Crown Holdings has raised its 2026 profit outlook after posting a robust set of second-quarter results, buoyed by rising demand for aluminium beverage cans across most of its major markets.

The packaging group reported net sales of $3,668 million for the three months to 30 June, up from $3,149 million a year earlier. The increase reflected higher can shipments worldwide, $395 million in passed-through material costs and a $32 million currency tailwind. Net income attributable to the company rose to $245 million from $181 million, lifting adjusted diluted earnings per share 16% to $2.49.

Global beverage can volumes grew 5% over the quarter. Growth was led by double-digit gains in Asia, alongside 7% and 5% increases in Europe and North America respectively, which offset weaker demand in Latin America. Segment income reached $501 million, up from $476 million, with the company pointing to strong contributions from its beverage can equipment and North American tinplate operations. Its Transit packaging arm also held up despite subdued global industrial output.

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Timothy Donahue said the business was on course for another strong year, adding that consumer and brand preference for aluminium as a sustainable packaging format continues to underpin demand across both alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories. He noted that cans remain the format of choice for new drinks launches globally.

To keep pace, Crown is pressing ahead with previously announced capacity expansions in Brazil, Greece and Spain, plus a new facility in Northern India — the company’s first move into that rapidly expanding market.

The group repurchased $305 million of its own shares during the quarter, taking buybacks past $500 million for the first half. Its net leverage ratio stood at 2.5x adjusted EBITDA.

Chief Financial Officer Kevin Clothier said the beverage can market remained healthy and the manufacturing network was performing well. On that basis, the company has nudged its full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance up to a range of $8.30 to $8.50, from $7.90 to $8.30 previously, and expects third-quarter adjusted EPS of $2.20 to $2.30. Crown anticipates generating at least $900 million in adjusted free cash flow for the year, after roughly $550 million of capital spending.