The ratings on American Builders&Contractors Supply Co. Inc. incorporate its leading position in the wholesale distribution of roofing products and its relatively stable product demand. These positives are offset by highly competitive and fragmented markets, a narrow product line, low distribution operating margins (5.7% average for recent years), and aggressive debt leverage. American Builders is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing products and one of the largest distributors of vinyl siding in the U.S., primarily serving small and medium-size contractors. Business strengths include broad geographic coverage through more than 200 company-owned distribution centers that are strongly customer service-focused, significant purchasing leverage--American Builders is the largest customer of its major suppliers--and a full range of roofing products. Moreover, the
