Cited as the Microsoft of the radiation therapy space, Varian Medical Systems has landed a spot (NO. 26) on Business Week magazine's prestigious "50 Best Performers" list of American companies.

"With its 50 percent plus market share, methodical rollout of products and distribution clout with hospitals, the company dominates its space," Business Week concluded. The magazine noted that while two Varian competitors recently went public and Varian's share price dipped somewhat, it's rebounded nicely, "far outperforming its rivals." BW also reports that investors are keen for the rollout of new software from Varian that reduces the time of a radiation treatment from 20 to five minutes.

Two other health care companies also made the list: Unitedhealth Group, currently the No. 2 ranked national health insurer, and IMS Health, the research company that gathers and analyzes data used by the pharmaceuticals.
Business Week based its rankings on two key financial indicators, average return on capital and growth. In addition comparisons were made to competitors.

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