HII struggles to grow despite Alion acquisition
Ingalls Shipbuilding successfully completed acceptance trials for the US Coast Guard’s ninth National Security Cutter. (Photo: Huntington Ingalls Industries)
Operating income for Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) in the Q3 2021 was $118 million and the operating margin was 5%, marking a fall from the Q3 2020 figures of $222 million operating income and 9.6% operating margin.
The decrease in operating income and operating margin were primarily the result of a less favourable operating FAS/CAS adjustment (the difference between expenses for pensions and other post-retirement benefits and the expenses included in operating income).
Net earnings in Q3 2021 reached $147 million, compared to $222 million in Q3 2020. Diluted earnings per share in the the quarter were $3.65, compared to $5.45 in the same period of 2020.
This reduction can also be attributed to lower revenues from existing programmes such as the Legend-class National Security Cutter, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer and amphibious assault ships.
New contract awards for HII in Q3 2021 totalled approximately $600 million, bringing the total backlog to approximately $50.1 billion as of 30 September 2021.
Moreover, the acquisition of Alion Science and Technology — and major contract awards such as a recent $273 million USN maintenance contract — indicate strong potential for growth in Q4.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition
Australia’s mine countermeasure capability remains in flux as the Huon-class nears retirement, but accelerated investment in autonomous systems is opening a path for industry.
-
Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?
As the Iran War draws US ships and marine corps units away from the Indo-Pacific, curtailed exercises and a temporary carrier gap are exposing tensions between Washington’s demand for more self-reliant allies and the joint training needed to realise that ambition.
-
How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?
With Canada committed to its River-class replacement and the USN pursuing a lower-cost frigate, Rheinmetall will need to demonstrate where the GMF 140 can fill a capability gap in the North American fleet.
-
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline
Japan’s FY2027 defence budget backs stand-off strike, a 17-aircraft MQ-9B buy and a declared bid to lead the world in uncrewed maritime assets, alongside new frigates, submarines and support ships.