Core Insights - Child care has become a more critical workplace benefit than retirement benefits for working parents, according to new data from KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. [1] Group 1: Importance of Child Care - The seventh annual KinderCare Confidence Index indicates that parents increasingly view child care as essential for productivity, employee retention, and loyalty [1]

Core Insights - The company reported a strong financial performance in Q4 2025, with revenue increasing by 9% to $734 million and adjusted EPS rising by 17% to $1.15, both exceeding expectations [4][12][13] - Backup Care revenue grew by 19% for the full year to $728 million, driven by solid demand and deeper penetration into existing client populations [2][3][11] - The company aims to continue expanding its services, particularly in Backup Care, with a focus on increasing user adoption and utilization among existing clients [5][10] Financial Performance - Q4 revenue reached $734 million, a 9% increase year-over-year, while full-year revenue totaled $2,930 million, up 9% from the previous year [4][11] - Adjusted operating income rose 14% to $91 million, with operating margins improving to 12.3% [13] - The company generated $351 million in cash from operations for the full year, with capital investments totaling $91 million [17] Segment Performance - Backup Care revenue increased by 17% in Q4 to $183 million, benefiting from both predictable care needs and unexpected disruptions [2][13] - Full Service revenue grew 6% in Q4 to $515 million, driven by tuition increases and modest enrollment growth [5][14] - Ed Advisory revenue rose 10% in Q4 to $36 million, with operating margins remaining consistent [8][16] Growth Opportunities - The company has less than 10% penetration within existing clients, indicating significant potential for further growth in active user adoption [5] - Plans to open approximately 20 new centers in 2026 while closing 45 to 50 underperforming centers [56] - The company expects Backup Care revenue to increase by 11% to 13% in 2026, driven by continued expansion of use [18][19] Market Position and Strategy - The company emphasizes the importance of employer partnerships and the value of Backup Care in enhancing employee productivity [37] - The UK Full Service business achieved positive operating profit for the year, marking a significant turnaround from previous losses [7] - The company aims to rationalize its portfolio by closing underperforming centers while focusing on areas with strong supply-demand dynamics [8][46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, revenue increased by 9% to $734 million, and Adjusted EPS rose by 17% to $1.15, both exceeding expectations [5][16] - For the full year, revenue reached $2.93 billion, up 9% year-over-year, and Adjusted EPS was $4.55, representing 31% growth [5][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Backup Care revenue grew by 17% in Q4 to $183 million, driven by strong utilization across various programs [6][17] - Full Service revenue increased by 6% in Q4 to $515 million, supported by tuition increases and modest enrollment growth [9][18] - Ed Advisory revenue rose by 10% in Q4 to $36 million, with operating margins of 30% [11][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Backup Care had double-digit growth in users among existing clients, indicating deeper penetration into the eligible population [8] - Enrollment in centers open for more than one year increased by approximately 1%, with occupancy averaging in the mid-60% range [10][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to scale the Backup Care business by expanding unique users and increasing usage frequency among existing clients [8] - Focus remains on serving families where they work and live, while continuing to rationalize locations that do not meet strategic criteria [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the durability of the business model and long-term growth opportunities, expecting revenue in 2026 to be between $3.075 billion and $3.125 billion [15][21] - The company anticipates adjusted EPS for 2026 to be in the range of $4.90 to $5.10 per share [15][22] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $225 million of shares in 2025, including approximately $120 million in Q4 [20] - The 2026 fiscal year marks the 40th anniversary of the company, highlighting its evolution alongside changes in workforce and employer priorities [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Full service margin outlook and center closures - Management indicated that most closed centers were loss-making, contributing to a projected margin improvement of 25-50 basis points in the full service business for 2026 [25][26] Question: Health and safety protocols and local market risks - Management emphasized a commitment to high-quality care and strong communication with families, noting stability in client relationships despite recent incidents [28][29] Question: Pricing and enrollment growth assumptions - The company expects average price increases of approximately 4% and enrollment growth of about 100 basis points for 2026 [36] Question: New York City exposure and UPK opportunities - Management expressed confidence in their relationship with the city regarding UPK contracts and the potential for future expansion into younger age groups [39][40] Question: Backup Care growth drivers - The majority of growth is expected to come from existing clients, with a focus on increasing unique users and usage frequency [61] Question: Enrollment season and center count - Management noted a stable fall enrollment season and plans to open around 20 centers in 2026 while closing 45-50 underperforming centers [70][71]

Core Insights - Brown Brothers Harriman's Q3 2025 investor letter indicates that the BBH Select Series - Mid Cap Fund decreased by -0.9% on a total return basis, underperforming the Russell Midcap Index which returned 5.3% during the same period [1] - Year-to-date, the fund has a total return of -1.8%, significantly lower than the Index's 10.4% return [1] Group 1: Fund Performance - The third quarter saw a continuation of the low-quality rally that began late last year, gaining momentum throughout 2025 [1] - The fund's performance is highlighted by its exit from several positions, including Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. [3] Group 2: Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. - Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. has a market capitalization of $5.572 billion and provides early education and childcare services [2] - The stock experienced a one-month return of -2.21% and a 52-week loss of 11.10%, closing at $97.98 per share on December 10, 2025 [2] - The fund exited its position in Bright Horizons close to its intrinsic value following positive performance during the year [3] Group 3: Hedge Fund Interest - Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 34 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q3, unchanged from the previous quarter [4] - The potential of Bright Horizons is acknowledged, but the company is viewed as having less upside compared to certain AI stocks [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $677 million, up nearly 1% from the previous year, with same center revenue at $617 million [5][25] - Same center occupancy was 67%, down 160 basis points from a year ago, reflecting a decline in average weekly full-time enrollments [5][26] - Net income for the quarter was $4.6 million, bringing the year-to-date total to $64 million, a 58% increase over the same period last year [29] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $66 million, down 7% from last year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin just under 10% [29][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Champions revenue grew 11% year-over-year to $50 million, with 120 net new sites added over the past twelve months [27] - Employer on-site centers maintained average occupancy over 70%, contributing positively to revenue growth [21][27] - Tuition growth was 2% for the quarter, lower than anticipated due to a higher subsidy mix and smaller subsidy rate increases [20][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The economic environment remains challenging, with elevated inflation and cautious consumer behavior impacting enrollment decisions [9][10] - Enrollment challenges are attributed to both economic factors and state-level subsidy changes, particularly in Indiana where subsidy assistance has decreased significantly [11][56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on operational efficiency, disciplined execution, and cash management to navigate current economic conditions [10][12] - There is a commitment to expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care through partnerships with state and federal leaders [12][11] - The company plans to accelerate new center openings and tuck-in acquisitions, aiming for mid-20s new center openings per year starting in 2026 [29][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects enrollment challenges to persist into 2026 but remains confident in returning to historical growth patterns [7][51] - The company anticipates that the recovery in enrollment occupancy will take longer than expected, with updated revenue forecasts for 2025 between $2.72 billion and $2.74 billion [33][34] - There is optimism regarding the long-term outlook for child care funding, supported by historical bipartisan support [7][11] Other Important Information - The company has refined its district leader structure to enhance operational focus and accountability [19] - A new Chief Operating Officer has been appointed to align strategic operational goals with growth initiatives [18] - The company is actively engaging with families to improve retention and satisfaction, evidenced by high engagement survey response rates [16][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for enrollment heading into 2026? - Management remains optimistic about inquiries at local centers and believes that confidence will return, leading to a return to historical growth patterns [42] Question: Is there any impact from the government shutdown factored into the guidance? - There has been minimal direct impact from the government shutdown, but uncertainty remains regarding state budget decisions [43][44] Question: When does management expect to return to the long-term growth algorithm? - Management anticipates returning to the growth algorithm by 2027, with positive expectations for B2B and new center openings in 2026 [51] Question: What factors contributed to the lower enrollment during the back-to-school period? - A softer starting point for enrollments and economic factors, including consumer confidence, have impacted enrollment [54][56] Question: How is the company addressing potential cost management? - The company is continuously evaluating operational efficiencies and is open to closing underperforming centers if necessary [70][71] Question: What is the expected impact of subsidy changes on the business? - Changes in subsidies have had a significant impact, particularly in states like Indiana, but most states have already budgeted for the upcoming fiscal year [92][93] Question: What are the expectations for pricing in 2026? - Management expects pricing increases to be higher in 2026, driven by local market dynamics and competitive factors [96][98]

An investigation underway after a suspect broke into a Georgia daycare, setting it on fire. All of it captured on camera. Security video obtained by NBC News affiliate WXIA showing the suspect running across the backyard of the property in a black hooded sweatshirt, then using a tool to break through the back entrance.Another camera capturing the moment the suspect pours gasoline down a hallway inside the building before going back outside, setting a fire, and running from the scene, jumping over the proper ...

Core Viewpoint - A securities class action lawsuit has been filed against KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. alleging misleading statements during its October 2024 IPO, claiming that the company concealed a history of safety and care failures from investors [1][5]. Financial Performance - Since the IPO, KinderCare's stock has significantly declined from an offering price of $24 per share to lows near $9 per share, attributed to the market's realization of the company's unfounded positive statements [3]. Revenue Sources - More than 30% of KinderCare's revenues are derived from federal subsidies, making the alleged omissions regarding safety and care failures particularly significant, as they expose the company to undisclosed legal and regulatory risks [2]. Legal Investigation - Hagens Berman is investigating the claims against KinderCare, focusing on the alleged concealment of safety and care failures that may have led to an artificially inflated IPO price and subsequent investor losses [4][5]. Investor Communication - The firm encourages investors who purchased KLC stock in the IPO and suffered losses to consider their legal options, emphasizing the disconnect between KinderCare's presentation and the alleged reality of its operations [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - The Gross Law Firm has announced a class action lawsuit on behalf of shareholders of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (NYSE: KLC) due to allegations of misleading statements and failure to disclose incidents of child abuse and neglect at their facilities [1][3]. Group 1: Allegations and Class Period - The lawsuit pertains to all purchasers of KinderCare common stock during the class period, which is traced back to the Company's October 2024 initial public offering [3]. - Allegations include that KinderCare failed to provide adequate care, did not meet minimum industry standards, and was exposed to undisclosed risks of lawsuits and reputational damage [3]. Group 2: Shareholder Actions - Shareholders are encouraged to register for the class action by the deadline of October 14, 2025, to potentially become lead plaintiffs [4]. - Once registered, shareholders will receive updates through a portfolio monitoring software regarding the case's progress [4]. Group 3: Law Firm's Mission - The Gross Law Firm aims to protect investors' rights and ensure companies adhere to responsible business practices [5]. - The firm seeks recovery for investors who suffered losses due to misleading statements that inflated the company's stock value [5].

Core Viewpoint - A securities class action lawsuit has been filed against KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. and its executives, alleging misleading statements during its October 2024 IPO, which misrepresented the company's operations and safety record [1][2]. Company Operations and Allegations - The lawsuit claims that KinderCare's IPO documents falsely portrayed the company as providing "the highest quality care possible" while concealing a history of serious safety and care failures [2][6]. - More than 30% of KinderCare's revenues are derived from federal subsidies, making the alleged omissions regarding safety and care failures particularly significant [3]. Financial Performance - Since the IPO, KinderCare's stock has significantly declined from an offering price of $24 per share to lows near $9 per share, attributed to the market's realization of the company's misleading statements [4]. Legal Investigation - Hagens Berman is investigating the claims and focusing on the extent to which KinderCare's alleged history of safety failures was concealed, leading to an artificially inflated IPO price and subsequent investor losses [5][6]. - The investigation aims to determine if the failure to disclose key risks constitutes a violation of U.S. securities laws [6].

Group 1: Unicycive Therapeutics - A shareholder class action lawsuit has been filed against Unicycive Therapeutics, alleging that the company made materially false and/or misleading statements regarding its ability to meet FDA manufacturing compliance requirements between March 29, 2024, and June 27, 2025 [1] - Investors who purchased Unicycive shares during this period and suffered significant losses are encouraged to discuss their legal rights [1] Group 2: KinderCare Learning Companies - A shareholder class action lawsuit has been filed against KinderCare Learning Companies, claiming that the company made materially false and/or misleading statements in the Registration Statement related to its October 2024 IPO regarding the quality of care at its facilities [2] - Investors who purchased KinderCare shares in connection with the October 2024 IPO and experienced significant losses are encouraged to discuss their legal rights [2] Group 3: Holzer & Holzer, LLC - Holzer & Holzer, LLC is a top-rated securities litigation law firm that focuses on representing shareholders and investors in litigation, including class action and derivative litigation [3] - The firm has been involved in recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for shareholders affected by fraud and corporate misconduct since its founding in 2000 [3]