Diversified chemicals producer FMC has generated stable earnings and cash flow despite sluggish economic conditions, with strength in its agricultural products and specialty chemicals segments offsetting cyclical weakness in industrial chemicals. We raised the corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on FMC to 'BBB+' from 'BBB'. The stable outlook reflects our expectation that FMC will manage its growth objectives while maintaining a financial profile appropriate for the new ratings. On Oct. 22, 2009, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on Philadelphia-based FMC Corp. to 'BBB+' from 'BBB'. The outlook is stable. The upgrade reflects our expectation that FMC will continue to exhibit attractive and fairly stable operating profitability and moderate financial
