Lincoln Educational Services(US:LINC)2025-11-10 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $141.4 million, an increase of 25.4% year-over-year, driven by strong student start growth [28] - Net income for the quarter was $3.8 million, compared to $4 million in the prior year, while adjusted net income increased to $6.3 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, representing a 54.9% increase [31] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 65.1% to $16.9 million, up from $10.2 million last year, highlighting operational leverage [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Student starts for the quarter were approximately 6,400, reflecting a 6% growth, primarily in skilled trades, which saw an 11.8% increase in starts [28][29] - Healthcare and Other Professions programs experienced a 13.7% decline in starts, attributed to the discontinuation of smaller non-core programs [29][30] - Average student population grew nearly 20%, with an ending population of about 18,200 compared to 15,600 in the prior year [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened new campuses in East Point, Georgia, and Houston, Texas, contributing to strong start growth [7][10] - The new Rowlett, Texas campus is expected to open in early 2027, with a capacity for over 1,600 students [11] - The healthcare segment, while facing challenges, is expected to grow with the re-enrollment of students in the Paramus Nursing program starting January 2026 [15][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its presence in skilled trades, with plans for new campuses and program expansions [10][12] - The Lincoln 10.0 hybrid teaching platform is enhancing instructional efficiencies and organizational productivity [9][30] - The company aims to achieve $25 million-$30 million in annualized revenue and $7 million-$10 million in EBITDA for new campuses by their fourth year of operation [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the continued demand for skilled trade training, driven by economic factors and government actions impacting student loans [10][20] - The company is optimistic about achieving its revised financial targets for 2027, projecting revenue exceeding $600 million and adjusted EBITDA over $90 million [36][37] - Management noted that the current operating environment has not negatively impacted the business, despite challenges faced by competitors [20][60] Other Important Information - The company is exploring corporate development activities, including acquisitions and joint ventures, to enhance its growth strategy [17] - The focus on high school outreach programs is expected to increase enrollment from high school students [16][24] - The company plans to host an investor analyst day at its new Nashville campus in March 2026 [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance - The adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 includes approximately $10 million in pre-opening costs, and the expectation for 2026 is to exceed the $90 million target even without those add-backs [38][39] Question: Drivers of strong performance in Q3 - The strong performance was driven by robust student interest and the success of new campuses and programs, with a forecast of 15%-20% growth in Q4 starts [40][41] Question: Timeline for expanding RN programs - The process to offer RN programs is state-by-state and could take 12 to 48 months, with applications already submitted in several states [42][43] Question: Clarification on 2027 revenue guidance - The new guidance of exceeding $600 million in revenue includes contributions from all announced campuses, including Rowlett [44] Question: Future growth expectations in healthcare - The core healthcare programs, LPN and medical assisting, are expected to continue growing, especially with the reopening of the Paramus campus [45][46] Question: Military enrollment statistics - Currently, military students represent about 5-6% of total enrollment, primarily utilizing GI Bill benefits [58][59]