Philadelphia, Pa.-based diversified chemical producer FMC Corp. has steadily improved operating performance and has shown a prudent approach to funding growth investments and returning cash to shareholders. We are raising our ratings on the company, including the corporate credit rating, to 'A-' from 'BBB+'. The stable outlook indicates our expectation for continued growth in operating performance and the company's commitment to its moderate financial policy to support the ratings. On Dec. 17, 2012, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its corporate credit rating on FMC Corp. to 'A-' from 'BBB+. At the same time, we raised our ratings on the company's unsecured debt to 'A-' from 'BBB+'. The upgrade reflects our expectations that FMC's steadily improving operating performance and its
