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Series 79: Collection, Analysis & Evaluation of Data
Series 79 practice questionmediumAccretion/Dilution Analysis

Which of the following would make an all-stock acquisition MORE likely to be dilutive to the acquirer's EPS?

  1. AThe acquirer has a higher P/E ratio than the target
  2. BThe target has higher operating margins than the acquirer
  3. CExpected synergies are realized immediately in Year 1
  4. DThe acquirer pays a large control premium above the target's current trading price✓ Correct answer
Explanation

Why DThe acquirer pays a large control premium above the target's current trading price

Paying a large control premium in an all-stock deal means the acquirer must issue more shares to fund the higher purchase price, which increases dilution. The more shares issued relative to the earnings acquired, the greater the dilutive impact on pro forma EPS. Even if the acquirer has a higher P/E ratio than the target's unaffected P/E, a sufficiently large control premium can push the effective acquisition P/E above the acquirer's own P/E, causing the deal to become dilutive.

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