These days, it seems like companies are nickel-and-diming us to death. Want a pillow and blanket on your flight to the coast? That'll be $8 on some airlines. It can seem logical to extract every last ounce of available profit for the good of shareholders. But sometimes, forgoing some profits can make more sense.
Consider Google
Voluntarily sacrificing profits to gain a larger benefit is nothing new. Henry Ford startled the world in 1914, when he more than doubled Ford
Sometimes, doing good voluntarily will mainly boost your reputation, as it surely did for Wal-Mart
Next time you hear about a company seemingly giving away money, think about what it might be getting in return. There's often more than a karmic payoff for doing the right thing -- companies that practice this sort of strategic generosity can make for great investments.
What companies have voluntarily done the right thing -- and what did that get them? Share your favorites by leaving a comment below!