Ball Expects at Least 10% Comparable Diluted EPS Growth in 2026

Ball Corporation expects comparable diluted earnings per share (EPS) to grow at least 10% in 2026 and is on track to return about $800 million to shareholders. Third-quarter volume gains put the company on pace to exceed its earlier full-year volume outlook.

Global volumes rose 4.7% year over year in the third quarter, with gains in every region. Year-to-date volumes were up 3.4%. CEO Ron Lewis said global volumes “improved 4.7% year-over-year with growth in each region.” Ball expects its year-end net debt-to-comparable EBITDA ratio to be 2.7x.

For the fourth quarter, Ball expects strong volume growth and modest EPS growth. The company expects a roughly $20 million metal gain from the third quarter to reverse, alongside start-up costs at Millersburg.

Ball reiterated its long-term global volume growth target of 2% to 3% and described itself as effectively contracted for 2027. It expects a new facility in Germany to ramp up in late 2028, while operations at a new India facility are expected to begin in 2029.