Investigations, Claims, and Litigation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Investigations, Claims, And Litigation [Abstract]

Investigations, Claims, And Litigation

INVESTIGATIONS, CLAIMS, AND LITIGATIONThe Company is involved in legal proceedings before various courts and administrative agencies, and is periodically subject to government examinations, inquiries and investigations. Pursuant to FASB ASC 450 Contingencies, the Company has accrued for losses associated with investigations, claims, and litigation when, and to the extent that, loss amounts related to the investigations, claims, and litigation are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The actual losses that might be incurred to resolve such investigations, claims, and litigation may be higher or lower than the amounts accrued. The Company has, in certain cases, provided disclosure regarding certain matters for which the Company believes at this time that the likelihood of material loss is remote.

False Claims Act Complaint - In 2016, the Company was made aware that it is a defendant in a qui tam False Claims Act lawsuit pending in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida related to the Company’s purchases of allegedly non-conforming parts from a supplier for use in connection with U.S. Government contracts. In August 2019, the Department of Justice (“DoJ”) declined to intervene in the lawsuit, and the lawsuit was unsealed. The court dismissed the complaint in September 2021, and the plaintiff has appealed the dismissal to the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.

Insurance Claims - In September 2020, the Company filed a complaint against 32 reinsurers in the Superior Court, State of Vermont, Franklin Unit, seeking a judgment declaring that the Company's business interruption and other losses associated with COVID-19 are covered by the Company's property insurance program. The Company also initiated arbitration proceedings against six other reinsurers seeking similar relief. In July 2021, the Vermont court granted the reinsurers’ motion for judgment on the pleadings, which would have ended the Company’s claim. The Company appealed the decision to the Vermont Supreme Court, which reversed and remanded the lower court’s decision in September 2022, allowing the Company’s claim to proceed. No assurances can be provided regarding the ultimate resolution of this matter.

In September 2021, the Company filed a complaint in the Superior Court of Delaware, seeking a judgment against certain insurers for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing under three representations and warranties insurance policies purchased in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Hydroid. The policies insure the Company against losses relating to the seller’s breach of certain representations and warranties in the Hydroid acquisition agreement. The coverage limit under the insurance policies is $70 million, and the Company believes it has incurred losses equal to at least that amount as a result of breaches of the acquisition agreement. No assurances can be provided regarding the ultimate resolution of this matter.

U.S. Government Investigations and Claims - Departments and agencies of the U.S. Government have the authority to investigate various transactions and operations of the Company, and the results of such investigations may lead to administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings, the ultimate outcome of which could be fines, penalties, repayments or compensatory, treble, or other damages. U.S. Government regulations provide that certain findings against a contractor may also lead to suspension or debarment from future U.S. Government contracts or the loss of export privileges. Any suspension or debarment would have a material effect on the Company because of its reliance on government contracts.

Asbestos Related Claims - HII and its predecessors-in-interest are defendants in a longstanding series of cases that have been and continue to be filed in various jurisdictions around the country, wherein former and current employees and various third parties allege exposure to asbestos containing materials while on or associated with HII premises or while working on vessels constructed or repaired by HII. In some instances, partial or full insurance coverage is available for the Company's liabilities. The costs to resolve cases during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, were not material individually or in the aggregate. The Company’s estimate of asbestos-related liabilities is subject to uncertainty because liabilities are influenced by many variables that are inherently difficult to predict. Although the Company believes the ultimate resolution of current cases will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows, it cannot predict what new or revised claims or litigation might be asserted or what information might come to light and can, therefore, give no assurances regarding the ultimate outcome of asbestos related litigation.

Other Litigation - The Company and its predecessor-in-interest have been in litigation with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (the "Republic") since 2002 over a contract for the repair, refurbishment, and modernization at Ingalls of two foreign-built frigates. Following an arbitration proceeding between the parties, in February 2018, the arbitral tribunal awarded the Company approximately $151 million on its claims and awarded the Republic approximately $22 million on its counterclaims. The Company is seeking to enforce and execute upon the award in multiple jurisdictions. No assurances can be provided regarding the ultimate resolution of this matter.

The Company is party to various other claims, legal proceedings, and investigations that arise in the ordinary course of business, including U.S. Government investigations that could result in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings involving the Company. The Company is a contractor with the U.S. Government, and such proceedings can therefore include False Claims Act allegations against the Company. Although the Company believes that the resolution of these other claims, legal proceedings, and investigations will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows, the Company cannot predict what new or revised claims or litigation might be asserted or what information might come to light and can, therefore, give no assurances regarding the ultimate outcome of these matters.