Major Averages Lower as Investors Shift to Cash and Short-Term Bonds
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 13 2026
0mins
The major averages were lower near noon, with oil prices slipping as traders await more developments related to the war in Iran. Sentiment remains fragile after a volatile week in which markets repeatedly swung in response to headlines from the Middle East and sharp moves in crude oil.Meanwhile, fund flows this week show investors pulling billions of dollars out of global equity funds while moving capital into cash and short-term bond funds, signaling a shift toward defensive positioning as the geopolitical situation evolves. Volatility has also risen, with the CBOE Volatility Index climbing into the high-20s, underscoring the nervous tone across financial markets.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.1. STOCK NEWS:Adobereported, provided Q2 guidance, and announced a CEO transitionMetais delaying the launch of is "Avocado" AI model,Amazonplans to move is annual Prime Day sale to June from July,Applehas cut commission fees collected from its App Store in China,BuzzFeedshares were under pressure after it2. WALL STREET CALLS:KinderCareto Underweight at Morgan Stanley and to Neutral at BairdNerdWalletto Underweight at Morgan StanleyAdobeto Equal Weight at Barclays with CEO transitioning out of roleHSBCNioto Buy on better earnings visibilityNutriento Overweight at Wells Fargo3. AROUND THE WEB:BE Semiconductoris receiving takeover interest amid rising demand for advanced chip-packaging technology, and is working with Morgan Stanleyto evaluate potential approaches, Reuters saysAnthropic is in talks with Blackstoneand other private equity firms to form a joint venture selling consulting services for integrating Claude into portfolio companies, The Information reportsByteDance is working with Aolani Cloud to use 500 NvidiaBlackwell computing systems in Malaysia, totaling around 36,000 B200 chips, in an effort to become a global AI leader, WSJ saysAlibabahas launched "JVS Claw," a mobile app meant to help users install and deploy OpenClaw, an agentic AI assistant, Bloomberg reportsHonda's$15.7B writedown of its EV business demonstrates a reversal of its U.S. strategy and highlights challenges to come from China, Reuters says4. MOVERS:Klarnagains in New York after Board Chair Michaelfor $50MOncology Institutehigher after B. Rileyto $8 from $6Hive Digitalincreases after announcing aPar Technologyfalls after announcing aSable Offshorelower aftera court found proof of bad faith in the company's pipeline approval5. EARNINGS/GUIDANCE:Kyivstarand provided guidance for FY26One Group, with EPS and revenue missing consensusTurtle Beach, with CEO Cris Keirn stating that "although our fourth quarter and full-year results were below guidance… we took steps to manage costs, protect our brand position, and prepare the company for renewed growth"EverCommerceand provided guidance for Q1 and FY26Savara, with EPS missing consensusINDEXES:Near midday, the Dow was down 0.06%, or29.15, to 46,648.70, the Nasdaq was down 0.73%, or 161.81, to 22,150.17, and the S&P 500 was down 0.40%, or 26.81, to 6,645.81.
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Analyst Views on KLC
Wall Street analysts forecast KLC stock price to rise
6 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 3.860
Low
4.50
Averages
5.75
High
6.00
Current: 3.860
Low
4.50
Averages
5.75
High
6.00
About KLC
KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. is a private provider of early childhood and school-age education and care. The Company serves children ranging from six weeks to 12 years of age across its footprint of over 1,500 early childhood education centers with capacity for over 200,000 children and approximately 1,000 before- and after-school sites located in 40 states and the District of Columbia. Its services include infant, toddler, preschool, kindergarten, and before- and after-school programs. The Company provides childhood education and care programs through community-based and employer-sponsored early childhood education and care and before- and after-school educational services categories. It provides early childhood education and care services, as well as back-up care, primarily marketed under the names KinderCare Learning Centers and Creme School. It provides before- and after-school educational services for preschool and school-age children under the name Champions.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
New Flagship Preschool Opens in Orange County
- Educational Milestone: The Crème School's new flagship preschool in Great Park, California, marks its expansion into the 16th state, expected to serve nearly 200 children with personalized learning experiences, solidifying its leadership in the premium early childhood education market.
- Personalized Learning Experience: The school utilizes Crème's proprietary curriculum, combining research-based instruction, small-group learning, and hands-on enrichment activities to support children's academic, social, emotional, and executive function development, enhancing overall student quality and foundational success.
- Modern Learning Environment: The new campus features modern designs with high-quality learning spaces and family amenities that encourage exploration, creativity, and collaboration, offering diverse courses in STEM, music, art, and Spanish to support children at every developmental stage.
- Strategic Expansion Plan: The opening of The Crème School not only represents a significant milestone in its national growth strategy but also demonstrates the company's commitment to the California market, aiming to attract more families by providing high-quality educational services and further expanding its market share.
See More
New York Invests $1.7 Billion to Expand Early Childhood Education
- Investment Announcement: New York State's $1.7 billion investment in child care and early education aims to provide affordable, high-quality education for hundreds of thousands of families, significantly enhancing access to early childhood education.
- Program Details: Of this funding, $561 million is allocated for public pre-kindergarten, with the goal of offering pre-K to all four-year-olds by Fall 2028, demonstrating a long-term commitment to children's education.
- Family Support: According to KinderCare's Confidence Index, 75% of working parents know someone who has left the workforce due to child care issues, indicating a pressing need for high-quality child care, and this investment will help alleviate such challenges.
- Policy Advocacy: KinderCare supports policies that increase child care affordability and expand access to high-quality education, which is expected to enhance workforce participation and drive economic growth.
See More
KinderCare Learning Companies Q1 Results Beat Expectations
- Earnings Beat: KinderCare Learning Companies reported Q1 adjusted EPS of 4 cents, surpassing the consensus estimate of -1 cent, indicating strong performance in early childhood education and boosting investor confidence.
- Revenue Growth: The company achieved Q1 revenue of $672.52 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $669.23 million, reflecting robust growth in its Champions and B2B segments, which enhances its competitive position in the market.
- Price Target Increase: BMO Capital raised KinderCare's price target from $4 to $6 while maintaining an Outperform rating, indicating analysts' optimistic outlook on the company's future performance despite facing a 310 basis point year-over-year occupancy pressure.
- Market Outlook: Baird analyst Jeffrey Meuler raised the price target from $1.50 to $4, maintaining a Neutral rating, suggesting a cautiously optimistic view on KinderCare's potential growth, although enrollment pressures remain a concern.
See More
KinderCare Reports Slightly Better Q1 Results but Stock Drops 8%
- Performance Overview: KinderCare reported Q1 revenue of $672.5 million, a 0.6% year-over-year increase that slightly exceeded analyst expectations of $669 million, yet net income plummeted to $4.2 million, indicating a severe decline in profitability.
- Stock Reaction: The company's stock fell 8% on Friday due to declining revenue in a key business segment, reflecting investor concerns about future growth prospects, with the current share price at $4.02.
- Adjusted Income Guidance: Despite challenges, KinderCare raised its adjusted net income guidance for 2026 to a range of $0.15 to $0.25 per share, indicating cautious optimism from management regarding future profitability.
- Enrollment Issues: Revenue from early childhood centers declined by nearly 1% due to reduced enrollment, and although the company raised tuition to mitigate this, it suggests diminishing attractiveness of its core offerings and poses challenges for future growth.
See More
KinderCare Updates 2026 Financial Outlook with Q1 Earnings Beat
- Earnings Beat: KinderCare reported a Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $0.04, exceeding expectations by $0.05, indicating resilience in the current economic climate despite a modest year-over-year revenue growth of only 0.6%.
- Revenue Performance: The company achieved revenue of $672.52 million in Q1, surpassing market expectations by $3.3 million, reflecting stable demand in the education services sector, even amid enrollment challenges.
- 2026 Outlook Update: KinderCare has adjusted its revenue guidance for 2026 to approximately $2.7 billion to $2.75 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $215 million and $235 million, showcasing cautious optimism for future growth despite ongoing enrollment issues.
- Stock Reaction: Following the earnings release, KinderCare's shares fell 7.3% in after-hours trading, indicating market concerns regarding the future outlook; while the earnings beat expectations, investor focus on persistent enrollment challenges may impact short-term performance.
See More
High-Quality Child Care Helps Parents Avoid Burnout
- Current Parent Stress: KinderCare's research reveals that parents spend over one-third of each month feeling burned out, with 60% stating that parenting pressures are harming their mental health, highlighting the critical role of high-quality child care for families.
- Impact of Child Care Gaps: 81% of parents are constantly worried about disruptions in child care, and this instability not only increases family stress but also costs U.S. businesses up to $70 billion annually in lost productivity and turnover.
- Confidence Boost: 88% of parents believe that access to quality child care makes them more confident, while 86% agree that high-quality child care should be considered a basic need rather than a luxury, underscoring its foundational role in family and economic stability.
- Importance of Employer Support: KinderCare collaborates with over 700 employers to provide child care benefits, helping parents balance work and family, which enhances employee retention and engagement, ultimately boosting overall productivity.
See More
New Flagship Preschool Opens in Orange County
- Educational Milestone: The Crème School's new flagship preschool in Great Park, California, marks its expansion into the 16th state, expected to serve nearly 200 children with personalized learning experiences, solidifying its leadership in the premium early childhood education market.
- Personalized Learning Experience: The school utilizes Crème's proprietary curriculum, combining research-based instruction, small-group learning, and hands-on enrichment activities to support children's academic, social, emotional, and executive function development, enhancing overall student quality and foundational success.
- Modern Learning Environment: The new campus features modern designs with high-quality learning spaces and family amenities that encourage exploration, creativity, and collaboration, offering diverse courses in STEM, music, art, and Spanish to support children at every developmental stage.
- Strategic Expansion Plan: The opening of The Crème School not only represents a significant milestone in its national growth strategy but also demonstrates the company's commitment to the California market, aiming to attract more families by providing high-quality educational services and further expanding its market share.
See More
New York Invests $1.7 Billion to Expand Early Childhood Education
- Investment Announcement: New York State's $1.7 billion investment in child care and early education aims to provide affordable, high-quality education for hundreds of thousands of families, significantly enhancing access to early childhood education.
- Program Details: Of this funding, $561 million is allocated for public pre-kindergarten, with the goal of offering pre-K to all four-year-olds by Fall 2028, demonstrating a long-term commitment to children's education.
- Family Support: According to KinderCare's Confidence Index, 75% of working parents know someone who has left the workforce due to child care issues, indicating a pressing need for high-quality child care, and this investment will help alleviate such challenges.
- Policy Advocacy: KinderCare supports policies that increase child care affordability and expand access to high-quality education, which is expected to enhance workforce participation and drive economic growth.
See More
KinderCare Learning Companies Q1 Results Beat Expectations
- Earnings Beat: KinderCare Learning Companies reported Q1 adjusted EPS of 4 cents, surpassing the consensus estimate of -1 cent, indicating strong performance in early childhood education and boosting investor confidence.
- Revenue Growth: The company achieved Q1 revenue of $672.52 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $669.23 million, reflecting robust growth in its Champions and B2B segments, which enhances its competitive position in the market.
- Price Target Increase: BMO Capital raised KinderCare's price target from $4 to $6 while maintaining an Outperform rating, indicating analysts' optimistic outlook on the company's future performance despite facing a 310 basis point year-over-year occupancy pressure.
- Market Outlook: Baird analyst Jeffrey Meuler raised the price target from $1.50 to $4, maintaining a Neutral rating, suggesting a cautiously optimistic view on KinderCare's potential growth, although enrollment pressures remain a concern.
See More
KinderCare Reports Slightly Better Q1 Results but Stock Drops 8%
- Performance Overview: KinderCare reported Q1 revenue of $672.5 million, a 0.6% year-over-year increase that slightly exceeded analyst expectations of $669 million, yet net income plummeted to $4.2 million, indicating a severe decline in profitability.
- Stock Reaction: The company's stock fell 8% on Friday due to declining revenue in a key business segment, reflecting investor concerns about future growth prospects, with the current share price at $4.02.
- Adjusted Income Guidance: Despite challenges, KinderCare raised its adjusted net income guidance for 2026 to a range of $0.15 to $0.25 per share, indicating cautious optimism from management regarding future profitability.
- Enrollment Issues: Revenue from early childhood centers declined by nearly 1% due to reduced enrollment, and although the company raised tuition to mitigate this, it suggests diminishing attractiveness of its core offerings and poses challenges for future growth.
See More
KinderCare Updates 2026 Financial Outlook with Q1 Earnings Beat
- Earnings Beat: KinderCare reported a Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $0.04, exceeding expectations by $0.05, indicating resilience in the current economic climate despite a modest year-over-year revenue growth of only 0.6%.
- Revenue Performance: The company achieved revenue of $672.52 million in Q1, surpassing market expectations by $3.3 million, reflecting stable demand in the education services sector, even amid enrollment challenges.
- 2026 Outlook Update: KinderCare has adjusted its revenue guidance for 2026 to approximately $2.7 billion to $2.75 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $215 million and $235 million, showcasing cautious optimism for future growth despite ongoing enrollment issues.
- Stock Reaction: Following the earnings release, KinderCare's shares fell 7.3% in after-hours trading, indicating market concerns regarding the future outlook; while the earnings beat expectations, investor focus on persistent enrollment challenges may impact short-term performance.
See More
High-Quality Child Care Helps Parents Avoid Burnout
- Current Parent Stress: KinderCare's research reveals that parents spend over one-third of each month feeling burned out, with 60% stating that parenting pressures are harming their mental health, highlighting the critical role of high-quality child care for families.
- Impact of Child Care Gaps: 81% of parents are constantly worried about disruptions in child care, and this instability not only increases family stress but also costs U.S. businesses up to $70 billion annually in lost productivity and turnover.
- Confidence Boost: 88% of parents believe that access to quality child care makes them more confident, while 86% agree that high-quality child care should be considered a basic need rather than a luxury, underscoring its foundational role in family and economic stability.
- Importance of Employer Support: KinderCare collaborates with over 700 employers to provide child care benefits, helping parents balance work and family, which enhances employee retention and engagement, ultimately boosting overall productivity.
See More
