- GameStop's $56 Billion eBay Bid Faces Major Credit Rating Doubts
May 15, 2026
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
GameStop (NYSE:GME) is attempting one of the market's more audacious takeover plays, with eBay (NASDAQ:EBAY) rejecting its $56 billion approach after raising questions about whether the meme-stock retailer can realistically finance the transaction. The proposed structure would merge GameStop and eBay, give eBay shareholders $28 billion in cash funded through new debt and some existing cash, and leave them with a majority stake in a combined company that GameStop estimates would be worth another $28 billion. While the idea appears highly stretched given GameStop's $12 billion market value before the plan surfaced versus eBay's $46 billion value, corporate finance has seen bold structures before, including McCormick's March agreement to pay $45 billion in cash and stock for Unilever's food business despite its own $14 billion market capitalization.
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The key pressure point is whether the combined company could secure an investment-grade credit rating. TD Securities said it was confident in raising $20 billion of debt, but that confidence appears tied to the combined company qualifying as an investment-grade borrower. Moody's (NYSE:MCO) has already suggested the transaction would be credit negative for GameStop, noting gross debt would be about 9 times the relevant profit measure. CreditSights analyst Jordan Chalfin estimated net debt at 6.3 times EBITDA, or 4.2 times if Ryan Cohen's projected $2 billion in annual cost savings were included. Chalfin said the deal, as currently proposed, seems very unlikely to be investment grade, adding another major hurdle to a plan already facing financing, leverage, and execution concerns.
For investors, the bigger issue is that even a favorable credit outcome may not remove the valuation risk. Heavy borrowing could weigh on the market value of the combined company, possibly reducing the worth of the shares eBay investors would receive, even if the cash portion were funded. eBay's rejection was centered on financing uncertainty, debt impact, operational risk, and valuation concerns, while Cohen is reportedly considering taking the idea directly to eBay shareholders. If GameStop is serious about pursuing the deal rather than simply testing the market, it may need a different structure and a much stronger financing case.
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- McCormick Honors 2026 Unsung Heroes; Awards $105,000 in Total Scholarships to Student-Athletes
May 14, 2026
Two $40,000 Charles Perry McCormick Scholarships Awarded to Tempris Harrison from Frederick Douglass High School and Avery Ray from Franklin High School
HUNT VALLEY, Md., May 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE: MKC), a global leader in flavor, announced Tempris Harrison from Frederick Douglass High School and Avery Ray from Franklin High School as the 95th and 96th recipients of its Charles Perry McCormick scholarships, worth $40,000 each over four years.Brendan Foley, Liz McCormick, Avery Ray, Tempris Harrison, Justin Forsett and Jason McCormick
The in-person event held Monday, May 11 at the M&T Bank Exchange, located in downtown Baltimore's France-Merrick Performing Arts Center recognized Ms. Harrison and Mr. Ray from more than 100 student-athletes honored as Unsung Heroes for their commitment to unselfish team play. The full list of this year's McCormick Unsung Heroes nominees can be found HERE. McCormick is proud to recognize each of these student-athletes.
Four other students were recognized with additional scholarships at this year's Unsung Heroes event. Kate Cabrera from Loch Raven High School and Tavon Brown from Reginald F. Lewis High School were awarded $7,500 scholarships, while Bianca Crainiceanu from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Donte Harrison from Benjamin Franklin High School both received $5,000 scholarships. McCormick congratulates all of the 2026 Unsung Heroes.
During the ceremony, keynote speaker Justin Forsett, Former Baltimore Ravens Running Back; 9-Year NFL Pro Bowl Veteran; CEO & Co-Founder of Hustle Clean, shared his powerful "unsung hero" story. He spoke candidly about pushing through adversity and learning to navigate change with resilience, even in the face of repeated setbacks.
"Greatness grows best in the shadows," he said to the students as he reminded them to trust the process and remember that "there is greatness inside you."
Justin's remarks were followed by a Q&A session moderated by emcee Scott Garceau, sports radio personality and broadcaster.
Tempris Harrison is a senior middle-distance runner and Team Captain who found in track more than medals — she found confidence, resilience, and a second family. After navigating family challenges and changing schools, running became her anchor and a source of strength. Competing in the 400m, 800m, and relays, she consistently puts team success first, stepping into relays on short notice and mentoring younger athletes. Her quiet leadership, discipline, and selfless commitment embody the spirit of the McCormick Unsung Hero Award and the Charles Perry McCormick Scholarship.
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Avery Ray exemplifies resilience, leadership, and service. Despite personal challenges preventing contact sports, he thrived in the Allied program, competing in soccer, bocce, and softball. A four-year leader and 2023 State Champion in bocce, he also volunteers as a football and basketball manager. Balancing a 4.2 GPA, part-time work, tutoring, and hosting a podcast, he consistently elevates his school community through dedication and selflessness.
The Unsung Heroes program recognizes unselfish student-athletes and honors those who substantially contribute to the success of their school without receiving acclaim. Originally established in 1940 by former McCormick & Company Chairman Charles P. McCormick Sr., the program is reflective of McCormick & Company's core belief in the Power of People.
About McCormick
McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor. With approximately $7 billion in annual sales across 150 countries and territories, we manufacture, market, and distribute herbs, spices, seasonings, condiments and flavors to the entire food and beverage industry including retailers, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Our most popular brands with trademark registrations include McCormick, French's, Frank's RedHot, Stubb's, OLD BAY, Lawry's, Zatarain's, Ducros, Vahiné, Cholula, Schwartz, Kamis, DaQiao, Club House, Aeroplane, Gourmet Garden, FONA and Giotti. The breadth and reach of our portfolio uniquely position us to capitalize on the consumer demand for flavor in every sip and bite, through our products and our customers' products. We operate in two segments, Consumer and Flavor Solutions, which complement each other and reinforce our differentiation. The scale, insights, and technology that we leverage from both segments are meaningful in driving sustainable growth.
Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland USA, McCormick is committed to its Purpose – To Make Life More Flavorful – and driven by its Vision - To be the World's Most Trusted Source of Flavor.
To learn more, visit: www.mccormickcorporation.com or follow McCormick & Company on Instagram and LinkedIn.
For information contact:
Global Communications:
Jill Marvin - Jill_Marvin@mccormick.comCision
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- McCormick Honors 2026 Unsung Heroes; Awards $105,000 in Total Scholarships to Student-Athletes
May 14, 2026 · prnewswire.com
Two $40,000 Charles Perry McCormick Scholarships Awarded to Tempris Harrison from Frederick Douglass High School and Avery Ray from Franklin High School HUNT VALLEY, Md., May 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE: MKC), a global leader in flavor, announced Tempris Harrison from Frederick Douglass High School and Avery Ray from Franklin High School as the 95th and 96th recipients of its Charles Perry McCormick scholarships, worth $40,000 each over four years.
- MCCORMICK HONORS 2026 UNSUNG HEROES; AWARDS $105,000 IN TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENT-ATHLETES
May 14, 2026
TWO $40,000 CHARLES PERRY MCCORMICK SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO TEMPRIS HARRISON FROM FREDERICK DOUGLASS HIGH SCHOOL AND AVERY RAY FROM FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL HUNT VALLEY, MD., MAY 14, 2026 /PRNEWSWIRE/ -- MCCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED (NYSE: MKC), A GLOBAL LEADER IN FLAVOR, ANNOUNCED TEMPRIS HARRISON FROM FREDERICK DOUGLASS HIGH SCHOOL AND AVERY RAY FROM FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL AS THE 95TH AND 96TH RECIPIENTS OF ITS CHARLES PERRY MCCORMICK SCHOLARSHIPS, WORTH $40,000 EACH OVER FOUR YEARS.
- Jim Cramer Says General Mills Yield “Seems Pretty High for a Quality Company”
May 14, 2026
General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) was one of the stocks on which Jim Cramer shared his take, explaining that dot-com analogies do not hold up in this market. Cramer called it one of the most “reliable stocks,” as he remarked:
…Anything food, forget about it. Hormel, General Mills, McCormick, they all hit lows today. General Mills, one of the most reliable stocks here in the entire market, now sports a 7.2% yield. That seems pretty high for a quality company like this. Market hasn’t yet caught on to the benefits of that McCormick buying Hellmann’s from Unilever. Hormel’s just plain unfathomable, and the dividend yield of 5.8% seems mighty high, not as high as Campbell’s at 7.56%… You don’t get those kinds of deals unless people are worried that the dividend will need to be cut. That’s what it’s saying.
A stock market chart. Photo by Arturo A on Pexels
General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) provides branded foods, including cereals, snacks, meals, baking products, frozen items, ice cream, and pet food. A caller inquired about the stock during the April 20 episode, and Cramer responded:
Okay, Mills doesn’t want to hear this, Jeff Harmening doesn’t want to hear this, but they gotta combine. A lot of these companies just have to combine, and maybe with this administration, they could because they have to start playing offense, and they can’t right now because there’s too many negatives in the food group. Unless it’s just going to be a group that goes down for years and years and years, they have to do some combinations, and they gotta do them now.
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- Stocks For Navigating Inflation Stress
May 14, 2026 · benzinga.com
With the deadlock in the Strait of Hormuz refusing to break, should investors adapt their strategy for a sustained period of high inflation on Wall Street?
- Rep McCormick: This is ‘not the time to flinch' in the Iran war
May 12, 2026 · youtube.com
Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., says the UAE's alleged secret attack on Iran is a positive sign for alliances in the region on ‘The Evening Edit.
- U.S. Senator Dave McCormick Meets With Homer City Generation Leadership to Discuss Latest Site Progress and Urgent Need for Permitting Reform
May 11, 2026 · businesswire.com
INDIANA COUNTY, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Homer City Generation, L.P. today announced that its leadership team met with U.S. Senator Dave McCormick in Pittsburgh on May 7, 2026, to provide an update on the current site redevelopment progress and to discuss the importance of driving federal permitting reform through the Senator's Unlock American Energy and Jobs Act. During the meeting, Corey Hessen, Chief Executive Officer of Homer City Generation, L.P., provided an overview of the progress made ove.
- U.S. SENATOR DAVE MCCORMICK MEETS WITH HOMER CITY GENERATION LEADERSHIP TO DISCUSS LATEST SITE PROGRESS AND URGENT NEED FOR PERMITTING REFORM
May 11, 2026
INDIANA COUNTY, PA.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HOMER CITY GENERATION, L.P. TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT ITS LEADERSHIP TEAM MET WITH U.S. SENATOR DAVE MCCORMICK IN PITTSBURGH ON MAY 7, 2026, TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE CURRENT SITE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRESS AND TO DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF DRIVING FEDERAL PERMITTING REFORM THROUGH THE SENATOR'S UNLOCK AMERICAN ENERGY AND JOBS ACT. DURING THE MEETING, COREY HESSEN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF HOMER CITY GENERATION, L.P., PROVIDED AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRESS MADE OVE.
- McCormick’s Unilever Deal And Mexico Stake Shift Growth And Valuation Story
May 10, 2026
Get insights on thousands of stocks from the global community of over 7 million individual investors at Simply Wall St.
McCormick (NYSE:MKC) has entered into a large food sector transaction with Unilever, reshaping its portfolio exposure. The company has also increased its ownership in McCormick de Mexico, deepening its presence in Latin American markets. These moves highlight McCormick's current focus on acquisitions and regional expansion within its core categories.
For investors tracking NYSE:MKC, these deals come at a time when the stock has faced sustained pressure, with shares around $47.90 and a 28.8% decline year to date and a 35.3% decline over the past year. Over a 3-year period the stock shows a 42.4% decline, and over 5 years a 40.9% decline, which makes any meaningful change in business mix and regional exposure especially important to watch.
The Unilever transaction and the higher stake in McCormick de Mexico indicate a clear focus on reshaping where and how the company generates growth. Investors may want to monitor how integration progresses, what this means for margins and cash flow, and whether increased exposure to Latin America changes the risk and opportunity profile for NYSE:MKC over time.
Stay updated on the most important news stories for McCormick by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on McCormick.NYSE:MKC Earnings & Revenue Growth as at May 2026
We've flagged 2 risks for McCormick. See which could impact your investment.
Quick Assessment
✅ Price vs Analyst Target: At US$47.90 versus a consensus target of US$62.69, the stock trades roughly 24% below where analysts collectively see it. ✅ Simply Wall St Valuation: Simply Wall St currently assesses the stock as trading about 57.5% below its estimated fair value. ❌ Recent Momentum: The 30 day return is about 6.1% lower, so the share price has been under short term pressure.
There is only one way to know the right time to buy, sell or hold McCormick. Head to Simply Wall St's company report for the latest analysis of McCormick's Fair Value..
Key Considerations
📊 The Unilever deal and higher stake in McCormick de Mexico concentrate the story on M&A and regional growth. These factors could matter more than short term price moves. 📊 Watch how revenue, margins and cash flow trend after these transactions, given the current P/E of 7.8 versus a food industry average of 16.2. ⚠️ Simply Wall St flags two major risks, including debt coverage by operating cash flow, which is important when a company is active in acquisitions.
Dig Deeper
For the full picture including more risks and rewards, check out the complete McCormick analysis. Alternatively, you can check out the community page for McCormick to see how other investors believe this latest news will impact the company's narrative.
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Companies discussed in this article include MKC.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
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