When the National Institute of Health gets its stimulus money and ramps up research projects, this medical supplies and lab equipment seller should benefit. Becton Dickinson's revenue also increases with the onset of flu season, since it is a dominant maker of flu diagnostic and treatment products.
Analysts agree that any slowdown in sales in 2009 should be offset by the company's aggressive cost-cutting program. About 65% of its sales are in products where it holds the No. 1 or No. 2 market share position; and Merrill Lynch analyst Jon Wood wrote in a recent note that the company's revenue should grow at about 6% in 2009 and continue to grow at a good clip in the beginning of 2010.
--K.B.
