Paycor HCM, Inc. (PYCR) experienced a significant surge in its stock price, soaring 13.21% in the last 24 hours of trading on Monday. This remarkable upward movement was likely driven by reports suggesting that Paychex, a major player in the payroll processing industry, is in advanced talks to acquire the smaller rival Paycor.

According to Bloomberg News, sources familiar with the matter revealed that Paychex is engaged in negotiations to potentially buy Paycor HCM. The potential acquisition, if successful, would consolidate Paychex's position in the payroll and human capital management (HCM) market by absorbing its competitor.

While the details of the potential deal remain undisclosed, analysts from financial firms like TD Cowen and JMP Securities have maintained their "Buy" ratings on Paycor HCM's stock. This optimism among analysts, coupled with the prospect of an acquisition by a larger industry player, appears to have fueled investor confidence and driven the substantial increase in Paycor HCM's stock price on Monday.