NEW YORK (Standard & Poor's) Feb. 24, 2005--Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said today that Home Depot Inc.'s (AA/Stable/A-1+) announcement that it authorized a $2 billion increase to its share repurchase program has no impact on the current ratings or outlook. In addition, the company declared a fourth-quarter dividend of 10 cents per share, representing a 23% increase. Share repurchases are expected to be funded with operating cash flow and cash on hand, which was $2.2 billion as of Jan. 30, 2005. Home Depot has continued to generate significant free operating cash flow (after capital expenditures) over the past few years -- $3.0 billion in the fiscal year ended Feb. 1, 2004, and $3.6 billion in the three quarters ended
