How It Works: Pfizer is dependent on hits, but it’ll soon lose patents on smashes like Lipitor; the firm’s been shedding workers lately.
New York Employees: 6,100.
Annual Revenue: $48.4 billion ($12.9 billion is profit).
New Yorkonomics: When firms in high-risk industries, like pharmaceuticals or finance, locate in New York, they are providing their workers a form of insurance: If this firm were to collapse, another would take its place.