After-Hours Stock Movers: Big Swings in CVNA, ETSY, DASH

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Feb 18, 2026

After-hours trading brought dramatic moves: Carvana cratered 20% on EBITDA miss, Etsy jumped big on a major sale, DoorDash slipped after weak earnings—what drove these swings and what it means for investors next...

Financial market analysis from 18/02/2026. Market conditions may have changed since publication.

The after-hours trading session on February 18, 2026, delivered a classic mix of surprises, disappointments, and strategic moves that kept investors glued to their screens. It’s always fascinating to watch how quickly sentiment can shift once the regular bell rings—stocks that looked steady all day suddenly swing wildly based on fresh earnings reports or big announcements. This time around, we saw everything from sharp plunges to impressive pops, highlighting just how volatile certain sectors remain even as broader markets try to find their footing in the new year.

Key Stock Movers Shaking Up After-Hours Trading

Let’s dive right into the companies that stole the show. The used-car space, e-commerce reshuffling, food delivery challenges, and travel sector updates all made waves. Some results exceeded expectations in surprising ways, while others raised red flags about profitability and future headwinds. I’ll break it down company by company, sharing what stood out to me and why these moves matter for anyone keeping an eye on market trends.

Carvana Faces a Tough Reception After Profitability Concerns

Carvana’s stock took a serious hit, dropping around 20% in extended trading. The online used-car retailer reported solid revenue growth—climbing nicely year-over-year—but the adjusted EBITDA came in below what most analysts had penciled in. Higher costs in retail operations and other expenses seemed to eat into the bottom line more than expected. The company sold more vehicles than anticipated, yet profitability metrics disappointed, leading to a swift sell-off.

In my view, this reaction feels a bit harsh considering the overall progress made in recent years. Turnaround stories like this often face scrutiny when margins don’t expand as quickly as hoped. Management pointed to expectations of significant growth ahead, but without precise near-term numbers, doubt crept in. Volatility in this name is nothing new, but the magnitude here underscores investor focus on sustainable profits over pure growth.

When margins miss in a high-expectation stock, the punishment can be severe—even if revenue beats.

– Trading insight

Moving forward, stabilizing costs while scaling will be crucial. This drop could present opportunities if execution improves, but near-term caution seems warranted.

Etsy’s Bold Divestiture Drives Sharp Gains

Etsy shares popped nearly 15% following the announcement of a $1.2 billion cash sale of Depop to eBay. This move allows Etsy to streamline and pocket significant proceeds while the acquirer strengthens its position in younger demographics. The deal, pending adjustments and approvals, signals confidence in strategic focus.

I’ve long believed specialized platforms sometimes thrive better under owners more aligned with their audience. This transaction frees up resources for Etsy’s main marketplace and demonstrates proactive capital allocation. Both stocks reacted positively, a rare win-win in corporate news.

  1. Cash influx bolsters balance sheet flexibility
  2. Simplifies operations by shedding non-core asset
  3. Buyer expands reach into fashion resale segment
  4. Market rewards decisive strategic actions

Deals of this nature can reshape competitive landscapes quietly but effectively. Expect continued interest in how Etsy deploys the proceeds.

DoorDash Struggles to Meet High Bar

DoorDash shares declined after reporting fourth-quarter earnings that fell short on both EPS and revenue. The miss, though modest in revenue terms, highlighted ongoing profitability hurdles in a competitive delivery landscape. Growth in orders remains strong, yet bottom-line results disappointed.

The sector has matured beyond pandemic highs, making consistent execution tougher. Investors seem less forgiving of shortfalls now. While the company maintains market leadership, these results remind us profitability takes time in high-investment models.

Perhaps the key takeaway is patience—long-term potential exists, but near-term volatility persists until margins stabilize.

Figma Delivers Impressive Beat and Raise

Figma’s stock soared 17% on blowout fourth-quarter results and upbeat guidance. Revenue grew 40% year-over-year, with earnings topping forecasts. This performance highlights sustained demand for collaborative design software in evolving work environments.

In tech, where growth concerns often dominate headlines, Figma stands out positively. Strong execution and forward visibility fueled the rally. It’s encouraging to see innovation-driven companies thriving.

Molson Coors Cites Inflation in Weak Outlook

Molson Coors shares fell sharply after forecasting a notable earnings decline for the year, blaming commodity inflation. The projection contrasted sharply with modest growth expectations, triggering the sell-off.

Inflation impacts linger for consumer goods firms, especially those reliant on agricultural inputs. While disappointing, such warnings can sometimes precede better comparisons later if costs ease. Still, the reset hurt sentiment.

Booking Holdings Edges Lower Despite Solid Report

Booking Holdings slipped slightly even after beating estimates and guiding above consensus for revenue growth. A dividend raise added appeal, yet the modest dip reflected mixed broader travel sentiment.

The company continues showing resilience in online travel. Capital returns like dividend hikes appeal to income-focused investors. Fundamentals appear healthy despite short-term noise.

Overall, this after-hours session illustrated diverse market reactions—punishing misses harshly while rewarding beats and smart deals. These moves often foreshadow themes for coming weeks. Staying attuned to execution and guidance remains essential in uncertain times.

The most important quality for an investor is temperament, not intellect.
— Warren Buffett
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Steven Soarez passionately shares his financial expertise to help everyone better understand and master investing. Contact us for collaboration opportunities or sponsored article inquiries.

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