Top Stock Movers – February 18, 2026
U.S. stocks closed higher Wednesday, led by strength in technology shares, even as investors weighed fresh signals of division inside the Federal Reserve over the path of interest rates.The Nasdaq Composite gained 0.8%, the S&P 500 rose 0.6%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.3%, marking a second straight session of gains.
🔼 Top Stock Winners
Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) +8%
Cadence surged after topping Wall Street expectations on both revenue and earnings, benefiting from sustained demand for chip design tools tied to AI infrastructure expansion.
Analog Devices (ADI) +3%
Analog Devices also beat earnings estimates, sending shares higher as investors rewarded strong execution in the semiconductor space.
Synopsys (SNPS) +5%
The chip software maker climbed after disclosures showed Nvidia initiated a position in the company during the fourth quarter.
Moderna (MRNA) +6%
Moderna rallied after the FDA agreed to review its updated application for a new mRNA flu vaccine, reversing an earlier refusal. The stock is now up nearly 60% year to date.
🔽 Top Stock Losers
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) -7%
The cybersecurity giant was the worst performer in the S&P 500 after cutting its full-year profit outlook due to higher integration costs tied to recent acquisitions. Despite beating quarterly estimates, weaker guidance pressured the stock.
Recursion Pharmaceuticals (RXRX) -14%
Recursion plunged after regulatory filings showed Nvidia exited its stake in the AI-driven drug discovery firm.
Applied Digital (APLD) -10%
Shares of the data center services provider dropped sharply following news that Nvidia sold its position.
WeRide (WRD) -4%
The autonomous driving company slid after Nvidia disclosed it divested its holdings.
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