Ball Corporation (NYSE:BALL) reported first-quarter results that came in ahead of analyst expectations, lifting its shares by 2.2% in premarket trading.
The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.94, outperforming the consensus estimate of $0.84. Revenue reached $3.6 billion, exceeding forecasts of $3.34 billion and rising 16% from $3.10 billion in the same quarter last year.
Earnings and Volume Growth
Adjusted EPS increased 22% year-on-year from $0.77 in the first quarter of 2025. Comparable operating earnings rose 10% to $387 million from $352 million a year earlier. Global aluminum packaging shipments edged up 0.8% during the quarter.
“Ball delivered strong first-quarter results, growing comparable EPS more than 20% versus the first quarter of 2025. Higher volumes and operating earnings were driven by our solid financial position, streamlined operating model and disciplined growth strategy,” said Ron Lewis.
Segment Performance
The Beverage packaging, North and Central America segment reported comparable operating earnings of $205 million on sales of $1.78 billion, compared with $200 million on $1.46 billion in the prior-year period.
In the EMEA region, comparable operating earnings rose to $134 million on sales of $1.11 billion, up from $111 million on $958 million a year earlier. Meanwhile, the South America segment reported flat comparable operating earnings of $67 million.
Outlook for 2026
For full-year 2026, Ball expects comparable diluted EPS growth of at least 10% and free cash flow of more than $900 million. The company also reiterated its plan to return at least $800 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks by the end of the year.