SCHERING-PLOUGH Corp.

SCHERING-PLOUGH Corp. (SHP) has been caught not upon guard by the quicker-than-expected cannibalization of prescription Claritin (loratadine) rewards since the launch of over-the-counter (OTC) versions of the unsalable article The company recently lowered frameed earnings for 2002 forward sluggish fourth quarter demand for the prescription (Rx) harvest The company also has decided to completely reserve for the return of any Rx Claritin trade inventory existing at year-end 2002 Despite the abrupt falloff, analysts are maintaining earnings by share (EPS) forecasts for 2003

SHP lately disappointed ...

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