The ratings on New York, N.Y.-based Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. reflect its still-strong presence in the worldwide pharmaceutical industry, its diverse product portfolio, and its solid financials. These factors are partially offset by an expected string of significant product patent expirations over the next several years and uncertain prospects for new product launches. Bristol-Myers' drug portfolio remains diverse, with strong positions in the oncology, cardiovascular, and virology markets. Indeed, the firm's top three best-selling drugs account for only 34% of total drug sales, whereas at many of the other major pharmaceutical companies, the top three account for 50% of sales. The cardiovascular arena, in particular, provides growth opportunities for Bristol-Myers, as sales of the company's anti-platelet aggregator Plavix and its angiotensin
