11.   Schering attributed the profit drop largely to a temporary recall from the market of an x-ray contrasting agent, which led to downward revaluations in inventories and unexpected writeoffs.

12.   The profit drop marked the fourth consecutive quarter that earnings fell for the computer software and equipment company.

13.   The profit drop was also due to a fall in sales of development properties for the period, Emperor International chairman Sonny Yeung said.

14.   Analysts said the market was well prepared for the lower result as Western Mining management had been telegraphing the big profit drop for some months.

15.   The firm, with major interests in plastics, textiles and electronics, attributed the profit drop to reduced prices of fiber products.