Ball Stock Earnings Reports

Ball Corporation delivered a solid start to 2026, with Q1 comparable operating earnings up 10% and comparable diluted EPS of $0.94, a 22% year-over-year increase. Global ship beverage volumes rose nearly 1%, driven by modest outperformance in North America and EMEA while South America was down in Q1 but rebounded strongly in April. Management reiterated its long-term financial algorithm of 10%+ comparable diluted EPS growth, free cash flow greater than $900 million for 2026, and total shareholder returns of $800 million (including at least $600 million in buybacks). Key operational highlights: continued strong utilization, disciplined capital allocation guided by EVA, completion of the Benepack acquisition (adding capacity in Hungary and Belgium), ongoing Millersburg, Oregon ramp toward 2027 with ~$35 million of expected startup costs later in 2026, and segment reporting changes to more clearly separate operating performance from corporate financing activities. Management emphasized durable demand for aluminum cans, resilience of pass-through cost mechanisms (particularly for aluminum and freight), and focus on improving profit per can through the Ball business system and operational standardization. Net debt-to-EBITDA is expected around 2.7x by year-end, interest expense ~$320 million, full-year adjusted corporate undistributed costs around $175 million, and capex in line with GAAP depreciation & amortization.