# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001873529
**File Stem:** 0001193125-26-224168
**Filing Date:** 2026-5
**Character Count:** 140933
**Document Hash:** f5d3eae665d1297adcf19142cb3c9066
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-26-224168.hdr.sgml**: 20260514

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-26-224168

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 10-Q

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 72

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260404

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260514

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260514

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001873529
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** SERVICES-CHILD DAY CARE SERVICES [8351]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 07 Trade & Services
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0102

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 10-Q
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-42367
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26979585

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 5005 MEADOWS ROAD
- **CITY:** LAKE OSWEGO
- **STATE:** OR
- **ZIP:** 97035
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** (503) 872-1300

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 5005 MEADOWS ROAD
- **CITY:** LAKE OSWEGO
- **STATE:** OR
- **ZIP:** 97035

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** KC Holdco, LLC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20210719

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? 10-Q

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**WASHINGTON, DC 20549**

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**FORM** 10-Q

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**(Mark One)**

☒ **QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934** 

**For the quarterly period ended** **April 4,** 2026

**OR**

☐ **TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

**For the transition period from to** 

**Commission File Number:** 001-42367

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KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.

**(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)**

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Delaware | 87-1653366 |
| **(State or other jurisdiction of**<br>**incorporation or organization)** | **(I.R.S. Employer<br>Identification No.)** |
| 5005 Meadows Road<br>Lake Oswego**,** OR | 97035 |
| **(Address of principal executive offices)** | **(Zip Code)** |

---

**Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (**503**)** 872-1300

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | **Name of each exchange on which registered** |
| Common stock, par value $0.01 per share<br>KLC<br>| New York Stock Exchange<br>|

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☒ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ |
| Emerging growth company | ☐ |  |  |

---

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of May 11, 2026, the registrant had 118,428,299 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **Page** |
| **PART I.** | [<u>FINANCIAL INFORMATION</u>](#part_i_financial_information) | 2 |
| Item 1. | [<u>Financial Statements (Unaudited)</u>](#item_1_financial_statements) | 2 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)</u>](#consolidated_balance_sheets) | 2 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Unaudited)</u>](#statements_of_operations_and_comprehen) | 3 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited)</u>](#statements_of_shareholder_s_equity) | 4 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</u>](#statements_of_cash_flows) | 5 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)</u>](#notes_to_condensed_consolidated_financ) | 7 |
| Item 2. | [<u>Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations</u>](#item_2_managements_discussion) | 20 |
| Item 3. | [<u>Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk</u>](#item_3_quantitative_and_qualitative) | 29 |
| Item 4. | [<u>Controls and Procedures</u>](#item_4_controls_and_procedures) | 29 |
| **PART II.** | [<u>OTHER INFORMATION</u>](#part_ii_other_information) | 31 |
| Item 1. | [<u>Legal Proceedings</u>](#item_1_legal_proceedings) | 31 |
| Item 1A. | [<u>Risk Factors</u>](#item_1a_risk_factors) | 31 |
| Item 2. | [<u>Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds</u>](#item_2_unregistered_sales_of_equity) | 31 |
| Item 3. | [<u>Defaults Upon Senior Securities</u>](#item_3_defaults_upon_senior_securities) | 31 |
| Item 4. | [<u>Mine Safety Disclosures</u>](#item_4_mine_safety_disclosures) | 31 |
| Item 5. | [<u>Other Information</u>](#item_5_other_information) | 31 |
| Item 6. | [<u>Exhibits</u>](#item_6_exhibits) | 32 |
|  | [<u>Signatures</u>](#signatures) | 33 |

---

i

------

**CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS**

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can generally identify forward-looking statements by our use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "seek," "vision," or "should," or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Important factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our ability to attract and retain families in our centers, schools and programs, and to attract and retain employers that contract with us for family care benefits for their workforce.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•changes in the demand for child care and workplace solutions, which may be negatively affected by demographic trends and economic conditions, including unemployment rates, may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our ability to hire and retain qualified teachers and maintain strong employee engagement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•a permanent shift in workforce demographics and office environments, which may result in decreased demand for center-based or site-based child care and have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our dependence on key management and key employees to manage our business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•adverse publicity that impacts the value of our brands and reputation as a provider of choice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•significant competition in our industry.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our ability to manage our labor costs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our ability to secure affordable real estate leases and renew existing leases on terms acceptable to us may affect our operating results.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our reliance on third-party vendors and service providers exposes us to operational and cost risks that could adversely affect our business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•seasonal fluctuations in our operating results.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•delays, disruptions or reductions in federally funded child care subsidies or tuition reimbursements or from reductions in certain federal, state and local government programs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•reduction in the demand for our services from governmental universal child care benefit programs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•acquisitions present many risks and may disrupt our operations, and we may not realize the financial and strategic goals that were contemplated at the time of the transaction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•public health crises and outbreaks of widespread health pandemics or epidemics have in the past and may in the future adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by various litigation and regulatory proceedings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•we have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and if we fail to remediate this material weakness in a timely manner or at all, we may not be able to comply with our financial reporting obligations, which could expose us to legal and business risks and uncertainties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to obtain capital to fund our operations, limit our flexibility in operating our business, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt, and limit cash flow available to invest in the ongoing needs of our business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•impairment of goodwill or long-lived assets has negatively impacted, and may in the future negatively impact, our results of operations

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the other factors described in the section titled "Risk Factors" in Part I Item 1A. in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Any forward-looking statement that we make in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q speaks only as of the date of such statement. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise, or to publicly announce any update or revision to, any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

------

**PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION**

**Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited).**

**KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.**

**Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)**

***(In thousands, except per share data)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **January 3, 2026** |
| **Assets** |  |  |
| Current assets: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | $132874 | $133205 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable, net | 106782 | 118523 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 104336 | 106291 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current assets | 343992 | 358019 |
| Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of 589,254 and 582,808 | 403871 | 417789 |
| Goodwill | 691900 | 964829 |
| Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of 159,511 and 157,437 | 418848 | 420922 |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 1501223 | 1500786 |
| Other assets | 81809 | 85545 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total assets | $3441643 | $3747890 |
| **Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity** |  |  |
| Current liabilities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $154167 | $163312 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current portion of long-term debt | 9620 | 9620 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease liabilities—current | 149753 | 146594 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred revenue | 50399 | 49577 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other current liabilities | 104078 | 115762 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current liabilities | 468017 | 484865 |
| Long-term debt, net | 916993 | 917925 |
| Operating lease liabilities—long-term | 1451863 | 1447524 |
| Deferred income taxes, net | 35702 | 35454 |
| Other long-term liabilities | 97975 | 106860 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities | 2970550 | 2992628 |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) |  |  |
| Shareholders' equity: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Preferred stock, par value $0.01; 25,000 shares authorized;<br> no shares issued and outstanding as of April 4, 2026 and<br> January 3, 2026 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock, par value $0.01; 750,000 shares authorized;<br> 118,428 shares issued and outstanding as of April 4, 2026<br> and 118,340 shares issued and outstanding as of January 3, 2026 | 1184 | 1183 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional paid-in capital | 843711 | 841301 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retained deficit | (372451) | (82619) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1351) | (4603) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total shareholders' equity | 471093 | 755262 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $3441643 | $3747890 |

---

*See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)*

------

**KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.**

**Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Unaudited)**

***(In thousands, except per share data)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **March 29, 2025** |
| Revenue | $672522 | $668244 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Costs and expenses: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) | 550923 | 516188 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 31077 | 29977 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 71129 | 71727 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment losses | 291475 | 1510 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total costs and expenses | 944604 | 619402 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Loss) income from operations | (272082) | 48842 |
| Interest expense | 18220 | 20108 |
| Interest income | (842) | (659) |
| Other expense, net | 907 | 398 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Loss) income before income taxes | (290367) | 28995 |
| Income tax (benefit) expense | (535) | 7838 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net (loss) income | $(289832) | $21157 |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in net gains (losses) on cash flow hedges | 3252 | (4407) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total comprehensive (loss) income | $(286580) | $16750 |
| Net (loss) income per common share: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | $(2.45) | $0.18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | $(2.45) | $0.18 |
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | 118498 | 118239 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | 118498 | 118321 |

---

*See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)*

------

**KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.**

**Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited)**

***(In thousands)***

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended April 4, 2026** | **Three Months Ended April 4, 2026** | **Three Months Ended April 4, 2026** | **Three Months Ended April 4, 2026** | **Three Months Ended April 4, 2026** | **Three Months Ended April 4, 2026** |
|  | **Common Stock** | **Common Stock** | | | | |
|  | **Shares** | **Amount** | <br>**Additional**<br>**Paid-in**<br>**Capital** | <br>**Retained**<br>**Earnings**<br>**(Deficit)** | **Accumulated**<br>**Other**<br>**Comprehensive**<br>**(Loss) Income** | <br>**Total**<br>**Shareholders'**<br>**Equity** |
| **Balance as of January 3, 2026** | **118340** | $**1183** | $**841301** | $**(82619)** | $**(4603)** | $**755262** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issuance of common stock upon<br> settlement of restricted stock units | 131 | 1 | (1) |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock withheld for taxes in net<br> settlement of restricted stock units | (43) |  | (97) |  |  | (97) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation |  |  | 2508 |  |  | 2508 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive income, net of tax |  |  |  |  | 3252 | 3252 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net loss |  |  |  | (289832) |  | (289832) |
| **Balance as of April 4, 2026** | **118428** | $**1184** | $**843711** | $**(372451)** | $**(1351)** | $**471093** |

---

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended March 29, 2025** | **Three Months Ended March 29, 2025** | **Three Months Ended March 29, 2025** | **Three Months Ended March 29, 2025** | **Three Months Ended March 29, 2025** | **Three Months Ended March 29, 2025** |
|  | **Common Stock** | **Common Stock** | | | | |
|  | **Shares** | **Amount** | <br>**Additional**<br>**Paid-in**<br>**Capital** | <br>**Retained**<br>**Earnings**<br>**(Deficit)** | **Accumulated**<br>**Other**<br>**Comprehensive**<br>**(Loss) Income** | <br>**Total**<br>**Shareholders'**<br>**Equity** |
| **Balance as of December 28, 2024** | **117985** | $**1180** | $**830369** | $**30261** | $**2699** | $**864509** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issuance of common stock upon<br> settlement of restricted stock units | 33 |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock withheld for taxes in <br> net settlement of restricted<br> stock units | (12) |  | (224) |  |  | (224) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation |  |  | 3848 |  |  | 3848 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive loss, net of tax |  |  |  |  | (4407) | (4407) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income |  |  |  | 21157 |  | 21157 |
| **Balance as of March 29, 2025** | **118006** | $**1180** | $**833993** | $**51418** | $**(1708)** | $**884883** |

---

*See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)*

------

**KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.**

**Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)**

***(In thousands)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **March 29, 2025** |
| **Operating activities:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net (loss) income | $(289832) | $21157 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 31077 | 29977 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment losses | 291475 | 1510 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in deferred taxes | (883) | (2339) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of debt issuance costs | 1473 | 1569 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation | 2508 | 3848 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Realized and unrealized losses from investments held in deferred<br> compensation asset trusts | 1292 | 671 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on disposal of property and equipment |  | (167) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable | 11741 | 8455 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 1955 | (10320) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other assets | 346 | 5819 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (6190) | 28141 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Leases | 1193 | 1405 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred revenue | 822 | 4251 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other current liabilities | (9352) | 13584 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other long-term liabilities | (6567) | (8998) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Related party payables |  | (119) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash provided by operating activities | 31058 | 98444 |
| **Investing activities:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of property and equipment | (29986) | (23360) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (540) | (6071) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from the disposal of property and equipment |  | 167 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investments in deferred compensation asset trusts | (1977) | (2179) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from deferred compensation asset trust redemptions | 3852 | 3055 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash used in investing activities | (28651) | (28388) |
| **Financing activities:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments of deferred offering costs |  | (275) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal payments of long-term debt | (2405) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments of debt issuance costs |  | (181) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repayments of promissory notes | (78) | (81) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments of financing lease obligations | (252) | (336) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax payments related to net settlement of restricted stock units | (97) | (224) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash used in financing activities | (2832) | (1097) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | (425) | 68959 |
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period | 133299 | 62430 |
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period | $132874 | $131389 |

---

*See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)*

------

**KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.**

**Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (continued)**

***(In thousands)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **March 29, 2025** |
| **Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash to the<br> unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | $132874 | $131294 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restricted cash included within other assets |  | 95 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period | $132874 | $131389 |
| **Supplemental cash flow information:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash paid for interest | $17181 | $18998 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds | 332 | 193 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities | 78009 | 72159 |
| **Non-cash operating activities:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating<br> lease liabilities | $49113 | $48523 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred cloud computing implementation costs included in accounts payable | 126 | 1676 |
| **Non-cash investing and financing activities:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property and equipment additions included in accounts payable and<br> accrued liabilities | $8734 | $9004 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for finance<br> lease liabilities |  | 82 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reductions to finance lease right-of-use assets resulting from reductions to<br> finance lease liabilities |  | 1261 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contingent consideration and holdbacks payable for acquisitions | 60 | 1200 |

---

*See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)*

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**KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.**

**Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)**

**1.** **ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES**

**Organization**—KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (the "Company") offers early childhood education and care programs to children ranging from six weeks through 12 years of age. Founded in 1969, the services provided include infant, toddler, preschool, kindergarten, and before- and after-school programs. The Company provides childhood education and care programs within the following categories:

*Community-Based and Employer-Sponsored Early Childhood Education and Care*—The Company provides early childhood education and care services, as well as back-up care, primarily marketed under the names KinderCare Learning Centers and Crème School. Additionally, the Company partners with employer sponsors under a variety of arrangements such as discounted rent, enrollment guarantees, or an arrangement whereby the center is managed by the Company in return for a management fee. As of April 4, 2026, the Company provided community-based and employer-sponsored early childhood education and care services through 1,606 centers with a licensed capacity of 215,371 children in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

*Before- and After-School Educational Services*—The Company provides before- and after-school educational services for preschool and school-age children under the name Champions. As of April 4, 2026, Champions offered educational services through 1,159 sites in 29 states and the District of Columbia. These sites primarily operate at elementary school facilities.

**Basis of Presentation**—The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations.

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the Company's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for the three months ended April 4, 2026 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending January 2, 2027 or for any other future annual or interim period.

These unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 13, 2026. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

There have been no changes to the significant accounting policies described in the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements—**In July 2025, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2025-05, *Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets*, which provides all entities with a practical expedient when applying the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 326, *Financial Instruments—Credit Losses,* to current accounts receivable and current contract assets arising from transactions accounted for under ASC 606, *Revenue from Contracts with Customers*. The Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of the fiscal year ending January 2, 2027, using the prospective method of adoption. In estimating expected credit losses, the Company has elected the practical expedient under ASU 2025-05 to assume that current economic conditions, as of the balance sheet date, will not change for the remaining life of the current accounts receivable. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements as the Company's allowance for credit losses was not material as of April 4, 2026.

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**Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements—**In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-10, *Government Grants (Topic 832): Accounting for Government Grants received by Business Entities*, which establishes authoritative guidance under GAAP on the accounting for government grants received by business entities. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2028, including interim periods within those annual periods. The guidance may be applied using a retrospective approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the earliest period presented, or using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is in the process of determining the impact this rule will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In September 2025, the FASB, issued ASU 2025-06, *Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software*, which simplifies the capitalization guidance in ASC 350-40, *Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software*, by removing all references to software development project stages so that the guidance is neutral to different software development methods. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, including interim periods within those annual periods, and may be applied prospectively, retrospectively, or with a modified transition approach based on the status of the project and whether software costs were capitalized before the date of adoption. The Company is in the process of determining the impact this rule will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, *Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40)*, and in January 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01, *Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Clarifying the Effective Date*, which requires a public business entity to disclose specific information about certain costs and expenses in the notes to the financial statements for interim and annual reporting periods. ASU 2024-03, as clarified by ASU 2025-01, is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, and may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The Company is in the process of determining the impact this rule will have on the consolidated financial statements.

**2.** **GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE**

The Company receives government assistance from various governmental entities to support the operations of its early childhood education and care centers and before- and after-school sites, which is comprised of both assistance relating to income ("Income Grants") and capital projects. Income Grants consist primarily of funds received for reimbursement of food costs, teacher compensation, and classroom supplies, and in certain cases, as incremental revenue. Refer to Note 1, *Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies*, and Note 2, *Government Assistance*, within the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding the Company's government assistance policy and disclosures related to all forms of government assistance received.

A portion of the Company's food costs are reimbursed through the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program. The program is operated by states to partially or fully offset the cost of food for children that meet certain criteria. The Company recognized food subsidies of $12.1 million during both the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 offsetting cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

The Company receives grant funding from various governmental programs and agencies for expenses including teacher compensation, classroom supplies, and other center operating costs, of which a portion is incurred incrementally in accordance with certain grant requirements. Grants of $11.6 million and $14.5 million during the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively, were recognized as reimbursements offsetting cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

Grants receivable are recognized for grants that meet the Company's recognition criteria but have not yet been received, while deferred grants represent amounts received that do not yet meet such criteria. There were no grants receivable as of April 4, 2026, and as of January 3, 2026, the Company recorded $0.3 million in grants receivable within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, the Company recorded $7.4 million and $8.5 million in deferred grants, respectively, within other current liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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**COVID-19 Related Stimulus**

The Employee Retention Credit ("ERC"), established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, extended and expanded by several subsequent governmental acts, allows eligible businesses to claim a per employee payroll tax credit based on a percentage of qualified wages, including health care expenses, paid during calendar year 2020 through September 2021. During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, the Company received reimbursements of $62.0 million in cash tax refunds for ERC claimed, along with $2.3 million in interest income. Due to the unprecedented nature of ERC legislation and the changing administrative guidance, not all of the ERC reimbursements received have met the Company's recognition criteria. As of both April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, total deferred ERC liabilities of $12.3 million was recorded in other long-term liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, as of both April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, the Company has $3.4 million in ERC receivables recorded in other assets on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as there is reasonable assurance these reimbursements will be received. Refer to Note 2, *Government Assistance*, and Note 20, *Income Taxes*, within the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 included in the Company's annual report on form 10-K for further information regarding the ERC.

**3.** **REVENUE RECOGNITION**

**Contract Balances**

Deferred revenue is recorded when payments are received or due in advance of the Company's performance under the contract, which is recognized as revenue as the performance obligation is satisfied. Payment from parents for tuition is typically received in advance on a weekly or monthly basis, in which case the revenue is deferred and recognized as the performance obligation is satisfied. Tuition that is supplemented or paid by government agencies or employer sponsors is typically received subsequent to when the child care services have been rendered and the performance obligation has been satisfied. Deferred revenue on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets may fluctuate across reporting periods due to the timing of period ends and calendar holidays relative to the Company's billing cycle, as well as seasonal enrollment patterns. As the Company has an unconditional right to consideration upon satisfying its performance obligations, no contract assets are recognized. During the three months ended April 4, 2026, $48.6 million was recognized as revenue related to the deferred revenue balance recorded as of January 3, 2026. During the three months ended March 29, 2025, $26.0 million was recognized as revenue related to the deferred revenue balance recorded as of December 28, 2024.

The Company applied the practical expedient of expensing costs incurred to obtain a contract if the amortization period of the asset is one year or less. Sales commissions are expensed as incurred in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

**Disaggregation of Revenue**

The following table disaggregates total revenue between education centers and school sites (in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **March 29, 2025** |
| Early childhood education centers | $610171 | $615007 |
| Before- and after-school sites | 62351 | 53237 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total revenue | $672522 | $668244 |

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Revenue generated from families whose tuition is partially or fully subsidized by amounts received from government agencies was $234.3 million and $240.1 million during the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively.

**Performance Obligations**

The transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations relates to services that are paid or invoiced in advance. The Company does not disclose the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original contractual period of one year or less, or for variable consideration allocated entirely to wholly unsatisfied promises that form part of a series of services. The Company's remaining performance obligations not subject to the practical expedients are not material.

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**4.** **GOODWILL**

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows (in thousands):

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Balance as of January 3, 2026** | $**964829** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additions from acquisitions | 600 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment | (273529) |
| **Balance as of April 4, 2026** | $**691900** |

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The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist. During the three months ended April 4, 2026, the Company's market capitalization deteriorated due to a decline in stock price as a result of continued market uncertainty. The Company considered this to be an impairment indicator for goodwill.

After considering the various approaches to the goodwill impairment test, the Company used the market approach based on market capitalization and determined the fair value of the early childhood education centers reporting unit did not exceed its carrying value, resulting in an impairment to the reporting unit. The excess of the reporting unit's carrying value over its fair value of $273.5 million was recognized as an impairment to goodwill within impairment losses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income during the three months ended April 4, 2026. No goodwill impairment was recognized during the three months ended March 29, 2025. As of April 4, 2026, the adjusted balance of goodwill related to the early childhood education centers reporting unit was $644.5 million. The before- and after-school reporting unit had an estimated fair value that substantially exceeded its carrying value, resulting in no impairment to the reporting unit. As of April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, goodwill recorded on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets is net of accumulated impairment losses of $451.5 million and $178.0 million, respectively.

Adverse changes in the Company's market capitalization as well as changes in key assumptions, including higher discount rates or weaker operating results, could result in impairment in future periods, which could be material to the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Refer to Note 8, *Fair Value Measurements*, for further information regarding the inputs utilized in the estimation of reporting unit fair value.

**5.** **LEASES**

Right-of-use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities balances were as follows (in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **January 3, 2026** |
| **Assets:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease right-of-use assets | $1501223 | $1500786 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance lease right-of-use assets | 3139 | 3394 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total lease right-of-use assets | $1504362 | $1504180 |
| **Liabilities—current:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease liabilities | $149753 | $146594 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance lease liabilities | 1030 | 1022 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current lease liabilities | 150783 | 147616 |
| **Liabilities—long-term:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease liabilities | 1451863 | 1447524 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance lease liabilities | 2481 | 2741 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total long-term lease liabilities | 1454344 | 1450265 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total lease liabilities | $1605127 | $1597881 |

---

Finance lease ROU assets are included in other assets and finance lease liabilities are included in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 8, *Fair Value Measurements*, for information regarding impairment of ROU assets.

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**Lease Expense**

The components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **March 29, 2025** |
| Lease expense: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease expense | $78182 | $73090 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance lease expense: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of right-of-use assets | 255 | 350 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest on lease liabilities | 78 | 94 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Short-term lease expense | 2482 | 2775 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Variable lease expense | 21823 | 17970 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total lease expense | $102820 | $94279 |

---

**Other Information**

The weighted average remaining lease term and the weighted average discount rate were as follows:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **January 3, 2026** |
| Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) (Operating) | 9 | 9 |
| Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) (Finance) | 4 | 5 |
| Weighted average discount rate (Operating) | 9.1% | 9.2% |
| Weighted average discount rate (Finance) | 8.5% | 8.6% |

---

**Maturity of Lease Liabilities**

The following table summarizes the maturity of lease liabilities as of April 4, 2026 (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Finance Leases** | **Operating Leases** | **Total Leases** |
| Remainder of 2026 | $967 | $209989 | $210956 |
| 2027 | 1220 | 302378 | 303598 |
| 2028 | 694 | 283235 | 283929 |
| 2029 | 418 | 263387 | 263805 |
| 2030 | 388 | 244506 | 244894 |
| Thereafter | 410 | 1057374 | 1057784 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total lease payments | 4097 | 2360869 | 2364966 |
| Less imputed interest | 586 | 759253 | 759839 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Present value of lease liabilities | 3511 | 1601616 | 1605127 |
| Less current portion of lease liabilities | 1030 | 149753 | 150783 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Long-term lease liabilities | $2481 | $1451863 | $1454344 |

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As of April 4, 2026, the Company had entered into additional operating leases that have not yet commenced with total fixed payment obligations of $198.2 million. The leases are expected to commence between 2026 and 2027 and have initial lease terms of approximately 15 years.

The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. The rates are estimated using key inputs such as credit ratings, base rates, and spreads, which considered the rates on the Company's first lien term loan.

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**6.** **LONG-TERM DEBT**

Long-term debt included the following (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **January 3, 2026** |
| First lien term loans | $954748 | $957153 |
| Debt issuance costs, net | (28135) | (29608) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total debt | 926613 | 927545 |
| Current portion of long-term debt | (9620) | (9620) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Long-term debt, net | $916993 | $917925 |

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**Senior Secured Credit Facilities**—The Company's credit agreement, dated as of June 12, 2023 (as subsequently amended and restated) (the "Credit Agreement") includes $1,224.5 million senior secured credit facilities which consist of a $962.0 million first lien term loan (the "First Lien Term Loan Facility") and a $262.5 million revolving credit facility ("First Lien Revolving Credit Facility") (collectively, the "Senior Secured Credit Facilities").

In February 2025, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement to increase the total commitments under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility by a net amount of $22.5 million as well as reclassify and extend $5.0 million of the previously non-extended commitments, increasing the total borrowing capacity of the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility to $262.5 million. All other terms under the Credit Agreement remain unchanged as a result of the amendment.

In July 2025, the Company entered into a repricing amendment to the Credit Agreement. As of the effective date of the amendment, the applicable rates for the First Lien Term Loan Facility and for amounts drawn under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility were reduced by 0.50%. As a result of the amendment, the First Lien Term Loan Facility bears interest at a variable rate equal to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus 2.75% per annum. In addition, amounts drawn under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at SOFR plus an applicable rate between 2.00% and 2.50% per annum, based on a pricing grid of the Company's First Lien Term Loan Facility net leverage ratio. All other terms under the Credit Agreement remain unchanged as a result of the amendment.

The Credit Agreement allows for letters of credit to be drawn against the current borrowing capacity of the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility, capped at $172.5 million. The Company pays certain fees under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility, including a fronting fee on outstanding letters of credit of 0.125% per annum and a commitment fee on the unused portion of the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility at a rate between 0.25% and 0.50% per annum, based on a pricing grid of the Company's First Lien Term Loan Facility net leverage ratio. Additionally, fees on the outstanding letters of credit bear interest at a rate equal to the applicable rate for amounts drawn under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility.

All obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement contains various financial and nonfinancial loan covenants and provisions. The Company's financial loan covenant is a quarterly maximum First Lien Term Loan Facility net leverage ratio. The First Lien Term Loan Facility net leverage ratio is required to be tested only if, on the last day of each fiscal quarter, the amount of revolving loans outstanding under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility, excluding all letters of credit, exceeds 35% of total revolving commitments on such date. Nonfinancial loan covenants restrict the Company's ability to, among other things, incur additional debt; make fundamental changes to the business; make certain restricted payments, investments, acquisitions, and dispositions; or engage in certain transactions with affiliates. As of April 4, 2026, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Agreement.

An annual calculation of excess cash flows determines if the Company will be required to make a mandatory prepayment on the First Lien Term Loan Facility. Mandatory prepayments would reduce future required quarterly principal payments.

As of both April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, the Company had no outstanding borrowings on the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility and had an available borrowing capacity of $189.7 million after giving effect to the outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Agreement of $72.8 million.

No debt issuance costs were incurred during the three months ended April 4, 2026. The Company capitalized original issue discount and debt issuance costs of $0.2 million during the three months ended March 29, 2025, related to the February 2025 amendment to the Credit Agreement. These costs are being amortized over the terms of the related debt instruments and amortization expense is included within interest expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

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The Company did not incur any gain or loss on extinguishment of debt during the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively.

Principal payments on the First Lien Term Loan Facility are payable in arrears on the last business day of each calendar year quarter, with the final payment of the remaining principal balance due in June 2030 when the First Lien Term Loan Facility matures. Interest payments on the Senior Secured Credit Facilities are payable in arrears on the last business day of each calendar year quarter. The $252.5 million of extended commitments under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility mature in October 2029, while the $10.0 million of non-extended commitments have a maturity date of June 2028.

Future principal payments on long-term debt for the remaining fiscal year ending January 2, 2027 and for the fiscal years thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Remainder of 2026 | $7215 |
| 2027 | 9620 |
| 2028 | 9620 |
| 2029 | 7215 |
| 2030 | 921078 |
|  | $954748 |

---

**Other Credit Facilities**—In February 2024, the Company entered into a credit facilities agreement (the "LOC Agreement") which allows for $20.0 million in letters of credit to be issued. The Company pays certain fees under the LOC Agreement, including fees on the outstanding balance of letters of credit at a rate of 5.95% per annum and fees on the unused portion of letters of credit at a rate of 0.25% per annum. Fees on the letters of credit are payable in arrears on the last business day of each March, June, September, and December. The LOC Agreement matures in December 2026. The Company had $20.0 million outstanding letters of credit under the LOC Agreement as of April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026.

**7.** **RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVES**

The Company is exposed to market risks, including the effect of changes in interest rates, and may use derivatives to manage financial exposures that occur in the normal course of business. The Company does not hold or issue derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The Company may elect to designate certain derivatives as hedging instruments under ASC 815, *Derivatives and Hedging*. The Company formally documents all relationships between designated hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions.

**Cash Flow Hedges**—For interest rate derivative contracts that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value of the derivative contracts are reported as a component of other comprehensive income or loss, inclusive of the related income tax effects, within the consolidated statements of operation and comprehensive (loss) income. Gains and losses are reclassified into interest expense when realized, with the related income tax effects reclassified into income tax (benefit) expense, during the same period in which interest expense is recognized on the hedged item, the First Lien Term Loan Facility. The Company classifies the cash flows at settlement from these designated cash flow hedges in the same category as the cash flows from the related hedged items within the cash provided by operations component of the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

In January 2024, the Company entered into a pay-fixed-receive-float interest rate swap contract with a notional amount of $400.0 million through its maturity and a fixed interest rate of 3.85% per annum. Additionally, in February 2024, the Company entered into two pay-fixed-receive-float interest rate swap contracts with a combined notional amount of $400.0 million through their maturity and fixed interest rates of 3.89% per annum. The contracts were executed in order to hedge the interest rate risk on a portion of the variable debt under the Credit Agreement. Payments to or from the counterparty are based on the variable rate which is the greater of three-month SOFR or 0.50% per annum. The interest rate swap contracts commenced on June 28, 2024 and will mature on December 31, 2026.

In March 2025, the Company entered into two forward starting pay-fixed-receive-float interest rate swap contracts, one with a fixed interest rate of 3.72% per annum and the other with a fixed interest rate of 3.74% per annum, with a combined notional amount of $500.0 million through their maturity. The contracts will commence when the Company's current interest rate swap contracts expire on December 31, 2026 and will mature on December 31, 2027. The contracts were executed in order to hedge the interest rate risk on a portion of the variable debt under the Credit Agreement. Payments to or from the counterparty are based on the variable rate which is the greater of three-month SOFR or 0.50% per annum.

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As of April 4, 2026, the Company's derivatives are considered highly effective. The Company estimates that $1.3 million, before income taxes, of deferred losses recognized within accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as of April 4, 2026 will be reclassified as an increase in interest expense within the next 12 months. Actual amounts reclassified into net (loss) income during the next 12 months are dependent on changes in the three-month SOFR.

The following tables present the amounts affecting the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income (in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments** | **Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments** | **Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments** |
|  | **Gain (Loss)<br>Recognized in Other<br>Comprehensive<br>(Loss) Income** | **Loss (Gain) Reclassified<br>from Accumulated <br>Other<br>Comprehensive (Loss)<br>Income into Earnings** | **Total Effect on<br>Other<br>Comprehensive<br>(Loss) Income** |
| **Three Months Ended April 4, 2026** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate derivative contracts | $3987 | $396 | $4383 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax effect | (1029) | (102) | (1131) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net of income taxes | $2958 | $294 | $3252 |
| **Three Months Ended March 29, 2025** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate derivative contracts | $(4993) | $(948) | $(5941) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax effect | 1289 | 245 | 1534 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net of income taxes | $(3704) | $(703) | $(4407) |

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**Credit Risk**—The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to hedging instruments. The counterparties to all derivative transactions are major financial institutions with at or above investment grade credit ratings. This does not eliminate the Company's exposure to credit risk with these institutions; however, the Company's risk is limited to the fair value of the instruments. The Company is not aware of any circumstance or condition that would preclude a counterparty from complying with the terms of the derivative contracts and will continuously monitor the credit worthiness of all its derivative counterparties for any significant adverse changes.

**8.** **FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS**

Fair value guidance defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company uses a three-level hierarchy established by the FASB that prioritizes fair value measurements based on the types of inputs used for the various valuation techniques (market approach, income approach, and cost approach).

The levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; these include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Level 3: Unobservable inputs with little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

**Investments held for the Deferred Compensation Plan**—The Company records the fair value of the investments and cash and cash equivalents held for the deferred compensation plan in other assets on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents held in the fund approximates fair value, and the amounts were not material as of April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026. The investments held in the plan consist of mutual funds and money market funds with fair values that can be corroborated by prices for identical assets and therefore are classified as Level 1 investments under the fair value hierarchy.

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The following tables summarize the composition of the underlying investments in the Company's deferred compensation plan trust assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents (in thousands):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** |
|  | <br>**Balance as of <br>April 4,<br>2026** | **Quoted Price<br>in Active<br>Markets for<br>Identical Assets<br>(Level 1)** | **Significant<br>Other<br>Observable<br>Inputs (Level 2)** | **Significant<br>Unobservable<br>Inputs (Level 3)** |
| **Assets:** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Money Market Funds | $2367 | $2367 | $— | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mutual Funds | 38533 | 38533 |  |  |
|  | $40900 | $40900 | $— | $— |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** |
|  | <br>**Balance as of <br>January 3,<br>2026** | **Quoted Price<br>in Active<br>Markets for<br>Identical Assets<br>(Level 1)** | **Significant<br>Other<br>Observable<br>Inputs (Level 2)** | **Significant<br>Unobservable<br>Inputs (Level 3)** |
| **Assets:** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Money Market Funds | $6733 | $6733 | $— | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mutual Funds | 37389 | 37389 |  |  |
|  | $44122 | $44122 | $— | $— |

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**Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets**—Fair value assessments of the reporting units utilized within the goodwill impairment test are considered Level 3 measurements due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed using Company specific information. Specifically, during the three months ended April 4, 2026, the market approach utilized for the quantitative goodwill impairment test incorporated Level 3 inputs including the application of a control premium, which is estimated using expected synergies that would be realized by a hypothetical buyer.

During both the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, triggering events at specific center asset groups related to property and equipment and lease ROU assets occurred due to reduced cash flow projections over the remaining lease term or asset useful lives, as applicable, due to lower-than-expected center sales performance and centers identified for closure. The Company identified specific center asset groups in the initial recoverability test that had carrying values in excess of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows. For those center asset groups, a fair value assessment was performed using the discounted cash flow ("DCF") method under the income approach and impairments of property and equipment and lease ROU assets were recognized. Fair value assessments performed for long-lived assets are considered a Level 3 measurement as the Company typically estimates fair value of the asset group using the DCF method under the income approach which is based on unobservable inputs including future cash flow projections, market-based inputs including as-is market rents, and discount rate assumptions, as appropriate.

The following table presents the amount of impairment expense of goodwill and long-lived assets (in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **March 29, 2025** |
| Impairment of goodwill | $273529 | $— |
| Impairment of property and equipment | 12078 | 1449 |
| Impairment of lease right-of-use assets | 5868 | 61 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total impairment losses | $291475 | $1510 |

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Refer to Note 4, *Goodwill*, and Note 5*, Leases*, for additional information regarding the Company's Goodwill and ROU assets.

**Derivative Financial Instruments**—The Company's derivative financial instruments include interest rate derivative contracts. The fair value of derivative financial instruments is determined using observable market inputs such as quoted prices for similar instruments, forward pricing curves, and interest rates, and considers nonperformance risk of the Company and its counterparties, and as such, derivative financial instruments are classified as Level 2. The Company's derivative financial instruments are subject to master netting arrangements that allow for the offset of assets and liabilities in the event of default or

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early termination of the contracts. The Company elects to record its derivative financial instruments at net fair value on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, interest rate derivatives of $1.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively, were recorded in other current liabilities and $0.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively, were recorded in other long-term liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 7, *Risk Management and Derivatives*, for additional information regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments.

**Long-Term Debt**—The Company records long-term debt on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets net of unamortized issuance costs. The estimated fair value of first lien term loans was $850.9 million as of April 4, 2026 and $938.0 million as of January 3, 2026, and is based on mid-point prices, or prices for similar instruments from active markets, on the balance sheet date. Judgment is required to develop these estimates, and as such, the first lien term loan and the first lien revolving credit facility are classified as Level 2. Refer to Note 6, *Long-term Debt*, for additional information regarding the Company's long-term debt.

**Other Financial Instruments**—The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.

There were no transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy during any of the periods presented.

**9.** **ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME**

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax, are comprised of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments, and were as follows (in thousands):

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Balance as of January 3, 2026** | $**(4603)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive gains before reclassifications | 2958 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reclassifications to net (loss) income of previously deferred losses | 294 |
| **Balance as of April 4, 2026** | $**(1351)** |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Balance as of December 28, 2024** | $**2699** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive losses before reclassifications | (3704) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reclassifications to net (loss) income of previously deferred gains | (703) |
| **Balance as of March 29, 2025** | $**(1708)** |

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**10.** **STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION**

**2022 Incentive Award Plan—**The 2022 Incentive Award Plan ("2022 Plan"), provides for the issuance of share-based awards, including stock options and restricted stock units ("RSUs"). Originally, the 2022 Plan reserved 15.7 million shares of common stock for awards. Pursuant to the evergreen provisions of the 2022 Plan effective the first day of each calendar year beginning January 1, 2026, the number of shares reserved for the 2022 Plan will be increased unless otherwise determined by the Company's Board. Under this provision for the calendar year beginning January 1, 2026, the number of shares of the Company's common stock reserved for awards under the 2022 Plan increased by 4.7 million shares, which was ratified by the Company's Board on March 11, 2026. Refer to Note 17, *Shareholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation*, within the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional detail on the terms of the 2022 Plan.

Under the 2022 Plan, the Company granted 3.5 million stock options with an exercise price of $1.84 at a weighted average grant date fair value of $1.09 per stock option as well as 2.4 million RSUs at a weighted average grant date fair value of $1.84 per RSU during the three months ended April 4, 2026. Awards granted to employees during the three months ended April 4, 2026 have a service-based vesting condition for which the awards vest 25% upon the first anniversary of the grant date and the remaining in equal quarterly installments over the following three years, subject to the retirement eligibility of individual holders, and stock options have either a fixed 5-year or 10-year terms for exercise.

**Stock-based Compensation Expense—**Total stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards was $2.5 million and $4.1 million during the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively, and was recognized in selling, general, and administrative expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. As of April 4, 2026, the total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for stock options and RSUs, net of estimated forfeitures, was $14.1 million, which will be recognized over the remaining weighted average period of 3.5 years.

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**11.** **NET (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE**

The reconciliations of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 are set forth in the table below (in thousands, except per share data):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **March 29, 2025** |
| Net (loss) income available to common shareholders,<br> basic and diluted | $(289832) | $21157 |
| Weighted average number of common shares<br> outstanding, basic | 118498 | 118239 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Effect of dilutive securities |  | 82 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Weighted average number of common shares<br> outstanding, diluted | 118498 | 118321 |
| Net (loss) income per common share: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | $(2.45) | $0.18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | $(2.45) | $0.18 |

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During the three months ended April 4, 2026, 5.4 million shares of common stock from stock options and 2.8 million from RSUs were excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) income per common share as their effect was anti-dilutive due to a net loss available to common shareholders. During the three months ended March 29, 2025, 2.5 million shares of common stock from stock options and 0.2 million from RSUs were excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) income per common share as their effect was anti-dilutive.

**12.** **INCOME TAXES**

The Company's effective tax rates were 0.2% and 27.0% for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively. Compared to the statutory rate, the difference in the effective tax rate for the three months ended April 4, 2026 was primarily due to nondeductible goodwill impairment, partially offset by state and local taxes. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 29, 2025 was primarily driven by state and local taxes, nondeductible compensation and fringe benefit expenses, as well as changes in uncertain tax reserves.

The Company considers all available positive and negative evidence when assessing the carrying amount of its deferred tax assets. Evidence includes the anticipated impact on future taxable income arising from the reversal of temporary differences, actual operating results for the trailing twelve quarters, the ongoing assessment of financial performance, and available tax planning strategies, if any, that management considers prudent and feasible. No valuation allowance was required as of April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026. The Company will continue to reassess the carrying amount of its deferred tax assets.

The Company is no longer subject to examination by tax authorities for years before 2022.

**13.** **COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES**

**Litigation**—The Company is subject to claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In accordance with ASC 450, *Contingencies* ("ASC 450"), loss contingencies for these claims and litigation are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable, and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company estimates insurance receivables based on an analysis of the terms of its policies, including their exclusions, pertinent case law interpreting comparable policies, its experience with similar claims, and assessment of the nature of the claim and remaining coverage. In accordance with ASC 450, insurance receivables related to loss contingencies are recorded for recoveries considered probable under applicable insurance policies. The Company believes the accruals for contingencies are reasonable and sufficient based upon information currently available to management, although assurance cannot be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of any such claims or actions, that final costs related to these contingencies will not exceed current estimates, nor any assurance can be given as to the amount of such final costs that will be covered by insurance.

The Company reexamines its estimates of probable liabilities and insurance receivables at least quarterly and, where appropriate, makes adjustments to its reasonably estimated losses and accruals to reflect the impacts of negotiations, estimated settlements, legal rulings, advice of legal counsel and other information and events pertaining to a particular matter. As a result,

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the current accruals and/or estimates of loss and the estimates of the potential impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the legal proceedings against the Company may change over time.

Refer to Note 1, *Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies*, within the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on the Company's self-insurance obligations and related insurance receivables. The Company believes the resolution of pending legal matters will not have a material effect on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

*Settlement of General Liability Claim*

In February 2024, an action was commenced against the Company for damages for personal injuries. On February 19, 2026, the Company and the plaintiffs entered into a memorandum of agreement relating to the settlement of this matter. The settlement is expected to be finalized and the case dismissed with prejudice in the second quarter of the fiscal year ending January 2, 2027. As of both April 4, 2026, and January 3, 2026, the Company accrued $50.0 million in self-insurance obligations related to this matter within other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, which reflects the amount of the agreed-upon settlement. Additionally, the Company recorded insurance receivables of $49.7 million within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, which represents recoveries considered probable from purchased insurance coverage.

*Securities Class Action and Derivative Claim*

On August 12, 2025, a purported Company stockholder filed a securities class action complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon against the Company, Paul Thompson, Anthony Amandi, John T. Wyatt, Jean Desravines, Christine Deputy, Michael Nuzzo, Benjamin Russell, Joel Schwartz, Alyssa Waxenberg, and Preston Grasty (collectively, the "KinderCare Defendants"), each of whom were officers or directors at the time of the Company's initial public offering ("IPO"), Partners Group Holding AG, the Company's majority stockholder, and the representatives of the underwriters in the Company's IPO, Goldman Sachs & Co LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., and UBS Securities LLC. A consolidated complaint was filed on February 6, 2026 alleging that defendants violated Sections 11, 15, and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 by making material misstatements or omissions in offering documents filed in connection with the IPO. The complaint seeks unspecified damages, interest, fees, and costs on behalf of purchasers and/or acquirers of common stock issued in the IPO, as well as unspecified equitable relief. On April 7, 2026, the KinderCare Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the claims in this action. Any potential loss arising from this claim is not currently probable or estimable.

On March 24, 2026, a purported Company stockholder filed a derivative complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon against Paul Thompson, Anthony Amandi, John T. Wyatt, Jean Desravines, Christine Deputy, Michael Nuzzo, Benjamin Russell, Joel Schwartz, Alyssa Waxenberg, and Preston Grasty. The complaint, filed derivatively on behalf of the Company, alleges breaches of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, and violations of federal securities laws. The plaintiff seeks, among other relief, damages on behalf of the Company, corporate governance reforms, restitution, and attorneys' fees and costs. This proceeding has been stayed pending a ruling on the Motion to Dismiss filing in the securities class action noted above. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the claims in this action. Any potential loss arising from this claim is not currently probable or estimable.

**14.** **SEGMENT INFORMATION**

The Company uses the "management approach" in determining its operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") for making strategic decisions, assessing performance, and allocating resources. The Company's CODM has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

The Company determined it operates as one consolidated segment and therefore has one reportable segment. The consolidated Company segment derives revenue primarily from providing early childhood education and care services at centers and before- and after-school sites.

As a single reportable segment entity, the GAAP measure utilized by the CODM to assess performance and allocate resources is the Company's consolidated net (loss) income. For example, the CODM uses consolidated net (loss) income to monitor budget versus actual results, make decisions on capital investments, as well as to measure market competition and achievement of Company strategic objectives. Consolidated revenue, significant segment expenses, and net (loss) income are reported on the

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unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income and the measure of segment assets is reported on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as total assets. The accounting policies of the consolidated Company segment are the same as those described in Note 1, *Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies*, within the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**15.** **SUBSEQUENT EVENTS**

On April 8, 2026, the Company's subsidiary, KinderCare Education LLC, entered into a Fifth Amendment (the "Fifth Amendment") to the Master Lease Agreement with landlord KCP RE LLC (the "Landlord") dated August 1, 2015, as amended (the "Lease"), which impacts 545 center sites. The Fifth Amendment is not effective and will not be effective until the day following the date of Landlord's repayment and release of the existing mortgage loan covering the sites, which will depend upon the Landlord's refinancing of such mortgage loan. There can be no assurance that the Fifth Amendment will become effective or will be effective on the terms reflected in the Fifth Amendment. If the Fifth Amendment becomes effective, the lease terms for certain centers under the Master Lease Agreement will be extended by approximately three to nine years, and total minimum lease payments will increase by approximately $600 million over the amended lease terms. The Company expects to account for the Fifth Amendment as a lease modification and is in the process of determining the impact this Fifth Amendment will have on the consolidated financial statements, when and if the Fifth Amendment becomes effective.

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**Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.** 

*The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 13, 2026. Some of the information included in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" sections of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.*

**Our Company**

KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. ("the Company," "we," "us," and "our") is a leading provider of high-quality early childhood education ("ECE") in the United States. We are a mission-driven organization, rooted in a commitment to providing all children with the very best start in life. We serve children ranging from six weeks to 12 years of age across our market-leading footprint of 1,606 early childhood education centers with center capacity for 215,371 children and 1,159 before- and after-school sites located in 41 states and the District of Columbia as of April 4, 2026.

**Key Performance Metrics**

***Total centers and sites***

We measure and track the number of centers and sites because, as our number of centers and sites change, it highlights our geographic footprint and potential growth in revenue. We believe this information is useful to investors as an indicator of opportunity for revenue growth and operational expansion and can be used to measure and track our performance over time. We define the number of centers and sites as the number of centers and sites at the beginning of the period plus openings and acquisitions, minus any permanent closures for the period. A permanently closed center or site is a center or site that has ceased operations as of the end of the reporting period that management does not intend on reopening. During the three months ended June 28, 2025, management updated the definition of total before- and after-school sites to include sites that are temporarily closed as a result of the summer season to more accurately reflect the total sites that were operating during the year. Prior periods presented were adjusted to reflect the updated definition for comparative purposes.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **April 4,**<br>**2026** | **January 3,**<br>**2026** | **March 29,**<br>**2025** | **December 28,**<br>**2024** |
| Early childhood education centers | 1606 | 1601 | 1582 | 1574 |
| Before- and after-school sites | 1159 | 1153 | 1038 | 1025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total centers and sites | 2765 | 2754 | 2620 | 2599 |

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As of April 4, 2026, we operated 1,606 early childhood education centers with a center capacity for 215,371 children as compared to 1,582 early childhood education centers as of March 29, 2025, with a center capacity for 211,767 children. During the three months ended April 4, 2026, total centers increased by five due to opening three centers and acquiring two centers. During the three months ended March 29, 2025, total centers increased by eight due to both acquiring and opening five centers, partially offset by two permanent center closures.

As of April 4, 2026, we operated 1,159 before- and after-school sites, an increase of 121 sites from 1,038 before- and after-school sites as of March 29, 2025. Total before- and after-school sites increased by six during the three months ended April 4, 2026 due to opening 17 sites, partially offset by 11 permanent site closures. Total before- and after-school sites increased by 13 during the three months ended March 29, 2025 due to opening 19 sites, partially offset by six permanent site closures.

***Average weekly ECE FTEs***

Average weekly ECE full-time enrollment ("FTEs") is a measure of the number of full-time children enrolled and charged tuition weekly in our centers. We calculate average weekly ECE FTEs based on weighted averages; for example, an enrolled full-time child equates to one average weekly ECE FTE, while a child enrolled for three full days equates to 0.6 average weekly ECE FTE. This

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metric is used by management and we believe is useful to investors as it is the key driver of revenue generated and variable costs incurred in our operations.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4,**<br>**2026** | **March 29,**<br>**2025** |
| Average weekly ECE FTEs | 139782 | 144076 |

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Average weekly ECE FTEs for the three months ended April 4, 2026 decreased by 4,294, or 3.0%, as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025 primarily due to lower FTEs at same-centers, partially offset by FTEs at new and acquired centers.

We define same-center to be centers that have been operated by us for at least 12 months as of the period end date or, in other words, centers that are starting their second year of operation. Excluded from same-centers are any closed centers at the end of the reporting period and any new or acquired centers that have not yet met the same-center criteria.

***ECE same-center occupancy***

ECE same-center occupancy is a measure of the utilization of center capacity. We calculate ECE same-center occupancy as the average weekly ECE same-center full-time enrollment divided by the total of the ECE same-centers' capacity during the period. Center capacity is determined by regulatory and operational parameters and can fluctuate due to changes in these parameters, such as changing center structures to meet the demands of enrollment or changes in regulatory standards. This metric is used by management and we believe is useful to investors as it measures the utilization of our centers' capacity in generating revenue.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4,**<br>**2026** | **March 29,**<br>**2025** |
| ECE same-center occupancy | 66.0% | 69.1% |

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ECE same-center occupancy decreased by 310 basis points for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025 primarily due to lower enrollment.

***ECE same-center revenue***

ECE same-center revenue is revenues earned from centers that have been operated by us for at least 12 months as of the period end date and is a measure used by management to attribute a portion of our revenue to mature centers as compared to new or acquired centers. This metric is used by management and we believe is useful to investors as it highlights trends in our core operating performance. The following table is in thousands:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4,**<br>**2026** | **March 29,**<br>**2025** |
| ECE same-center revenue | $599002 | $606357 |

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ECE same-center revenue decreased by $7.4 million, or 1.2%, for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025. ECE same-center revenue decrease of $15.4 million was driven by centers that were classified as same-centers as of both April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025. This decrease was partially offset by $8.0 million in ECE same-center revenue growth driven by the net impact of new and acquired centers not yet classified as same-centers as of March 29, 2025 and center closures as of April 4, 2026.

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**Results of Operations**

We operate as a single operating segment to reflect the way our chief operating decision maker reviews and assesses the performance of the business. Refer to Note 1 and Note 14 of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and Note 1 and Note 23 of our audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 for additional information regarding the Company's accounting policies and segment disclosures. The period-to-period comparisons below of financial results are not necessarily indicative of future results.

The following table sets forth our results of operations including as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 (in thousands, except per share data and percentages):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **April 4, 2026** | **March 29, 2025** | **March 29, 2025** |
| Revenue | $672522 |  | $668244 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Costs and expenses: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) | 550923 | 81.9% | 516188 | 77.2% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 31077 | 4.6% | 29977 | 4.5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 71129 | 10.6% | 71727 | 10.7% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment losses | 291475 | 43.3% | 1510 | 0.2% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total costs and expenses | 944604 | 140.5% | 619402 | 92.7% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Loss) income from operations | (272082) | (40.5%) | 48842 | 7.3% |
| Interest expense | 18220 | 2.7% | 20108 | 3.0% |
| Interest income | (842) | (0.1%) | (659) | (0.1%) |
| Other expense, net | 907 | 0.1% | 398 | 0.1% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Loss) income before income taxes | (290367) | (43.2%) | 28995 | 4.3% |
| Income tax (benefit) expense | (535) | (0.1%) | 7838 | 1.2% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net (loss) income | $(289832) | (43.1%) | $21157 | 3.2% |
| Net (loss) income per common share: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | $(2.45) |  | $0.18 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | $(2.45) |  | $0.18 |  |
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | 118498 |  | 118239 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | 118498 |  | 118321 |  |

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**Comparison of the Three Months Ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025**

***Revenue***

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** | **Change** | **Change** |
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **March 29, 2025** | **Amount** | **%** |
| Early childhood education centers | $610171 | $615007 | $(4836) | (0.8)% |
| Before- and after-school sites | 62351 | 53237 | 9114 | 17.1% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total revenue | $672522 | $668244 | $4278 | 0.6% |

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Total revenue increased by $4.3 million, or 0.6%, for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025.

Revenue from early childhood education centers decreased by $4.8 million, or 0.8%, for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025. The decrease was driven from 3.0% lower enrollment, partially offset by 2.2% increase from higher tuition rates.

The $4.8 million decrease in early childhood education centers revenue for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025 was comprised of $7.4 million lower ECE same-center revenue, partially offset by $3.0 million higher revenue from new and acquired centers not yet classified as same centers.

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Revenue from before- and after-school sites increased by $9.1 million, or 17.1%, for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025 primarily due to opening new sites and higher tuition rates.

***Cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment)***

Cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) increased by $34.7 million, or 6.7%, for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025. This increase was driven by $18.3 million higher food, supplies, utilities, and janitorial costs, partially due to operating more centers and sites, combined with an increase in marketing spend. Rent expense increased $8.2 million due to new and acquired centers and sites as well as contractual rent increases. The increase was also attributable to $4.8 million higher personnel costs due to increased wage rates. Lastly, cost reimbursements from government assistance was $3.4 million lower following the conclusion of certain COVID-19 stimulus funding.

***Depreciation and amortization***

Depreciation and amortization increased by $1.1 million, or 3.7%, for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025. This increase was primarily driven by higher depreciation expense as a result of assets placed into service from new and acquired centers.

***Selling, general, and administrative expenses***

Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased by $0.6 million, or 0.8%, for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025. This decrease was driven by lower stock-based compensation expense due to certain awards becoming fully vested in fiscal 2025 combined with the awards granted during the three months ended April 4, 2026 at a lower fair value than previously granted awards.

***Impairment losses***

Impairment losses increased by $290.0 million for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025. This increase was driven by a $273.5 million goodwill impairment as a result of testing performed during the first quarter of fiscal 2026 triggered by the further deterioration in our market capitalization from a continued decline in our stock price. Additionally, impairment of long-lived assets increased by $16.5 million due to more centers with reduced cash flow projections as a result of lower operational performance and centers identified for closure during the three months ended April 4, 2026.

***Interest expense***

Interest expense decreased by $1.9 million, or 9.4%, for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025. This decrease was primarily driven by lower interest rates on the First Lien Term Loan Facility as a result of the July 2025 repricing amendment and lower outstanding principal, partially offset by losses on interest rate derivative contracts reclassified into net loss during the three months ended April 4, 2026 compared to gains reclassified into net income during the three months ended March 29, 2025.

***Interest income***

Interest income remained relatively consistent for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025.

***Other expense, net***

Other expense, net remained relatively consistent for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025 and was primarily comprised of net changes in realized and unrealized losses from investments held in deferred compensation asset trusts.

***Income tax (benefit) expense***

Income taxes decreased $8.4 million to an income tax benefit for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to income tax expense for the three months ended March 29, 2025. The effective tax rate was 0.2% for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to 27.0% for the three months ended March 29, 2025. Compared to the statutory rate, the difference in the effective tax rate for the three months ended April 4, 2026 was primarily due to nondeductible goodwill impairment, partially offset by state and local

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taxes. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 29, 2025, was primarily driven by state and local taxes, nondeductible compensation and fringe benefit expenses, as well as changes in uncertain tax reserves.

**Non-GAAP Financial Measures**

To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, we also provide the below non-GAAP financial measures. EBIT, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and adjusted net income per common share (collectively referred to as the "non-GAAP financial measures") are not presentations made in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or loss, income or loss from operations, or any other performance measure in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to cash provided by operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. Consequently, our non-GAAP financial measures should be considered together with our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with GAAP.

We present EBIT, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and adjusted net income per common share because we consider them to be important supplemental measures of our performance and believe they are useful to securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties. Specifically, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income allow for an assessment of our operating performance without the effect of charges that do not relate to the core operations of our business. We also use these non-GAAP financial measures for budgeting and compensation purposes.

EBIT, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and adjusted net income per common share have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•they do not reflect the significant interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on indebtedness;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•they do not reflect income tax (benefit) expense or the cash requirements for income tax liabilities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will have to be replaced in the future, and EBIT, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and adjusted net income per common share do not reflect cash requirements for such replacements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•they do not reflect our cash used for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•they do not reflect changes in or cash requirements for working capital; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•other companies, including other companies in our industry, may calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.

***EBIT, EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA***

EBIT is defined as net (loss) income adjusted for interest and income tax (benefit) expense. EBITDA is defined as EBIT adjusted for depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA adjusted for impairment losses, stock-based compensation, COVID-19 Related Stimulus, net, and other costs because these charges do not relate to the core operations of our business. We present EBIT, EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA because we consider them to be important supplemental measures of our performance and believe they are useful to securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties. We believe adjusted EBITDA is helpful to investors in highlighting trends in our core operating performance compared to other measures, which can differ significantly depending on long-term strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which companies operate, and capital investments.

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The following table shows EBIT, EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented, and the reconciliation to its most comparable GAAP measure, net (loss) income, for the periods presented (in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4,**<br>**2026** | **March 29,**<br>**2025** |
| **Net (loss) income** | $**(289832)** | $**21157** |
| Add back: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | 18220 | 20108 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income | (842) | (659) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax (benefit) expense | (535) | 7838 |
| **EBIT** | $**(272989)** | $**48444** |
| Add back: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 31077 | 29977 |
| **EBITDA** | $**(241912)** | $**78421** |
| Add back: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment losses <sup>(1)</sup> | 291475 | 1510 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation <sup>(2)</sup> | 2508 | 4073 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;COVID-19 Related Stimulus, net <sup>(3)</sup> |  | (663) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other costs <sup>(4)</sup> |  | 210 |
| **Adjusted EBITDA** | $**52071** | $**83551** |

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***Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per common share***

Adjusted net income is defined as net (loss) income adjusted for income tax (benefit) expense, amortization of intangible assets, impairment losses, stock-based compensation, COVID-19 Related Stimulus, net, other costs, and non-GAAP income tax expense because these charges do not relate to the core operations of our business. Adjusted net income per common share is defined as the amount of adjusted net income per weighted average number of common shares outstanding. We present adjusted net income and adjusted net income per common share because we consider them to be important measures used to evaluate our operating performance internally. We believe the use of adjusted net income and adjusted net income per common share provides investors with consistency in the evaluation of the Company as they offer a meaningful comparison of past, present, and future operating results, as well as more useful financial comparisons to our peers. We believe these supplemental measures can be used to assess the financial performance of our business without regard to certain costs that are not representative of our continuing operations.

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The following table shows adjusted net income and adjusted net income per common share for the periods presented and the reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure, net (loss) income and net (loss) income per common share, respectively, for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share data):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4,**<br>**2026** | **March 29,**<br>**2025** |
| **Net (loss) income** | $**(289832)** | $**21157** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax (benefit) expense | (535) | 7838 |
| **Net (loss) income before income tax** | $**(290367)** | $**28995** |
| Add back: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of intangible assets | 2074 | 2309 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment losses <sup>(1)</sup> | 291475 | 1510 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation <sup>(2)</sup> | 2508 | 4073 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;COVID-19 Related Stimulus, net <sup>(3)</sup> |  | (663) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other costs <sup>(4)</sup> |  | 210 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjusted income before income tax | 5690 | 36434 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjusted income tax expense <sup>(5)</sup> | 1469 | 9404 |
| **Adjusted net income** | $**4221** | $**27030** |
| Net (loss) income per common share: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | $(2.45) | $0.18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | $(2.45) | $0.18 |
| Adjusted net income per common share: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | $0.04 | $0.23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | $0.04 | $0.23 |
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | 118498 | 118239 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | 118498 | 118321 |

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***Explanation of add backs:*** 

(1)Represents impairment charges for goodwill and long-lived assets. Goodwill impairment recognized during the three months ended April 4, 2026 was $273.5 million and was driven by the further deterioration in our market capitalization from a continued decline in our stock price. Impairments of long-lived assets for the periods presented was a result of reduced operating performance at certain centers due to the impact of changing demographics in certain locations in which we operate and current macroeconomic conditions on our overall operations, as well as centers closed or identified for closure. Refer to Note 4 of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information on our goodwill impairment analysis.

(2)Represents non-cash stock-based compensation expense in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 718, *Compensation: Stock Compensation*.

(3)Includes expense reimbursements and revenue arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, net of pass-through expenses incurred as a result of certain grant requirements. We recognized $0.7 million during the three months ended March 29, 2025 in funding for reimbursement of center operating expenses in cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment).

(4)Includes certain professional fees incurred for both contemplated and completed debt and equity transactions. For the three months ended March 29, 2025, other costs include $0.2 million in costs related to our IPO. These costs represent items management believes are not indicative of core operating performance.

(5)Includes the tax effect of the non-GAAP adjustments, calculated using the appropriate federal and state statutory tax rate and the applicable tax treatment for each adjustment. The non-GAAP tax rate was 25.8% for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025. Our statutory rate is re-evaluated at least annually.

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**Liquidity and Capital Resources**

Our primary sources of cash are cash provided by operations, current cash balances, and borrowings available under our revolving credit facility (the "First Lien Revolving Credit Facility"). Our principal uses of cash are payments of our operating expenses, such as personnel salaries and benefits, debt service, and rents paid to landlords, as well as capital expenditures.

We expect to continue to meet our liquidity requirements for at least the next 12 months under current operating conditions with cash generated from operations, cash on hand, and to the extent necessary and available, through borrowings under the Credit Agreement. If the need arises for additional expenditures, we may seek additional funding. Our future capital requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors" included in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as "Risk Factors" included in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026. In the future, we may attempt to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities or debt financing arrangements. Any future indebtedness we incur may result in terms that could be unfavorable to equity investors. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to raise additional capital in the future on favorable terms, or at all. Any inability to raise capital could adversely affect our ability to achieve our business objectives.

***Debt facilities***

As of April 4, 2026, our Credit Agreement consists of a $962.0 million First Lien Term Loan Facility and a $262.5 million First Lien Revolving Credit Facility.

The First Lien Term Loan Facility bears interest at a variable rate equal to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus 2.75% per annum. In addition, amounts drawn under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at SOFR plus an applicable rate between 2.00% and 2.50% per annum, based on a pricing grid of the Company's First Lien Term Loan Facility net leverage ratio.

The Credit Agreement allows for letters of credit to be drawn against the current borrowing capacity of the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility, capped at $172.5 million. The Company pays certain fees under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility, including a fronting fee on outstanding letters of credit of 0.125% per annum and a commitment fee on the unused portion of the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility at a rate between 0.25% and 0.50% per annum, based on a pricing grid of the Company's First Lien Term Loan Facility net leverage ratio. Additionally, fees on the outstanding letters of credit bear interest at a rate equal to the applicable rate for amounts drawn under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility.

As of April 4, 2026, there were no outstanding borrowings under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility and we had an available borrowing capacity of $189.7 million after giving effect to the outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Agreement of $72.8 million.

The interest rates effective as of April 4, 2026 were 6.45% on the First Lien Term Loan Facility, 2.00% on outstanding letters of credit in addition to a 0.125% fronting fee, and 0.25% on the unused portion of the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility.

The weighted average interest rate during the three months ended April 4, 2026 for the First Lien Term Loan Facility was 6.42%.

All obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of our assets. The Credit Agreement contains various financial and nonfinancial loan covenants and provisions.

Under the Credit Agreement, the financial loan covenant is a quarterly maximum First Lien Term Loan Facility net leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to be tested only if, on the last day of each fiscal quarter, the amount of revolving loans outstanding on the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility (excluding all letters of credit) exceeds 35% of total revolving commitments on such date. As this threshold was not met as of April 4, 2026, the quarterly maximum First Lien Term Loan Facility net leverage ratio financial covenant was not in effect. Nonfinancial loan covenants restrict our ability to, among other things, incur additional debt; make fundamental changes to the business; make certain restricted payments, investments, acquisitions, and dispositions; or engage in certain transactions with affiliates.

An annual calculation of excess cash flows determines if the Company will be required to make a mandatory prepayment on the First Lien Term Loan Facility. Mandatory prepayments would reduce future required quarterly principal payments.

The First Lien Term Loan Facility matures in June 2030. The $252.5 million of extended commitments under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility mature in October 2029, while the $10.0 million of non-extended commitments have a maturity date of June 2028.

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As of April 4, 2026, we were in compliance with all covenants of the Credit Agreement.

In February 2024, we entered into a credit facilities agreement, dated as of February 1, 2024, which allows for $20.0 million in letters of credit to be issued ("LOC Agreement"). We pay an interest rate of 5.95% on any outstanding balance and 0.25% on any unused portion. The LOC Agreement matures in December 2026. As of April 4, 2026, there were $20.0 million outstanding letters of credit under the LOC Agreement.

We do not engage in off-balance sheet financing arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

Refer to Note 6 of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information regarding our debt facilities.

***Cash flows***

The following table summarizes our cash flows (in thousands) for the periods presented:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended** | **Three Months Ended** |
|  | **April 4, 2026** | **March 29, 2025** |
| Cash provided by operating activities | $31058 | $98444 |
| Cash used in investing activities | (28651) | (28388) |
| Cash used in financing activities | (2832) | (1097) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | (425) | 68959 |
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period | 133299 | 62430 |
| **Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period** | $**132874** | $**131389** |

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*Net cash provided by operating activities*

Cash provided by operating activities decreased by $67.4 million for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025. Cash provided by net (loss) income, adjusted for non-cash items, decreased by $19.1 million primarily driven by increased costs to operate more ECE centers and before- and after-school sites, including increased rent expense, higher personnel costs, and increased food, supplies and janitorial costs, combined with decreased cost reimbursements from government assistance. The net changes in operating assets and liabilities resulted in a $48.3 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities primarily driven by lower accrued compensation due to the timing of our fiscal quarter ends combined with being in a prepaid tax position versus an accrued position in the prior period. These decreases in cash were partially offset by the timing of insurance premiums and vendor payments.

*Net cash used in investing activities*

Cash used in investing activities increased by $0.3 million for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025. The increase was driven by $6.6 million higher capital expenditures, partially offset by a $5.5 million decrease in payments for acquisitions.

*Net cash used in financing activities* 

Cash used in financing activities increased by $1.7 million for the three months ended April 4, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2025. The increase was primarily due to one principal payment on the First Lien Term Loan made during the three months ended April 4, 2026, while no principal payment was made during the three months ended March 29, 2025 due to the timing of our fiscal period ends.

***Cash requirements***

As of April 4, 2026, we had the following obligations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Total lease obligations, including imputed interest, of $2.4 billion expected to be paid out as follows: $211.0 million for the remainder of fiscal 2026, $587.5 million in years two to three, $508.7 million in years four to five, and $1.1 billion

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thereafter through the maturity of our lease agreements. Refer to Note 5 of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Long-term debt obligations, including interest, of $1.2 billion expected to be paid out as follows: $55.5 million for the remainder of fiscal 2026, $142.3 million in years two to three, and $1,014.3 million in years four to five through June 2030 when the First Lien Term Loan Facility matures. Refer to Note 6 of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Self-insurance obligations of $121.8 million expected to be paid out as claims are settled and cash outflows cannot be estimated reliably.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Deferred compensation plan of $41.3 million expected to be paid out based on the individual plan participant and cash outflows cannot be estimated reliably.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Service arrangements which include certain information technology ("IT"), labor software, and maintenance services of $67.9 million expected to be paid out as follows: $14.7 million for the remainder of fiscal 2026, $31.6 million in years two to three, $12.5 million in years four to five, and $9.1 million thereafter.

Certain agreements may have cancellation penalties for which, if we were to cancel, we would be required to pay up to approximately $5.2 million. Other cancellation penalties cannot be estimated as we cannot predict the occurrence of future agreement cancellations. Refer to Note 11 and Note 13 of our audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 for additional detail related to our contractual obligations.

**Critical Accounting Estimates and Significant Judgments**

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements are, in some cases, estimates based on our management's judgment and input from actuaries and other third parties and are developed from information available at the time. We evaluate the appropriateness of these estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual outcomes may vary from the estimates, and changes, if any, are reflected in current period earnings.

There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies described within Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026. For a description of our other significant accounting policies, refer to Note 1 in both our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026.

**Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.**

We are exposed to market risk in the ordinary course of business. Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our results of operations or financial condition due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our market risk exposure is primarily a result of fluctuations in interest rates. We do not believe there have been material changes in our exposure to interest rates since January 3, 2026. See Part II, Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk," in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2026 for further information regarding market risk.

**Item 4. Controls and Procedures.**

**Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures**

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of April 4, 2026, due to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described in Part II, Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2026. However, after giving full consideration to the material weakness described below, the Company's management has concluded that its condensed consolidated financial statements, present fairly, in all material respects, its financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods disclosed in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

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**Remediation Plan for the Material Weakness**

We continue to make progress toward remediating the material weakness in IT general controls previously identified and described in Part II, Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2026. During the quarter ended April 4, 2026, management continued to improve and test the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls in user access, change management, and computer operations to make further progress toward remediation of the identified material weakness, to respond to changes in the internal control environment (including those resulting from the enterprise resource planning system implementation), to correct deficiencies in IT general controls and other controls, and to preserve the effectiveness of existing internal controls.

**Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting**

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the first quarter of 2026 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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**PART II—OTHER INFORMATION**

**Item 1. Legal Proceedings.**

On August 12, 2025, a purported Company stockholder filed a securities class action complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon against the Company, Paul Thompson, Anthony Amandi, John T. Wyatt, Jean Desravines, Christine Deputy, Michael Nuzzo, Benjamin Russell, Joel Schwartz, Alyssa Waxenberg, and Preston Grasty (collectively, the "KinderCare Defendants"), each of whom were officers or directors at the time of our IPO, Partners Group Holding AG, our majority stockholder, and the representatives of the underwriters in our IPO, Goldman Sachs & Co LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., and UBS Securities LLC. A consolidated complaint was filed on February 6, 2026 alleging that defendants violated Sections 11, 15, and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 by making material misstatements or omissions in offering documents filed in connection with the IPO. The complaint seeks unspecified damages, interest, fees, and costs on behalf of purchasers and/or acquirers of common stock issued in the IPO, as well as unspecified equitable relief. On April 7, 2026, the KinderCare Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim. We intend to vigorously defend against the claims in this action. Any potential loss arising from this claim is not currently probable or estimable.

On March 24, 2026, a purported Company stockholder filed a derivative complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon against Paul Thompson, Anthony Amandi, John T. Wyatt, Jean Desravines, Christine Deputy, Michael Nuzzo, Benjamin Russell, Joel Schwartz, Alyssa Waxenberg, and Preston Grasty. The complaint, filed derivatively on behalf of the Company, alleges breaches of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, and violations of federal securities laws. The plaintiff seeks, among other relief, damages on behalf of the Company, corporate governance reforms, restitution, and attorneys' fees and costs. This proceeding has been stayed pending a ruling on the Motion to Dismiss filing in the securities class action noted above. We intend to vigorously defend against the claims in this action. Any potential loss arising from this claim is not currently probable or estimable.

For additional information regarding certain material legal proceedings, see Note 13 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, we are subject to various legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business from time to time.

**Item 1A. Risk Factors.**

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully review and consider the information regarding certain factors that could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results set forth under Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 as filed with the SEC on March 13, 2026.

**Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.**

None.

**Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.**

None.

**Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.**

None.

**Item 5. Other Information.**

During the three months ended April 4, 2026, none of our directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) entered into, modified (as to amount, price or timing of trades) or terminated (i) contracts, instructions or written plans for the purchase or sale of our securities that are intended to satisfy the conditions specified in Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act for an affirmative defense against liability for trading in securities on the basis of material nonpublic information or (ii) non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K).

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**Item 6. Exhibits.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit**<br>**Number** | **Description** |
| 3.1 | [<u>Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 15, 2024).</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1873529/000119312524237635/d851702dex31.htm) |
| 3.2 | [<u>Amended and Restated Bylaws of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 15, 2024).</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1873529/000119312524237635/d851702dex32.htm) |
| 10.1 | [<u>KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. Short Term Incentive Plan Effective January 4, 2026 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2026).</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1873529/000119312526083629/klc-ex10_1.htm) |
| 31.1\* | [<u>Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.</u>](klc-ex31_1.htm) |
| 31.2\* | [<u>Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.</u>](klc-ex31_2.htm) |
| 32.1\* | [<u>Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.</u>](klc-ex32_1.htm) |
| 32.2\* | [<u>Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.</u>](klc-ex32_2.htm) |
| 101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbase Document |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |

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\* Filed herewith.

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**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. | KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. |
| Date: May 14, 2026 | By: | /s/ John T. Wyatt |
|  | Name: | John T. Wyatt |
|  | Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
| Date: May 14, 2026 | By: | /s/ Anthony Amandi |
|  | Name: | Anthony Amandi |
|  | Title: | Chief Financial Officer |

---

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## Exhibit 31.1

**Exhibit 31.1**

**CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO**

**RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002**

I, John T. Wyatt, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: May 14, 2026 | By: | /s/ John T. Wyatt |
|  |  | **John T. Wyatt** |
|  |  | **Chief Executive Officer** |

---

------

## Exhibit 31.2

**Exhibit 31.2**

**CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO**

**RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002**

I, Anthony Amandi, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: May 14, 2026 | By: | /s/ Anthony Amandi |
|  |  | **Anthony Amandi** |
|  |  | **Chief Financial Officer** |

---

------

## Exhibit 32.1

**Exhibit 32.1**

**CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO**

**18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO**

**SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002**

In connection with the Quarterly Report of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending April 4, 2026 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, John T. Wyatt, Chief Executive Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: May 14, 2026 | By: | /s/ John T. Wyatt |
|  |  | **John T. Wyatt** |
|  |  | **Chief Executive Officer** |

---

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## Exhibit 32.2

**Exhibit 32.2**

**CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO**

**18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO**

**SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002**

In connection with the Quarterly Report of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending April 4, 2026 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Anthony Amandi, Chief Financial Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: May 14, 2026 | By: | /s/ Anthony Amandi |
|  |  | **Anthony Amandi** |
|  |  | **Chief Financial Officer** |

---

------