The ratings on Atlanta, Ga.-based Home Depot Inc. reflect the company's outstanding position in the still-fragmented home improvement industry, its excellent financial profile, and robust generation of cash. 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. Faced with a slowing housing market and increased cannibalization rates from its store expansion, Home Depot has turned its strategic growth focus to expending its presence in the U.S. professional supply market. The company's goal is to increase HD Supply to around 18%û19% of its total revenue base by 2010, which translates into roughly $23 billion-$27 billion
