NY -- Standard&Poor's CreditWire 2/10/98 -- Standard&Poor's today lowered its ratings on FMC Corp., reflecting a more agressive financial policy than was incorporated into the previous ratings (See list below). The outlook is now stable. The overall business risk profile is average, but with operating performance challenges in agricultural and industrial chemicals sectors. Furthermore, potential industry-wide restructurings in FMC's industrial chemicals markets heightens competitive risks. Financial flexibility is expected to remain constrained despite adequate internal cash generation, as acquisitions and common share repurchases will keep debt levels high. The Chicago, Ill. based company's financial flexibility has been reduced by special charges and divestiture of a profitable business segment. In the fourth quarter of 1997, FMC recorded
