Maplebear (CART) slides as order growth slows despite upbeat GTV outlook

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Maplebear (CART) shares fell about 5% after first-quarter results and outlook showed slowing order growth despite GTV and ad revenue gains. Investors focused on decelerating orders and a mixed profitability setup even as the company expanded buybacks and added a new $500 million revolver.

1. What’s moving the stock today

Maplebear (Instacart) stock is down about 4.8% as investors digest its first-quarter report and near-term outlook released Wednesday, May 6, 2026. While the company posted double-digit growth in gross transaction value (GTV) and advertising revenue, the market reaction has been negative, with attention landing on slowing order growth and the overall “quality” of growth in the quarter. (investing.com)

2. Key numbers investors are reacting to

For Q1 2026, GTV rose 13% to $10.29 billion and orders increased 10%, down from 16% order growth a year earlier. Advertising revenue increased 16% to $286 million, and adjusted EBITDA rose to about $300 million; for Q2, Maplebear guided GTV to $10.10–$10.25 billion and adjusted EBITDA to $290–$300 million. (investing.com)

3. Capital return and balance-sheet updates

Alongside the quarterly update, Maplebear increased its share repurchase authorization to $3.5 billion (from $2.5 billion) and disclosed a new unsecured $500 million revolving credit facility maturing April 30, 2031. The revolver was undrawn at closing, and the company said it generated $253 million of free cash flow in Q1 while repurchasing $349 million of shares. (stocktitan.net)

4. What to watch next

The key near-term debate is whether Maplebear can re-accelerate order growth while sustaining advertising momentum, since retail media is increasingly central to the company’s margin and growth narrative. Traders will also watch for any follow-through in buybacks after the authorization increase and for any updates around consumer demand trends as macro uncertainty persists. (investing.com)