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KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (KLC)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/14/2025: KLC (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
1 Year Target Price $12.62
1 Year Target Price $12.62
3 | Strong Buy |
4 | Buy |
1 | Hold |
0 | Sell |
0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 0% | Avg. Invested days 0 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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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 |
Upturn AI SWOT
KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.
Company Overview
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.
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 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
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
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
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.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
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 | Website https://www.kindercare.com |
Full time employees 43690 | Website https://www.kindercare.com |
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.

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