By Denny Jacob


Northrop Grumman posted better-than-expected sales in its latest quarter, pointing to strength in demands and services in the defense market.

The defense contractor logged earnings of $944 million, or $6.32 a share, for the first quarter ended March 31, up from $842 million, or $5.50 a share, a year earlier. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected $5.74 a share.

Sales surged 9% to $10.13 billion from $9.3 billion. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected $9.77 billion.

Sales were higher across all four segments, with aeronautics systems leading the pack on a percentage basis.

"Robust global defense spending and our strong backlog, along with expanding margins, continue to support our multi-year outlook for free cash flow growth," said Chief Executive Kathy Warden.


Write to Denny Jacob at denny.jacob@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-25-24 0726ET