Crown Holdings posts a rise in net sales as global shipments increase 5% in Q1 2026

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Crown Holdings, Inc. reported a solid start to 2026, supported by higher beverage can shipments and improved adjusted earnings, despite a slight decline in net income.

Net sales for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, rose to USD 3.26 billion, compared to USD 2.89 billion in the same period last year. The increase was driven by a 5 per cent rise in global beverage can shipments, along with the pass-through of higher input costs and favourable foreign exchange movements.

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Timothy J. Donahue, Chairman, President and CEO of the company, said, “Global beverage can volumes advanced 5 per cent, led by robust shipments throughout Europe and Asia-Pacific.”

Adjusted diluted earnings per share grew 11 per cent to USD 1.86, up from USD 1.67 a year earlier. However, reported diluted earnings per share declined slightly to USD 1.56 from USD 1.65, while net income attributable to the company fell to USD 175 million from USD 193 million.

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Operational performance was supported by strong demand in Europe and Asia-Pacific, where beverage can shipments increased significantly. In North America, shipments rose modestly by 1 per cent, as adverse weather conditions earlier in the quarter impacted volumes, though a stronger March helped offset the slowdown.

Segment income rose to USD 405 million from USD 398 million in the previous year, reflecting higher shipment volumes, partly offset by increased operating costs and lower input cost recovery in some regions.

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During the quarter, the company returned USD 251 million to shareholders, including USD 39 million in dividends, marking a 35 per cent increase in dividend payout.

Looking ahead, Crown Holdings expects demand to remain stable across its global beverage packaging business and has reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance. The company forecasts adjusted earnings per share between USD 7.90 and USD 8.30 and expects to generate around USD 900 million in adjusted free cash flow.

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Donahue further added, “As we look ahead, the Company will continue to use its robust free cash flow to make strategic investments in growth and return value to shareholders through dividends and disciplined repurchases of its common stock." 

The company also announced plans to expand its footprint in India with a new two-line beverage can manufacturing facility in the northern region. The plant is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2027, targeting growing demand in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage segments.