Stock Markets February 17, 2026

After-hours movers: Chip leaders and cybersecurity names drive mixed trading in extended session

NVIDIA and Meta expand AI infrastructure ties as select tech and leisure stocks diverge in after-hours trading

By Marcus Reed NVDA META AMD ANET PANW
After-hours movers: Chip leaders and cybersecurity names drive mixed trading in extended session
NVDA META AMD ANET PANW

After-hours trading showed a split market reaction across technology, cybersecurity, and leisure stocks. NVIDIA and Meta announced a multiyear strategic AI infrastructure partnership, sending both higher in extended trading. Other semiconductor and networking names moved lower, while select software and casino operators posted gains following earnings or disclosure events.

Key Points

  • NVIDIA and Meta announced a multiyear, multigenerational strategic partnership focused on on-premises, cloud and AI infrastructure; NVDA rose 1.6% and META rose 2% in after-hours trading.
  • Mixed results across semiconductors and networking: AMD fell 4% and Arista Networks fell 5% in after-hours trading.
  • Corporate results and guidance influenced moves: Cadence beat EPS and revenue expectations and climbed 4%, Palo Alto Networks beat quarterly estimates but fell 5% after providing weak guidance, and Caesars reported in-line GAAP net revenues of $11.5 billion and rose 3%.

Stocks that moved in after-hours trading reflected a mix of corporate updates and quarterly results, with technology names leading gains and losses across several sectors.

Big tech and AI infrastructure

NVIDIA (NVDA) rose 1.6% in after-hours trading following disclosure of a multiyear, multigenerational strategic partnership with Meta Platforms (META). The pact covers on-premises, cloud and AI infrastructure. Meta itself was up about 2% in the same session.

Semiconductors and networking

Not all chip and networking stocks shared the upside. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) fell 4% in after-hours trade, while Arista Networks (ANET) declined 5%.

Cybersecurity and guidance impacts

Palo Alto Networks (PANW) dropped 5% despite reporting quarterly results that beat analyst estimates. The stock moved lower after management issued guidance that the market judged lackluster.

Leisure and consumer-facing results

Caesars Entertainment (CZR) advanced roughly 3% after reporting GAAP net revenues of $11.5 billion for the reported period, compared with $11.2 billion in the prior-year comparable period. The revenue figure was described as in line with expectations.

Software and design

Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) climbed 4% after releasing quarterly results and forward guidance that exceeded consensus. Cadence reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of $1.99, beating the consensus estimate of $1.91 by $0.08. Quarterly revenue totaled $1.44 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.42 billion.

Media ownership disclosure

The New York Times Co. (NYT) rose about 3% after Berkshire disclosed a new stake in the company.


These after-hours moves show how corporate announcements, earnings beats and forward-looking guidance can produce divergent stock reactions across related subsectors - including semiconductors, networking, cybersecurity, software and leisure.

Risks

  • Companies that beat near-term earnings can still decline if forward guidance is viewed as disappointing - relevant for cybersecurity and software sectors.
  • Sector divergence may reflect sensitivity to AI infrastructure announcements and guidance; semiconductors and networking stocks may remain volatile based on partnership details and future capital spending.
  • Ownership disclosures can move media stocks, but the market reaction may be limited to the immediate trading window and subject to subsequent developments.

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