Newport News Shipbuilding, the shipyard division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, will host the keel‑laying ceremony for the next Virginia‑class submarine, SSN 804 “Barb,” on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. The ceremony marks the formal start of construction for the vessel, a key milestone in the U.S. Navy’s ongoing submarine expansion program and a significant addition to HII’s backlog.
The Virginia‑class program is central to U.S. undersea warfare, providing advanced stealth, speed, and firepower. The program has faced production delays, but the Navy and industry partners are working to increase throughput to meet fleet requirements and international commitments such as the AUKUS pact. HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division is one of only two U.S. yards capable of building nuclear‑powered submarines, positioning the company as a critical national asset.
HII’s Q3 2025 earnings report, released October 30, 2025, showed record revenue of $3.2 billion and diluted earnings per share of $3.68, beating consensus estimates by $0.24. Revenue growth was driven by strong demand in the shipbuilding segment, while operating margins expanded to 5.6% from 3.5% in the prior year, reflecting effective cost control and a favorable mix of high‑margin contracts. The company’s backlog grew to $55.7 billion, supported by new contract awards of $2.0 billion.
CEO Chris Kastner highlighted the company’s focus on throughput improvement, noting a target of 15% throughput growth for fiscal 2025. He emphasized that the new submarine construction will strengthen HII’s revenue pipeline and support the company’s guidance for full‑year free cash flow of $550–$650 million, up from the previous $450–$550 million range.
The keel‑laying ceremony underscores HII’s continued leadership in defense shipbuilding and signals the company’s ability to deliver complex, high‑value projects on schedule. The event also reinforces the strategic partnership between HII and the U.S. Navy, ensuring that the nation’s undersea capabilities remain at the forefront of global maritime security.
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.