Globe's Top Picks: Maplebear, Gildan, Boston Pizza, Newegg, and Webtoon

The Globe's stars and dogs for the week feature companies that caught their eye, for better or worse. Maplebear Inc. (DOG) tumbled after Amazon launched same-day delivery. Gildan Activewear Inc. (STAR) jumped after acquiring HanesBrands for $2.2-billion. Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund (STAR) saw a surge in same-store sales and hiked its distribution. Newegg Commerce Inc. (STAR) saw its stock rocket 2,500% in three months due to meme stock investors. Webtoon Entertainment Inc. (STAR) saw its stock rise after being acquired by NAVER Corp. for $1.1-billion.

In this week's market review, we highlight the significant movements of several key companies. Maplebear Inc. (DOG), the parent company of Instacart, experienced a notable decline after Amazon's launch of same-day delivery, while Gildan Activewear Inc. (STAR) saw a substantial jump following its acquisition of HanesBrands for $2.2 billion. Meanwhile, Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund (STAR) reported a surge in same-store sales and increased its distribution. Newegg Commerce Inc. (STAR) and Webtoon Entertainment Inc. (STAR) also saw significant stock movements, with the former rising by 2,500% over three months and the latter after being acquired by NAVER Corp. for $1.1 billion.

Instacart's Decline

Maplebear Inc. (DOG) stock fell by 2.74% on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from $45.11 to $43.88 [2]. This follows a three-day consecutive decline and a 6-day downward trend, with the stock down by -8.54% over this period. The stock experienced a day low at $43.01 and a day high at $45.38, with a trading volume decrease of -10 million shares. Analysts predict a 7.93% rise over the next three months, with a 90% probability of the stock holding between $47.35 and $56.07 at the end of this period. Despite these projections, the stock holds sell signals from both short and long-term moving averages, indicating a more negative forecast [2].

AI Companies' Government Access

Anthropic, a leading AI company, has expanded its reach by offering its Claude AI models to all three branches of the U.S. government for $1 per agency for a year [1]. This move follows OpenAI's similar initiative to provide its ChatGPT Enterprise product to U.S. federal agencies for $1. Both companies aim to deepen their ties with policymakers and regulators. This competition for government customers has grown intense, with other companies like xAI and Google also securing significant contracts [1].

Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund's Surge

Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund (STAR) reported a 4.3% increase in its monthly cash distribution rate, now at $0.120 per Unit [4]. This increase is the highest since the Fund's inception and reflects strong financial performance. The Fund's same-store sales and cash flows generated from operating activities both increased, contributing to the higher distribution rate.

References

[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/12/anthropic-claude-government-ai.html
[2] https://stockinvest.us/stock/CART
[4] https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/boston-pizza-royalties-income-fund-announces-2025-second-quarter-results-and-4-3-increase-to-monthly-cash-distributions-to-unitholders-813900629.html