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% e ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, total net sales were $3.4 billion, with conversion revenue at $1.5 billion, consistent with 2024, and total shipments were 1.1 billion pounds, down 5% from 2024 [6][10] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 was $310 million, up approximately $69 million from 2024, with adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of conversion revenue improving to 21.3% [11][12] - Reported net income for 2025 was $113 million, or $6.77 per diluted share, compared to $66 million, or $4.02 per diluted share in the prior year [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and high-strength conversion revenue totaled $457 million, down 14% due to a 16% decrease in shipments attributed to commercial aerospace OEM destocking [7] - Packaging conversion revenue for the year totaled $544 million, up 11%, driven by a transition to coated products [8] - General engineering conversion revenue totaled $331 million, up 4% year-over-year, supported by tariff-driven reshoring activity [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aerospace market saw a decrease in shipments due to OEM destocking, but demand in other aerospace applications remained strong [7] - The packaging market is expected to see shipment growth of 5%-10% and conversion revenue growth of 15%-20% in 2026 [18] - The automotive market is anticipated to decline in shipments and conversion revenue by 5%-10% in 2026 due to planned outages [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to harvest returns from recent investments and strengthen margins while generating free cash flow [5] - In 2026, the company expects record years for both conversion revenue and EBITDA, with a focus on operational execution rather than relying on metal pricing [22][23] - The company plans to reduce manufacturing and operating costs to drive additional operating leverage and maximize returns on investments [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the momentum in the aerospace market and expects a recovery in commercial aircraft production [17] - The company does not foresee demand destruction in any product lines and anticipates continued strong bookings and shipments [40] - Management highlighted that operational gains will be the primary driver of performance in 2026, rather than metal pricing [39] Other Important Information - The company returned approximately $51 million to shareholders through dividends, marking the 19th consecutive year of dividend payments [15] - Capital expenditures for 2025 were $137 million, with expectations for 2026 to be in the range of $120 million-$130 million [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on 2026 outlook regarding aerospace and packaging conversion revenue - Management noted that aerospace conversion revenue is expected to recover as plate capacity is restored, while packaging conversion revenue is benefiting from improved throughput and pricing due to new investments [25][30] Question: Clarification on automotive opportunities and capacity expansion - Management indicated that the automotive opportunity involves high-margin specialty products and that planned outages will temporarily affect shipments but are necessary for future growth [31][34] Question: Concerns about demand destruction and tariff impacts - Management reported no evidence of demand destruction and expressed confidence in the strength of the market, while also addressing potential tariff changes as unlikely to impact their business negatively [39][41]

Core Insights - Constellium reported strong financial performance in 2025, exceeding internal expectations despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, driven by cost control and operational execution [3][6] - The company is well-positioned for 2026, with expectations of continued free cash flow growth and strategic initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiencies [4][21] Financial Performance - Aerospace & Transportation (A&T) adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $83 million, a 43% increase year-over-year, with a full-year adjusted EBITDA of $339 million, up 16% from 2024 [1] - Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products (P&ARP) achieved a record adjusted EBITDA of $136 million in Q4, up 143% year-over-year, with a full-year adjusted EBITDA of $353 million, a 46% increase from 2024 [7] - Automotive Structures & Industry (AS&I) adjusted EBITDA was $5 million for the quarter, up $1 million year-over-year, but full-year adjusted EBITDA was $72 million, down 3% from 2024 [8] Segment Performance - A&T shipments increased by 41% year-over-year, attributed to higher demand from onshoring in the U.S. and recovery from prior-year disruptions [1] - P&ARP benefited from a 15% increase in packaging shipments, with operational improvements at the Muscle Shoals facility contributing to performance [7] - AS&I faced challenges with a 10% decline in automotive shipments, impacted by supply shortages and a weak European market [8][19] Strategic Initiatives - The "Vision 2028" program aims to enhance asset reliability, optimize operations, and drive efficiencies, focusing on key facilities like Muscle Shoals [4][12] - Management expects to benefit from improved U.S. scrap spreads and tariff-driven pricing dynamics, which provided tailwinds in late 2025 [4][10] Free Cash Flow and Capital Allocation - Constellium generated $178 million in free cash flow for 2025, with expectations of over $200 million for 2026, supported by higher segment adjusted EBITDA and lower capital expenditures [6][13] - The company repurchased 2.4 million shares for $40 million in Q4 2025, with total repurchases for the year amounting to 8.9 million shares for $115 million [13] Market Outlook - The aerospace sector shows strong demand with record backlogs, while packaging demand remains healthy in North America and Europe [16][18] - Automotive demand is mixed, with stability in North America but weakness in Europe due to increased competition and tariff impacts [19][20] 2026 Guidance - Constellium guided for 2026 adjusted EBITDA of $780 million to $820 million and free cash flow above $200 million, assuming stable demand trends [21]

Core Insights - Constellium SE reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, exceeding expectations despite macroeconomic uncertainties [10][35] - The company achieved a record adjusted EBITDA of $280 million in Q4 2025, a 124% increase year-over-year, and a full-year adjusted EBITDA of $846 million, up 36% from 2024 [6][7] - The company is optimistic about its future performance, targeting adjusted EBITDA of $780 million to $820 million for 2026 and free cash flow exceeding $200 million [35][36] Financial Performance - Q4 2025 shipments reached 365,000 tonnes, an 11% increase from 2024, with revenue of $2.2 billion, up 28% year-over-year [5][6] - Full-year shipments totaled 1,500,000 tonnes, a 4% increase compared to 2024, with revenue of $8.4 billion, a 15% increase [7][9] - Net income for Q4 2025 was $113 million, compared to a net loss of $47 million in Q4 2024, driven by higher gross profit [5][6] Segment Performance - The A&T segment's adjusted EBITDA increased 43% to $83 million in Q4 2025, driven by higher TID shipments [10][12] - The PARP segment achieved a record adjusted EBITDA of $136 million in Q4 2025, a 143% increase year-over-year, with packaging shipments up 15% [12][13] - The AS&I segment's adjusted EBITDA was $5 million, a slight increase from the previous year, with automotive shipments down 10% [15][17] Market Outlook - The aerospace market shows strong demand, with commercial aircraft backlogs at record levels and expectations for increased build rates [25][26] - Packaging demand remains healthy, with a favorable long-term outlook driven by consumer preferences for sustainable aluminum products [28][29] - The automotive market presents mixed signals, with stable demand in North America but weakness in Europe, particularly in the premium vehicle segment [30][31] Cost Management and Efficiency Programs - The company operates a pass-through business model, minimizing exposure to metal price fluctuations, and has implemented a new excellence program called Vision 2028 to enhance operational efficiencies [19][21][62] - Free cash flow for 2025 was $178 million, with expectations to exceed $200 million in 2026, supported by lower capital expenditures and strong segment performance [22][35] - The company aims to maintain a leverage ratio of 1.5x to 2.5x, with net debt at $1.8 billion at the end of 2025 [24][36]

QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) is one of the 10 AI Stocks Analysts Are Watching. On February 2, Bernstein SocGen Group analyst Stacy Rasgon lowered the price target on the stock to $200.00 (from $215.00) while maintaining an “Outperform” rating. Despite certain risks, the firm is constructively positive on the stock driven by a developing undervalued growth narrative. Bernstein noted how the QCOM shares have lagged in recent months due to factors such as a general distaste of smartphones, AAPL roll ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the current state of the tech market, particularly focusing on AI-related stocks and the emergence of overlooked tech stocks that may present investment opportunities amidst market volatility and valuation concerns [2][5]. Market Overview - U.S. AI-related stocks experienced a decline, with SoftBank Group losing nearly $50 billion in market capitalization [2]. - Goldman Sachs CEO anticipates a 10-20% market drawdown within the next two years, while the IMF and Bank of England foresee an AI bubble emerging soon [2]. - AI-linked ETFs have shown significant volatility, with performance spreads of 60% among nearly 400 thematic ETFs in 2025 [3]. Company Performance - Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ:BTDR) reported a 173.6% year-over-year revenue increase to $169.7 million in Q3 2025, driven by self-mining operations [12]. - Alkami Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALKT) achieved a 31.5% year-over-year revenue growth to $113 million in Q3 2025, with annual recurring revenue surging 31% to $449 million [16][17]. - Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGM) reported a 14% year-over-year sales growth to $214 million, driven by demand in automotive and data center sectors [22]. Investment Opportunities - The article emphasizes the potential of overlooked tech stocks that combine innovation with operational prudence, suggesting they may offer sustainable growth avenues [5]. - Bitdeer Technologies Group has a projected upside potential of 127.16% and is focusing on AI cloud infrastructure and Bitcoin mining solutions [10][14]. - Alkami Technology has an upside potential of 60.32% and is expanding its client base significantly [15][19]. - Allegro MicroSystems has an upside potential of 44.98% and is benefiting from robust automotive and data center cycles [20][21]. Methodology for Stock Selection - The selection of overlooked tech stocks involved scanning financial media and online screeners for companies with a market capitalization over $2 billion and an upside potential of at least 10% as of November 12, 2025 [7]. - The analysis also considered hedge fund ownership, focusing on stocks with relatively lower hedge fund holdings compared to industry peers [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - Qualcomm is being closely monitored by analysts as a significant player in the AI sector, with a recent "Buy" rating and a price target of $225.00 following a partnership with HUMAIN for a 200MW deployment, indicating strong potential for long-term growth in AI data center inference [1][2]. Group 1: Partnership and Market Potential - The partnership with HUMAIN is seen as a strategic move for Qualcomm, providing a new growth avenue in AI inference data centers, which aligns with the company's long-term diversification strategy [2]. - Qualcomm's deployment with HUMAIN is anticipated to generate approximately $2 billion in revenue, with deployment expected to commence in 2026 [2]. - The inference stage AI market is projected to exceed $250 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of around 20%, suggesting significant revenue opportunities for Qualcomm in the AI inference sector [2]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - While Qualcomm shows potential as an investment, some analysts believe there are other AI stocks that may offer greater upside potential and lower downside risk [3].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Shipments increased by 6% to 373,000 tonnes compared to Q3 2024, driven by higher shipments across all operating segments [7] - Revenue rose by 20% to $2.2 billion compared to Q3 2024, attributed to higher shipments and increased revenue per tonne, including higher metal prices [7] - Net income for the quarter was $88 million, a significant increase from $8 million in Q3 2024, primarily due to higher gross profit [8] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 85% to $235 million, with a record adjusted EBITDA of $196 million when excluding the impact of metal price lag [8][9] - Free cash flow was strong at $30 million for the quarter [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **A&T Segment**: Adjusted EBITDA of $90 million, up 67% year-over-year, with TID shipments up 16% but aerospace shipments down 9% [13][14] - **Packaging Segment**: Adjusted EBITDA of $82 million, a 14% increase year-over-year, with packaging shipments up 11% [15] - **AS&I Segment**: Adjusted EBITDA of $33 million, a 371% increase year-over-year, with shipments up 40% [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace market backlogs are at record levels, with major OEMs increasing build rates for aircraft [24] - Demand in the packaging market remains healthy in North America and Europe, with long-term growth expected [25] - Automotive production in Europe remains below pre-COVID levels, with demand weak particularly in luxury and electric vehicle segments [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on high value-added products, enhancing customer connectivity, and optimizing margins [23] - The leadership transition is aimed at continuing the strong foundation and strategic direction established [5][6] - The company is committed to maintaining a right-sized cost structure and executing its Vision 25 cost improvement program [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term fundamentals driving aerospace demand, despite current supply chain challenges [24] - The company anticipates a modest benefit from recent aluminum supply chain interruptions in automotive, with expectations for improvement in 2026 [28] - Management raised guidance for 2025, targeting adjusted EBITDA of $670 million to $690 million and free cash flow in excess of $120 million [31] Other Important Information - The company completed a divestment of its Nanjing Automotive Structures plant during the quarter [9] - The current tariff environment is manageable, with indirect positive impacts from tariffs expected to continue [10][11] - The company has no bond maturities until 2028, with strong liquidity of $831 million as of the end of Q3 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of scrap spread on future quarters - Management indicated that scrap spreads have tightened in 2024 and are expected to widen in 2025, with a potential impact of $15 to $20 million per quarter [35][41] Question: Aerospace margin outlook - Management noted that the aerospace segment has maintained strong margins due to a wide product portfolio and R&D capabilities, with expectations for continued improvement [47][56] Question: European market recovery indicators - Management highlighted mixed signals in the European market, with some sectors stabilizing while others remain weak, particularly in automotive [80][85] Question: Benefits from rising aluminum prices - Management clarified that rising aluminum prices primarily impact cash flow due to increased inventory costs, while scrap spreads are expected to provide some benefits [86][87]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 23% EBITDA margin in Q3 2025, with over 20% year-to-date, and raised its full-year EBITDA outlook by 10% [4][20] - Reported operating income for Q3 was $49 million, an increase of approximately $36 million from $13 million in the prior year quarter [9] - Adjusted net income for Q3 2025 was $31 million, or $1.86 per diluted share, compared to $5 million, or $0.31 per diluted share in the prior year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and high-strength conversion revenue totaled $100 million, down $28 million, or approximately 22%, primarily due to a 30% decline in shipments [7][8] - Packaging conversion revenue totaled $138 million, up $9 million, or approximately 7% year-over-year, despite a 5% decline in shipments [8] - General engineering conversion revenue for Q3 was $81 million, up $5 million, or 6% year-over-year, on a 7% increase in shipments [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand in aerospace is trending positively, with expectations for improved conditions as destocking eases [6] - Packaging supply remains tight, with strong demand expected to continue [6] - Automotive conversion revenue increased 10% year-over-year, despite a 5% decrease in shipments due to tariff-related uncertainties [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on managing costs and restoring operating efficiencies as it nears the end of its major investment cycle [6] - Investments in aerospace and packaging are central to the company's strategy, with a shift towards higher-margin coated products [5][16] - The company aims to achieve mid to high 20% EBITDA margins as investments come online and market demand improves [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of aerospace shipments and conversion revenue, expecting a return to first-half levels in Q4 [25] - The company anticipates strong demand in packaging, with a full ramp-up of the new coating line expected by late Q4 2025 [16] - General engineering is expected to see continued growth, with full-year shipments and conversion revenue projected to be up approximately 5%-10% year-over-year [19] Other Important Information - The company incurred approximately $20 million in startup costs related to key strategic investments during the quarter [4] - As of September 30, 2025, the company had $577 million in total liquidity, with a net debt leverage ratio improved to 3.6x from 4.3x at the end of 2024 [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of aerospace shipment decline - Management confirmed that the 30% decline in aerospace shipments was primarily due to planned maintenance and expects a recovery to first-half levels in Q4 [25][26] Question: Packaging contract negotiations - Management indicated progress in contract negotiations, expecting a 300-400 basis points increase in EBITDA margins and finalization of a major customer contract by year-end [27][28] Question: Impact of tariffs on business - Management stated that tariffs have had a neutral to slightly positive impact, with better demand for domestic products and opportunities for price enhancement in general engineering [36][37] Question: Capacity and demand in packaging - Management noted strong demand for aluminum substrate products, particularly in food-related packaging, and confirmed that they are not seeing reductions in contracted capacities [38] Question: Ramp-up of new facilities in 2026 - Management expects a gradual ramp-up of new facilities in 2026, with strong demand anticipated to support operational execution [42][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a third-quarter conversion revenue of $351 million, a decline of approximately $11 million, or 3%, compared to the prior year period [7] - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $81 million, up approximately $35 million from the prior year period, despite an 8% year-over-year reduction in shipments [12][13] - Reported net income for the third quarter was $40 million, or $2.38 net income per diluted share, compared to net income of $9 million, or $0.54 net income per diluted share in the prior year quarter [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and high-strength conversion revenue totaled $100 million, down $28 million, or approximately 22%, primarily due to a 30% decline in shipments [8] - Packaging conversion revenue totaled $138 million, up $9 million, or approximately 7% year-over-year, with shipments declining 5% over the prior year period [8] - General engineering conversion revenue for the third quarter was $81 million, up $5 million, or 6% year-over-year, on a 7% increase in shipments [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand in aerospace is trending positively, with expectations for improved conditions as destocking eases [6] - Packaging supply remains tight, with strong demand expected to continue for the foreseeable future [6] - Automotive conversion revenue was $32 million, increased 10% year-over-year, despite a 5% decrease in shipments due to tariff-related customer uncertainty [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on managing costs, restoring operating efficiencies, and regaining best-in-class operating metrics as it nears the end of its major investment cycle [6] - The strategic investments in aerospace and packaging are expected to strengthen the company's market position and support long-term growth [5][15] - The company anticipates a shift towards higher-margin coated packaging products, with a full ramp-up of the Warwick fourth coating line expected by late fourth quarter of 2025 [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of aerospace shipments and conversion revenue, expecting a decline of approximately 10% year-over-year for full-year aerospace due to destocking [16] - The outlook for packaging remains strong, with expectations for conversion revenue to be up 12% to 15% year-over-year [17] - The automotive outlook remains stable, with full-year conversion revenue expected to increase approximately 3% to 5% year-over-year [19] Other Important Information - The company incurred approximately $20 million in startup costs tied to strategic investments, which are expected to taper off as operations stabilize [4][13] - As of September 30, 2025, the company had $577 million in total liquidity, with a net debt leverage ratio improved to 3.6 times from 4.3 times at the end of 2024 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the aerospace and high-strength, shipments down 30% quarter on quarter - Management confirmed that the decline was primarily due to planned maintenance and expects a recovery back to first half levels in Q4, with more clarity on 2026 expected in February [24][25] Question: On packaging, where do the last renegotiations stand? - Management indicated progress in contract negotiations, expecting a 300 to 400 basis points increase on the EBITDA margin side, with finalization of a major customer contract anticipated before year-end [27][28] Question: How are customers responding to tariffs? - Management stated that the impact of tariffs has been neutral to slightly positive, with better demand for domestic products and opportunities for price enhancement in the general engineering segment [35][36] Question: How do you think about the cadence of the ramp-up of new facilities in 2026? - Management expects a gradual ramp-up in the first half of 2026, with stronger demand anticipated in the second half as major growth investments come online [42][43]