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.

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.

Three people outdoors cooking sausages over a fire.

Image source: Getty Images

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

Two shop workers smiling and looking at a laptop surrounded by plants.
BNPL shares

Zip shares jump 14%, but I think they're still cheap

The broader market is rallying, and I think some of the developments behind it could be good news for this…

Read more »

Young businesswoman sitting in kitchen and working on laptop.
BNPL shares

Is the Zip share price a dirt cheap buy?

The market has become cautious about Zip, but I'm starting to wonder whether its shares are trading at too much…

Read more »

Two work colleagues looking at a laptop and discussing something.
BNPL shares

3 reasons I would buy Zip shares in November

Its shares have taken a beating recently, but I think there are good reasons to consider buying this month.

Read more »

A couple sitting in their living room and checking their finances.
BNPL shares

Are Zip shares cheap after a 58% annual decline?

The shares have fallen a long way, and I'm taking another look at what the business could be worth in…

Read more »

Numerous Australian dollar notes laid out.
Broker Notes

2 brokers' price targets on Zip shares might surprise you

The buy now, pay later company is looking like a bargain at current prices.

Read more »

woman using affirm to pay
BNPL shares

Zip shares are doing a 5-for-1 consolidation. Does this make Zip shares worth more or less?

After a rough week for Zip shareholders, I discuss some common investing myths through the lens of the upcoming Zip…

Read more »

Frustrated man looking exhausted while sitting at his desk with his laptop and carrying his glasses in his hand.
BNPL shares

Zip shares are down 30% today. Is it time to be greedy?

The market reaction has been brutal, but the US growth story has not disappeared.

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop with a financial graph superimposed across the image.
BNPL shares

Should I invest $5,000 into Zip shares before the end of October?

Would you add the beaten-down BNPL shares to your investment portfolio?

Read more »