Northrop Grumman's first-quarter sales of $9.9 billion exceeded market expectations.

Northrop Grumman, a major defense contractor in the United States, reported sales of $9.9 billion for the first quarter, exceeding market expectations of $9.7 billion. Earnings per share for the first quarter were $6.14. Northrop Grumman expects sales for the fiscal year to be between $43.5 billion and $44 billion, down from the previous estimate of $43.91 billion. The company also anticipates adjusted earnings per share for the fiscal year to be between $27.40 and $27.90, lower than the previous expectation of $27.97.