The ratings on Home Depot Inc. are based on the company's leading position in the still-fragmented home improvement industry and its consistently 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 $400 billion plus home improvement industry. It is more than twice the size of its nearest competitor - Lowe's Cos. Inc. Home Depot's quality of customer service, competitive prices, and broad merchandise selection distinguish it from its competition. The company's annual store growth of more than 20% in recent years has come at the expense of weaker competitors that do not have the size and operating efficiencies of Home Depot. Due to the weakening U.S.
