Shimano expects that its 2009 financial year is going to be significantly worse than its successful 2008. Coming after a year with 25 percent growth in net income and 11 percent increase in sales, 2009 is forecast to have a 12.8 percent drop in total sales and an 11.9 percent fall in sales of bike components. Net income will probably drop by more than 20 percent. The damage will probably not be catastrophic, however, as the company had exceptionally good years in 2007 and 2008.