Why the Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price can still rise (and fall) after the Square deal

Here's what you need to know about the Afterpay share price…

happy investor, share price rise, increase, up

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 was in sensational form on Monday after receiving and recommending a takeover offer from US payments giant Square.

The buy now pay later provider's shares ended the day 19% higher at $114.80.

Where next for the Afterpay share price?

You might think that the potential gains (or declines) for Afterpay's shares are over now that it has received a takeover approach, but that simply isn't the case.

That's because Square's offer is an all-scrip offer, meaning investors will receive Square shares for their Afterpay shares.

This differs to the more common all-cash takeover offer where an acquisition price is set at a fixed level and doesn't change.

As a result, between now and the expected closing of the deal (during the first quarter of calendar year 2022), the Afterpay share price and the Square share price will be intrinsically linked.

This means that if the Square share price rises, so too should the Afterpay share price. And vice versa if it were to decline.

A few scenarios

Square's offer is 0.375 Square shares per Afterpay share.

  • Original offer: Square share price at US$247.26 = A$126.21 per share.
  • Square share price rises to US$300.00 = A$152.81 per share.
  • Square share price falls to US$200.00 = A$101.90 per share.

Positively for Afterpay shareholders, Wall Street reacted very positively to the news of Square's acquisition of the buy now pay later giant.

This saw the Square share price jump 10% during overnight trade to US$272.38. Which, based on the takeover ratio and current exchange rates, means the implied takeover offer has already increased to A$138.78 per Afterpay share.

This compares to the current Afterpay share price of $114.80, which implies potential upside of almost 21%.

Though, it is worth remembering that the deal is subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. This includes a shareholder vote and regulatory approval.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended 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 BNPL shares

A businessman stacks building blocks.
BNPL shares

The ASX 200 stock with 'a strong outlook for 2025'

Racing ahead of the benchmark this year, the ASX 200 stock could keep outperforming in 2025.

Read more »

A wide-eyed man peers out from a small gap in his black zipped jumper conveying fear over the weak Zip share price
BNPL shares

Why did the Zip share price just crash 9%?

Investors seem to be singling Zip out for punishment today...

Read more »

A cool dude looks back at the camera while ziplining above the treetops.
BNPL shares

Up 44% in 2024, can the Zip share price rocket again in 2025?

Will 2025 be a great year for the buy now, pay later stock?

Read more »

A cool dude looks back at the camera while ziplining above the treetops.
BNPL shares

Down 15% in a week, should you buy the dip on Zip shares?

Are Zip shares a good buy after the past week’s 15% fall?

Read more »

A young woman smiles as she rides a zip line high above the trees.
Share Gainers

Up 748% in a year, why a 'long growth runway remains' for Zip shares

Up 748% in a year, these top fund managers remain bullish on the outlook for Zip shares in 2025.

Read more »

Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.
BNPL shares

Co-founder sells $100 million of Zip shares after stepping down

A cool payday.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
BNPL shares

Zip share price sinks on big co-founder news

Some investors are saying bye now, see you later to Zip shares.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
BNPL shares

Why did the Zip share price smash the market again in November?

This high-flying stock made its shareholders smile again last month.

Read more »