As morbid as it might sound, a world-wide pandemic could benefit the following companies. How much they benefit (and whether it impacts their stock prices) is another question, of course. (Link to recent article describing unfolding events).
- Manufactures Relenza, an antiviral drug which appears to be effective against the Swine Flu.
- Manufactures Tamiflu, an antiviral drug which appears to be effective against the Swine Flu.
- Makes n95, n99 and n100 masks worn at hospitals, and recommended by governments to help stop spread of airborne disease.
Any benefit to these companies would depend on the revenues from replacing antiviral stockpiles or providing masks to health care workers and citizens. Also, the proportion of total company profits these products make up is important to understand how much of a boost to the bottom-line a pandemic would provide.
This is not a recommendation to make any investment. Do your own due diligence to determine if securities of these companies suit your investment objectives and risk tolerance.
Stay well...and keep washing those hands.
