[SatNews] Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) has reported third quarter 2010 net sales of $11.4 billion, a 6 percent increase over the $10.8 billion in 2009. Earnings from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2010 were $565 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, compared to $786 million, or $2.04 per diluted share, in 2009. During the third quarter of 2010, the Corporation incurred an unusual charge of $178 million related to the VESP ($116 million after-tax, or $0.32 per share), which was previously announced on Sept. 7, 2010. The third quarter of 2009 included an unusual tax benefit from the resolution of an IRS examination, which increased earnings from continuing operations by $58 million, or $0.15 per share. Cash from operations in the third quarter of 2010 was $513 million, after making $1.05 billion in discretionary contributions to the Corporation’s defined benefit pension trust. Cash from operations in the third quarter of 2009 was $1.4 billion and did not include any discretionary contributions to the Corporation’s defined benefit pension trust. To read the entire financial report, select this direct link.