Ball Q3 sales accelerates despite $94m loss
Key points
- Ball reported third-quarter 2026 sales of $4.188 billion, up approximately 24% year over year, while global aluminum packaging shipments increased 4.7%.
- The company recorded a GAAP net loss of $94 million, compared with a profit a year earlier, although comparable diluted EPS increased 6.8% to $1.10.
- Ball expects comparable diluted EPS growth of at least 10% in 2026 and plans to return at least $800 million to shareholders through buybacks and dividends.
Ball Corporation (NYSE:BALL) reported third-quarter 2026 sales of $4.188 billion, up from $3.379 billion a year earlier, despite recording a net loss of $94 million.
GAAP diluted earnings per share fell to a loss of $0.36 from earnings of $1.18, while comparable diluted EPS increased 6.8% to $1.10.
Global aluminum packaging shipments increased 4.7% during the quarter, supported by higher volumes across the company's international beverage packaging operations.
Comparable operating earnings rose 2.5% to $451 million, with improvements in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and South America offsetting weaker performance in North and Central America.
Ball expects full-year comparable diluted EPS growth of at least 10% and free cash flow of approximately $900 million, while targeting shareholder returns of at least $800 million by year-end.
The company returned $431 million through share repurchases and dividends during the first nine months of 2026, while continuing investments in aluminum beverage can manufacturing facilities in Germany and India.
Headquartered in Westminster, Colorado, Ball supplies aluminum packaging for beverage, personal care and household products, operating manufacturing facilities across several international markets.
