Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. (BFAM) vs UniFirst Corporation (UNF)

A side-by-side comparison of Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. and UniFirst Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnBFAM vs UNF

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
BFAM +9.3% (+0.9%/yr)UNF +134.3% (+8.9%/yr)UNF compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$109$234
BFAM UNF

BFAM vs UNF: by the numbers

  • UNF is the larger company ($5.19B vs $3.91B market cap).
  • BFAM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (23.52 vs 45.07 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • BFAM converts more revenue to profit (5.78% vs 4.65% net margin).
  • BFAM grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.36% vs 6.85% CAGR).
  • UNF pays a dividend (0.51% yield), while BFAM has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricBFAMUNF
P/E ratio23.5245.07
Forward P/E14.5438.39
P/S ratio1.272.09
P/B ratio4.082.37
EV / EBITDA14.0717.75
FCF yield6.08%1.67%

Profitability

MetricBFAMUNF
Gross margin23.33%36.68%
Operating margin10.28%5.77%
Net margin5.78%4.65%
ROE18.55%5.27%
ROIC6.87%4.40%

Dividends

MetricBFAMUNF
Dividend yieldN/A0.51%
Payout ratioN/A17.35%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBFAMUNF
Revenue CAGR (5Y)14.36%6.85%
EPS CAGR (5Y)49.77%2.23%
FCF CAGR (5Y)1.43%2.17%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-12.58%5.26%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, BFAM or UNF?
BFAM has the lower trailing P/E: BFAM trades at 23.52 and UNF at 45.07. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, BFAM or UNF?
Over the past five years, BFAM grew revenue faster — BFAM at a 14.36% CAGR versus UNF at 6.85%.
Does BFAM or UNF pay a bigger dividend?
UNF pays a dividend (0.51% yield), while BFAM has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is BFAM or UNF more profitable?
BFAM runs the higher net margin — BFAM at 5.78% versus UNF at 4.65%.
How have BFAM and UNF total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, BFAM delivered 0.83% and UNF delivered 8.92% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 28, 2026.