Quarterly ResultMay 5, 2026, 08:18 AM
Ball Q1 Comparable EPS $0.94, Up 22.1%; Net Sales $3.60B
AI Summary
Ball Corporation reported strong first-quarter 2026 results, with comparable diluted earnings per share increasing 22.1% to $0.94 and U.S. GAAP diluted EPS rising to $0.77. Net sales for the quarter reached $3.60 billion, up from $3.10 billion in the prior year. The company also announced an acquisition in Europe and updated its segment reporting structure, while reaffirming its outlook for over 10% comparable diluted EPS growth and more than $900 million in free cash flow for 2026, alongside a commitment to return at least $800 million to shareholders.
Key Highlights
- Comparable diluted EPS increased 22.1% to $0.94 in Q1 2026 from $0.77 in Q1 2025.
- U.S. GAAP diluted EPS rose to $0.77 in Q1 2026 from $0.63 in Q1 2025.
- Net sales for Q1 2026 were $3.60 billion, up from $3.10 billion in Q1 2025.
- Comparable operating earnings increased 9.9% to $387 million in Q1 2026.
- Global aluminum packaging shipments grew by 0.8% in the first quarter.
- Beverage Packaging, North and Central America comparable operating earnings were $205 million.
- Company expects 10%+ comparable diluted EPS growth and >$900 million free cash flow in 2026.
- Plans to return at least $800 million to shareholders via buybacks and dividends by year-end 2026.