Ball (NYSE:BALL – Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Tuesday. The company reported $1.03 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.99 by $0.04, Zacks reports. Ball had a return on equity of 18.69% and a net margin of 6.86%.The business had revenue of $4 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.69 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.90 EPS. The firm’s revenue was up 19.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Ball updated its FY 2026 guidance to 3.930- EPS.
Here are the key takeaways from Ball’s conference call:
- Strong second-quarter execution: Global beverage-can volumes rose 4.3% year over year, comparable operating earnings increased 7.7%, and comparable diluted EPS grew 14.4%. Management said first-half results support its full-year target of more than 10% comparable EPS growth.
- Ball maintained its 2026 outlook, including more than $900 million in free cash flow and approximately $800 million of shareholder returns, comprising at least $600 million of share repurchases and roughly $200 million in dividends.
- Demand remained broad-based: EMEIA volumes grew mid-single digits, South America volumes increased in the mid-teens with operating earnings up 64%, and North American demand was constructive in energy and non-alcoholic beverages. Management said the aluminum can continues to gain share across beverage categories.
- North American operating earnings declined 2.4% as tight capacity created operational friction and Ball incurred approximately $5 million of startup costs in the quarter. About $30 million of the projected $35 million in 2026 startup costs is expected in the second half, although Millersburg began producing commercial cans and is expected to provide its full benefit in 2027.
- Ball is integrating the Benepack facilities in Hungary and Belgium, which are expected to become fully operational and accretive in 2027. The company also described India and Europe as significant long-term growth opportunities, supported by lower can penetration and sustainability-driven demand.
Ball Stock Down 3.4%
Shares of NYSE BALL traded down $2.25 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $62.91. 890,548 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,484,904. The company has a market cap of $16.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.19, a PEG ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 0.98. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $59.85 and a 200-day moving average price of $60.60. Ball has a 52 week low of $44.83 and a 52 week high of $68.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 1.12.
Ball Announces Dividend
Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades
BALL has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Truist Financial upped their target price on shares of Ball from $75.00 to $77.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, April 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on Ball from $75.00 to $77.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, July 9th. UBS Group decreased their price target on shares of Ball from $66.00 to $64.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, May 6th. Citigroup decreased their price objective on Ball from $73.00 to $72.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, July 9th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Ball from $70.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 6th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $70.85.
Get Our Latest Stock Report on BALL
Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ball
Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sivia Capital Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Ball in the second quarter worth $453,000. Brighton Jones LLC raised its stake in Ball by 41.2% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 5,245 shares of the company’s stock valued at $289,000 after buying an additional 1,531 shares during the last quarter. Vinva Investment Management Ltd bought a new position in Ball in the fourth quarter valued at about $232,000. Brooklyn Investment Group purchased a new stake in shares of Ball during the 4th quarter valued at about $203,000. Finally, Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. bought a new position in shares of Ball in the 4th quarter worth approximately $176,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.51% of the company’s stock.
About Ball
Ball Corporation is a leading provider of sustainable aluminum packaging solutions and advanced aerospace technologies. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, the company serves customers in the beverage, food and aerosol markets through a global network of manufacturing facilities. With an emphasis on sustainability and innovation, Ball designs and produces metal cans, bottles and ends that support recycling and reduce environmental impact.
The company’s packaging segment specializes in beverage cans for soft drinks, beer and energy drinks, as well as metal packaging for food and personal care applications.
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