Dayforce Shares Climb on $11.2B Takeover Talks as Trading Volume Surges 40% to Rank 284th

On August 20, 2025, Dayforce (DAY) surged 2.95% with a trading volume of $0.37 billion, marking a 40.43% increase from the previous day’s activity and ranking 284th among listed stocks. The move followed reports of advanced acquisition talks between the human capital management software provider and private equity firm Thoma Bravo. The potential deal, valued at approximately $11.2 billion, would represent one of Thoma Bravo’s largest transactions to date, offering a 32% premium over Dayforce’s August 15 closing price.

Thoma Bravo is reportedly negotiating a $70-per-share offer for Dayforce, which operates in healthcare, retail, hospitality, and financial services sectors. While the company has shown revenue growth and improved profitability, recent market challenges—including corporate layoffs—have constrained client acquisition. Thoma Bravo, led by co-founder Orlando Bravo, has maintained an aggressive acquisition strategy in 2025, including a $10.6 billion purchase of Boeing’s flight navigation unit and a $2 billion acquisition of restaurant software firm Olo Inc.

Dayforce, formerly Ceridian HCM Holding Inc., has a history of private equity ownership, having undergone a $5.3 billion buyout in 2007. The firm currently carries $1.2 billion in debt and noted in its statement that no assurances exist for a deal’s finalization. Analysts highlight the strategic appeal of Dayforce’s recurring revenue model and AI integration potential, though its stock has underperformed peers this year, shedding over 9% in value.

The proposed acquisition aligns with broader industry consolidation in the human capital management sector. However, geopolitical uncertainties, including U.S. trade policy shifts, have tempered deal activity. Dayforce’s shares trade on both the NYSE and Toronto Stock Exchange, with no immediate guidance on transaction timelines.

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