A new term has been coined after Wuhan Coronavirus. It is now officially called 2019-nCoV. The first Spanish Flu (H1N1) pandemic lasted from 1918 to 1920. It infected 500 million people worldwide, of whom 50 million to 100 million died. It was a dark age for mankind. It was a time where medical facilities was not as advanced as it is today. Today, we are more equipped medically (though we can do much better).

According to the World Health Organisation, another influenza pandemic will happen – it’s a question of when. (Source: WHO 8 Things to Know) In 1918, we had the most devastating infectious disease event in recorded history: the 1918 influenza pandemic. Since 1918 three influenza pandemics have occurred – in 1957, 1968 and 2009 (H1N1).

This article is another working article to find companies that are producing masks. I find it enlightening to learn from the past.

We will also be focusing on producers of N95 mask. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the use of a NIOSH-certified N95 or better respirator for the protection of healthcare workers who come in direct contact with patients with H1N1. (Source: NIOSH).

We also note that Singapore and most countries in the world currently promote the use of surgical mask rather than N95. I believe that the opportunity might be over to invest in these companies as opportunistic plays.

In fact, you can find a list of N95 mask on this web link. (Source: N95 Mask)

Kawamoto

The stock of Kawamoto (3604. Japan), a Japanese medical supply company that makes masks, appears to be reacting to the surge in demand. The stock has jumped 479% this year, experiencing a particularly large spike around Jan. 17 when the outbreak began receiving more attention. The stocks also recorded multiple spikes during the time of epidermal.

Honeywell

Honeywell (HON) provides eye and face protection equipment, hearing protection equipment, fall protection equipment, hand protection equipment, first-aid, head protection equipment, lockout-tagout, and professional footwear. Salisbury, a Honeywell brand, is the leading manufacturer of PPE for electrical safety. Its solutions comply with ATSM International requirements and OSHA regulations. It offers a complete solution with insulating rubber gloves, line hose, blankets, voltage detectors, clamp sticks, distribution dead-end insulators, temporary grounding equipment, plastic cover-up, and dielectric boots.

Unlike Kawamoto, Honeywell is a big company and the N95 mask only give a small revenue source for them.

3M

3M (MMM) offers a wide range of products that are used to enhance personal protection of people, facilities, and systems. Products offered by the segment include PPE, traffic safety, civil security solutions, and commercial solutions. 3M offers a strong line of PPE like reusable and disposable respirators, head and face protection equipment, protective eyewear, hearing protection equipment, and reflective materials used in footwear, clothing, and other accessories for enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.

Just like honeywell, 3M business does not depend on the N95 mask as their main source of revenue.

Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd.

Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd. (APT) develops, manufactures, and markets innovative disposable protective apparel and infection control products in the United States and internationally. Its disposable protective apparel products consist of shoecovers, coveralls, lab coats, gowns and bouffant caps; infection control products including various face masks and eye shields produces and markets a line of construction weatherization products, such as housewrap and synthetic roof underlayment.

Last Edited 06/02/2020. More companies to follow.

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