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Mattel Stock Falls 4% After CEO Change
Why is Mattel stock down today?
Mattel (MAT) stock fell 4% to about $12.70 on Wednesday after CEO Ynon Kreiz said he is leaving to co-lead Paramount-Warner Bros., a change that puts Condé Nast's Roger Lynch in charge.
Key numbers
| Mattel 1-day move | $12.70-4% on Sep 30 |
|---|---|
| Mattel 2026 to date | -35%year to date |
| Mattel market value | $3.62BP/E 9.3 |
| Paramount-WBD deal value | $111BAP cites $81B; TheWrap $110B |
| Analyst median target, Mattel | $18vs about $12.70 close |
| Paramount ticking fee | $7M/dayuntil close (single source) |
What happened
Mattel (MAT) stock fell 4% to about $12.70 on Wednesday after CEO Ynon Kreiz said he is leaving to co-lead Paramount-Warner Bros., a change that puts Condé Nast's Roger Lynch in charge. A federal judge also gave final approval to Paramount Skydance's roughly $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, ending a 12-state lawsuit. David Ellison named Kreiz co-CEO of the combined company from October 5, and the deal could close October 6. Lynch becomes Mattel's chairman October 2 and CEO by November 2.
Why it matters
Mattel is losing the leader who turned Barbie and Hot Wheels into movie and entertainment brands, and investors are unsure what comes next. Its shares are already down about 35% this year, so the change adds to existing worry. The Paramount-Warner deal also creates one of Hollywood's largest studio groups, which could change how films and shows are made and released.
Who this affects
- MarketneutralLow impact
- Media and toy investors weigh two leadership changes.
- CompanybearishMedium impact
- Mattel shareholders face CEO uncertainty; shares hit a 52-week low.
- CompetitorsneutralLow impact
- Hasbro faces a rival in transition, which could help it.
- IndustrymixedMedium impact
- Hollywood gets a bigger studio group; toy makers lose a star CEO.
Mattel vs Hasbro
How we got here
Paramount announces settlement with 12 states over its Warner Bros. Discovery takeover
Judge approves settlement; Kreiz named co-CEO; Mattel names Roger Lynch CEO; Mattel falls 4%
Kreiz leaves Mattel; Lynch becomes Mattel chairman
Kreiz starts as co-CEO of Paramount-Warner Bros.
What to watch
- Paramount-Warner deal could close; Paramount Class B shares begin NYSE trading2026-10-06
- Lynch takes over as Mattel CEO on or before this date2026-11-02
Educational content only. Not investment advice.
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