Dated: October 7, 2002

                                  Exhibit 99.1

FMC Corporation Announces Improved Outlook for Third Quarter Earnings

PHILADELPHIA, October 7, 2002 -- FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) announced today
that earnings for the third quarter are expected to be approximately 78 cents
per share, 5 cents higher than the current consensus estimate in First Call, due
to stronger than expected sales in Agricultural Products and lower overhead
costs in both Agricultural Products and Industrial Chemicals.

     According to William G. Walter, FMC chairman, president and chief executive
officer: "Our Agricultural Products segment has enjoyed strong sales in the
quarter driven by high insect infestation levels in North America, growth in new
labels for some of our proprietary chemistries and a shift in demand from the
second quarter. Furthermore, cost reduction programs in both the Agricultural
Products and Industrial Chemicals segments are yielding significant improvements
to our operating margins. While our outlook on broad economic recovery is still
very cautious, I am optimistic about the improvements we continue to make in our
businesses."

     FMC will release third quarter earnings after the close of the market on
October 29th, 2002, and hold a conference call at 11AM EST on October 30th,
which will be available via webcast at ir.fmc.com.

     FMC Corporation is a diversified chemical company serving agricultural,
industrial and specialty markets globally for more than a century with
innovative solutions, applications and quality products. The company employs
approximately 5,700 people throughout the world. The company divides its
businesses into three segments: Agricultural Products, Specialty Chemicals and
Industrial Chemicals.

         Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Act of 1995:
Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject
to various risks and uncertainties concerning specific factors described in FMC
Corporation's 2001 Form 10-K and other SEC filings. Such information contained
herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on
information currently available. FMC Corporation does not intend to update this
information and disclaims any legal obligation to the contrary. Historical
information is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

                                  End of Filing