Ball Reports Strong Third Quarter 2026 Results
Key Highlights
- ➤Comparable diluted EPS $1.10, up 6.8% year over year
- ➤U.S. GAAP diluted loss per share 36 cents versus $1.18 earnings
- ➤Global aluminum packaging shipments increased 4.7% in the third quarter
- ➤2026 comparable diluted EPS growth expected at 10-plus percent
- ➤2026 free cash flow forecast remains $900 million; shareholder returns target $800 million
Expert Statements
Ron Lewis, Chief executive officer of Ball Corporation
“Ball delivered another quarter of strong results, reflecting the power of our customer-focused strategy, disciplined execution and the ownership mindset embedded throughout our organization. In an operating environment that remains dynamic, our teams continued to execute at a high level, driving global volume and operating earnings growth. These results demonstrate the strength of the Ball Business System and our relentless focus on continuous improvement as we work to better serve customers and create long-term value for shareholders.”
Dan Rabbitt, Senior vice president and chief financial officer of Ball Corporation
“Our third quarter results reflect disciplined execution across the business, supported by global volume growth, operational performance and the stability provided by our contractual passthrough mechanisms. We remain on track to deliver our long-term objective of 4 to 6 percent operating earnings growth while continuing to generate strong cash flow and grow EVA across the business. Our balanced approach to capital allocation enables us to return significant cash to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends while investing in attractive EVA-accretive growth opportunities. Supported by a strong financial position and disciplined financial framework, we remain focused on improving returns, strengthening earnings power and delivering attractive long-term shareholder returns.”
Ron Lewis, Chief executive officer of Ball Corporation
“Our strategy remains centered on building long-term value through strong customer partnerships, an engaged and empowered workforce, and disciplined operational and capital deployment decisions. The Ball Business System continues to strengthen our culture of ownership and accountability, while EVA remains the financial framework that guides how we invest, improve and grow the business. We see significant opportunities ahead to deploy capital into EVA-accretive growth projects, including investments that support our customers and strengthen our global manufacturing network. While the external environment remains volatile, we are confident in our ability to build on our momentum, invest behind attractive EVA-accretive opportunities and deliver sustainable growth for years to come.”
* Third quarter U.S. GAAP total diluted loss per share of 36 cents vs. earnings per share of $1.18 in 2025 * Third quarter comparable diluted earnings per share of $1.10 vs. $1.03 in 2025, an increase of 6.8% * Third quarter comparable operating earnings of $451 million vs. $440 million in 2025, an increase of 2.5% * Global aluminum packaging shipments increased 4.7% in the third quarter * Returned $431 million to shareholders via share repurchases and dividends in the first nine months of 2026; on track to return at least $800 million through share buybacks and dividends to shareholders by year-end * Investing in a new beverage can manufacturing facility in Baruth, Germany, to support long-term customer growth in EMEA and further strengthen Ball's regional manufacturing network * Announced a new beverage can manufacturing facility in India to support long-term customer growth and further strengthen Ball's manufacturing network in the region * In 2026, expect comparable diluted earnings per share growth of 10-plus percent and free cash flow in the range of $900 million * 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 WESTMINSTER, Colo., Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL) today reported third quarter 2026 results.
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