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KLC
Upturn stock ratingUpturn stock rating

KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (KLC)

Upturn stock ratingUpturn stock rating
$7.39
Last Close (24-hour delay)
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PASS
  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)​
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)​
  • Profit
  • Loss
  • Pass (Skip investing)
Upturn Stock infoUpturn Stock info Stock price based on last close
*as per simulation
(see disclosures)
Time period over
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Upturn Advisory Summary

08/14/2025: KLC (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

Upturn Star Rating

rating

Not Recommended Performance

These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.

Number of Analysts

rating

8 Analysts rated it

Limited analyst coverage, niche firm, research info may be scarce.

1 Year Target Price $12.62

1 Year Target Price $12.62

Analysts Price Target For last 52 week
$12.62 Target price
52w Low $6.75
Current$7.39
52w High $29.89

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 0%
Avg. Invested days 0
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Star Rating Upturn stock ratingUpturn stock rating
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance 1.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulationUpturn Profits based on simulation Profits based on simulation
Upturn Profits based on simulationUpturn Profits based on simulation Last Close 08/14/2025

Key Highlights

Company Size Small-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 872.93M USD
Price to earnings Ratio -
1Y Target Price 12.62
Price to earnings Ratio -
1Y Target Price 12.62
Volume (30-day avg) 8
Beta -
52 Weeks Range 6.75 - 29.89
Updated Date 08/15/2025
52 Weeks Range 6.75 - 29.89
Updated Date 08/15/2025
Dividends yield (FY) -
Basic EPS (TTM) -0.69

Earnings Date

Report Date -
When -
Estimate -
Actual -

Profitability

Profit Margin -2.23%
Operating Margin (TTM) 6.41%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 0.54%
Return on Equity (TTM) -10.31%

Valuation

Trailing PE -
Forward PE 9.04
Enterprise Value 3223906701
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.32
Enterprise Value 3223906701
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.32
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.2
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 15.09
Shares Outstanding 118123000
Shares Floating 31724321
Shares Outstanding 118123000
Shares Floating 31724321
Percent Insiders 4.63
Percent Institutions 97.97

ai summary icon Upturn AI SWOT

KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.

stock logo

Company Overview

overview logo History and Background

KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. was founded in 1969. It has grown to become one of the largest providers of early childhood education and care in the United States. Over the years, it has expanded its services and locations to cater to diverse family needs.

business area logo Core Business Areas

  • Center-Based Care: Provides early childhood education and care services at company-operated centers. This includes programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.
  • Employer Partnerships: Offers on-site or near-site child care solutions for employers, allowing companies to provide benefits to employees and enhance workforce productivity.
  • Before- and After-School Programs: Delivers before- and after-school programs in elementary schools, providing a safe and engaging environment for children outside of regular school hours.

leadership logo Leadership and Structure

The leadership team consists of the CEO, CFO, and other key executives who manage the company's operations and strategy. The organizational structure is typically hierarchical, with regional and center directors reporting to senior management.

Top Products and Market Share

overview logo Key Offerings

  • Child Care Programs: Offers comprehensive child care programs catering to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Competitors include Bright Horizons Family Solutions (BFAM), Learning Care Group, and local independent providers. Market share data is difficult to ascertain precisely due to the fragmented nature of the child care market, but KinderCare is among the largest providers. Revenue data per product is not publicly available.
  • Early Learning Programs: Delivers structured early learning programs focused on cognitive, social, and emotional development. Competitors include Goddard Schools, Primrose Schools, and local preschool programs. Market share and revenue data are difficult to ascertain precisely.
  • Summer Camps: Provides summer camp programs for school-age children, offering a mix of educational and recreational activities. Competitors include YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, and various specialty camps. Market share and revenue data are difficult to ascertain precisely.

Market Dynamics

industry overview logo Industry Overview

The child care industry is characterized by high demand driven by working parents and an increasing awareness of the importance of early childhood education. The industry is fragmented, with a mix of large national chains, regional providers, and independent centers. The industry is highly competitive, with providers vying for customers based on factors like price, quality, location, and convenience.

Positioning

KinderCare is positioned as a leading national provider of early childhood education and care, with a focus on quality programs and convenient locations. Its competitive advantages include a strong brand reputation, extensive network of centers, and experienced staff.

Total Addressable Market (TAM)

The global child care market is estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars annually. KinderCare, with its large footprint and established brand, is well-positioned to capture a significant portion of this TAM.

Upturn SWOT Analysis

Strengths

  • Strong brand recognition
  • Extensive network of centers
  • Experienced staff
  • Comprehensive curriculum
  • Partnerships with employers

Weaknesses

  • High operating costs
  • Dependence on government funding
  • Reputational risks
  • High employee turnover
  • Price Sensitivity

Opportunities

  • Expanding into new markets
  • Developing new programs
  • Leveraging technology
  • Acquiring smaller competitors
  • Increased government investment in early childhood education

Threats

  • Economic downturn
  • Increased competition
  • Changing demographics
  • Regulatory changes
  • Negative publicity

Competitors and Market Share

competitor logo Key Competitors

  • BFAM
  • LPX
  • PLC

Competitive Landscape

KinderCare's advantages include its scale, brand recognition, and comprehensive curriculum. Disadvantages could include higher operating costs compared to smaller competitors and potential reputational risks.

Major Acquisitions

Rainbow Child Care Center

  • Year: 2024
  • Acquisition Price (USD millions): 235
  • Strategic Rationale: Enhanced presence in high-growth markets to extend leadership in early childhood education.

Growth Trajectory and Initiatives

Historical Growth: Historical growth rates are not easily available due to its ownership history. Public records indicate the company has been working to pay down debt from acquisitions.

Future Projections: Future growth projections would require access to analyst estimates and company guidance, which are not publicly available to a substantial degree.

Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives could include expansion into new markets, launching new programs, and leveraging technology to improve operations and enhance the customer experience.

Summary

KinderCare is a major player in the fragmented child care market with a strong brand and extensive network. Its size is a significant strength, but high operating costs and competition are ongoing challenges. Expanding services and strategic acquisitions represent opportunities, while economic downturns pose a threat. The company's growth hinges on balancing cost control with continued investment in program quality and market expansion.

Peer Comparison

Sources and Disclaimers

Data Sources:

  • Company Website
  • Industry Reports
  • Market Research Reports
  • SEC Filings

Disclaimers:

The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Market share data is based on estimates due to the fragmented nature of the industry. Financial data may be limited due to KinderCare's private ownership history. Data could be up to one year old.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.

About KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.

Exchange NYSE
Headquaters Lake Oswego, OR, United States
IPO Launch date 2024-10-09
CEO & Director Mr. Paul Thompson
Sector Consumer Defensive
Industry Education & Training Services
Full time employees 43690
Full time employees 43690

KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. provides early childhood education and care services in the United States. The company operates community-based early childhood education centers under the KCLC brand; and community-based early child care and education schools under the Creme School brand. It also provides before-and after-school programs under the Champions brand. The company was formerly known as KC Holdco, LLC and changed its name to KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. in January 2022. KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. was founded in 1969 and is based in Lake Oswego, Oregon.