The share price of Confluent (CFLT 7.57%), a data-streaming software company, rocketed higher today after Reuters reported that it may be exploring a sale. Technology companies are looking for any angle they can get in the expanding artificial intelligence (AI) space, and Confluent's tech could be on some companies' short list.
The tech stock jumped by more than 18% earlier Wednesday and had gained 9.8% as of 1:49 p.m. ET.
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AI competition is fierce
Companies of all shapes and sizes are trying to find an angle in artificial intelligence, and many of them are ramping up acquisitions to do so. Confluent could potentially be a good fit for some companies focused on AI because its streaming software can handle huge amounts of messages and data from predictive AI, generative AI, and agentic AI.
Reuters reported that the company is in the early stages of exploring a sale after private equity firms and tech companies expressed interest. It is working with an investment bank on the process, but no deals have been made yet, and it's possible that it won't be sold.
Confluent shareholders could stand to benefit from a sale if the terms of the deal included a favorable premium compared to the stock's current price. Some investors appeared eager today to buy the stock just in case a sale is on the horizon.
One wild ride
Shareholders have been on a wild ride in 2025, with the stock making huge gains earlier this year, then tumbling to a 52-week low in August. Its share price is up just 14% over the past 12 months.
Shares dropped significantly in August after management said it lost some large customers. Investors should anticipate that any news that a sale isn't happening might cause the share price to retreat. Either way, it will be important for Confluent shareholders to keep a close watch for any new developments that might affect the company.
