On April 28, 2008, Standard&Poor's Rating Services assigned its 'A+' rating to New York, N.Y.-based Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.'s (A+/Stable/A-1) current senior unsecured note offering, to be divided into 10-year and 30-year tranches due 2018 and 2038. Proceeds will be used mainly to refinance debt. The ratings on Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. reflect the company's diverse product portfolio, the addition of several promising new products over the past several years, and modest financial risk profile. Bristol-Myers' portfolio remains diverse, with strong positions in the oncology, cardiovascular, and virology markets. The portfolio is anchored by the anti-platelet aggregation agent, Plavix, which could account for upwards of 25% of sales. The product portfolio is also relatively young, with five new product launches
