If you aren't a hedge fund, don't own or operate any SIVs, and are not in the subprime mortgage business, there's a chance right now that you can really stand out. Look no further than Lazard. The high-profile investment banking boutique said its quarterly net rose to 73 cents a share against expectations of 68 cents. Revenue from M&A work nearly doubled. MarketWatch suggests that the bank is something of a safe haven right now for financial stock investors. Of course, some analysts still see it as a buyout candidate. It's likely to get bit pricier the way things are going.  

For more:
- here's the MarketWatch article

Read more on: Lazard