Block share price in the red as Afterpay loss balloons 336%

Block has released the half-year results for the company it acquired earlier this year.

| More on:

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
  • Block reported Afterpay's financial results 
  • Afterpay's net loss after tax skyrocketed but its total income exploded nearly 55%
  • The Block share price is falling slightly today 

The Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) share price is edging lower today amid the company releasing half-year results for Afterpay.

The company's shares are currently swapping hands at $164.11, a 0.22% fall.

Let's take a look at what Block reported today.

Sad woman with her hand on her head and holding a credit card.

Image source: Getty Images

How did Afterpay fare?

Block reported the financial results of Afterpay for the six months ended 31 December 2021.

Highlights included:

  • Net loss after tax of $345.5 million, up 336% from the $79.2 loss in the prior corresponding period (PCP)
  • Total comprehensive loss, net of tax, of $298.99 million, up 133% on PCP
  • Operating loss of $263.7 million, up 287% on PCP
  • Total income of $644.9 million

Afterpay loss skyrockets

The Afterpay net loss after tax surged 336% on the PCP, in which the company reported a $79.2 million loss.

Underpinning this loss was a massive surge in operating expenses. Employment expenses surged 79% to nearly $112 million. Marketing expenses also skyrocketed nearly 99% to 137.6 million.

Other operating expenses soared nearly 287% from $63 to $212.3 million.

On a positive note, total income exploded nearly 55% from $417.2 in the PCP.

Block announced it would acquire Afterpay in August 2021 and listed on the ASX as Block on 1 February 2022. Block issued 113,387,895 shares of Block valued at $19.6 billion. Afterpay is no longer listed on the ASX.

The company also trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SQ). Block shares dropped 0.11% in the United States overnight. In after-hours trade, the company's shares fell 0.39%.

Block share price snapshot

The Block share price is falling 7% year to date, while it has surged 12% in the last month.

In contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned 0.01% this year to date.

Block has a market capitalisation of about $7.4 billion based on its current share price

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Block, Inc. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Block, Inc. 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

Stressed man in an an office with his eyes closed and phone in his hand, with investing graphs open on two iMacs.
BNPL shares

Zip shares are getting crushed: What's gone wrong?

Zip’s 20 August update will test growth, profits, and credit quality.

Read more »

Two people comparing and analysing material.
BNPL shares

Should I buy Zip shares before the end of July?

The market expects profits to rise quickly from here. That creates considerable upside if Zip delivers.

Read more »

Happy man wearing a blue shirt and glasses holding a card and using buy now pay later services to purchase a product on his office computer
BNPL shares

$10,000 invested in Zip shares at the March lows is now worth…

While Zip shares are well down for the year, investors who bought at the March lows are sitting pretty.

Read more »

An older man throws his hands up in excitement as he rides a carnival swing high up in the air.
BNPL shares

Zip shares are going wild. What investors need to know

Zip's recovery is gaining momentum, but the biggest test lies ahead.

Read more »

An evening shot of a busy Times Square in New York.
BNPL shares

Could US expansion send Zip shares soaring further?

The fintech's biggest opportunity may still be unfolding in America.

Read more »

A happy shopper with a wide mouthed smile holds multiple shopping bags up around her shoulders.
BNPL shares

Why brokers think Zip shares could soar 50% or more in FY27

Experts believe Zip's earnings momentum could fuel another major rally.

Read more »

A woman smiles over the top of multiple shopping bags she is holding in both hands up near her face.
BNPL shares

Zip shares: 3 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to sell

Zip shares have fallen back into the red this week. Find out whether they're a buy or sell now.

Read more »

A man scratches his head in confusion.
BNPL shares

What on earth is going on with Zip shares?

Is Zip's latest rally real, or another classic false dawn?

Read more »