ANSYS Jumps 20% On Sales Rumors

Shares of ANSYS (NASDAQ:ANSS) experienced a significant rise of more than 20% intra-day today following a Bloomberg report suggesting that the company is exploring various options, including a potential sale, in response to takeover interest.

According to Bloomberg, sources close to the matter indicated that ANSYS, a provider of engineering software, is currently working with financial advisors. However, it's important to note that no definitive decision has been made, and the Pennsylvania-based company may still opt to maintain its independence.

Reacting to the news, Oppenheimer analysts, who maintain an Outperform rating on ANSYS with a $320 price target, commented on the situation. Given ANSYS's market capitalization, which exceeds $25 billion, the analysts anticipate a limited number of potential buyers. They noted that in the context of recent large-scale mergers and acquisitions in the software sector, traditional valuation ratios are taking a back seat to the more turbulent market conditions seen before and after the pandemic. Instead, they suggest that 2021 levels should be considered, which could mean a potential sale price of around $400 per share is feasible.