Lincoln Educational Services (NASDAQ:LINC) Stock Price Up 5.7% on Better-Than-Expected Earnings

Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (NASDAQ:LINC)’s share price shot up 5.7% during trading on Tuesday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The stock traded as high as $23.02 and last traded at $23.2440. Approximately 191,609 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 70% from the average daily volume of 635,721 shares. The stock had previously closed at $22.00.

The company reported $0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.13 by $0.02. Lincoln Educational Services had a net margin of 3.99% and a return on equity of 14.47%. The firm had revenue of $159.18 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $152.46 million. Lincoln Educational Services has set its FY 2026 guidance at 0.740-0.830 EPS.

Lincoln Educational Services News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Lincoln Educational Services this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Lincoln reported Q3 adjusted earnings of $0.15 per share, above the $0.13 consensus, and revenue of $159.18 million versus estimates of $152.46 million. Student starts rose more than 14% and adjusted EBITDA grew nearly 31%, signaling improved enrollment and operating performance. Lincoln Educational Services Reports Strong Third Quarter Financial Results
• Positive Sentiment: The company raised its 2026 revenue outlook to $600 million–$605 million, above the $594 million analyst consensus, and forecast 10%–12% growth in student starts. Its EPS guidance of $0.74–$0.83 brackets the $0.77 consensus. Lincoln Educational raises 2026 revenue outlook
• Neutral Sentiment: Rosenblatt Securities lowered its price target from $50 to $40 but maintained a Buy rating. The target reduction is a cautionary signal, while the retained rating indicates the analyst still sees upside. Rosenblatt Securities stock recommendations
• Negative Sentiment: Multiple law firms publicized a securities class action and the November 10 lead-plaintiff deadline. The suit concerns investors who bought shares from May 11 to August 9 and alleges the company did not adequately disclose problems converting admissions into student starts. The litigation adds uncertainty, though the notices largely repeat the same case. Lincoln shareholder alert

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have issued reports on LINC shares. Rosenblatt Securities cut their target price on Lincoln Educational Services from $50.00 to $40.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday. Weiss Ratings downgraded shares of Lincoln Educational Services from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 2nd. Lake Street Capital lowered their price target on Lincoln Educational Services from $55.00 to $50.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, August 11th. B. Riley Financial dropped their price target on Lincoln Educational Services from $56.00 to $52.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 28th. Finally, Barrington Research set a $50.00 price target on shares of Lincoln Educational Services in a research report on Monday, August 10th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $48.33.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Lincoln Educational Services

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. BlackRock Inc. acquired a new stake in Lincoln Educational Services in the second quarter valued at $123,906,000. Nicholas Investment Partners LP purchased a new position in Lincoln Educational Services in the second quarter valued at approximately $26,544,000. Royce & Associates LP raised its holdings in Lincoln Educational Services by 107.7% during the third quarter. Royce & Associates LP now owns 935,474 shares of the company’s stock worth $20,459,000 after purchasing an additional 485,103 shares in the last quarter. Pillsbury Lake Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Lincoln Educational Services during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $17,773,731. Finally, Punch & Associates Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Lincoln Educational Services during the second quarter worth about $10,007,000. 72.23% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Lincoln Educational Services Price Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The firm has a market capitalization of $740.73 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.74, a P/E/G ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $22.84 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $35.55.

Lincoln Educational Services Company Profile

Lincoln Educational Services Corporation, doing business primarily under the Lincoln Tech name, provides career-oriented postsecondary education and training in the United States. The company prepares students for employment in fields such as automotive technology, skilled trades, healthcare, information technology, culinary arts and cosmetology.

Lincoln Tech offers diploma, certificate and degree programs through campus-based and online or hybrid learning formats, depending on the program.