What's causing the Sezzle (ASX:SZL) share price to sizzle on Thursday?

The buy now, pay later company has revealed plans to slash its workforce.

| More on:
Three people outdoors cooking sausages over a fire.

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

Key points

  • The Sezzle share price is soaring by almost 8% today 
  • Fellow buy now, pay later shares Block and Zip are also well in the green 
  • Sezzle will reduce its workforce to save $10 million a year 

The Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL) share price is on fire today. Technology shares are in the green, and the company had a positive update for the market.

The buy now, pay later (BNPL) share is currently trading at $1.58, a 7.85% gain. In comparison, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is also up 3.37% at the time of writing.

Let's take a look at what's happening today.

Workforce reduction

The Sezzle share price is soaring after the company revealed today it will carry out a workforce reduction. The goal is to position the company for long-term growth and on the road to profit.

The company estimates these cuts will lead to $10 million in cost savings per year. In North America, 20% of positions will be lost.

Commenting on the change, CEO and executive chair Charlie Youakim said:

Sezzle has experienced significant growth in its history and is now at an important juncture, as we look to take decisive steps toward profitability and free cash flow.

Sezzle's growth prospects remain unchanged, and these actions position the company to maximize its long term success. These decisions are not easily made as we greatly value our team members. We thank our team for their efforts during this process.

In late February, Sezzle agreed to a takeover proposal from Zip. The Sezzle and Zip boards of directors have recommended the proposed transaction.

If the deal is approved, Sezzle shareholders would receive 0.98 Zip shares for each Sezzle share owned.

The Sezzle share price may be up today, but it is not the only BNPL share on the rise.

The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price is also jumping 7.36% today, while Block Inc CDI (ASX: SQ2) shares are surging 8.22%.

Sezzle share price snapshot

The Sezzle share price has descended 80% in a year, while it has lost 48% this year to date. It is also down 25% over the past month. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned around 6% over the past year.

The company has a market capitalisation of about $308 million.

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 »