Ball Corporation Q1 earnings rise 22%, boosts 2026 EPS growth forecast above 10%

Ball Corporation reported a 22.1% increase in comparable diluted earnings per share to 94 cents in Q1 2026, driven by higher volumes and prices amid strong operational execution. The company achieved $387 million in comparable operating earnings, up 9.9% year-over-year, and global aluminum packaging shipments grew 0.8%. Ball remains on track to return at least $800 million to shareholders through buybacks and dividends in 2026, while targeting over 10% EPS growth and free cash flow above $900 million for the year. The firm continues to focus on sustainable aluminum packaging and long-term value creation despite geopolitical and economic uncertainties.