Level 3 (LVLT) Shares Collapsing. Down over 40%

Always crazy volatile, Level 3 (LVLT) shares are collapsing today on concerns about the highly leveraged communications company’s prospects in the weakening economy. For Q3, the company posted revenue of $1.07 billion and a loss of 8 cents a share; revs were in line with the Street, and the loss was actually a penny better than expected. For the full year, Level 3 says it now sees adjusted EBITDA of $980 million to $1 billion, narrowing the range from its previous forecast of $950 billion to $1.1 billion. The company said it recently completed several “liability management transactions,” reducing its outstanding debt by $179 million; it also said that it is confident it has enough cash to repay $305 million in debt due in September 2009. Could this mean a great buying opportunity? At this price level? I think you could make a killing or lose some few bucks.