HII: BOFA Global Research Upgrades to Neutral from Underperform and Increases Price Target to $400 from $300
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 12 2026
0mins
Should l Buy HII?
Source: moomoo
- Research Findings: A global research initiative has successfully raised the performance of a specific technology, enhancing its capabilities significantly.
- Price Increase: The objective price for this technology has been increased from $300 to $400, reflecting its improved performance and value.
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Analyst Views on HII
Wall Street analysts forecast HII stock price to fall
6 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 444.520
Low
300.00
Averages
344.80
High
376.00
Current: 444.520
Low
300.00
Averages
344.80
High
376.00
About HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. is a global, all-domain defense provider. The Company delivers ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation. It delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. It operates through three segments: Ingalls Shipbuilding (Ingalls), Newport News Shipbuilding (Newport News), and Mission Technologies. Through its Ingalls segment, the Company designs and constructs non-nuclear ships for the United States Navy and Coast Guard, including amphibious assault ships, expeditionary warfare ships, surface combatants, and national security cutters (NSC). The core business of its Newport News segment is designing and constructing nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines, and the refueling and overhaul and the inactivation of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The Company’s Mission Technologies segment develops integrated solutions that enable connected, all-domain force.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Bullish Outlook for Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.
- Unique Market Position: Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII), as the largest military shipbuilder in the U.S., focuses on the design and construction of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines, ensuring a strategic advantage amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Western Pacific.
- Strong Backlog: HII currently boasts a backlog estimated between $53 billion and $57 billion, and with shipbuilding timelines spanning five to ten years, this significantly enhances revenue visibility well into the next decade, reinforcing its near-monopoly status in nuclear platforms.
- Robust Policy Support: U.S. maritime industrial policies, particularly initiatives during the Trump administration aimed at restoring naval dominance and countering China's naval rise, provide strong backing for HII's continued growth trajectory.
- Outstanding Stock Performance: Since our coverage in February 2025, HII's stock price has appreciated approximately 171.6%, reflecting market recognition of its naval expansion potential amid Taiwan-China tensions, although some analysts suggest that AI stocks may offer higher return potential.
See More
Mixed Close for US Stocks Amid Iran War Impact
- Mixed Market Performance: On Monday, the S&P 500 closed up 0.04%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.15%, and the Nasdaq 100 rose 0.13%, reflecting a divergence in market sentiment influenced by the ongoing war in Iran, with increased demand for defense and energy stocks.
- Surge in Oil Prices: WTI crude oil prices soared over 6% to an 8.25-month high following Iran's attack on oil tankers, which is expected to elevate inflation expectations and impact the overall economic environment and investor confidence.
- Strong Manufacturing Index: The US February ISM manufacturing index unexpectedly rose to 52.4, surpassing the market expectation of 51.5, indicating economic resilience that could influence the Federal Reserve's monetary policy direction, leading to shifts in future rate hike expectations.
- Optimistic Earnings Outlook: More than 90% of S&P 500 companies have reported earnings, with 73% exceeding expectations, and Q4 earnings growth is projected at 8.4%, providing market support despite geopolitical risks.
See More
Middle East Conflict Drives Defense Stocks Up
- Defense Stocks Surge: As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, investors are seeking safe havens, leading to a broad increase in defense company stocks on Monday, indicating strong market demand for secure investments.
- U.S.-Israel Military Operations: The U.S. and Israeli militaries launched large-scale operations against Iran this weekend, expected to last four to five weeks, which will likely require significant replenishment of armaments, further driving demand in the defense sector.
- Key Defense Contractors' Roles: Companies like RTX, Lockheed Martin, Huntington Ingalls, and Northrop Grumman play crucial roles in this conflict, producing interceptors, fighter jets, and strategic bombers to ensure the defense capabilities of U.S. forces and allies.
- Investor Focus on Future Returns: Although Northrop Grumman was not recommended as a top stock by The Motley Fool, the overall performance and future demand in the defense industry may attract increased investor interest.
See More
Defense Stocks Surge Amid Middle East Conflict
- Strong Defense Stock Performance: Defense stocks surged on Monday as investors sought safe havens, with Northrop Grumman (NOC) rising 6% and Lockheed Martin (LMT) up 3.4%, reflecting increased market confidence in defense spending.
- Escalation of Middle East Conflict: The U.S. and Israeli militaries launched large-scale operations against Iran over the weekend, with President Trump stating that these strikes aim to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and could last four to five weeks or longer, further driving defense demand.
- Increased Arms Demand: As the conflict escalates, U.S. and allied forces are expected to utilize a vast array of ordnance, leading to a significant increase in demand for defense systems in the coming months and years, providing long-term benefits to related defense companies.
- Key Supplier Roles: Companies like RTX, Lockheed Martin, Huntington Ingalls, and General Dynamics serve as primary suppliers to the U.S. Armed Forces, responsible for producing interceptors, fighter jets, and naval vessels, ensuring the security of the U.S. and its allies.
See More
Iran War Drives Market Volatility and Sector Performance
- Market Reaction: Stocks initially retreated following the US and Israel's joint military actions against Iran, but rebounded after the February ISM manufacturing index exceeded expectations, indicating investor focus on economic data.
- Surge in Energy Prices: The halt of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran's attacks on three oil tankers led to WTI crude oil prices soaring over 65% to an 8.25-month high, potentially exacerbating global inflationary pressures.
- Defense Stocks Rise: The ongoing conflict in Iran has bolstered earnings prospects for defense companies, with Aerovironment's stock rising over 12%, while Northrop Grumman and RTX Corp also saw increases of over 4%, reflecting market optimism about defense spending.
- Economic Data Focus: Investors are keenly awaiting upcoming economic data releases, including ADP employment changes and the ISM services index, which are expected to influence future monetary policy directions amid rising inflation concerns.
See More
US Stocks Decline Amid Iran War Escalation
- Market Retreat: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.69% and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.65%, both hitting 1.5-week lows, indicating a heightened risk-off sentiment among investors due to the escalating conflict in Iran, which may lead to a reassessment of risk asset allocations.
- Oil Price Surge: WTI crude oil prices soared over 8% to an 8.25-month high as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz largely halted, raising inflation expectations and potentially impacting overall economic growth forecasts.
- Airline Stocks Under Pressure: Airline stocks faced declines, with American Airlines down over 5% and Delta Air Lines down more than 2%, reflecting the negative impact of rising oil prices on profit outlooks in the aviation sector.
- Defense Stocks Rise: Defense stocks like Aerovironment surged over 15% amid expectations of increased defense spending due to the Iran war, indicating a potential boost in earnings prospects for companies in this sector.
See More
Bullish Outlook for Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.
- Unique Market Position: Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII), as the largest military shipbuilder in the U.S., focuses on the design and construction of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines, ensuring a strategic advantage amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Western Pacific.
- Strong Backlog: HII currently boasts a backlog estimated between $53 billion and $57 billion, and with shipbuilding timelines spanning five to ten years, this significantly enhances revenue visibility well into the next decade, reinforcing its near-monopoly status in nuclear platforms.
- Robust Policy Support: U.S. maritime industrial policies, particularly initiatives during the Trump administration aimed at restoring naval dominance and countering China's naval rise, provide strong backing for HII's continued growth trajectory.
- Outstanding Stock Performance: Since our coverage in February 2025, HII's stock price has appreciated approximately 171.6%, reflecting market recognition of its naval expansion potential amid Taiwan-China tensions, although some analysts suggest that AI stocks may offer higher return potential.
See More
Mixed Close for US Stocks Amid Iran War Impact
- Mixed Market Performance: On Monday, the S&P 500 closed up 0.04%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.15%, and the Nasdaq 100 rose 0.13%, reflecting a divergence in market sentiment influenced by the ongoing war in Iran, with increased demand for defense and energy stocks.
- Surge in Oil Prices: WTI crude oil prices soared over 6% to an 8.25-month high following Iran's attack on oil tankers, which is expected to elevate inflation expectations and impact the overall economic environment and investor confidence.
- Strong Manufacturing Index: The US February ISM manufacturing index unexpectedly rose to 52.4, surpassing the market expectation of 51.5, indicating economic resilience that could influence the Federal Reserve's monetary policy direction, leading to shifts in future rate hike expectations.
- Optimistic Earnings Outlook: More than 90% of S&P 500 companies have reported earnings, with 73% exceeding expectations, and Q4 earnings growth is projected at 8.4%, providing market support despite geopolitical risks.
See More
Middle East Conflict Drives Defense Stocks Up
- Defense Stocks Surge: As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, investors are seeking safe havens, leading to a broad increase in defense company stocks on Monday, indicating strong market demand for secure investments.
- U.S.-Israel Military Operations: The U.S. and Israeli militaries launched large-scale operations against Iran this weekend, expected to last four to five weeks, which will likely require significant replenishment of armaments, further driving demand in the defense sector.
- Key Defense Contractors' Roles: Companies like RTX, Lockheed Martin, Huntington Ingalls, and Northrop Grumman play crucial roles in this conflict, producing interceptors, fighter jets, and strategic bombers to ensure the defense capabilities of U.S. forces and allies.
- Investor Focus on Future Returns: Although Northrop Grumman was not recommended as a top stock by The Motley Fool, the overall performance and future demand in the defense industry may attract increased investor interest.
See More
Defense Stocks Surge Amid Middle East Conflict
- Strong Defense Stock Performance: Defense stocks surged on Monday as investors sought safe havens, with Northrop Grumman (NOC) rising 6% and Lockheed Martin (LMT) up 3.4%, reflecting increased market confidence in defense spending.
- Escalation of Middle East Conflict: The U.S. and Israeli militaries launched large-scale operations against Iran over the weekend, with President Trump stating that these strikes aim to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and could last four to five weeks or longer, further driving defense demand.
- Increased Arms Demand: As the conflict escalates, U.S. and allied forces are expected to utilize a vast array of ordnance, leading to a significant increase in demand for defense systems in the coming months and years, providing long-term benefits to related defense companies.
- Key Supplier Roles: Companies like RTX, Lockheed Martin, Huntington Ingalls, and General Dynamics serve as primary suppliers to the U.S. Armed Forces, responsible for producing interceptors, fighter jets, and naval vessels, ensuring the security of the U.S. and its allies.
See More
Iran War Drives Market Volatility and Sector Performance
- Market Reaction: Stocks initially retreated following the US and Israel's joint military actions against Iran, but rebounded after the February ISM manufacturing index exceeded expectations, indicating investor focus on economic data.
- Surge in Energy Prices: The halt of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran's attacks on three oil tankers led to WTI crude oil prices soaring over 65% to an 8.25-month high, potentially exacerbating global inflationary pressures.
- Defense Stocks Rise: The ongoing conflict in Iran has bolstered earnings prospects for defense companies, with Aerovironment's stock rising over 12%, while Northrop Grumman and RTX Corp also saw increases of over 4%, reflecting market optimism about defense spending.
- Economic Data Focus: Investors are keenly awaiting upcoming economic data releases, including ADP employment changes and the ISM services index, which are expected to influence future monetary policy directions amid rising inflation concerns.
See More
US Stocks Decline Amid Iran War Escalation
- Market Retreat: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.69% and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.65%, both hitting 1.5-week lows, indicating a heightened risk-off sentiment among investors due to the escalating conflict in Iran, which may lead to a reassessment of risk asset allocations.
- Oil Price Surge: WTI crude oil prices soared over 8% to an 8.25-month high as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz largely halted, raising inflation expectations and potentially impacting overall economic growth forecasts.
- Airline Stocks Under Pressure: Airline stocks faced declines, with American Airlines down over 5% and Delta Air Lines down more than 2%, reflecting the negative impact of rising oil prices on profit outlooks in the aviation sector.
- Defense Stocks Rise: Defense stocks like Aerovironment surged over 15% amid expectations of increased defense spending due to the Iran war, indicating a potential boost in earnings prospects for companies in this sector.
See More
