| If money makes the world go round, the finance outfits atop our list made it spin a little faster last year. Whether pushing humble home-equity loans or sophisticated merger advice, this crowd soared by being nimble and innovative. Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., No.11, reaped the payoff of its buildup in M&A and equities, and rapid expansion in Europe. Profits jumped 57% last year. But for longevity, it's hard to beat Wall Street's most diversified player, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. It's a five-time winner, though it slipped from No.7 to No.42.
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