SEC Form 10-Q filed by Lincoln Educational Services Corporation
$LINC
Other Consumer Services
Real Estate
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2025
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from______ to______
Commission File Number 000-51371
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| | | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| | | |
| | | (Zip Code) |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | | |
(973 ) 736-9340
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| | | The |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| | Large accelerated filer ☐ | |
| | Non-accelerated filer ☐ | Smaller reporting company |
| | Emerging growth company | |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of November 10, 2025, there were 31,623,795 shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock.
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
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PART I.
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2
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Item 1.
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2
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2
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3
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4
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5
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7
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Item 2.
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21
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Item 3.
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33
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Item 4.
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33
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PART II.
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34
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Item 1.
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34
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Item 1A.
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34
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Item 2.
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34
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Item 3.
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34
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Item 4.
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34
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Item 5.
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34
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Item 6.
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35
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36
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the documents incorporated by reference contain “forward-looking statements”, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which include information relating to future events, future financial performance, strategies, expectations, competitive environment, regulation and availability of resources. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding: proposed new programs; expectations that regulatory developments or other matters will or will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity; statements concerning projections, predictions, expectations, estimates or forecasts as to our business, financial and operating results and future economic performance; and statements of management’s goals and objectives and other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, identify forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:
•
compliance with the extensive existing regulatory framework applicable to our industry or our failure to timely obtain and maintain regulatory approvals and accreditation;
•
compliance with continuous changes in applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including pending rulemaking by the U.S. Department of Education;
•
the effect of current and future Title IV Program regulations arising out of negotiated rulemaking, including any potential reductions in funding or restrictions on the use of funds received through Title IV Programs;
•
successful updating and expansion of the content of existing programs and developing new programs on a cost-effective and timely basis;
•
uncertainties regarding our ability to comply with federal laws and regulations regarding the 90/10 Rule and cohort default rates;
•
successful implementation of our strategic plan;
•
our inability to maintain eligibility for or to process federal student financial assistance;
•
regulatory investigations or actions that may be commenced against, us or other companies in our industry;
•
changes in the state regulatory environment or budgetary constraints;
•
decline in enrollment;
•
challenges in our students’ ability to find employment as a result of economic conditions;
•
maintenance and expansion of existing industry relationships and development of new industry relationships;
•
a loss of members of our senior management or other key employees;
•
uncertainties associated with opening of new campuses and closing existing campuses;
•
uncertainties associated with integration of acquired schools;
•
industry competition;
•
the effect of any cybersecurity incident;
•
the effect of public health outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics;
•
general economic conditions; and
•
other factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 under the headings “Business,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” as applicable.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information.
Item 1.
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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September
30,
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December
31,
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2025
|
2024
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ASSETS
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||||||||
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CURRENT ASSETS:
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||||||||
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Cash and cash equivalents
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$ | $ | ||||||
| Accounts receivable, less allowance of $ |
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Inventories
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||||||||
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Income tax receivable
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Prepaid expenses and other
current assets
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Asset held for sale
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Total current assets
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||||||||
| PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES - At cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $ |
||||||||
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OTHER ASSETS:
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||||||||
| Noncurrent receivables, less allowance of $ |
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Deferred finance charges
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||||||||
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Deferred income taxes, net
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||||||||
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Operating lease right-of-use
assets
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Finance lease right-of-use
assets
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Goodwill
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Pension plan assets, net
|
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| Other assets, net | ||||||||
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Total other assets
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||||||||
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TOTAL ASSETS
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$ | $ | ||||||
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
||||||||
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CURRENT LIABILITIES:
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||||||||
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Unearned tuition
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$ | $ | ||||||
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Accounts payable
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Accrued expenses
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Income taxes payable
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Current portion of operating
lease liabilities
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Current portion of finance
lease liabilities
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Total current liabilities
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NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
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||||||||
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Long-term portion of
operating lease liabilities
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Long-term portion of finance
lease liabilities
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Long-term debt
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Other long-term liabilities
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Total liabilities
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COMMITMENTS AND
CONTINGENCIES
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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
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| Common stock, |
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Additional paid-in capital
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Retained earnings
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Accumulated other
comprehensive loss
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Total stockholders' equity
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TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
$ | $ |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
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REVENUE
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$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
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COSTS AND EXPENSES:
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||||||||||||||||
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Educational services and facilities
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Selling, general and administrative
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||||||||||||||||
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Gain on insurance proceeds
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( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
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Loss (gain) on sale of assets
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( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
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Total costs & expenses
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OPERATING INCOME
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OTHER:
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Interest income
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Interest expense
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( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
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INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
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PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
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NET INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
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$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
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Basic
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||||||||||||||||
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Net income per common share
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$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
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Diluted
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Net income per common share
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$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
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Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
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Basic
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||||||||||||||||
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Diluted
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See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
| Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Paid-in | Retained | Comprehensive | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Capital | Earnings | Income | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
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BALANCE - January 1, 2025
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$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
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Net Income
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- | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stock-based compensation expense
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Restricted stock
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Net share settlement for equity-based compensation
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( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
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BALANCE - March 31, 2025
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Net Income
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- | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stock-based compensation expense
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Restricted stock
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BALANCE - June 30, 2025
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Net Income
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- | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stock-based compensation expense
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Restricted stock
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Net share settlement for equity-based compensation
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( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
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BALANCE - September 30, 2025
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$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Accumulated
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Paid-in | Retained | Comprehensive | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Shares
| Amount | Capital | Earnings | Loss | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
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BALANCE - January 1, 2024
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$ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||
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Net loss
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- | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Stock-based compensation expense
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||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Restricted stock
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Net share settlement for equity-based compensation
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( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
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BALANCE - March 31, 2024
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( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Net loss
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- | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Stock-based compensation expense
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Restricted stock
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BALANCE - June 30, 2024
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( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Net income
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- | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stock-based compensation expense
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||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Restricted stock
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( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Share repurchase
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( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
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BALANCE - September 30, 2024
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
||||||||
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Net income
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$ | $ | ||||||
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
|
||||||||
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Depreciation and amortization
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Finance lease amortization
|
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Amortization of deferred finance charges
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Deferred income taxes
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(Gain) loss on sale of assets
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( | ) | ||||||
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Gain on insurance proceeds
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( | ) | ||||||
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Proceeds from insurance
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Fixed asset donations
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( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
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Provision for credit losses
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Stock-based compensation expense
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(Increase) decrease in assets:
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||||||||
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Accounts receivable
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
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Inventories
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( | ) | ||||||
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Prepaid income taxes
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
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Prepaid expenses and current assets
|
( | ) | ||||||
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Other assets, net
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Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
|
||||||||
|
Accounts payable
|
( | ) | ||||||
|
Accrued expenses
|
( | ) | ||||||
|
Unearned tuition
|
( | ) | ||||||
|
Income taxes payable
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
|
Other liabilities
|
( | ) | ||||||
|
Total adjustments
|
( | ) | ||||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
( | ) | ||||||
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
||||||||
|
Capital expenditures
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
|
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
|
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Net cash used in investing activities
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
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CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
||||||||
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Proceeds from borrowings
|
||||||||
|
Payments on borrowings
|
( | ) | ||||||
|
Payment of deferred finance fees
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
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Finance lease principal paid
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
|
Tenant allowance finance leases
|
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Net share settlement for equity-based compensation
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
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Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
( | ) | ||||||
|
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS —Beginning of period
|
||||||||
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CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period
|
$ | $ | ||||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
| Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
| September 30, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
|
||||||||
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Cash paid for:
|
||||||||
|
Interest
|
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Income taxes
|
$ | $ | ||||||
|
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
||||||||
|
Liabilities accrued for or noncash additions of fixed assets
|
$ | $ | ||||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 AND 2024
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise stated)
(Unaudited)
1.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Business
Activities— Lincoln
Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the
“Company”, “we”, “our”, and “us”, as applicable) provide diversified
career-oriented postsecondary education to recent high school graduates and
working adults. The Company, which currently operates 22 campuses in 12
states, has entered into leases for three new campuses: one in Houston, Texas,
which opened in the third quarter of 2025, one in Hicksville, New York, with
programs expected to begin by the end of 2026, and one in Rowlett, Texas, a
northern suburb of Dallas, where the lease is expected to commence in the
fourth quarter of 2025, and programs are expected to begin in the first quarter
of 2027. The Company offers programs in skilled trades, automotive, health
sciences and information technology. The schools operate under the brands
Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology and Nashville Auto
Diesel College.
Most of the Company’s campuses serve major metropolitan markets and each typically offers courses in multiple areas of study. Five of the campuses are destination schools, which attract students from across the United States and, in some cases, from abroad. The Company’s other campuses primarily attract students from their local communities and surrounding areas. All of the campuses are nationally accredited and are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education (“the DOE”) and applicable state education agencies and accrediting commissions, which allow students to apply for and access federal student loans as well as other forms of financial aid. The Company was incorporated in New Jersey in 2003 as the successor-in-interest to various acquired schools including Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc., which opened its first campus in Newark, New Jersey in 1946.
Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been omitted or condensed pursuant to such regulations. These financial statements, which should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2024 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto and related disclosures of the Company included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (“Form 10-K”), reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for such periods. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.
The Company’s business is organized into two reportable business segments: Campus Operations and Transitional. The Campus Operations segment includes campuses that are continuing in operation and contribute to the Company’s core operations and performance. The Transitional segment refers to campuses that have been marked for closure and are currently being taught-out, in addition to campuses that are held-for sale or sold. As of September 30, 2025, no campuses were classified in the Transitional segment. During the prior year, the Company’s Summerlin, Las Vegas campus was classified in the Transitional segment. The sale of the Summerlin campus was consummated on January 1, 2025.
We evaluate performance based on operating results. Adjustments to reconcile segment results with consolidated results are included in the caption “Corporate,” which primarily includes unallocated corporate activity.
The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the estimates and assumptions, including those used to determine the incremental borrowing rate to calculate lease liabilities and right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, lease term to calculate lease cost, bad debts, impairments, useful lives of fixed assets, income taxes, benefit plans, stock-based compensation, and certain accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Start-up Costs—Costs related to the start of new campuses are expensed as incurred.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which provides updates to qualitative and quantitative reportable segment disclosure requirements, including requiring among other things, enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and increased interim disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-07 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company has adopted the new disclosure requirements retrospectively in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In November 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2024-03, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Topic 220): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which requires additional disclosure of certain amounts included in the expense captions presented on the statement of operations, as well as disclosures about selling expenses. The ASU is effective on a prospective basis, with the option for retrospective application for periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this ASU will have on our financial statement disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments in this ASU require that public business entities on an annual basis 1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation, and 2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. The amendments require disclosure about the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated (1) by federal, state and foreign taxes, and (2) by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid is equal or greater than 5 percent of total income taxes paid. The amendment also requires entities to disclose income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense disaggregated between domestic and foreign and income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations disaggregated by federal, state and foreign. For all public business entities, this ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024; early adoption is permitted. We do not expect this ASU to have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025‑05, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326‑20): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets, which provides a practical expedient that all entities can use when estimating expected credit losses for current accounts receivable and current contract assets arising from transactions accounted for under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This practical expedient allows entities to assume that current conditions as of the balance sheet date do not change for the remaining life of the asset in determining credit loss reserve for existing receivables and contract assets. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025 and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods with early adoption permitted in both interim and annual reporting periods in which financial statements have not yet been issued. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on our financial statement disclosures.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles Goodwill and Other- Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software. The ASU amends the internal-use software cost capitalization model by eliminating stage-based rules and introduces new capitalization criteria based on management authorization and the probability of project completion. This ASU also clarifies the treatment of software development uncertainty and incorporates guidance on website development costs. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2025-06 may be applied prospectively, retrospectively or on a modified transition approach with early adoption permitted. We do not expect this ASU to have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes— The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). This statement requires an asset and a liability approach for measuring deferred taxes based on temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities existing at each balance sheet date using enacted tax rates for years in which taxes are expected to be paid or recovered.
In accordance with ASC 740, the Company assesses our deferred tax asset to determine whether all or any portion of the asset is more likely than not unrealizable. A valuation allowance is required to be established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In accordance with ASC 740, our assessment considers whether there has been sufficient income in recent years and whether sufficient income is expected in future years in order to utilize the deferred tax asset. In evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax assets, the Company considers, among other things, historical levels of income, expected future income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, and the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be implemented to prevent the potential loss of future income tax benefits. Significant judgment is required in determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and/or tax returns. Differences between anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Changes in, among other things, income tax legislation, statutory income tax rates or future income levels could materially impact the Company’s valuation of income tax assets and liabilities and could cause our income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods.
We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, we did no
On July 4, 2025, the U.S. enacted legislation which generally extends the tax provisions enacted in 2017 that were set to expire at the end of 2025 and makes other changes to federal tax law for multinational corporations. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new legislation but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial results of operations for the current year.
2.
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) are calculated in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”), which specifies the computation, presentation and disclosure requirements for EPS. Under ASC 260, basic EPS excludes all dilutive Common Stock equivalents. It is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS, as calculated using the treasury stock method, reflects the potential dilution from employee incentive plans during the period.
The weighted average number of common shares used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 was as follows:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
|
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Dilutive effect of Restricted Stock
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
|
||||||||||||||||
3.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Substantially all of our revenues are considered to be revenues from contracts with students. We determine standalone selling price based on the price at which the distinct services or goods are sold separately. The related accounts receivable balances are recorded in our balance sheets as student accounts receivable. We do not have significant revenue recognized from performance obligations that were satisfied in prior periods, and we do not have any transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations other than in our unearned tuition. We record revenue for students who withdraw from our schools only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. In addition, to reduce the amount of outstanding accounts receivable balances due from our students, the Company employs a continuous collection effort. Unearned tuition represents contract liabilities primarily related to our tuition revenue. We have elected not to provide disclosure about transaction prices allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations if the original contract durations are less than one-year, or if we have the right to consideration from a student in an amount that corresponds directly with the value provided to the student for performance obligations completed to date in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. We have assessed the costs incurred to obtain a contract with a student and determined them to be immaterial.
Unearned tuition in the amount of $33.5 million and $30.6 million is recorded in the current liabilities section of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The change in this contract liability balance during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025 is the result of payments received in advance of satisfying performance obligations, offset by revenue recognized during that period. Revenue recognized for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025, that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year was $29.5 million.
The following table depicts the timing of revenue recognition by segment:
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2025 | Nine months ended September 30, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Campus | Campus | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operations | Transitional | Consolidated | Operations | Transitional | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Timing of Revenue Recognition
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Services transferred at a point in time
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Services transferred over time
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total revenues
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | Nine months ended September 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Campus | Campus | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operations | Transitional | Consolidated | Operations | Transitional | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Timing of Revenue Recognition
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Services transferred at a point in time
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Services transferred over time
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total revenues
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
4.
LEASES
The Company enters into contracts to utilize office space, educational facilities, and various items of equipment under lease agreements and accounts for them in accordance with ASC 842, Leases ("ASC 842"). To determine whether a contract contains a lease, the Company assesses whether there is an identified asset and whether the Company has the right to control its use throughout the period of use. The Company classifies leases as either operating or finance leases at lease commencement date in accordance with ASC 842. As required under ASC 842, the Company recognizes a ROU asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet, measured at the present value of lease payments over the term of the lease. An operating lease ROU asset represents the Company's right to use the underlying asset during the lease term and the corresponding lease liability represents its obligation to make lease payments. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are amortized over the lease term, with lease expense recognized on a straight-line basis within operating expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Finance lease arrangements result in separate recognition of interest expense on the lease liability using the effective interest method and amortization expense of the ROU asset on a straight-line basis over the lease term, in addition to principal payments.
As all of the Company's operating leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available on the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We estimate the incremental borrowing rate based on a yield curve analysis, utilizing the interest rate derived from the fair value analysis of our credit facility and adjusting it for factors that appropriately reflect the profile of secured borrowing over the expected term of the lease. The operating lease ROU assets include any lease payments made prior to the rent commencement date and exclude lease incentives. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 20 years. Lease terms may include options to extend the lease term used in determining the lease obligation when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term for operating leases.
On
December 12, 2024, the Company entered into a lease for approximately 65,000
square feet of space to serve as the Company’s campus in Hicksville, New York.
The lease term commenced in September 2025, after the landlord completed
preparation of the space, with an initial lease term of . The lease contains a renewal option allowing for either a 10 -year
renewal or two five-year renewals.
On
September 12, 2025, the Company entered into a lease for approximately 88,000
square feet of space to serve as the Company's campus in Rowlett, a
northern suburb of Dallas, Texas. The lease term is currently expected to
commence in the fourth quarter of 2025 upon completion of the build-out, with
an initial lease term of . The Company will not take
possession of the premises until the lease commencement date.
The following table presents components of lease cost and classification on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||||
|
in thousands
|
Consolidated Statement of Operations Classification
|
2025
|
2024
| 2025 |
2024
| |||||||||||||
|
Operating Lease Cost
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
|
Finance lease cost
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
Amortization of leased assets
|
Educational services and facilities
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
Interest on lease Liabilities
|
Interest expense
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
Variable lease cost
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
The net change in ROU asset and operating lease liability is included in the net change in other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024.
The net change in ROU asset and finance lease liability is split between principal payments, interest expense and amortization expense. Principal payments are classified in the financing section, interest expense is included in net income and amortization expense is broken out separately in the operating section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash activity related to our leases are as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
|
Cash flow information:
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Operating Cash Flows - operating leases
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Operating Cash Flows - finance leases
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Financing Cash Flows - finance leases
|
$ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||
|
Non-cash activity:
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Operating leases
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Finance leases
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company entered into one new operating lease. There were no lease modifications during the nine months ended September 30, 2025.
Weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for our leases are as follows:
| As of September 30, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease term | ||||||||
| Operating leases | | | ||||||
| Finance leases | | | ||||||
| Weighted-average discount rate | ||||||||
| Operating leases | % | % | ||||||
| Finance leases | % | % | ||||||
Maturities of lease liabilities by fiscal year for our leases as of September 30, 2025, are as follows:
|
Operating Leases
|
Finance Leases
| |||||||
|
Year ending December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2025 (excluding the nine months ending September 30, 2025)
|
$ | $ | ||||||
|
2026
|
||||||||
|
2027
|
||||||||
|
2028
|
||||||||
|
2029
|
||||||||
|
2030
|
||||||||
|
Thereafter
|
||||||||
|
Total lease payments
|
||||||||
|
Less: imputed interest
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
|
Present value of lease liabilities
|
$ | $ |
5.
GOODWILL AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets and identifiable intangibles annually, or more frequently if necessary, for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the Company determines that an asset's carrying value is impaired, it will record a write-down of the carrying value of the asset and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period in which the determination is made. For other long-lived assets, including ROU lease assets, the Company evaluates assets for recoverability when there is an indication of potential impairment. If the undiscounted cash flows from a group of assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of that group of assets, the fair value of the asset group is determined and the carrying value of the asset group is written down to fair value.
When we perform the quantitative impairment test for long-lived assets, we examine estimated future cash flows using Level 3 inputs. These cash flows are evaluated by using weighted probability techniques as well as comparisons of past performance against projections. Assets may also be evaluated by identifying independent market values.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, there were no
The carrying amount of goodwill on September 30, 2025, was as follows:
|
Gross
|
Accumulated
|
Net
| ||||||||||
|
Goodwill
|
Impairment
|
Goodwill
| ||||||||||
|
Balance
|
Losses
|
Balance
| ||||||||||
|
Balance as of December 31, 2024
|
$ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||
|
Adjustments
|
- | |||||||||||
|
Balance as of September 30, 2025
|
$ | $ | ( | ) | $ |
6.
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
As of September 30, 2025, and December 31, 2024, property, equipment and facilities consisted of the following:
|
Useful life
(years) |
September
30, 2025 |
December
31, 2024 | ||||||||||
|
Land
|
- | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Buildings and improvements
|
||||||||||||
|
Equipment, furniture and fixtures
|
||||||||||||
|
Vehicles
|
||||||||||||
|
Construction in progress
|
- | |||||||||||
|
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| $ | $ |
Property, equipment and facilities are recorded at cost, with depreciation expense included in our educational services and facilities and selling, general and administrative expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The increase in
property, equipment and facilities was driven by several factors, including a $46.0 million investment relating to the build-out
of the new campuses (Nashville, Tennessee; Levittown, Pennsylvania; Houston,
Texas and Hicksville, New York); $6.4 million in new and expanded programs at
various campuses; and $16.8 million of facilities upgrades including security
and branding, with the remainder focusing on training materials and equipment.
Depreciation and amortization expense of property, equipment and facilities was
$5.5 million and $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30,
2025 and 2024 and $13.9 million and $9.5 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively,
which includes amortization of finance leases of $0.4 1.3 million and $1.2 million for the nine-month
periods, respectively.
7.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Credit Facility
On February 16, 2024, the Company entered into a secured credit agreement (as subsequently amended, the "Fifth Third Credit Agreement") with Fifth Third Bank, National Association (the "Bank"), pursuant to which the Company, as borrower, obtained a revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $40.0 million including a $10.0 million letter of credit sublimit and a $20.0 million accordion feature (as subsequently amended, the "Facility"), the proceeds of which are to be used for working capital, general corporate and certain other permitted purposes. The Facility is guaranteed by the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries and is secured by a first priority lien in favor of the Bank on substantially all of the personal property owned by the Company and its subsidiaries. The term of the Facility is 36 months, maturing on February 16, 2027 .
Each advance under the Facility will bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the date when made at an interest rate determined at the election of the Company at either the Tranche Rate (which is the forward-looking Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) for one or three months ), or the Base Rate (which is a variable per annum rate, as of any date of determination, equal to the Bank's Prime Rate), plus an Applicable Margin. The Applicable Margin is determined pursuant to a Pricing Grid, which for loans subject to the Tranche Rate varies from 1.75 % to 2.50 % and for loans subject to the Base Rate varies from 0.75 % to 1.50 %. The Applicable Margin may change quarterly based on the Total Leverage Ratio at such time. The Total Leverage Ratio is determined with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for an applicable quarterly period by dividing the aggregate principal amount of various forms of borrowed indebtedness as of the last day of a determination period by earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") for such period. Interest is paid in arrears, either quarterly or monthly depending on the Company's interest rate election, with the principal due at maturity.
Under the terms of the Fifth Third Credit Agreement, the Company will pay to the Bank an unused facility fee on the average daily unused balance of the Facility at a rate per annum equal to 0.50 %, which fee is payable in arrears on dates when interest is due and payable. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company paid approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, and $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, in unused facility fees, which were expensed as incurred. The Company will also pay to the Bank a letter of credit fee equal to the Applicable Margin for loans subject to the Tranche Rate multiplied by the maximum amount available to be drawn under such letter of credit. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, those fees were not material.
The Fifth Third Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants, as well as events of default customary for facilities of this type.
On July 18, 2024, the Company entered into a first amendment (the "First Amendment") to the Fifth Third Credit Agreement. Among other things, the First Amendment effects certain modifications to (i) clarify certain representations and affirmative covenants of the Company, (ii) clarify certain conditions to each advance, (iii) clarify and/or replace certain events of default and (iv) delete or revise certain definitions in order to harmonize them with the other modifications made. The First Amendment also contains customary releases, representations, warranties, and reaffirmations consistent with the original terms of the Fifth Third Credit Agreement. Except as set forth above, the First Amendment does not materially alter the Fifth Third Credit Agreement.
On March 11, 2025, the Company entered into a second amendment (the "Second Amendment") to the Fifth Third Credit Agreement, which increased the aggregate principal amount available under the Facility from $40.0 million to $60.0 million. The Second Amendment also expanded the accordion feature from $20.0 million to $25.0 million and extended the maturity date of the Facility from February 16, 2027 to March 7, 2028 .
In connection with the Fifth Third Credit Agreement, total fees paid during 2024 were approximately $0.5 million, which included bank and legal costs, in addition to other customary expenses and reimbursements. These fees were capitalized in the prior year and are being amortized over the term of the Fifth Third Credit Agreement. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company incurred additional bank and legal fees of $0.1 million in connection with the Second Amendment. The fees were capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the Second Amendment. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, interest paid in connection with the Fifth Third Credit Agreement was $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
As of September 30, 2025, the Company had $8.0 million outstanding under the Facility.
8.
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
As of September 30, 2025, the Company had 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock authorized of which 31,623,795 one vote per share on all matters requiring shareholder approval. The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock since the Company's Board of Directors discontinued our quarterly cash dividend program in February 2015. The Company currently has no intentions of resuming the payment of cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Long-Term Incentive Plan
The Company currently has one active stock incentive plan, the Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP").
On March 26, 2020, the Board of Directors adopted the LTIP to provide an incentive to certain directors, officers and employees of the Company to align their interests in the Company's success with those of its shareholders through the grant of equity-based awards. On June 16, 2020, the shareholders of the Company approved the LTIP. The LTIP is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, or such other qualified committee appointed by the Board of Directors, which, among other duties, has the full power and authority to take all actions and make all determinations required or provided for under the LTIP. Pursuant to the LTIP, the Company may grant options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, incentive stock options, and nonqualified stock options. Under the LTIP, employees may surrender shares to satisfy applicable income tax withholding on the vested Restricted Stock. The LTIP has a duration of 10 years. On February 23, 2023, the Board of Directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, an amendment of the LTIP to increase the aggregate number of shares available under the LTIP from 2,000,000 shares to 4,000,000 shares. The amendment was approved and adopted by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 5, 2023.
Time-Based and Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards
We provide stock-based compensation to employees, officers and directors in the form of awards of restricted stock ("Restricted Stock Awards") under our LTIP, which are conditioned upon either continued service ("Time-based Restricted Stock Awards") or both continued service and achievement of performance goals ("Performance-based Restricted Stock Awards" or "Performance-Based Restricted Stock Shares"). Performance-based restricted stock shares granted prior to 2025, are eligible to vest only upon achievement of at least 100 % of the performance target, with no shares vesting unless the target is met. In 2025, the Company granted Performance-based Restricted Stock Shares to employees, officers, and directors that vest based on the percentage of Adjusted EBITDA achieved for the immediately preceding year. Under such grants, no shares vest in the event that less than 80 % of the target is achieved; vesting begins at 25 % for 80 % achievement and increase on a linear scale up to 200 % vesting for achievement of 120 % or more of the target. In 2025, the Company also granted Performance-Based Restricted Stock Shares to certain executives that vest based on the achievement of a specified percentage of target Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2027. Under such grants, no shares vest in the event that less than 90 % of the target is achieved; vesting begins at 25 % for 90 % achievement and increases on a linear scale up to 100 % vesting for achievement of 100 % or more of the target.
The Compensation Committee believes that a combination of time-based and Performance-based Restricted Stock Awards, of which performance-based awards comprise 50 % of the total, is well-designed to align the interests of directors, officers and employees with those of shareholders by tying compensation to the achievement of the Company's long-term performance goals.
The Company accounts for Restricted Stock Awards in accordance with ASC 718 - Compensation-Stock Compensation, recognizing compensation expense based on the grant-date fair value of our Common Stock. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, and for performance-based awards, only to the extent that it is probable the performance conditions will be achieved.
The expense related to Restricted Stock Awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $1.5 million and $4.1 million, respectively, compared to $1.2 million and $3.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. The unrecognized Restricted stock expense as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was $7.3 million and $4.3 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2025, the outstanding Restricted Stock Awards under the LTIP had an aggregate intrinsic value of $18.3 million compared to $11.5 million in the prior year comparable period.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company completed a net share settlement of 6,880 shares and 204,853 shares, respectively, compared to 7,252 shares and 315,611 restricted shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. The net share settlement was performed on behalf of certain employees that participate in the LTIP upon the vesting of the restricted shares pursuant to the terms of the LTIP. The net share settlement was in connection with income taxes incurred on restricted shares that vested and were transferred to the employees during 2025 and/or 2024, creating taxable income for the employees. At the employees' request, the Company paid these taxes on behalf of the employees in exchange for the employees returning an equivalent value of restricted shares to the Company. These transactions resulted in a decrease of $0.2 million and $3.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, compared to $0.1 million and $3.2 million for the three and nine months September 30, 2024, respectively. These transactions resulted in a decrease to equity on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as the cash payment of the taxes effectively was a repurchase of the restricted shares granted in previous years.
The following is a summary of transactions pertaining to all of our Restricted Stock Awards:
|
Weighted
Average | ||||||||
|
Grant Date
| ||||||||
|
Fair Value
| ||||||||
|
Shares
|
Per Share
| |||||||
|
Nonvested Restricted Stock outstanding at December 31, 2024
|
$ | |||||||
|
Granted
|
||||||||
|
Canceled
|
||||||||
|
Vested
|
( | ) | ||||||
|
Nonvested Restricted Stock outstanding at September 30, 2025
|
$ |
Share Repurchase Program
On May 24, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a share repurchase program of up to $30.0 million of the Company's outstanding Common Stock. The repurchase program was authorized for 12 months. Pursuant to the program, purchases may be made, from time to time, in open-market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions or by other means as determined by the Company's management and in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The timing of purchases and the number of shares repurchased under the program will depend on a variety of factors including price, trading volume, corporate and regulatory requirements and market conditions. The Company retains the right to limit, terminate or extend the share repurchase program at any time without prior notice.
The Board of Directors extended the share repurchase program for an additional 12 10.0 million of the Company's Common Stock, for an aggregate of up to $30.6 million in additional repurchases in February 2023, and thereafter in May 2024 and most recently on May 8, 2025, when the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized an extension of the share repurchase program for an additional 12 months through May 24, 2026.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company did not 29.7 million remaining for additional repurchases under the program. Since inception of the program, the Company has made repurchases of approximately 1.7 million shares of the Company's Common Stock at an average share price of $5.95 for an aggregate expenditure of approximately $10.3 million.
9.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
There are no material developments relating to previously disclosed legal proceedings. See the "Legal Proceedings" section of the Company's Form 10-K and previous Form 10-Qs for information regarding existing legal proceedings.
In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are subject to additional periodic lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings and other claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving students or graduates, routine employment matters and business disputes. We cannot predict the ultimate resolution of these lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings and other claims asserted against us, but we do not believe that any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Student Financing Plans
As of September 30, 2025, the Company had outstanding net financing commitments to its students to assist them in financing their education of approximately $55.3 million, net of interest.
10.
SEGMENTS
The Company manages its business, evaluates performance and allocates resources based on two reportable business segments, Campus Operations and Transitional.
Campus Operations – The Campus Operations segment includes campuses that are continuing in operation and contribute to the Company's core operations and performance. All of the campuses continuing in operation are classified in this segment. The majority of the campuses offer programs across various areas of study.
Transitional – The Transitional segment refers to campuses that are marked for closure and are currently being taught out, in addition to campuses that are held-for-sale or sold. The net assets of the Summerlin, Las Vegas campus were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2024 and written down by $1.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. On January 1, 2025, the Company completed the sale of the Summerlin campus, and no gain or loss was recognized on the sale. Operating results for the Summerlin campus were classified within the Transitional segment.
The individual operating segments have been aggregated into the two main reportable segments based on the method by which our Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") evaluates performance and allocates resources and as a result of the Company's judgment that the reporting units have similar products, production processes, types of customers, methods of distribution, regulatory environment, and economic characteristics. The Company's CODM is comprised of a team of executives deemed the "Executive Committee," which is comprised of the following individuals:
1. Scott Shaw – Chief Executive Officer and Director
2. Brian Meyers – Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
The CODM assesses segment financial performance by reviewing segment revenue and segment operating income, which includes certain corporate overhead allocations relating directly to the segments disclosed. Some of the allocated costs include the centralization of the Company's financial aid process, national sales and receivables, and default costs. The CODM will make decisions to allocate resources based on the review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial information categorized by segment. The financial information is presented to the CODM using actual-to-actual results and budget-to-actual results.
We evaluate performance based on operating results. Adjustments to reconcile segment results with consolidated results are included in the caption "Corporate," which primarily includes unallocated corporate activity.
Summary financial information by reporting segment is as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | Campus Operations | Transitional | Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2025
|
2024
|
2025
|
2024
|
2025
|
2024
|
2025
|
2024
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
REVENUE
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Instructional
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Books and tools
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Facilities
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Educational services and facilities
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sales and marketing
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Student services
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Provision for credit losses
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Administrative
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Gain on insurance proceeds
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total costs and expenses
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
|
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | Campus Operations | Transitional | Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2025
|
2024
|
2025
|
2024
|
2025
|
2024
|
2025
|
2024
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
REVENUE
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Instructional
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Books and tools
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Facilities
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Educational services and facilities
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sales and marketing
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Student services
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Provision for credit losses
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Administrative
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Gain on insurance proceeds
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total costs and expenses
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
11.
FAIR VALUE
The accounting framework for determining fair value includes a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to measure fair value, which enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements. The fair value hierarchy consists of three tiers:
Level 1: Defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3: Defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The Company measures the fair value of money market funds and treasury bills using Level 1 inputs. Pricing sources may include industry standard data providers, security master files from large financial institutions and other third-party sources used to determine a daily market value.
The following table presents the fair value of the financial instruments measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2025, and December 31, 2024, respectively.
| September 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying
Amount | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total | ||||||||||||||||
|
Cash equivalents:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Money market fund
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
|
Total cash equivalents
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying
Amount | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total | ||||||||||||||||
|
Cash equivalents:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Money market fund
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
|
Total cash equivalents
|
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
The carrying amount of the Company's financial instruments, including cash equivalents, short-term investments, prepaid expenses, and other current assets, accrued expenses, and other short-term liabilities, approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these items.
12.
STUDENT RECEIVABLES
Student receivables represent funds owed to us in exchange for the educational services provided to a student. Student receivables are reflected net of an allowance for credit losses at the end of the reporting period. Student receivables, net, are reflected on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as components of both current and non-current assets.
Our students pay for their costs through a variety of funding sources, including federal loan and grant programs, institutional payment plans, Veterans Administration and other military funding and grants, private and institutional scholarships and cash payments. Cash receipts from government-related sources are typically received during the current academic term. Students who have not applied for any type of financial aid generally set up a payment plan with the institution and make payments on a monthly basis as per the terms of the payment plan. A student receivable balance is written off when deemed uncollectable, which is typically once a student is out of school and there has been no payment activity on the account for 150 days. If, however, the student does remit a payment during this time period, the 150 -day policy for write-off starts again until either (1) the student continues making payments, or (2) the student does not make any additional payments after which the student receivable balance is written off after 150 days. In an effort to reduce the risk for writing off a student's account, the Company employs a continuous collection effort to minimize exposure from outstanding receivables.
Students enrolled in the Company's programs are provided with a variety of funding resources, including financial aid, grants, scholarships and private loans. After exhausting all fund options, if the student is still in need of additional financing, the Company may offer an institutional loan as a lender of last resort.
Our standard student receivable allowance is based on an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses on student receivables that considers vintages of receivables to determine a loss rate. In considering lifetime credit losses, if the expected life goes beyond the Company’s reasonable ability to forecast, the Company then reverts back to historical loss experience as an indicator of collections. In determining the expected credit losses for the period, student receivables were disaggregated and pooled into two different categories to refine the calculation. Other information considered included external factors outside the Company’s control. Given that collection history during the COVID-19 pandemic was not considered to be a reliable indicator of a student’s repayment history, the Company adjusted the historical loss calculation by normalizing the financial data relating to that time period. Our estimation methodology further considered a number of quantitative and qualitative factors that, based on our collection experience, we believe have an impact on our repayment risk and ability to collect student receivables. Changes in the trends in any of these factors may impact our estimate of the allowance for credit losses. These factors include, but are not limited to: internal repayment history, student status, changes in the current economic condition, legislative or regulatory environments, internal cash collection forecasts, and the ability to complete the federal financial aid process with the student. These factors are monitored and assessed on a regular basis. Overall, our allowance estimation process for student receivables is validated by trending analysis and comparing estimated and actual performance.
Student Receivables
The Company has student receivables that are due greater than 12 months from the date of our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the amount of non-current student receivables under payment plans that are longer than 12 months in duration, net of allowance for credit losses, was $22.8 million and $19.6 million, respectively.
The following table presents the amortized cost basis of student receivables as of September 30, 2025, by year of origination.
| September 30, 2025 | ||||||||||
| Student |
Nine Months Ended | |||||||||
| Year | Receivables (1) | Write-Off's (2) | ||||||||
| 2025 | $ | 2025 | $ | |||||||
| 2024 | 2024 | |||||||||
| 2023 | 2023 | |||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | |||||||||
| 2021 | 2021 | |||||||||
| Prior | Prior | |||||||||
| Total | $ | Total | $ | |||||||
(1)
(2)
The Company does not utilize or maintain data pertaining to student credit information.
Allowance for Credit Losses
We define student receivables as a portfolio segment under ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASC 326”). Changes in our current and non-current allowance for credit losses related to our student receivable portfolio were calculated in accordance with ASC 326 for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
|
Balance, beginning of period
|
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Provision for credit losses
|
||||||||
|
Write-off's
|
( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
|
Balance, at end of period
|
$ | $ | ||||||
Fair Value Measurements
The carrying amount reported in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for the current portion of student receivables approximates fair value because of the nature of these financial instruments, as they generally have short maturity periods. It is not practicable to estimate the fair value of the non-current portion of student receivables, since observable market data is not readily available and no reasonable estimation methodology exists.
All references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) to “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise.
The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements regarding the Company, our business, prospects, and our results of operations that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties posed by many factors and events that could cause our actual business, prospects, and results of operations to differ materially from those that may be anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Such statements may be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “assume,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “will,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” or similar words and include, without limitation, statements relating to future enrollment, revenues, revenues per student, earnings growth, operating expenses, capital expenditures, and the effect of pandemics and its ultimate effect on the Company’s business and results. These statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Additional factors that could cause or contribute to differences between our actual results and those anticipated include, but are not limited to, those described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Form 10-K and in our other filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may subsequently arise. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this Form 10-Q and in our other reports filed with the SEC that advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business.
The Company’s business is organized into two reportable business segments: Campus Operations; and Transitional. The Campus Operations segment includes campuses that are continuing in operation and contribute to the Company’s core operations and performance. The Transitional segment refers to campuses that have been marked for closure and are being taught out. As of September 30, 2025 no campuses were classified in the Transitional segment. In the prior year, the Company’s Summerlin, Las Vegas campus was classified in the Transitional segment and its sale was consummated on January 1, 2025.
We evaluate performance based on operating results. Adjustments to reconcile segment results with consolidated results are included in the caption “Corporate,” which primarily includes unallocated corporate activity. The interim financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and the discussions contained herein should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K, which includes audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the last three fiscal years ended December 31, 2024.
General
Lincoln
Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the
“Company”, “we”, “our”, and “us”, as applicable) provide diversified
career-oriented postsecondary education to recent high school graduates and
working adults. The Company, which currently operates 22 campuses in 12 states,
has entered into leases for three new campuses: one in Houston, Texas, which
opened in the third quarter of 2025, one in Hicksville, New York, with
programs expected to begin by the end of 2026, and one in Rowlett, Texas, a
northern suburb of Dallas, where the lease is expected to commence in the
fourth quarter of 2025, and programs are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027. The Company
entered into the Houston lease, Hicksville lease and Rowlett lease on
October 31, 2023, December 12, 2024, and September 12, 2025, respectively. The
Company offers programs in skilled trades, automotive, health sciences and
information technology. The schools operate under the brands Lincoln Technical
Institute, Lincoln College of Technology and Nashville Auto Diesel College.
Most of the Company’s campuses serve major metropolitan markets and each typically offers courses in multiple areas of study. Five of the campuses are destination schools, which attract students from across the United States and, in some cases, from abroad. The Company’s other campuses primarily attract students from their local communities and surrounding areas. All of the campuses are nationally accredited and are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education (the "DOE”) and applicable state education agencies and accrediting commissions which allow students to apply for and access federal student loans as well as other forms of financial aid. The Company was incorporated in New Jersey in 2003, as the successor-in-interest to various acquired schools including Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc. which opened its first campus in Newark, New Jersey in 1946.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
For a description of our critical accounting policies and estimates, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Form 10-K and Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q.
Effect of Inflation
Inflation has not had a material effect on our operations.
Business Strategy
Key elements of our business strategy include:
•
Expand Geographically. We plan to open new campuses and enter new markets using existing resources or acquisitions. We opened a new campus in Houston, Texas in August 2025, and have signed leases for new campuses in Hicksville, New York, where programs are expected to begin by the end of 2026, and Rowlett, Texas, expected to open in the first quarter of 2027.
•
Replicate Programs and Expand Existing Areas of Study. We are expanding our program portfolio by introducing in-demand offerings at existing campuses and replicating proven in-demand offerings across locations.
•
Increase Operating Efficiency. We aim to improve margins and scalability by centralizing operations, standardizing curricula, and leveraging technology to streamline campus functions.
•
Maximize Utilization of Existing Facilities. We focus on increasing facility usage through enrollment growth, new programs, and industry partnerships.
•
Expand Teaching Platform. We are transitioning to a hybrid teaching platform, Lincoln 10.0, the implementation of which has been substantially completed and is expected to be finalized by the end of the year for all planned programs, to offer greater flexibility, efficiency, and value to students.
Recent and Planned Campus Openings
|
Campus Location
|
Type
|
Status
|
Opening Date
|
|
East Point, GA
|
New Campus
|
Opened
|
March 2024
|
|
Nashville, TN
|
Campus Relocation
|
Opened
|
March 2025
|
|
Levittown, PA
|
Campus Relocation
|
Opened
|
August 2025
|
|
Houston, TX
|
New Campus
|
Opened
|
August 2025
|
|
Hicksville, NY
|
New Campus
|
In Progress
|
By the end of 2026
|
|
Rowlett, TX
|
New Campus
|
In Progress
|
First quarter of 2027
|
Results of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
The following table sets forth selected Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations data as a percentage of revenues for each of the periods indicated:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
|
September 30,
|
September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
|
Revenue
|
100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
|
Costs and expenses:
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Educational services and facilities
|
40.5 | % | 42 | % | 40.4 | % | 42.6 | % | ||||||||
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
55.0 | % | 55.4 | % | 56.4 | % | 56.7 | % | ||||||||
|
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
|
0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | (0.1 | )% | 0.3 | % | ||||||||
|
Gain on insurance proceeds
|
0.0 | % | (2.4 | )% | 0.0 | % | (0.9 | )% | ||||||||
|
Total costs and expenses
|
95.6 | % | 94.9 | % | 96.6 | % | 98.7 | % | ||||||||
|
Operating income
|
4.4 | % | 5.1 | % | 3.4 | % | 1.3 | % | ||||||||
|
Interest expense, net
|
(0.7 | )% | (0.2 | )% | (0.6 | )% | 0 | % | ||||||||
|
Income from operations before income taxes
|
3.7 | % | 4.9 | % | 2.7 | % | 1.3 | % | ||||||||
|
Provision for income taxes
|
1.1 | % | 1.5 | % | 0.8 | % | 0.3 | % | ||||||||
|
Net income
|
2.7 | % | 3.5 | % | 1.9 | % | 1.0 | % | ||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2025 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Consolidated Results of Operations
Revenue. Revenue increased $27.0 million, or 23.6% to $141.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from $114.4 million in the prior year comparable period. Revenue growth was primarily due to a 17.2% increase in average student population, reflecting 12.0% start growth during the first nine months of 2025 from our campus operations. Additional contributing factors included tuition increases and the timing of books and tools revenue during this quarter.
| Three months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
|
Consolidated
|
2025 | 2024 | % Change | |||||||||
|
Revenue (millions)
|
$ | 141.4 | $ | 114.4 | 23.6 | % | ||||||
|
Total new student starts*
|
6,445 | 6,243 | 3.2 | % | ||||||||
|
Average student population*
|
16,763 | 14,309 | 17.2 | % | ||||||||
|
End of period student population
|
18,244 | 15,887 | 14.8 | % | ||||||||
*Excludes 2,764 student starts on July 1, 2025, to align with comparable student start activity in the prior year which occurred in the last week of June 2024
| Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | Campus Operations | Transitional | Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
REVENUE
|
$ | 141,389 | $ | 114,410 | $ | 141,389 | $ | 112,745 | $ | - | $ | 1,665 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||
|
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Instructional
|
24,813 | 22,411 | 24,813 | 21,834 | - | 577 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Books and tools
|
14,915 | 11,472 | 14,915 | 11,156 | - | 316 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Facilities
|
12,239 | 11,111 | 12,239 | 10,847 | - | 264 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
5,316 | 3,061 | 5,316 | 3,042 | - | 19 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Educational services and facilities
|
57,283 | 48,055 | 57,283 | 46,879 | - | 1,176 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sales and marketing
|
25,347 | 20,393 | 25,347 | 19,948 | - | 445 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Student services
|
6,332 | 5,365 | 6,332 | 5,157 | - | 208 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Provision for credit losses
|
17,572 | 15,261 | 17,566 | 15,096 | - | 165 | 6 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Administrative
|
28,416 | 22,151 | 11,590 | 10,171 | - | 311 | 16,826 | 11,669 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
144 | 169 | - | - | - | - | 144 | 169 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
77,811 | 63,339 | 60,835 | 50,372 | - | 1,129 | 16,976 | 11,838 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
|
10 | (12 | ) | 10 | (12 | ) | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Gain on insurance proceeds
|
- | (2,794 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | (2,794 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total costs and expenses
|
135,104 | 108,588 | 118,128 | 97,239 | - | 2,305 | 16,976 | 9,044 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
|
$ | 6,285 | $ | 5,822 | $ | 23,261 | $ | 15,506 | $ | - | $ | (640 | ) | $ | (16,976 | ) | $ | (9,044 | ) | |||||||||||||
Educational services and facilities expense. Educational services and facilities expense increased by $9.2 million, or 19.2%, to $57.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $48.1 million for the same period in 2024. This increase includes a $1.2 million reduction related to the Transitional segment, which incurred expenses only in the prior year. On a comparable basis, educational services and facilities expense increased by $10.4 million.
The primary driver of the increase was higher costs associated with supporting a larger student population, including higher books and tools expense due to the timing of program starts. Additionally, the increase reflects market-based adjustments to instructional compensation to remain competitive and retain talent. The remaining increase was attributable to higher depreciation expense, largely resulting from capital investments to support our growth initiatives.
As a percentage of revenue, instructional expenses decreased to 17.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from 19.6% in the prior-year comparable period, reflecting improved operating efficiency. Similarly, educational services and facilities expense as a percentage of revenue declined to 40.5% from 42.0% in the prior year comparable period. These improvements demonstrate continued margin expansion as our campus operations scale.
Selling, general and administrative expense. Selling, general and administrative expense increased $14.5 million, or 22.8% to $77.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $63.3 million for the same period in 2024. This includes a $1.1 million reduction related to the Transitional segment, which had expenses in the prior year but none in the current period.
Administrative expenses increased $6.3 million, or 28.3%, primarily due to higher costs associated with our growing student population, increased compensation expenses, including performance-based incentives tied to improved financial performance, and a greater number of employee medical claims.
Student services expense increased $1.0 million or 18%, driven by continued investments in staffing and support infrastructure to serve a growing student base.
Marketing expense increased by $3.5 million, or 28.5% resulting from planned investments and the timing of the marketing activities.
Provision for credit losses. While the provision increased in absolute terms, it declined as a percentage of revenue from 13.3% to 12.4% year-over-year.
Gain on insurance proceeds. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company received gross insurance proceeds in the amount of $2.8 million relating to hail damage at one of our campuses.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenue was 55.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to 55.4% for the same period in 2024.
Net interest income/(expense). Net interest expense was $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $0.2 million in the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily driven by a reduction in interest income resulting from lower average cash balances during the period, as funds were used for capital expenditures, and by higher interest expense on borrowings.
Income taxes. Income tax provision was $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, representing an effective tax rate of 28.2% of pre-tax income, compared to $1.7 million income tax provision and an effective tax rate of 29.7% in the prior year comparable period.
Segment Results of Operations
The Company’s business is organized into two reportable business segments: Campus Operations and Transitional. These segments are defined below:
Campus Operations – The Campus Operations segment includes all campuses that are continuing in operation and contribute to the Company’s core operations and performance.
Transitional – The Transitional segment refers to campuses that have been marked for closure and are being taught out. As of September 30, 2025, no campuses were classified in the Transitional segment. During the prior year, the Company’s Summerlin, Las Vegas campus was classified in the Transitional segment. The sale of the Summerlin campus was consummated on January 1, 2025.
We evaluate performance based on operating results. Adjustments to reconcile segment results with consolidated results are included in the caption “Corporate,” which primarily includes unallocated corporate activity.
The following table presents selected operating metrics for our two reportable segments for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
|
2025
|
2024
|
%
Change
| |||||||||||
|
Revenue:
|
|||||||||||||
|
Campus Operations
|
$ | 141,389 | $ | 112,745 | 25.4 | % |
|
||||||
|
Transitional
|
- | 1,665 | (100 | )% |
|
||||||||
|
Total
|
$ | 141,389 | $ | 114,410 | 23.6 | % |
|
||||||
|
Operating Income
(loss):
|
|||||||||||||
|
Campus Operations
|
$ | 23,261 | $ | 15,506 | 50.0 | % |
|
||||||
|
Transitional
|
- | (640 | ) | 100 | % |
|
|||||||
|
Corporate
|
(16,976 | ) | (9,044 | ) | (87.7 | )% |
|
||||||
|
Total
|
$ | 6,285 | $ | 5,822 | 8.0 | % |
|
||||||
|
Starts:*
|
|||||||||||||
|
Campus Operations
|
6,445 | 6,081 | 6.0 | % |
|
||||||||
|
Transitional
|
- | 162 | (100 | )% |
|
||||||||
|
Total
|
6,445 | 6,243 | 3.2 | % |
|
||||||||
|
Average
Population:*
|
|||||||||||||
|
Campus Operations
|
16,763 | 14,011 | 19.6 | % |
|
||||||||
|
Transitional
|
- | 298 | (100 | )% |
|
||||||||
|
Total
|
16,763 | 14,309 | 17.2 | % |
|
||||||||
|
End of Period
Population:
|
|||||||||||||
|
Campus Operations
|
18,244 | 15,563 | 17.2 | % |
|
||||||||
|
Transitional
|
- | 324 | (100 | )% |
|
||||||||
|
Total
|
18,244 | 15,887 | 14.8 | % |
|
||||||||
*Excludes 2,764 student starts on July 1, 2025, to align with comparable student start activity in the prior year which occurred in the last week of June 2024
Campus Operations
Operating income increased $7.8 million, or 50.0% to $23.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from $15.5 million in the prior year comparable period. The change compared to the prior year comparable period was mainly driven by the following factors:
| • | Revenue increased $28.6 million, or 25.4% to $141.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from $112.7 million in the prior year comparable period. Revenue growth was primarily due to a 19.6% increase in average student population and the timing of books and tools revenue this quarter. | |
|
|
|
| • | Educational services and facilities expense increased $10.4 million, or 22.2% to $57.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from $46.9 million in the prior year comparable period. The primary driver of the increase was higher costs associated with supporting a larger student population, higher books and tools expense due to the timing of program starts, as well as depreciation expense, largely resulting from capital investments to support our growth initiatives. | |
|
|
| • | Total educational services and facilities expense and instructional expense declined as a percentage of revenue by 1.1% and 1.8%, respectively for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the prior year comparable period, reflecting continued margin expansion | |
|
|
|
|
•
|
Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $10.5 million, or 20.8%, to $60.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, compared to $50.4 million in the prior year comparable period. This increase was primarily driven by higher administrative expenses associated with supporting a larger student population. Additionally, student services costs rose in line with the growing student base.
|
Transitional
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Board of Directors approved a plan to close the Summerlin, Las Vegas campus. The sale of the Summerlin campus was consummated on January 1, 2025. During the prior year, the Summerlin campus was classified in the Transitional segment.
|
•
|
Revenue decreased $1.7 million, or 100.0% to zero for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from $1.7 million in the prior year comparable period.
|
|
|
Total operating expenses decreased $2.3 million, or 100.0% to zero for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from $2.3 million in the prior year comparable period.
|
The change in operating performance was the result of closing the Summerlin campus and no longer enrolling new students at the campus.
Corporate and Other
This category includes unallocated expenses incurred on behalf of the entire Company. Corporate and other expenses were $17.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $9.0 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase was primarily driven by higher salaries and benefits due to workforce expansion to support a larger student population and to execute our growth initiatives. Additionally, employee medical claims increased, and performance-based incentive compensation increased tied to improved financial performance.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Consolidated Results of Operations
Revenue. Revenue increased $54.7 million, or 17.1% to $375.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, from $320.7 million in the prior year comparable period. Revenue growth was primarily due to a 15.4% increase in average student population.
|
| Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||
|
Consolidated
|
2025
|
2024
|
% Change
|
|||||||||
|
Revenue
(millions)
|
$ | 375.4 | $ | 320.7 | 17.1 | % | ||||||
|
Total new
student starts
|
16,976 | 15,163 | 12.0 | % | ||||||||
|
Average student
population
|
16,082 | 13,933 | 15.4 | % | ||||||||
|
End of period
student population
|
18,244 | 15,887 | 14.8 | % | ||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | Campus Operations | Transitional | Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
REVENUE
|
$ | 375,369 | $ | 320,691 | $ | 375,369 | $ | 315,301 | $ | - | $ | 5,390 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||
|
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Instructional
|
71,372 | 67,833 | 71,372 | 66,030 | - | 1,803 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Books and tools
|
29,393 | 25,472 | 29,393 | 24,673 | - | 799 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Facilities
|
37,257 | 34,352 | 37,257 | 33,621 | - | 731 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
13,461 | 8,982 | 13,461 | 8,926 | - | 56 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Educational services and facilities
|
151,483 | 136,639 | 151,483 | 133,250 | - | 3,389 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sales and marketing
|
63,920 | 58,222 | 63,920 | 56,968 | - | 1,254 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Student services
|
18,933 | 16,302 | 18,933 | 15,640 | - | 662 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Provision for credit losses
|
42,584 | 40,823 | 42,542 | 40,175 | - | 648 | 42 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Administrative
|
85,866 | 65,815 | 34,750 | 30,425 | - | 871 | 51,116 | 34,519 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
472 | 535 | - | - | - | - | 472 | 535 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
211,775 | 181,697 | 160,145 | 143,208 | - | 3,435 | 51,630 | 35,054 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
|
(466 | ) | 901 | (500 | ) | 590 | - | - | 34 | 311 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Gain on insurance proceeds
|
- | (2,794 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | (2,794 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total costs and expenses
|
362,792 | 316,443 | 311,128 | 277,048 | - | 6,824 | 51,664 | 32,571 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
|
$ | 12,577 | $ | 4,248 | $ | 64,241 | $ | 38,253 | $ | - | $ | (1,434 | ) | $ | (51,664 | ) | $ | (32,571 | ) | |||||||||||||
Educational services and facilities expense. Educational services and facilities expense increased by $14.9 million, or 10.9%, to $151.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $136.6 million for the same period in 2024. This increase includes a $3.4 million reduction related to the Transitional segment, which incurred expenses only in prior year. On a comparable basis, educational services and facilities expense increased by $18.3 million.
The primary driver of the increase was depreciation expense, largely resulting from capital investments to support our growth initiatives. The remaining increase was attributable to higher costs associated with supporting a larger student population, including market-based adjustments to instructional compensation to remain competitive and retain talent.
As a percentage of revenue, instructional expenses decreased to 19.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, from 21.2% in the prior year comparable period, reflecting improved operating efficiency. Similarly, educational services and facilities expense as a percentage of revenue declined to 40.4% from 42.6% in the prior year comparable period. These improvements demonstrate continued margin expansion as we scale operations.
Selling, general and administrative expense. Selling, general and administrative expense increased $30.1 million, or 16.6%, to $211.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $181.7 million for the same period in 2024. This includes a $3.4 million reduction related to the Transitional segment, which had expenses in the prior year but none in the current period.
Administrative expenses rose $20.0 million, or 30.5%, primarily due to a greater number of employee medical claims and increased costs associated with our expanding student population and improved financial performance.
Student services expense increased $2.6 million, or 16.1%, driven by continued investments in staffing and support infrastructure to serve a growing student base.
Marketing expense increased by $3.0 million or 8.5% year over year driven by planned investments in new programs and initiatives.
Provision for credit losses. While the provision increased in absolute terms, it declined as a percentage of revenue from 12.7% to 11.3% year-over-year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenue, was 56.4%, compared to 56.7% in the prior year comparable period.
(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets. Gain on sale was $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to a loss of $0.9 million in the prior year.
Gain on insurance proceeds. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company received gross insurance proceeds in the amount of $2.8 million relating to hail damage at one of our campuses.
Net interest expense. Net interest expense was $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to net interest expense of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily driven by a reduction in interest income resulting from lower average cash balances during the period, as funds were used for capital expenditures, and by higher interest expense on borrowings.
Income taxes. Income tax provision was $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, representing an effective tax rate of 28.4% of pre-tax income, compared to $1.1 million income tax provision and an effective tax rate of 26.4% in the prior year comparable period.
Segment Results of Operations
We evaluate performance based on operating results. Adjustments to reconcile segment results with consolidated results are included in the caption “Corporate,” which primarily includes unallocated corporate activity.
The following table presents selected operating metrics for our two reportable segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
|
2025
|
2024
|
% Change
| |||||||||||
|
Revenue:
|
|||||||||||||
|
Campus Operations
|
$ | 375,369 | $ | 315,301 | 19.1 | % |
|
||||||
|
Transitional
|
- | 5,390 | (100 | )% |
|
||||||||
|
Total
|
$ | 375,369 | $ | 320,691 | 17.1 | % |
|
||||||
|
Operating
Income (loss):
|
|||||||||||||
|
Campus Operations
|
$ | 64,241 | $ | 38,253 | 67.9 | % |
|
||||||
|
Transitional
|
- | (1,434 | ) | 100 | % |
|
|||||||
|
Corporate
|
(51,664 | ) | (32,571 | ) | (58.6 | )% |
|
||||||
|
Total
|
$ | 12,577 | $ | 4,248 | 196.1 | % |
|
||||||
|
Starts:
|
|||||||||||||
|
Campus Operations
|
16,976 | 14,756 | 15.0 | % |
|
||||||||
|
Transitional
|
- | 407 | 100 | % |
|
||||||||
|
Total
|
16,976 | 15,163 | 12.0 | % |
|
||||||||
|
Average
Population:
|
|||||||||||||
|
Campus Operations
|
16,082 | 13,605 | 18.2 | % |
|
||||||||
|
Transitional
|
- | 328 | (100 | )% |
|
||||||||
|
Total
|
16,082 | 13,933 | 15.4 | % |
|
||||||||
|
End
of Period Population:
|
|||||||||||||
|
Campus Operations
|
18,244 | 15,563 | 17.2 | % |
|
||||||||
|
Transitional
|
- | 324 | (100 | )% |
|
||||||||
|
Total
|
18,244 | 15,887 | 14.8 | % |
|
||||||||
Campus Operations
Operating income increased $26.0 million, or 67.9% to $64.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, from $38.3 million in the prior year comparable period. The change compared to the prior year was mainly driven by the following factors:
|
•
|
Revenue
increased $60.1 million, or 19.1% to $375.4 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2025, from $315.3 million in the prior year comparable period.
Revenue growth was primarily due to a 18.2% increase
in average student population.
|
|
•
|
Educational
services and facilities expense increased $18.2 million, or 13.7% to $151.5
million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, from $133.3 million in
the prior year comparable period. The primary driver of the increase was
attributable to higher costs associated with supporting a larger student
population as well as higher depreciation expense, largely resulting from
capital investments to support our growth
initiatives.
|
|
•
|
Selling,
general and administrative expenses increased $16.9 million, or 11.8% to
$160.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to
$143.2 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase was
primarily driven by higher sales and marketing
expense due to planned investments in new programs and initiatives and
higher administrative expenses associated with supporting a larger
student population. Additionally, student services costs rose in line
with the growing student base.
|
Transitional
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Board of Directors approved a plan to close the Summerlin, Las Vegas campus. The sale of the Summerlin campus was consummated on January 1, 2025. During the prior year, the Summerlin campus was classified in the Transitional segment.
|
•
|
Revenue
decreased $5.4 million, or 100.0% to zero for the nine months ended September
30, 2025, from $5.4 million in the prior year comparable period.
|
|
•
|
Total operating
expenses decreased $6.8 million, or 100.0% to zero for the nine months ended
September 30, 2025, from $6.8 million in the prior year comparable period.
|
The change in
operating performance was the result of closing the campus and no longer
enrolling new students.
Corporate and Other
This category includes unallocated expenses incurred on behalf of the entire Company. Corporate and other expenses were $51.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $32.6 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase was primarily driven by higher salaries and benefits due to workforce expansion to support a larger student population and to execute our growth initiatives. Additionally, employee medical claims increased and performance-based incentive compensation increased in line with improved financial performance.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our primary capital requirements are for maintenance and expansion of our facilities and the development of new programs. Our principal source of liquidity has been cash provided by operating activities. The following chart summarizes the principal elements of our cash flow for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024:
|
| Nine Months Ended | |||||||
|
| September 30, | |||||||
|
2025
|
2024
|
|||||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
$ | 15,803 | $ | (993 | ) | |||
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
$ | (67,633 | ) | $ | (22,199 | ) | ||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
$ | 6,037 | $ | (3,115 | ) | |||
As of September 30, 2025, the Company had $13.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $54.0 million in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024. The change in cash position from the prior year comparable period was primarily driven by increased capital expenditures due to campus expansion.
Our primary source of cash is tuition collected from our students. The majority of students enrolled at our schools rely on funds received under various government-sponsored student financial aid programs to pay a substantial portion of their tuition and other education-related expenses. The most significant source of student financing is Title IV Programs, which represented approximately 82% of our cash receipts relating to revenues in 2024. Pursuant to applicable regulations, students must apply for a new loan for each academic period. Federal regulations dictate the timing of disbursements of funds under Title IV Programs and loan funds are generally provided by lenders in two disbursements for each academic year. The first disbursement is usually received approximately 31 days after the start of a student’s academic year and the second disbursement is typically received at the beginning of the sixteenth week from the start of the student's academic year. Certain types of grants and other funding are not subject to a 31-day delay. In certain instances, if a student withdraws from a program prior to a specified date, any paid but unearned tuition or prorated Title IV Program financial aid is refunded according to federal, state and accrediting agency standards.
As a result of the significant amount of Title IV Program funds received by our students, we are highly dependent on these funds to operate our business. Any reduction in the level of Title IV Program funds that our students are eligible to receive for tuition payment to us or any restriction on our eligibility to receive Title IV Program funds would have a significant impact on our operations and our financial condition. For more information, see Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Industry” of our Form 10-K.
Operating Activities
Operating cash flow results primarily from cash received from our students, offset by changes in working capital demands. Working capital can vary at any point in time based on several factors including seasonality, timing of cash receipts and payments and vendor payment terms.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $15.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $1.0 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase in cash position was primarily driven by changes in working capital and higher net income.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $67.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $22.2 million net cash used in investing activities in the prior year comparable period primarily driven by higher capital expenditures associated with growth initiatives.
Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, were $68.1 million compared to $32.1 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase in planned capital expenditures includes the buildouts to relocate the Nashville, Tennessee, and Levittown, Pennsylvania campuses and the buildout for the new Houston, Texas and Hicksville, New York campuses. In addition, we continue to invest to expand programs at existing campuses which demonstrate high market demand and successful student outcomes. We expect to fund future capital expenditures with cash generated from operating activities and cash on hand.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $6.0 million, compared to $3.1 million of cash used in financing activity in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. The increase in cash position was primarily due to net borrowings in the current period.
Credit Facility
On February 16, 2024, the Company entered into a secured credit agreement (as subsequently amended, the “Fifth Third Credit Agreement”) with Fifth Third Bank, National Association (the “Bank”), pursuant to which the Company, as borrower, obtained a revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $40.0 million including a $10.0 million letter of credit sublimit and a $20.0 million accordion feature (as subsequently amended, the “Facility”), the proceeds of which are to be used for working capital, general corporate and certain other permitted purposes. The Facility is guaranteed by the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries and is secured by a first priority lien in favor of the Bank on substantially all of the personal property owned by the Company and its subsidiaries. The term of the Facility is 36 months, maturing on February 16, 2027.
Each advance under the Facility will bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the date when made at an interest rate determined at the election of the Company at either the Tranche Rate (which is the forward-looking Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) for one or three months), or the Base Rate (which is a variable per annum rate, as of any date of determination, equal to the Bank’s Prime Rate), plus an Applicable Margin. The Applicable Margin is determined pursuant to a Pricing Grid, which for loans subject to the Tranche Rate varies from 1.75% to 2.50% and for loans subject to the Base Rate varies from 0.75% to 1.50%. The Applicable Margin may change quarterly based on the Total Leverage Ratio at such time. The Total Leverage Ratio is determined with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for an applicable quarterly period by dividing the aggregate principal amount of various forms of borrowed indebtedness as of the last day of a determination period by earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") for such period. Interest is paid in arrears, either quarterly or monthly depending on the Company’s interest rate election, with the principal due at maturity.
Under the terms of the Fifth Third Credit Agreement, the Company will pay to the Bank an unused facility fee on the average daily unused balance of the Facility at a rate per annum equal to 0.50%, which fee is payable in arrears on dates when interest is due and payable. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company paid approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, and $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, in unused facility fees, which were expensed as incurred. The Company will also pay to the Bank a letter of credit fee equal to the Applicable Margin for loans subject to the Tranche Rate multiplied by the maximum amount available to be drawn under such letter of credit. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, the fees were not material.
The Fifth Third Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants, as well as events of default customary for facilities of this type.
On July 18, 2024, the Company entered into a first amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the Fifth Third Credit Agreement. Among other things, the First Amendment effects certain modifications to (i) clarify certain representations and affirmative covenants of the Company, (ii) clarify certain conditions to each advance, (iii) clarify and/or replace certain events of default, and (iv) delete or revise certain definitions in order to harmonize them with the other modifications made. The First Amendment also contains customary releases, representations and warranties and reaffirmations consistent with the original terms of the Fifth Third Credit Agreement. Except as set forth above, the First Amendment does not materially alter the Fifth Third Credit Agreement.
On March 11, 2025, the Company entered into a second amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Fifth Third Credit Agreement, which increased the aggregate principal amount available under the Facility from $40.0 million to $60.0 million. The Second Amendment also expanded the accordion feature from $20.0 million to $25.0 million and extended the maturity date of the Facility from February 16, 2027, to March 7, 2028. The Second Amendment provides additional financial flexibility to support the Company’s long-term growth objectives. Except as set forth above, the Second Amendment does not materially alter the Fifth Third Credit Agreement.
In connection with the Fifth Third Credit Agreement, total fees paid during 2024 were approximately $0.5 million, which included bank and legal costs, in addition to other customary expenses and reimbursements. These fees were capitalized in the prior year and are being amortized over the term of the Fifth Third Credit Agreement. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company incurred additional bank and legal fees of $0.1 million in connection with the Second Amendment. The fees were capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the Second Amendment. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, interest paid in connection with the Fifth Third Credit Agreement was $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
As of September 30, 2025, the Company had $8.0 million outstanding under the Facility.
Contractual Obligations
Current portion of Long-Term Debt, Long-Term Debt and Lease Commitments. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had $8.0 million in debt outstanding under the Facility. We lease offices, educational facilities and various items of equipment for varying periods through the year 2045 at basic annual rental rates (excluding taxes, insurance, and other expenses under certain leases).
As of September 30, 2025, the Company had outstanding loan principal commitments to our active students of $55.3 million. These are institutional loans, and no cash is advanced to students. The full loan amount is not guaranteed unless the student completes the program. The institutional loans are considered commitments because the students are required to fund their education using these funds and they are not reported on our financial statements.
Regulatory Updates
Congressional and Presidential Action
Political and budgetary concerns significantly affect Title IV Programs. Congress periodically revises the Higher Education Act of 1965 ("HEA") and other laws governing Title IV Programs. In addition, Congress reviews and determines federal appropriations for Title IV Programs on an annual basis. Congress can also make changes in the laws affecting Title IV Programs in the annual appropriations bills and in other laws it enacts between the HEA reauthorizations.
On October 1, 2025, Congress failed to pass appropriations or other funding bills by the end of the federal fiscal year and, as a result, a government shutdown began in which the federal government ceased non-essential operations until new appropriations are approved and enacted. The U.S. Department of Education (the “DOE”) published an electronic announcement on October 1, 2025, stating that there would be minimal impact on students and schools and their ability to participate in the Title IV program because, while DOE offices would be closed during the lapse of appropriations, the majority of its federal student aid processors, contact centers, and websites would remain operational. The DOE also stated in a memorandum dated September 28, 2025, that it would continue to disburse student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student loans and that student loan borrowers will still be required to make payments on their outstanding student debt.
Some of our students receive financial aid from federal sources other than Title IV Programs, such as programs administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ("VA"). On October 2, 2025, the VA published an announcement indicating that it would be unable to perform certain duties and responsibilities during the government shutdown that commenced on October 1, 2025, but noting that VA benefits would continue to be processed and delivered, including education benefits and certain other benefits.
We cannot predict the scope, timing or likelihood of future actions and changes by Congress, the President or the DOE with respect to the operations and existence of the DOE or the laws and regulations applicable to and the funding for the Title IV Programs. Moreover, we cannot predict the duration of the current or future government shutdowns or whether they could lead to disruptions in VA benefits or Title IV Programs resulting from the government shutdown or the appropriations process.
Negotiated Rulemaking
On July 24, 2025, the DOE announced in the Federal Register its intent to establish two negotiated rulemaking committees. One committee will consider changes to the federal student loan programs and the other committee will consider changes to institutional and programmatic accountability, the Pell Grant Program, and other changes to the Title IV, HEA programs. See Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2025 at “Regulatory Updates – Negotiated Rulemaking.” This rulemaking is necessary to implement recent statutory changes to the Title IV, HEA programs included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBB Act”), as well as to implement other Trump Administration priorities. As previously disclosed, Congress passed the OBBB Act, which was signed by the President on July 4, 2025, has a general effective date of July 1, 2026 (with exceptions), and enacts several changes to the HEA that will impact us and our schools. See Form 10-Q for quarterly period ended June 30, 2025 at “Regulatory Updates – Congress and Presidential Action.” The committee considering changes to the federal student loan programs began meeting from September 29, 2025, to October 3, 2025 and is scheduled to continue negotiations in early November 2025. The negotiated rulemaking committee considering changes to institutional and programmatic accountability (including measures related to financial value transparency and gainful employment and measures from the OBBB Act related to programs with low earnings), the Pell Grant Program, and other Title IV programs is scheduled to meet in December 2025, and January 2026.
We cannot predict the timing, scope, and final content of any regulations or guidance the DOE might issue as a result of either the OBBB Act and the ongoing negotiated rulemaking processes or during any other process the DOE might complete in the future. We also cannot predict with certainty the extent to which our schools and educational programs will be able to comply with the revised requirements or the extent to which the revisions and reduced aid eligibility will impact our enrollments. Although some or all of future DOE regulations could be favorable to us and our schools, new DOE regulations could increase the possibility that our schools could be subject to additional reporting requirements, to potential liabilities and sanctions, and to potential loss of Title IV eligibility if our efforts to modify our operations to comply with any new requirements are unsuccessful which could have a significant impact on our business and results of operations.
Gainful Employment
On October 10, 2023, the DOE published final new gainful employment and financial value transparency regulations which had a general effective date of July 1, 2024. The new regulations establish rules for annually evaluating each of our educational programs based on the calculation of debt-to-earnings rates (an annual debt-to-earnings rate and a discretionary debt-to-earnings rate) and an earnings premium measure based on an evaluation of median annual earnings. The regulations also include provisions for providing certifications and reporting data to the DOE and providing required student disclosures related to gainful employment. See Form 10-K at “Regulatory Environment – Gainful Employment.”
In December 2023, and March 2024, two lawsuits were filed against the DOE to challenge the gainful employment and financial value transparency regulations. On October 2, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas granted the DOE’s motion for summary judgment, leaving in place the 2023 gainful employment and financial value transparency rule. The plaintiffs may appeal the decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. In the meantime, the DOE published additional guidance regarding deadlines for reporting data to the DOE and regarding steps the DOE intends to take after the federal government reopens toward preparing data for review by schools before its use in calculating official outcome rates.
The DOE established a negotiated rulemaking committee to consider topics including changes in institutional and programmatic accountability measures such as financial value transparence and gainful employment and the loss of Direct Loan eligibility for certain programs with low earnings outcomes for two out of three years. This committee is scheduled to meet in December 2025, and January 2026. We cannot predict whether the DOE will modify the gainful employment and financial value transparency rules as a result of the negotiated rulemaking, nor can we predict the timing, scope, and final content of any regulations the DOE may issue. The implementation of new gainful employment regulations and other institutional and programmatic accountability measure regulations could require us to eliminate or modify certain educational programs, could result in the loss of our students’ access to Title IV Program funds for the affected programs, and could have a significant impact on the rate at which students enroll in our programs and on our business and results of operations.
Seasonality
Our revenue and operating results normally fluctuate as a result of seasonal variations in our business, principally due to changes in total student population. Student population varies due to new student enrollments, graduations and student attrition. Historically, our schools have had lower student populations in our first and second quarters and we have experienced larger class starts in the third quarter and higher student attrition in the first half of the year. The growth that we generally experience in the second half of the year is largely dependent on a successful high school recruiting season. We recruit high school students several months ahead of their scheduled start dates and, as a consequence, while we have visibility on the number of students who have expressed interest in attending our schools, we cannot predict with certainty the actual number of new student enrollments in any given year and the related impact on revenue. Our expenses, however, typically do not vary significantly over the course of the year with changes in our student population and revenue.
There have been no material changes in our market risk exposure during the three months ended September 30, 2025. See Part II Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” of our Form 10-K.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the quarterly period covered by this Form 10-Q, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective to reasonably ensure that material information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There were no changes made during our most recently completed fiscal quarter in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
There are no material developments relating to previously disclosed legal proceedings. See the “Legal Proceedings” section of the Company’s Form 10-K and previously filed Form 10-Qs for information regarding existing legal proceedings.
In the ordinary conduct of our business, the Company is subject to additional periodic lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings, and other claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving students or graduates, routine employment matters, and business disputes. We cannot predict the ultimate resolution of these lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings, and other claims asserted against us, but we do not believe that any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
In addition to the other information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A of our Form 10-K and those contained in our previously filed Form 10-Qs, which could affect our business, financial condition, or operating results. The risks we describe in our periodic reports are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or operating results. For the quarter ended September 30, 2025, the Company is not aware of any specific new and additional risk factors that were not previously disclosed.
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(a)
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None.
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(b)
None.
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(c)
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On May 24,
2022, the Company announced that the Board of Directors had approved a share
repurchase program for 12 months authorizing repurchases of up to $30.0
million of the Company’s Common Stock. On February 27, 2023, the Board
of Directors extended the share repurchase program for an additional 12
months and authorized an additional $10.0 million in repurchases, for an
aggregate of up to $40.0 million in repurchases. On May 7, 2024, the Company
announced that its Board of Directors had authorized an extension of the
share repurchase program for an additional 12 months through May 24, 2025.
Subsequently, on May 8, 2025, the Company announced that its Board of
Directors had authorized an extension of the share repurchase program for
another additional 12 months through May 24, 2026. The Company did not
repurchase any additional shares in the three months ended September 30, 2025, and
has approximately $29.7 million remaining for additional repurchases under
the program. To date, the Company has made repurchases totaling approximately
1.7 million shares at an average share price of $5.95 for an aggregate
expenditure of approximately $10.3 million.
|
For more information on the share repurchase plan, see Part I, Item 1. “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”, Note 8 – Stockholders’ Equity.
(a)
None.
(b)
None
None.
(a)
None.
(b)
None.
| (c) | During the three months ended September 30, 2025, none of the Company's directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act) |
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Exhibit
Number
|
Description
|
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Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Registration No. 333-123644) filed June 7, 2005.
|
|
|
Certificate of Amendment, dated November 14, 2019, to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed October 6, 2020).
|
|
|
Bylaws of the Company as amended on March 8, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 30, 2020).
|
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
| 32** | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 101* | The following financial statements from the Company’s 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (“iXBRL”): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and in detail. |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). |
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith. This exhibit will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such exhibit shall not be deemed incorporated into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
|
|
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
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|||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Date: November 10, 2025
|
|
By:
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/s/ Brian Meyers
|
|
|
|
Brian Meyers
|
|||
|
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Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
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|||
Exhibit Index
|
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Registration No. 333-123644) filed June 7, 2005).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certificate of Amendment, dated November 14, 2019, to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed October 6, 2020).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bylaws of the Company as amended on March 8, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 30, 2020).
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.1*
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
|
|
31.2*
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
|
|
32**
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
|
|
101*
|
The following financial statements from the Company’s 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (“iXBRL”): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and in detail.
|
|
|
|
|
104
|
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
|
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith. This exhibit will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such exhibit shall not be deemed incorporated into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
37