McCormick shares fall to 52-week low after $44.8B merger deal with Unilever sparks debt concerns

McCormick & Co reported better-than-expected Q1 earnings and sales but saw its stock drop nearly 6% to a 52-week low due to investor worries over its $44.8 billion merger with Unilever's food business. The deal includes a $15.7 billion cash payout to Unilever and will create a global flavor company with about $20 billion in 2025 revenue. Despite strong organic growth and improved margins, concerns about future debt and equity dilution weighed on the stock. McCormick maintains its 2026 earnings and sales outlook while aiming to be a global flavor leader.