Yahoo Finance Huntington Ingalls Industries Surpasses Analyst Expectations with Strong Q1 2024 Performance
Revenue: $2.8 billion, up 4.9% year-over-year, slightly
exceedingbelow the estimate of $2.793 billion.Net Earnings: $153 million, up 18.6% from the previous year, surpassing the estimate of $137.4 million.
Diluted EPS: $3.87, a 19.8% increase year-over-year, significantly exceeding the estimate of $3.53.
Operating Income: $154 million, a 9.2% increase from the previous year, driven by higher segment operating income.
New Contract Awards: Totaling $3.1 billion, contributing to a robust backlog of $48.4 billion.
Free Cash Flow: Negative $274 million, a larger deficit compared to negative $49 million in the prior year's first quarter.
Financial Guidance: Reaffirmed for FY24, maintaining a positive outlook for the year.
Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc (NYSE:HII) released its 8-K filing on May 2, 2024, revealing a robust performance for the first quarter of 2024. The company reported record first-quarter revenues of $2.8 billion, a 4.9% increase from the previous year, and a significant rise in net earnings to $153 million, or $3.87 per diluted share, comfortably surpassing the analyst estimates of $3.53 EPS and $137.40 million net income.
Company Overview
Huntington Ingalls Industries, the largest independent military shipbuilder in the U.S., was spun off from Northrop Grumman in 2011. It operates three segments: two shipyardsIngalls Shipbuilding and Newport News Shipbuildingand the Mission Technologies segment. Ingalls produces non-nuclear ships, including amphibious landing ships and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, while Newport News is the sole builder of Gerald Ford-class aircraft carriers and a major subcontractor for nuclear submarines. The Mission Technologies segment focuses on uncrewed sea vessels and various IT and government services.
Operational Highlights and Financial Performance
HII's revenue increase was primarily driven by its Mission Technologies segment, which saw a 20.2% increase in revenues to $750 million. This segment's operating income also saw a substantial rise, improving by 64.7% to $28 million. Ingalls Shipbuilding also reported a revenue increase of 13.5% to $655 million, attributed to higher volumes in surface combatants and amphibious assault ships.
However, Newport News Shipbuilding experienced a slight downturn, with revenues decreasing by 4.8% to $1.4 billion, mainly due to lower volumes in aircraft carriers and Virginia-class submarines. Despite this, the segment's operating margin improved slightly.
Challenges and Forward-Looking Statements
The company noted the use of $202 million in net cash for operating activities, a significant increase from the previous year, and reported a negative free cash flow of $274 million. Despite these challenges, HII reaffirmed its financial guidance for 2024, projecting steady growth and performance.
Strategic Developments and Market Position
New contract awards for the quarter totaled $3.1 billion, bringing HII's total backlog to an impressive $48.4 billion. These developments underscore the company's solid market position and operational capabilities. Notable milestones included significant progress on various shipbuilding projects and new contracts in the Mission Technologies segment, which align with the company's strategic focus on expanding its capabilities in cyber, electronic warfare, and space.
Conclusion
Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc's first-quarter performance in 2024 highlights its strategic execution and robust demand for its diverse product portfolio. With a strong backlog and continued investment in technological innovation, HII is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the defense sector and deliver long-term value to its stakeholders.
Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc for further details.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
