Outstanding market position, with 2x the sales of its nearest competitor; Conservative financial policy; Exceptional credit measures; and Strong liquidity. The home improvement industry may be affected by a cyclical downturn in the housing market or consumers' appetites for remodeling. The ratings on Atlanta-based Home Depot Inc. reflect the company's outstanding position in the still-fragmented home improvement industry and its excellent financial profile. Home Depot, which pioneered the full-service, warehouse-style format in the 1970s, has established itself as the clear leader in the home improvement industry. It is twice the size of its nearest competitor, Lowe's Cos. Inc. Over the past few years, Home Depot shifted its internal focus, moving away from aggressive store growth to enhancing its core business
