Communications equipment maker Motorola Solutions Inc reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit, helped by an 11 percent jump in sales to government customers, and forecast second-quarter results in line with estimates.

The maker of equipment such as two-way radios used by the police and handheld computing devices used in retail stores expects second-quarter revenue to grow about 6 percent, implying revenue of $2.10 billion.

It expects an adjusted profit of 65 cents to 70 cents per share from continuing operations, compared with analysts' expectations of 68 cents per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Motorola Inc split in two in January 2011 to form Motorola Solutions and Motorola Mobility , which sells mobile phones and television set-top boxes.

Net income for the first quarter, however, fell more than two-thirds to $157 million, or 49 cents per share.

Excluding items, the company, which competes with Cisco Systems Inc and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co , earned 59 cents per share from continuing operations.

Government segment sales, which accounts for two-thirds of total revenue, rose to $1.3 billion. Total revenue rose 7 percent to $1.96 billion.

Analysts expected an adjusted profit of 54 cents per share, on revenue of $1.93 billion.

The company's shares, which closed at $48.66 on Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange, have risen 22 percent since the split.

(Reporting by Sayantani Ghosh in Bangalore; Editing by Roshni Menon)

Motorola