<ARTICLE> 5 <LEGEND> This schedule contains summary financial data extracted from Schering-Plough Corporation Consolidated Financial Statements, related 10-K Schedules and Exhibits for the year ended December 31, 1996, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. </LEGEND> <MULTIPLIER> 1,000 <PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR <FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996 <PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996 <CASH> 535100 <SECURITIES> 0 <RECEIVABLES> 615000 <ALLOWANCES> 73000 <INVENTORY> 594100 <CURRENT-ASSETS> 2364600 <PP&E> 3362500 <DEPRECIATION> 1116200 <TOTAL-ASSETS> 5398100 <CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 2599100 <BONDS> 46400 <PREFERRED-MANDATORY> 0 <PREFERRED> 0 <COMMON> 507400 <OTHER-SE> 1552500 <TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 5398100 <SALES> 5655800 <TOTAL-REVENUES> 5655800 <CGS> 1077800 <TOTAL-COSTS> 1077800 <OTHER-EXPENSES> 722800 <LOSS-PROVISION> 2400 <INTEREST-EXPENSE> 45400 <INCOME-PRETAX> 1606400 <INCOME-TAX> 393600 <INCOME-CONTINUING> 1212800 <DISCONTINUED> 0 <EXTRAORDINARY> 0 <CHANGES> 0 <NET-INCOME> 1212800 <EPS-PRIMARY> 3.30 <EPS-DILUTED> 3.26