Northrop Corp. reported a $26-million profit for...

Northrop Corp. reported a $26-million profit for the third quarter, contrasted with a year-ago loss. It cited smaller losses in its missiles and unmanned-vehicles business.

The Los Angeles-based aerospace manufacturer said its earnings for the quarter came to 54 cents a share, contrasted with a loss of $32 million, or 69 cents a share, in the third quarter of 1992.

Sales fell 6% to $1.22 billion, from $1.29 billion.

Northrop said it took a $14-million charge in the third quarter for its Tri-Service Standoff Attack Missile, being developed for all three military services.

The contractor has agreed to produce the sophisticated missile for a fixed price, which means the company must absorb any extra costs.

A year ago, Northrop took a $152-million charge for that program.

The company said sales improved in its missiles and unmanned-vehicles business largely because of higher revenue from the Tri-Service missile.