• Needham downgrades MoneyLion (NYSE: ML) from Buy to Hold as it proposes a merger with Gen Digital Inc.
• The merger values MoneyLion at approximately $1 billion, offering a 6.5% premium over its last closing price.
• Halper Sadeh LLC investigates the fairness of the merger to MoneyLion shareholders, focusing on the fulfillment of fiduciary duties by the board.

On December 10, 2024, Needham downgraded MoneyLion (NYSE: ML) from a Buy to a Hold, with the stock trading at $88.02 at the time. MoneyLion is a fintech company that provides personal finance services, including credit-building and financial management, to over 18 million users. The company is currently in the spotlight due to a proposed merger with Gen Digital Inc., a firm known for its cybersecurity solutions through brands like Norton and Avast.

Monteverde & Associates PC is investigating the merger between MoneyLion and Gen Digital. Under the merger terms, MoneyLion shareholders will receive $82 per share in cash and one contingent value right per share. This right allows for a potential payment in Gen Digital common stock, contingent on future stock performance. The deal values MoneyLion at approximately $1 billion, offering a 6.5% premium over its last closing price, as highlighted by Reuters.

The acquisition by Gen Digital aims to enhance its consumer finance offerings by integrating MoneyLion's platform. This strategic move is expected to expand Gen Digital's financial wellness services, which currently focus on reducing fraud expenses for financial institutions. The merger is part of Gen Digital's broader strategy to incorporate cyber safety solutions to protect online customer data.

Halper Sadeh LLC is also investigating the proposed sale of MoneyLion to Gen Digital. The firm is examining whether the transaction is fair to MoneyLion shareholders and if the board of directors has fulfilled its fiduciary duties. The investigation focuses on whether MoneyLion secured the best possible deal for its shareholders, ensuring they receive fair compensation.

Currently, MoneyLion's stock is priced at $88.02, reflecting a 14.30% increase with a change of $11.01. The stock has fluctuated between $86.30 and $89.98 today, with a market capitalization of approximately $977.13 million. The trading volume for the day is 1,643,139 shares on the NYSE, indicating significant investor interest amid the ongoing merger discussions.