Litton Industries reported 3% higher quarterly earnings,...

Litton Industries reported 3% higher quarterly earnings, with better results in advanced electronics and industrial automation offsetting a downturn in resource exploration.

During the quarter that ended Oct. 31, the first in Litton’s fiscal year, the technology-based conglomerate earned $42.8 million, or $1.03 per share, compared to $41.5 million, or $1.01 per share, a year earlier. Sales edged up from $1.36 billion to $1.37 billion.

Operating profit fell from $34.3 million to $28.3 million at Resource Exploration Services, which provides data for energy exploration.

The results were hurt by the cost of refocusing operations abroad because of a sharp decline in North American oil exploration and development, the company said. It said the transition should be finished this quarter, with better second-half earnings.

Advanced electronics’ operating profit rose 3% to $32.8 million; shipbuilding’s profit fell 1% to $34.7 million, and industrial automation, which makes assembly lines, electronic inventory control systems and the like, enjoyed a 22% profit jump.