This month we are spotlighting a company who is a major player in the support of our national defense. Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE: HII) is America’s largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of manufacturing, engineering and management services to the nuclear energy, oil and gas markets. No company builds more ships for the US Navy than HII. The shipbuilder, which spun off from former parent Northrop Grumman in 2011, builds all the Navy’s nuclear aircraft carriers and half of its submarines in Newport News, Virginia. They employ nearly 35,000 people and operate both domestically and internationally.
HII operates under a clear set of values which act as a guide for all employees. Their decisions and actions demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior. Mike Petters, President and CEO of HII, is a 1982 graduate of the US Naval Academy and former submariner. He takes the integrity of the company very seriously and in his own words, “Leaders at all levels must be committed to live the company values and adhere to the highest ethical standards. We must continue to do everything in our power to keep the culture of the company grounded in our integrity.”
Integrity and honesty is at the heart of the company. Commitments and promises are fulfilled and customers are treated with respect. They strive to be truthful, trustworthy and honorable in all aspects of their work by accepting responsibility for their actions and results. Huntington Ingalls takes pride in providing outstanding customer service. They value their employees by maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. Employees in turn take responsibility for their own safety and those around them by being empowered to stop work if an operation presents a danger or risk. There is a heightened level of engagement allowing employees to take ownership of their work and want to do what they can for the benefit of the organization as a whole.
HII is committed to being a visible corporate citizen and maintains an environmentally responsible operation by complying with all federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations everywhere they do business. Their divisions and subsidiaries also support annual clean-up events in Virginia, Mississippi and California.
In the company’s Report to the Community, the dedication of the men and women at HII who volunteer their time and direct their passion to improving the world around them are honored and recognized. Dedicated employees give on their own to charitable organizations and activities in addition to engaging in company-sponsored events supporting the United Way, the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. HII employees are not just employees; they’re Little League coaches, tutors, advocates, care-givers and more.
At HII, they believe one of the best investments in the future is an investment in education. They support early education initiatives such as STEM projects at elementary, middle and high schools; and two- and four-year college programs that support their workforce development needs.
Another opportunity that HII is involved with is Adopt-A-Student where they fill backpacks with school supplies to help the area’s neediest students with the supplies they need to start the school year. Employees truly embody the spirit of the holidays and the adage that “it’s better to give than receive.” by hosting annual food drives and participating in gift-giving campaigns that brighten the holidays for those less fortunate.
HII has a commitment to the Armed Forces that extends well beyond the ships they build and maintain for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. They are proud to employ more than 5,400 military veterans—about 15 percent of the workforce—not to mention current members of the Reserves and National Guard.
Huntington Ingalls Industries realizes their future trust and confidence hinges on their quality and performance. Because of this, high standards have been set and are followed company wide. Their commitment to doing business the right way will never change. We salute the important role they play in shaping our freedom and the integrity by which they operate. We are honored to feature Huntington Ingalls Industries as a Shining Light Company!
DISCLOSURE: Shining Light Companies are exemplary companies who live out the Golden Rule in their business practices, demonstrate strong servant leadership and create compelling value through the products and services they offer. This is intended for general information purposes concerning only the values, corporate culture and business practices of the companies being spotlighted. It DOES NOT incorporate any analysis of the companies’ investment merit based on intrinsic value, fundamental analysis, etc. This must not be construed as investment advice or a buy/sell recommendation. These companies may or may not be included in our LightPoint Portfolios at any given time.