The Altium (ASX:ALU) share price is up 20% over the past 6 months

Let's take a closer look at what's been going on.

| More on:
share price gaining

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Despite a lacklustre start to the year, the share price of ASX software developer Altium Limited (ASX:ALU) has rallied strongly more recently. Over the last six months, shares in the company have risen over 20% (to $35.19, as at the time of writing).

The rise in the Altium share price has come on the back of mixed news out of the company. A lofty takeover bid from a US multinational turbocharged the Altium share price back in June. But Altium has also flagged that full-year revenues could fall short of expectations.

Let's take a closer look at these recent developments and try to work out what it all might mean for the Altium share price.

What's going on?

The Altium share price really took off on 7 June, after it revealed that it had received a takeover bid from US software company Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK). Under the proposal, Autodesk would have acquired 100% of the shares in Altium for a price of $38.50 a share. On the day of the announcement, the Altium share price was just $27.21.

Although Altium rejected the offer, foreign interest – especially from a US multinational with a market cap over US$70 billion – often makes local investors perk up and take notice. And the fact that Autodesk was willing to offer a premium of at least 40% over the prevailing share price sent the strong signal that Altium shares were being severely undervalued by the market.

The Altium share price jumped an astonishing 39% higher the day of the announcement, closing at $37.83.

Despite some simmering media speculation, Altium released a follow-up statement in mid-July, stating that it had received no further takeover bids from Autodesk.

Recent movements in the Altium share price

Since that massive June surge, the Altium share price has slid slightly lower. As at the time of writing, Altium shares are trading at $35.19, around 7% below their 7 June price, and roughly 12% short of the 52-week high of $40.21 they reached last October.

All eyes will be on the Altium share price when the company releases its full-year FY21 results on 23 August – although Altium has already tried to temper market expectations.

In a trading update released on 18 June, Altium flagged that it expected full-year revenues to come in at the low end of its previously issued guidance of between US$190 million to US$195 million, weighed down by a disappointing first-half result.

Commenting on the update, Altium CFO Martin Ive stated that "momentum has returned to Altium's business with double-digit growth in the second half, however, after a slow first half due to the impact of COVID and our pivot to the cloud, the full year is likely to be at, or slightly below, the low end of our guidance."

Motley Fool contributor Rhys Brock owns shares of Altium. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Altium and Autodesk. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Altium. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Autodesk. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Gainers

Person pretends to types on laptop drawn in sand.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a disappointing end to the trading week for investors this Friday.

Read more »

A young boy points and smiles as he eats fried chicken.
Share Gainers

3 ASX All Ords shares smashing the benchmark this week

Investors are sending these three ASX All Ords shares rocketing 18% to more than 29% this week. But why?

Read more »

a young woman raises her hands in joyful celebration as she sits at her computer in a home environment.
Share Gainers

Why Alliance Aviation, BHP, Boss Energy, and Orthocell shares are racing higher

These shares are ending the week on a positive note. But why?

Read more »

Man with backpack spreading his arms out and soaking in the sun.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a disappointing session for investors today.

Read more »

Hands reaching high for a trophy with a sunset in the background.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a nervous hump day session for ASX investors today.

Read more »

Woman with an amazed expression has her hands and arms out with a laptop in front of her.
Share Gainers

Why Collins Foods, DroneShield, Star Entertainment, and Virgin Australia shares are charging higher

These shares are having a good time on hump day. But why?

Read more »

Ten smiling business people wave to the camera after receiving some winning company news.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors enjoyed a strong recovery day this Tuesday.

Read more »

A graphic showing a businessman running up a white upwards rising arrow symbolising the soaring Magellan share price today
Share Gainers

CBA shares hit another all-time high. Can they surpass $200 in 2025?

CBA shares have a tailwind pushing up their price that has nothing directly to do with the bank's business performance.

Read more »