Unbiased observers. (Investments & Finance).(pay attention to independent stock research firms)

Too bad more people weren't listening. In March 2000, Precursor Group, an independent stock research firm in Washington, correctly predicted that the U.S. government would block WorldCom Inc.'s proposed takeover of telephone rival Sprint Corp. -- perhaps ending WorldCom's growth-by-acquisition strategy. WorldCom shares closed at $41.39 on the day of the report.

On Jan. 22, 2002, Precursor Chief Executive Scott Cleland declared, "WorldCom has a dying growth model." The shares traded that day at $12.28. Almost a year and a half later, WorldCom has gone bankrupt and its…