KINDERCARE LEARNING COMPANIES, INC., 10-K filed on 3/21/2025
Annual Report
v3.25.1
Cover - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Mar. 19, 2025
Jun. 29, 2024
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 28, 2024    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2024    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Central Index Key 0001873529    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-28    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 001-42367    
Entity Registrant Name KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Tax Identification Number 87-1653366    
Entity Address, Address Line One 5005 Meadows Road    
Entity Address, City or Town Lake Oswego    
Entity Address, State or Province OR    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 97035    
City Area Code 503    
Local Phone Number 872-1300    
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock, par value $0.01 per share    
Trading Symbol KLC    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag false    
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag] false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 0
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   118,006,276  
Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block]

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement (the "Proxy Statement") relating to the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders”) are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K where indicated. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant's fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.

   
Auditor Name PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP    
Auditor Location San Francisco, California    
Auditor Firm ID 238    
Auditor Opinion [Text Block]

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income, of shareholders' and member’s equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2024, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2024 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

   
v3.25.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 62,336 $ 156,147
Accounts receivable, net 104,333 88,086
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 48,104 39,194
Total current assets 214,773 283,427
Property and equipment, net 418,524 395,745
Goodwill 1,119,714 1,110,591
Intangible assets, net 429,766 439,001
Operating lease right-of-use assets 1,373,064 1,351,863
Other assets 89,626 72,635
Total assets 3,645,467 3,653,262
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 152,660 154,463
Related party payables 119 0
Current portion of long-term debt 7,251 13,250
Operating lease liabilities-current 144,919 133,225
Deferred revenue 26,376 25,807
Other current liabilities 81,433 99,802
Total current liabilities 412,758 426,547
Long-term debt, net 918,719 1,236,974
Operating lease liabilities-long-term 1,315,587 1,301,656
Deferred income taxes, net 30,907 60,733
Other long-term liabilities 102,987 120,472
Total liabilities 2,780,958 3,146,382
Commitments and contingencies (Note 21)
Shareholders' equity:    
Preferred stock, par value $0.01; 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 0 0
Common stock, par value $0.01; 750,000,000 shares authorized; 117,994,729 shares issued and outstanding as of December 28, 2024 and 90,366,089 shares issued and outstanding as of December 30, 2023 1,180 904
Additional paid-in capital 830,369 383,188
Retained earnings 30,261 123,101
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 2,699 (313)
Total shareholders' equity 864,509 506,880
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 3,645,467 $ 3,653,262
v3.25.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Preferred stock, par value $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized 25,000,000 25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued 0 0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding 0 0
Common stock, par value $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized 750,000,000 750,000,000
Common stock, shares issued 117,984,749 90,366,089
Common stock, shares outstanding 117,984,749 90,366,089
v3.25.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Revenue $ 2,663,035 $ 2,510,182 $ 2,165,813
Costs and expenses:      
Cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) $ 2,032,513 $ 1,824,324 $ 1,424,614
Cost, Product and Service [Extensible Enumeration] us-gaap:ServiceMember us-gaap:ServiceMember us-gaap:ServiceMember
Depreciation and amortization $ 117,606 $ 109,045 $ 88,507
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 423,063 287,967 247,785
Impairment losses 10,535 13,560 15,434
Total costs and expenses 2,583,717 2,234,896 1,776,340
Income from operations 79,318 275,286 389,473
Interest expense 170,539 152,893 101,471
Interest income (7,369) (6,139) (2,971)
Other (income) expense, net (5,620) (1,393) 3,220
(Loss) income before income taxes (78,232) 129,925 287,753
Income tax expense 14,608 27,367 68,584
Net (loss) income (92,840) 102,558 219,169
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:      
Change in net gains (losses) on cash flow hedges 3,012 1,695 (2,008)
Total comprehensive (loss) income $ (89,828) $ 104,253 $ 217,161
Net (loss) income per common share:      
Basic $ (0.96) $ 1.13 $ 2.35
Diluted $ (0.96) $ 1.13 $ 2.35
Weighted average number of common shares      
Basic 96,309 90,366 93,390
Diluted 96,309 90,389 93,453
v3.25.1
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' and Member's Equity - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Total
Initial Public Offering
Common Stock
Common Stock
Initial Public Offering
Teasury Stock at Cost
Additional Paid-in Capital and Member's Interest
Additional Paid-in Capital and Member's Interest
Initial Public Offering
Retained Earnings (Deficit)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning Balance at Jan. 01, 2022 $ 255,607         $ 454,233   $ (198,626) $ 0
Conversion of member's interests to common stock     $ 944     (944)      
Conversion of member's interests to common stock, Shares     94,409,000            
Issuance of common stock, Shares     20,000            
Repurchase of common stock (72,666)       $ (72,666)        
Retirement of treasury stock     $ (40)   $ 72,666 (72,626)      
Retirement of treasury stock, Shares     (4,063,000)            
Equity-based compensation 7,584         7,584      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (2,008)               (2,008)
Net Income (Loss) 219,169             219,169  
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2022 407,686   $ 904     388,247   20,543 (2,008)
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2022     90,366,000            
Reclassification of equity-classified stock options and restricted stock units to liability-classified (6,750)         (6,750)      
Equity-based compensation 1,691         1,691      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 1,695               1,695
Net Income (Loss) 102,558             102,558  
Ending Balance at Dec. 30, 2023 506,880   $ 904     383,188   123,101 (313)
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 30, 2023     90,366,000            
Distribution to parent (320,000)         (320,000)      
Issuance of common stock   $ 617,161   $ 276     $ 616,885    
Issuance of common stock, Shares       27,600,000          
Reclassification of equity-classified stock options and restricted stock units to liability-classified 12,940         12,940      
Issuance of common stock upon settlement of restricted stock units, shares     29,000            
Common stock withheld for taxes in net settlement of restricted stock units, Shares     (10,000)            
Common stock withheld for taxes in net settlement of restricted stock units (224)         (224)      
Equity-based compensation 137,580         137,580      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 3,012               3,012
Net Income (Loss) (92,840)             (92,840)  
Ending Balance at Dec. 28, 2024 $ 864,509   $ 1,180     $ 830,369   $ 30,261 $ 2,699
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 28, 2024     117,985,000            
v3.25.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Operating activities:      
Net (loss) income $ (92,840) $ 102,558 $ 219,169
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 117,606 109,045 88,507
Impairment losses 10,535 13,560 15,434
Change in deferred taxes (29,828) (17,414) 26,338
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of long-term debt, net 25,652 3,957 (193)
Loss on extinguishment of indebtedness to related party   472  
Amortization of debt issuance costs 6,830 8,482 4,918
Equity-based compensation 144,082 12,557 9,874
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses from investments held in deferred compensation asset trusts (2,242) (3,010) 4,584
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment (2,838) 2,151 104
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:      
Accounts receivable (16,346) (18,050) 4,451
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (6,518) 22,053 1,899
Other assets (1,604) (1,329) (30,459)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (8,794) (1,321) (2,348)
Leases 1,091 1,110 (13,797)
Deferred revenue 569 633 (18,255)
Other current liabilities (14,580) 20,560 18,505
Other long-term liabilities (15,007) 49,192 12,520
Related party payables 119 (1,666) 358
Cash provided by operating activities 115,887 303,540 341,609
Investing activities:      
Purchases of property and equipment (132,322) (129,045) (139,425)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (10,920) (10,244) (157,623)
Proceeds from the disposal of property and equipment 2,872 906 299
Investments in deferred compensation asset trusts (8,701) (6,767) (4,994)
Proceeds from deferred compensation asset trust redemptions 1,833 1,573 2,014
Proceeds from sale and leaseback, net of transaction costs   25,917  
Cash used in investing activities (147,238) (117,660) (299,729)
Financing activities:      
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriting discounts 625,968    
Payments of deferred offering costs (9,587)    
Distribution to parent (320,000)    
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 264,338 1,258,750  
Repayment of long-term debt (608,000) (1,310,881) (20,000)
Repayment of indebtedness to related party   (56,328)  
Principal payments of long-term debt (11,890) (6,256) (11,772)
Payments of debt issuance costs (1,184) (7,320) (807)
Issuance of promissory notes     2,275
Repayments of promissory notes (421) (951) (12,968)
Repurchase of common stock     (72,666)
Payments of financing lease obligations (1,631) (1,734) (1,721)
Tax payments related to net settlement of restricted stock units (224)    
Payments of contingent consideration for acquisitions   (10,217)  
Cash used in financing activities (62,631) (134,937) (117,659)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (93,982) 50,943 (75,779)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 156,412 105,469 181,248
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period 62,430 156,412 105,469
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash to the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets:      
Cash and cash equivalents 62,336 156,147 105,206
Restricted cash included within other assets 94 265 263
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period 62,430 156,412 105,469
Supplemental cash flow information:      
Cash paid for interest 126,257 138,920 96,077
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds 47,667 29,445 70,480
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities 292,863 284,073 262,551
Non-cash operating activities:      
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities 181,648 99,051 101,598
Reclassification of liability-classified stock options and restricted stock units to equity-classified 12,940    
Deferred cloud computing implementation costs included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 6,228    
Reclassification of equity-classified stock options and restricted stock units to liability-classified   6,750  
Non-cash investing and financing activities:      
Property and equipment additions included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 5,694 3,217 5,816
Finance lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities 110 3,119 255
Reductions to finance lease right-of-use assets resulting from reductions to finance lease liabilities   512  
Deferred offering costs included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 275    
Measurement period and other adjustments to reduce contingent consideration payable   $ 38  
Contingent consideration payable for acquisitions     10,255
Conversion of member's interests to common stock     $ 944
v3.25.1
Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Sep. 28, 2024
Jun. 29, 2024
Mar. 30, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Jul. 01, 2023
Apr. 01, 2023
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Pay vs Performance Disclosure                      
Net Income (Loss) $ (133,583) $ 13,959 $ 28,535 $ (1,751) $ 14,827 $ 16,036 $ 43,171 $ 28,524 $ (92,840) $ 102,558 $ 219,169
v3.25.1
Insider Trading Arrangements
3 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Modified false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Modified false
v3.25.1
Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, and Governance
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, and Governance [Line Items]  
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes for Assessing, Identifying, and Managing Threats [Text Block]

Item 1C. Cybersecurity

We recognize the importance of developing, implementing and maintaining cybersecurity measures designed to safeguard our information systems and protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our data.

Risk management and strategy

In the ordinary course of our business, we and our third-party service providers collect, maintain and transmit sensitive data on our networks and systems, including confidential business information such as child, parent and employee personal information. The secure maintenance of this information is critical to our business and reputation. In addition, we are heavily dependent on the functioning of our information technology infrastructure to carry out our business processes. While we have adopted administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect such systems and data, our systems and those of third-party service providers may be vulnerable to a cyber-attack.

We have adopted processes designed to identify, assess and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats. Those processes include frameworks to respond to and assess internal and external threats to the security, confidentiality, and integrity of our data and information systems, along with other material risks to our operations, which we review with our IT leadership, information security steering committee, and Audit Committee at least twice annually or whenever there are material changes to our systems or operations.

Our IT department is tasked with evaluating and addressing cybersecurity risks in alignment with our business objectives and operational needs. We have processes to detect potential vulnerabilities and anomalies through technical safeguards. As part of our risk management process, we conduct regular IT security audits to assess and respond to internal and external security threats and engage outside providers to conduct periodic internal and external penetration testing.

We rely on third parties, including cloud vendors and consultants, for various business functions. Many of our third-party service providers have access to our information systems and data, and we rely on such third parties for the continuous operation of our business operations. We oversee third-party service providers by conducting vendor diligence. Vendors are generally assessed for risk based on the nature of their service, access to data and systems and supply chain risk and, based on that assessment, we conduct diligence that may include completing security questionnaires, onsite evaluation, and scans or other technical evaluations.

Governance

Our Board of Directors has established oversight mechanisms to manage risks from cybersecurity threats. Our Audit Committee has primary responsibility for oversight of cybersecurity, including the responsibility to review and discuss with management and the Company’s auditors, as appropriate, management risks relating to data privacy, technology and information security, including cyber security and back-up of information systems, and the steps the Company has taken to monitor and control such exposures and the responsibility to confer with management and the Company’s auditors the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s information and cyber security policies and the internal controls regarding information security. The Audit Committee, or the Board of Directors as a whole, is briefed on any material cybersecurity incidents that may adversely affect the Company and on cybersecurity risks in general at least twice each year.

At the management level, our cybersecurity program is managed by our Head of Information Security & Compliance who reports to our Chief Information Officer. Our Head of Information Security & Compliance has over 30 years of IT security experience.

Our Head of Information Security & Compliance and IT Department implement processes around security monitoring and vulnerability testing. Our Head of Information Security & Compliance reports at least twice annually to the Audit Committee and such reporting will include topics such as our risk assessment, risk management and control decisions, service provider arrangements, test results, security incidents and responses and recommendations for changes and updates to policies and procedures.

Although we have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past, as of the date of this report, we have not experienced a cybersecurity incident that resulted in a material effect on our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. Despite our continuing efforts, we cannot guarantee that our cybersecurity safeguards will prevent breaches or breakdowns of our or our third-party service providers’ information technology systems, particularly in the face of continually evolving cybersecurity threats and increasingly sophisticated threat actors. A cybersecurity incident may materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition, including where such an incident results in reputational, competitive or business harm or damage to our Company, loss of intellectual property rights, significant costs or the Company being subject to government investigations, litigation, fines or damages. For more information, see “We rely significantly on the use of information technology, as well as those of our third-party service providers. Any significant failure, inadequacy, interruption or data security incident of our information technology systems, or those of our third-party service providers, could disrupt our business operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition and/ or cash flows.” under Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Text Block] We have adopted processes designed to identify, assess and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats. Those processes include frameworks to respond to and assess internal and external threats to the security, confidentiality, and integrity of our data and information systems, along with other material risks to our operations, which we review with our IT leadership, information security steering committee, and Audit Committee at least twice annually or whenever there are material changes to our systems or operations.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Third Party Engaged [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Third Party Oversight and Identification Processes [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Materially Affected or Reasonably Likely to Materially Affect Registrant [Flag] false
Cybersecurity Risk Board of Directors Oversight [Text Block]

Our Board of Directors has established oversight mechanisms to manage risks from cybersecurity threats. Our Audit Committee has primary responsibility for oversight of cybersecurity, including the responsibility to review and discuss with management and the Company’s auditors, as appropriate, management risks relating to data privacy, technology and information security, including cyber security and back-up of information systems, and the steps the Company has taken to monitor and control such exposures and the responsibility to confer with management and the Company’s auditors the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s information and cyber security policies and the internal controls regarding information security. The Audit Committee, or the Board of Directors as a whole, is briefed on any material cybersecurity incidents that may adversely affect the Company and on cybersecurity risks in general at least twice each year.

Cybersecurity Risk Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block] Our Audit Committee has primary responsibility for oversight of cybersecurity, including the responsibility to review and discuss with management and the Company’s auditors, as appropriate, management risks relating to data privacy, technology and information security, including cyber security and back-up of information systems
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block] The Audit Committee, or the Board of Directors as a whole, is briefed on any material cybersecurity incidents that may adversely affect the Company and on cybersecurity risks in general at least twice each year.
Cybersecurity Risk Role of Management [Text Block]

Our Head of Information Security & Compliance and IT Department implement processes around security monitoring and vulnerability testing. Our Head of Information Security & Compliance reports at least twice annually to the Audit Committee and such reporting will include topics such as our risk assessment, risk management and control decisions, service provider arrangements, test results, security incidents and responses and recommendations for changes and updates to policies and procedures.

Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Text Block] Our IT department is tasked with evaluating and addressing cybersecurity risks in alignment with our business objectives and operational needs.our Head of Information Security & Compliance who reports to our Chief Information Officer.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Expertise of Management Responsible [Text Block] Our Head of Information Security & Compliance has over 30 years of IT security experience.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Management or Committees Responsible [Text Block] Our Head of Information Security & Compliance reports at least twice annually to the Audit Committee and such reporting will include topics such as our risk assessment, risk management and control decisions, service provider arrangements, test results, security incidents and responses and recommendations for changes and updates to policies and procedures.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible Report to Board [Flag] true
v3.25.1
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
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 (formerly Crème de la Crème). 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 December 28, 2024, the Company provided community-based and employer-sponsored early childhood education and care services through 1,574 centers with a licensed capacity of 210,135 children in 39 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 December 28, 2024, Champions offered educational services through 1,025 sites in 28 states and the District of Columbia. These sites primarily operate at elementary school facilities.

Initial Public Offering—On October 8, 2024, the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-281971) ("Form S-1") related to its initial public offering (“IPO”), was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In connection with the IPO, the Company converted Class A and Class B common stock, both with a par value of $0.0001 per share, to common stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share, at a ratio of 8.375 shares of Class A and Class B common stock to one share of common stock, which became effective immediately following the effectiveness of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 for its IPO (the “Common Stock Conversion”). As a result, 756.8 million shares of Class A common stock outstanding were converted to 90.4 million shares of common stock. All prior period shares outstanding, per share amounts, and equity-based compensation awards disclosures, as applicable, have been adjusted to retrospectively reflect the Common Stock Conversion in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Refer to Note 17, Shareholders' Equity, Member's Equity, and Equity-based Compensation for further information on events and transactions that occurred in connection with the IPO.

Deferred Offering Costs—Offering costs, primarily consisting of accounting, legal, printing and filing services, and other third-party fees which are directly related to an IPO that is probable of successful completion, are deferred until such financing is consummated. After consummation of an IPO, these costs are recorded as a reduction of the proceeds received as a result of the IPO. Other non-recurring incremental organizational costs related to preparing for an IPO are expensed as incurred. Should a planned IPO be delayed for longer than 90 days, terminated, or abandoned, the deferred offering costs are written off in the period of determination. In connection with the completion of its IPO, the Company recorded $9.9 million in offering costs within additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 28, 2024, offsetting proceeds received. As of December 30, 2023, the Company did not record any deferred offering costs. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company expensed $2.7 million in offering costs as a result of a prior contemplated offering, which were recognized in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

Basis of Presentation—The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP") and with the instructions to Form 10-K and Regulation S-X of the SEC.

The consolidated 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 Company considers itself to control an entity if it is the majority owner of or has voting control over such entity. The Company also assesses control through means other than voting rights, known as variable interest entities,

(“VIEs”), and determines which business entity is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company consolidates VIEs when it is determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company does not have interests in any entities that would be considered VIEs. Investments in business entities in which the Company does not have control but has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method.

Fiscal Period—The Company reports on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year comprised of 13- or 14-week fourth quarters, respectively, with the fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 are 52- week fiscal years.

Use of Estimates—The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates have been prepared based on the most current and best available information, and actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates underlying the consolidated financial statements include self-insurance obligations, equity-based compensation, valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, incremental borrowing rates for operating leases, accounting for business combinations and related fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and the valuation and impairment of goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets.

Concentration of Credit Risk—Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and accounts receivable. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash are placed with high credit-quality financial institutions. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is generally diversified due to the large and geographically dispersed customer base.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash—Cash and cash equivalents include unrestricted cash and highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less from the date of purchase.

The Company is periodically required to maintain minimum cash balances held as collateral for certain insurance and securitization arrangements. Such cash is classified as restricted cash and reported as a component of other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Accounts Receivable—Accounts receivable are comprised primarily of tuition due from parents, government agencies, and employer sponsors. The Company is exposed to credit losses on accounts receivable balances. The Company monitors collections and payments and maintains an allowance for estimated losses based on historical trends, specific customer issues, governmental funding levels, current economic trends, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Accounts receivable are stated net of allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses was not material as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023.

Property and Equipment—Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives are 20 to 40 years for buildings, 10 years for building improvements, and 3 to 10 years for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the remaining term of the related lease or the useful lives of the improvements. Maintenance, repairs, and minor refurbishments are expensed as incurred. Refer to Note 6, Property and Equipment, for further information.

Business Combinations—Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Amounts paid for an acquisition are allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. The accounting for business combinations requires estimates and judgment in determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and contingent consideration transferred, if any, regarding expectations of future cash flows of the acquired business, and the allocation of those cash flows to the identifiable intangible assets. The determination of fair value is based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques. If actual results differ from these estimates, the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements could result in a possible impairment of intangible assets and goodwill. Refer to Note 3, Acquisitions, for further information regarding the Company's business combinations.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets—Goodwill is recorded when the consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of various trade names and trademarks.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter or more frequently if impairment indicators exist. During the annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test, the Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is unnecessary.

The goodwill quantitative impairment test requires the Company to determine if reporting unit carrying values exceed their fair values. Fair value is estimated using an income approach model based on the present value of expected future cash flows utilizing a risk adjusted discount rate. Cash flows that extend beyond the final year of the discounted cash flow model are estimated using a terminal value technique. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds fair value, an impairment charge will be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

When performing a quantitative fair value measurement calculation for indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks, the Company utilizes the relief-from-royalty method. The relief-from-royalty method assumes trade names and trademarks have value to the extent its owner is relieved of the obligation to pay royalties for the benefits received from them. This method requires a projection of future revenue attributable to the services using the trade name, the appropriate royalty rate, and the weighted average cost of capital. Refer to Note 7, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for further information regarding the Company’s goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Long-Lived Assets—Long-lived assets consist of lease right-of-use assets (“ROU assets”), property and equipment, and definite-lived intangible assets. Definite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names and trademarks, customer relationships, accreditations, proprietary curricula, and internally developed software. Long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The Company reviews and evaluates the recoverability of such assets if events or changes in circumstances require impairment testing and/or a revision to the remaining useful life. Any such impairment analysis is based on a comparison of the carrying values to expected future undiscounted cash flows. Refer to Note 6, Property and Equipment, Note 7, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, and Note 8, Leases, for further information regarding the Company’s long-lived assets.

Cloud Computing Arrangements—The Company periodically enters into cloud computing arrangements to access and use third-party software in support of its operations. The Company assesses its cloud computing arrangements to determine whether the contract meets the definition of a service contract. For cloud computing arrangements that meet the definition of a service contract, the Company capitalizes implementation costs incurred during the application development stage and amortizes the costs on a straight-line basis over the term of the associated service contract. The capitalized implementation costs are allocated between prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets based on the expected period the amortization will be recognized. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, capitalized implementation costs of $30.9 million and $6.9 million related to cloud computing arrangements, which are net of accumulated amortization of $0.5 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, were recorded as a component of prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Amortization expense for implementation costs for cloud-based computing arrangements was $0.5 million and less than $0.1 million for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, and was recorded as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

Leases—The Company leases early childhood education and care centers, office facilities, vehicles, and equipment in the United States under both operating and finance leases from related and third parties.

At contract inception, the Company reviews the contractual terms to determine if an arrangement is a lease. Lease commencement occurs on the date the Company takes possession or control of the property or equipment. For leases identified, at lease commencement the Company determines whether those lease obligations are operating or finance leases. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, while for finance leases, the ROU asset is amortized on a straight-line basis to the earlier of the end of its useful life, or the end of the lease term. Amortization of the ROU asset is recognized and presented separately from interest expense on the finance lease liability.

At lease commencement, the Company recognizes lease liabilities and ROU assets on the consolidated balance sheets based on the present value of the lease payments for the lease term. The Company’s leases generally do not provide an implicit interest rate. Therefore, the present values of these lease payments are calculated using the Company’s incremental borrowing rates, which are estimated using key inputs such as credit ratings, base rates, and spreads. Variable lease payments may be based on an index or rate, such as consumer price indices, and include rent escalations or market adjustment provisions. Unless considered in-substance fixed lease payments, variable lease payments are expensed when incurred. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees.

ROU assets are initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial lease liability, adjusted for initial direct costs, lease payments made at or before the commencement date, and reduced by lease incentives received.

The lease term for all the Company’s leases includes the noncancelable period of the lease. The Company does not include periods covered by lease options to renew or terminate the lease in the determination of the lease term until it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. This evaluation is based on management’s assessment of various relevant factors including economic, contractual, asset-based, entity-specific, and market-based factors, among others.

For leases with a term of one year or less (“short-term leases”), the Company has elected to not recognize the arrangements on the consolidated balance sheets and the lease payments are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease payments associated with these leases are recognized and presented in the same manner as for all other Company leases.

The Company has leases that contain lease and non-lease components. The non-lease components typically consist of common area maintenance. For all classes of leased assets, the Company has elected the practical expedient to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. For these leases, the lease payments used to measure the lease liability include all the fixed and in-substance fixed consideration in the contract.

ROU assets for operating and finance leases are periodically reduced by impairment losses. The Company uses the long-lived assets impairment guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment–Overall, to determine whether an ROU asset is impaired, and if so, the amount of the impairment loss to recognize.

The Company periodically enters into sale and leaseback transactions. To determine whether the transfer of the property should be accounted for as a sale, the Company evaluates whether control has transferred to a third party. If the transfer of the asset is determined to be a sale, the Company recognizes the transaction price for the sale based on cash proceeds received, derecognizes the carrying amount of the asset sold, and recognizes a gain or loss in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income for any difference between the carrying value of the asset and the transaction price. The leaseback is accounted for in accordance with the lease policy discussed above. For further details on the Company’s accounting for leases, refer to Note 8, Leases.

Debt Issuance Costs—Debt issuance costs, which consist of original issue discounts on the Company’s debt and deferred financing costs, are recorded as a reduction of long-term debt and are amortized over the life of the related debt instrument using the effective interest method. Amortization expense is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Refer to Note 13, Long-term Debt, for further details on the Company’s debt instruments.

Self-Insurance Obligations—The Company is self-insured for certain levels of workers’ compensation, employee medical, general liability, auto, property, and other insurance coverage. Insurance claim liabilities represent the Company's estimate of retained risks. The Company purchases coverage at varying levels to limit potential future losses, including stop-loss coverage for certain exposures. The nature of these liabilities may not fully manifest for several years. The Company retains a substantial portion of the risk related to certain workers’ compensation, general liability, and medical claims. Liabilities associated with these losses include estimates of both filed claims and incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”) claims.

The Company uses an independent third-party actuary to assist in determining the self-insurance obligations. Self-insurance obligations are accrued on an undiscounted basis based on estimates for known claims and estimated IBNR claims. The estimates require significant management judgment and are developed utilizing standard actuarial methods and are based on historical claims experience and actuarial assumptions, including loss rate and loss development factors. Changes in assumptions such as loss rate and loss development factors, as well as changes in actual experience, could cause these estimates to change.

The combined current and long-term self-insurance obligations were $68.4 million and $67.8 million as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, of which $57.6 million and $56.8 million, respectively, relate to workers’ compensation and general liability obligations. The current portion and long-term portion of self-insurance obligations are included within other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 11, Other Current Liabilities, and Note 14, Other Long-term Liabilities. Legal costs associated with these liabilities are expensed in the period incurred and recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

Revenue Recognition—The Company’s revenue is derived primarily from tuition charged for providing early childhood education and care services. Revenues are recognized as services are provided to children at the amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company has received or expects to receive from parents and, in some cases, supplemented or paid by government agencies or employer sponsors. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct service to the customer. At contract inception, the Company assesses the services promised in the contract and identifies each distinct performance obligation. The transaction price of a contract is allocated to each distinct performance obligation using the relative stand-alone selling price and recognized as revenue as services are provided. Childhood education and care as well as other enrichment programs are each a series of services accounted for as a single performance obligation, and tuition revenue related to such performance obligations is recognized over time as services are rendered. The Company provides discounts for employees, families with multiple enrollments, referral sources, promotional marketing, and organizations with which we partner, such as our employer-sponsored centers and programs.

The Company enters into contracts with employer sponsors to manage and operate their early childhood education and care centers for a management fee. Management services are a series of services accounted for as a single performance obligation and management fee revenue is recognized over time as services are rendered.

The Company charges registration fees when a family first registers and annually thereafter. Registration revenue is recognized over the term of the contract, which is typically one month or less, as these fees are nonrefundable and do not convey a material right to the customer.

Based on past practices and customer specific circumstances, the Company grants price concessions to customers that impact the total transaction price. These price concessions represent variable consideration. The Company estimates variable consideration using the expected value method, which includes the Company’s historical experience with similar customers and the current macroeconomic conditions. The Company constrains its estimate of variable consideration to ensure that it is probable that significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period when the uncertainty related to the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. During the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the revenue recognized from performance obligations satisfied (or partially satisfied) in previous periods, mainly due to changes in the Company’s estimates of variable consideration, was not material. Refer to Note 2, Government Assistance, and Note 4, Revenue Recognition, for additional information related to the Company's revenue.

Cost of Services (excluding depreciation and impairment)—Cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) consists primarily of personnel costs, rent, food, costs of operating and maintaining facilities, taxes and licenses, marketing, transportation, classroom and office supplies, and insurance. Offsetting certain center operating expenses are reimbursements from federal, state, and local agencies. Refer to Note 2, Government Assistance, for further information regarding reimbursements from federal, state, and local agencies.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses—Selling, general, and administrative expenses include costs, primarily personnel related, associated with field management, corporate oversight, and support of the Company’s centers and sites.

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. The Company accounts for Government Assistance by analogy to International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance, of the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). In accordance with the IAS 20 framework, Government Assistance is recognized when it is probable that the Company will comply with all conditions stipulated within the grant and that the assistance will be received. Although there is potential risk of recapture of Government Assistance, the Company does not expect the amount of recapture, if any, to materially affect the consolidated financial statements. The recapture of any Government Assistance will be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate.

The Company's Government Assistance is comprised of both assistance relating to income ("Income Grants") and capital projects ("Capital Grants"). The Company recognizes Income Grants as revenue or as an offset to the related expenses within cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) and selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income as stipulated in the grant. The Company recognizes Capital Grants as an offset to the carrying amounts of the related assets on the consolidated balance sheets, which are then amortized over the life of the depreciable assets as a reduction to depreciation expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Refer to Note 2, Government Assistance, for further information regarding the impacts of Government Assistance on the consolidated financial statements.

Advertising Costs—Costs incurred to produce advertising for seasonal campaigns are expensed during the quarter in which the advertising first takes place. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs are recorded in cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Total advertising expense was $26.4 million, $18.5 million, and $19.5 million for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan —The Company offers highly compensated employees who are excluded from participating in the 401(k) Plan the ability to participate in the Company's deferred compensation plan (“NQDC Plan”). Under the NQDC Plan, employees direct the investment of their account balances, and the Company invests amounts held in the associated asset trusts consistent with these directions. As realized and unrealized investment gains and losses occur, the Company’s deferred compensation obligation to employees changes accordingly and adjustments are recorded as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The change in the value of the investment trust assets is primarily offset by the change in the value of the deferred compensation obligation. The offsetting changes in the investment trust assets are recognized in other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income as a $3.6 million gain during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, a $3.7 million gain during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, and a $4.0 million loss during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Refer to Note 19, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional information.

Income Taxes—The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. If the Company were to determine that, on a more likely than not basis, sufficient future taxable income would not be achieved in order to realize the deferred tax assets, the Company would be required to establish a full valuation allowance or increase any partial valuation allowance, which would require a charge to income tax expense for the period in which the determination was made. The ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on the ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward periods provided for in the tax law for each applicable tax jurisdiction. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, to utilize 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.

The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, on the basis of a two-step process in which the Company first determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position, and second, for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant taxing authority. The Company records uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest and penalties are recognized within income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Refer to Note 5, Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, Note 9, Other Assets, Note 14, Other Long-term Liabilities, and Note 20, Income Taxes, for additional information regarding the Company's income taxes and uncertain tax positions.

Comprehensive Income or Loss—Total comprehensive income or loss is comprised of net income or loss and changes in net gains or losses on cash flow hedging instruments. Accumulated other comprehensive income or loss is comprised of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments. Total comprehensive income or loss is presented in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income and the components of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss are presented on the consolidated statements of shareholders' and member’s equity. Refer to Note 16, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), for additional details.

Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities—All derivative instruments within the scope of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, are recorded as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates. All hedging instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are designated and effective as hedges, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. If the underlying hedged transaction ceases to exist, all changes in fair value of the related derivatives that have not been settled are recognized in current earnings. Instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are marked to market with changes recognized in current earnings. Cash flows from derivative instruments are classified on the consolidated statements of cash flows in the same category as the cash flows from the related hedged items. Refer to Note 15, Risk Management and Derivatives, for more information on the Company’s risk management program and derivatives.

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 Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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:

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
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.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs with little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the most conservative level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The fair value of nonfinancial assets and liabilities is measured on a nonrecurring basis, when necessary, as part of the tests of long-lived asset impairment and the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Refer to Note 12, Fair Value Measurements, for more information on the Company's fair value measurements.

Net (Loss) Income per Common Share—Basic net (loss) income per share is computed by dividing the net (loss) income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net (loss) income per common share is computed by dividing net (loss) income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive shares whose effect would have been antidilutive are excluded from the computation of diluted net (loss) income per share. Diluted net (loss) income per common share is calculated using the treasury stock method. Refer to Note 18, Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share, for additional details.

Equity-based Compensation—The Company accounts for profit interest units (“PIUs”), stock options, and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) (collectively, “equity-based compensation awards”) granted to employees, officers, managers, directors, and other providers of services in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation: Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"). The Company measures the grant date fair value of the equity-based compensation awards and recognizes the resulting expense, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period during which the grantees are required to perform service in exchange for the equity-based compensation awards, which varies based on award-type. The requisite service period is reduced for the awards that provide for continued vesting upon retirement if any of the grantees are retirement eligible at the date of grant or will become retirement eligible during the vesting period. The estimated number of awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results, or updated estimates, differ from the Company’s current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period actual results are realized or estimates are revised. Equity-based compensation expense is only recognized for PIUs subject to performance-based vesting conditions if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. As the Company has the repurchase right to buy back the vested PIUs upon termination, the Company periodically reassesses the probability of termination on an individual-grantee basis through the life of the PIUs to ensure that they are appropriately classified.

The Company estimates the fair value of PIUs on the grant dates using the Monte Carlo option pricing model. Additionally, the Company estimates the fair value of stock options on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes model. To measure the grant date fair value of RSUs, the Company uses the estimated common stock price as of the valuation date for both the equity-classified and liability-classified RSUs. The liabilities are remeasured each reporting period at fair value. These valuation models require the use of highly complex and subjective assumptions. In February 2023, all equity-classified, share-settled stock options and RSUs became cash-settled and reclassified as liabilities, and in October 2024, all liability-classified, cash-settled stock options and RSUs became share-settled and reclassified as equity. Also in October 2024, the PIUs were settled in shares and the related 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (“PIUs Plan”) was terminated. Refer to Note 17, Shareholders' Equity, Member’s Equity, and Equity-based Compensation, for additional information related to the valuation of PIUs, stock options, and RSUs.

Recently Adopted Accounting PronouncementsIn November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280)—Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires additional reportable segment disclosures. The ASU expands interim segment disclosure requirements and extends new and existing segment disclosures for companies with a single segment. The Company adopted this guidance within the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 using the retrospective method of adoption. Refer to Note 23, Segment Information, for further information related to the Company's enhanced segment disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements—In November 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40), which requires a public business entity to disclose specific information about certain costs and expenses in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for interim and annual reporting periods. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim 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.

In March 2024, the SEC adopted the final rule under SEC Release No. 33-11275, The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate Related Disclosures for Investors, which requires registrants to disclose climate-related information in registration statements and annual reports. The new rules would be effective for annual reporting periods beginning in fiscal year 2025. However, in April 2024, the SEC exercised its discretion to stay these rules pending the completion of judicial review of certain consolidated petitions with the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in connection with these rules. The Company is in the process of determining the impact this rule will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-01, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards, which clarifies the scope application of profits interest and similar awards by adding illustrative guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 718. The ASU clarifies how to determine whether profits interest and similar awards are in the scope of ASC 718 and modifies the language in paragraph 718-10-15-3 to improve its clarity and operability. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those annual periods, and may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. In connection with the dissolution and liquidation of KC Parent, LP ("KC Parent") upon the Company's IPO, the PIUs Plan was terminated, and as such, the Company does not expect this ASU to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 17, Shareholders' Equity, Member’s Equity, and Equity-based Compensation, and Note 22, Related Party Transactions, for further information.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which provides more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The Company is in the process of determining the impact this ASU will have on the disclosure requirements related to income taxes.

v3.25.1
Government Assistance
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Government Assistance [Abstract]  
Government Assistance
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 Income Grants and Capital Grants. Income Grants consist primarily of funds received for reimbursement of food costs, teacher compensation, and classroom supplies, and in certain cases, as incremental revenue.

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 $51.7 million, $44.1 million, and $39.5 million during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, offsetting cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

The Company receives grant funding for teacher compensation, classroom supplies, and other center operating costs by applying to various governmental grant programs and agencies. Grants of $17.3 million, $6.1 million, and $2.3 million, during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, were recognized as reimbursements offsetting cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

The Company records grants receivable for grants that have met the Company's recognition criteria but have not yet been received as well as deferred grants for amounts received from government assistance that do not yet meet the Company’s recognition criteria. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the Company recorded $1.8 million and $1.0 million in grants receivable, respectively, within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the Company recorded $7.4 million and $18.1 million in deferred grants, respectively, within other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 5, Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Note 11, Other Current Liabilities.

COVID-19 Related Stimulus

The federal government passed multiple stimulus packages since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic to stabilize the child care industry, including without limitation, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act”), the Consolidated Appropriations Act, and the American Rescue Plan Act. "COVID-19 Related Stimulus" refers to grants arising from governmental acts relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and are accounted for in accordance with the Company's government assistance policy.

COVID-19 Related Stimulus is recognized as revenue or as cost reimbursements based on stipulations within each specific grant. Revenue arising from COVID-19 Related Stimulus is to replace lost revenue at centers due to closures or reduced enrollment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company recognized $0.4 million, $3.0 million, and $2.0 million during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, in revenue from COVID-19 Related Stimulus in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Additionally, the Company recognized $63.3 million, $181.9 million, and $316.5 million during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, in funding for reimbursement of center operating expenses, offsetting cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

The Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”), established by the CARES Act and 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 31, 2022, the Company applied for ERC for qualified wages and benefits paid throughout the fiscal years ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021. Reimbursements of $62.0 million in cash tax refunds for ERC claimed, along with $2.3 million in interest income, were received during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023. 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. During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, the Company recognized $23.4 million of ERC in cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment), along with $0.5 million in interest income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. No ERC was recognized during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, deferred ERC liabilities of $31.4 million and $20.6 million were recorded in other current liabilities and $12.3 million and $43.7 million were recorded in other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the Company recorded $3.4 million in ERC receivables in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 28, 2024 as there is reasonable assurance these reimbursements will be received. No ERC receivables were recorded as of December 30, 2023. Refer to Note 5, Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, Note 11, Other Current Liabilities, and Note 14, Other Long-term Liabilities, for additional details. Refer to Note 20, Income Taxes, for further information regarding uncertain tax positions for ERC not yet recognized.

Capital Grants received for capital improvement projects are recognized as a reduction to the cost basis of property and equipment and amortized over the same period as the related assets. The Company reduced property and equipment within the consolidated balance sheets by $2.9 million and $2.8 million for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, as a result of Capital Grants received. Of these Capital Grants, $2.5 million and $2.7 million for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, were from COVID-19 Related Stimulus, with $0.4 million and $0.1 million for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, from other governmental grant programs and agencies. Amortization of Capital Grants was $1.0 million, $0.6 million, and $0.3 million during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, offsetting depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

v3.25.1
Acquisitions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Acquisitions
3.
ACQUISITIONS

The Company's growth strategy includes expanding and diversifying service offerings through acquiring high quality early childhood education centers.

2024 Acquisitions—During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, the Company acquired 23 early childhood education centers in 11 separate business acquisitions which were each accounted for as business combinations. The centers were acquired for cash consideration of $10.9 million. The Company recorded goodwill of $9.1 million, which is deductible for tax purposes, and fixed assets of $2.0 million. The operating results for the acquired centers, which were not material to the Company’s overall financial results, are included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income from the dates of acquisition.

2023 Acquisitions—During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, the Company acquired 11 early childhood education centers in five separate business acquisitions which were each accounted for as business combinations. The centers were acquired for cash consideration of $9.1 million. The Company recorded goodwill of $7.9 million, which is deductible for tax purposes, and fixed assets of $1.3 million. The operating results for the acquired centers, which were not material to the Company’s overall financial results, are included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income from the dates of acquisition.

2022 Crème de la Crème Acquisition—On October 4, 2022, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Crème de la Crème, Inc., an entity that operated 47 early childhood education and care centers throughout the United States. The total consideration transferred in connection with this acquisition was $191.0 million, comprised of cash consideration of $180.8 million and contingent consideration of $10.2 million, inclusive of a reduction of less than $0.1 million as a result of a measurement period adjustment recognized during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023. The fair value of the contingent consideration was based on the receipt of specific COVID-19 Related Stimulus and the occurrence of specific events within a stipulated timeframe. During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, the Company paid the full balance of contingent consideration of $10.2 million, which had been recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets since the date of acquisition. Refer to Note 12, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information related to the Company's contingent consideration payable. The Company incurred transaction costs of $2.1 million during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which are included within selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The acquisition of Crème School was financed with cash on hand and was accounted for as a business combination.

The following table represents the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities as of the date of acquisition (in thousands):

Assets

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

30,924

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

870

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

9,422

 

Property and equipment

 

 

45,190

 

Goodwill

 

 

102,375

 

Intangible assets

 

 

22,800

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

57,634

 

Other assets

 

 

1,813

 

Total assets acquired

 

 

271,028

 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

 

8,551

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

4,726

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

724

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

 

5,039

 

Operating lease liabilities - long-term

 

 

59,304

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

1,638

 

Total liabilities assumed

 

 

79,982

 

Consideration transferred

 

$

191,046

 

The excess of consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets was recorded as goodwill. Factors that contributed to the recognition of goodwill include certain intangible assets that are not recognized as separate identifiable intangible assets apart from goodwill. Intangible assets not recognized apart from goodwill consist primarily of Crème School’s assembled workforce and strong market position. None of the goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition is deductible for tax purposes.

The Company utilizes different valuation approaches and methodologies to determine the fair value of acquired intangible assets. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions related to projected revenue, projected cash flows, royalty rates, and discount rates. A summary of the valuation methodologies, significant assumptions, and estimated useful lives of acquired intangible assets in Crème School’s acquisition are provided in the below table (assigned value in thousands):

 

 

Assigned

 

 

 

 

Discount

 

Estimated

Intangible Asset

 

Value

 

 

Valuation Methodology

 

Rate

 

Useful Life

Trade name

 

$

19,000

 

 

Relief-from-royalty method—
   income approach

 

9.00%

 

15 years

Customer relationships

 

 

3,800

 

 

Multi-period excess earnings—
   income approach

 

9.00%

 

4 years

The operating results of Crème School have been included in the Company's operating results since the acquisition date. The amount of revenue included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was $29.7 million.

The following unaudited pro forma results present the combined revenue and net (loss) income as if the acquisition of Crème School had been completed on January 2, 2022, the beginning of the Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. The unaudited pro forma information is based on estimates and assumptions which the Company believes are reasonable and primarily reflects adjustments for the pro forma impact of additional amortization related to the fair value of acquired intangible assets, additional depreciation on property and equipment due to the related fair value of the acquired assets, interest expense recognized on debt held by Crème School that was extinguished as part of the acquisition, and transaction costs. The unaudited pro forma results are presented for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations of the combined company would have been if the

acquisition had occurred on January 2, 2022, nor are they indicative of future results of operations. The unaudited pro forma results were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Revenue

 

$

2,253,851

 

Net income

 

 

228,189

 

2022 Other Acquisitions—During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company acquired eight early childhood education and care centers in five separate business acquisitions which were each accounted for as business combinations. The centers were acquired for cash consideration of $8.9 million. The Company recorded goodwill of $8.0 million, which is deductible for tax purposes. In addition, the Company recorded fixed assets of $0.9 million. The operating results for the acquired centers, which were not material to the Company’s overall financial results, are included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income from the dates of acquisition.

v3.25.1
Revenue Recognition
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue Recognition
4.
REVENUE RECOGNITION

Contract Balances

The Company records deferred revenue 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. The Company has the unconditional right to consideration as it satisfies the performance obligations, therefore no contract assets are recognized. During the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, $25.5 million, $24.9 million, and $38.3 million was recognized as revenue related to the deferred revenue balance recorded at December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and January 1, 2022, respectively.

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 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):

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Early childhood education centers

 

$

2,466,244

 

 

$

2,345,093

 

 

$

2,053,845

 

Before- and after-school sites

 

 

196,791

 

 

 

165,089

 

 

 

111,968

 

Total revenue

 

$

2,663,035

 

 

$

2,510,182

 

 

$

2,165,813

 

A portion of revenue is generated from families whose tuition is subsidized by amounts received from government agencies. Subsidy revenue was $942.1 million, $795.9 million, and $698.9 million during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, recognized within revenue in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

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.

v3.25.1
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
5.
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Prepaid expenses and other current assets included the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Prepaid insurance

 

$

10,307

 

 

$

16,505

 

Receivable related to uncertain tax positions

 

 

7,863

 

 

 

 

Prepaid computer maintenance

 

 

5,214

 

 

 

3,935

 

Prepaid professional fees

 

 

4,071

 

 

 

3,647

 

Cloud computing implementation costs, net

 

 

3,697

 

 

 

 

Employee retention credits receivable

 

 

3,374

 

 

 

 

Prepaid income taxes

 

 

2,916

 

 

 

 

Interest rate derivative contracts

 

 

1,957

 

 

 

1,208

 

Prepaid property taxes

 

 

1,874

 

 

 

1,821

 

Grants receivable

 

 

1,792

 

 

 

987

 

Prepaid rent

 

 

506

 

 

 

1,176

 

Insurance receivables

 

 

 

 

 

6,099

 

Other

 

 

4,533

 

 

 

3,816

 

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

48,104

 

 

$

39,194

 

v3.25.1
Property and Equipment
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property and Equipment
6.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment, net included the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Leasehold improvements

 

$

549,556

 

 

$

503,299

 

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

 

 

354,248

 

 

 

298,757

 

Buildings and improvements

 

 

3,373

 

 

 

4,520

 

Land

 

 

4,520

 

 

 

3,305

 

Construction in progress

 

 

29,477

 

 

 

29,985

 

Total property and equipment

 

 

941,174

 

 

 

839,866

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(522,650

)

 

 

(444,121

)

Total property and equipment, net

 

$

418,524

 

 

$

395,745

 

The Company incurred depreciation of property and equipment of $106.8 million, $98.1 million, and $78.5 million during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively. Depreciation of property and equipment is included in depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Refer to Note 12, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information regarding impairment of property and equipment.

v3.25.1
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill
7.
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

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

Balance as of December 31, 2022

 

$

1,102,697

 

Additions from acquisitions

 

 

7,926

 

Measurement period adjustment

 

 

(32

)

Balance as of December 30, 2023

 

$

1,110,591

 

Additions from acquisitions

 

 

9,123

 

Balance as of December 28, 2024

 

$

1,119,714

 

As part of the Company’s annual impairment test, the Company performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024. After weighing all relevant events and circumstances, the Company concluded that there was no indication that the fair value of each reporting unit was less than its carrying value. Therefore, the Company determined a quantitative assessment of the reporting units was unnecessary. There was

no impairment of goodwill during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, or December 31, 2022.

The Company also has other intangible assets, which included the following as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

Weighted- Average

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

Net Carrying

 

 

 

Useful Lives

 

Cost

 

 

Amortization

 

 

Amount

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definite-lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer relationships

 

17 years

 

$

107,659

 

 

$

(60,891

)

 

$

46,768

 

Accreditations

 

4 years

 

 

53,500

 

 

 

(53,500

)

 

 

 

Proprietary curricula

 

5 years

 

 

14,300

 

 

 

(14,300

)

 

 

 

Trade names and trademarks

 

13 years

 

 

28,400

 

 

 

(11,702

)

 

 

16,698

 

Software

 

5 years

 

 

8,200

 

 

 

(8,200

)

 

 

 

Total definite-lived intangible assets

 

 

 

 

212,059

 

 

 

(148,593

)

 

 

63,466

 

Indefinite-lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade names and trademarks

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

Total indefinite-lived intangible assets

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

Total intangible assets

 

 

 

$

578,359

 

 

$

(148,593

)

 

$

429,766

 

 

 

 

Weighted- Average

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

Net Carrying

 

 

 

Useful Lives

 

Cost

 

 

Amortization

 

 

Amount

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definite-lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer relationships

 

17 years

 

$

107,659

 

 

$

(53,863

)

 

$

53,796

 

Accreditations

 

4 years

 

 

53,500

 

 

 

(53,500

)

 

 

 

Proprietary curricula

 

5 years

 

 

14,300

 

 

 

(14,300

)

 

 

 

Trade names and trademarks

 

13 years

 

 

28,400

 

 

 

(9,495

)

 

 

18,905

 

Software

 

5 years

 

 

8,200

 

 

 

(8,200

)

 

 

 

Total definite-lived intangible assets

 

 

 

 

212,059

 

 

 

(139,358

)

 

 

72,701

 

Indefinite-lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade names and trademarks

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

Total indefinite-lived intangible assets

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

Total intangible assets

 

 

 

$

578,359

 

 

$

(139,358

)

 

$

439,001

 

The Company did not identify any triggering events for definite-lived intangible assets during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and as a result no impairment was recorded.

As part of the Company’s annual impairment test during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, the Company performed a qualitative assessment of all indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks. For certain indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks, the Company concluded, after weighing all relevant events and circumstances, that there was no indication that the fair values of the assets were less than their respective carrying values and determined quantitative assessments of those assets were unnecessary. For other indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks, the Company performed a quantitative fair value measurement calculation using the relief-from-royalty method. Based on this quantitative analysis, the Company determined that the carrying values of the indefinite-lived intangible assets did not exceed fair value. There was no impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, or December 31, 2022.

Amortization expense of definite-lived intangible assets was $9.2 million, $9.3 million, and $8.4 million for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, which is included in

depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Estimated future fiscal year amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):

2025

 

$

8,843

 

2026

 

 

8,057

 

2027

 

 

7,344

 

2028

 

 

7,344

 

2029

 

 

7,344

 

Thereafter

 

 

24,534

 

 

 

$

63,466

 

v3.25.1
Leases
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Leases [Abstract]  
Leases
8.
LEASES

ROU assets and lease liabilities balances were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

$

1,373,064

 

 

$

1,351,863

 

Finance lease right-of-use assets

 

 

4,547

 

 

 

5,996

 

Total lease right-of-use assets

 

$

1,377,611

 

 

$

1,357,859

 

Liabilities—current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

$

144,919

 

 

$

133,225

 

Finance lease liabilities

 

 

1,406

 

 

 

1,573

 

Total current lease liabilities

 

 

146,325

 

 

 

134,798

 

Liabilities—long-term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

1,315,587

 

 

 

1,301,656

 

Finance lease liabilities

 

 

3,793

 

 

 

5,147

 

Total long-term lease liabilities

 

 

1,319,380

 

 

 

1,306,803

 

Total lease liabilities

 

$

1,465,705

 

 

$

1,441,601

 

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 consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 9, Other Assets, Note 11, Other Current Liabilities, and Note 14, Other Long-term Liabilities. Refer to Note 12, Fair Value Measurements, for information regarding impairment of ROU assets.

Lease Expense

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

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Lease expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease expense

 

$

289,163

 

 

$

281,350

 

 

$

259,824

 

Finance lease expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of right-of-use assets

 

 

1,559

 

 

 

1,664

 

 

 

1,650

 

Interest on lease liabilities

 

 

506

 

 

 

518

 

 

 

450

 

Short-term lease expense

 

 

8,349

 

 

 

6,480

 

 

 

3,217

 

Variable lease expense

 

 

69,598

 

 

 

62,015

 

 

 

59,490

 

Total lease expense

 

$

369,175

 

 

$

352,027

 

 

$

324,631

 

During the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the Company recognized $5.2 million, $5.7 million, and $7.4 million, respectively, in gains on sales of leased vehicles, which are offset within short-term lease expense on the table above.

Sale and Leaseback Transactions

In December 2023, the Company completed a sale and leaseback transaction of three Crème School centers for an aggregate sales price, net of closing costs, of $25.9million. In connection with the sale, the Company recognized a loss

of $2.9 million within other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Concurrent with the closing of this sale, the Company entered into an operating lease agreement pursuant to which the Company leased back the three centers.

Other Information

Sub-lease income was $0.4 million, $0.6 million, and $0.4 million for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, recognized in other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

The weighted average remaining lease term and the weighted average discount rate as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) (Operating)

 

 

8

 

 

 

9

 

Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) (Finance)

 

 

4

 

 

 

5

 

Weighted average discount rate (Operating)

 

 

9.4

%

 

 

9.6

%

Weighted average discount rate (Finance)

 

 

8.5

%

 

 

8.5

%

Maturity of Lease Liabilities

The following table summarizes the maturity of lease liabilities as of December 28, 2024 (in thousands):

 

Finance Leases

 

 

Operating Leases

 

 

Total Leases

 

2025

 

$

1,784

 

 

$

273,568

 

 

$

275,352

 

2026

 

 

1,491

 

 

 

279,036

 

 

 

280,527

 

2027

 

 

1,396

 

 

 

263,612

 

 

 

265,008

 

2028

 

 

870

 

 

 

244,625

 

 

 

245,495

 

2029

 

 

230

 

 

 

215,494

 

 

 

215,724

 

Thereafter

 

 

333

 

 

 

865,544

 

 

 

865,877

 

Total lease payments

 

 

6,104

 

 

 

2,141,879

 

 

 

2,147,983

 

Less imputed interest

 

 

905

 

 

 

681,373

 

 

 

682,278

 

Present value of lease liabilities

 

 

5,199

 

 

 

1,460,506

 

 

 

1,465,705

 

Less current portion of lease liabilities

 

 

1,406

 

 

 

144,919

 

 

 

146,325

 

Long-term lease liabilities

 

$

3,793

 

 

$

1,315,587

 

 

$

1,319,380

 

As of December 28, 2024, the Company had entered into additional operating leases that have not yet commenced with total fixed payment obligations of $174.3 million. The leases are expected to commence between 2025 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 established based on the Company’s first lien term loan.

v3.25.1
Other Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Other Assets [Abstract]  
Other Assets
9.
OTHER ASSETS

Other assets included the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Deferred compensation plan

 

$

38,391

 

 

$

29,014

 

Cloud computing implementation costs, net

 

 

27,207

 

 

 

6,926

 

Insurance receivables

 

 

6,990

 

 

 

3,619

 

Finance lease right-of-use assets

 

 

4,547

 

 

 

5,996

 

Deposits

 

 

3,975

 

 

 

3,887

 

Receivable related to uncertain tax positions

 

 

3,093

 

 

 

17,075

 

Interest rate derivative contracts

 

 

1,669

 

 

 

 

Prepaid professional fees

 

 

828

 

 

 

2,935

 

Restricted cash

 

 

94

 

 

 

265

 

Other

 

 

2,832

 

 

 

2,918

 

Total other assets

 

$

89,626

 

 

$

72,635

 

v3.25.1
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
10.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities included the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Accounts payable

 

$

45,293

 

 

$

50,593

 

Accrued compensation and related expenses

 

 

69,551

 

 

 

78,858

 

Accrued property and other taxes

 

 

22,209

 

 

 

21,493

 

Accrued interest

 

 

11,691

 

 

 

780

 

Other

 

 

3,916

 

 

 

2,739

 

Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

152,660

 

 

$

154,463

 

v3.25.1
Other Current Liabilities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Other Current Liabilities
11.
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Other current liabilities included the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Self-insurance obligations

 

$

31,504

 

 

$

32,380

 

Deferred employee retention credits

 

 

31,370

 

 

 

20,567

 

Deferred grants

 

 

7,408

 

 

 

18,094

 

Accrued rent

 

 

2,856

 

 

 

1,115

 

Contract labor

 

 

2,316

 

 

 

1,156

 

Long-term incentive plan

 

 

1,850

 

 

 

6,476

 

Financing lease obligations

 

 

1,406

 

 

 

1,573

 

Uncertain tax positions

 

 

1,071

 

 

 

 

Promissory notes

 

 

328

 

 

 

346

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

 

 

 

6,910

 

Cash-settled stock options and restricted stock units

 

 

 

 

 

10,318

 

Other

 

 

1,324

 

 

 

867

 

Total other current liabilities

 

$

81,433

 

 

$

99,802

 

v3.25.1
Fair Value Measurements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements
12.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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 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 December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023. 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. 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):

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

Balance as of
December 28,
2024

 

 

Quoted Price in Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

 

 

Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)

 

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds

 

$

6,499

 

 

$

6,499

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Mutual Funds

 

 

31,432

 

 

 

31,432

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

37,931

 

 

$

37,931

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

Balance as of
December 30,
2023

 

 

Quoted Price in Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

 

 

Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)

 

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds

 

$

4,487

 

 

$

4,487

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Mutual Funds

 

 

24,546

 

 

 

24,546

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

29,033

 

 

$

29,033

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Refer to Note 9, Other Assets, and Note 19, Employee Benefit Plans, for further information regarding the Company's deferred compensation plan.

Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Long-Lived Assets—Fair value assessments of the reporting unit and the reporting unit’s net assets, which are performed for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests, are considered a Level 3 measurement due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed using Company-specific information. Similarly, fair value assessments which are performed for long-lived assets are also considered a Level 3 measurement as the Company typically estimates fair value of the asset group using discounted cash flows which are based on unobservable inputs including future cash flow projections and discount rate assumptions.

The Company measures certain long-lived assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when events occur that indicate an asset group may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of an asset group is not recoverable, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying amount by the excess over its fair value. In the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, triggering events at certain individual centers occurred as a result of lower-than-expected sales performance, coupled with reduced forecasted cash flow projections over the remaining lease term or asset useful lives, as appropriate. The Company completed impairment testing of its long-lived assets and identified specific centers and asset groups in the initial recoverability test that had carrying values in excess of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows. For those long-lived assets, a fair value assessment was performed. The method applied in determining the fair value of the long-lived assets was the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method of the income approach to fair value. The DCF method for property and equipment incorporates unobservable inputs which include future cash flow projections and discount rate assumptions. For ROU assets, the DCF method incorporates market-based inputs which include the as-is market rents and discount rates. In addition to ROU asset impairment for specific centers, the Company recognized ROU asset impairment charges related to exiting its previous corporate headquarters and relocating to a new, smaller footprint, office space as the Company transitioned to a hybrid working model during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

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

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Impairment of property and equipment

 

$

7,202

 

 

$

11,426

 

 

$

10,432

 

Impairment of lease right-of-use assets

 

 

3,333

 

 

 

2,134

 

 

 

5,002

 

Total impairment losses

 

$

10,535

 

 

$

13,560

 

 

$

15,434

 

 

There was no impairment of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022. Refer to Note 6, Property and Equipment, Note 7, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, and Note 8, Leases, for additional information regarding the Company’s long-lived assets, goodwill, and intangible assets.

Contingent Consideration Payable—The Company measures contingent consideration payable at fair value based on a series of unobservable inputs, including the timing and probability of the occurrence of future events, and requires judgment from management. As such, contingent consideration payable is classified as Level 3. As the balance of contingent consideration was paid during the fiscal year ending December 30, 2023, there were no significant market assumptions utilized in determining the fair value. Refer to Note 3, Acquisitions, for additional information related to the Company's contingent consideration payable.

The following table provides a roll forward of the fair value of recurring Level 3 fair value measurements (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

$

10,255

 

Payment of contingent consideration

 

 

(10,217

)

Measurement period adjustments

 

 

(38

)

Balance at December 30, 2023

 

$

 

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 early termination of the contracts. The Company elects to record its derivative financial instruments at net fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 5, Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, Note 9, Other Assets, and Note 15, 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 consolidated balance sheets at adjusted cost, net of unamortized issuance costs. The estimated fair value of first lien term loans was $978.9 million as of December 28, 2024 and $1,327.5 million as of December 30, 2023 and is based on mid-point prices, or prices for similar instruments from active markets, on the balance sheet date. Given the short-term nature of outstanding obligations on the first lien revolving credit facility, the carrying value approximates fair value. There were no outstanding borrowings on the first lien revolving credit facility as of December 28, 2024 or December 30, 2023. 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 13, 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.

v3.25.1
Long-term Debt
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Long-term Debt
13.
LONG-TERM DEBT

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

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

First lien term loans

 

$

966,797

 

 

$

1,321,687

 

Debt issuance costs, net

 

 

(40,827

)

 

 

(71,463

)

Total debt

 

 

925,970

 

 

 

1,250,224

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

(7,251

)

 

 

(13,250

)

Long-term debt, net

 

$

918,719

 

 

$

1,236,974

 

 

Senior Secured Credit Facilities—Pursuant to the October 2024 amendments to the senior secured credit facilities, the Company's Credit Agreement includes $1,206.8 million senior secured credit facilities which consist of a $966.8 million first lien term loan (the "First Lien Term Loan Facility") and a $240.0 million revolving credit facility ("First Lien Revolving Credit Facility") (collectively, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”).

The Company issued an incremental first lien term loan of $265.0 million in March 2024 through an amendment to the Credit Agreement. The amendment increased the required quarterly principal payments on the First Lien Term Loan Facility to $4.0 million from $3.3 million, beginning with the payment due for the quarter ended March 30, 2024.

In April 2024, 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%.

In October 2024, concurrently with the consummation of the IPO, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement to increase commitments under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility by $80.0 million to $240.0 million and extend the maturity date of $225.0 million of commitments to October 2029. The maturity date of the remaining $15.0 million of non-extended commitments under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility was unchanged from the First Lien Term Loan Facility maturity date of June 2028. Additionally, the applicable rates for the First Lien Term Loan Facility and for amounts drawn under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility were reduced by 0.25% as a result of the Company's IPO.

Additionally, in October 2024, the Company repaid $608.0 million of outstanding principal on the First Lien Term Loan Facility utilizing the net proceeds from the IPO and, in conjunction, entered into another repricing amendment to the Credit Agreement. As of the effective date of the October 2024 repricing amendment, the applicable rate for the First Lien Term Loan Facility and for amounts drawn under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility were further reduced by 1.25%. As such, the First Lien Term Loan Facility bears interest at a variable rate equal to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus 3.25% per annum. In addition, as of the effective date of the October 2024 repricing amendment, amounts drawn under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at SOFR plus an applicable rate between 2.50% and 3.00% per annum, based on a pricing grid of the Company's First Lien Term Loan Facility net leverage ratio. The October 2024 repricing amendment decreased the required quarterly principal payments on the First Lien Term Loan Facility to $2.4 million from $3.3 million, beginning with the payment due for the quarter ended March 29, 2025. All other terms under the Credit Agreement remain unchanged as a result of the amendments.

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. Prior to the October 2024 amendment, the cap on the amount of letters of credit that could be drawn against the borrowing capacity of the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility was $115.0 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. Commencing with the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2023, the Company must comply with a quarterly maximum First Lien Term Loan Facility net leverage ratio financial loan covenant. 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 December 28, 2024, 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. The excess cash flow calculation required as of December 28, 2024, did not require a mandatory prepayment on the First Lien Term Loan Facility.

The Company had no outstanding borrowings on the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility and had an available borrowing capacity of $184.2 million after giving effect to the outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Agreement of $55.8 million as of December 28, 2024. Additionally, the Company had no outstanding borrowings on the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility and had an available borrowing capacity of $87.5 after giving effect to the outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Agreement of $72.5 million as of December 30, 2023.

The Company capitalized original issue discount and debt issuance costs of $1.8 million during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, related to the March 2024, April 2024, and October 2024 amendments to the Credit Agreement. The Company capitalized original issue discount and debt issuance costs of $73.6 million during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, related to the June 2023 refinancing. Additionally, the Company capitalized debt issuance costs of $0.8 million during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, related to amendments to the prior senior secured credit facilities. These costs are being amortized over the terms of the related debt instruments and amortization expense is included within interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

The Company recognized a $25.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 related to the unamortized original issue discount and deferred financing costs that were written off in connection with certain lenders that had reduced principal holdings or did not participate in the loan syndication as a result of the April 2024 and October 2024 amendments to the Credit Agreement. The Company recognized a $4.4 million loss on extinguishment of debt during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 related to the unamortized deferred financing costs that were written off in connection with the term loans and senior secured notes that were extinguished. Additionally, the Company recognized a $0.2 million gain on extinguishment of debt during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 related to the extinguishment of a portion of the second lien term loans. Gains and losses from extinguishment of debt are recognized in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

The following table presents the amount of amortization expense of debt issuance costs (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Amortization expense of debt issuance costs

 

$

6,830

 

 

$

8,482

 

 

$

4,918

 

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 table below represents future principal payments on long-term debt (in thousands):

2025

 

$

9,668

 

2026

 

 

9,668

 

2027

 

 

9,668

 

2028

 

 

9,668

 

2029

 

 

7,251

 

Thereafter

 

 

920,874

 

 

 

$

966,797

 

Other Credit FacilitiesIn 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. Upon entering into the LOC Agreement, the Company issued $20.0 million in letters of credit and cancelled $16.7 million of outstanding letters of credit under the First Lien Revolving Credit Facility. The Company had $20.0 million outstanding letters of credit under the LOC Agreement as of December 28, 2024.

v3.25.1
Other Long-term Liabilities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]  
Other Long-Term Liabilities
14.
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

Other long-term liabilities included the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Deferred compensation plan

 

$

38,180

 

 

$

29,014

 

Self-insurance obligations

 

 

36,882

 

 

 

35,397

 

Deferred employee retention credits

 

 

12,317

 

 

 

43,687

 

Long-term incentive plan

 

 

10,245

 

 

 

4,005

 

Financing lease liabilities

 

 

3,793

 

 

 

5,147

 

Uncertain tax positions

 

 

659

 

 

 

1,370

 

Promissory notes

 

 

361

 

 

 

764

 

Cash-settled stock options and restricted stock units

 

 

 

 

 

721

 

Other

 

 

550

 

 

 

367

 

Total other long-term liabilities

 

$

102,987

 

 

$

120,472

 

v3.25.1
Risk Management and Derivatives
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Risk Management and Derivatives
15.
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 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 consolidated statements of cash flows.

In October 2022, the Company entered into an interest rate cap contract on approximately half of the variable rate debt under the senior secured credit facilities. The cap commenced on December 31, 2022 and provided protection in the form of variable payments from a counterparty in the event that the three-month SOFR increased above 4.85%. The notional amount of the derivative decreased quarterly as principal payments were made on the First Lien Term Loan Facility. The notional amount was $661.2 million as of December 30, 2023 and $659.8 million immediately prior to its expiration on June 28, 2024. The Company paid initial costs of $5.0 million for the interest rate cap. The Company elected to exclude the change in the time value of the interest rate cap from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and amortized the initial value of the premium over the life of the contract. The premium amortization was recognized in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The derivative was considered highly effective through its expiration on June 28, 2024.

In January 2024, the Company entered into a pay-fixed-receive-float interest rate swap contract with a total notional amount of $400.0 million 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 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. The Company receives variable amounts of interest from a counterparty at 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. As of December 28, 2024, the derivatives are considered highly effective. The Company estimates that $2.0 million, before income taxes, of deferred gains recognized within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 28, 2024 will be reclassified as a decrease 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 table presents the amounts affecting the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income (in thousands):

 

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments

 

 

Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income

 

 

(Gain) Loss
Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) into Income

 

 

Total Effect on
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income

 

Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate derivative contracts (1)

$

8,509

 

 

$

(4,449

)

 

$

4,060

 

Income tax effect

 

(2,197

)

 

 

1,149

 

 

 

(1,048

)

Net of income taxes

$

6,312

 

 

$

(3,300

)

 

$

3,012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate derivative contracts (1)

$

792

 

 

$

1,493

 

 

$

2,285

 

Income tax effect

 

(205

)

 

 

(385

)

 

 

(590

)

Net of income taxes

$

587

 

 

$

1,108

 

 

$

1,695

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate derivative contracts (1)

$

(2,718

)

 

$

 

 

$

(2,718

)

Income tax effect

 

710

 

 

 

 

 

 

710

 

Net of income taxes

$

(2,008

)

 

$

 

 

$

(2,008

)

(1)
The amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income was the $5.0 million premium on the interest rate cap during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness reclassified into interest expense, which related to amortization of the premium, were $1.7 million and $3.3 million during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively.

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.

v3.25.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Equity [Abstract]  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
16.
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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

Balance as of January 1, 2022

 

$

 

Other comprehensive losses before reclassifications

 

 

(2,008

)

Balance as of December 31, 2022

 

 

(2,008

)

Other comprehensive gains before reclassifications

 

 

587

 

Reclassifications to net (loss) income of previously deferred losses

 

 

1,108

 

Balance as of December 30, 2023

 

 

(313

)

Other comprehensive gains before reclassifications

 

 

6,312

 

Reclassifications to net (loss) income of previously deferred gains

 

 

(3,300

)

Balance as of December 28, 2024

 

$

2,699

 

v3.25.1
Shareholder's Equity, Member's Equity and Equity-based Compensation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Shareholder's Equity, Member's Equity and Equity-based Compensation
17.
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, MEMBER'S EQUITY, AND EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

Shareholders' Equity and Member's InterestsIn January 2022, KC Holdco, LLC converted from a Delaware limited liability company to a Delaware corporation and changed its name to KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.,

with 100 authorized shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. As a result of this conversion, the member’s interests of KC Holdco, LLC held by KC Parent were converted into 10 uncertificated shares of common stock of the Company.

Increase in Authorized Capital and Stock Split—In February 2022, the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company was amended and restated to authorize the issuance of three separate classes of stock as well as increase the authorized number of shares as follows: (i) 1.3 billion shares of Class A common stock entitled to one vote per share, $0.0001 par value per share; (ii) 200.0 million shares of Class B common stock entitled to one-fourth vote per share, $0.0001 par value per share; and (iii) 200.0 million shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share. Each of the 10 uncertificated shares held by KC Parent were split into 79.1 million shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, resulting in 790.7 million issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock.

Issuance of Common Stock—In August 2022, 0.2 million shares of Class A common stock were issued to KC Parent. Refer to Note 22, Related Party Transactions, for additional information related to this stock issuance.

Treasury Stock—In September 2022, the Company repurchased 34.0 million shares of Class A common stock for $72.7 million and subsequently retired the shares of treasury stock. The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of shareholders' and member’s equity.

Common Stock Conversion and S-1 Effectiveness—On September 20, 2024, the Company’s Board and KC Parent, the owner of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, approved the Common Stock Conversion, effected immediately following the effectiveness of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1. On October 8, 2024, the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 related to its IPO was declared effective by the SEC, and as a result, 756.8 million shares of Class A common stock outstanding, with a par value of $0.0001 per share, were converted to 90.4 million shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share, at a ratio of 8.375-to-one.

All current and prior period shares outstanding, per share amounts, and equity-based compensation awards disclosures, as applicable, have been adjusted to retrospectively reflect the Common Stock Conversion in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Amended and Restated Certificate of IncorporationOn October 8, 2024, the Company's Certificate of Incorporation was amended and restated to authorize the Company to issue two classes of stock: common stock and preferred stock. The Company may issue up to 25.0 million shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share and 750.0 million shares of common stock with a par value of $0.01 per share.

Initial Public OfferingOn October 8, 2024, an underwriting agreement was executed in which the Company agreed to sell 24.0 million shares of common stock to the underwriters based on an initial public offering price of $24.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of $544.3 million, or $22.68 per share after underwriting discounts, on October 10, 2024, when the shares were issued and the initial offering closed. Additionally, on October 10, 2024, the underwriters exercised in full their option to purchase up to 3.6 million additional shares of common stock based on the initial offering price of $24.00 per share. The net proceeds of $81.7 million, after underwriting discounts, were received by the Company on October 15, 2024, when the sale was completed. The total net proceeds from the initial offering and underwriters option, less $9.9 million in offering costs incurred in connection with the IPO, was recorded to common stock and additional paid in capital on the consolidated balance sheets following the IPO.

Employee Stock Purchase PlanOn October 9, 2024, the Board adopted and approved the Company's 2024 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") which permits eligible employees of the Company to purchase shares of common stock at periodic intervals. The aggregate number of shares of common stock that will initially be reserved for issuance under the ESPP shall be equal to the sum of (i) 2.3 million shares and (ii) an annual increase beginning on January 1, 2026 and ending January 1, 2034 by an amount equal to the lesser of (A) 1% of the shares outstanding on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (B) such smaller number of shares as determined by the board of directors; provided that in no event will more than 5.6 million shares of the Company’s common stock be available for issuance under the ESPP. There were no awards granted under the ESPP during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.

KC Parent Profit Interest Units—In August 2015, the Board of Managers of KC Parent approved the PIUs Plan which provides KC Parent authorization to award PIUs to certain employees, officers, managers, directors, and other providers of services to KC Parent and its subsidiaries (collectively, “PIU Recipients”) pursuant to the terms and

conditions of the PIUs Plan. The PIUs consist of Class A-1 Units, Class B-1 Units, Class B-2 Units, and Class B-3 Units and entitle PIU Recipients to share in increases in the value of KC Parent from and after the date of issuance.

Pursuant to the PIUs Plan and prior to the IPO, KC Parent authorized 7.5 million Class A-1 Units, 31.6 million Class B-1 Units, 31.6 million Class B-2 Units, and 23.7 million Class B-3 Units for issuance to PIU Recipients. Any units that are forfeited, canceled, or reacquired by KC Parent prior to vesting are added back to the units available for issuance under the PIUs Plan.

Class A-1 Units are fully vested upon issuance. Class B-1 Units vest over a four-year period at 25% per annum, subject to the continued service of the PIU Recipients with the Company, except in the event of an eligible retirement in which units remain outstanding and eligible to vest without regard for remaining service requirements. Upon the consummation of a sale of the Company, the vesting of all then nonvested Class B-1 Units accelerates in full. Class B-2 and Class B-3 Units vest on the date when certain performance-based vesting conditions are met, subject to the continued service of the PIU Recipients with the Company, except in the event of an eligible retirement. The performance conditions require raising distribution proceeds from the Company or from a third-party or transfer to securities in an aggregate amount equal to two times for Class B-2 Units or three times for Class B-3 Units of the Class A contribution amount and all other capital invested by KC Parent's limited partners. This condition is viewed as a substantive liquidity event performance-based vesting condition. For performance conditions, equity-based compensation expense is only recognized if the performance conditions become probable to be satisfied. In March 2024, the terms of the PIUs Plan were amended to provide for a one-time March 2024 non-forfeitable distribution, resulting in a modification to the PIUs Plan. In October 2024, in order to dissolve and liquidate KC Parent in connection with the IPO, KC Parent distributed its shares of the Company's common stock to its limited partners, including PIU Recipients, thereby modifying and terminating the PIUs Plan. Refer to this note under the subsection titled "Equity-based Compensation Expense" for additional detail on how these modifications were accounted for under ASC 718 and refer to Note 22, Related Party Transactions, for additional detail on the dissolution and liquidation of KC Parent.

A summary of the PIU activity under the PIUs Plan is presented in the table below (units in millions):

 

 

Class A-1 Units

 

 

Class B-1 Units

 

 

Class B-2 Units

 

 

Class B-3 Units

 

Nonvested as of January 1, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

4.7

 

 

 

31.3

 

 

 

23.5

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

(2.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

(0.5

)

 

 

(0.3

)

Nonvested as of December 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

30.8

 

 

 

23.2

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

(1.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonvested as of December 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

30.8

 

 

 

23.2

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modified to accelerate vesting (1)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(30.7

)

 

 

(23.0

)

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(0.2

)

Nonvested as of October 8, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested as of October 8, 2024

 

 

7.5

 

 

 

30.7

 

 

 

30.7

 

 

 

23.0

 

Distribution to PIU Recipients (1)

 

 

(7.5

)

 

 

(30.7

)

 

 

(30.7

)

 

 

(23.0

)

Vested as of December 28, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)
As a result of the October 2024 modification to the PIUs Plan, the vesting of unvested PIUs was accelerated on October 8, 2024 and in connection with the dissolution and liquidation of KC Parent, the PIUs Plan was terminated through a liquidating distribution to the PIU Recipients. Refer to this note under the subsection titled "Equity-based Compensation Expense" for additional detail on how this modification was accounted for under ASC 718.

Weighted average grant date fair value per unit is as follows:

 

Class A-1 Units

 

 

Class B-1 Units

 

 

Class B-2 Units

 

 

Class B-3 Units

 

Nonvested as of January 1, 2022

 

$

 

 

$

0.45

 

 

$

0.35

 

 

$

0.29

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

0.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

0.41

 

 

 

0.42

 

 

 

0.37

 

Nonvested as of December 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

0.45

 

 

 

0.35

 

 

 

0.29

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

0.46

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonvested as of December 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

0.43

 

 

 

0.35

 

 

 

0.29

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

0.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modified to accelerate vesting (1)

 

 

 

 

 

0.45

 

 

 

2.12

 

 

 

2.08

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.43

 

 

 

0.40

 

Nonvested as of October 8, 2024

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Vested as of October 8, 2024

 

$

0.72

 

 

$

0.38

 

 

$

2.12

 

 

$

2.08

 

Distribution to PIU Recipients (1)

 

 

0.72

 

 

 

0.38

 

 

 

2.12

 

 

 

2.08

 

Vested as of December 28, 2024

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

(1)
The weighted average grant date fair values for the Class B-2 and B-3 Units reflects the fair values of the vested B-2 and B-3 Units as a result of the October 2024 modification to the PIUs Plan. Refer to this note under the subsection titled "Equity-based Compensation Expense" for additional detail on how this modification was accounted for under ASC 718.

The total fair value of the Class B-1 Units that vested during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 was $0.2 million, $0.8 million, and $0.9 million, respectively, which was measured using the Monte Carlo option pricing model. Refer to this note under the subsection titled "Equity-based Compensation Expense" for additional detail on the total fair value of Class B Units that vested as a result of the October 2024 modification.

2022 Incentive Award PlanIn February 2022, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") approved the 2022 Plan which provides the Company authorization to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), dividend equivalents, or other stock or cash-based awards to certain service providers which are defined as employees, consultants, or directors (collectively, “Participants") pursuant to the terms and conditions of the 2022 Plan. Stock options granted under the 2022 Plan may be either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options. In connection with the Company's IPO, the Company’s Board approved an amendment to the 2022 Plan which became effective on October 8, 2024, after the effectiveness of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1. In response to the Common Stock Conversion, the amendment provides that the aggregate number of shares available for issuance pursuant to the awards shall be equal to the sum of (i) 15.7 million shares and (ii) an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning on January 1, 2026 and ending January 1, 2034 equal to the lesser of (A) 4% of the number of shares outstanding on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (B) such smaller number of shares as determined by the Board.

Stock Options—The Company's stock options have time-based vesting schedules for which the awards generally vest 25% upon the first anniversary of the grant date and the remaining in equal quarterly installments over the following three years. The awards granted in May 2022 and October 2024 vest ratably over three years. Stock options have fixed 10-year terms and will expire and become unexercisable after the earliest of: (i) the tenth anniversary of the grant date, (ii) the ninetieth day following the Participant's termination of service for any reason other than due to death, disability, qualifying retirement, or for cause, (iii) immediately upon the termination of service of the Participant for cause, or (iv) the expiration of twelve months from the Participant's termination of service due to death or disability. In the event of qualifying retirement, the stock options will remain outstanding and eligible to vest in accordance with the terms of the 2022 Plan.

In February 2023, the 2022 Plan was amended to provide for cash settlement of all stock options granted under the plan. As a result, stock options were remeasured at fair value and reclassified as liabilities at the modification date and

were subject to remeasurement at fair value each reporting period following the modification date. Equity-based compensation expense was recognized to reflect changes in the fair value of the liabilities to the extent that the fair value did not decrease below the grant date fair value of the awards. In October 2024 in connection with the IPO, the 2022 Plan was further amended to provide for share settlement of all stock options granted under the plan and exercised subsequent to the modification. Stock options were remeasured at fair value and reclassified as equity at the modification date and are not remeasured at fair value each reporting period following the modification date. Equity-based compensation expense is recognized based on the modification date fair value through the remainder of the vesting periods, provided that fair value is not less than the initial grant date fair value of the originally equity-classified awards. Refer to this note under the subsection titled "Equity-based Compensation Expense" for additional detail on how these modifications were accounted for under ASC 718.

A summary of the stock option activity and related information under the 2022 Plan is presented in the table below:

 

 

Number of
Stock
Options (in
millions)
(1)

 

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
(1)

 

 

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(1)

 

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(years)
 (1)

 

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (in
millions)
(1)

 

Outstanding as of January 1, 2022

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

21.11

 

 

 

9.68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

0.0

 

 

 

20.88

 

 

 

9.47

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2022

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

21.11

 

 

 

9.68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 30, 2023

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

21.11

 

 

 

9.68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

24.00

 

 

 

12.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 28, 2024

 

 

1.8

 

 

$

21.33

 

 

$

9.89

 

 

 

7.45

 

 

$

 

Exercisable as of December 28, 2024

 

 

1.1

 

 

$

21.10

 

 

$

9.67

 

 

 

7.26

 

 

$

 

(1)
The equity-based compensation awards disclosures have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Common Stock Conversion.

As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the fair value of stock options that vested during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 was $4.7 million and $6.1 million, respectively. There were no stock options vested during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

As of December 28, 2024, all stock options were classified as equity. As of December 30, 2023, all stock options were classified as liabilities with $8.1 million and $0.3 million recorded within other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets.

Restricted Stock Units—The Company's RSUs awarded to management have time-based vesting schedules for which the awards generally vest 25% upon the first anniversary of the grant date and the remaining in equal quarterly installments over the following three years. The awards granted in May 2022 as well as a portion of the awards granted in October 2024 vest ratably over three years. RSUs awarded to independent board members as well as the awards granted to highly-tenured teachers in October 2024 have a time-based, one-year vesting schedule.

The RSUs are subject to certain requirements including the Participant's continued service through the vesting date, as applicable. In the event of a Participant's termination of service, the Participant immediately forfeits any and all RSUs granted that have not vested or do not vest on the date termination of service occurs and rights in any such nonvested RSUs shall lapse and expire. Upon the occurrence of termination of service due to death or disability, the RSUs shall

become vested in full. In the event of qualifying retirement, the RSUs will remain outstanding and eligible to vest in accordance with the terms of the 2022 Plan.

In February 2023, the 2022 Plan was amended to provide for cash settlement of all RSUs granted under the plan, whereas prior to the amendment, half of the value of the RSUs were to be settled in cash and the other half were to be settled in shares. As a result, previously equity-classified RSUs were remeasured at fair value and reclassified as liabilities at the modification date and were subject to remeasurement at fair value each reporting period following the modification date. Equity-based compensation expense was recognized to reflect changes in the fair value of the liabilities to the extent that the fair value did not decrease below the grant date fair value of the awards. In October 2024, in connection with the IPO, the 2022 Plan was further amended to provide for share settlement of all RSUs granted under the plan and vested subsequent to the modification. RSUs were remeasured at fair value and reclassified as equity at the modification date and are not remeasured at fair value each reporting period following the modification date. Equity-based compensation expense is recognized based on the modification date fair value through the remainder of the vesting periods, provided that fair value is not less than the initial grant date fair value of the originally equity-classified awards. Refer to this note under the subsection titled "Equity-based Compensation Expense" for additional detail on how these modifications were accounted for under ASC 718. The fair value of RSUs is determined based on the fair value of the Company's common stock.

A summary of the RSU activity and related information under the 2022 Plan is presented in the table below (RSUs in millions):

 

 

Share-Settled

 

 

Cash-Settled

 

 

 

Number of
RSUs -
Equity-
Classified
(1)

 

 

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(1)

 

 

Number of
RSUs -
 Liability-
Classified
 (1)

 

 

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 (1)

 

Nonvested as of January 1, 2022

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

Granted

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

21.05

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

21.05

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

20.76

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

20.76

 

Nonvested as of December 31, 2022

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

21.06

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

21.06

 

Reclassified

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

21.06

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

21.06

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

20.98

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

20.68

 

Nonvested as of December 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

21.13

 

Reclassified

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

24.00

 

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

21.05

 

Granted

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

24.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

24.00

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

21.24

 

Forfeited

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

24.00

 

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

20.90

 

Nonvested as of December 28, 2024

 

 

0.7

 

 

$

24.00

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

(1)
The equity-based compensation awards disclosures have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Common Stock Conversion.

During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, the total fair value of RSUs vested and share-settled subsequent to the October 2024 modification was $0.7 million and the total fair value of RSUs vested and paid to Participants prior to the October 2024 modification was $4.7 million. During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, the total fair value of vested RSUs paid to Participants was $8.7 million and no RSUs were share-settled. During the fiscal year ended December 31,2022, there were no RSUs vested.

As of December 28, 2024, all RSUs were classified as equity. As of December 30, 2023, all RSUs were classified as liabilities with $2.2 million and $0.4 million recorded within other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets.

Valuation Assumptions—The Company estimated the grant date fair value of PIUs using a Monte Carlo Simulation model and estimates the grant date fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes model. The Monte Carlo Simulation model and Black-Scholes model require the use of highly complex and subjective assumptions. Changes in the assumptions can materially affect the fair value and ultimately how much equity-based compensation expense is recognized.

The assumptions that impacted the Monte Carlo Simulation model related to the March 2024 modification to the PIUs Plan are as follows:

Equity value (in millions)

 

$2,041.0

Risk free interest rate

 

5.14%

Expected dividend yield

 

0.00%

Expected term

 

0.75 years

Expected volatility

 

30%

In connection with the October 2024 liquidation of KC Parent and modification to the PIUs Plan, the valuation of the PIUs was determined by the fair value of the Company’s common stock as of the date of the IPO. Refer to this note under the subsection titled "Equity-based Compensation Expense" for additional detail on how both the March and October 2024 modifications were accounted for under ASC 718 and refer to Note 22, Related Party Transactions, for additional detail on the dissolution and liquidation of KC Parent.

The assumptions that impacted the Black-Scholes model for stock options are as follows:

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

December 28, 2024 (2)

 

December 30, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

Stock price (1)

 

$21.78 - $25.04

 

$21.78 - $29.15

 

$20.60 - $21.69

Risk-free interest rate

 

3.55% - 4.40%

 

3.56% - 4.60%

 

1.36% - 2.40%

Expected dividend yield

 

0.00%

 

0.00%

 

0.00%

Expected term

 

3.50 - 6.00 years

 

4.26 - 5.13 years

 

5.86 - 6.11 years

Expected volatility

 

35% - 50%

 

40% - 45%

 

45%

(1)
The equity-based compensation awards disclosures have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Common Stock Conversion.
(2)
The post-modification fair values of the stock options granted during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and modified in October 2024 were the original grant date fair values from February 2022 and May 2022 as the fair values of the newly equity-classified awards at modification date were less than the original grant date fair values of the awards. Refer to the fair value assumptions during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 for additional information.

Fair value of aggregate equity

Prior to the Company’s IPO, there was no public market for the equity of the Company, and therefore, the Company utilized a third-party valuation firm to determine estimates of fair value using generally accepted valuation methodologies, specifically income-based and market-based methods. The income-based method is the discounted cash flow method and the market methods include the guideline public company method and benchmarking against contemplated market transactions. Weightings are adjusted over time to reflect the merits and shortcomings of each method.

Risk-free interest rate

The risk-free interest rate is based on the United States constant maturity rates with remaining terms similar to the expected term of the PIUs and stock options.

Expected dividend yield

The Company does not expect to declare a dividend to shareholders in the foreseeable future.

Expected term

For PIUs, the Company calculated the expected term based on the expected time to a liquidity event. For stock options, the Company determines the expected term using the simplified method, which is based on the average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding, generally calculated as the midpoint of the stock options’ vesting term and contractual expiration period. The simplified method is used as the Company does not have sufficient historical information to develop reasonable expectations about future exercise patterns and post-vesting service termination behavior.

Expected volatility

Prior to the Company’s IPO, there was no specific historical or implied volatility information available. Accordingly, the Company estimated the expected volatility on the historical stock volatility of a group of similar companies that are publicly traded over a period equivalent to the respective expected term of the PIUs and stock options. Subsequent to the Company's IPO, the Company will continue to use the volatility data of a group of similar companies that are publicly traded until there is sufficient historical information available.

Equity-based Compensation Expense—Total equity-based compensation expense for all equity-based compensation awards was $143.9 million, $12.6 million, and $9.9 million during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, and was recognized in selling, general, and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Equity-based compensation expense recognized during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 includes $14.3 million in expense related to the March 2024 modification to the PIUs Plan and $113.1 million in expense related to the October 2024 modification to the PIUs Plan. Refer to the below paragraphs for additional information. The income tax benefit related to equity-based compensation expense was $4.2 million, $3.1 million, and $2.1 million during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively. As of December 28, 2024, the total unrecognized equity-based compensation expense for stock options and RSUs, net of estimated forfeitures, was $10.8 million, which will be recognized over the remaining weighted average period of 1.5 years.

In February 2022, the terms of the PIUs Plan were modified to include a retirement eligibility provision that allows units to remain outstanding and eligible to vest without regard for remaining service requirements. This modification impacted previously granted Class B-1 Units issued to four PIU Recipients. Under ASC 718, a modification in the terms or conditions of an award, unless the change is non-substantive, represents an exchange of the original award for a new award. For modifications that do not result in reclassification of the awards, the modified award is revalued and incremental compensation cost is recognized for the excess, if any, between fair value of the award upon modification and fair value of the award immediately prior to modification. The Company determined there was no incremental compensation expense due to a change in the fair value of the awards.

In February 2023, the 2022 Plan was amended to provide for cash settlement of all stock options and RSUs granted under the plan. This modification impacted 100 Participants with stock options and RSUs. In the case of modifications that results in reclassification of the awards from equity to liabilities, the liability is remeasured at fair value every reporting period, with changes recognized as equity-based compensation expense to the extent that the fair value of the awards does not decrease below grant date fair value. Any change in the liability below the grant date fair value of the awards is recorded within additional paid-in capital. On the modification date, all stock options and RSUs granted under the 2022 Plan were remeasured at fair value and were reclassified from additional paid-in capital to other current and other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The awards were measured at fair value on the modification date immediately before and after modification and the Company determined there was no incremental compensation expense due to a change in the fair value of the awards.

In March 2024, the terms of the PIUs Plan were amended to provide for a March 2024 non-forfeitable distribution to 30 Class B PIU Recipients with PIUs outstanding at the time of modification, which will offset any future payments received by the PIU Recipients. Refer to Note 22, Related Party Transactions, for further information regarding the March 2024 distribution. This resulted in a Type I Modification (probable-to-probable) of the Class B-1 Units as the majority of the Class B-1 Units are vested with the remainder probable to vest both immediately before and after modification. The impact to nonvested B-1 Units was not material. The Class B-1 Units were measured at fair value on the modification date immediately before and after the modification. The cash distribution exceeded the reduction in fair value when comparing the value immediately before and after the modification by $4.7 million. As the distribution is non-forfeitable and does not require any additional services to be provided by the PIU Recipients, the Company recognized the $4.7 million as equity-based compensation expense within selling, general, and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income during the fiscal year ended December

28, 2024. The March 2024 modification also resulted in a Type IV Modification (improbable-to-improbable) of the Class B-2 and Class B-3 Units as the distribution to Class B-2 and Class B-3 PIU Recipients did not meet the liquidity event performance-based vesting conditions and therefore the units were not probable to vest both immediately before and after modification. No performance-based vesting compensation expense has been or will be recognized related to the Class B-2 and Class B-3 Units until the performance-based vesting conditions are met, at which time, in accordance with the guidance for Type IV modifications under ASC 718, expense will be recognized based on the post-modification fair value. However, the distribution to Class B-2 and Class B-3 PIU Recipients is non-forfeitable even if a liquidity event does not occur and thus the distribution represents compensation in excess of the rights and privileges provided to Class B-2 and Class B-3 PIU Recipients under the PIUs Plan. During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, the Company recognized $5.0 million and $4.6 million equity-based compensation expense for the distribution to Class B-2 and Class B-3 PIU Recipients, respectively, within selling, general, and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

In October 2024, the 2022 Plan was amended to provide for share settlement of all unexercised stock options and unvested RSUs when stock options are exercised and RSUs vest according to their original vesting schedules. This modification impacted 81 Participants with stock options and RSUs. On the modification date, all stock options and RSUs outstanding were remeasured at fair value resulting in a reclassification from other current and other long-term liabilities to additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company will not remeasure the awards at fair value each reporting period during the remaining vesting period in accordance with equity-classification under ASC 718. The awards were measured at fair value immediately before and after modification, and as there was no change in the fair value of the awards, the Company determined there was no incremental compensation expense as a result of the modification.

In October 2024, in connection with the dissolution and liquidation of KC Parent upon the Company's IPO, the terms of the PIUs Plan were modified through the accelerated vesting of PIUs and subsequent distribution of the Company's common stock, resulting in the termination of the PIUs Plan. This modification impacted 28 PIU Recipients with outstanding PIUs at the date of modification. Refer to Note 22, Related Party Transactions, for further information regarding the October 2024 dissolution and liquidation of KC Parent. The accelerated vesting of PIUs resulted in a Type I Modification (probable-to-probable) of the unvested Class B-1 Units as they were probable to vest both immediately before and after modification. The Class B-1 Units were measured at fair value on the modification date immediately before and after the modification, and though there is no incremental compensation expense as a result of the change in fair value of the awards, the PIU Recipients are not required to provide any additional services and the remaining unrecognized compensation expense of less than $0.1 million was recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024. The October 2024 modification also resulted in a Type III Modification (improbable-to-probable) of the Class B-2 and Class B-3 Units. The IPO did not meet the liquidity event performance-based vesting conditions and therefore the awards were improbable to vest prior to the modification, but as a result of the modification to remove the vesting conditions, the awards became probable to vest immediately after modification. In accordance with ASC 718 for Type III modifications, the original awards are considered forfeited and the total fair value of the modified Class B-2 and Class B-3 Units of $65.1 million and $47.9 million, respectively, was recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.

v3.25.1
Net (Loss) Income per Common Share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Net (Loss) Income per Common Share
18.
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

The reconciliations of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 are set forth in the table below (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Net (loss) income available to common shareholders,
   basic and diluted

 

$

(92,840

)

 

$

102,558

 

 

$

219,169

 

Weighted average number of common shares
   outstanding, basic
(1)

 

 

96,309

 

 

 

90,366

 

 

 

93,390

 

Effect of dilutive securities (1)

 

 

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

63

 

Weighted average number of common shares
   outstanding, diluted
(1)

 

 

96,309

 

 

90,389

 

 

 

93,453

 

Net (loss) income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic (1)

 

$

(0.96

)

 

$

1.13

 

 

$

2.35

 

Diluted (1)

 

$

(0.96

)

 

$

1.13

 

 

$

2.35

 

(1)
The outstanding shares and per share amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Common Stock Conversion. Refer to Note 17, Shareholders' Equity, Member's Equity, and Equity-based Compensation, for further information.

Prior to the amendment to the Company's certificate of incorporation in October 2024 made in connection with the IPO and Common Stock Conversion, vested stock options under the 2022 Plan were contractually participating securities because stock option Participants have a non-forfeitable right to receive dividends when the Company exceeds a stated distributable amount. The stated distributable amount was not met during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and therefore, the stock options were not considered as participating in undistributed earnings in the computation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share for the periods. As a result of the amended certificate of incorporation in connection with the IPO, vested stock options are no longer contractually participating securities.

Subsequent to the October 2024 modification to the 2022 Plan, which changed all stock options and RSUs to be share-settled and equity-classified, all shares of common stock from stock options and RSUs were excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) income per common share during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 as their effect was anti-dilutive due to a net loss available to common shareholders. Prior to the October 2024 modification to the 2022 Plan and subsequent to the February 2023 modification to the 2022 Plan, stock options and RSUs were cash-settled and liability-classified, and therefore, no shares were available to be excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) income per common share during those portions of the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023. During the portion of the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 prior to the modification to the 2022 Plan, when stock options and 50% of RSUs were share-settled and equity-classified, 1.6 million shares of common stock from outstanding stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) income per common share as the effect was antidilutive. There were 1.6 million shares of common stock from outstanding stock options that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) income per common share during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 as the effect was antidilutive. Refer to Note 17, Shareholders' Equity, Member's Equity, and Equity-based Compensation, for further information on the modifications to the 2022 Plan.

v3.25.1
Employee Benefit Plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Employee Benefit Plans
19.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

401(k) Plan—Certain employees are eligible to enroll in the KinderCare Education Savings and Investment Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) on the first of the month following 30 days from their date of hire and can contribute between 1% and 100% of pay up to the IRS maximum allowable. The Company will match 40 cents for each dollar contributed on the first 5% of compensation. Employer matching contributions vest evenly at 20% over a five-year period.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan—The NQDC Plan allows employees to defer between 1% and 80% of base and annual bonus compensation. The Company will match 40 cents for each dollar contributed on the first 5% of compensation. All contributions are deferred into the NQDC Plan held by the Company. Employer matching contributions are fully vested immediately upon deferral into the NQDC Plan. Amounts recognized as compensation expense related changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation obligation to employees were a $3.4 million gain, $3.7 million gain, and $4.0 million loss during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, and are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Refer to Note 14, Other Long-term Liabilities, for additional information.

The Company recognized employer matching contribution expense for the 401(k) Plan and the NQDC Plan of $5.3 million, $5.1 million, and $4.2 million for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, in cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) and $0.9 million, $0.8 million, and $0.8 million for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

v3.25.1
Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
20.
INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

30,557

 

 

$

31,513

 

 

$

29,115

 

State

 

 

13,879

 

 

 

13,051

 

 

 

13,088

 

Total current expense

 

 

44,436

 

 

 

44,564

 

 

 

42,203

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

 

(20,040

)

 

 

(10,040

)

 

 

26,778

 

State

 

 

(9,788

)

 

 

(7,157

)

 

 

(397

)

Total deferred (benefit) expense

 

 

(29,828

)

 

 

(17,197

)

 

 

26,381

 

Total income tax expense

 

$

14,608

 

 

$

27,367

 

 

$

68,584

 

The Company has no foreign income or income tax requirements. The provision for income taxes solely relates to domestic income and expense. The reconciliation between the provision for income taxes at the federal statutory rate and the effective tax rate is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Federal tax (benefit) expense at statutory rate

 

$

(16,429

)

 

$

27,284

 

 

$

60,429

 

Nondeductible compensation

 

 

35,477

 

 

 

124

 

 

 

437

 

Change to uncertain tax positions

 

 

6,348

 

 

 

108

 

 

 

(17,190

)

Income tax (refunds recognized) due from
   employee retention credits claim

 

 

(5,369

)

 

 

1,612

 

 

 

17,193

 

State and local income tax (benefit) expense

 

 

(3,770

)

 

 

6,261

 

 

 

14,780

 

Federal tax credits

 

 

(2,478

)

 

 

(2,912

)

 

 

(1,757

)

Other nondeductible expenses

 

 

1,322

 

 

 

1,200

 

 

 

963

 

Provision to return true-up

 

 

(493

)

 

 

(5,595

)

 

 

(1,447

)

Revaluation of deferred tax balances

 

 

 

 

 

(1,052

)

 

 

(1,914

)

Change in valuation allowance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,923

)

Other

 

 

 

 

 

337

 

 

 

13

 

Total income tax expense

 

$

14,608

 

 

$

27,367

 

 

$

68,584

 

The Company recorded income tax expense at an effective tax rate of (18.7)%, 21.1%, and 23.8% for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease obligations

 

$

382,615

 

 

$

375,407

 

Interest and financing costs

 

 

43,677

 

 

 

24,963

 

Compensation payments

 

 

25,725

 

 

 

20,637

 

Self-insurance obligations

 

 

17,493

 

 

 

14,348

 

Net operating loss

 

 

1,095

 

 

 

3,964

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

112

 

Other

 

 

5,817

 

 

 

4,536

 

Total deferred tax assets

 

 

476,422

 

 

 

443,967

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right-of-use assets

 

 

(355,686

)

 

 

(350,586

)

Intangible assets

 

 

(113,611

)

 

 

(113,608

)

Property and equipment

 

 

(37,096

)

 

 

(40,506

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

(936

)

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

 

(507,329

)

 

 

(504,700

)

Deferred income taxes, net

 

$

(30,907

)

 

$

(60,733

)

The Company had $1.1 million and $13.8 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. The Company had $12.2 million and $15.5 million of state and local net operating loss carryforwards as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. None of the federal net operating loss carryforwards have an expiration term. Certain state net operating loss carryforwards expire in years commencing in 2035 through 2043, while others have indefinite carryforward periods.

No valuation allowance was required as of December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company's entire valuation allowance of $2.9 million was released due to the Company's continued positive financial performance and no longer being in a historical cumulative loss position. There were no offsetting additions to the valuation allowance during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022. The Company will continue to reassess the carrying amount of its deferred tax assets.

The eventual utilization of the Company’s net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards can be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations provided by Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. Should cumulative stock ownership changes among material shareholders exceed fifty percent during any rolling three-year period, the use of net operating losses, tax credits and certain other potential deductions may be limited, resulting in the potential expiration of these tax attributes before they can be utilized. Management currently believes that these rules will not limit utilization of the carryforwards before they expire.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

Balance as of January 1, 2022

 

$

850

 

Gross increases in tax positions for current year

 

 

21

 

Lapse of statute of limitations

 

 

(103

)

Balance as of December 31, 2022

 

 

768

 

Gross increases in tax positions for prior years

 

 

216

 

Gross increases in tax positions for current year

 

 

135

 

Balance as of December 30, 2023

 

 

1,119

 

Gross increases in tax positions for prior years

 

 

31

 

Gross increases in tax positions for current year

 

 

206

 

Balance as of December 28, 2024

 

$

1,356

 

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company filed a total refund claim of $65.3 million for additional ERCs relating to eligible wages and benefits paid during the fiscal years ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021 and received a cash refund of $62.0 million, along with $2.3 million in interest income, during the fiscal year ended

December 30, 2023. During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, the Company recognized $23.4 million of ERC in cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment), along with $0.5 million in interest income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. No ERC was recognized during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Due to the ERC cash receipt during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, previously-filed corporate income tax returns were amended during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 to reflect the impact of the additional ERCs claimed as of December 30, 2023. Any adjusted net operating loss carryforwards from the amended 2020 and 2021 returns were incorporated into the 2022 returns. The resulting $2.9 million income tax liability, including interest, was paid during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, and as of December 30, 2023, is presented net within income taxes payable included in other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. 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 December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, deferred ERC liabilities of $31.4 million and $20.6 million were recorded in other current liabilities and $12.3 million and $43.7 million were recorded in other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, as of December 28, 2024, the Company recorded $3.4 million in ERC receivables in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets as there is reasonable assurance these reimbursements will be received. The Company also recorded a corresponding $17.1 million receivable related to uncertain tax positions in December 2022, and as of December 30, 2023, the receivable was $17.1 million within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 28, 2024, the receivable related to uncertain tax positions was $7.9 million and $3.1 million within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 5, Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, Note 9, Other Assets, Note 11, Other Current Liabilities, and Note 14, Other Long-term Liabilities, for additional details.

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in federal and state income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. There were no material amounts related to interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that, within the next 12 months, $6.9 million of previously unrecognized net tax expense related to certain federal and state filing positions will be recognized primarily due to the expiration of federal and state statutes of limitations, which would increase our effective tax rate. There were no open tax examinations as of December 28, 2024. The Company is no longer subject to examination by tax authorities for years before 2012.

v3.25.1
Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies
21.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation—The Company is subject to claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes the accruals recorded in the consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable liabilities. The Company believes that none of the claims or litigation of which it is aware will materially affect the consolidated financial statements, although assurance cannot be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of any such claims or actions.

v3.25.1
Related Party Transactions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Party Transactions
22.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Management Services Agreement—In August 2015, the Company entered into a management services agreement with Partners Group (USA), Inc. (“Partners Group”), a related party of the Company’s former ultimate parent, pursuant to which Partners Group agreed to provide certain management and advisory services to the Company on an ongoing basis for an annual management fee of $4.9 million payable in equal quarterly installments. Management services expense is included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. In connection with the IPO, the management services agreement with Partners Group was terminated in October 2024 in accordance with its terms.

KC Parent—Pursuant to the KC Parent, LLC Agreement, executed in August 2015, KC Parent had authorization to issue member's interest units in KC Parent to certain employees and directors of the Company, which consists of Class A Units. In July 2020, pursuant to the Amended and Restated KC Parent, LLC Agreement, KC Parent authorized and issued 50.0 million Class C Preferred Units of KC Parent for a purchase price of $50.0 million to the members of KC Parent. Of the Class C Preferred Units issued, 1.0 million units were issued to certain employees and directors of the Company for a purchase price of $1.0 million.

In August 2022, 0.2 million member's interest units with an aggregate value of $0.4 million were issued to certain members of the Board. Additionally, in September 2022, in accordance with the Amended and Restated KC Parent, LLC Agreement, KC Parent redeemed 50.0 million Class C Preferred Units for 34.0 million Class A shares of common

stock of the Company. The Company repurchased the 34.0 million shares of Class A common stock for $72.7 million and subsequently retired the shares of treasury stock. The 1.0 million Class C Preferred Units held by certain employees and directors of the Company were redeemed for 0.7 million shares of Class A common stock and were repurchased for $1.4 million.

In March 2024, the Company made a $320.0 million distribution to KC Parent, which was financed by proceeds from the incremental first lien term loan and cash on-hand and was recorded within additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets. No contributions were made by KC Parent during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Additionally, KC Parent converted to a Delaware limited partnership company and replaced the Amended and Restated KC Parent, LLC Agreement with the KC Parent, LP Agreement. The KC Parent, LP Agreement modified the PIUs Plan to allow for the March 2024 distribution. In March 2024, KC Parent paid a $276.9 million distribution to Class A Unit holders and a $42.6 million distribution to PIU Recipients with units outstanding as of the date of modification pursuant to the KC Parent, LP Agreement and PIUs Plan.

In October 2024, pursuant to the KC Parent, LP Agreement, the board of managers and the General Partner of KC Parent approved a plan of dissolution and liquidation of KC Parent whereby KC Parent may distribute shares of the Company’s common stock to the limited partners of KC Parent in lieu of liquidating its assets for cash in connection with an IPO. As of the date of the IPO, the sole assets of KC Parent consisted of 90.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock and the fair value of such shares was $24.00 per share. KC Parent's shares of the Company's common stock were allocated to each of the capital accounts of its limited partners, including PIUs held by PIU Recipients, based on their respective ownership. KC Parent then distributed the 90.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock to its limited partners (the “Liquidating Distribution”) resulting in the full liquidation of KC Parent. Refer to Note 17, Shareholders' Equity, Member's Equity, and Equity-based Compensation, for additional information on the impact of the Liquidating Distribution on the PIUs Plan and related equity-based compensation expense.

As of December 28, 2024, KC parent was fully liquidated and had no member’s interest unit outstanding related to current and former employees and directors of the Company. As of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, KC Parent had 14.0 million member's interest units outstanding related to current and former employees and directors of the Company, which represented $15.7 million in member interests.

Lease Agreements—The Company is the lessee in several lease agreements in which a former limited partner of KC Parent has ownership interest in the lessor entities. The leases are managed by related parties Pat & Sons Consolidated, LLC, Rainbow Rascals Management Company, LLC, EIG14T Fund III, LLC, EIG14T Fund II, LLC, or 814 Berkley LLC and range in terms from less than one to 15 years. Rent expense is included in cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) and selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Following the liquidation of KC Parent in October 2024, the former limited partner of KC Parent is not considered a related party and rent expense associated with these lessor entities no longer represents a related party transaction.

As of December 28, 2024, the Company had $0.1 million in related party payables due to Partners Group for management services provided prior to the agreement being terminated. As of December 30, 2023, there were no amounts due to unconsolidated related parties.

The table below details the Company’s expenses recognized from unconsolidated related parties (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Partners Group management services

 

$

3,768

 

 

$

4,865

 

 

$

4,865

 

Related parties rent

 

 

14,528

 

 

 

19,293

 

 

 

23,333

 

v3.25.1
Segment Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Information
23.
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 consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income and the measure of segment assets is reported on the consolidated balance sheets as total assets. The accounting policies of the consolidated Company segment are also the same as those described in Note 1, Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

v3.25.1
Subsequent Events
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events
24.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

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.

In February 2025, the Company acquired one early childhood education and care center through a business acquisition for cash consideration of $4.0 million. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and is subject to certain closing adjustments.

In March 2025, the Company entered into two pay-fixed-receive-float interest rate swap contracts, each with a notional amount of $250.0 million. The contracts were executed in order to hedge interest rate risk on a portion of the variable rate debt under the Credit Agreement. The interest rate swap contracts will commence in December 2026 when the Company’s current interest rate swap contracts expire and will mature in December 2027.

v3.25.1
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
25.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

The below quarterly financial data reflects the Company's Common Stock Conversion of Class A common shares to common shares at a ratio of 8.375-to-one, effective October 8, 2024, and the associated material retrospective adjustments to basic and diluted net income and loss per common share. Refer to Note 17, Shareholders' Equity, Member's Equity, and Equity-based Compensation, for further information. The Company's results by quarter for the periods presented are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

March 30,

 

 

June 29,

 

 

September 28,

 

 

December 28,

 

 

December 28,

 

 

2024

 

 

2024

 

 

2024

 

 

2024

 

 

2024

 

Revenue

 

$

654,670

 

 

$

689,933

 

 

$

671,476

 

 

$

646,956

 

 

$

2,663,035

 

Income (loss) from
   operations

 

 

33,619

 

 

 

80,586

 

 

 

54,375

 

 

 

(89,262

)

 

 

79,318

 

Net (loss) income available
   to common shareholders,
   basic and diluted

 

 

(1,751

)

 

 

28,535

 

 

 

13,959

 

 

 

(133,583

)

 

 

(92,840

)

Net (loss) income per
   common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.02

)

 

$

0.32

 

 

$

0.15

 

 

$

(1.17

)

 

$

(0.96

)

Diluted

 

$

(0.02

)

 

$

0.32

 

 

$

0.15

 

 

$

(1.17

)

 

$

(0.96

)

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

April 1,

 

 

July 1,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 30,

 

 

December 30,

 

 

2023

 

 

2023

 

 

2023

 

 

2023

 

 

2023

 

Revenue

 

$

612,619

 

 

$

655,099

 

 

$

624,468

 

 

$

617,996

 

 

$

2,510,182

 

Income from operations

 

 

70,646

 

 

 

97,257

 

 

 

58,724

 

 

 

48,659

 

 

 

275,286

 

Net income available to
   common shareholders,
   basic and diluted

 

 

28,524

 

 

 

43,171

 

 

 

16,036

 

 

 

14,827

 

 

 

102,558

 

Net income per common
   share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.32

 

 

$

0.48

 

 

$

0.18

 

 

$

0.16

 

 

$

1.13

 

Diluted

 

$

0.32

 

 

$

0.48

 

 

$

0.18

 

 

$

0.16

 

 

$

1.13

 

v3.25.1
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Initial Public Offering

Initial Public Offering—On October 8, 2024, the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-281971) ("Form S-1") related to its initial public offering (“IPO”), was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In connection with the IPO, the Company converted Class A and Class B common stock, both with a par value of $0.0001 per share, to common stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share, at a ratio of 8.375 shares of Class A and Class B common stock to one share of common stock, which became effective immediately following the effectiveness of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 for its IPO (the “Common Stock Conversion”). As a result, 756.8 million shares of Class A common stock outstanding were converted to 90.4 million shares of common stock. All prior period shares outstanding, per share amounts, and equity-based compensation awards disclosures, as applicable, have been adjusted to retrospectively reflect the Common Stock Conversion in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Refer to Note 17, Shareholders' Equity, Member's Equity, and Equity-based Compensation for further information on events and transactions that occurred in connection with the IPO.

Deferred Offering Costs

Deferred Offering Costs—Offering costs, primarily consisting of accounting, legal, printing and filing services, and other third-party fees which are directly related to an IPO that is probable of successful completion, are deferred until such financing is consummated. After consummation of an IPO, these costs are recorded as a reduction of the proceeds received as a result of the IPO. Other non-recurring incremental organizational costs related to preparing for an IPO are expensed as incurred. Should a planned IPO be delayed for longer than 90 days, terminated, or abandoned, the deferred offering costs are written off in the period of determination. In connection with the completion of its IPO, the Company recorded $9.9 million in offering costs within additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 28, 2024, offsetting proceeds received. As of December 30, 2023, the Company did not record any deferred offering costs. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company expensed $2.7 million in offering costs as a result of a prior contemplated offering, which were recognized in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation—The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP") and with the instructions to Form 10-K and Regulation S-X of the SEC.

The consolidated 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 Company considers itself to control an entity if it is the majority owner of or has voting control over such entity. The Company also assesses control through means other than voting rights, known as variable interest entities,

(“VIEs”), and determines which business entity is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company consolidates VIEs when it is determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company does not have interests in any entities that would be considered VIEs. Investments in business entities in which the Company does not have control but has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method.

Fiscal Period

Fiscal Period—The Company reports on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year comprised of 13- or 14-week fourth quarters, respectively, with the fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 are 52- week fiscal years.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates—The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates have been prepared based on the most current and best available information, and actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates underlying the consolidated financial statements include self-insurance obligations, equity-based compensation, valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, incremental borrowing rates for operating leases, accounting for business combinations and related fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and the valuation and impairment of goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk—Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and accounts receivable. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash are placed with high credit-quality financial institutions. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is generally diversified due to the large and geographically dispersed customer base.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash—Cash and cash equivalents include unrestricted cash and highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less from the date of purchase.

The Company is periodically required to maintain minimum cash balances held as collateral for certain insurance and securitization arrangements. Such cash is classified as restricted cash and reported as a component of other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable—Accounts receivable are comprised primarily of tuition due from parents, government agencies, and employer sponsors. The Company is exposed to credit losses on accounts receivable balances. The Company monitors collections and payments and maintains an allowance for estimated losses based on historical trends, specific customer issues, governmental funding levels, current economic trends, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Accounts receivable are stated net of allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses was not material as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment—Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives are 20 to 40 years for buildings, 10 years for building improvements, and 3 to 10 years for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the remaining term of the related lease or the useful lives of the improvements. Maintenance, repairs, and minor refurbishments are expensed as incurred. Refer to Note 6, Property and Equipment, for further information.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations—Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Amounts paid for an acquisition are allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. The accounting for business combinations requires estimates and judgment in determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and contingent consideration transferred, if any, regarding expectations of future cash flows of the acquired business, and the allocation of those cash flows to the identifiable intangible assets. The determination of fair value is based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques. If actual results differ from these estimates, the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements could result in a possible impairment of intangible assets and goodwill. Refer to Note 3, Acquisitions, for further information regarding the Company's business combinations.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets—Goodwill is recorded when the consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of various trade names and trademarks.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter or more frequently if impairment indicators exist. During the annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test, the Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is unnecessary.

The goodwill quantitative impairment test requires the Company to determine if reporting unit carrying values exceed their fair values. Fair value is estimated using an income approach model based on the present value of expected future cash flows utilizing a risk adjusted discount rate. Cash flows that extend beyond the final year of the discounted cash flow model are estimated using a terminal value technique. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds fair value, an impairment charge will be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

When performing a quantitative fair value measurement calculation for indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks, the Company utilizes the relief-from-royalty method. The relief-from-royalty method assumes trade names and trademarks have value to the extent its owner is relieved of the obligation to pay royalties for the benefits received from them. This method requires a projection of future revenue attributable to the services using the trade name, the appropriate royalty rate, and the weighted average cost of capital. Refer to Note 7, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for further information regarding the Company’s goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets—Long-lived assets consist of lease right-of-use assets (“ROU assets”), property and equipment, and definite-lived intangible assets. Definite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names and trademarks, customer relationships, accreditations, proprietary curricula, and internally developed software. Long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The Company reviews and evaluates the recoverability of such assets if events or changes in circumstances require impairment testing and/or a revision to the remaining useful life. Any such impairment analysis is based on a comparison of the carrying values to expected future undiscounted cash flows. Refer to Note 6, Property and Equipment, Note 7, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, and Note 8, Leases, for further information regarding the Company’s long-lived assets.

Cloud Computing Arrangements

Cloud Computing Arrangements—The Company periodically enters into cloud computing arrangements to access and use third-party software in support of its operations. The Company assesses its cloud computing arrangements to determine whether the contract meets the definition of a service contract. For cloud computing arrangements that meet the definition of a service contract, the Company capitalizes implementation costs incurred during the application development stage and amortizes the costs on a straight-line basis over the term of the associated service contract. The capitalized implementation costs are allocated between prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets based on the expected period the amortization will be recognized. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, capitalized implementation costs of $30.9 million and $6.9 million related to cloud computing arrangements, which are net of accumulated amortization of $0.5 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, were recorded as a component of prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Amortization expense for implementation costs for cloud-based computing arrangements was $0.5 million and less than $0.1 million for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, and was recorded as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

Leases

Leases—The Company leases early childhood education and care centers, office facilities, vehicles, and equipment in the United States under both operating and finance leases from related and third parties.

At contract inception, the Company reviews the contractual terms to determine if an arrangement is a lease. Lease commencement occurs on the date the Company takes possession or control of the property or equipment. For leases identified, at lease commencement the Company determines whether those lease obligations are operating or finance leases. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, while for finance leases, the ROU asset is amortized on a straight-line basis to the earlier of the end of its useful life, or the end of the lease term. Amortization of the ROU asset is recognized and presented separately from interest expense on the finance lease liability.

At lease commencement, the Company recognizes lease liabilities and ROU assets on the consolidated balance sheets based on the present value of the lease payments for the lease term. The Company’s leases generally do not provide an implicit interest rate. Therefore, the present values of these lease payments are calculated using the Company’s incremental borrowing rates, which are estimated using key inputs such as credit ratings, base rates, and spreads. Variable lease payments may be based on an index or rate, such as consumer price indices, and include rent escalations or market adjustment provisions. Unless considered in-substance fixed lease payments, variable lease payments are expensed when incurred. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees.

ROU assets are initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial lease liability, adjusted for initial direct costs, lease payments made at or before the commencement date, and reduced by lease incentives received.

The lease term for all the Company’s leases includes the noncancelable period of the lease. The Company does not include periods covered by lease options to renew or terminate the lease in the determination of the lease term until it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. This evaluation is based on management’s assessment of various relevant factors including economic, contractual, asset-based, entity-specific, and market-based factors, among others.

For leases with a term of one year or less (“short-term leases”), the Company has elected to not recognize the arrangements on the consolidated balance sheets and the lease payments are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease payments associated with these leases are recognized and presented in the same manner as for all other Company leases.

The Company has leases that contain lease and non-lease components. The non-lease components typically consist of common area maintenance. For all classes of leased assets, the Company has elected the practical expedient to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. For these leases, the lease payments used to measure the lease liability include all the fixed and in-substance fixed consideration in the contract.

ROU assets for operating and finance leases are periodically reduced by impairment losses. The Company uses the long-lived assets impairment guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment–Overall, to determine whether an ROU asset is impaired, and if so, the amount of the impairment loss to recognize.

The Company periodically enters into sale and leaseback transactions. To determine whether the transfer of the property should be accounted for as a sale, the Company evaluates whether control has transferred to a third party. If the transfer of the asset is determined to be a sale, the Company recognizes the transaction price for the sale based on cash proceeds received, derecognizes the carrying amount of the asset sold, and recognizes a gain or loss in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income for any difference between the carrying value of the asset and the transaction price. The leaseback is accounted for in accordance with the lease policy discussed above. For further details on the Company’s accounting for leases, refer to Note 8, Leases.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt Issuance Costs—Debt issuance costs, which consist of original issue discounts on the Company’s debt and deferred financing costs, are recorded as a reduction of long-term debt and are amortized over the life of the related debt instrument using the effective interest method. Amortization expense is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Refer to Note 13, Long-term Debt, for further details on the Company’s debt instruments.

Self-Insurance Obligations

Self-Insurance Obligations—The Company is self-insured for certain levels of workers’ compensation, employee medical, general liability, auto, property, and other insurance coverage. Insurance claim liabilities represent the Company's estimate of retained risks. The Company purchases coverage at varying levels to limit potential future losses, including stop-loss coverage for certain exposures. The nature of these liabilities may not fully manifest for several years. The Company retains a substantial portion of the risk related to certain workers’ compensation, general liability, and medical claims. Liabilities associated with these losses include estimates of both filed claims and incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”) claims.

The Company uses an independent third-party actuary to assist in determining the self-insurance obligations. Self-insurance obligations are accrued on an undiscounted basis based on estimates for known claims and estimated IBNR claims. The estimates require significant management judgment and are developed utilizing standard actuarial methods and are based on historical claims experience and actuarial assumptions, including loss rate and loss development factors. Changes in assumptions such as loss rate and loss development factors, as well as changes in actual experience, could cause these estimates to change.

The combined current and long-term self-insurance obligations were $68.4 million and $67.8 million as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, of which $57.6 million and $56.8 million, respectively, relate to workers’ compensation and general liability obligations. The current portion and long-term portion of self-insurance obligations are included within other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 11, Other Current Liabilities, and Note 14, Other Long-term Liabilities. Legal costs associated with these liabilities are expensed in the period incurred and recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition—The Company’s revenue is derived primarily from tuition charged for providing early childhood education and care services. Revenues are recognized as services are provided to children at the amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company has received or expects to receive from parents and, in some cases, supplemented or paid by government agencies or employer sponsors. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct service to the customer. At contract inception, the Company assesses the services promised in the contract and identifies each distinct performance obligation. The transaction price of a contract is allocated to each distinct performance obligation using the relative stand-alone selling price and recognized as revenue as services are provided. Childhood education and care as well as other enrichment programs are each a series of services accounted for as a single performance obligation, and tuition revenue related to such performance obligations is recognized over time as services are rendered. The Company provides discounts for employees, families with multiple enrollments, referral sources, promotional marketing, and organizations with which we partner, such as our employer-sponsored centers and programs.

The Company enters into contracts with employer sponsors to manage and operate their early childhood education and care centers for a management fee. Management services are a series of services accounted for as a single performance obligation and management fee revenue is recognized over time as services are rendered.

The Company charges registration fees when a family first registers and annually thereafter. Registration revenue is recognized over the term of the contract, which is typically one month or less, as these fees are nonrefundable and do not convey a material right to the customer.

Based on past practices and customer specific circumstances, the Company grants price concessions to customers that impact the total transaction price. These price concessions represent variable consideration. The Company estimates variable consideration using the expected value method, which includes the Company’s historical experience with similar customers and the current macroeconomic conditions. The Company constrains its estimate of variable consideration to ensure that it is probable that significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period when the uncertainty related to the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. During the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the revenue recognized from performance obligations satisfied (or partially satisfied) in previous periods, mainly due to changes in the Company’s estimates of variable consideration, was not material. Refer to Note 2, Government Assistance, and Note 4, Revenue Recognition, for additional information related to the Company's revenue.

Cost of Services (excluding depreciation and impairment)

Cost of Services (excluding depreciation and impairment)—Cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) consists primarily of personnel costs, rent, food, costs of operating and maintaining facilities, taxes and licenses, marketing, transportation, classroom and office supplies, and insurance. Offsetting certain center operating expenses are reimbursements from federal, state, and local agencies. Refer to Note 2, Government Assistance, for further information regarding reimbursements from federal, state, and local agencies.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses—Selling, general, and administrative expenses include costs, primarily personnel related, associated with field management, corporate oversight, and support of the Company’s centers and sites.

Government Assistance

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. The Company accounts for Government Assistance by analogy to International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance, of the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). In accordance with the IAS 20 framework, Government Assistance is recognized when it is probable that the Company will comply with all conditions stipulated within the grant and that the assistance will be received. Although there is potential risk of recapture of Government Assistance, the Company does not expect the amount of recapture, if any, to materially affect the consolidated financial statements. The recapture of any Government Assistance will be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate.

The Company's Government Assistance is comprised of both assistance relating to income ("Income Grants") and capital projects ("Capital Grants"). The Company recognizes Income Grants as revenue or as an offset to the related expenses within cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) and selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income as stipulated in the grant. The Company recognizes Capital Grants as an offset to the carrying amounts of the related assets on the consolidated balance sheets, which are then amortized over the life of the depreciable assets as a reduction to depreciation expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Refer to Note 2, Government Assistance, for further information regarding the impacts of Government Assistance on the consolidated financial statements.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs—Costs incurred to produce advertising for seasonal campaigns are expensed during the quarter in which the advertising first takes place. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs are recorded in cost of services (excluding depreciation and impairment) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Total advertising expense was $26.4 million, $18.5 million, and $19.5 million for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan —The Company offers highly compensated employees who are excluded from participating in the 401(k) Plan the ability to participate in the Company's deferred compensation plan (“NQDC Plan”). Under the NQDC Plan, employees direct the investment of their account balances, and the Company invests amounts held in the associated asset trusts consistent with these directions. As realized and unrealized investment gains and losses occur, the Company’s deferred compensation obligation to employees changes accordingly and adjustments are recorded as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The change in the value of the investment trust assets is primarily offset by the change in the value of the deferred compensation obligation. The offsetting changes in the investment trust assets are recognized in other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income as a $3.6 million gain during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, a $3.7 million gain during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, and a $4.0 million loss during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Refer to Note 19, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional information.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes—The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. If the Company were to determine that, on a more likely than not basis, sufficient future taxable income would not be achieved in order to realize the deferred tax assets, the Company would be required to establish a full valuation allowance or increase any partial valuation allowance, which would require a charge to income tax expense for the period in which the determination was made. The ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on the ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward periods provided for in the tax law for each applicable tax jurisdiction. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, to utilize 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.

The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, on the basis of a two-step process in which the Company first determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position, and second, for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant taxing authority. The Company records uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest and penalties are recognized within income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Refer to Note 5, Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, Note 9, Other Assets, Note 14, Other Long-term Liabilities, and Note 20, Income Taxes, for additional information regarding the Company's income taxes and uncertain tax positions.

Comprehensive Income or Loss

Comprehensive Income or Loss—Total comprehensive income or loss is comprised of net income or loss and changes in net gains or losses on cash flow hedging instruments. Accumulated other comprehensive income or loss is comprised of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments. Total comprehensive income or loss is presented in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income and the components of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss are presented on the consolidated statements of shareholders' and member’s equity. Refer to Note 16, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), for additional details.

Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities

Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities—All derivative instruments within the scope of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, are recorded as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates. All hedging instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are designated and effective as hedges, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. If the underlying hedged transaction ceases to exist, all changes in fair value of the related derivatives that have not been settled are recognized in current earnings. Instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are marked to market with changes recognized in current earnings. Cash flows from derivative instruments are classified on the consolidated statements of cash flows in the same category as the cash flows from the related hedged items. Refer to Note 15, Risk Management and Derivatives, for more information on the Company’s risk management program and derivatives.

Fair Value Measurements

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 Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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:

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
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.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs with little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the most conservative level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The fair value of nonfinancial assets and liabilities is measured on a nonrecurring basis, when necessary, as part of the tests of long-lived asset impairment and the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Refer to Note 12, Fair Value Measurements, for more information on the Company's fair value measurements.

Net Income per Common Share

Net (Loss) Income per Common Share—Basic net (loss) income per share is computed by dividing the net (loss) income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net (loss) income per common share is computed by dividing net (loss) income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive shares whose effect would have been antidilutive are excluded from the computation of diluted net (loss) income per share. Diluted net (loss) income per common share is calculated using the treasury stock method. Refer to Note 18, Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share, for additional details.

Equity-based Compensation

Equity-based Compensation—The Company accounts for profit interest units (“PIUs”), stock options, and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) (collectively, “equity-based compensation awards”) granted to employees, officers, managers, directors, and other providers of services in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation: Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"). The Company measures the grant date fair value of the equity-based compensation awards and recognizes the resulting expense, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period during which the grantees are required to perform service in exchange for the equity-based compensation awards, which varies based on award-type. The requisite service period is reduced for the awards that provide for continued vesting upon retirement if any of the grantees are retirement eligible at the date of grant or will become retirement eligible during the vesting period. The estimated number of awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results, or updated estimates, differ from the Company’s current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period actual results are realized or estimates are revised. Equity-based compensation expense is only recognized for PIUs subject to performance-based vesting conditions if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. As the Company has the repurchase right to buy back the vested PIUs upon termination, the Company periodically reassesses the probability of termination on an individual-grantee basis through the life of the PIUs to ensure that they are appropriately classified.

The Company estimates the fair value of PIUs on the grant dates using the Monte Carlo option pricing model. Additionally, the Company estimates the fair value of stock options on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes model. To measure the grant date fair value of RSUs, the Company uses the estimated common stock price as of the valuation date for both the equity-classified and liability-classified RSUs. The liabilities are remeasured each reporting period at fair value. These valuation models require the use of highly complex and subjective assumptions. In February 2023, all equity-classified, share-settled stock options and RSUs became cash-settled and reclassified as liabilities, and in October 2024, all liability-classified, cash-settled stock options and RSUs became share-settled and reclassified as equity. Also in October 2024, the PIUs were settled in shares and the related 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (“PIUs Plan”) was terminated. Refer to Note 17, Shareholders' Equity, Member’s Equity, and Equity-based Compensation, for additional information related to the valuation of PIUs, stock options, and RSUs.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting PronouncementsIn November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280)—Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires additional reportable segment disclosures. The ASU expands interim segment disclosure requirements and extends new and existing segment disclosures for companies with a single segment. The Company adopted this guidance within the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 using the retrospective method of adoption. Refer to Note 23, Segment Information, for further information related to the Company's enhanced segment disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements—In November 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40), which requires a public business entity to disclose specific information about certain costs and expenses in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for interim and annual reporting periods. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim 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.

In March 2024, the SEC adopted the final rule under SEC Release No. 33-11275, The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate Related Disclosures for Investors, which requires registrants to disclose climate-related information in registration statements and annual reports. The new rules would be effective for annual reporting periods beginning in fiscal year 2025. However, in April 2024, the SEC exercised its discretion to stay these rules pending the completion of judicial review of certain consolidated petitions with the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in connection with these rules. The Company is in the process of determining the impact this rule will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-01, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards, which clarifies the scope application of profits interest and similar awards by adding illustrative guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 718. The ASU clarifies how to determine whether profits interest and similar awards are in the scope of ASC 718 and modifies the language in paragraph 718-10-15-3 to improve its clarity and operability. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those annual periods, and may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. In connection with the dissolution and liquidation of KC Parent, LP ("KC Parent") upon the Company's IPO, the PIUs Plan was terminated, and as such, the Company does not expect this ASU to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 17, Shareholders' Equity, Member’s Equity, and Equity-based Compensation, and Note 22, Related Party Transactions, for further information.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which provides more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The Company is in the process of determining the impact this ASU will have on the disclosure requirements related to income taxes.

v3.25.1
Acquisitions (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Schedule of Fair Value of the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities as of the Date of Acquisition

The following table represents the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities as of the date of acquisition (in thousands):

Assets

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

30,924

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

870

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

9,422

 

Property and equipment

 

 

45,190

 

Goodwill

 

 

102,375

 

Intangible assets

 

 

22,800

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

57,634

 

Other assets

 

 

1,813

 

Total assets acquired

 

 

271,028

 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

 

8,551

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

4,726

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

724

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

 

5,039

 

Operating lease liabilities - long-term

 

 

59,304

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

1,638

 

Total liabilities assumed

 

 

79,982

 

Consideration transferred

 

$

191,046

 

Summary of the Valuation Methodologies, Significant Assumptions, and Estimated Useful Lives of Acquired Intangible Assets in Creme School's Acquisition A summary of the valuation methodologies, significant assumptions, and estimated useful lives of acquired intangible assets in Crème School’s acquisition are provided in the below table (assigned value in thousands):

 

 

Assigned

 

 

 

 

Discount

 

Estimated

Intangible Asset

 

Value

 

 

Valuation Methodology

 

Rate

 

Useful Life

Trade name

 

$

19,000

 

 

Relief-from-royalty method—
   income approach

 

9.00%

 

15 years

Customer relationships

 

 

3,800

 

 

Multi-period excess earnings—
   income approach

 

9.00%

 

4 years

Summary of Unaudited Pro Forma Information The unaudited pro forma results were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Revenue

 

$

2,253,851

 

Net income

 

 

228,189

 

v3.25.1
Revenue Recognition (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of Total Revenue Between Education Centers and School Sites

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

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Early childhood education centers

 

$

2,466,244

 

 

$

2,345,093

 

 

$

2,053,845

 

Before- and after-school sites

 

 

196,791

 

 

 

165,089

 

 

 

111,968

 

Total revenue

 

$

2,663,035

 

 

$

2,510,182

 

 

$

2,165,813

 

v3.25.1
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets included the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Prepaid insurance

 

$

10,307

 

 

$

16,505

 

Receivable related to uncertain tax positions

 

 

7,863

 

 

 

 

Prepaid computer maintenance

 

 

5,214

 

 

 

3,935

 

Prepaid professional fees

 

 

4,071

 

 

 

3,647

 

Cloud computing implementation costs, net

 

 

3,697

 

 

 

 

Employee retention credits receivable

 

 

3,374

 

 

 

 

Prepaid income taxes

 

 

2,916

 

 

 

 

Interest rate derivative contracts

 

 

1,957

 

 

 

1,208

 

Prepaid property taxes

 

 

1,874

 

 

 

1,821

 

Grants receivable

 

 

1,792

 

 

 

987

 

Prepaid rent

 

 

506

 

 

 

1,176

 

Insurance receivables

 

 

 

 

 

6,099

 

Other

 

 

4,533

 

 

 

3,816

 

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

48,104

 

 

$

39,194

 

v3.25.1
Property and Equipment (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Summary of Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net included the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Leasehold improvements

 

$

549,556

 

 

$

503,299

 

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

 

 

354,248

 

 

 

298,757

 

Buildings and improvements

 

 

3,373

 

 

 

4,520

 

Land

 

 

4,520

 

 

 

3,305

 

Construction in progress

 

 

29,477

 

 

 

29,985

 

Total property and equipment

 

 

941,174

 

 

 

839,866

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(522,650

)

 

 

(444,121

)

Total property and equipment, net

 

$

418,524

 

 

$

395,745

 

v3.25.1
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill

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

Balance as of December 31, 2022

 

$

1,102,697

 

Additions from acquisitions

 

 

7,926

 

Measurement period adjustment

 

 

(32

)

Balance as of December 30, 2023

 

$

1,110,591

 

Additions from acquisitions

 

 

9,123

 

Balance as of December 28, 2024

 

$

1,119,714

 

Summary of other intangible assets

The Company also has other intangible assets, which included the following as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

Weighted- Average

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

Net Carrying

 

 

 

Useful Lives

 

Cost

 

 

Amortization

 

 

Amount

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definite-lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer relationships

 

17 years

 

$

107,659

 

 

$

(60,891

)

 

$

46,768

 

Accreditations

 

4 years

 

 

53,500

 

 

 

(53,500

)

 

 

 

Proprietary curricula

 

5 years

 

 

14,300

 

 

 

(14,300

)

 

 

 

Trade names and trademarks

 

13 years

 

 

28,400

 

 

 

(11,702

)

 

 

16,698

 

Software

 

5 years

 

 

8,200

 

 

 

(8,200

)

 

 

 

Total definite-lived intangible assets

 

 

 

 

212,059

 

 

 

(148,593

)

 

 

63,466

 

Indefinite-lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade names and trademarks

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

Total indefinite-lived intangible assets

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

Total intangible assets

 

 

 

$

578,359

 

 

$

(148,593

)

 

$

429,766

 

 

 

 

Weighted- Average

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

Net Carrying

 

 

 

Useful Lives

 

Cost

 

 

Amortization

 

 

Amount

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definite-lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer relationships

 

17 years

 

$

107,659

 

 

$

(53,863

)

 

$

53,796

 

Accreditations

 

4 years

 

 

53,500

 

 

 

(53,500

)

 

 

 

Proprietary curricula

 

5 years

 

 

14,300

 

 

 

(14,300

)

 

 

 

Trade names and trademarks

 

13 years

 

 

28,400

 

 

 

(9,495

)

 

 

18,905

 

Software

 

5 years

 

 

8,200

 

 

 

(8,200

)

 

 

 

Total definite-lived intangible assets

 

 

 

 

212,059

 

 

 

(139,358

)

 

 

72,701

 

Indefinite-lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade names and trademarks

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

Total indefinite-lived intangible assets

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

366,300

 

Total intangible assets

 

 

 

$

578,359

 

 

$

(139,358

)

 

$

439,001

 

Schedule of amortization expense intangible assets Estimated future fiscal year amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):

2025

 

$

8,843

 

2026

 

 

8,057

 

2027

 

 

7,344

 

2028

 

 

7,344

 

2029

 

 

7,344

 

Thereafter

 

 

24,534

 

 

 

$

63,466

 

v3.25.1
Leases (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule of Right-of-Use Assets and Lease Liabilities

ROU assets and lease liabilities balances were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

$

1,373,064

 

 

$

1,351,863

 

Finance lease right-of-use assets

 

 

4,547

 

 

 

5,996

 

Total lease right-of-use assets

 

$

1,377,611

 

 

$

1,357,859

 

Liabilities—current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

$

144,919

 

 

$

133,225

 

Finance lease liabilities

 

 

1,406

 

 

 

1,573

 

Total current lease liabilities

 

 

146,325

 

 

 

134,798

 

Liabilities—long-term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

1,315,587

 

 

 

1,301,656

 

Finance lease liabilities

 

 

3,793

 

 

 

5,147

 

Total long-term lease liabilities

 

 

1,319,380

 

 

 

1,306,803

 

Total lease liabilities

 

$

1,465,705

 

 

$

1,441,601

 

Schedule of Components of Lease Expense

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

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Lease expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease expense

 

$

289,163

 

 

$

281,350

 

 

$

259,824

 

Finance lease expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of right-of-use assets

 

 

1,559

 

 

 

1,664

 

 

 

1,650

 

Interest on lease liabilities

 

 

506

 

 

 

518

 

 

 

450

 

Short-term lease expense

 

 

8,349

 

 

 

6,480

 

 

 

3,217

 

Variable lease expense

 

 

69,598

 

 

 

62,015

 

 

 

59,490

 

Total lease expense

 

$

369,175

 

 

$

352,027

 

 

$

324,631

 

Schedule of Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term and Weighted Average Discount Rate

The weighted average remaining lease term and the weighted average discount rate as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) (Operating)

 

 

8

 

 

 

9

 

Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) (Finance)

 

 

4

 

 

 

5

 

Weighted average discount rate (Operating)

 

 

9.4

%

 

 

9.6

%

Weighted average discount rate (Finance)

 

 

8.5

%

 

 

8.5

%

Schedule of Maturity of Lease Liabilities

The following table summarizes the maturity of lease liabilities as of December 28, 2024 (in thousands):

 

Finance Leases

 

 

Operating Leases

 

 

Total Leases

 

2025

 

$

1,784

 

 

$

273,568

 

 

$

275,352

 

2026

 

 

1,491

 

 

 

279,036

 

 

 

280,527

 

2027

 

 

1,396

 

 

 

263,612

 

 

 

265,008

 

2028

 

 

870

 

 

 

244,625

 

 

 

245,495

 

2029

 

 

230

 

 

 

215,494

 

 

 

215,724

 

Thereafter

 

 

333

 

 

 

865,544

 

 

 

865,877

 

Total lease payments

 

 

6,104

 

 

 

2,141,879

 

 

 

2,147,983

 

Less imputed interest

 

 

905

 

 

 

681,373

 

 

 

682,278

 

Present value of lease liabilities

 

 

5,199

 

 

 

1,460,506

 

 

 

1,465,705

 

Less current portion of lease liabilities

 

 

1,406

 

 

 

144,919

 

 

 

146,325

 

Long-term lease liabilities

 

$

3,793

 

 

$

1,315,587

 

 

$

1,319,380

 

v3.25.1
Other Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Other Assets [Abstract]  
Schedule of Other Assets

Other assets included the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Deferred compensation plan

 

$

38,391

 

 

$

29,014

 

Cloud computing implementation costs, net

 

 

27,207

 

 

 

6,926

 

Insurance receivables

 

 

6,990

 

 

 

3,619

 

Finance lease right-of-use assets

 

 

4,547

 

 

 

5,996

 

Deposits

 

 

3,975

 

 

 

3,887

 

Receivable related to uncertain tax positions

 

 

3,093

 

 

 

17,075

 

Interest rate derivative contracts

 

 

1,669

 

 

 

 

Prepaid professional fees

 

 

828

 

 

 

2,935

 

Restricted cash

 

 

94

 

 

 

265

 

Other

 

 

2,832

 

 

 

2,918

 

Total other assets

 

$

89,626

 

 

$

72,635

 

v3.25.1
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Summary of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities included the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Accounts payable

 

$

45,293

 

 

$

50,593

 

Accrued compensation and related expenses

 

 

69,551

 

 

 

78,858

 

Accrued property and other taxes

 

 

22,209

 

 

 

21,493

 

Accrued interest

 

 

11,691

 

 

 

780

 

Other

 

 

3,916

 

 

 

2,739

 

Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

152,660

 

 

$

154,463

 

v3.25.1
Other Current Liabilities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities included the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Self-insurance obligations

 

$

31,504

 

 

$

32,380

 

Deferred employee retention credits

 

 

31,370

 

 

 

20,567

 

Deferred grants

 

 

7,408

 

 

 

18,094

 

Accrued rent

 

 

2,856

 

 

 

1,115

 

Contract labor

 

 

2,316

 

 

 

1,156

 

Long-term incentive plan

 

 

1,850

 

 

 

6,476

 

Financing lease obligations

 

 

1,406

 

 

 

1,573

 

Uncertain tax positions

 

 

1,071

 

 

 

 

Promissory notes

 

 

328

 

 

 

346

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

 

 

 

6,910

 

Cash-settled stock options and restricted stock units

 

 

 

 

 

10,318

 

Other

 

 

1,324

 

 

 

867

 

Total other current liabilities

 

$

81,433

 

 

$

99,802

 

v3.25.1
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Summary of Composition of Underlying Investments in Deferred Compensation Plan Trust Assets 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):

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

Balance as of
December 28,
2024

 

 

Quoted Price in Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

 

 

Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)

 

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds

 

$

6,499

 

 

$

6,499

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Mutual Funds

 

 

31,432

 

 

 

31,432

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

37,931

 

 

$

37,931

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

Balance as of
December 30,
2023

 

 

Quoted Price in Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

 

 

Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)

 

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds

 

$

4,487

 

 

$

4,487

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Mutual Funds

 

 

24,546

 

 

 

24,546

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

29,033

 

 

$

29,033

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Summary of Impairment Expense of Long-Lived Assets

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

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Impairment of property and equipment

 

$

7,202

 

 

$

11,426

 

 

$

10,432

 

Impairment of lease right-of-use assets

 

 

3,333

 

 

 

2,134

 

 

 

5,002

 

Total impairment losses

 

$

10,535

 

 

$

13,560

 

 

$

15,434

 

 

Schedule of Roll Forward of the Fair Value of Recurring Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

The following table provides a roll forward of the fair value of recurring Level 3 fair value measurements (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

$

10,255

 

Payment of contingent consideration

 

 

(10,217

)

Measurement period adjustments

 

 

(38

)

Balance at December 30, 2023

 

$

 

v3.25.1
Long-term Debt (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Long-Term Debt

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

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

First lien term loans

 

$

966,797

 

 

$

1,321,687

 

Debt issuance costs, net

 

 

(40,827

)

 

 

(71,463

)

Total debt

 

 

925,970

 

 

 

1,250,224

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

(7,251

)

 

 

(13,250

)

Long-term debt, net

 

$

918,719

 

 

$

1,236,974

 

 

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt The table below represents future principal payments on long-term debt (in thousands):

2025

 

$

9,668

 

2026

 

 

9,668

 

2027

 

 

9,668

 

2028

 

 

9,668

 

2029

 

 

7,251

 

Thereafter

 

 

920,874

 

 

 

$

966,797

 

Schedule of Amount of Amortization Expense of Debt Issuance Costs

The following table presents the amount of amortization expense of debt issuance costs (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Amortization expense of debt issuance costs

 

$

6,830

 

 

$

8,482

 

 

$

4,918

 

v3.25.1
Other Long-term Liabilities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]  
Summary of Other Long-term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities included the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Deferred compensation plan

 

$

38,180

 

 

$

29,014

 

Self-insurance obligations

 

 

36,882

 

 

 

35,397

 

Deferred employee retention credits

 

 

12,317

 

 

 

43,687

 

Long-term incentive plan

 

 

10,245

 

 

 

4,005

 

Financing lease liabilities

 

 

3,793

 

 

 

5,147

 

Uncertain tax positions

 

 

659

 

 

 

1,370

 

Promissory notes

 

 

361

 

 

 

764

 

Cash-settled stock options and restricted stock units

 

 

 

 

 

721

 

Other

 

 

550

 

 

 

367

 

Total other long-term liabilities

 

$

102,987

 

 

$

120,472

 

v3.25.1
Risk Management and Derivatives (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Amounts Affecting Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (loss) income

The following table presents the amounts affecting the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income (in thousands):

 

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments

 

 

Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income

 

 

(Gain) Loss
Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) into Income

 

 

Total Effect on
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income

 

Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate derivative contracts (1)

$

8,509

 

 

$

(4,449

)

 

$

4,060

 

Income tax effect

 

(2,197

)

 

 

1,149

 

 

 

(1,048

)

Net of income taxes

$

6,312

 

 

$

(3,300

)

 

$

3,012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate derivative contracts (1)

$

792

 

 

$

1,493

 

 

$

2,285

 

Income tax effect

 

(205

)

 

 

(385

)

 

 

(590

)

Net of income taxes

$

587

 

 

$

1,108

 

 

$

1,695

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate derivative contracts (1)

$

(2,718

)

 

$

 

 

$

(2,718

)

Income tax effect

 

710

 

 

 

 

 

 

710

 

Net of income taxes

$

(2,008

)

 

$

 

 

$

(2,008

)

(1)
The amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income was the $5.0 million premium on the interest rate cap during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness reclassified into interest expense, which related to amortization of the premium, were $1.7 million and $3.3 million during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively.
v3.25.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) , Net of Tax

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

Balance as of January 1, 2022

 

$

 

Other comprehensive losses before reclassifications

 

 

(2,008

)

Balance as of December 31, 2022

 

 

(2,008

)

Other comprehensive gains before reclassifications

 

 

587

 

Reclassifications to net (loss) income of previously deferred losses

 

 

1,108

 

Balance as of December 30, 2023

 

 

(313

)

Other comprehensive gains before reclassifications

 

 

6,312

 

Reclassifications to net (loss) income of previously deferred gains

 

 

(3,300

)

Balance as of December 28, 2024

 

$

2,699

 

v3.25.1
Shareholder's Equity, Member's Equity and Equity-based Compensation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Profit Interest Units Activity

A summary of the PIU activity under the PIUs Plan is presented in the table below (units in millions):

 

 

Class A-1 Units

 

 

Class B-1 Units

 

 

Class B-2 Units

 

 

Class B-3 Units

 

Nonvested as of January 1, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

4.7

 

 

 

31.3

 

 

 

23.5

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

(2.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

(0.5

)

 

 

(0.3

)

Nonvested as of December 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

30.8

 

 

 

23.2

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

(1.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonvested as of December 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

30.8

 

 

 

23.2

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modified to accelerate vesting (1)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(30.7

)

 

 

(23.0

)

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(0.2

)

Nonvested as of October 8, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested as of October 8, 2024

 

 

7.5

 

 

 

30.7

 

 

 

30.7

 

 

 

23.0

 

Distribution to PIU Recipients (1)

 

 

(7.5

)

 

 

(30.7

)

 

 

(30.7

)

 

 

(23.0

)

Vested as of December 28, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)
As a result of the October 2024 modification to the PIUs Plan, the vesting of unvested PIUs was accelerated on October 8, 2024 and in connection with the dissolution and liquidation of KC Parent, the PIUs Plan was terminated through a liquidating distribution to the PIU Recipients. Refer to this note under the subsection titled "Equity-based Compensation Expense" for additional detail on how this modification was accounted for under ASC 718.

Weighted average grant date fair value per unit is as follows:

 

Class A-1 Units

 

 

Class B-1 Units

 

 

Class B-2 Units

 

 

Class B-3 Units

 

Nonvested as of January 1, 2022

 

$

 

 

$

0.45

 

 

$

0.35

 

 

$

0.29

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

0.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

0.41

 

 

 

0.42

 

 

 

0.37

 

Nonvested as of December 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

0.45

 

 

 

0.35

 

 

 

0.29

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

0.46

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonvested as of December 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

0.43

 

 

 

0.35

 

 

 

0.29

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

0.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modified to accelerate vesting (1)

 

 

 

 

 

0.45

 

 

 

2.12

 

 

 

2.08

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.43

 

 

 

0.40

 

Nonvested as of October 8, 2024

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Vested as of October 8, 2024

 

$

0.72

 

 

$

0.38

 

 

$

2.12

 

 

$

2.08

 

Distribution to PIU Recipients (1)

 

 

0.72

 

 

 

0.38

 

 

 

2.12

 

 

 

2.08

 

Vested as of December 28, 2024

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

(1)
The weighted average grant date fair values for the Class B-2 and B-3 Units reflects the fair values of the vested B-2 and B-3 Units as a result of the October 2024 modification to the PIUs Plan. Refer to this note under the subsection titled "Equity-based Compensation Expense" for additional detail on how this modification was accounted for under ASC 718.
Summary of the Stock Option Activity

A summary of the stock option activity and related information under the 2022 Plan is presented in the table below:

 

 

Number of
Stock
Options (in
millions)
(1)

 

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
(1)

 

 

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(1)

 

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(years)
 (1)

 

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (in
millions)
(1)

 

Outstanding as of January 1, 2022

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

21.11

 

 

 

9.68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

0.0

 

 

 

20.88

 

 

 

9.47

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2022

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

21.11

 

 

 

9.68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 30, 2023

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

21.11

 

 

 

9.68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

24.00

 

 

 

12.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 28, 2024

 

 

1.8

 

 

$

21.33

 

 

$

9.89

 

 

 

7.45

 

 

$

 

Exercisable as of December 28, 2024

 

 

1.1

 

 

$

21.10

 

 

$

9.67

 

 

 

7.26

 

 

$

 

(1)
The equity-based compensation awards disclosures have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Common Stock Conversion.
Summary of RSU Activity

A summary of the RSU activity and related information under the 2022 Plan is presented in the table below (RSUs in millions):

 

 

Share-Settled

 

 

Cash-Settled

 

 

 

Number of
RSUs -
Equity-
Classified
(1)

 

 

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(1)

 

 

Number of
RSUs -
 Liability-
Classified
 (1)

 

 

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 (1)

 

Nonvested as of January 1, 2022

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

Granted

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

21.05

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

21.05

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

20.76

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

20.76

 

Nonvested as of December 31, 2022

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

21.06

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

21.06

 

Reclassified

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

21.06

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

21.06

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

20.98

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

20.68

 

Nonvested as of December 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

21.13

 

Reclassified

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

24.00

 

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

21.05

 

Granted

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

24.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

24.00

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

21.24

 

Forfeited

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

24.00

 

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

20.90

 

Nonvested as of December 28, 2024

 

 

0.7

 

 

$

24.00

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

(1)
The equity-based compensation awards disclosures have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Common Stock Conversion.
Monte Carlo Simulation Model  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Summary Of Valuation Assumptions

The assumptions that impacted the Monte Carlo Simulation model related to the March 2024 modification to the PIUs Plan are as follows:

Equity value (in millions)

 

$2,041.0

Risk free interest rate

 

5.14%

Expected dividend yield

 

0.00%

Expected term

 

0.75 years

Expected volatility

 

30%

Black-Scholes Model  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Summary Of Valuation Assumptions

The assumptions that impacted the Black-Scholes model for stock options are as follows:

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

December 28, 2024 (2)

 

December 30, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

Stock price (1)

 

$21.78 - $25.04

 

$21.78 - $29.15

 

$20.60 - $21.69

Risk-free interest rate

 

3.55% - 4.40%

 

3.56% - 4.60%

 

1.36% - 2.40%

Expected dividend yield

 

0.00%

 

0.00%

 

0.00%

Expected term

 

3.50 - 6.00 years

 

4.26 - 5.13 years

 

5.86 - 6.11 years

Expected volatility

 

35% - 50%

 

40% - 45%

 

45%

(1)
The equity-based compensation awards disclosures have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Common Stock Conversion.
(2)
The post-modification fair values of the stock options granted during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and modified in October 2024 were the original grant date fair values from February 2022 and May 2022 as the fair values of the newly equity-classified awards at modification date were less than the original grant date fair values of the awards. Refer to the fair value assumptions during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 for additional information.
v3.25.1
Net (Loss) Income per Common Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Reconciliations of Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income per Common Share

The reconciliations of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 are set forth in the table below (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Net (loss) income available to common shareholders,
   basic and diluted

 

$

(92,840

)

 

$

102,558

 

 

$

219,169

 

Weighted average number of common shares
   outstanding, basic
(1)

 

 

96,309

 

 

 

90,366

 

 

 

93,390

 

Effect of dilutive securities (1)

 

 

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

63

 

Weighted average number of common shares
   outstanding, diluted
(1)

 

 

96,309

 

 

90,389

 

 

 

93,453

 

Net (loss) income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic (1)

 

$

(0.96

)

 

$

1.13

 

 

$

2.35

 

Diluted (1)

 

$

(0.96

)

 

$

1.13

 

 

$

2.35

 

(1)
The outstanding shares and per share amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Common Stock Conversion. Refer to Note 17, Shareholders' Equity, Member's Equity, and Equity-based Compensation, for further information.
v3.25.1
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

30,557

 

 

$

31,513

 

 

$

29,115

 

State

 

 

13,879

 

 

 

13,051

 

 

 

13,088

 

Total current expense

 

 

44,436

 

 

 

44,564

 

 

 

42,203

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

 

(20,040

)

 

 

(10,040

)

 

 

26,778

 

State

 

 

(9,788

)

 

 

(7,157

)

 

 

(397

)

Total deferred (benefit) expense

 

 

(29,828

)

 

 

(17,197

)

 

 

26,381

 

Total income tax expense

 

$

14,608

 

 

$

27,367

 

 

$

68,584

 

Schedule of Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Rate and Effective Tax Rate The reconciliation between the provision for income taxes at the federal statutory rate and the effective tax rate is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Federal tax (benefit) expense at statutory rate

 

$

(16,429

)

 

$

27,284

 

 

$

60,429

 

Nondeductible compensation

 

 

35,477

 

 

 

124

 

 

 

437

 

Change to uncertain tax positions

 

 

6,348

 

 

 

108

 

 

 

(17,190

)

Income tax (refunds recognized) due from
   employee retention credits claim

 

 

(5,369

)

 

 

1,612

 

 

 

17,193

 

State and local income tax (benefit) expense

 

 

(3,770

)

 

 

6,261

 

 

 

14,780

 

Federal tax credits

 

 

(2,478

)

 

 

(2,912

)

 

 

(1,757

)

Other nondeductible expenses

 

 

1,322

 

 

 

1,200

 

 

 

963

 

Provision to return true-up

 

 

(493

)

 

 

(5,595

)

 

 

(1,447

)

Revaluation of deferred tax balances

 

 

 

 

 

(1,052

)

 

 

(1,914

)

Change in valuation allowance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,923

)

Other

 

 

 

 

 

337

 

 

 

13

 

Total income tax expense

 

$

14,608

 

 

$

27,367

 

 

$

68,584

 

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease obligations

 

$

382,615

 

 

$

375,407

 

Interest and financing costs

 

 

43,677

 

 

 

24,963

 

Compensation payments

 

 

25,725

 

 

 

20,637

 

Self-insurance obligations

 

 

17,493

 

 

 

14,348

 

Net operating loss

 

 

1,095

 

 

 

3,964

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

112

 

Other

 

 

5,817

 

 

 

4,536

 

Total deferred tax assets

 

 

476,422

 

 

 

443,967

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right-of-use assets

 

 

(355,686

)

 

 

(350,586

)

Intangible assets

 

 

(113,611

)

 

 

(113,608

)

Property and equipment

 

 

(37,096

)

 

 

(40,506

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

(936

)

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

 

(507,329

)

 

 

(504,700

)

Deferred income taxes, net

 

$

(30,907

)

 

$

(60,733

)

Schedule of Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

Balance as of January 1, 2022

 

$

850

 

Gross increases in tax positions for current year

 

 

21

 

Lapse of statute of limitations

 

 

(103

)

Balance as of December 31, 2022

 

 

768

 

Gross increases in tax positions for prior years

 

 

216

 

Gross increases in tax positions for current year

 

 

135

 

Balance as of December 30, 2023

 

 

1,119

 

Gross increases in tax positions for prior years

 

 

31

 

Gross increases in tax positions for current year

 

 

206

 

Balance as of December 28, 2024

 

$

1,356

 

v3.25.1
Related Party Transactions (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Schedule of Expenses Recognized From Unconsolidated Related Parties

The table below details the Company’s expenses recognized from unconsolidated related parties (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

December 28, 2024

 

 

December 30, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Partners Group management services

 

$

3,768

 

 

$

4,865

 

 

$

4,865

 

Related parties rent

 

 

14,528

 

 

 

19,293

 

 

 

23,333

 

v3.25.1
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data The Company's results by quarter for the periods presented are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

March 30,

 

 

June 29,

 

 

September 28,

 

 

December 28,

 

 

December 28,

 

 

2024

 

 

2024

 

 

2024

 

 

2024

 

 

2024

 

Revenue

 

$

654,670

 

 

$

689,933

 

 

$

671,476

 

 

$

646,956

 

 

$

2,663,035

 

Income (loss) from
   operations

 

 

33,619

 

 

 

80,586

 

 

 

54,375

 

 

 

(89,262

)

 

 

79,318

 

Net (loss) income available
   to common shareholders,
   basic and diluted

 

 

(1,751

)

 

 

28,535

 

 

 

13,959

 

 

 

(133,583

)

 

 

(92,840

)

Net (loss) income per
   common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.02

)

 

$

0.32

 

 

$

0.15

 

 

$

(1.17

)

 

$

(0.96

)

Diluted

 

$

(0.02

)

 

$

0.32

 

 

$

0.15

 

 

$

(1.17

)

 

$

(0.96

)

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

April 1,

 

 

July 1,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 30,

 

 

December 30,

 

 

2023

 

 

2023

 

 

2023

 

 

2023

 

 

2023

 

Revenue

 

$

612,619

 

 

$

655,099

 

 

$

624,468

 

 

$

617,996

 

 

$

2,510,182

 

Income from operations

 

 

70,646

 

 

 

97,257

 

 

 

58,724

 

 

 

48,659

 

 

 

275,286

 

Net income available to
   common shareholders,
   basic and diluted

 

 

28,524

 

 

 

43,171

 

 

 

16,036

 

 

 

14,827

 

 

 

102,558

 

Net income per common
   share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.32

 

 

$

0.48

 

 

$

0.18

 

 

$

0.16

 

 

$

1.13

 

Diluted

 

$

0.32

 

 

$

0.48

 

 

$

0.18

 

 

$

0.16

 

 

$

1.13

 

v3.25.1
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Oct. 08, 2024
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 28, 2024
USD ($)
Site
Center
Children
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 30, 2023
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Feb. 28, 2022
$ / shares
shares
Jan. 28, 2022
$ / shares
Number of community-based and employer-sponsored early childhood education and care services centers | Center   1,574        
Number of children with license capacity | Children   210,135        
Number of sites offered for educational services | Site   1,025        
Common stock, par value | $ / shares $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.01      
Common stock outstanding | shares   117,984,749 90,366,089      
Deferred offering costs   $ 9,900,000 $ 0 $ 2,700,000    
Capitalized implementation costs   30,900,000 6,900,000      
Net of accumulated amortization   500,000        
Allowance for credit losses   0 0      
Current and long term self insurance obligations   68,400,000 67,800,000      
Advertising expense   26,400,000 18,500,000 19,500,000    
Gain (loss) on investments trust assets   $ 3,600,000 3,700,000 $ (4,000,000)    
ASU 2023-07            
Change in Accounting Principle, Accounting Standards Update, Adopted [true false]   true        
Change in Accounting Principle, Accounting Standards Update, Adoption Date   Dec. 28, 2024        
Workers Compensation and General Liability Obligations            
Current and long term self insurance obligations   $ 57,600,000 56,800,000      
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses            
Amortization expense   $ 500,000        
Maximum            
Net of accumulated amortization     100,000      
Maximum | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses            
Amortization expense     $ 100,000      
Buildings | Minimum            
Estimated useful lives   20 years        
Buildings | Maximum            
Estimated useful lives   40 years        
Building improvements            
Estimated useful lives   10 years        
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | Minimum            
Estimated useful lives   3 years        
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | Maximum            
Estimated useful lives   10 years        
Common Stock            
Common stock, par value | $ / shares 0.01       $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Class A Common Stock            
Common stock, par value | $ / shares $ 0.0001       $ 0.0001  
Common stock outstanding | shares 756,800,000       790,700,000  
IPO | Common Stock            
Common stock, par value | $ / shares $ 0.01          
Conversion of common stock shares | shares 90,400,000          
IPO | Class A and Class B Common Stock            
Common stock, par value | $ / shares $ 0.0001          
Common stock, convertible ratio 8.375          
IPO | Class A Common Stock            
Common stock outstanding | shares 756,800,000          
v3.25.1
Government Assistance - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Government Assistance [Line Items]      
Food subsidies $ 51,700,000 $ 44,100,000 $ 39,500,000
Reimbursements offsetting cost of services 17,300,000 6,100,000 2,300,000
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets      
Government Assistance [Line Items]      
Due from government assistance programs 1,800,000 1,000,000  
Other Current Liabilities      
Government Assistance [Line Items]      
Government support, deferred liability 7,400,000 18,100,000  
COVID-19 Related Stimulus      
Government Assistance [Line Items]      
Revenue 400,000 3,000,000 2,000,000
Reimbursement of center operating expenses offsetting cost of services 63,300,000 181,900,000 316,500,000
Reduced property and equipment (2,900,000) (2,800,000)  
Capital grants received 2,500,000 2,700,000  
Amortization of capital grants 1,000,000 600,000 $ 300,000
COVID-19 Related Stimulus | Employee Retention Credit      
Government Assistance [Line Items]      
Reimbursements of cash tax refunds   62,000,000  
Reimbursements of interest income 500,000 2,300,000  
Reimbursement of cost of services 23,400,000 0  
COVID-19 Related Stimulus | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets | Employee Retention Credit      
Government Assistance [Line Items]      
Due from government assistance programs 3,400,000 0  
COVID-19 Related Stimulus | Other Current Liabilities | Employee Retention Credit      
Government Assistance [Line Items]      
Government support, deferred liability 31,400,000 20,600,000  
COVID-19 Related Stimulus | Other Long-term Liabilities | Employee Retention Credit      
Government Assistance [Line Items]      
Government support, deferred liability 12,300,000 43,700,000  
Other Governmental Grant Programs And Agencies      
Government Assistance [Line Items]      
Capital grants received $ 400,000 $ 100,000  
v3.25.1
Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Oct. 04, 2022
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Goodwill $ 1,119,714 $ 1,110,591 $ 1,102,697  
Fixed assets 418,524 395,745    
2024 Acquisitions        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Business acquisition, cash consideration 10,900      
Goodwill 9,100      
Fixed assets $ 2,000      
2023 Acquisitions        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Business acquisition, cash consideration   9,100    
Goodwill   7,900    
Fixed assets   1,300    
2022 Creme de la Creme Acquisition        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Business acquisition, cash consideration   180,800    
Goodwill       $ 102,375
Total consideration transferred   191,000    
Contingent consideration transferred   10,200    
Transaction costs   2,100    
Revenue     29,700  
2022 Creme de la Creme Acquisition | Maximum        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Reduction of measurement period adjustment recognized   $ 100    
2022 Other Acquisitions        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Business acquisition, cash consideration     8,900  
Goodwill     8,000  
Fixed assets     $ 900  
v3.25.1
Acquisitions - Fair Value of the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities as of the Date of Acquisition (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Oct. 04, 2022
Assets        
Goodwill $ 1,119,714 $ 1,110,591 $ 1,102,697  
2022 Creme de la Creme Acquisition        
Assets        
Cash and cash equivalents       $ 30,924
Accounts receivable       870
Prepaid expenses and other current assets       9,422
Property and equipment       45,190
Goodwill       102,375
Intangible assets       22,800
Operating lease right-of-use assets       57,634
Other assets       1,813
Total assets acquired       271,028
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities       8,551
Deferred revenue       4,726
Other current liabilities       724
Deferred income taxes, net       5,039
Operating lease liabilities - long-term       59,304
Other long-term liabilities       1,638
Total liabilities assumed       79,982
Consideration transferred       $ 191,046
v3.25.1
Acquisitions - Summary of the Valuation Methodologies, Significant Assumptions, and Estimated Useful Lives of Acquired Intangible Assets in Creme School's Acquisition (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Oct. 04, 2022
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Trade Name | 2022 Creme de la Creme Acquisition      
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Assigned Value $ 19,000    
Discount Rate 9.00%    
Estimated Useful Life 15 years    
Customer Relationships      
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Estimated Useful Life   17 years 17 years
Customer Relationships | 2022 Creme de la Creme Acquisition      
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Assigned Value $ 3,800    
Discount Rate 9.00%    
Estimated Useful Life 4 years    
v3.25.1
Acquisitions - Summary of Unaudited Pro Forma Information (Details) - 2022 Creme de la Creme Acquisition
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Revenue $ 2,253,851
Net income $ 228,189
v3.25.1
Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Sep. 28, 2024
Jun. 29, 2024
Mar. 30, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Jul. 01, 2023
Apr. 01, 2023
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Deferred revenue, revenue recognized                 $ 25,500 $ 24,900 $ 38,300
Revenue $ 646,956 $ 671,476 $ 689,933 $ 654,670 $ 617,996 $ 624,468 $ 655,099 $ 612,619 2,663,035 2,510,182 2,165,813
Subsidy Revenue                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 $ 942,100 $ 795,900 $ 698,900
v3.25.1
Revenue Recognition - Schedule of Total Revenue Between Education Centers and School Sites (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Sep. 28, 2024
Jun. 29, 2024
Mar. 30, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Jul. 01, 2023
Apr. 01, 2023
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenue $ 646,956 $ 671,476 $ 689,933 $ 654,670 $ 617,996 $ 624,468 $ 655,099 $ 612,619 $ 2,663,035 $ 2,510,182 $ 2,165,813
Early Childhood Education Centers                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 2,466,244 2,345,093 2,053,845
Before- and After-School Sites                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 $ 196,791 $ 165,089 $ 111,968
v3.25.1
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets - Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
Prepaid insurance $ 10,307 $ 16,505
Receivable related to uncertain tax positions 7,863 0
Prepaid computer maintenance 5,214 3,935
Prepaid professional fees 4,071 3,647
Cloud computing implementation costs, net 3,697 0
Employee retention credits receivable 3,374 0
Prepaid income taxes 2,916 0
Interest rate derivative contracts 1,957 1,208
Prepaid property taxes 1,874 1,821
Grants receivable 1,792 987
Prepaid rent 506 1,176
Insurance receivables 0 6,099
Other 4,533 3,816
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 48,104 $ 39,194
v3.25.1
Property and Equipment - Summary of Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment $ 941,174 $ 839,866
Accumulated depreciation (522,650) (444,121)
Total property and equipment, net 418,524 395,745
Leasehold Improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment 549,556 503,299
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment 354,248 298,757
Buildings and Improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment 3,373 4,520
Land    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment 4,520 3,305
Construction in Progress    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment $ 29,477 $ 29,985
v3.25.1
Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]      
Depreciation of property and equipment $ 106.8 $ 98.1 $ 78.5
v3.25.1
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
Goodwill, beginning balance $ 1,110,591 $ 1,102,697
Additions from acquisitions 9,123 7,926
Measurement period adjustment   (32)
Goodwill, ending balance $ 1,119,714 $ 1,110,591
v3.25.1
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]      
Amortization of Intangible Assets $ 9,200,000 $ 9,300,000 $ 8,400,000
Impairment of goodwill 0 0 0
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
v3.25.1
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of other intangible assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Definite-lived intangible assets:    
Cost $ 212,059 $ 212,059
Accumulated Amortization (148,593) (139,358)
Net Carrying Amount 63,466 72,701
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:    
Cost 366,300 366,300
Net Carrying Amount 366,300 366,300
Cost 578,359 578,359
Accumulated Amortization (148,593) (139,358)
Net Carrying Amount $ 429,766 $ 439,001
Customer Relationships    
Definite-lived intangible assets:    
Weighted- Average Useful Lives 17 years 17 years
Cost $ 107,659 $ 107,659
Accumulated Amortization (60,891) (53,863)
Net Carrying Amount $ 46,768 $ 53,796
Accreditations    
Definite-lived intangible assets:    
Weighted- Average Useful Lives 4 years 4 years
Cost $ 53,500 $ 53,500
Accumulated Amortization $ (53,500) $ (53,500)
Proprietary curricula    
Definite-lived intangible assets:    
Weighted- Average Useful Lives 5 years 5 years
Cost $ 14,300 $ 14,300
Accumulated Amortization $ (14,300) $ (14,300)
Trade names and trademarks    
Definite-lived intangible assets:    
Weighted- Average Useful Lives 13 years 13 years
Cost $ 28,400 $ 28,400
Accumulated Amortization (11,702) (9,495)
Net Carrying Amount 16,698 18,905
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:    
Cost 366,300 366,300
Net Carrying Amount $ 366,300 $ 366,300
Software    
Definite-lived intangible assets:    
Weighted- Average Useful Lives 5 years 5 years
Cost $ 8,200 $ 8,200
Accumulated Amortization $ (8,200) $ (8,200)
v3.25.1
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of amortization expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
2025 $ 8,843  
2026 8,057  
2027 7,344  
2028 7,344  
2029 7,344  
Thereafter 24,534  
Net Carrying Amount $ 63,466 $ 72,701
v3.25.1
Leases - Schedule of Right-of-Use Assets and Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Assets:    
Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 1,373,064 $ 1,351,863
Finance lease right-of-use assets $ 4,547 $ 5,996
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other Assets, Noncurrent Other Assets, Noncurrent
Total lease right-of-use assets $ 1,377,611 $ 1,357,859
Liabilities-current:    
Operating lease liabilities 144,919 133,225
Finance lease liabilities $ 1,406 $ 1,573
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities, Current
Total current lease liabilities $ 146,325 $ 134,798
Liabilities-long-term:    
Operating lease liabilities 1,315,587 1,301,656
Finance lease liabilities $ 3,793 $ 5,147
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Total long-term lease liabilities $ 1,319,380 $ 1,306,803
Total lease liabilities $ 1,465,705 $ 1,441,601
v3.25.1
Leases - Schedule of Components of Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Lease expense:      
Operating lease expense $ 289,163 $ 281,350 $ 259,824
Finance lease expense:      
Amortization of right-of-use assets 1,559 1,664 1,650
Interest on lease liabilities 506 518 450
Short-term lease expense 8,349 6,480 3,217
Variable lease expense 69,598 62,015 59,490
Total lease expense $ 369,175 $ 352,027 $ 324,631
v3.25.1
Leases - Schedule of Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term and Weighted Average Discount Rate (Details)
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Leases [Abstract]    
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) (Operating) 8 years 9 years
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) (Finance) 4 years 5 years
Weighted average discount rate (Operating) 9.40% 9.60%
Weighted average discount rate (Finance) 8.50% 8.50%
v3.25.1
Leases - Schedule of Maturity of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Finance Leases    
2025 $ 1,784  
2026 1,491  
2027 1,396  
2028 870  
2029 230  
Thereafter 333  
Total lease payments 6,104  
Less imputed interest 905  
Present value of lease liabilities 5,199  
Less current portion of lease liabilities 1,406 $ 1,573
Long-term lease liabilities 3,793 5,147
Operating Leases    
2025 273,568  
2026 279,036  
2027 263,612  
2028 244,625  
2029 215,494  
Thereafter 865,544  
Total lease payments 2,141,879  
Less imputed interest 681,373  
Present value of lease liabilities 1,460,506  
Less current portion of lease liabilities 144,919 133,225
Long-term lease liabilities 1,315,587 $ 1,301,656
Total Leases    
2025 275,352  
2026 280,527  
2027 265,008  
2028 245,495  
2029 215,724  
Thereafter 865,877  
Total lease payments 2,147,983  
Less imputed interest 682,278  
Present value of lease liabilities 1,465,705  
Less current portion of lease liabilities 146,325  
Long-term lease liabilities $ 1,319,380  
v3.25.1
Leases - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Gain on sale of leased vehicles $ 5.2 $ 5.7 $ 7.4
Sale and leaseback transaction closing cost   25.9  
Recognized loss on sale and leaseback transaction   2.9  
Sub-lease income 0.4 $ 0.6 $ 0.4
Operating lease not yet commenced $ 174.3    
Operating lease not yet commenced term 15 years    
Minimum      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Operating lease expected commenced term 2025    
Maximum      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Operating lease expected commenced term 2027    
v3.25.1
Other Assets - Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Other Assets [Abstract]    
Deferred compensation plan $ 38,391 $ 29,014
Cloud computing implementation costs, net 27,207 6,926
Insurance receivables 6,990 3,619
Finance lease right-of-use assets 4,547 5,996
Deposits 3,975 3,887
Receivable related to uncertain tax positions 3,093 17,075
Interest rate derivative contracts 1,669 0
Prepaid professional fees 828 2,935
Restricted cash 94 265
Other 2,832 2,918
Total other assets $ 89,626 $ 72,635
v3.25.1
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Summary of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]    
Accounts payable $ 45,293 $ 50,593
Accrued compensation and related expenses 69,551 78,858
Accrued property and other taxes 22,209 21,493
Accrued interest 11,691 780
Other 3,916 2,739
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 152,660 $ 154,463
v3.25.1
Other Current Liabilities - Schedule of Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]    
Self-insurance obligations $ 31,504 $ 32,380
Deferred employee retention credits 31,370 20,567
Deferred grants 7,408 18,094
Accrued rent 2,856 1,115
Contract labor 2,316 1,156
Long-term incentive plan 1,850 6,476
Financing lease obligations 1,406 1,573
Uncertain tax positions 1,071 0
Promissory notes 328 346
Income taxes payable 0 6,910
Cash-settled stock options and restricted stock units 0 10,318
Other 1,324 867
Total other current liabilities $ 81,433 $ 99,802
v3.25.1
Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Composition of Underlying Investments in Deferred Compensation Plan Trust Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Investments, fair value $ 37,931 $ 29,033
Quoted Price in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Investments, fair value 37,931 29,033
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Investments, fair value 0 0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Investments, fair value 0 0
Money Market Funds    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Investments, fair value 6,499 4,487
Money Market Funds | Quoted Price in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Investments, fair value 6,499 4,487
Money Market Funds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Investments, fair value 0 0
Money Market Funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Investments, fair value 0 0
Mutual Fund    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Investments, fair value 31,432 24,546
Mutual Fund | Quoted Price in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Investments, fair value 31,432 24,546
Mutual Fund | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Investments, fair value 0 0
Mutual Fund | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Investments, fair value $ 0 $ 0
v3.25.1
Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Impairment Expense of Long-Lived Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]      
Impairment of property and equipment $ 7,202 $ 11,426 $ 10,432
Impairment of lease right-of-use assets 3,333 2,134 5,002
Total impairment losses $ 10,535 $ 13,560 $ 15,434
v3.25.1
Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Interest rate derivative contracts, assets 1,957,000 1,208,000  
First Lien Revolving Credit Facility      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Line of credit. outstanding borrowings 0 0  
First Lien Term Loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Estimated fair value of first lien term loans $ 978,900,000 $ 1,327,500,000  
v3.25.1
Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Roll Forward of the Fair Value of Recurring Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Balance $ 10,255
Payment of contingent consideration (10,217)
Measurement period adjustments (38)
Balance $ 0
v3.25.1
Long-term Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt issuance costs, net $ (40,827) $ (71,463)
Total debt 925,970 1,250,224
Current portion of long-term debt (7,251) (13,250)
Long-term debt, net 918,719 1,236,974
First Lien Term Loans    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Term loans $ 966,797 $ 1,321,687
v3.25.1
Long-term Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Oct. 30, 2024
Oct. 31, 2024
Apr. 30, 2024
Feb. 29, 2024
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Mar. 29, 2025
Sep. 28, 2024
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 30, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Remaining borrowing capacity         $ 184,200,000 $ 87,500,000          
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs         1,800,000 73,600,000 $ 800,000        
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt         25,700,000 4,400,000 $ (200,000)        
Letter of Credit                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Letters of credit outstanding, amount         20,000,000            
Remaining borrowing capacity         55,800,000            
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity           $ 72,500,000          
First Lien Revolving Credit Facility Amendment [Member]                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument effective interest rate 1.25%                    
Remaining borrowing capacity   $ 15,000,000                  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity   225,000,000                  
Minimum | First Lien Revolving Credit Facility Amendment [Member]                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument effective interest rate 2.50%                    
Maximum | First Lien Revolving Credit Facility Amendment [Member]                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument effective interest rate 3.00%                    
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity   240,000,000                  
Senior Secured Credit Facilities                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Line of credit facility   $ 1,206,800,000                  
First Lien Revolving Credit Facility                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument effective interest rate   0.25% 0.50%                
Debt instrument revolving loans outstanding maximum percentage           35.00%          
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity         172,500,000       $ 115,000,000    
Fronting fee percentage     0.125%                
Line of credit facility         0 $ 0          
First Lien Revolving Credit Facility | Letter of Credit                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Letters of credit outstanding, amount       $ 20,000,000              
Letters of credit outstanding, cancelled amount       16,700,000              
First Lien Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Debt Instrument, Variable Interest Rate, Type [Extensible Enumeration]   us-gaap:SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrMember                  
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity   $ 80,000,000                  
Unused letters of credit fee interest     0.25%                
First Lien Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity   $ 240,000,000                  
Unused letters of credit fee interest     0.50%                
First Lien Term Loan Facility                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Term loan         $ 966,797,000 $ 1,321,687,000          
Repayment of outstanding principal $ 608,000,000                    
Variable interest rate   3.25%                  
First Lien Term Loan Facility | Minimum                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument, principal amount $ 2,400,000                   $ 4,000,000
First Lien Term Loan Facility | Maximum                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument, principal amount                     $ 3,300,000
First Lien Term Loan Facility | Maximum | Forecast                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument, principal amount               $ 3,300,000      
First Lien Term Loan Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facilities                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Term loan   $ 966.8                  
Incremental First Lien Term Loan Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facilities                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Term loan                   $ 265,000,000  
Other Credit Facilities | Letter of Credit                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Letters of credit outstanding, amount       $ 20,000,000              
Letters of credit fee interest       5.95%              
Unused letters of credit fee interest       0.25%              
v3.25.1
Long-term Debt - Schedule of Amount of Amortization Expense of Debt Issuance Costs (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]      
Amortization expense of debt issuance costs $ 6,830 $ 8,482 $ 4,918
v3.25.1
Long-term Debt - Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt (Details) - First Lien Term Loans - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
2025 $ 9,668  
2026 9,668  
2027 9,668  
2028 9,668  
2029 7,251  
Thereafter 920,874  
Total debt $ 966,797 $ 1,321,687
v3.25.1
Other Long-term Liabilities - Summary of Other Long-term Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]    
Deferred compensation plan $ 38,180 $ 29,014
Self-insurance obligations 36,882 35,397
Deferred employee retention credits 12,317 43,687
Long-term incentive plan 10,245 4,005
Finance lease liabilities 3,793 5,147
Uncertain tax positions 659 1,370
Promissory notes 361 764
Cash-settled stock options and restricted stock units 0 721
Other 550 367
Total other long-term liabilities $ 102,987 $ 120,472
v3.25.1
Risk Management and Derivatives - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Jun. 28, 2024
Feb. 29, 2024
Jan. 31, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Derivative [Line Items]            
Derivative, cap interest rate           0.50%
Investment, Variable Interest Rate, Type [Extensible Enumeration]           us-gaap:SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember
Interest Rate Cap            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Derivative, cap interest rate           4.85%
Investment, Variable Interest Rate, Type [Extensible Enumeration]           us-gaap:SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember
Notional amount   $ 659.8     $ 661.2  
Initial costs of interest rate cap         $ 5.0  
Interest Rate Swap            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Derivative, commencement date Jun. 28, 2024          
Derivative, date of maturity Dec. 31, 2026          
Deferred gains recognized within accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassified as decrease in interest expense within the next twelve months $ 2.0          
Pay-Fixed-Receive-Float Interest Rate Swap Contract            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Notional amount       $ 400.0    
Derivative, fixed interest rate       3.85%    
Two Pay-Fixed-Receive-Float Interest Rate Swap Contract            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Notional amount     $ 400.0      
Derivative, fixed interest rate     3.89%      
v3.25.1
Risk Management and Derivatives - Schedule of Amounts Affecting Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (loss) income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Sep. 28, 2024
Jun. 29, 2024
Mar. 30, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Jul. 01, 2023
Apr. 01, 2023
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Derivative [Line Items]                      
Interest rate derivative contracts                 $ 500   $ 2,300
Income tax effect                 (14,608) $ (27,367) (68,584)
Net (loss) income $ (133,583) $ 13,959 $ 28,535 $ (1,751) $ 14,827 $ 16,036 $ 43,171 $ 28,524 (92,840) 102,558 219,169
Cash Flow Hedging | Total Effect on Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income                      
Derivative [Line Items]                      
Interest rate derivative contracts                 4,060 2,285 (2,718)
Income tax effect                 (1,048) (590) 710
Net (loss) income                 3,012 1,695 (2,008)
Cash Flow Hedging | Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income | Total Effect on Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income                      
Derivative [Line Items]                      
Interest rate derivative contracts                 8,509 792 (2,718)
Income tax effect                 (2,197) (205) 710
Net (loss) income                 6,312 587 $ (2,008)
Cash Flow Hedging | (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income | Total Effect on Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income                      
Derivative [Line Items]                      
Interest rate derivative contracts                 (4,449) 1,493  
Income tax effect                 1,149 (385)  
Net (loss) income                 $ (3,300) $ 1,108  
v3.25.1
Risk Management and Derivatives - Schedule of Amounts Affecting Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (loss) income (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Cash Flow Hedging | Total Effect on Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Amortization of Premium $ 1.7 $ 3.3 $ 5.0
v3.25.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]      
Beginning Balance $ 506,880 $ 407,686 $ 255,607
Other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications 6,312 587 (2,008)
Reclassifications to net (loss) income of previously deferred gains (losses) (3,300) 1,108  
Ending Balance 864,509 506,880 407,686
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]      
Beginning Balance (313) (2,008) 0
Ending Balance $ 2,699 $ (313) $ (2,008)
v3.25.1
Shareholders' Equity, Member's Equity and Equity-based Compensation - Additional Information (Details)
1 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Oct. 08, 2025
shares
Oct. 15, 2024
USD ($)
Oct. 10, 2024
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Oct. 09, 2024
shares
Oct. 08, 2024
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Oct. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Participant
$ / shares
Feb. 28, 2023
Participant
Sep. 30, 2022
USD ($)
shares
Feb. 28, 2022
$ / shares
shares
Jan. 31, 2022
shares
Oct. 08, 2024
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 28, 2024
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 30, 2023
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 28, 2022
shares
Aug. 28, 2022
shares
Jan. 28, 2022
$ / shares
Jan. 01, 2022
$ / shares
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Common stock, par value | $ / shares         $ 0.01           $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.01          
Common stock, shares authorized | shares         750,000,000           750,000,000 750,000,000 750,000,000          
Common stock, shares issued | shares                       117,984,749 90,366,089          
Common stock, shares outstanding | shares                       117,984,749 90,366,089          
Preferred stock shares issued | shares         25,000,000           25,000,000 0 0          
Preferred stock, par value | $ / shares         $ 0.01           $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.01          
Net proceeds                       $ 625,968,000            
Stock option, current                       1,850,000 $ 6,476,000          
Equity-based compensation expense                       144,082,000 12,557,000 $ 9,874,000        
Income tax benefit                       4,200,000 3,100,000 2,100,000        
Unrecognized equity-based compensation expense                       $ 10,800,000            
Weighted-average period to recognize expense                       1 year 6 months            
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Equity-based compensation expense                       $ 143,900,000 12,600,000          
2022 Incentive Award Plan                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Aggregate number of shares available for issuance | shares         15,700,000           15,700,000              
Plan term                       In February 2022, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") approved the 2022 Plan which provides the Company authorization to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), dividend equivalents, or other stock or cash-based awards to certain service providers which are defined as employees, consultants, or directors (collectively, “Participants") pursuant to the terms and conditions of the 2022 Plan.            
Percentage of shares outstanding         4.00%                          
PIUs Plan                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Sale of stock, price per share | $ / shares           $ 24                        
2024 Employee Stock Purchase Plan                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Options granted | shares                       0            
Shares of common stock reserved for issuance | shares       2,300,000                            
Percentage of shares outstanding       1.00%                            
2024 Employee Stock Purchase Plan | Minimum                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Shares of common stock reserved for issuance | shares       5,600,000                            
October 2024 modification                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Equity-based compensation expense                       $ 113,100,000            
Class A-1 Units | PIUs Plan                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Number of units authorized | shares                       7,500,000            
Class A Common Stock                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Common stock, par value | $ / shares         $ 0.0001       $ 0.0001   $ 0.0001              
Stock splits in to shares | shares                 79,100,000                  
Common stock, shares issued | shares                 790,700,000                  
Common stock, shares outstanding | shares         756,800,000       790,700,000   756,800,000              
Common stock conversion ratio         8.375           8.375              
Class B-1 Units                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Total grant date fair value of the units vested                       $ 200,000 $ 800,000 $ 900,000        
Class B-1 Units | PIUs Plan                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Vesting period                       4 years            
Vesting percentage                       25.00%            
Class B Common Stock                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Common stock, par value | $ / shares                 $ 0.0001                  
Class B-2 Units                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Total grant date fair value of the units vested           $ 65,100,000                        
Class B-3 Units                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Total grant date fair value of the units vested           47,900,000                        
PIU                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Allocated shared based compensation                       $ 4,700,000            
Unrecognized equity-based compensation expense           $ 100,000                        
PIU | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Allocated shared based compensation                       4,700,000            
PIU | March 2024 modification                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Equity-based compensation expense                       $ 14,300,000            
PIU | Class B-1 Units | PIUs Plan                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Number of units authorized | shares                       31,600,000            
Weighted average fair value nonvested | $ / shares                         $ 0.43 $ 0.45       $ 0.45
Weighted average fair value vested | $ / shares                     $ 0.23   0.46 0.45        
PIU | Class B-2 Units | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Allocated shared based compensation                       $ 5,000,000            
PIU | Class B-2 Units | PIUs Plan                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Number of units authorized | shares                       31,600,000            
Weighted average fair value nonvested | $ / shares                         0.35 0.35       0.35
PIU | Class B-3 Units | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Allocated shared based compensation                       $ 4,600,000            
PIU | Class B-3 Units | PIUs Plan                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Number of units authorized | shares                       23,700,000            
Weighted average fair value nonvested | $ / shares                         $ 0.29 $ 0.29       $ 0.29
Stock Options                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Vesting period                       3 years            
Vesting percentage                       25.00%            
Stock Options | 2022 Stock Option Plan                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Vesting period                       3 years            
Fixed expiration period                       10 years            
Terms of stock option                       Stock options have fixed 10-year terms and will expire and become unexercisable after the earliest of: (i) the tenth anniversary of the grant date, (ii) the ninetieth day following the Participant's termination of service for any reason other than due to death, disability, qualifying retirement, or for cause, (iii) immediately upon the termination of service of the Participant for cause, or (iv) the expiration of twelve months from the Participant's termination of service due to death or disability.            
Options granted | shares                       100,000 0 1,700,000        
Fair value of stock vested                       $ 4,700,000 $ 6,100,000 $ 0        
Stock Options | 2022 Stock Option Plan | Other Current Liabilities                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Stock option, current                         8,100,000          
Stock Options | 2022 Stock Option Plan | Other Long-term Liabilities                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Stock option, current                         300,000          
RSUs                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Vesting period                       3 years            
Vesting percentage                       25.00%            
RSUs | 2022 RSUs Plan                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Vesting period                       3 years            
Total grant date fair value of the units vested                       $ 4,700,000 8,700,000 $ 0        
Total fair value of restricted stock units and share settled                       $ 0.7            
Share settled restricted stock units                         $ 0          
Number of participants impacted by the plan modification | Participant           81 100                      
RSUs | 2022 RSUs Plan | Independent Board Members                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Vesting period                       1 year            
RSUs | 2022 RSUs Plan | Other Current Liabilities                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Cash settled RSU liabilities                       $ 2,200,000            
RSUs | 2022 RSUs Plan | Other Long-term Liabilities                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Cash settled RSU liabilities                       $ 400,000            
Common Stock                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Common stock, par value | $ / shares         $ 0.01       $ 0.01   $ 0.01           $ 0.01  
Uncertificated shares of common stock | shares                 10 10                
Common stock, shares authorized | shares                             100      
Conversion of common stock shares | shares 90,400,000                                  
Common stock conversion ratio         8.375           8.375              
Treasury Stock | Class A Common Stock                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Number of stock repurchased and retired, shares | shares               34,000,000                    
Number of stock repurchased and retired, value               $ 72,700,000                    
K C Parent | Class A Common Stock                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Common stock, shares issued | shares                               200,000    
K C Parent | PIU                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Number of participants impacted by the plan modification | Participant           28                        
IPO                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Sale of common stock shares | shares         24,000,000                          
Sale of stock, price per share | $ / shares         $ 22.68           $ 22.68              
Offering costs     $ 9,900,000                              
Net proceeds   $ 81,700,000     $ 544,300,000                          
Offering price per share | $ / shares     $ 24   $ 24           $ 24              
IPO | Maximum                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Sale of common stock shares | shares     3,600,000                              
IPO | Class A Common Stock                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Common stock, shares outstanding | shares         756,800,000           756,800,000              
IPO | Common Stock                                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]                                    
Common stock, par value | $ / shares         $ 0.01           $ 0.01              
v3.25.1
Shareholders' Equity, Member's Equity and Equity-based Compensation - Profit Interest Units Activity (Details) - PIU - PIUs Plan - $ / shares
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Oct. 08, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Class A-1 Units        
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]        
Vested as of October 8, 2024   7,500,000    
Distribution to PIU Recipients (7,500,000)      
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value        
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested as of October 8, 2024   $ 0.72    
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Distribution to PIU Recipients $ 0.72      
Class B-1 Units        
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]        
Nonvested Beginning Balance 0 500,000 2,100,000 4,700,000
Vested   (100,000) (1,600,000) (2,400,000)
Modified to accelerate vesting   (400,000)    
Forfeited       (200,000)
Nonvested Ending Balance   0 500,000 2,100,000
Vested as of October 8, 2024   30,700,000    
Distribution to PIU Recipients (30,700,000)      
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value        
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Beginning Balance   $ 0.43 $ 0.45 $ 0.45
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested   0.23 0.46 0.45
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Modified to Accelerate Vested   0.45    
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited       0.41
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Ending Balance     $ 0.43 $ 0.45
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested as of October 8, 2024   $ 0.38    
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Distribution to PIU Recipients $ 0.38      
Class B-2 Units        
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]        
Nonvested Beginning Balance 0 30,800,000 30,800,000 31,300,000
Modified to accelerate vesting   (30,700,000)    
Forfeited   (100,000)   (500,000)
Nonvested Ending Balance   0 30,800,000 30,800,000
Vested as of October 8, 2024   30,700,000    
Distribution to PIU Recipients (30,700,000)      
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value        
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Beginning Balance   $ 0.35 $ 0.35 $ 0.35
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Modified to Accelerate Vested   2.12    
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited   0.43   0.42
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Ending Balance     $ 0.35 $ 0.35
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested as of October 8, 2024   $ 2.12    
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Distribution to PIU Recipients $ 2.12      
Class B-3 Units        
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]        
Nonvested Beginning Balance 0 23,200,000 23,200,000 23,500,000
Modified to accelerate vesting   (23,000,000)    
Forfeited   (200,000)   (300,000)
Nonvested Ending Balance   0 23,200,000 23,200,000
Vested as of October 8, 2024   23,000,000    
Distribution to PIU Recipients (23,000,000)      
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value        
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Beginning Balance   $ 0.29 $ 0.29 $ 0.29
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Modified to Accelerate Vested   2.08    
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited   0.4   0.37
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Ending Balance     $ 0.29 $ 0.29
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested as of October 8, 2024   $ 2.08    
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Distribution to PIU Recipients $ 2.08      
v3.25.1
Shareholders' Equity, Member's Equity and Equity-based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity under 2022 Plan (Details) - 2022 Stock Option Plan - Employee Stock Option - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Outstanding at beginning (in shares) 1.7 1.7 0.0
Granted 0.1 0.0 1.7
Exercised 0.0 0.0 0.0
Forfeited 0.0 0.0 0.0
Expired 0.0 0.0 0.0
Outstanding at end (in shares) 1.8 1.7 1.7
Exercisable shares at end 1.1    
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at beginning $ 21.11 $ 21.11 $ 0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted 24 0 21.11
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised 0 0 0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited 0 0 20.88
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Expired 0 0 0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at end 21.33 21.11 21.11
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable 21.1    
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding at beginning 9.68 9.68 0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted 12.5 0 9.68
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Exercised 0 0 0
WeightedAverage Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited 0 0 9.47
WeightedAverage Grant Date Fair Value, Expired 0 0 0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding at end 9.89 $ 9.68 $ 9.68
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Exercisable $ 9.67    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Outstanding 7 years 5 months 12 days    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Exercisable 7 years 3 months 3 days    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding $ 0    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable $ 0    
v3.25.1
Shareholders' Equity, Member's Equity and Equity-based Compensation - Summary of RSU Activity Under 2022 Plan (Details) - $ / shares
shares in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Share-Settled      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Nonvested Beginning Balance 0.0 0.4 0.0
Reclassified 0.3 (0.4)  
Granted 0.4 0.0 0.4
Vested 0.0 0.0 0.0
Forfeited 0.0 0.0 0.0
Nonvested Ending Balance 0.7 0.0 0.4
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Beginning Balance $ 0 $ 21.06 $ 0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Reclassified 24 21.06  
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted 24 0 21.05
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested 24 0 0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited 24 0 20.76
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Ending Balance $ 24 $ 0 $ 21.06
Cash-Settled      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Nonvested Beginning Balance 0.5 0.4 0.0
Reclassified (0.3) 0.4  
Granted 0.0 0.0 0.4
Vested (0.2) (0.3) 0.0
Forfeited 0.0 0.0 0.0
Nonvested Ending Balance 0.0 0.5 0.4
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Beginning Balance $ 21.13 $ 21.06 $ 0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Reclassified 21.05 21.06  
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted 0 0 21.05
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested 21.24 20.98 0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited 20.9 20.68 20.76
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Ending Balance $ 0 $ 21.13 $ 21.06
v3.25.1
Shareholders' Equity, Member's Equity and Equity-based Compensation - Summary of Valuation Assumptions (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Monte Carlo Simulation Model | PIU      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Equity value (in millions) $ 2,041.0    
Risk free interest rate 5.14%    
Expected dividend yield 0.00%    
Expected term 9 months    
Expected volatility 30.00%    
Black-Scholes Model      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Expected dividend yield 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Expected volatility     45.00%
Minimum | Black-Scholes Model      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock price $ 21.78 $ 21.78 $ 20.6
Risk free interest rate 3.55% 3.56% 1.36%
Expected term 3 years 6 months 4 years 3 months 3 days 5 years 10 months 9 days
Expected volatility 35.00% 40.00%  
Maximum | Black-Scholes Model      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock price $ 25.04 $ 29.15 $ 21.69
Risk free interest rate 4.40% 4.60% 2.40%
Expected term 6 years 5 years 1 month 17 days 6 years 1 month 9 days
Expected volatility 50.00% 45.00%  
v3.25.1
Net (Loss) Income per Common Share - Additional Information (Details) - 2022 Stock Option Plan - shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]      
Antidilutive shares excluded from calculation of diluted net (loss) income per common share 0 0  
Stock Options      
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]      
Antidilutive shares excluded from calculation of diluted net (loss) income per common share   1,600,000 1,600,000
Share-settled and equity-classified, Percentage   50.00%  
v3.25.1
Net (Loss) Income per Common Share - Schedule of Reconciliations of Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income per Common Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Sep. 28, 2024
Jun. 29, 2024
Mar. 30, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Jul. 01, 2023
Apr. 01, 2023
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]                      
Net Income (Loss) $ (133,583) $ 13,959 $ 28,535 $ (1,751) $ 14,827 $ 16,036 $ 43,171 $ 28,524 $ (92,840) $ 102,558 $ 219,169
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic                 96,309 90,366 93,390
Effect of dilutive securities                   23 63
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted                 96,309 90,389 93,453
Net (loss) income per common share:                      
Basic $ (1.17) $ 0.15 $ 0.32 $ (0.02) $ 0.16 $ 0.18 $ 0.48 $ 0.32 $ (0.96) $ 1.13 $ 2.35
Diluted $ (1.17) $ 0.15 $ 0.32 $ (0.02) $ 0.16 $ 0.18 $ 0.48 $ 0.32 $ (0.96) $ 1.13 $ 2.35
v3.25.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Employer matching contribution 5.00%    
Vesting Percentage 20.00%    
Vesting period 5 years    
Selling, general, and administrative expenses $ 423,063 $ 287,967 $ 247,785
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]      
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Employer matching contribution 5.00%    
Deferred compensation obligation to employees gain (loss) $ 3,400 3,700 (4,000)
Matching contribution expense 5,300 5,100 4,200
Selling, general, and administrative expenses $ 900 $ 800 $ 800
Minimum [Member]      
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Employer matching contribution, percent of match 1.00%    
Minimum [Member] | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]      
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Deferral percentage 1.00%    
Maximum [Member]      
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Employer matching contribution, percent of match 100.00%    
Maximum [Member] | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]      
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Deferral percentage 80.00%    
v3.25.1
Income Taxes - Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Current:      
Federal $ 30,557 $ 31,513 $ 29,115
State 13,879 13,051 13,088
Total current expense 44,436 44,564 42,203
Deferred:      
Federal (20,040) (10,040) 26,778
State (9,788) (7,157) (397)
Total deferred (benefit) expense (29,828) (17,197) 26,381
Total income tax expense $ 14,608 $ 27,367 $ 68,584
v3.25.1
Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Rate and Effective Tax Rate (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Federal tax (benefit) expense at statutory rate $ (16,429) $ 27,284 $ 60,429
Nondeductible compensation 35,477 124 437
Change to uncertain tax positions 6,348 108 (17,190)
Income tax (refunds recognized) due from employee retention credits claim (5,369) 1,612 17,193
State and local income tax (benefit) expense (3,770) 6,261 14,780
Federal tax credits (2,478) (2,912) (1,757)
Other nondeductible expenses 1,322 1,200 963
Provision to return true-up (493) (5,595) (1,447)
Revaluation of deferred tax balances 0 (1,052) (1,914)
Change in valuation allowance 0 0 (2,923)
Other 0 337 13
Total income tax expense $ 14,608 $ 27,367 $ 68,584
v3.25.1
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 30, 2022
Jan. 01, 2022
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]          
Effective tax rates (18.70%) 21.10% 23.80%    
Valuation allowance $ 0 $ 0 $ 0    
Offsetting additions to valuation allowance 0 0 0    
Employee retention credit refund claim     65,300,000    
Employee retention credit recognized 23,400,000 0 0    
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount     2,900,000    
Received cash refund     62,000,000    
Interest income 500,000   2,300,000    
Income tax liability 22,209,000 21,493,000      
Interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions 0 0 0    
Unrecognized net tax expense $ 6,900,000        
Income tax examination, description There were no open tax examinations as of December 28, 2024. The Company is no longer subject to examination by tax authorities for years before 2012.        
Receivable related to uncertain tax positions $ 1,356,000 1,119,000 $ 768,000   $ 850,000
State          
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]          
Net operating loss carryforwards 12,200,000 15,500,000      
Federal          
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]          
Net operating loss carryforwards 1,100,000 13,800,000      
Other Assets          
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]          
Receivable related to uncertain tax positions 3,100,000 17,100,000   $ 17,100,000  
Other Current Liabilities          
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]          
Income tax liability 2,900,000        
Deferred employee retention credit liabilities 31,400,000 20,600,000      
Other Long-term Liabilities          
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]          
Deferred employee retention credit liabilities 12,300,000 $ 43,700,000      
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets          
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]          
Employee Retention Credit Receivables 3,400,000        
Receivable related to uncertain tax positions $ 7,900,000        
v3.25.1
Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Deferred tax assets:    
Lease obligations $ 382,615 $ 375,407
Interest and financing costs 43,677 24,963
Compensation payments 25,725 20,637
Self-insurance obligations 17,493 14,348
Net operating loss 1,095 3,964
Accumulated other comprehensive income 0 112
Other 5,817 4,536
Total deferred tax assets 476,422 443,967
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Right-of-use assets (355,686) (350,586)
Intangible assets (113,611) (113,608)
Property and equipment (37,096) (40,506)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (936) 0
Total deferred tax liabilities (507,329) (504,700)
Deferred income taxes, net $ (30,907) $ (60,733)
v3.25.1
Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Beginning Balance $ 1,119 $ 768 $ 850
Gross increases in tax positions for prior years 31 216  
Gross increases in tax positions for current year 206 135 21
Lapse of statute of limitations     (103)
Ending balance $ 1,356 $ 1,119 $ 768
v3.25.1
Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 30, 2022
Oct. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2024
Sep. 30, 2022
Aug. 31, 2022
Jul. 31, 2020
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Oct. 08, 2024
Feb. 28, 2022
Aug. 15, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Distribution to KC Parent               $ 320,000,000          
Shares of common stock distributed 90,366,089             117,984,749 90,366,089        
Repurchase of common stock                   $ 72,666,000      
IPO                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Sale of stock, price per share                     $ 22.68    
Related Party                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Management Fee                         $ 4,900,000
PIUs Plan                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Common stock held     90,400,000                    
Sale of stock, price per share     $ 24                    
PIUs Plan | Parent                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Common shares distributed upon change in ownership     90,400,000                    
Class A Common Stock                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Shares of common stock distributed                       790,700,000  
Additional Paid-in Capital and Member's Interest                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Distribution to KC Parent       $ (320,000,000)                  
KC Parent | Related Party                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Due to related parties $ 0             $ 100,000 $ 0        
KC Parent | Current and Former Employees and Directors                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Number of member's interest units outstanding 14,000,000               14,000,000 14,000,000      
Member interests value $ 15,700,000 $ 15,700,000                      
KC Parent | Class A Unit | PIUs Plan                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Distribution made to limited partner, cash distributions paid       276,900,000                  
Number of units authorized           200,000              
Member's interest units aggregate value           $ 400,000              
KC Parent | Class A Common Stock                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Repurchased shares         34,000,000                
Repurchase of common stock         $ 72,700,000                
KC Parent | Class A Common Stock | Employees and Directors                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Repurchased shares         700,000                
Repurchase of common stock         $ 1,400,000                
KC Parent | Class C Preferred Units                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Number of units authorized             50,000,000            
Number of unites issued             50,000,000            
Member's interest units aggregate value             $ 50,000,000            
Stock redeemed value         $ 34,000,000                
Redeemed shares         50,000,000                
KC Parent | Class C Preferred Units | Employees and Directors                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Number of unites issued             1,000,000            
Member's interest units aggregate value             $ 1,000,000            
Redeemed shares         1,000,000                
KC Parent | PIU | PIUs Plan                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Distribution made to limited partner, cash distributions paid       $ 42,600,000                  
KC Parent | Additional Paid-in Capital and Member's Interest                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Contributions made by related party                 $ 0 $ 0      
Lease Agreements | Maximum                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Lease term               15 years          
Lease Agreements | Minimum                          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                          
Lease term               1 year          
v3.25.1
Related Party Transactions - Schedule of Expenses Recognized From Unconsolidated Related Parties (Details) - KC Parent - Related Party - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Partners Group management services $ 3,768 $ 4,865 $ 4,865
Related parties rent $ 14,528 $ 19,293 $ 23,333
v3.25.1
Related Party Transactions - Future Minimum Fixed Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2024
USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]  
2025 $ 273,568
2026 279,036
2027 263,612
2028 244,625
2029 215,494
Thereafter 865,544
Total lease payments $ 2,141,879
v3.25.1
Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Reporting, CODM, Individual Title and Position or Group Name [Extensible Enumeration] srt:ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember
Number of consolidated segments 1
Number of reportable segments 1
Segment Reporting, CODM, Profit (Loss) Measure, How Used, Description 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 consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income and the measure of segment assets is reported on the consolidated balance sheets as total assets. The accounting policies of the consolidated Company segment are also the same as those described in Note 1, Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
v3.25.1
Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Feb. 28, 2025
Oct. 31, 2024
Feb. 29, 2024
Two Pay-Fixed-Receive-Float Interest Rate Swap Contract        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Notional amount       $ 400.0
First Lien Revolving Credit Facility Amendment        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity     $ 225.0  
Subsequent Event [Member] | Two Pay-Fixed-Receive-Float Interest Rate Swap Contract        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Notional amount $ 250.0      
Derivative commencement date 2026-12      
Derivative expiration date 2027-12      
Subsequent Event [Member] | Business Acquisitions        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Business acquisition, cash consideration   $ 4.0    
Subsequent Event [Member] | First Lien Revolving Credit Facility Amendment        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Line of credit facility, increased in borrowing capacity   22.5    
Debt instrument carrying amount   5.0    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity   $ 262.5    
v3.25.1
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Additional Information (Details)
Oct. 08, 2024
Class A Common Stock  
Common stock conversion ratio 8.375
v3.25.1
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Sep. 28, 2024
Jun. 29, 2024
Mar. 30, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Jul. 01, 2023
Apr. 01, 2023
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]                      
Revenue $ 646,956 $ 671,476 $ 689,933 $ 654,670 $ 617,996 $ 624,468 $ 655,099 $ 612,619 $ 2,663,035 $ 2,510,182 $ 2,165,813
Income (loss) from operations (89,262) 54,375 80,586 33,619 48,659 58,724 97,257 70,646 79,318 275,286 389,473
Net Income (Loss) $ (133,583) $ 13,959 $ 28,535 $ (1,751) $ 14,827 $ 16,036 $ 43,171 $ 28,524 $ (92,840) $ 102,558 $ 219,169
Net (loss) income per common share:                      
Basic $ (1.17) $ 0.15 $ 0.32 $ (0.02) $ 0.16 $ 0.18 $ 0.48 $ 0.32 $ (0.96) $ 1.13 $ 2.35
Diluted $ (1.17) $ 0.15 $ 0.32 $ (0.02) $ 0.16 $ 0.18 $ 0.48 $ 0.32 $ (0.96) $ 1.13 $ 2.35