Huntington Ingalls Industries(HII) - 2023 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue of $2.8 billion for Q2 2023, representing a 4.7$3.27 from $4.44 in the same quarter last year [44] - Operating income for the quarter was$156 million, down 18% from the previous year [44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - At Newport News, revenues increased by 5.3% to $1.5 billion, driven by growth in aircraft carrier and submarine construction [46] - Mission Technologies achieved record revenue of$645 million, a 7.5% increase year-over-year, but operating income decreased to $9 million from$25 million due to non-recurring income in the previous year [40][47] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog at the end of the quarter was approximately $47 billion, with$24 billion currently funded [38] - New contract awards during the quarter were approximately $2.6 billion [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its shipbuilding backlog and expanding Mission Technologies, which is seen as a foundation for future growth [43] - There is strong bipartisan support for shipbuilding programs in Congress, which is expected to benefit the company [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted labor as the greatest risk to meeting operational targets, despite hiring over 3,200 craftsmen in the first half of the year [66] - The company expects shipbuilding revenue to be approximately$2.1 billion in Q3, with an operating margin consistent with Q2 results [50] Other Important Information - The company reaffirmed its free cash flow guidance for 2023, expecting $400 million to$450 million [49] - Cash from operations was $82 million in the quarter, down from$267 million in Q2 2022 [48] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the risks associated with the VCS program? - Management indicated that labor is the largest obstacle, but they are ahead of hiring plans [55] Question: How does the relationship with Electric Boat affect operations? - Management stated that there is no significant difference in operations between the Virginia class and Columbia class programs [79] Question: Can you provide insights on hiring and retention? - Management noted that while hiring is improving, retention remains a challenge, particularly with walk-in applicants [154] Question: What is the impact of the Kennedy contract modification? - Management expressed confidence in the Kennedy project, stating that the modification has integrated well into the baseline schedule [102] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in Mission Technologies? - Management acknowledged that the majority of contracts are cost-plus, but they are pursuing fixed-price opportunities to improve margins [92]