The ratings for Goodyear Tire&Rubber Co. reflect its leading market position, albeit in a highly competitive industry, and expectations that debt-protection measures will improve from currently depressed levels over the next two years. Goodyear is the world's largest tire manufacturer, supplying both the replacement and original equipment segments of the industry. The company also produces rubber-related industrial and automotive components and chemicals. Goodyear has reported very disappointing financial results for the past two years. In 1999, the company generated only $241 million in net income (net of $172 million in restructuring charges) compared with $682 million in 1998 (including $61 million in net gains). For the first nine months of 2000, the company generated $116.7 million in net
