Importantly, our existing clients had double-digit growth in backup users, even as their eligible populations remain relatively flat, meaning growth was driven by deeper penetration into the eligible population, underscoring the value of the benefit to an increasing number of working families. Looking forward, our focus remains on scaling the backup business by expanding unique users within existing clients, increasing frequency of use among those utilizing care, continuing to retain and add new employer cl ...

Bright Horizons Family Solutions (NYSE:BFAM) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 12, 2026 05:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsElizabeth Boland - CFOMichael Flanagan - VP of Investor RelationsStephen Kramer - CEOConference Call ParticipantsAndrew Steinerman - Managing Director and Senior Equity Research AnalystGeorge Tong - Managing Director and Senior Equity AnalystJeffrey Meuler - Equity Research AnalystJosh Chan - Executive Director and Equity Research AnalystManav Patnaik - Managing Director and Senior Equity Ana ...

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 [4][13] - For the full year, revenue reached $2.93 billion, up 9% year-over-year, and Adjusted EPS was $4.55, representing a 31% growth [4][12] 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, with full-year revenue increasing by 19% to $728 million [5][15] - Full Service revenue increased by 6% in Q4 to $515 million, supported by tuition increases and modest enrollment growth, despite a headwind from portfolio rationalization [7][15] - Ed Advisory revenue rose by 10% in Q4 to $36 million, with full-year growth of 9% to $125 million [9][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The existing clients in Backup Care experienced double-digit growth in users, indicating deeper penetration into the eligible population [6] - Enrollment in centers open for more than one year increased by approximately 1% in Q4, with occupancy averaging in the mid-60% range [8][16] 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 [6] - The focus remains on serving families where they work and live, while continuing to rationalize locations that do not meet strategic criteria [9] - The company plans to open approximately 20 new centers in 2026 while closing 45-50 underperforming centers [68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the opportunities in 2026, expecting revenue in the range of $3.075 billion to $3.125 billion and Adjusted EPS between $4.90 and $5.10 [12][19] - The company highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with clients and adapting to changing needs in the workforce [11][28] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $225 million of shares in 2025, strengthening its balance sheet [11][18] - The 2026 marks the fortieth anniversary of the company, reflecting its evolution alongside changes in workforce needs [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Full service margin outlook and center closures - Management expects 25-50 basis points of margin improvement in the full service business for 2026, with most closed centers being loss-making [22][24] Question: Health and safety protocols and local market risks - The company prioritizes high-quality care and maintains strong communication with families regarding any incidents [26][28] Question: Pricing and enrollment growth assumptions - Average price increases for 2026 are expected to be around 4%, with enrollment growth projected at approximately 100 basis points [34] Question: Changes in Backup Care usage and corporate client feedback - The majority of growth in Backup Care is expected to come from existing clients, with a focus on increasing unique users and usage frequency [58] Question: Enrollment season stability and center count - The company experienced a stable fall enrollment season, with expectations to open around 20 centers while closing underperforming ones [64][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 12% to $803 million, with adjusted EPS growing by 41% to $1.57, both exceeding expectations [4][12] - Adjusted operating income rose by 39% to $124 million, with operating margins up approximately 300 basis points to 15.5% [12] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 29% to $156 million, representing an adjusted EBITDA margin of 19% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Backup Care revenue grew by 26% to $253 million, driven by strong demand during the peak summer season [4][13] - Full-service revenue increased by 6% to $516 million, supported by enrollment growth, tuition increases, and new center openings [7][14] - Education advisory revenue grew by 10% to $34 million, led by the strength of College Coach and an expanded participant base in EdAssist [9][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Enrollment in centers open for more than one year increased at a low single-digit rate, with average occupancy in the mid-60% range [7][14] - UK full-service business showed enrollment growth and improved demand among working families, contributing positively to the overall segment [8][68] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a more integrated model that aligns delivery, technology, and client partnerships, with Backup Care as a cornerstone of this strategy [11] - Plans to continue investing in Backup Care to expand capacity and deepen personalization, reinforcing its value proposition [6][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to sustain growth in Backup Care, projecting an 18% growth for the year, with expectations for low double-digit growth in the following year [20][22] - The company is upgrading its full-year earnings guidance, expecting revenue of approximately $2.925 billion and adjusted EPS in the range of $4.48 to $4.53 [11][17] Other Important Information - The UK segment is expected to contribute modestly positive earnings in 2025, with ongoing improvements in operational performance [8][68] - The company has generated $203 million in cash from operations and repurchased $105 million of stock [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of Backup Care growth rates - Management noted that while current growth is strong, they expect to return to a sustainable growth rate of 11% to 13% in the following year [20][22] Question: Clarification on enrollment growth - Management indicated that enrollment growth is expected to taper to around 1% for the year, with low single-digit growth being a temporary measure [26][27] Question: Impact of economic conditions on tuition pricing - The company plans to implement an average tuition increase of around 4%, with localized pricing strategies based on demand [33][72] Question: Performance of the UK segment - The UK segment is improving and is expected to contribute positively to margins, although it still trails behind the US business [68] Question: Pricing strategy in relation to wage inflation - Management expressed confidence in maintaining a pricing strategy that outpaces wage inflation, targeting a 100 basis point spread [71][72] Question: Net center openings for next year - The company anticipates being a net closer of centers, with plans to close 5 to 10 centers due to underperformance [74][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 9% to $732 million, with adjusted EPS growing by 22% to $1.70, both exceeding expectations [5][15] - Adjusted operating income rose by 25% to $86 million, with operating margins up 150 basis points to 11.8% [15] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 13% to $116 million, representing an adjusted EBITDA margin of 16% [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full service segment revenue was $540 million, up 7%, driven by enrollment growth, tuition increases, and new center openings [5][15] - Backup Care revenue grew by 19% to $163 million, reflecting strong client engagement and demand [9][18] - Education Advisory segment revenue increased by 8% to $29 million, with solid participant growth [10][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the UK, operational and financial momentum continued, with solid growth in both enrollment and margins [7][9] - Average occupancy in centers increased to the high 60% range, with improvements noted in underperforming centers [6][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "One Bright Horizon" strategy to expand offerings and deepen employer engagement [11][12] - Continued investments in staffing, technology, and programming are aimed at improving efficiency and experience across centers [8][9] - The company is exploring the benefits of the updated 45F program, which emphasizes employer-supported childcare [28][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued low single-digit enrollment growth and highlighted the importance of enhancing the enrollment process [7][32] - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $2.9 billion to $2.92 billion, reflecting an 8% to 9% growth expectation [14][20] - Management noted that the UK segment is on track to break even by the end of the year, supported by improved demand and government funding [66] Other Important Information - The company opened five new centers and closed eight, resulting in a net decrease of three centers for the quarter [63] - Cash generated from operations was $134 million, with $41 million used for stock repurchases [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin expectations by segment for the full year - Management expects backup care margins to be in the range of 25% to 30%, with full service margins expanding by approximately 125 basis points [24][26] Question: Insights on the 45F program - The updated 45F program could significantly benefit existing accounts, although new client demand may not see immediate stimulation [28][29] Question: Enrollment growth specifics - Management anticipates low single-digit growth, around 2%, for the remainder of the year, with strong marketing efforts in place [31][32] Question: Sales cycle dynamics - The company is enhancing the inquiry-to-enrollment process through technology and personalized support [37][38] Question: M&A pipeline status - The company has been less active in M&A, focusing on high-quality programs in strategic locations, with a current imbalance between seller expectations and fair pricing [56][58] Question: UK segment performance - The UK segment is on track to break even, with improved operating execution and demand supported by expanded government funding [66] Question: Backup care growth and client behavior - Growth in backup care is driven by increased user engagement rather than changes in program design, with extended booking windows for summer care [47][48]