IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

Arun has over 15 years’ experience covering the Technology sector. During this time, he has worked with technology start-ups and as an equity analyst in investment banks and independent research firms. He was formerly a Technology Analyst for Canaccord Genuity, Altium Securities, Espirito Santo Investment Bank, Noble Group and Clear Capital. He has a dual Master’s degree in Financial Engineering and Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. He is also a CFA charterholder.

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Square Lobs a Market-Defining Bid for Afterpay

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Global Equity Research Ltd

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Event-Driven

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/afterpay-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26940:1" rel="noopener">Afterpay Touch (APT AU)</a> has despatched the scheme booklet in relation to the scheme of arrangement from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/square-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23755:1" rel="noopener">Square Inc (SQ US)</a>. Square will offer a fixed exchange ratio of 0.375 Square shares per Afterpay share. Based on Square's closing price on 5 November, the implied transaction price of A$120.14 per share is a 24.3% premium to Afterpay’s share price of A$96.66 per share on the last trading date (30 July) and a 2.2% premium to Afterpay’s last close share price of A$117.50 per share.  Unsurprisingly, the independent expert (IE) considers the offer to be fair and reasonable. The IE’s recommendation is based primarily on four valuation approaches – market approach, the income approach (DCF), listed market price and sell-side analyst price targets. We think that IE’s market approach and income approach could be improved. We think that listed market price and analyst price target valuation approaches are fair.  Square shareholders approved the issuance of new Square shares in connection with the scheme on 3 November. Also, the transaction has gained US Department of Justice approval (waiting period under the HSR Act expired) and ACCC has confirmed it will not review the transaction (not a condition precedent). The key condition is the scheme approved by the Afterpay shareholders. The scheme meeting is scheduled for 10 am on 6 December, the effective date is 10 December, the record date is 10 January 2022 and the implementation date is 18 January 2022. <div class="content-highlight">We continue to think that offer is attractive in comparison to Afterpay's historical EV/Sales multiples and average share prices and will be approved by Afterpay shareholders. At last close prices, the gross spread is 2.2% and the annualised spread to the implementation date is 11.8%. </div>

Afterpay Touch (APT AU) has despatched the scheme booklet in relation to the scheme of arrangement from Square Inc (SQ US). Square will offer a fixed exchange ratio of 0.375 Square shares per Afterpay share. Based on Square's closing price on 5 November, the implied transaction price of A$120.14 per share is a 24.3% premium to Afterpay’s share price of A$96.66 per share on the last trading date (30 July) and a 2.2% premium to Afterpay’s last close share price of A$117.50 per share.  Unsurprisingly, the independent expert (IE) considers the offer to be fair and reasonable. The IE’s recommendation is based primarily on four valuation approaches – market approach, the income approach (DCF), listed market price and sell-side analyst price targets. We think that IE’s market approach and income approach could be improved. We think that listed market price and analyst price target valuation approaches are fair.  Square shareholders approved the issuance of new Square shares in connection with the scheme on 3 November. Also, the transaction has gained US Department of Justice approval (waiting period under the HSR Act expired) and ACCC has confirmed it will not review the transaction (not a condition precedent). The key condition is the scheme approved by the Afterpay shareholders. The scheme meeting is scheduled for 10 am on 6 December, the effective date is 10 December, the record date is 10 January 2022 and the implementation date is 18 January 2022. We continue to think that offer is attractive in comparison to Afterpay's historical EV/Sales multiples and average share prices and will be approved by Afterpay shareholders. At last close prices, the gross spread is 2.2% and the annualised spread to the implementation date is 11.8%. 

Afterpay Scheme Meeting on 6 Dec, IE Opinion