TOKYO (Standard&Poor's) March 24, 2015--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services today said that its long-term corporate credit rating on Japan-based retailer AEON Co. Ltd. (BBB+/Negative/--) would be unaffected by the company's announcement on March 23 of a downward revision to its forecast consolidated financial results for fiscal 2014 (ended Feb. 28, 2015). AEON lowered its forecast fiscal 2014 operating profit to ¥140 billion, down about 18% from its fiscal 2013 result and roughly 30% below its earlier forecast of ¥200 billion to ¥210 billion. The company cut its forecast because it expects profits from its main retail business, including general merchandising stores (GMSs) and supermarkets, to fall short of its forecast at the start of fiscal 2014 because of
