Esterline Corporation (NYSE:ESL) reported its fiscal 2011 third quarter (ended July 29) income from continuing operations of $37.7 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, on sales of $409.5 million. Year-ago income from continuing operations was $39.3 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, on sales of $378.3 million. Brad Lawrence, Esterline's Chief Executive Officer, said, "...overall, we're pleased with our third quarter. All three of Esterline's segments posted sales improvements, and consolidated gross margins improved nearly 100 basis points over last year." Lawrence reiterated comments he made last quarter regarding the anticipated moderation of the "...exceptional strength in our spare parts business that we have experienced over the last several quarters." He said airlines and distributors had been restocking depleted inventories, and the spare parts business now more accurately reflects air transport usage.

Esterline Technologies Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets engineered products and systems primarily for the aerospace and defense market, as well as for industrial/commercial and medical markets in the United States and Europe.

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