Humana Shares Leap On Report Of Possible Sale

Shares of Humana Inc. jumped nearly 17% at one point Friday afternoon as the Wall Street Journal reported the health insurer is considering putting itself up for sale. As reports of a possible sale were leaked, Humana shares were halted on the New York Stock Exchange. The Journal quoted sources saying Humana has received takeover interest and is working with Goldman Sachs as its advisor. Possible bidders include fellow insurers Aetna Inc. and Cigna Corp. Shares of Humana were up more than 15% in recent action to $205.45. Cigna jumped more than 4% to $142.09 while Aetna added nearly 2% to $118.51.