Which of the following reflects a decrease in the equity value of a company after acquisition?

A decrease in share price following an acquisition indicates that the market perceives a loss of value in the company's equity. This decline can arise from various factors, including concerns about the strategic fit of the acquisition, potential integration challenges, or doubts about the future profitability of the combined entities. Investors may react negatively, resulting in a sell-off and a subsequent decrease in the company's market capitalization.

In this context, a falling share price suggests that investors are less confident in the company's performance post-acquisition, ultimately leading to a decrease in the equity value. This situation can reflect broader market sentiment or specific issues related to the acquisition itself, impacting how stakeholders view the company's prospects moving forward. Thus, a decrease in share price effectively embodies a reduction in equity value.