Ball reports 4.7% growth in aluminium packaging shipments, announces new can plants in Germany and India

Ball Corporation reported a 4.7 per cent increase in global aluminium packaging shipments in Q3 2026, supported by higher volumes across its beverage packaging operations in North and Central America, EMEA, and South America. The company also announced plans to expand its manufacturing network with new beverage can facilities in Germany and India.

Ball’s comparable operating earnings for the quarter reached USD 451 million, up 2.5 per cent from USD 440 million in the same period last year. Comparable diluted earnings per share increased 6.8 per cent to USD 1.10, compared with USD 1.03 in Q3 2025.

On a US GAAP basis, however, Ball reported a net loss attributable to the corporation of USD 94 million, or 36 cents per diluted share. It was against net earnings of USD 321 million, or USD 1.18 per diluted share, a year earlier. Net sales increased to USD 4.19 billion from USD 3.38 billion.

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Ron Lewis, chief executive officer of the company, said, "Ball delivered another quarter of strong results, reflecting the power of our customer-focused strategy, disciplined execution and the ownership mindset embedded throughout our organisation.”

Regional beverage packaging performance

In North and Central America, comparable operating earnings fell by 2.3 per cent year on year to USD 210 million, from USD 215 million in Q3 2025. Sales increased by 25.6 per cent to USD 2.06 billion from USD 1.64 billion. Segment volume grew by a low single-digit percentage. Higher volumes and favourable price/mix partly offset increased operating and plant start-up costs.

In EMEA, comparable operating earnings increased by 3.7 per cent to USD 170 million from USD 164 million a year earlier. Sales rose by 17.7 per cent to USD 1.33 billion from USD 1.13 billion. Segment volume grew by a mid-single-digit percentage. The results include the acquired Benepack business and reflect the company's 2026 realignment of facilities in India and Myanmar, as well as its former Saudi Arabian business, within the segment.

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In South America, comparable operating earnings rose by 19.5 per cent to USD 92 million from USD 77 million in Q3 2025. Sales increased by 28.5 per cent to USD 653 million from USD 508 million. Segment volume grew by a low-double-digit percentage, while higher volumes and favourable price/mix supported earnings growth, partly offset by increased costs.

Expansion and shareholder returns

Ball is investing in a new beverage can manufacturing facility in Baruth, Germany, to support long-term customer growth in EMEA and strengthen its regional manufacturing network. It has also announced a new beverage can manufacturing facility in India, aimed at supporting customer growth and expanding its manufacturing presence in the region.

During the first nine months of 2026, the company returned USD 431 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. It remains on track to return at least USD 800 million through these channels by the end of the year.

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2026 outlook

Ball expects comparable diluted earnings per share growth of more than 10 per cent in 2026 and free cash flow of approximately USD 900 million. The company also reiterated its long-term objective of 4–6% operating earnings growth.

Dan Rabbitt, senior vice president and chief financial officer, said, " Supported by a strong financial position and disciplined financial framework, we remain focused on improving returns, strengthening earnings power and delivering attractive long-term shareholder returns." 

Further, Lewis added, “While the external environment remains volatile, we are confident in our ability to build on our momentum, invest behind attractive EVA-accretive opportunities and deliver sustainable growth for years to come."