Sezzle (ASX:SZL) share price shoots higher on Q1 update and US listing plans

The Sezzle Inc (ASX:SZL) share price is shooting higher on Friday after announcing a strong Q1 update and plans to list in the United States.

| More on:
A US flag behind a graph, indicating investment in US shares

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 Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL) share price is on course to end the week with a strong gain.

In morning trade, the buy now pay later (BNPL) provider's shares are up over 8% to $9.65.

Why is the Sezzle share price charging higher?

Investors have been fighting to get hold of the company's shares this morning after it released its first quarter update and announced plans for a US listing.

In respect to the former, Sezzle reported underlying merchant sales (UMS) growth of 214.1% to US$375.1 million for the three months ended 31 March.

Sezzle also revealed income of US$29.2 million for the quarter, up 216% on the prior corresponding period. This was driven by UMS growth and a small increase in margins.

What were the drivers of this result?

Sezzle's strong growth was driven by a 126.6% increase in active customers to 2.6 million and a 27th consecutive month of improvement in its repeat usage metric.

Active consumer repeat usage grew to 90.7% during the quarter. Furthermore, the top 10% of Sezzle's consumers, on average, now transact 49 times per year.

Also supporting its growth was the addition of over 7,300 active merchants during the quarter. This was the largest quarterly increase in the company's history, bringing its total to over 34,000 active merchants.

Sezzle's Executive Chairman and CEO, Charlie Youakim, said: "The strong momentum we ended 2020 with has continued in to 2021. Our 1Q results set new company highs in UMS, Active Consumers, Active Merchants, and Repeat Usage. Our monthly UMS in March 2021 was 30% greater than December 2020. We are also excited about our efforts to attract larger merchant enterprises as evidenced by our recent additions of Market America Global and Lamps Plus."

US listing

In addition to its results, Sezzle has announced its intention to follow the lead of Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) by listing in the United States.

No real details were given, but the company stated that "it intends to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for a proposed initial public offering of common stock in the United States. The timing, number of shares of common stock to be offered, use of proceeds, and the price for the proposed initial public offering have not yet been determined. The offering is subject to market and other conditions, including the effectiveness of the registration statement to be filed under the Securities Act of 1933."

James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Sezzle Inc. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sezzle Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Gainers

Ten happy friends leaping in the air outdoors.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors started the week off in a good mood today.

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Share Gainers

Why Bellevue Gold, Bubs, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, and Regal Partners shares are rising today

These shares are starting the week on a positive note.

Read more »

Two people lazing in deck chairs on a beautiful sandy beach throw their hands up in the air.
Travel Shares

Guess which ASX All Ords travel stock just rocketed 17% on an earnings upgrade

Investors are piling into the ASX All Ords travel stock today. Here's what's happening.

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX All Ords stock just rocketed 34% on strong earnings growth

Investors just sent this ASX All Ords stock surging 34%. Here’s what’s happening.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Share Gainers

Why Dimerix, Newmont, Regal Partners, and Titomic shares are storming higher

These shares are having a good finish to the week. Let's see why.

Read more »

Two happy excited friends in euphoria mood after winning in a bet with a smartphone in hand.
Share Gainers

Why Fortescue, Lynas, PEXA, and Regis Healthcare shares are charging higher

These shares are having a strong session on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop. A financial graph is superimposed across the image.
Share Gainers

Why Capricorn Metals, Insignia, Perseus Mining, and Qoria shares are storming higher

These shares are having a strong session on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Share Gainers

Why Amaero, AMP, Block, and South32 shares are racing higher today

These shares are starting the week on a positive note. But why?

Read more »