specialized technical training for nearly 80 years, providing career-oriented education in various fields [2][10] - The company operates 21 campuses across 12 states under three brands: Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln Technical Institute, and Nashville Auto-Diesel College [11] Program Details - The Advanced Manufacturing program will allow students to earn a Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing with Robotics, utilizing equipment from Haas Automation [2][4] - Students will gain skills in programming, operating, and maintaining CNC milling and turning machines, as well as learning to read blueprints and operate robotic systems [4][5] - The program includes training for industry certifications through the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) and CNC programming training with MasterCam software [4] Industry Context - The U.S. Department of Labor projects that the manufacturing field will add hundreds of jobs in New Jersey over the next 10 years, while the number of qualified technicians is expected to be significantly lower [2][7] - Industries such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and metal fabrication are increasingly reliant on CNC manufacturing and machining, creating a demand for skilled technicians [5][6] Student Experience - Graduates of the program, like Alec Tomasula, have successfully transitioned into careers in specialized fields, highlighting the hands-on experience and training provided [6]

Core Insights - Investors in the Schools sector may consider American Public Education (APEI) and Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (LINC) as potential stocks for investment [1] - APEI currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a stronger earnings outlook compared to LINC, which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] Valuation Metrics - APEI has a forward P/E ratio of 22.31, while LINC's forward P/E is significantly higher at 31.46 [5] - The PEG ratio for APEI is 1.49, suggesting a more favorable valuation in relation to its expected EPS growth, compared to LINC's PEG ratio of 2.10 [5] - APEI's P/B ratio stands at 2.12, indicating a better market value relative to its book value than LINC's P/B ratio of 4.03 [6] Value Grades - APEI has received a Value grade of A, while LINC has a Value grade of D, reflecting APEI's superior valuation metrics and earnings outlook [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (LINC) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][4]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in a company's earnings picture, tracking EPS estimates from sell-side analysts through the Zacks Consensus Estimate [2]. - A strong correlation exists between earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements, making the Zacks rating system valuable for investors [3][5]. - The recent upgrade reflects a positive outlook on Lincoln Educational Services' earnings, which could lead to increased buying pressure and a rise in stock price [4][6]. Historical Performance of Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank stock-rating system classifies stocks into five groups, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. - The upgrade places Lincoln Educational Services in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [11]. Recent Earnings Estimate Revisions - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Lincoln Educational Services is expected to earn $0.72 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 5.9% over the past three months [9].

Investment Opportunities & Company Highlights - Zebra variety tomatoes are highlighted as an outstanding product [1] - Carmen Holdings, a recent IPO in February, is mentioned as a company worth considering, potentially in the missile defense sector [2] - Leonardo DRS is identified as the kind of company that is making a lot of people a lot of money [3] - Lincoln Technical Institute (LCI) is suggested as a potentially great long-term investment if Trump invests millions or billions in technical schools [6] Market Commentary & Investment Strategy - A 42% tariff is mentioned [1] - The speaker expresses a preference for growth stocks over high-yield securities with unclear holdings, specifically mentioning being against Annley Capital Management for many years [5] - Analyst downgrades of stocks that have had big runs will be discussed [7] Events & Community Engagement - An annual meeting in New York City is mentioned as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" [3] - The Lightning Round is sponsored by Charles Schwab [6]

Group 1 - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (LINC) is part of the Consumer Discretionary group, which consists of 256 companies and currently ranks 10 in the Zacks Sector Rank [2] - LINC has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook, with the consensus estimate for its full-year earnings increasing by 5.9% over the past quarter [3] - Year-to-date, LINC has achieved a return of approximately 45.7%, significantly outperforming the average gain of 11.7% for the Consumer Discretionary sector [4] Group 2 - LINC belongs to the Schools industry, which includes 18 stocks and is currently ranked 11 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with an average gain of 9.2% this year [5] - In comparison, another stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, Carnival (CCL), has a year-to-date return of 12.8% and is part of the Leisure and Recreation Services industry, which is ranked 79 and has gained 4.4% year to date [4][6]

Group 1 - Inspirato Incorporated (ISPO) is part of the Consumer Discretionary sector, which includes 255 stocks and has a Zacks Sector Rank of 12 [2] - ISPO has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), with a 35.1% increase in the consensus estimate for its full-year earnings over the past quarter, indicating positive analyst sentiment [3] - ISPO has gained approximately 17.8% year-to-date, outperforming the average return of 6.3% for Consumer Discretionary companies [4] Group 2 - Inspirato Incorporated belongs to the Leisure and Recreation Services industry, which consists of 30 stocks and is currently ranked 86 in the Zacks Industry Rank; this industry has seen a decline of about 1.6% year-to-date [6] - In contrast, Lincoln Educational Services Corporation, another stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, has a year-to-date return of 36.7% and is part of the Schools industry, which is ranked 18 [4][7]

Summary of Lincoln Educational Services (LINC) FY Conference Call Company Overview - Lincoln Educational Services operates under the ticker symbol LINC on NASDAQ and is the largest and oldest organization in the U.S. focused on trade skills education [1][2][3] Industry Context - There is a significant skills gap in the labor market, particularly for hands-on trade skills such as welding, electrical work, mechanics, and nursing, which have been deemed essential during the COVID-19 pandemic [2][3] - The company has shifted from being counter-cyclical to experiencing accelerated growth due to a fundamental change in market demand for skilled workers [4][30] Financial Performance - The company remains debt-free, with no bank debt, only lease obligations, and has $60 million available for growth opportunities [5] - Projected revenue by 2027 is $550 million with an EBITDA of $90 million, reflecting an 11% growth in the top line and a 200 basis points improvement in margins annually [14][15] - In Q1, revenue increased by $16 million, and starts were up 20% [49][51] Growth Strategy - The growth strategy includes organic growth through effective marketing and replicating successful programs across campuses [8][10] - The company has transitioned to a hybrid model, with 30% of programs online and 70% on-ground, which has increased efficiency and student flexibility [6][16] - New campuses are being opened, including a new facility in Houston and a relocation of the Nashville campus, with plans for a Long Island campus in 2026 [10][24][53] Program Focus - Lincoln has exited non-essential programs (e.g., culinary, cosmetology) to focus on high-demand trades that offer better earning potential for graduates [20][31] - The average age of students is 25, with many balancing work and family commitments, making the hybrid model attractive [7][26] Market Position - Lincoln is the largest provider of auto technicians and tradespeople east of the Mississippi and has less than 2% market share in the fields it trains for, indicating significant growth potential [32][33] - The company is focused on middle-skill jobs, which require more training than high school but less than a four-year degree, aligning with current labor market needs [25][28] Corporate Partnerships - Partnerships with companies like Tesla and Johnson Controls enhance job placement opportunities for graduates and provide industry-specific training [40][42] - Corporate partners may fund tuition, provide job placements, or donate equipment, creating a diverse funding model [63] Regulatory Environment - The company operates under strict regulations, with 82% of revenue coming from government funding, well below the 90% cap [44] - The cohort default rate is currently zero due to a pause in student loan repayments, but this is expected to change as repayments resume [45] Conclusion - Lincoln Educational Services is well-positioned for growth in the trade education sector, with a strong focus on essential skills, a robust financial outlook, and a commitment to adapting to market demands [57][58]

Core Viewpoint - The comparison between Perdoceo Education (PRDO) and Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (LINC) indicates that PRDO currently offers better value for investors based on various financial metrics [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - Both PRDO and LINC have a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting positive earnings estimate revisions and improving earnings outlooks for both companies [3]. - Value investors analyze a range of traditional figures and metrics to assess whether a company is undervalued at its current share price levels [4]. Group 2: Valuation Metrics - PRDO has a forward P/E ratio of 13.25, while LINC has a significantly higher forward P/E of 32.01 [5]. - The PEG ratio for PRDO is 0.88, indicating a more favorable valuation compared to LINC's PEG ratio of 2.13 [5]. - PRDO's P/B ratio stands at 2.23, compared to LINC's P/B ratio of 4.10, further supporting PRDO's superior valuation metrics [6]. - Based on these valuation figures, PRDO is rated with a Value grade of A, while LINC has a Value grade of C [6].