But don't mistake these managers for inveterate Chicken Littles whose defensiveness produces safe but paltry returns over the long term.

In the year ended last Sept. 30, Burlington's paltry return on equity, of 4.96 percent, trailed the industry average of 8.24.

"We don't enjoy sitting on $43 billion of cash equivalents that are earning paltry returns," writes Warren Buffett, Berkshire's chairman.

The paltry returns on money market accounts have fallen even lower, dropping to less than 0.8 percent, on average, for the first time.

"And when this paltry return is compared with other potential uses of the funds, the investment, almost always, seems unwise."

But several law enforcement officials said it was nonetheless deeply troubling that the officers charged with selling information were apparently willing to do so for such a paltry return.

We don't enjoy sitting on $43 billion of cash equivalents that are earning paltry returns.

He maintains this is an ideal time to pay down a mortgage balance because so many other investment vehicles are paying such paltry returns.

As for the paltry returns of his Allied Domecq stake so far, he said he is patient.

Given the paltry return, some analysts say they expect other bidders for the company's assets to emerge.