HII Partners with University of Maryland’s School of Engineering to Accelerate Defense Technologies

Rhea-AI Summary

HII (NYSE: HII) announced that its Mission Technologies division joined the Corporate Partners Program at the University of Maryland A. James Clark School of Engineering on December 4, 2025.

The partnership provides collaboration access to campus facilities, pathways for intellectual property licensing, and funding that supports recruitment, internships, scholarships, student activities, competitions, awards, and conferences. Mission Technologies will sponsor an HII Lecture Series to convene government, industry, and academic leaders on emerging defense technologies. Garry Schwartz, COO of Mission Technologies, also serves on the MATRIX Lab industry advisory board. The MATRIX Lab focuses on autonomy and uncrewed systems and maintains affiliations with the Department of War and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division.

Key Figures

Share price $309.23 Pre-news trading price for HII

Market cap $12,054,968,525 Equity value before the partnership announcement

52-week high $329.9999 Upper trading range over last 52 weeks

52-week low $158.88 Lower trading range over last 52 weeks

Short interest 4.11% of float Risk context prior to news; days to cover <b>4.05</b>

Institutional stake 7.2% ownership State Street’s reported holding as of 09/30/2025

Insider shares sold 18,953 shares Net insider selling over last 90 days

Free float 39,241,434 shares Shares of common stock reported outstanding in recent filings

Market Reality Check

$309.23 Last Close

Volume Volume 343,116 vs 20-day average 417,754, indicating below-normal trading activity. low

Technical Price 309.23 is trading above the 200-day MA at 250.02, and within 6.29% of the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus 1 Up

Momentum scanner only flags RKLB moving up, suggesting today’s action is stock-specific rather than a broad Aerospace & Defense move.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Nov 21	Ship trials update	Positive	+1.2%	Completion of final sea trials for Arleigh Burke-class destroyer DDG 128.
Nov 21	Submarine delivery	Positive	+1.2%	Delivery of Virginia-class fast-attack submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798).
Nov 04	USV partnership	Positive	-0.5%	Showcase of ROMULUS USV strategic partnership with Incat Crowther.
Nov 04	REMUS UUV milestone	Positive	-0.5%	Highlighting 18 years of REMUS UUV operations and global deployments.
Nov 04	Supplier addition	Positive	-0.5%	Approving UK’s Westley Group as strategic supplier under AUKUS framework.

Pattern Detected

Recent operational wins often saw modest gains, while some positive strategic or international updates coincided with small declines, indicating mixed reactions to good news.

Recent Company History

Over the past months, HII reported multiple milestones: destroyer DDG 128 completed final sea trials and the Virginia-class submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798) was delivered to the U.S. Navy, both tied to Nov 21 news and modest gains. Earlier, November 4 updates on REMUS UUV operations, AUKUS supply-chain strengthening, and an unmanned surface vessel partnership produced slight negative moves. Today’s university partnership continues the theme of pairing core defense programs with long-term innovation collaborations.

Historical Comparison

partnership

+0.8 %

Average Historical Move

Historical Analysis

Partnership news previously moved HII by an average of 0.84%, with small negative reactions in both past cases. Today’s academic collaboration fits the pattern of modest stock impact for partnership announcements.

Typical Pattern

HII partnerships span workforce development and unmanned surface vessel innovation; today adds an academic engineering and autonomy-focused collaboration to this strategic network.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Short Interest

4.11%

0% 15% 30%+

low

Short interest at 4.11% of float with days to cover of 4.05 indicates relatively low bearish positioning.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights a new partnership between HII’s Mission Technologies division and the University of Maryland’s engineering school, focused on autonomy and uncrewed systems. It complements earlier partnerships in unmanned platforms and workforce development. With shares trading at $309.23, near the 52-week high and above the 200-day MA, investors may watch how this collaboration translates into defense technology advances, intellectual property licensing, and long-term program opportunities.

Key Terms

Corporate Partners Program technical

"Mission Technologies division has joined the Corporate Partners Program at the University"

A corporate partners program is a strategic arrangement where a company teams up with other organizations to work together toward shared goals, often by offering mutual support, resources, or services. For investors, such programs can signal strong collaborations that may enhance a company's growth, reputation, or market reach, potentially impacting its long-term success and stability.

intellectual property licensing financial

"access to campus facilities, and pathways for intellectual property licensing."

Intellectual property licensing is the process of allowing others to use creative works, inventions, or brand rights—like patents, trademarks, or copyrights—under agreed-upon terms. It is similar to renting or leasing a product, providing a way for rights holders to earn revenue without selling their ownership outright. For investors, it can be an important source of income and a sign of a company's ability to monetize its innovations or brands.

Autonomous Technologies Research Innovation and eXploration (MATRIX) Lab technical

"board member of the University of Maryland’s Autonomous Technologies Research Innovation and eXploration (MATRIX) Lab."

An autonomous technologies research innovation and exploration (matrix) lab is a dedicated facility where experts develop and test advanced machines and systems that can operate independently, such as self-driving vehicles or automated robots. It plays a key role in pushing the boundaries of how machines can learn, adapt, and perform tasks without human intervention. For investors, this lab represents progress in cutting-edge technology that has the potential to transform industries and create new market opportunities.

uncrewed systems technical

"facility designed to advance autonomy and uncrewed systems."

Uncrewed systems are machines or vehicles that operate without a human onboard, often guided by computers or remote control. Think of them as robots or drones that can perform tasks independently or with minimal human input. For investors, these systems represent advances in automation and efficiency, potentially transforming industries and creating new opportunities for growth.

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division technical

"partnerships with the Department of War, including the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division."

The naval air warfare center aircraft division is a part of the military responsible for developing, testing, and maintaining aircraft used by naval forces. It plays a key role in ensuring that military aircraft are effective and reliable, which can influence defense spending and technological advancements. For investors, understanding this division helps gauge the health of defense-related sectors and potential government contract opportunities.

HII Lecture Series technical

"sponsorship will also establish the HII Lecture Series, convening thought leaders"

The HII Lecture Series is a collection of educational talks or presentations that share knowledge on a variety of topics, often related to industry trends, innovations, or financial insights. For investors, participating in or following these lectures can provide valuable understanding and perspective, helping them make more informed decisions about where to allocate their resources. It functions as a way to stay updated and deepen knowledge in a constantly changing economic landscape.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Mission Technologies division has joined the Corporate Partners Program at the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering.

The partnership fosters opportunities for collaboration, access to campus facilities, and pathways for intellectual property licensing. This engagement encourages innovation while strengthening ties between academic expertise and real-world applications.

Earlier this year, Garry Schwartz, chief operating officer of Mission Technologies, was named an industry advisory board member of the University of Maryland’s Autonomous Technologies Research Innovation and eXploration (MATRIX) Lab.

“This collaboration underscores HII’s commitment to bridging industry and academia to accelerate innovation in defense and national security,” Schwartz said. “This reflects our ongoing investment in innovation leadership and dedication to advancing defense technology through strategic partnerships.”

The MATRIX Lab, located in southern Maryland and part of the Clark School, is a state-of-the-art research and education facility designed to advance autonomy and uncrewed systems. The lab maintains multiple affiliations and partnerships with the Department of War, including the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division.

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-partners-with-university-of-marylands-school-of-engineering-to-accelerate-defense-technologies/.

Funds generated through the Corporate Partners Program support recruitment and internship opportunities, scholarships, student activities, competitions, awards, conferences, and other initiatives that directly benefit students and faculty.

Mission Technologies’ sponsorship will also establish the HII Lecture Series, convening thought leaders from government, industry, and academia to explore emerging technologies, address mission challenges, and identify opportunities for collaboration.

"The Clark School and the MATRIX Lab look forward to converging our research excellence with HII’s industry vision to solve the grand challenges ahead for Maryland and the nation as a whole," said Dr. Reza Ghodssi, executive director of research and innovation.

About the A. James Clark School of Engineering

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland serves as the catalyst for high-quality research, innovation, and learning, delivering on a promise that all graduates will leave ready to impact the Grand Challenges of the 21st century. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, to accelerating entrepreneurship, and to transforming research and learning activities into new innovations that benefit millions. For more information, visit https://eng.umd.edu/.

About the MATRIX Lab

The MATRIX Lab is a hub for autonomous technologies and uncrewed systems research in Southern Maryland. Its lab spaces are available for both students and professionals to reserve and work in. For more information, visit https://matrix.umd.edu.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

As the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

• HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/
• HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII
• HII on X: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII
• HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII
  
  

Contact:

Greg McCarthy
(202) 264-7126
gregory.j.mccarthy@hii-co.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e1733038-d2d3-4afd-885d-e1c12f4c5c47

FAQ

What did HII (HII) announce on December 4, 2025 regarding the University of Maryland?

HII's Mission Technologies joined the University of Maryland Corporate Partners Program to support collaboration, IP licensing, and student initiatives.

How will HII's Mission Technologies support students at the University of Maryland?

Funds will support recruitment, internships, scholarships, student activities, competitions, awards, and conferences benefiting students and faculty.

What is the HII Lecture Series announced by HII (HII)?

The HII Lecture Series is a sponsored program to convene government, industry, and academic thought leaders on emerging defense and autonomy topics.

What role does Garry Schwartz have with the University of Maryland in this partnership?

Garry Schwartz, COO of Mission Technologies, was named an industry advisory board member of the MATRIX Lab.

What research focus does the MATRIX Lab have that relates to HII's partnership?

The MATRIX Lab advances autonomy and uncrewed systems and maintains affiliations with the Department of War and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division.

Where can investors find the photo and more details about HII's University of Maryland partnership?

A photo and details are posted on HII's news page linked from the company's website announcement.