Zynga Soars With New CEO

By Chris Hill and Matthew Argersinger – Jul 2, 2013 at 2:25PM

NASDAQ: ZNGA

Zynga

Does a new leader mean that it’s time to buy Zynga?

Since news broke on Monday afternoon that Microsoft (MSFT 1.65%) executive Don Mattrick will be Zynga's (ZNGA) next CEO, shares of the online game company have risen 20%. While Zynga's stock has had a strong 2013, shares have trailed the market's return since the company went public in late 2011. In the video below, Motley Fool analyst Matt Argersinger credits Zynga with making a strong hire, while also questioning how much leeway Mattrick will have with Zynga founder Mark Pincus staying on as chairman and chief product officer. Zynga still has an uphill battle, but the company (and the stock) are more intriguing to investors with Mattrick at the helm.

Chris Hill has no position in any stocks mentioned. Matthew Argersinger owns shares of Microsoft, and has the following options: Short Oct 2013 $30 Calls on Microsoft and Short Oct 2013 $27 Puts on Microsoft. The Motley Fool owns shares of Microsoft. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.