
HII [HII] on Thursday reported strong earnings in its second quarter driven by broad strength across its operating segments and sales were higher primarily due to an acquisition a year ago and work on aircraft carriers. Net income soared 38 percent to $178 million, $4.44 earnings per share (EPS), from $129 million ($3.20 EPS) a year ago, whooping consensus estimates by $1.10 per share. At the operating level, income was higher due to higher risk retirements and favorable changes in…