Ball (NYSE:BALL) Releases Quarterly Earnings Results, Beats Estimates By $0.04 EPS

Ball (NYSE:BALL) issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The company reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.99 by $0.04, Zacks reports. Ball had a return on equity of 18.76% and a net margin of 6.61%.The business had revenue of $4 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.69 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.90 EPS. Ball’s quarterly 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 0.2%

BALL traded down $0.12 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $63.37. 343,001 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,487,461. The stock has a market cap of $16.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.98, a PEG ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 0.98. Ball has a 1-year low of $44.83 and a 1-year high of $68.29. The stock’s 50-day moving average is $60.13 and its two-hundred day moving average is $60.71. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13.

Ball Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.20 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 1st. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. Ball’s dividend payout ratio is presently 23.12%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have recently weighed in on BALL. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on shares of Ball from $75.00 to $77.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Thursday, July 9th. Bank of America raised their price objective on shares of Ball from $70.00 to $73.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, July 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a “neutral” rating and issued a $65.00 target price (up from $60.00) on shares of Ball in a research note on Wednesday. Mizuho set a $72.00 target price on Ball in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Weiss Ratings raised Ball from a “hold (c)” rating to a “hold (c+)” rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 30th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $71.69.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ball

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BALL. Triumph Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of Ball in the third quarter valued at about $26,000. Gilpin Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Ball during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $29,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc bought a new position in Ball in the second quarter valued at approximately $46,000. EFG International AG acquired a new position in shares of Ball during the 4th quarter worth approximately $55,000. Finally, Los Angeles Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Ball during the 4th quarter worth approximately $65,000. 86.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Ball Company Profile

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.