We believe home improvement retailer Home Depot Inc.'s performance will be sustainable at current levels and that the company might be able to maintain credit measures in line with a higher rating, notwithstanding returns of capital to shareholders. We are placing our 'A-' corporate credit rating as well as all issue-level ratings on the company, on CreditWatch with positive implications. In resolving the CreditWatch placement, we will update our performance expectations, incorporating the potential for additional profit growth from rising demand for home improvement products and services, as well as downside resiliency, to determine whether a higher rating is warranted. On Oct. 2, 2012, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services placed its 'A-' corporate credit rating, as well as all other
