The Afterpay-Square takeover deal is worth $9bn less now

The Afterpay-Square transaction is worth a lot less now than in August…

investor holding a net and trying to catch money flying around in the wind.

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

It has been another disappointing day of trade for the Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price.

In afternoon trade, the payments company's shares are down over 4% to $96.05.

Why is the Afterpay share price falling today?

Investors have been selling down the Afterpay share price today after another pullback in the Square share price overnight.

On Thursday night, Square saw its shares fall 4% during regular trade and then a further 0.5% in after hours trade to US$186.00.

As Square is in the process of acquiring Afterpay in an all-scrip deal, the value of the takeover rises and falls with the Square share price.

What does this mean for the takeover deal?

In light of the above and with Afterpay shareholders voting on the takeover next week, I thought I would look to see what these latest declines mean for the proposed transaction.

In August, the two parties agreed an all-scrip deal which will see Afterpay shareholders receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.375 shares of Square Class A common stock for each Afterpay share they hold.

At the time, the Square share price was trading at US$247.26, which implied a transaction price of approximately $126.21 per Afterpay share. This valued the deal at approximately US$29 billion or A$39 billion.

However, while this offer was an attractive 30.6% premium to the Afterpay share price at the time ($96.66), the weakness in the Square share price has since wiped out almost all of this premium.

So much so, the offer now represents a takeover price of just ~$97.50, which is less than one percent higher than where Afterpay's shares were trading prior to the offer. It also values the transaction at approximately A$30 billion, wiping ~A$9 billion off the deal.

And perhaps adding further displeasure to shareholders is that fact that this implied transaction price is 39% lower than Afterpay's 52-week high of $160.05.

This sets the scene for a very interesting vote at next week's extraordinary general meeting.

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 and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns 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 »