NY -- Standard & Poor's CreditWire 4/3/96 -- Standard & Poor's today has raised its ratings of Home Depot Inc.'s corporate credit rating to double-`A'-minus from single-`A'-plus, $72.25 million exempt facility revenue bonds due 2025 to double-`A'-minus/`A-1'-plus from single-`A'-plus/`A-1', and commercial paper to `A-1'-plus from `A-1'. The upgrade reflects a further strengthening of the company'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 the size of the nearest
