Sony Group Corp. Stock Plunges 3.21% on Four-Day Slide Amid Peanuts Acquisition Sony Group Corp. Shares Drop 3.21% as Investors Weigh Costly Peanuts Takeover Sony Group Corp. Stock Dives 3.21% Amid Strategic Peanuts Buyout Concerns

The share price fell to its lowest level since August 2025 today, with an intraday decline of 0.27%.

Sony Group Corp. (NYSE: SONY) has seen its stock drop for four consecutive trading days, with a cumulative decline of 3.21% over that period. The recent downturn followed the company’s announcement to acquire an 80% controlling stake in Peanuts Holdings, a $457–460 million deal to consolidate the Peanuts franchise under its subsidiaries. Sony, which previously held a 39% stake, now fully controls the iconic brand through a joint purchase of a 41% minority share from WildBrain. Executives highlighted the move as a strategic effort to leverage Sony’s global entertainment networks to expand the Peanuts brand’s reach across media, merchandise, and theme parks.

While the acquisition aligns with Sony’s long-term entertainment expansion strategy, the stock initially dropped 1.15%–1.43% post-announcement, reflecting investor concerns over short-term financial pressures. Analysts noted the high cost of the deal and potential near-term earnings impact, though the Peanuts franchise’s enduring cultural appeal and licensing potential are seen as long-term growth drivers. Sony’s existing partnerships, such as Apple TV’s multi-year streaming rights extension for Peanuts content until 2030, further underscore the brand’s commercial viability. The transaction also reinforces Sony’s broader shift toward IP-driven growth, following recent acquisitions in publishing and gaming, positioning it to compete with entertainment giants in a global market.

Regulatory approvals remain pending, but WildBrain’s endorsement of Sony’s management and the Schulz family’s retained 20% stake suggest continuity in the franchise’s operations. The company’s strategic shift reflects a larger industry trend toward consolidating high-value intellectual property, with Sony’s latest acquisition expected to generate long-term revenue from merchandise, streaming, and theme park attractions. Investors remain cautious but optimistic, with many watching how the market reacts to the Peanuts brand’s expansion under Sony’s global platforms in the coming months.