Business
GameStop Shares Dip Modestly as eBay Takeover Push Gains Momentum with Raised Stake
NEW YORK — GameStop Corp. shares traded slightly lower Friday morning, falling about 1% to $21.47 as the video game retailer continued its aggressive pursuit of eBay Inc. by raising its ownership stake in the online marketplace to 7.78%.
The modest decline came amid light pre-holiday trading volume and broader market caution. GameStop’s ongoing activism around a potential acquisition of eBay has kept the stock in focus, even as the company faces skepticism from investors and analysts regarding financing and strategic fit.
GameStop has steadily increased its position in eBay following the rejection of its non-binding $56 billion takeover proposal earlier in May. The latest filing shows the stake rising from previous levels around 6.6%, signaling CEO Ryan Cohen’s determination to pressure eBay’s board and explore further steps.
The move comes as GameStop seeks to transform beyond its traditional brick-and-mortar retail roots. Once a meme stock phenomenon, the company has built a substantial cash position and pursued strategic shifts under Cohen’s leadership, including cost-cutting measures and exploration of new revenue streams.
Recent financial results provide context for the activist approach. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026, GameStop reported net sales of $3.63 billion, down from the prior year, but posted improved profitability with net income rising to $418 million. Fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share beat estimates at $0.49, though revenue fell short of expectations.
The company has also requested shareholder approval to increase authorized shares, a move that could provide flexibility for future capital raises or acquisitions. That filing contributed to some recent volatility in the stock.
Analysts remain divided on GameStop’s prospects. Some view the eBay campaign as a high-risk, high-reward gambit that could reshape the company if successful. Others question the viability given eBay’s rejection and potential regulatory hurdles. Morgan Stanley noted after the initial bid rejection that the “takeover fight may just be starting.”
eBay has pushed back firmly, describing the proposal as neither credible nor attractive. The company has defended its independent strategy focused on e-commerce growth and marketplace enhancements.
GameStop’s cash reserves and low debt position give it some maneuvering room, though executing a full takeover would likely require significant additional financing. The company has not detailed specific plans beyond the increased stake and shareholder proposals.
Trading in GME shares has remained volatile but less extreme than the 2021 meme stock surge. The stock has traded in a relatively narrow range in recent months, reflecting reduced short interest compared to previous years while retaining a dedicated retail investor base.
Options activity has shown mixed sentiment recently, with relatively light volume. Some traders bet on continued activism-driven catalysts, while others anticipate consolidation or downside if the eBay effort stalls.
GameStop’s core business continues to face industry headwinds. The shift to digital gaming has pressured physical sales, prompting the company to diversify into collectibles, electronics and potential technology ventures. Its balance sheet strength, bolstered by prior share offerings and cost discipline, provides a buffer.
Cohen has taken an increasingly public role in pushing for change. His commentary on eBay’s management has been pointed, though specific details remain limited in regulatory filings.
The broader retail sector has seen consolidation and digital transformation pressures. GameStop’s attempt to acquire eBay represents one of the more unusual activist campaigns in recent memory, blending legacy retail with e-commerce ambitions.
Investors will watch for any further disclosures or responses from eBay. Next earnings are expected around early June, which could provide additional insight into operational performance and strategic priorities.
From a valuation standpoint, GameStop trades at levels reflecting both its cash holdings and uncertainty around future growth. The stock remains well below its 2021 peaks but has shown resilience amid market fluctuations.
Retail enthusiasm for GME persists on social platforms, where discussions often center on potential short squeezes, activist outcomes and long-term transformation. However, institutional ownership and analyst coverage reflect more measured expectations.
The company has maintained focus on operational improvements, including store optimizations and inventory management. Progress in these areas helped drive better profitability despite lower sales.
Looking ahead, GameStop’s trajectory depends heavily on the success of its capital allocation and any transformative deals. The eBay stake increase keeps the narrative alive but also introduces execution risk.
Market watchers note that meme stock dynamics have evolved since 2021. While retail participation remains influential, broader market factors like interest rates and economic data now play larger roles in daily movements.
GameStop has not provided detailed guidance on the eBay situation beyond regulatory filings. Any material developments would likely trigger further volatility.
For long-term shareholders, the company’s cash position offers downside protection while activism creates upside optionality. Short-term traders continue to monitor technical levels and news flow closely.
The stock’s performance Friday fits a pattern of modest moves amid waiting periods in the eBay saga. Volume has been lighter than average as markets prepare for the Memorial Day weekend.
Broader technology and consumer discretionary sectors showed mixed trading, with some AI-related names gaining while retail names lagged.
GameStop’s history as a cultural phenomenon in retail investing ensures continued attention. Whether the current strategy yields a major outcome remains uncertain, but the company has demonstrated willingness to pursue bold moves.
As the situation develops, investors will balance enthusiasm for potential catalysts against fundamental challenges in the gaming retail space.
Business
John Hancock Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund Q1 2026 Commentary
A company of Manulife Investment Management, John Hancock Investment Management serves investors through a unique multimanager approach, complementing our extensive in-house capabilities with an unrivaled network of specialized asset managers, backed by some of the most rigorous investment oversight in the industry. The result is a diverse lineup of time-tested investments from a premier asset manager with a heritage of financial stewardship. Note: This account is not managed or monitored by John Hancock Investment Management, and any messages sent via Seeking Alpha will not receive a response. For inquiries or communication, please use John Hancock Investment Management’s official channels.
Business
Invesco SteelPath MLP Income Fund Q1 2026 Commentary
Invesco is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life.Be the first to know! Sign up for Invesco US Blog and get expert investment views as they post.Disclosure for all Invesco US articles: Before investing, carefully read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus and carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation of the suitability of any investment strategy for a particular investor. Invesco does not provide tax advice. The tax information contained herein is general and is not exhaustive by nature. Federal and state tax laws are complex and constantly changing. Investors should always consult their own legal or tax professional for information concerning their individual situation. The opinions expressed are those of the authors, are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. These opinions may differ from those of other Invesco investment professionals. NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE All data provided by Invesco unless otherwise noted. Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the US distributor for Invesco Ltd.’s retail products and collective trust funds. Invesco Advisers, Inc. and other affiliated investment advisers mentioned provide investment advisory services and do not sell securities. Invesco Unit Investment Trusts are distributed by the sponsor, Invesco Capital Markets, Inc., and broker-dealers including Invesco Distributors, Inc. PowerShares® is a registered trademark of Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC (Invesco PowerShares). Each entity is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. ©2015 Invesco Ltd. All rights reserved.
Business
Ken Griffin urges NYC business leaders to fight socialist mayor Mamdani
Manhattan Institute expert Adam Lehodey says NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s outreach to Wall Street leaders signals a recognition that New York cannot fund progressive priorities without keeping businesses and wealthy investors in the city.
Billionaire Citadel founder Ken Griffin is encouraging New York’s business leaders to take on socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani, warning that the city’s future could be at risk if employers and investors stay quiet.
“They need to find their voice and fight for their city,” Griffin said Thursday at a Manhattan event, according to Bloomberg.
“My advice is to speak up. What’s the worst that’s going to happen? It will be that New York empties of talent and that’s a catastrophe. If the mayor wants to say a few words about you, your record speaks for itself: You create jobs, you create value and you pay taxes.”
MAMDANI’S WALL STREET COURTSHIP SPARKS CRITICISM OF ANTI-BILLIONAIRE AGENDA

The Citadel founder is clashing with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over taxes targeting the ultra-wealthy and intensifying crime, reviving the same tensions that drove him to pull his business and billions out of Chicago. (Spencer Platt/Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg/Getty Images / Getty Images / Getty Images)
Griffin’s remarks mark the latest chapter in an ongoing clash between Wall Street’s billionaire class and Mamdani, whose proposals to raise taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and luxury property owners have drawn fierce criticism from business leaders concerned about the city’s economic competitiveness.
The financial titan, whose net worth is estimated at $48.3 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, argued that New York’s corporate leaders should focus on the long-term future of the city rather than short-term political battles.
BILLIONAIRE KEN GRIFFIN SAYS CITADEL’S CHICAGO EXODUS WAS ‘NOT HARD,’ CITES CRIME, TAXES
“Everything should be viewed through the lens of, Citadel will be here far longer than he’ll be mayor,” Griffin said.
The comments come as Griffin and Mamdani appear to be cautiously opening a dialogue after months of public sparring over taxes, wealth and the city’s business climate.
The socialist mayor recently reached out to Griffin after previously criticizing the billionaire hedge fund manager over his Manhattan penthouse and personal wealth. Mamdani notably stood outside Griffin’s luxury property to promote his proposal to raise taxes on second homes in New York City worth more than $5 million.
CHICAGO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN KEN GRIFFIN TURNS ON A CITY, NOW MAMDANI MAY FIND OUT
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s “pied-a-terre” wealth tax on luxury properties ignites a contentious debate, drawing strong criticism from Citadel CEO Ken Griffin and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman.
The outreach comes as some business leaders warn New York risks alienating major employers and investors — a concern Griffin has raised before in another major American city.
The tensions have fueled concerns among some business leaders that New York could follow a path similar to Chicago, where Griffin spent years criticizing crime, taxes and public policy before moving Citadel’s headquarters to Miami in 2022. The relocation marked the departure of one of the financial industry’s most influential firms and underscored the economic impact that can follow when a major corporate player leaves a major city.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin described New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s “tax the rich” video targeting him as a “creepy and weird” political advertisement. (Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Griffin has repeatedly pointed to Florida’s business climate as a model and warned that policies targeting high earners and businesses could make New York less competitive.
Griffin said he plans to talk to Mamdani “at some point in the months ahead.”
“Let’s see where he is on the state of policy at that time,” he said. “Actions speak louder than words.”
Business
Micron's $1,700 Setup Emerges
Micron's $1,700 Setup Emerges
Business
ONEOK: Attractive Yield With Growth, Complementing Cash Flow With Writing Options (OKE)
Cash Builder Opportunities (aka Nick Ackerman) is a former fiduciary and a registered financial advisor with 14 years of investing experience.He is the leader of the investing group Cash Builder Opportunities, where his specific focus is on closed-end funds, dividend growth stocks, and option writing as an attractive way to achieve income. He shares model portfolios and research to help investors make better decisions, via his Investing Group’s active chat room.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of OKE, SOBO, VICI, SBUX either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Business
Comstock Resources: Pinnacle Deal Improves Its Value (NYSE:CRK)
Aaron Chow, aka Elephant Analytics has 15+ years of analytical experience and is a top rated analyst on TipRanks. Aaron previously co-founded a mobile gaming company (Absolute Games) that was acquired by PENN Entertainment. He used his analytical and modeling skills to design the in-game economic models for two mobile apps with over 30 million in combined installs. He is the author of the investing group Distressed Value Investing, which focuses on both value opportunities and distressed plays, with a significant focus on the energy sector. Learn more>>
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Business
Delta Air Lines: My Buy Thesis Played Out, But Growing Risks Are A Real Concern (Rating Downgrade)
Delta Air Lines: My Buy Thesis Played Out, But Growing Risks Are A Real Concern (Rating Downgrade)
Business
Amazon: I'm Buying The Free Cash Flow Collapse
Amazon: I'm Buying The Free Cash Flow Collapse
Business
Microsoft: Market Is Missing The Big Picture
Microsoft: Market Is Missing The Big Picture
Business
Ultragenyx: The Setrusumab Reset Creates A Cleaner Rare Disease Opportunity
Ultragenyx: The Setrusumab Reset Creates A Cleaner Rare Disease Opportunity
-
Fashion2 days agoWeekend Open Thread: Miami – Corporette.com
-
Crypto World7 days agoZimbabwe Requires Crypto Businesses to Register Annually Under New FIU Regulations
-
Business2 days agoWall Street Week Ahead: Investors see Micron earnings as pulse check of AI rally momentum
-
Entertainment7 days agoMatt Damon’s Viral Sci-Fi Thriller Has Taken Over HBO Max
-
Crypto World2 days agoHIVE shares jump as $220M AI deal speeds Bitcoin mining pivot
-
Business7 days agoAnthropic staff to meet White House officials next week, Axios reports
-
Crypto World7 days agoBitcoin could crash to $48,000, if this historical pattern is triggered
-
NewsBeat7 days agowhat doctors are seeing in ebike crashes
-
NewsBeat7 days agoWarning of disruption as Cardiff Crossrail works to start
-
NewsBeat7 days agoTributes to former deputy head teacher at Cambridge school among death and funeral notices
-
Entertainment7 days agoKate Middleton Glare Goes Viral After Kids Booed At Royal Event
-
Politics7 days ago“Israel’s” ban on ICRC visits ruled illegal, but Knesset moves to stop them permanently
-
Crypto World7 days agoXRP ETFs Outperform As Bitcoin And Ethereum Funds Extend Outflow Trend
-
Tech7 days agoOver 400 Arch Linux packages compromised to push rootkit, infostealer
-
Sports7 days agoDick Advocaat’s Curacao scores first-ever World Cup goal against Germany
-
Business7 days agoInvesco Quality Income Fund Q1 2026 Commentary
-
NewsBeat7 days agoSinger Oliver Tree dies aged 32 in helicopter crash in Brazil
-
Tech5 days agoThe Adder At The Heart Of Intel’s 8087 FPU
-
Tech7 days agoMicrosoft Updates Six Windows’ Apps. ‘Photos’ Gets Watermarks for Copilot Images (Off by Default)
-
Tech7 days agoI tried ASUS’ ROG Xbox Ally X20, and the 171-inch screen changes everything

You must be logged in to post a comment Login