Why the Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price is sinking 14% today

The Afterpay Ltd (ASX:APT) share price has returned from its trading halt and been hit for six. Here's why its shares dropped 14% today…

A businessman holds his glasses in concern, indicating uncertainly in the ASX share price

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price has returned from its trading halt on Friday.

At the time of writing, the payments company's shares are down 14% to $116.00.

Why was the Afterpay share price in a trading halt?

Following the release of its half year results yesterday, Afterpay requested a trading halt so it could undertake a capital raising.

This morning the company announced the completion of the capital raising and revealed that strong demand led to management upsizing it.

According to the release, the company has raised $1.5 billion via an unsecured zero coupon convertible notes offering. This compares to its original target of $1.25 billion.

These notes are due 2026 and are convertible into fully paid ordinary Afterpay shares with an initial conversion price of $194.82. This represents a 45% premium to the Afterpay share price prior to the trading halt.

The company intends to use the proceeds of the convertible notes offering to increase its stake in the Afterpay US business and provide additional capital to continue to accelerate underlying sales growth.

Following completion of the offering, the company's underlying interest in Afterpay US will increase from 80% to up to approximately 93%. Management notes that the acquisition price is accretive to Afterpay shareholders across gross merchant value, revenue, and customer multiples.

Management sells shares

In addition to the above, the company announced that its Co-CEOs and Executive Directors, Anthony Eisen and Nicholas Molnar, have each sold 450,000 shares.

This sale was undertaken at $134.36 per share, which represents a total consideration of approximately $60 million each.

Furthermore, the two Co-CEOs announced plans to establish Private Ancillary Funds (PAF) for charitable purposes.

While they are both still in the early stages of setting up their respective Funds, each Co-CEO intends to transfer approximately 950,000 Afterpay shares into their respective PAF from their personal shareholdings in the near future. They will, however, retain voting rights over these shares.

Why is the Afterpay share price down 14%?

As well as coming under pressure from the capital raising, the Afterpay share price has been hit hard by a selloff on Wall Street overnight.

The selling has been strongest in the tech sector, leading to the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) falling 4% this morning.

Should you invest $1,000 in Telstra Corporation Limited right now?

Before you buy Telstra Corporation Limited shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Telstra Corporation Limited wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 3 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

Contented looking man leans back in his chair at his desk and smiles.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these shares.

Read more »

Woman looking at a phone with stock market bars in the background.
Share Market News

Morgan Stanley cuts price target for ASX 200

This expert reckons ASX investors might not see too much upside in 2025.

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why Block, Deep Yellow, Perenti, and Zip shares are dropping today

These shares are starting the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

Man drawing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
Share Gainers

Why DroneShield, Kingsgate, Santana, and Star shares are pushing higher today

These shares are having a strong start to the week. But why?

Read more »

A woman sits at her home computer with baby on her lap, and the winning ticket in her hand.
Share Market News

Is this the ultimate defensive ASX stock?

This ASX stock has several defensive qualities.

Read more »

Woman thinking in a supermarket.
Opinions

The pros and cons of buying Woolworths shares right now

Should investors put Woolworths shares in their stock basket?

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

It could be a tough session for Aussie investors today.

Read more »

Two excited woman pointing out a bargain opportunity on a laptop.
Opinions

Why I think this ASX small-cap stock is a bargain at $3.85

I’m excited about the potential of this rapidly-growing business.

Read more »