Lincoln Reports Double Digit Increases in New Student Starts, Revenue and Operating Income in Fourth Quarter with Net Income of $46.0 million after Release of Tax Valuation Allowance
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation reported strong financial results for Q4 2020, with a 10.7% revenue growth to $81.8 million
Key metrics include a 15.0% rise in new student starts and 9.4% overall student population growth. Net income reached $46.0 million, boosted by a tax valuation allowance release of $35.9 million, leading to an EPS of $1.44. For 2021, the company anticipates 7% to 12% revenue growth and 5% to 10% student start growth.
- Revenue increased by 10.7% to $81.8 million.
- Net income rose to $46.0 million, including a $35.9 million tax benefit.
- 15.0% growth in new student starts, indicating effective marketing and admissions strategies.
- Annual revenue forecast for 2021 is 7% to 12% growth.
- Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by 16.4% to $39.2 million, raising concerns about operational cost management.
Conference call today at 10 a.m. ET
WEST ORANGE, N.J., March 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (Nasdaq: LINC) today reported operating and financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020 as well as recent business developments.
Key Fourth Quarter 2020 vs Fourth Quarter 2019 Operating and Financial Achievements
- New student starts rose
15.0% - Average student population up
9.4% - Ending student population increased
8.3% - Revenue growth of
10.7% - EBITDA* of
$13.0 million , up6.4% - Net income of
$46.0 million which includes$35.9 million release of tax valuation allowance - EPS of
$1.44 ; Adjusted EPS* of$0.31 which excludes release of tax valuation allowance - Cash provided by operations
$13.3 million , more than double prior year $59.0 million of available liquidity as of December 31, 2020
*See Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information below.
“Lincoln had an exceptionally robust finish to 2020 as our
“We achieved our strong financial performance through exceptional operating flexibility and execution. As a result of our team’s efforts and dedication, we rapidly implemented several programs, projects and activities to keep our students, faculty, administration and management as safe as possible while providing training for essential careers that remain in high demand. As a result of our actions, Lincoln has continued to increase the number of students pursuing these careers since the onset of the pandemic at the end of the first quarter, in contrast to the declining student populations experienced by many in our field. Our continued progress in the first quarter of 2021 allows us to be optimistic about the year ahead. We continue to apply many of the lessons learned during the implementation of distance learning to further enhance the student and faculty experience, while bringing additional operating efficiencies to the Company. I believe we are well positioned to continue our growth in 2021 as we add new programs to our core operations and continue to provide tangible contributions to our corporate partners and students.”
2020 FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS
(Quarter ended December 31, 2020 compared to quarter ending December 31, 2019)
- Revenue increased
$7.9 million , or10.7% to$81.8 million from$73.9 million . The increase was due to a9.4% increase in average student population, driven by a15.0% increase in student starts. - Student start growth of
15.0% benefitted from ongoing investments in marketing as well as continuous evaluation and improvement of the admissions process. Increased efficiency is evidenced by a decline in the overall cost to obtain student starts while continuing growth. Lincoln has now experienced three years of consistent growth in student starts. - Educational services and facilities expense increased
$0.9 million , or3.0% to$31.5 million from$30.6 million in the prior year. The increase was due to additional instructional expense and books and tools expense resulting from an increased student population but grew at a rate less than our student population. - Selling general and administrative expense increased
$5.5 million , or16.4% to$39.2 million from$33.7 million in the prior year. The increase in expense was driven by actions taken in response to the impact of COVID-19 on our employees and students and an increase in incentive compensation accruals driven by improved financial performance. - Operating income increased
$1.0 million , or10.7% to$11.1 million from$10.1 million in the prior year. - Income tax benefit of
$35.2 million after release of tax valuation allowance of$35.9 million . - Net income increased to
$46.0 million , or$1.44 per diluted share. Adjusted EPS prior to release of the tax valuation allowance was$0.31 . This is compared to$9.2 million , or$0.33 per diluted share, in the prior year. - As of December 31, 2020, total debt outstanding under the Company’s credit facility was
$17.8 million , down$17.0 million from$34.8 million in the prior year comparable quarter.
FOURTH QUARTER SEGMENT RESULTS
Transportation and Skilled Trades Segment
Revenue increased
Operating income increased
Healthcare and Other Professions Segment
Revenue increased
Operating income increased
Corporate and Other
This category includes unallocated expenses incurred on behalf of the entire Company.
Corporate and other expenses were
FULL YEAR 2020 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Total revenue increased by
2021 OUTLOOK
The Company is providing the following outlook for the year 2021:
- Annual revenue growth of
7% to12% over 2020. - Annual student start growth of
5% to10% over 2020. - Adjusted EBITDA of between
$29.0 million and$34.0 million , which would represent a22.0% to43.0% growth over 2020 Adjusted EBITDA* - Income before taxes of between
$19.0 million and$24.0 million , which would represent a41.0% to78.0% increase over 2020 income before taxes. - Capital expenditures are projected to be approximately
$7.5 million .
*Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA plus stock compensation expense.
CONFERENCE CALL INFO
Lincoln will host a conference call today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. To access the live webcast of the conference call, please go to the Investor Relations section of Lincoln’s website at http://www.lincolntech.edu. Participants can also listen to the conference call by dialing 844-413-0946 (domestic) or 216-562-0456 (international) and providing access code 9886717. Please log in or dial into the call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time.
An archived version of the webcast will be accessible for 90 days at http://www.lincolntech.edu. A replay of the call will also be available for seven days by calling 855-859-2056 (domestic) or 404-537-3406 (international) and providing access code 9886717.
ABOUT LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation is a provider of diversified career-oriented post-secondary education helping to provide solutions to America’s skills gap. Lincoln offers recent high school graduates and working adults degree and diploma programs. The Company operates under three reportable segments: Transportation and Skilled Trades, Healthcare and Other Professions and Transitional. Lincoln has provided the nation’s workforce with skilled technicians since its inception in 1946. For more information, go to www.lincolntech.edu.
SAFE HARBOR
Statements in this press release and in oral statements made from time to time by representatives of Lincoln Educational Services Corporation regarding Lincoln’s business that are not historical facts may be “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the federal securities law. The words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” and “continue,” and their opposites and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. 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. 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, if at all. Generally, these statements relate to business plans or strategies and projections involving anticipated revenues, earnings or other aspects of the Company’s operating results. Such forward-looking statements include the Company’s current belief that it is taking appropriate steps regarding the pandemic and that students will return from leaves of absence and be able to complete their programs of study with in-person labs and available externships and that student growth will continue. The Company cautions you that these statements concern current expectations about the Company’s future performance or events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks and other influences many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that may influence the accuracy of the statements and the projects upon which the statements are based including, without limitation, impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, our failure to comply with the extensive regulatory framework applicable to our industry or our failure to obtain timely regulatory approvals in connection with acquisitions or a change of control of our Company; our success in updating and expanding the content of existing programs and developing new programs for our students in a cost-effective manner or on a timely basis; risks associated with changes in applicable federal laws and regulations; uncertainties regarding our ability to comply with federal laws and regulations, such as the 90/10 rule and prescribed cohort default rates; risks associated with the opening of new campuses; risks associated with integration of acquired schools; industry competition; our ability to execute our growth strategies; conditions and trends in our industry; the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our business and the U.S. and global economics; general economic conditions; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Reports and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Lincoln undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof.
(Tables to Follow)
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
REVENUE | $ | 81,792 | $ | 73,915 | $ | 293,095 | $ | 273,342 | |||||||
COSTS AND EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||
Educational services and facilities | 31,463 | 30,555 | 122,196 | 123,495 | |||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 39,188 | 33,664 | 156,199 | 145,176 | |||||||||||
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets | 15 | (356 | ) | (81 | ) | (567 | ) | ||||||||
Total costs & expenses | 70,666 | 63,863 | 278,314 | 268,104 | |||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 11,126 | 10,052 | 14,781 | 5,238 | |||||||||||
OTHER: | |||||||||||||||
Interest income | - | 1 | - | 8 | |||||||||||
Interest expense | (315 | ) | (823 | ) | (1,275 | ) | (2,963 | ) | |||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 10,811 | 9,230 | 13,506 | 2,283 | |||||||||||
(BENEFIT) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES | (35,209 | ) | 24 | (35,059 | ) | 268 | |||||||||
NET INCOME | $ | 46,020 | $ | 9,206 | $ | 48,565 | $ | 2,015 | |||||||
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS | 304 | - | 1,378 | - | |||||||||||
INCOME AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION | $ | 45,716 | $ | 9,206 | $ | 47,187 | $ | 2,015 | |||||||
Basic | |||||||||||||||
Net income per common share | $ | 1.44 | $ | 0.33 | $ | 1.49 | $ | 0.08 | |||||||
Diluted | |||||||||||||||
Net income per common share | $ | 1.44 | $ | 0.33 | $ | 1.49 | $ | 0.08 | |||||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | 24,831 | 24,563 | 24,748 | 24,554 | |||||||||||
Diluted | 24,831 | 24,563 | 24,748 | 24,554 | |||||||||||
Other Data: | |||||||||||||||
EBITDA (1) | $ | 12,980 | $ | 12,196 | $ | 22,181 | $ | 13,353 | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | $ | 1,854 | $ | 2,144 | $ | 7,400 | $ | 8,115 | |||||||
Number of campuses | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | |||||||||||
Average enrollment | 12,796 | 11,692 | 11,729 | 10,985 | |||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | $ | 400 | $ | 218 | $ | 1,686 | $ | 679 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 13,263 | $ | 5,881 | $ | 23,485 | $ | 988 | |||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (2,026 | ) | $ | (1,749 | ) | $ | (5,483 | ) | $ | (4,810 | ) | |||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | $ | (804 | ) | $ | 18,758 | $ | (18,620 | ) | $ | (3,480 | ) | ||||
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: | December 31, 2020 | ||
(Unaudited) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 38,026 | |
Current assets | 74,164 | ||
Working capital | 7,322 | ||
Total assets | 245,190 | ||
Current liabilities | 66,842 | ||
Long-term debt obligations, including current portion, net of deferred financing fees | 17,212 | ||
Series A convertible preferred stock | 11,982 | ||
Total stockholders' equity | 91,067 | ||
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had a net cash balance of
During 2020, the Company paid two dividends totaling
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The Company believes it is useful to present non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain significant items as a means to understand the performance of its business. EBITDA, total liquidity, reconciled net cash and adjusted EPS are measures not recognized in financial statements presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We define EBITDA as income (loss) before interest expense (net of interest income), provision (benefit) for income taxes, depreciation, and amortization. We define total liquidity as total cash and cash equivalents plus availability under the credit line. We define reconciled net cash as our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash less both the short and long-term portion under the Company’s credit agreement and deferred financing fees. We define adjusted EPS as EPS less EPS relating to the tax valuation allowance. EBITDA, total liquidity, reconciled net cash and adjusted EPS are presented because we believe they are useful indicators of our performance and our ability to make strategic acquisitions and meet capital expenditures and debt service requirements. However, they are not intended to represent cash flows from operations as defined by GAAP and should not be used as an alternative to net income (loss) as indicators of operating performance or cash flow as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA, total liquidity, reconciled net cash and adjusted EPS are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA, total liquidity, reconciled net cash and adjusted EPS:
Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
Net income | $ | 46,020 | $ | 9,206 | $ | 48,565 | $ | 2,015 | |||||
Interest expense, net | 315 | 822 | 1,275 | 2,955 | |||||||||
(Benefit) provision for income taxes | (35,209 | ) | 24 | (35,059 | ) | 268 | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,854 | 2,144 | 7,400 | 8,115 | |||||||||
EBITDA | $ | 12,980 | $ | 12,196 | $ | 22,181 | $ | 13,353 |
Three Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades | Healthcare and Other Professions | Corporate | |||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 15,611 | $ | 10,927 | $ | 4,681 | $ | 3,373 | $ | 25,728 | $ | (5,094 | ) | ||||||
Interest expense, net | - | - | - | - | 315 | 822 | |||||||||||||
(Benefit) provision for income taxes | - | - | - | - | (35,209 | ) | 24 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,612 | 1,913 | 117 | 117 | 125 | 114 | |||||||||||||
EBITDA | $ | 17,223 | $ | 12,840 | $ | 4,798 | $ | 3,490 | $ | (9,041 | ) | $ | (4,134 | ) |
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades | Healthcare and Other Professions | Corporate | |||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 34,458 | $ | 21,979 | $ | 11,068 | $ | 7,588 | $ | 3,039 | $ | (27,552 | ) | ||||||
Interest expense, net | - | - | - | - | 1,275 | 2,955 | |||||||||||||
(Benefit) provision for income taxes | - | - | - | - | (35,059 | ) | 268 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 6,473 | 7,236 | 461 | 408 | 466 | 471 | |||||||||||||
EBITDA | $ | 40,931 | $ | 29,215 | $ | 11,529 | $ | 7,996 | $ | (30,279 | ) | $ | (23,858 | ) |
December 31, 2020 | ||
(Unaudited) | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 38,026 |
Add: availability under current credit line | 21,000 | |
Total liquidity | $ | 59,026 |
December 31, | |||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
Current portion of credit agreement and term loan | $ | (2,000 | ) | $ | (2,000 | ) | |
Long-term credit agreement and term loan | (15,212 | ) | (32,028 | ) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | 38,026 | 23,644 | |||||
Noncurrent restricted cash | - | 15,000 | |||||
Reconcilled net cash | $ | 20,814 | $ | 4,616 | |||
December 31, 2020 | |||
(Unaudited) | |||
EPS | $ | 1.44 | |
Less: EPS relating to tax valuation allowance | (1.13 | ) | |
Adjusted EPS | $ | 0.31 | |
Three Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | % Change | ||||||||
Revenue: | ||||||||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades | $ | 58,636 | $ | 52,716 | 11.2 | % | ||||
Healthcare and Other Professions | 23,156 | 21,199 | 9.2 | % | ||||||
Total | $ | 81,792 | $ | 73,915 | 10.7 | % | ||||
Operating Income (Loss): | ||||||||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades | $ | 15,611 | $ | 10,927 | 42.9 | % | ||||
Healthcare and Other Professions | 4,681 | 3,373 | 38.8 | % | ||||||
Corporate | (9,166 | ) | (4,248 | ) | -115.8 | % | ||||
Total | $ | 11,126 | $ | 10,052 | 10.7 | % | ||||
Starts: | ||||||||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades | 1,438 | 1,301 | 10.5 | % | ||||||
Healthcare and Other Professions | 1,228 | 1,018 | 20.6 | % | ||||||
Total | 2,666 | 2,319 | 15.0 | % | ||||||
Average Population: | ||||||||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades | 8,536 | 7,770 | 9.9 | % | ||||||
Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | (82 | ) | - | 100.0 | % | |||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | 8,454 | 7,770 | 8.8 | % | ||||||
Healthcare and Other Professions | 4,400 | 3,922 | 12.2 | % | ||||||
Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | (58 | ) | - | 100.0 | % | |||||
Healthcare and Other Professions Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | 4,342 | 3,922 | 10.7 | % | ||||||
Total | 12,936 | 11,692 | 10.6 | % | ||||||
Total Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | 12,796 | 11,692 | 9.4 | % | ||||||
End of Period Population: | ||||||||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades | 7,917 | 7,349 | 7.7 | % | ||||||
Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | (22 | ) | - | 100.0 | % | |||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | 7,895 | 7,349 | 7.4 | % | ||||||
Healthcare and Other Professions | 4,402 | 3,936 | 11.8 | % | ||||||
Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | (80 | ) | - | 100.0 | % | |||||
Healthcare and Other Professions Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | 4,322 | 3,936 | 9.8 | % | ||||||
Total | 12,319 | 11,285 | 9.2 | % | ||||||
Total Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | 12,217 | 11,285 | 8.3 | % | ||||||
Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | % Change | ||||||||
Revenue: | ||||||||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades | $ | 207,434 | $ | 193,722 | 7.1 | % | ||||
Healthcare and Other Professions | 85,661 | 79,620 | 7.6 | % | ||||||
Total | $ | 293,095 | $ | 273,342 | 7.2 | % | ||||
Operating Income (Loss): | ||||||||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades | $ | 34,458 | $ | 21,979 | 56.8 | % | ||||
Healthcare and Other Professions | 11,068 | 7,588 | 45.9 | % | ||||||
Corporate | (30,745 | ) | (24,329 | ) | -26.4 | % | ||||
Total | $ | 14,781 | $ | 5,238 | 182.2 | % | ||||
Starts: | ||||||||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades | 9,442 | 8,548 | 10.5 | % | ||||||
Healthcare and Other Professions | 4,879 | 4,386 | 11.2 | % | ||||||
Total | 14,321 | 12,934 | 10.7 | % | ||||||
Average Population: | ||||||||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades | 7,872 | 7,319 | 7.6 | % | ||||||
Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | (219 | ) | - | 100.0 | % | |||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | 7,653 | 7,319 | 4.6 | % | ||||||
Healthcare and Other Professions | 4,232 | 3,666 | 15.4 | % | ||||||
Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | (156 | ) | - | 100.0 | % | |||||
Healthcare and Other Professions Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | 4,076 | 3,666 | 11.2 | % | ||||||
Total | 12,104 | 10,985 | 10.2 | % | ||||||
Total Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | 11,729 | 10,985 | 6.8 | % | ||||||
End of Period Population: | ||||||||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades | 7,917 | 7,349 | 7.7 | % | ||||||
Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | (22 | ) | - | 100.0 | % | |||||
Transportation and Skilled Trades Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | 7,895 | 7,349 | 7.4 | % | ||||||
Healthcare and Other Professions | 4,402 | 3,936 | 11.8 | % | ||||||
Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | (80 | ) | - | 100.0 | % | |||||
Healthcare and Other Professions Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | 4,322 | 3,936 | 9.8 | % | ||||||
Total | 12,319 | 11,285 | 9.2 | % | ||||||
Total Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19 | 12,217 | 11,285 | 8.3 | % | ||||||
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Brian Meyers, CFO
973-736-9340
EVC GROUP LLC
Investor Relations: Michael Polyviou, mpolyviou@evcgroup.com, 732-933-2755
Media Relations: Tom Gibson, 201-476-0322
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