Stock Market Today: AAPL Rallies, WBD Bidding War Updates, PANW Earnings #shorts
•February 18, 2026
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Why It Matters
Apple’s AI‑focused rally, a possible WBD‑Netflix/Paramount merger, and Palo Alto’s strong security growth highlight shifting tech valuations and could drive sector rotation for investors.
Key Takeaways
- •Apple shares jump 3% on bullish Wedbush rating.
- •Warner Bros. Discovery's merger vote set for March 20.
- •Netflix grants waiver, enabling WBD to discuss Paramount bid.
- •Palo Alto Networks beats earnings, raises sales forecast to $11.29B.
- •Upcoming reports: Analog Devices, Carvana, DoorDash, eBay, housing data.
Summary
Apple rallied 3% after Wedbush analyst Dan Ives reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $350 price target, citing undervalued AI potential in Siri and upcoming AI‑enhanced hardware. The broader market was mixed, with the S&P and Dow inching higher, the Nasdaq slipping, and the Russell flat.
Warner Bros. Discovery announced a March 20 special shareholder meeting to decide on a merger with either Netflix or Paramount’s SkyDance, while Netflix granted a seven‑day waiver allowing WBD to discuss Paramount’s amended proposal. Paramount’s SkyDance shares jumped 5%, underscoring the high stakes of the bidding war.
Palo Alto Networks delivered an earnings beat, reporting a 33% YoY rise in security ARR and a 23% increase in RPO, and lifted its revenue outlook to $11.29 billion. However, the company trimmed full‑year EPS guidance to $3.67 from $3.85, reflecting acquisition‑related cost pressures.
The moves signal renewed investor optimism in AI‑driven consumer tech, a potentially transformative consolidation in streaming, and robust demand for cybersecurity despite margin challenges. Upcoming earnings from Analog Devices, Carvana, DoorDash, eBay and key economic data will shape market direction this week.
Original Description
Apple (AAPL) added muscle to a tech trade that largely stalled on the first day of a short trading week. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) sets the date for a vote between Netflix (NFLX) and Paramount Skydance's (PSKY) merger bids. Palo Alto Networks (PANW) posts the first big earnings report of the week. Marley Kayden takes investors through the top stories of the session.
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