Latitude share price lifts on cancelled Humm deal

News has impacted both sides of the deal on the chart today.

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Key points

  • Latitude shares have lifted in early trade on Friday amid news it's mutually ended its deal with Humm Group
  • Both sides noted current financial market conditions as the reasoning behind the decision
  • The Latitude share price is down more than 39% in the last 12 months.

The Latitude Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: LFS) share price jumped from the gates and is now rangebound in early trade on Friday.

At the time of writing, it's fetching $1.40 — the same as yesterday's closing price — having already slipped more than 29% into the red this year to date.

In broad market moves, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started down on Friday and is currently tracing 2% lower at 6,435. Returns for the last five trading days on each are below.

TradingView Chart

Latitude share price jumps amid cancelled deal

The company revealed today that its agreement to purchase Humm Group Ltd (ASX: HUM)'s buy now pay later (BNPL) business has been terminated. The transaction was valued at $250 million.

Latitude notes the decision to terminate was mutual.

In light of the current major disruption in financial markets, Latitude and Humm have mutually agreed to terminate the proposed sale of humm consumer finance (HCF) to Latitude.

Whilst investors have been driving up Latitude early today, the same can't be said for the Humm share price. It's tracking almost 14% lower at the time of writing.

The drop brings Humm's losses to more than 45% for the year to date and 52% over the past 12 months.

Meanwhile, Humm said it continued to believe that HCF was a "high-quality business".

"The board…intends to review HCF's strategic direction to focus on its core products and markets in order to restore profitability," it said.

Latitude's attitude was a more upbeat, noting a small impact. It advised it was profitable and well-capitalised, with growth tailwinds.

"BNPL represents less than 1% of Latitude's revenue and receivables," the company said.

The Latitude share price is down more than 39% in the last 12 months.

Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 recommended Humm Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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