Strong Earnings From Home Improvement Retailer Lowe's

Lowe's, the 2nd largest US home-improvement retailer, reported Monday (Feb 27) that its profit for the fourth quarter rose 37%, fueled by growth in special orders and commercial businesses sales.

The warmer weather allowed contractors to start on projects that normally might be delayed until the spring.

Last week, The Home Depot Inc., the nation's largest home improvement store chain, reported a 23 percent gain in its fourth-quarter profit and forecast continued growth in 2006.