Business
Ball Reports Strong Second Quarter 2026 Results
Ball Reports Strong Second Quarter 2026
About this update from Ball Corporation
HighlightsSecond quarter U.S. GAAP total diluted earnings per share of 83 cents vs. 76 cents in 2025Second quarter comparable diluted earnings per share of $1.03 vs. 90 cents in 2025, an increase of 14.4%Second quarter comparable operating earnings of $433 million vs. $402 million in 2025, an increase of 7.7%Global aluminum packaging shipments increased 4.3% in the second quarterReturned $222 million to shareholders via share repurchases and dividends in the first six months of 2026; on track to return at least $800 million through share buybacks and dividends to shareholders by year-endIn 2026, expect comparable diluted earnings per share growth of 10-plus percent and free cash flow greater than $900 millionFocused 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 beyondWESTMINSTER, Colo., Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL) today reported second quarter 2026 results.U.S. GAAP Financial Performance On a U.S. GAAP basis, the company reported second quarter 2026 net earnings attributable to the corporation of $221 million or total diluted earnings per share of 83 cents, on sales of $4.00 billion, compared to $212 million net earnings attributable to the corporation, or total diluted earnings per share of 76 cents, on sales of $3.34 billion in 2025.Non-GAAP Financial Performance Ball's second quarter 2026 comparable net earnings were $276 million, or $1.03 per diluted share compared to $251 million, or 90 cents per diluted share in 2025."Ball delivered another quarter of strong results, reflecting the consistent execution of our strategy and continued progress toward our long-term objectives. Higher volumes and operating earnings were driven by the strength of our customer partnerships, disciplined commercial and operational execution, and the resilience of a business model we have built over decades. Our global portfolio of sustainable packaging solutions and focus on operational excellence position us to continue creating value for customers and shareholders through innovation, efficiency and disciplined growth," said Ron Lewis, chief executive officer.Results for the second quarter and first six months of 2026 and 2025 reflect the segment reporting structure and profitability m...