UPDATE 1-Lowe’s tops quarterly sales, profit estimates on small project boost

Lowe's Cos posted a smaller-than-expected drop in quarterly comparable sales and topped estimates for profit on Tuesday, helped by a boost from delayed spring season sales and sustained consumer spending on smaller projects. Larger rival Home Depot last week also topped quarterly sales and profit expectations, with seasonal sales and steady demand from its "Pro-customers", which include professional builders, contractors and handymen, offsetting a drop in big-ticket purchases. The company reported a profit of $4.56 per share.