Bright Horizons Family Solutions (BFAM) vs Unifirst (UNF)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Unifirst (UNF) has outperformed Bright Horizons Family Solutions (BFAM) over the past year, gaining 53.2% versus a loss of 32.9%. Over five years, UNF leads with a +19.0% price change compared with -59.2% for BFAM. Unifirst is the larger company by market cap ($4.66 billion vs $3.36 billion), about 1.4 times the size, while Bright Horizons Family Solutions is growing revenue faster (+9.2% vs +0.2%).
On valuation, Bright Horizons Family Solutions trades at a lower forward P/E (11.7x vs 32.2x for Unifirst). Unifirst pays a dividend yielding 0.56%, while Bright Horizons Family Solutions does not currently pay one. Bright Horizons Family Solutions converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 6.6% versus 6.1%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | BFAM | UNF |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $69.04 | $257.59 |
| Market cap | $3.36B | $4.66B |
| 1-day change | +3.28% | +2.09% |
| YTD return | -34.08% | +30.80% |
| 1-year return | -32.88% | +53.21% |
| 5-year return | -59.20% | +19.02% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.85 | 40.69 |
| Forward P/E | 11.71 | 32.20 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.16 | $6.33 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $1.45 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $2.93B | $2.43B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +9.22% | +0.20% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $193.12M | $148.27M |
| Gross margin | 23.77% | 36.59% |
| Operating margin | 10.73% | 7.59% |
| Net margin | 6.58% | 6.10% |
| 52-week high | $109.86 | $306.67 |
| 52-week low | $57.63 | $147.66 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -37.16% | -16.01% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +27.63% | +6.11% |
| Average volume | 828.35K | 247.31K |
| Shares outstanding | 48.64M | 14.53M |
| Employees | 32,200 | 16,000 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Other Consumer Services | Other Consumer Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- UNF has outperformed BFAM by 86.1 percentage points over the past year.
- Unifirst trades at a higher earnings multiple (40.7x vs 21.8x trailing P/E).
- Bright Horizons Family Solutions grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+9.22% vs +0.20%).
About Bright Horizons Family Solutions
BFAM stock →Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. provides early education and childcare, comprehensive back-up care, educational advisory, and other workplace solutions services for employers and families in the United States, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, and India.
Consumer Discretionary · Other Consumer Services · 32,200 employees
About Unifirst
UNF stock →UniFirst Corporation provides workplace uniforms and protective work wear clothing in the United States, Europe, and Canada. It operates in three segments: Uniform & Facility Service Solutions; First Aid & Safety Solutions; and Other.
Consumer Discretionary · Other Consumer Services · 16,000 employees
BFAM vs UNF FAQ
Which is bigger, Bright Horizons Family Solutions or Unifirst?
Unifirst (UNF) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.66B compared with $3.36B for Bright Horizons Family Solutions (BFAM).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BFAM or UNF?
UNF returned +53.21% over the past 12 months, compared with -32.88% for BFAM (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, BFAM or UNF?
BFAM has the lower trailing P/E at 21.8, versus 40.7 for UNF. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Bright Horizons Family Solutions or Unifirst?
Unifirst pays a dividend yielding 0.56%, while Bright Horizons Family Solutions does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Bright Horizons Family Solutions and Unifirst in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Other Consumer Services industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.