Mattel Execs Flip Shares: CEO and COO Buy Nearly 500K Shares While Selling Half Amid Bearish Trend【News Flash】

Insider Buying Amid a Bearish Trend

On February 9, 2026, President and Chief Communications Officer Steve Totzke purchased 65,773 shares of Mattel at no disclosed price, increasing his post‑transaction holding to 204,176 shares. The same day he sold 26,709 shares at $21.54, leaving 177,467 shares in his portfolio. The trade occurred while the stock traded at $21.06, a 25.74 % decline from the week‑ago close, and the company’s 52‑week low was $13.95. Totzke’s buy, combined with a sizable sale, signals a “balanced” stance: he is consolidating his position while also trimming exposure, perhaps to capitalize on a temporary dip or to re‑balance his personal portfolio.

Context from the Broader Insider Landscape

Totzke is not the only high‑level executive buying shares that day. Chairman & CEO Ynon Kreiz added 511,798 shares, and EVP Chief Supply Chain Officer Isaias Zanatta purchased 46,042 shares, both at $0.00 (indicative of a free‑float or tax‑withholding transaction). Meanwhile, each of these executives also sold portions of their holdings at the prevailing $21.54 price. This pattern of “buy‑and‑sell” within the same day is common among insiders who use the market to manage liquidity needs without materially altering their long‑term stake. The fact that all four executives performed both a purchase and a sale suggests that Mattel’s shares are viewed as a stable, long‑term investment rather than a speculative play.

Implications for Investors

For shareholders, the mixed insider activity offers a mixed signal. The large buy orders from top executives indicate confidence in Mattel’s strategic direction, especially as the company prepares to report its December 2025 earnings. However, the simultaneous sales—particularly at the current market price—could be interpreted as a hedge against downside risk in a volatile consumer‑discretionary sector. Analysts have noted a recent upward revision of Mattel’s target price to roughly $22, suggesting that the market still sees upside potential. The high social‑media buzz (over 1,200 %) and positive sentiment (+75) further imply that public perception is warming, even as the stock remains under pressure from broader macro trends.

Looking Ahead

If Mattel’s upcoming earnings beat expectations, insider buying may accelerate as executives lock in gains. Conversely, persistent weakness in toy sales or supply‑chain disruptions could prompt more selling. For investors, the key will be to monitor not only the share price but also the company’s ability to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing consumer‑entertainment landscape. The current insider transactions—balanced purchases and sales—suggest that senior management is cautiously optimistic yet prepared to manage risk, a stance that could bode well for long‑term shareholders who are patient for a turnaround in the consumer discretionary arena.