Humana shares jump on reports of potential sale

Shares of Humana (HUM) surged 20 percent on Friday after reports the health insurer was exploring a sale.

The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News cited people with knowledge of the matter in reporting Humana had been approached by Cigna (CI) about a possible deal.

Humana and Cigna did not immediately return calls requesting comment.

The Wall Street Journal reported Humana was working with Goldman Sachs Group and that Aetna (AET) had also expressed interest in Humana.

Shares of Cigna also rose, as well as those of other insurers including Anthem (ANTM) and Molina Healthcare (MOH). Human ended the day at $214.65, up $36.24.