BOSTON, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Block & Leviton is investigating KinderCare Learning Companies (NYSE: KLC) for potential securities law violations. Investors who have lost money in their KinderCare Learning Companies investment should contact the firm to learn more about how they might recover those losses. For more details, visit https://blockleviton.com/cases/klc. What is this all about? Shares of KinderCare Learning Companies fell over 12% in intraday trading on April 3, 2025, following the re ...

Group 1 - The article discusses a previous buy rating given to KinderCare Learning (NYSE: KLC) based on the belief that the company could benefit from a secular trend in the industry [1] - The investment approach highlighted is a combination of value investing principles and a focus on long-term growth, emphasizing the importance of acquiring quality companies at a discount to their intrinsic value [1] Group 2 - There is no disclosure of any stock, option, or similar derivative position in the companies mentioned, nor any plans to initiate such positions in the near future [2] - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and does not involve any compensation from the companies discussed [2]

Core Insights - KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws and unlawful business practices [1] - The company conducted its IPO on October 9, 2024, selling 24 million shares at $24.00 each [2] - KinderCare reported an operational loss of $89.3 million for Q4 2024, a significant decline from an operational income of $48.7 million in the previous year, attributed to increased equity-based compensation and lower COVID-19 stimulus reimbursements [2] - Following the financial results announcement, KinderCare's stock price dropped by $3.92, or 22.17%, closing at $13.76 on March 21, 2025 [2] Company Overview - KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the ticker KLC [2] - The company has faced challenges in its financial performance, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2024, which has raised concerns among investors [2] Legal Context - Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is leading the investigation on behalf of KinderCare stockholders who may have suffered losses [1][3] - The law firm specializes in representing individual and institutional investors in complex litigation [4]

Core Viewpoint - Pomerantz LLP is investigating potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices by KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. and its officers or directors [1] Group 1: IPO and Financial Performance - KinderCare conducted its initial public offering on October 9, 2024, selling 24 million shares at $24.00 per share [2] - For the fourth quarter of 2024, KinderCare reported an operational loss of $89.3 million, a significant decline from an operational income of $48.7 million in the previous year, attributed to increased equity-based compensation expenses and lower COVID-19 stimulus reimbursements [3] - The full-year guidance provided by KinderCare fell short of consensus estimates [3] Group 2: Stock Price Reaction - Following the announcement of the financial results, KinderCare's stock price dropped by $3.92 per share, or 22.17%, closing at $13.76 per share on March 21, 2025 [4]

Core Insights - Pomerantz LLP is investigating potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices involving KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. and its officers or directors [1] - KinderCare conducted its IPO on October 9, 2024, selling 24 million shares at $24.00 each [3] - The company reported an operational loss of $89.3 million for Q4 2024, a significant decline from an operational income of $48.7 million in the previous year, attributed to increased equity-based compensation and lower COVID-19 stimulus reimbursements [4] - Following the financial results announcement, KinderCare's stock price dropped by $3.92, or 22.17%, closing at $13.76 on March 21, 2025 [5] Company Financials - KinderCare reported an operational loss of $89.3 million for Q4 2024, compared to an operational income of $48.7 million in Q4 2023 [4] - The company provided full-year guidance for 2025 that did not meet consensus estimates [4] Stock Performance - KinderCare's stock price fell by 22.17% to $13.76 per share following the announcement of its financial results [5]

I was excited to see KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (NYSE: KLC ) go public with its IPO last October. I sent my kids there as preschoolers, and the family had a great experience for a reasonable cost. Unfortunately, in aDr. Duru has blogged about financial markets since the year 2000. A veteran of the dot-com bubble and bust, the financial crisis, and the coronavirus pandemic, he fully appreciates the value in trading and investing around the extremes of market behavior. In this spirit, his blog "One-T ...

Core Viewpoint - KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws and unlawful business practices following disappointing financial results and a significant drop in share price [1][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - KinderCare conducted its initial public offering (IPO) on October 9, 2024, selling 24 million shares at a price of $24.00 per share [3]. - The company reported an operational loss of $89.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, a stark contrast to an operational income of $48.7 million in the same quarter of the previous year [4]. Group 2: Financial Performance - The operational loss was attributed to increased equity-based compensation expenses and lower COVID-19 stimulus reimbursements [4]. - KinderCare's full-year guidance for 2025 fell short of consensus estimates, leading to a significant decline in share price [4]. - Following the announcement of the financial results, KinderCare shares dropped by $3.92, or approximately 22%, from $17.68 to $13.76 [4]. Group 3: Legal Investigation - The law firm Kirby McInerney LLP is investigating potential claims against KinderCare regarding possible violations of federal securities laws [1]. - The investigation may involve certain officers of KinderCare in addition to the company itself [1].

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 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 001-42367 KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) (State or other jurisdiction of inco ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues grew by 5% year-over-year, reaching $2.7 billion, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 12% to $298 million [21][34] - Adjusted EPS for the fourth quarter was reported at $0.09, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10%, remaining flat year-over-year [34][38] - Average weekly full-time enrollments increased slightly to 145,000, with occupancy growing by 90 basis points to 69.8% [22][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Early education centers saw a revenue increase of 4% year-over-year, totaling $593 million, with same center revenue up by 3% [35] - The Champions business experienced a 12% revenue growth, totaling $54 million, with the number of sites increasing by 8% to 1,025 [36] - The portfolio performed well overall, with a same center revenue increase of 5% to $2.4 billion [21][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for quality early childhood education in the US continues to exceed supply, presenting growth opportunities for KinderCare [9][10] - The top five providers in the early childhood education market account for only 5% of the total market, indicating significant growth potential in a fragmented industry [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - KinderCare aims to expand access to high-quality childcare through existing locations, new centers, and acquisitions, leveraging its scale and brand recognition [10][12] - The company is focused on enhancing its offerings to meet the needs of working families, including partnerships with over 900 employers for customized childcare benefits [14][29] - The strategic focus includes maintaining high teacher retention rates and fostering a supportive work culture to ensure continuity of care [24][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued bipartisan support for early childhood education funding, which is crucial for the company's growth [16][62] - The outlook for 2025 includes revenue guidance of $2.75 billion to $2.85 billion, representing a growth of 3% to 7% over the prior year [45] - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to range from $310 million to $325 million, driven by growth, cost controls, and expanding scale [45] Other Important Information - The company opened 77 new Champion sites in 2024 and plans to continue this momentum in 2025 [28] - KinderCare's revenue from subsidy funding represented about 35% of total revenue for 2024, with 20% coming from employer partnerships [26][27] - The company has a robust pipeline for growth, including new employer-sponsored centers and expansions into new geographies [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the first quarter trending relative to guidance? - Management indicated that the first quarter is tracking in line with annual guidance, with $4.6 million of revenue from acquisitions not included in the same center number [56][57] Question: What percentage of revenue is tied to US federal government funding? - Approximately 35% of revenue comes from the Child Care and Development Block Grant, with bipartisan support expected to continue [61][62] Question: What is the playbook for lower-performing centers? - Different strategies are employed based on occupancy levels, focusing on engagement and retention to improve performance in lower quintile centers [67][68] Question: What factors could influence revenue and margin guidance? - Revenue growth will depend on occupancy rates and tuition adjustments, while cost controls will also play a significant role in EBITDA margins [70][74] Question: What are the expectations for B2B employer-sponsored business growth? - Similar growth rates are expected for new center openings tied to employers, with potential for increased tuition benefits [81][82] Question: Why is occupancy expected to remain flat? - Management is cautious about projecting occupancy growth despite positive trends, focusing on operational practices and tools that are still gaining traction [100][101] Question: Are acquisitions included in the revenue guidance? - The revenue guidance includes a 1% to 2% contribution from future tuck-in acquisitions, but specific volume guidance is not provided [102][103]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues grew 5% year-over-year to $2.7 billion, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 12% to $298 million [21][34] - Adjusted EPS for the fourth quarter was $0.09, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10%, flat year-over-year [34][38] - Same center revenue increased by 5% to $2.4 billion, with average weekly full-time enrollments slightly up to 145,000 [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Early education centers saw a 4% revenue growth year-over-year to $593 million, with same center revenue up 3% [35] - Champions business revenue expanded by 12% in the fourth quarter, totaling $54 million, with 1,025 sites, an 8% increase from the previous year [36][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for quality early childhood education in the US continues to exceed supply, presenting growth opportunities [9][10] - Occupancy rates improved by 90 basis points to 69.8%, with expectations for continued growth [22][40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - KinderCare aims to expand access to high-quality childcare through new centers and acquisitions, leveraging its scale and brand recognition [10][11] - The company is focused on enhancing its offerings to meet the needs of families and employers, including customized childcare benefits [14][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued bipartisan support for early childhood education funding, which is crucial for growth [16][62] - The outlook for 2025 includes revenue guidance of $2.75 billion to $2.85 billion, representing a 3% to 7% increase, with adjusted EBITDA expected to range from $310 million to $325 million [45][46] Other Important Information - Approximately 35% of total revenue in 2024 came from subsidy funding, with 20% from employer partnerships [26][27] - The company opened 77 new Champion sites in 2024 and plans to continue this momentum in 2025 [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the first quarter trending relative to guidance? - Management indicated that the first quarter is tracking in line with annual guidance, with $4.6 million of revenue from acquisitions in Q4 [56][57] Question: What percentage of revenue is tied to US federal government funding? - Approximately 35% of revenue comes from the Child Care and Development Block Grant, with bipartisan support expected to continue [61][62] Question: What are the expectations for occupancy rates in lower quintiles? - Management noted that engagement with teachers and families is key to improving occupancy in lower-performing centers [68][69] Question: What factors could influence revenue and margin guidance? - Revenue growth will depend on occupancy rates and cost controls, with potential upside from acquisitions if market conditions remain favorable [70][74] Question: How is the B2B employer-sponsored business performing? - Occupancy rates in employer-sponsored centers are trending in the high 70s, with opportunities for further expansion [78][79] Question: What is the rationale for expecting flat occupancy in 2025? - Management emphasized the need for operational practices to gain traction before expecting significant occupancy increases [100][101] Question: Are acquisitions included in the revenue guidance? - The revenue guidance includes a 1% to 2% contribution from acquisitions, but specific volume guidance is not provided [102][103]