Leucadia National fka LUK

[Investorman]

Option traders today pegged Leucadia National for unusually bearish activity, sending overall volume to nine times the normal level. Leucadia -- an eclectic holding company that generated 40% of its revenues last year from telecommunications holdings and nearly one-third from Idaho timber -- has lost some 54% of its market capitalization so far this year. Today's $22.37 share price is a 19.7% drop from Wednesday's levels and a 44% drop from its 50-day price average. Heavy and fresh put buying occurred today at the $25 strike line in November, where put buyers bid up the price more than 200% to $5, WITH this position requiring another $2.50 to the downside to break even, although this strike is now technically in the month. The current share price represents around 12 times Leucadia's earnings. Nearly three-fourths of today's options trading activity fell under the "bearish" rubric according to data...