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Buoyed by the acquisition of Orbital ATK, a positive cost claim, improved segment margins, a pension benefit and lower taxes, Northrop Grumman [NOC] on Wednesday reported higher sales and earnings in its third quarter.The company also raised its earnings and cash flow guidance for 2018 to reflect the cost claim, lower interest expense, a pension benefit and lower than expected taxes.Net income soared 78 percent to $1.1 billion, $6.54 earnings per share (EPS), from $643 million ($3.67 EPS) a year…
