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Biotech / Medical : VVUS: VIVUS INC. (NASDAQ) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Edderd who wrote (17725)	1/12/1999 11:25:00 PM
From: VLAD	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 23519

Ed, Who ever said anything about "spreading" information that should be kept in the company? I am talking about keeping investors informed on a regular bases. Vivus has often operated not as a public company but as if it were some sort of secret society. Most of the questions I have asked in the past were not answered either because they "didn't know" or they were not about to reveal the information desired. Let me give you some examples: Do you think that it would be appropriate for investors to be allowed to know exactly how many units are shipped to Astra, Janssen and the domestic channel each month? If your answer is no then why not? I feel that this is very basic information that should be available unless there is something to hide. I'm not advocating the release of trade secrets or tentative business plans. I'm talking about basic information. To this day, Vivus has not revealed exactly what Astra or Janssen pay for one unit of MUSE. Why the big secret? When I asked NF this question a year ago the answer I got was "the analysts estimate it at between $6.00-$7.00/unit". Is it not sad that when I pose a simple question the answer I get is based on the opinion of outside sources? Why do you think the analysts have been so wrong on estimating earnings since Q1 1997? Do you think it was because they are all a bunch of morons or that perhaps the guidence given to them was poor at best. Companies which have a good relationship with institutions have regular meetings with the investment community. Often this involves meetings between the CFO and the analysts in order to provide adequate guidence and education. Do you know the reply I got from Vivus when I inquired about the arbitrage rating put out by Fayemi last year followed by the report released by Paine Webber which claimed that the company would probably be sold? I was told that no such information was given to these analysts. What does this tell you about the relationship between Vivus and the analysts and thus the institutional investors? Do you know what I was told last Q and this Q when I asked why there was a significant deviation between analysts earnings estimates and Vivus' stated earnings outlook which was break even? I was told, "I don't know where they are coming up with those numbers. They were told the exact same thing." What does this tell you about the relationship between the company and those paid to research it? Ed, you are a smart man. Sooner or later you're going to have to admit that a lot of things can change with this company that can rebuild trust and credibility. Maintaining status quo is unhealthy for your pocket book.