Week 3 EOC: Making Money for Good

According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy the three most generous corporations in America in 2004 are Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Merck. Together, they collectively gave away more than $2.6 billion worth.  Pfizer led the way in giving $1,259.7 million in 2004.  In 2003 they made $13,671 million.  This is giving away 21% of their total income for that year, which is far beyond any corporation out there.   In 2003 Bristol-Myers Squibb made $5,971 million, and gave away $666.3 million, they gave away 11% of their entire income, totaling $666.3 million dollars. Merck made$10,717 million in 2003, and in 2004 gave away $979 million.  They gave away 9% of their total income.  These companies were by far the highest in percentage of their total income that they donated to different charities.  As you can see, Merck made a considerable amount more than Bristol-Myers Squibb, but gave a 2% less to charities.  2% may not seem that big of a difference, but at this  amount of money, its about $200 million dollars worth.  However they were still extremely giving, and the world owes them a huge favor.  Bristol-Myers Squibb made a mere $5,971 million, and gave away a stunning 11% of their income!  Considering they made a great deal less than some of the other corporate giants, the percentage they gave really deserves some credit.  Now, for the mother of them all, the world owed Pfizer some sort of worthy accomplishment, because they gave away 21% of their ENTIRE income for 2003!  Equaling more than $1.2 billion dollars of cash and in-kind donations.  This is the first time a company topped the $1billion mark in the 11 years the Chronicle has been keeping track.  This, is truly a feat that no other company could come close, and it shows.  As and example of the companies good will, Microsoft made $18,583 million dollars (the most out of these top companies) and only gave away 2.2% of their total income, making them one of the lowest on the list.  So take these numbers into mind next time you decide on who to buy from, and make a conscious effort to think about others, when thinking about yourself.