** Shares of financial automation software company BILL Holdings BILL.N jump 16% to $54 after the bell
** BILL is exploring options, including a potential sale, Bloomberg News reports, citing people familiar with the matter
** Company is working with a financial adviser to solicit interest from larger industry rivals as well as private equity firms, report says
** BILL did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment
** Activist investor Starboard owns an 8.5% stake in BILL, while Elliott Investment Management has a roughly 5% stake in the company
** Up to last close, BILL shares down 45% YTD
(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City)
((Juby.Babu@thomsonreuters.com;))