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.

Related:

• Archive: “Features”
• Articles by Arianne Cohen
• Table of Contents: June 11, 2007 issue of New York | Subscribe!