Leucadia National Corporation (LUK) reported Q4 2009 result last Friday, click here for Leucadia’s filings.
Long time readers may recall that LUK was my dumb trade of the month last year. I no longer have a position in LUK, but am still interested in the story. For those who haven’t heard of Leucadia, think of it as a mini Berkshire run by two guys just as smart as Warren and Charlie. Leucadia’s Chairman, Ian Cummings, and President Joseph Steinberg have compiled an amazing record since 1978. See this spreadsheet for details of the …

Despite making money in Leucadia National Corp. (LUK) it is my dumb trade of the month. My trade has had me feeling bad for a while and this stock seems to want to make it personal and kick me while I’m down, if I may anthropomorphise.

As a rule I don’t often talk about by trades. The main reason for that is I’ve found talking about a trade influences it. I’m not talking a butterfly flapping its wings over Japan here, I’m talking about real and very tangibles effects. As soon as I mention a trade to anyone then my ego comes in to play. I’d like to say it doesn’t, but I know it does.

OUCH – Fools Rush In
In my last article on Leucadia (LUK) I said “Cautious investors may prefer to wait until after the anticipated earnings announcement between 27-Feb and 6-March as any major disappointment would result in a short term sell-off.” If only I took my own advice.

LUK has the qualities of BRK, but is better value, has younger men at the helm and has outperformed BRK over the last twenty years.