If you ever question why poverty (the terrible root of 99% of all problems in our global society (imo)) exists at all, perhaps consider asking the authorities on profit where their contributions to real positive change are… and don’t even begin to whine to anyone about the ‘millions’ any one of these players (to name a small few) give to their selected charities each year. Although most of them are in a significant position to completely eradicate some of the worlds most pressing problems, there is zero profit in doing so.
Big Tech:
2023 (Fiscal Year Ending)
• Amazon: $513.98 billion
• Apple: $395.76 billion
• Alphabet: $350.01 billion
• Microsoft: $261.80 billion
• Meta: $116.6 billion
2021 (First Quarter)
• Amazon: $837,330.25 revenue per minute
• Apple: $691,234.57 per minute
• Alphabet: $426,805.56 per minute
• Microsoft: $321,805.56 per minute
• Facebook: $201,936.73 per minute
Big Oil Firms (ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, EOG Resources, and Schlumberger) have recorded a record $380-billion dollar profit since Russia invaded Ukraine, with households (middle and lower class) shouldering the burden with personal energy costs skyrocketing.
In 2024, Canada’s Big 6 banks reported a combined profit of $51.32 billion, a significant increase from the $45.42 billion earned the previous year.
And, while it’s difficult to give a precise, single number for the total revenue of all major pharmaceutical companies in the last four years, here’s a breakdown of some key companies and their capitalization on illness (and they still haven’t cured a damn thing, btw):
• Johnson & Johnson (J&J): In 2023, Overall revenue $85.2 billion.
• Pfizer: total revenue in 2024 was 63.6 billion USD.
• AbbVie: total revenue in 2024 was 56.3 billion USD.
• Novartis: total revenue in 2024 was 50.3 billion USD.
And as a footnote figure, always good to note the following:
U.S. Military spending over the last 4 years:
• 2021: $753.8 billion
• 2022: $804.4 billion
• 2023: $820.3 billion
• 2024: $824.3 billion
Total (2021-2024): Approximately $3.3 trillion
“Our society has become increasingly consumed by the relentless pursuit of wealth and power. As a result, the very essence of humanity is slowly eroding. Many individuals are succumbing to primal instincts, obsessively accumulating more than they need, and prioritizing self-interest over the well-being of others. If left unchecked, this insatiable drive for material gain and dominance will ultimately lead to our civilization’s downfall. The consequences of our actions will be catastrophic, as we suffocate under the weight of our own excesses and waste. It’s imperative that we reassess our values and strive for a more balanced, compassionate, and sustainable existence.”
Largest Solo Contributors to a Global Problem
While no individual earns over $50 billion annually in direct income, a select group of ultra-wealthy individuals have amassed net worths exceeding $50 billion through various ventures. Their wealth accumulation is primarily driven by ownership stakes in highly successful companies, investments, and other assets.
Notable Individuals with Net Worths Exceeding $50 Billion:
-
Elon Musk:
-
Jeff Bezos:
-
Net Worth: Approximately $194 billion.
-
Source of Wealth: Founder and former CEO of Amazon.
-
Wealth Accumulation: Bezos’s wealth is largely tied to his substantial ownership in Amazon, which has experienced significant growth over the years. WSJ
-
-
Bernard Arnault & Family:
-
Net Worth: Approximately $233 billion.news+9Wikipedia+9The Knowles Group+9
-
Source of Wealth: Chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury goods company.Wikipedia
-
Wealth Accumulation: Arnault’s fortune comes from his controlling stake in LVMH, which encompasses numerous luxury brands.
-
-
Mark Zuckerberg:
-
Net Worth: Approximately $177 billion.Barron’s+13Wikipedia+13Wikipedia+13
-
Source of Wealth: Co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook).Wikipedia
-
Wealth Accumulation: Zuckerberg’s wealth is primarily derived from his significant ownership in Meta, a leading social media conglomerate.
-
-
Larry Ellison:
-
Warren Buffett:
-
Net Worth: Approximately $133 billion.Financial Samurai
-
Source of Wealth: CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.Wikipedia
-
Wealth Accumulation: Buffett’s wealth is accumulated through his leadership and investments via Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate holding company.
-
-
Bill Gates:
-
Net Worth: Approximately $128 billion.WSJ+8Wikipedia+8Wikipedia+8
-
Source of Wealth: Co-founder of Microsoft.
-
Wealth Accumulation: Gates’s fortune originates from his founding role and continued investments in Microsoft, along with diversified investments.
-
-
Mukesh Ambani:
-
Net Worth: Approximately $116 billion.
-
Source of Wealth: Chairman and largest shareholder of Reliance Industries.Wikipedia
-
Wealth Accumulation: Ambani’s wealth comes from his leadership in Reliance Industries, a conglomerate with interests in petrochemicals, refining, oil, telecommunications, and retail.
-
-
Sergey Brin:
