| Metric | Value ($ M) | Q1 FY25 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 3.6K | 16.3% |
| Total Income | 3.6K | 16.3% |
| Expenditure | 3.3K | 16.4% |
| PBT | 258.00 | 12.7% |
| Net Profit | 205.00 | 14.5% |
| OPM | โ | |
| NPM | 5.69% | 0.09pp |
| EPS | 0.77 | 22.2% |
Ball Reports Strong Q1 2026 Results
05 May 2026 ยท 5 May, 5:47 pm
Summary
Ball Corporation reported strong first quarter 2026 results, with comparable EPS growing more than 20 percent versus the first quarter of 2025. The company's performance was driven by a solid financial position, streamlined operating model, and disciplined growth strategy. Ball remains vigilant amid the current geopolitical and macroeconomic environment and is well-positioned to execute and achieve its 2026 objectives. The company expects to return at least $800 million to shareholders in 2026.
Key Highlights
- 1
Ball's first quarter U.S. GAAP total diluted earnings per share was 77 cents, compared to 63 cents in 2025.
- 2
The company's first quarter comparable diluted earnings per share increased by 22.1% to 94 cents, versus 77 cents in 2025.
- 3
First quarter comparable operating earnings increased by 9.9% to $387 million, compared to $352 million in 2025.
- 4
Global aluminum packaging shipments increased 0.8% in the first quarter.
- 5
Ball is on track to return at least $800 million to shareholders through share buybacks and dividends by year-end.
- 6
The company expects comparable diluted earnings per share growth of 10-plus percent and free cash flow greater than $900 million in 2026.
- 7
Ball is focused on advancing sustainable aluminum packaging while driving 10-plus percent comparable diluted EPS growth, increasing EVA, generating strong free cash flow, and sustaining long-term value creation in 2026 and beyond.
Management Comments
Ron Lewis
Ball delivered strong first-quarter results, growing comparable EPS more than 20 percent 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. While we remain vigilant amid the current geopolitical and macroeconomic environment, we are well-positioned to execute and achieve our 2026 objectives. Continued operational excellence, coupled with investments in innovation and sustainability, supports manufacturing efficiency, customer success and long-term value creation for shareholders. Our strategy is anchored in long-term value creation: partnering closely with customers, fostering a empowered and engaged workforce, and driving profitable growth through disciplined execution. Enabled by the Ball Business System, this approach supports consistent performance. We remain confident in the growth of aluminum packaging, and, through our EVA-driven framework, in our ability to deliver our long-term target of greater than 10 percent annual EPS growth while continuing to return significant value to shareholders.
Dan Rabbitt
Our global business remains resilient, supported by passthrough mechanisms that continue to perform as intended in a dynamic environment. We remain on track to deliver our free cash flow objectives for the year, driven by business performance and our strong financial position. This performance supports our expectation to return at least $800 million to shareholders in 2026, while maintaining the flexibility to invest in long-term, sustainable EVA growth projects. Our strong financial foundation remains central to delivering consistent returns and long-term value.
Informational and educational content only. Not investment advice.