Litton Sells Weather Data, Map-Making Units

Litton Industries Inc., the U.S. Navy’s third-biggest shipbuilder, agreed to sell its weather data and map-making units to Weather Channel operator Landmark Communications Inc. for $120 million as it focuses on its defense and information businesses. The suburban Boston-based Weather Services International unit has 230 employees, 40% of whom are meteorologists, Litton said. Weather Services also tracks hurricanes and typhoons. Litton warned this week that fiscal second-quarter profit will be below forecasts because of cost overruns on contracts to develop guidance and control systems in combat ships and helicopters, sending its shares down 14% to a 52-week low. The Woodland Hills-based company is considering the sale of more businesses to concentrate on higher-growth products. Litton plans to use the proceeds from the sale to pay down debt. Closely held Landmark owns the Weather Channel Networks, CBS Corp. television affiliates NewsChannel 5 in Nashville and KLAS-TV in Las Vegas, and the Travel Network. The Norfolk, Va.-based company has more than 5,000 employees. Litton shares rose 19 cents to close at $36.63 on the New York Stock Exchange.