The speculative-grade ratings on WESCO International Inc. and its subsidiary WESCO Distribution Inc. reflect the parent's somewhat aggressive financial policies, which more than offset its satisfactory business risk profile as a leading distributor of electrical construction products; maintenance, repair, and operating supplies; and integrated supply and outsourcing services. Pittsburgh, Pa.-based WESCO is one of the largest electrical distributors in the U.S. It competes mainly in the U.S. wholesale electrical distribution industry, which is estimated to be worth roughly $74 billion and which has a growth rate in the low- to mid-single-digit percentage area. Overall economic conditions and the increasing use of electrical parts are partly influencing demand. The market is highly fragmented, which can lead to very intense pricing pressures,
