NY -- Standard & Poor's CreditWire 9/25/96 -- Standard & Poor's today has assigned its single-`A'-plus rating to Home Depot Inc.'s $800 million convertible subordinated notes due 2001. At the same time, Standard & Poor's has affirmed its double-`A'-minus corporate credit rating and senior debt rating, and `A-1'-plus commercial paper rating on the company. The ratings are based on Home Depot's leading position in the fragmented home-improvement industry and the maintenance of an excellent financial profile despite aggressive growth. Atlanta, Ga.-based Home Depot, which pioneered the full service, warehouse-style format in the 1970s, has increased its market share in the $134 billion home improvement industry to 12%. While the industry remains highly fragmented, Home Depot is the clear leader, twice
