Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
OVERVIEW
Our Business
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. ("HII", "we", "us", or "our") is a global, all-domain defense partner, building and delivering the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and technologies that safeguard America’s seas, sky, land, space, and cyber. For more than a century, our Ingalls Shipbuilding segment ("Ingalls") in Mississippi and Newport News Shipbuilding segment ("Newport News") in Virginia have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder, making us America's largest shipbuilder. Our Mission Technologies segment develops integrated technology solutions and products that enable today's connected, all-domain force. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, we employ over 44,000 people domestically and internationally.
We conduct most of our business with the U.S. Government, primarily the Department of Defense ("DoD"). As prime contractor, principal subcontractor, team member, or partner, we participate in many high-priority U.S. defense programs. Ingalls includes our non-nuclear ship design, construction, repair, and maintenance businesses. Newport News includes all of our nuclear ship design, construction, overhaul, refueling, and repair and maintenance businesses. Our Mission Technologies segment provides a wide range of services and products, including command, control, computers, communications, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ("C5ISR") systems and operations; the application of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to battlefield decisions;
defensive and offensive cyberspace strategies and electronic warfare; unmanned autonomous systems; live, virtual, and constructive training solutions ("LVC"); fleet sustainment; and critical nuclear operations.
The following discussion should be read along with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (our "2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K").
Business Environment
We continue to see uncertainty in the economy, our industry, and our company, with challenges for customers and suppliers, labor shortages, supply chain challenges, and inflation, among other impacts.
Defense Spending Environment - The National Defense Authorization Act ("NDAA") for fiscal year 2024 was finalized in December 2023, and the fiscal year 2024 budget cycle concluded with the enactment of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (the "Act") on March 23, 2024. Final defense appropriations broadly supported shipbuilding programs, including funding for two Arleigh Burke class (DDG 51) destroyers, two Virginia class (SSN 774) attack submarines, and one Columbia class (SSBN 826) ballistic submarine. Additionally, the appropriations measure provided $500 million for advance procurement ("AP") funding for LPD-33, additional AP funding for a third DDG-51 in fiscal year 2025, and funding for Ford class (CVN 78) nuclear aircraft carrier programs. The Act also provides funding for the submarine industrial base and large surface combatant shipyard infrastructure and authorizes the Navy to enter into a multi-year procurement contract for Virginia class (SSN 774) submarines.
The President submitted the fiscal year 2025 budget request on March 11, 2024, which is now under consideration by Congress. The budget request reflects continued investment in shipbuilding, funding two Arleigh Burke class (DDG 51) surface combatants, one San Antonio class (LPD 17) amphibious warship, and the lead Block VI Virginia class (SSN 774) submarine, which is proposed to be executed as a multiyear procurement. Additionally, the budget request continues funding for Ford class (CVN 78) nuclear aircraft carriers and the first of three years of full funding for the refueling and complex overhaul of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The budget request continues investment in the submarine industrial base and research and development on next generation large surface combatants (DDG(X)) and nuclear submarines (SSN(X)).
Global Geopolitical and Economic Environment - The global geopolitical and economic environment continues to be impacted by uncertainty, heightened geopolitical tensions, and instability. Geopolitical relationships continue to change, and the U.S. and its allies face a global security environment that includes threats from state and non-state actors, including major global powers, as well as terrorist organizations, emerging nuclear tensions, diverse regional security concerns, and political instability. These global threats persist across all domains, from undersea to space to cyber, and the global market for defense products, services, and solutions is driven by these complex and evolving security challenges. Our current operating environment exists in the broader context of political and socioeconomic priorities and reflects, among other things, the continued impact of and uncertainty surrounding geopolitical tensions, financial market volatility, inflation, and a challenging labor market.
For further information on our business environment, see the discussion under Business Environment under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates, and Judgments
As discussed in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we consider our policies relating to the following matters to be critical accounting policies and estimates:
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Revenue recognition;
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Retirement related benefit plans; and
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Workers' compensation.
As of March 31, 2024, there had been no material changes to the foregoing critical accounting policies, estimates, and judgments since December 31, 2023.
Program Descriptions
For convenience, a brief description of certain programs discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is included in the "Glossary of Programs" in this section.
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
The following table presents selected financial highlights:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and service revenues | $ | 2,805 | $ | 2,674 | $ | 131 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of product sales and service revenues | 2,430 | 2,324 | 106 | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from operating investments, net | 12 | 12 | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income and gains (losses), net | (1) | (1) | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 232 | 220 | 12 | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 154 | 141 | 13 | 9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (21) | (24) | 3 | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating retirement benefit | 44 | 37 | 7 | 19 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | 7 | 9 | (2) | (22) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal and foreign income taxes | 31 | 34 | (3) | (9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 153 | $ | 129 | $ | 24 | 19 | % |
Operating Performance Assessment and Reporting
We manage and assess the performance of our business based on our performance on individual contracts and programs using the financial measures referred to below, with consideration given to the Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates, and Judgments referred to in this section. Our portfolio of long-term contracts is largely flexibly-priced. Therefore, sales tend to fluctuate in concert with costs across our large portfolio of active contracts, with operating income being a critical measure of operating performance. Under FAR rules that govern our business with the U.S. Government, most types of costs are allowable, and we do not focus on individual cost groupings, such as cost of sales or general and administrative expenses, as much as we do on total contract costs, which are a key factor in determining contract operating income. As a result, in evaluating our operating performance, we look primarily at changes in sales and service revenues, as well as operating income, including the effects of significant changes in operating income as a result of changes in contract financial estimates and the use of the cumulative catch-up method of accounting in accordance with GAAP. This approach is consistent with the long-term life cycle of our contracts, as management assesses the bidding of each contract by focusing on net sales and operating profit and monitors performance in a similar manner through contract completion. Consequently, our discussion of business segment performance focuses on net sales and operating profit, consistent with our approach for managing our business.
Sales and Service Revenues
Period-to-period revenues reflect performance under new and ongoing contracts. Changes in sales and service
revenues are typically expressed in terms of volume. Unless otherwise described, volume generally refers to
increases (or decreases) in reported revenues due to varying production activity levels, delivery rates, or service
levels on individual contracts. Volume changes will typically carry a corresponding income change based on the
profit margin rate for a particular contract.
Sales and service revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased $131 million, or 5%, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to higher volumes at Mission Technologies.
Cost of Sales and Service Revenues
Cost of sales for both product sales and service revenues consists of materials, labor, and subcontracting costs, as well as an allocation of indirect costs for overhead. We manage the type and amount of costs at the contract level, which is the basis for estimating our total costs at completion of our contracts. Unusual fluctuations in operating performance driven by changes in a specific cost element across multiple contracts are described in our analysis.
Refer to "Segment Operating Results" and "Product and Service Revenues and Cost Analysis" in this section for details related to cost of sales for both product sales and service revenues.
Income from Operating Investments, Net
The activities of our operating investments are closely aligned with the operations of the segments holding the investments. We therefore record income related to earnings from equity method investments in our operating income.
Refer to "Segment Operating Results" in this section for details related to income from operating investments.
General and Administrative Expenses
In accordance with industry practice and the regulations that govern the cost accounting requirements for government contracts, most general and administrative expenses are considered allowable and allocable costs on government contracts. These costs are allocated to contracts in progress on a systematic basis, and contract performance factors include this cost component as an element of cost.
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased $12 million from the same period in 2023, primarily due to higher overhead costs.
Operating Income
We consider operating income an important measure for evaluating our operating performance, and, consistent with industry practice, we define operating income as revenues less the related costs of producing the revenues and general and administrative expenses.
We internally manage our operations by reference to "segment operating income," which is defined as operating income before the Operating FAS/CAS Adjustment and non-current state income taxes, neither of which affects contract performance. Segment operating income is not a recognized measure under GAAP. When analyzing our operating performance, investors should use segment operating income in addition to, and not as an alternative for, operating income or any other performance measure presented in accordance with GAAP. It is a measure we use to evaluate our core operating performance. We believe segment operating income reflects an additional way of viewing aspects of our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. We believe the measure is used by investors and is a useful indicator to measure our performance. Because not all companies use identical calculations, our presentation of segment operating income may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Refer to
"Segment Operating Results" in this section for details related to segment operating income, as well as activity within each segment.
The following table reconciles operating income to segment operating income:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 154 | $ | 141 | $ | 13 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating FAS/CAS Adjustment | 17 | 19 | (2) | (11) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current state income taxes | (1) | (4) | 3 | 75 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating income | $ | 170 | $ | 156 | $ | 14 | 9 | % |
FAS/CAS Adjustment and Operating FAS/CAS Adjustment
The FAS/CAS Adjustment reflects the difference between expenses for pension and other postretirement benefits determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP Financial Accounting Standards ("FAS") and the expenses for these items included in segment operating income in accordance with U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards ("CAS"). The Operating FAS/CAS Adjustment excludes the following components of net periodic benefit costs: interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost (credit) and actuarial loss (gain), and settlement and curtailment effects.
The components of the Operating FAS/CAS Adjustment were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FAS benefit | $ | 16 | $ | 8 | $ | 8 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CAS cost | 11 | 10 | 1 | 10 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FAS/CAS Adjustment | 27 | 18 | 9 | 50 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating retirement benefit | (44) | (37) | (7) | (19) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating FAS/CAS Adjustment expense | $ | (17) | $ | (19) | $ | 2 | 11 | % |
The Operating FAS/CAS Adjustment was a net expense of $17 million and $19 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The favorable change was primarily driven by demographic assumptions, offset by lower interest rates under FAS.
Non-current State Income Taxes
Non-current state income taxes include deferred state income taxes, which reflect the change in deferred state tax assets and liabilities, and the tax expense or benefit associated with changes in state unrecognized tax benefits in the relevant period. These amounts are recorded within operating income. Current period state income tax expense is charged to contract costs and included in cost of sales and service revenues in segment operating income.
Non-current state income tax benefit was $1 million and $4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The unfavorable change was driven by an increase in deferred state income tax expense, primarily attributable to a change in net capitalized research and development expenditures and the timing of long-term contract income for tax purposes.
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Our discussion of business segment performance focuses on sales and service revenues and operating income,
consistent with our approach for managing our business. We are aligned into three reportable segments: Ingalls, Newport News, and Mission Technologies.
The following table presents segment operating results:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and Service Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ingalls | $ | 655 | $ | 577 | $ | 78 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Newport News | 1,434 | 1,506 | (72) | (5) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Technologies | 750 | 624 | 126 | 20 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | (34) | (33) | (1) | (3) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and service revenues | $ | 2,805 | $ | 2,674 | $ | 131 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ingalls | $ | 60 | $ | 55 | $ | 5 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Newport News | 82 | 84 | (2) | (2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Technologies | 28 | 17 | 11 | 65 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating income | 170 | 156 | 14 | 9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-segment factors affecting operating income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating FAS/CAS Adjustment | (17) | (19) | 2 | 11 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current state income taxes | 1 | 4 | (3) | (75) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 154 | $ | 141 | $ | 13 | 9 | % |
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income reflects the aggregate performance results of contracts within a segment. Excluded from this measure are certain costs not directly associated with contract performance, such as the Operating FAS/CAS Adjustment and non-current state income taxes. Changes in segment operating income are typically expressed in terms of volume, as discussed above, or performance. Performance refers to changes in contract profit margin rates. These changes typically relate to profit recognition associated with revisions to estimated costs at completion ("EAC") on a contract, which reflect improved or deteriorated operating performance on that contract. Operating income changes are accounted for on a cumulative to date basis at the time an EAC change is recorded. Segment operating income may also be affected by, among other things, contract performance, the effects of workforce stoppages, the effects of natural disasters such as hurricanes, resolution of disputed items with the customer, recovery of insurance proceeds, and other discrete events. At the completion of a long-term contract, any originally estimated costs not incurred or reserves not fully utilized, such as warranty reserves, could also impact contract earnings. Where such items have occurred and the effects are material, a separate description is provided.
Net Cumulative Catch-up Revenue Adjustments
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, favorable and unfavorable cumulative catch-up revenue adjustments were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross favorable adjustments | $ | 55 | $ | 64 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross unfavorable adjustments | (53) | (55) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net adjustments | $ | 2 | $ | 9 |
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, net cumulative catch-up revenue adjustments by segment were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ingalls | $ | 13 | $ | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Newport News | (12) | (9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Technologies | 1 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net adjustments | $ | 2 | $ | 9 |
Ingalls
| Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and service revenues | $ | 655 | $ | 577 | $ | 78 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating income | 60 | 55 | 5 | 9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As a percentage of segment sales | 9.2 | % | 9.5 | % |
Sales and Service Revenues
Ingalls revenues, including intersegment sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased $78 million, or 14%, from the same period in 2023, primarily driven by higher volumes in surface combatants and amphibious assault ships, partially offset by lower volumes in the Legend class National Security Cutter ("NSC") program.
Segment Operating Income
Ingalls segment operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $60 million, compared to segment operating income of $55 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily driven by the changes in volume described above.
Newport News
| Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and service revenues | $ | 1,434 | $ | 1,506 | $ | (72) | (5) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating income | 82 | 84 | (2) | (2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As a percentage of segment sales | 5.7 | % | 5.6 | % |
Sales and Service Revenues
Newport News revenues, including intersegment sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2024, decreased $72 million, or 5%, from the same period in 2023, primarily driven by lower volumes in aircraft carriers and the Virginia class (SSN 774) submarine program.
Segment Operating Income
Newport News segment operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $82 million, compared to segment operating income of $84 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by the changes in volume described above.
Mission Technologies
| Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and service revenues | $ | 750 | $ | 624 | $ | 126 | 20 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating income | 28 | 17 | 11 | 65 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As a percentage of segment sales | 3.7 | % | 2.7 | % |
Sales and Service Revenues
Mission Technologies revenues, including intersegment sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased $126 million, or 20%, from the same period in 2023, primarily due to higher volumes in C5ISR and cyber, electronic warfare & space ("CEW&S").
Segment Operating Income
Mission Technologies segment operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $28 million, compared to segment operating income of $17 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily driven by the higher volumes described above.
PRODUCT AND SERVICE REVENUES AND COST ANALYSIS
The following table presents segment sales and service revenues and segment cost of sales and service revenues by both product and service:
| Sales and Service Revenues | Segment Cost of Product Sales and Service Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Three Months Ended March 31 | 2024 vs. 2023 | Three Months Ended March 31 | 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Information | 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | Percent | 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ingalls | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | $ | 586 | $ | 534 | $ | 52 | 10 | % | $ | 491 | $ | 440 | $ | 51 | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 67 | 41 | 26 | 63 | % | 58 | 34 | 24 | 71 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment | 2 | 2 | — | — | % | 2 | 2 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Ingalls | 655 | 577 | 78 | 14 | % | 551 | 476 | 75 | 16 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Newport News | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | 1,176 | 1,271 | (95) | (7) | % | 1,001 | 1,092 | (91) | (8) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 257 | 234 | 23 | 10 | % | 212 | 198 | 14 | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment | 1 | 1 | — | — | % | 1 | 1 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Newport News | 1,434 | 1,506 | (72) | (5) | % | 1,214 | 1,291 | (77) | (6) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Technologies | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | 25 | 24 | 1 | 4 | % | 31 | 20 | 11 | 55 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 694 | 570 | 124 | 22 | % | 620 | 521 | 99 | 19 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment | 31 | 30 | 1 | 3 | % | 31 | 30 | 1 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Mission Technologies | 750 | 624 | 126 | 20 | % | 682 | 571 | 111 | 19 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Totals | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | $ | 1,787 | $ | 1,829 | $ | (42) | (2) | % | $ | 1,523 | $ | 1,552 | $ | (29) | (2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 1,018 | 845 | 173 | 20 | % | 890 | 753 | 137 | 18 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Segment1 | $ | 2,805 | $ | 2,674 | $ | 131 | 5 | % | $ | 2,413 | $ | 2,305 | $ | 108 | 5 | % |
1 Operating FAS/CAS Adjustment is excluded from segment cost of product sales and service revenues.
Product Sales and Segment Cost of Product Sales
Product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2024, decreased $42 million, or 2%, from the same period in 2023, primarily as a result of lower volumes at Newport News in aircraft carriers and the Virginia class (SSN 774) submarine program, partially offset by higher volumes at Ingalls in amphibious assault ships and surface combatants.
Segment cost of product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2024, decreased $29 million, or 2%, compared with the same period in 2023, consistent with the lower product sales described above.
Service Revenues and Segment Cost of Service Revenues
Service revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased $173 million, or 20%, from the same period in 2023, primarily as a result of higher volumes at Mission Technologies in C5ISR and CEW&S.
Segment cost of service revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased $137 million, or 18%, compared with the same period in 2023, consistent with the higher service volumes described above.
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $21 million, compared with $24 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was driven by a decrease in outstanding long-term debt from the prior year period.
Non-Operating Retirement Benefit
The non-operating retirement benefit includes the following components of net periodic benefit costs: interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost (credit) and actuarial loss (gain), and settlement and curtailment effects.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the non-operating retirement benefit was $44 million, compared with $37 million for the same period in 2023. The favorable change was primarily driven by higher 2023 returns on plan assets.
Other, Net
Other, net income for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $7 million, compared with other, net income of $9 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by lower unrealized net gains in investments.
Federal and Foreign Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rates on earnings from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, were 16.8% and 20.9%, respectively. The lower effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory corporate income tax rate of 21% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to research and development tax credits and income tax benefits associated with stock award settlement activity.
BACKLOG
Total backlog as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, was $48.4 billion and $48.1 billion, respectively. Total backlog includes both funded backlog (firm orders for which funding is contractually obligated by the customer) and unfunded backlog (firm orders for which funding is not currently contractually obligated by the customer). Backlog excludes unexercised contract options and unfunded Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity orders. For contracts having no stated contract values, backlog includes only the amounts committed by the customer.
The following table presents funded and unfunded backlog by segment as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Funded | Unfunded | Total Backlog | Funded | Unfunded | Total Backlog | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ingalls | $ | 13,133 | $ | 2,059 | $ | 15,192 | $ | 12,546 | $ | 3,201 | $ | 15,747 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Newport News | 12,132 | 16,075 | 28,207 | 11,890 | 15,349 | 27,239 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Technologies | 1,692 | 3,328 | 5,020 | 1,545 | 3,590 | 5,135 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total backlog | $ | 26,957 | $ | 21,462 | $ | 48,419 | $ | 25,981 | $ | 22,140 | $ | 48,121 |
We expect approximately 22% of the $48.1 billion total backlog as of December 31, 2023, to be converted into sales in 2024. U.S. Government orders comprised substantially all of the backlog as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023.
Contract Awards
The value of new contract awards during the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $3.1 billion, including an award for the maintenance and overhaul of USS Boise (SSN 764) and an advanced planning contract for the refueling and complex overhaul ("RCOH") of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We seek to efficiently convert operating results into cash for deployment in operating our businesses, implementing our business strategy, and maximizing stockholder value. We use various financial measures to inform our capital deployment strategy, including net cash provided by operating activities and free cash flow. We believe these measures are useful to investors in assessing our financial performance.
The following table summarizes key components of cash flow provided by operating activities:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 153 | $ | 129 | $ | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 82 | 89 | (7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for expected credit losses | (3) | — | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 14 | 12 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (17) | (30) | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on investments in marketable securities | (8) | (8) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retiree benefits | (27) | (18) | (9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade working capital increase | (396) | (183) | (213) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (202) | $ | (9) | $ | (193) |
We have historically maintained a capital structure comprised of a mix of equity and debt financing. We vary our
leverage both to optimize our equity return and to pursue acquisitions. We expect to meet our current debt
obligations as they come due through internally generated funds from current levels of operations and/or through refinancing in the debt markets prior to the maturity dates of our debt.
Cash Flows
We discuss below our significant operating, investing, and financing activities affecting cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, as classified in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
Operating Activities
Cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $202 million, compared with $9 million used in operating activities for the same period in 2023. The unfavorable change in operating cash flow was primarily due to an unfavorable change in trade working capital driven by the timing of receipts of accounts receivable and payments of accounts payable.
We expect cash generated from operations in combination with our current cash and cash equivalents, as well as existing borrowing facilities, to be sufficient to service debt and retiree benefit plans, meet contractual obligations, and fund capital expenditures for at least the next 12 calendar months beginning April 1, 2024, and beyond such 12-month period based on our current business plans.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $71 million, compared with $60 million used in investing activities for the same period in 2023. The change in investing cash was primarily driven by an increase in capital expenditures, partially offset by additional investment in one of our unconsolidated nuclear and environmental joint ventures in 2023.
For 2024, we expect our capital expenditures for maintenance and sustainment to be approximately 1.5% to 2.0% of annual revenues and our discretionary capital expenditures to be approximately 2.5% to 3.5% of annual revenues. We expect our capital expenditures to increase from the past few years due to investments to expand our shipbuilding capacity.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $147 million, compared with $80 million used in financing activities for the same period in 2023. The change in cash used in financing activities was primarily due to a $135 million increase in repayments on a term loan, a $53 million increase in common stock repurchases, and a $13 million increase in employee taxes on certain share-based payment arrangements, partially offset by a $117 million increase in proceeds from our commercial paper program and a $22 million increase in net proceeds from revolving credit facility borrowings.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow represents cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures net of related grant proceeds. Free cash flow is not a measure recognized under GAAP. Free cash flow has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, net earnings as a measure of our performance or net cash provided by operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. We believe free cash flow is an important liquidity measure for our investors because it provides them insight into our current and period-to-period performance and our ability to generate cash from continuing operations. We also use free cash flow as a key operating metric in assessing the performance of our business and as a key performance measure in evaluating management performance and determining incentive compensation. Free cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
The following table reconciles net cash used in operating activities to free cash flow:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | |||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (202) | $ | (9) | $ | (193) | ||||||||||||||
| Less capital expenditures: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditure additions | (75) | (43) | (32) | |||||||||||||||||
| Grant proceeds for capital expenditures | 3 | 3 | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Free cash flow | $ | (274) | $ | (49) | $ | (225) |
Free cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2024, decreased $225 million from the same period in 2023, primarily due to an unfavorable change in trade working capital and higher capital expenditures.
Governmental Regulation and Supervision
The U.S. Government has the ability, pursuant to regulations relating to contractor business systems, to decrease or withhold contract payments if it determines significant deficiencies exist in one or more such systems. As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, the cumulative amounts of payments withheld by the U.S. Government under our contracts subject to these regulations were not material to our liquidity or cash flows.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the ordinary course of business, we use letters of credit issued by commercial banks to support certain leases, insurance policies, and contractual performance obligations, as well as surety bonds issued by insurance companies principally to support our self-insured workers' compensation plans. As of March 31, 2024, $12 million in letters of credit were issued but undrawn and $360 million of surety bonds were outstanding. As of March 31, 2024, we had no other significant off-balance sheet arrangements.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES
See Note 3: Accounting Standards Updates in Part I, Item 1 for information related to accounting standards updates.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS
Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as well as other statements we may make from time to time, other than statements of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," and similar words or phrases or the negative of these words or phrases. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable when made, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. There are a number of important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by our forward-looking statements, which include, but are not limited to:
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changes in government and customer priorities and requirements (including government budgetary constraints, shifts in defense spending, and changes in customer short-range and long-range plans);
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our ability to estimate our future contract costs, including cost increases due to inflation, and perform our contracts effectively;
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changes in procurement processes and government regulations and our ability to comply with such requirements;
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our ability to deliver our products and services at an affordable life cycle cost and compete within our markets;
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natural and environmental disasters and political instability;
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our ability to execute our strategic plan, including with respect to share repurchases, dividends, capital expenditures, and strategic acquisitions;
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adverse economic conditions in the United States and globally;
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health epidemics, pandemics, and similar outbreaks;
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our ability to attract, retain, and train a qualified workforce;
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disruptions impacting global supply, including those resulting from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East;
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changes in key estimates and assumptions regarding our pension and retiree health care costs;
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security threats, including cyber security threats, and related disruptions; and
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other risk factors discussed herein and in our other filings with the SEC.
Additional factors include those described in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including under the captions “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Business,” in our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, including under the captions “Risk Factors” and
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in our subsequent filings with the SEC.
There may be other risks and uncertainties that we are unable to predict at this time or that we currently do not expect to have a material adverse effect on our business, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements that we may make.
GLOSSARY OF PROGRAMS
Included below are brief descriptions of some of the programs discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
| Program Name | Program Description | |||||||
| Aircraft carrier RCOH | Perform refueling and complex overhaul ("RCOH") of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, which is required at the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle. USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) arrived at Newport News for the start of its RCOH in May 2021, and USS George Washington (CVN 73) was redelivered to the U.S. Navy in May 2023. | |||||||
| America class (LHA 6) amphibious assault ships | Design and build large deck amphibious assault ships that provide forward presence and power projection as an integral part of joint, interagency and multinational maritime expeditionary forces. The America class (LHA 6) ships, together with the Wasp class (LHD 1) ships, are the successors to the decommissioned Tarawa class (LHA 1) ships. The America class (LHA 6) ships optimize aviation operations and support capabilities. We are currently constructing Bougainville (LHA 8) and Fallujah (LHA 9). In 2023, we were awarded a long-lead-time material contract for LHA 10 (unnamed). | |||||||
| Arleigh Burke class (DDG 51) destroyers | Build guided missile destroyers designed for conducting anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and strike operations. The Aegis-equipped Arleigh Burke class (DDG 51) destroyers are the U.S. Navy's primary surface combatant, and have been constructed in variants, allowing technological advances during construction. We delivered USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), USS Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123), and Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. We have contracts to construct the following Arleigh Burke class (DDG 51) destroyers: Ted Stevens (DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133), Thad Cochran (DDG 135), John F. Lehman (DDG 137), Telesforo Trinidad (DDG 139), Ernest E. Evans (DDG 141), and Charles J. French (DDG 142). | |||||||
| Columbia class (SSBN 826) submarines | Design and construct modules for Columbia class (SSBN 826) nuclear ballistic missile submarines ("SSBNs") as a subcontractor to Electric Boat. SSBNs are the most secure and survivable of our nation’s nuclear deterrent triad. Columbia class SSBNs will carry approximately 70 percent of the nation’s nuclear arsenal. The Columbia class (SSBN 826) program plan of record is to construct 12 new SSBNs to replace the current aging Ohio class. We have a teaming agreement with Electric Boat to build modules for the entire Columbia class (SSBN 826) submarine program that leverages our Virginia class (SSN 774) experience. We have been awarded contracts from Electric Boat for integrated product and process development, providing long–lead–time material and advance construction, and construction of the first two boats of the Columbia class (SSBN 826) submarine program. Construction of the first Columbia class (SSBN 826) submarine began in 2020. In 2023, we received an award modification for long-lead-time material and advance construction for the next five boats. | |||||||
| USS Gerald R. Ford class (CVN 78) aircraft carriers | Design and construction for the Ford class program, which is the aircraft carrier replacement program for the decommissioned Enterprise (CVN 65) and Nimitz class (CVN 68) aircraft carriers. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the first ship of the Ford class, was delivered to the U.S. Navy in the second quarter of 2017. In June 2015, we were awarded a contract for the detail design and construction of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), following several years of engineering, advance construction, and purchase of long-lead-time components and material. In addition, we have received awards for detail design and construction of Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81). This category also includes the class' non-recurring engineering. The class is expected to bring improved warfighting capability, quality of life improvements for sailors, and reduced life cycle costs. | |||||||
| Legend class National Security Cutter | Design and build the U.S. Coast Guard's National Security Cutters ("NSCs"), the largest and most technically advanced class of cutter in the U.S. Coast Guard. The NSC is equipped to carry out maritime homeland security, maritime safety, protection of natural resources, maritime mobility, and national defense missions. There were 11 ships planned for this program, of which the first ten ships have been delivered, and Friedman (NSC 11) is currently under construction. | |||||||
| Naval nuclear support services | Provide services to and in support of the U.S. Navy, ranging from services supporting the Navy's carrier and submarine fleets to maintenance services at U.S. Navy training facilities. Naval nuclear support services include design, construction, maintenance, and disposal activities for in-service U.S. Navy nuclear ships worldwide through mobile and in-house capabilities. Services include maintenance services on nuclear reactor prototypes. | |||||||
| Nuclear and environmental services | Supports the national security mission of the Department of Energy ("DoE") through the management and operation of DoE sites, as well as the safe cleanup of legacy waste across the country. We meet our clients' toughest nuclear and environmental challenges and are positioned to serve the growing commercial nuclear power plant decommissioning market. We participate in several joint ventures, including Newport News Nuclear BWXT Los Alamos, LLC (" N3B"), Mission Support and Test Services, LLC ("MSTS"), and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC ("SRNS"), and we are an integrated subcontractor to Triad National Security. N3B was awarded the Los Alamos Legacy Cleanup Contract at the DoE/National Nuclear Security Administration’s Los Alamos National Laboratory. MSTS was awarded a contract for site management and operations at the Nevada National Security Site. SRNS provides site management and operations at the DoE’s Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina. Triad provides site management and operations at the DoE’s Los Alamos National Laboratory. | |||||||
| San Antonio class (LPD 17) amphibious transport dock ships | Design and build amphibious transport dock ships, which are warships that embark, transport, and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions, and also serve as the secondary aviation platform for Amphibious Readiness Groups. The San Antonio class (LPD 17) is the newest addition to the U.S. Navy's 21st century amphibious assault force, and these ships are a key element of the U.S. Navy's seabase transformation. In 2022, we delivered USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), and we were awarded a long-lead-time material contract for Philadelphia (LPD 32). In 2023, we received an award modification for the detail design and construction of Philadelphia (LPD 32). We are currently constructing Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29), Harrisburg (LPD 30), and Pittsburgh (LPD 31). | |||||||
| Virginia class (SSN 774) fast attack submarines | Construct attack submarines as the principal subcontractor to Electric Boat. The Virginia class (SSN 774) is a post-Cold War design tailored to excel in a wide range of warfighting missions, including anti-submarine and surface ship warfare; special operation forces; strike; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; carrier and expeditionary strike group support; and mine warfare. |
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