Mattel's Stock Surges on Report of Authentic Brands Interest -- Barrons.com

By Janet H. Cho

Mattel Inc.'s stock is up more than 25% after a report that Authentic Brands was interested in a possible takeover of the toy maker.

The stock is on pace for its largest percent increase on record and its highest close since March 13, when it closed at $16.06, according to Dow Jones Market Data. The stock traded as high as $17.23 intraday on Thursday, the highest level since Feb. 26.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Authentic Brands Group, a global brands and entertainment platform, had approached Mattel with an offer that could value it at more than $20 a share. Authentic Brands could not be immediately reached for comment. Mattel did not immediately respond to Barron's request for comment.

Mattel's stock dropped 4% on Wednesday after the company said CEO Ynon Kreiz would step down as chairman and CEO effective Friday to take a senior leadership position at Paramount after the company combines with Warner Bros. Discovery. The news was initially reported by Variety, citing two industry sources.

Roger Lynch, Mattel's independent lead director and a board member since 2018, will be appointed chairman effective Friday. He will succeed Kreiz as CEO effective on or before Nov. 2, Mattel said.

Mattel stock is down 19.9% this year, on pace for its worst year since 2018, when the stock fell 35%, and down nearly 7.8% over the past 12 months.

This is a developing story. Please check back for further updates soon.

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October 01, 2026 15:33 ET (19:33 GMT)