Crown Holdings’ global beverage can shipments rose by more than 6% in the third quarter of 2026. Asia grew by double digits, North America by 6% and Europe by 4%.

Net sales for the quarter rose 16% to $3.71bn, from $3.20bn a year earlier. Crown said $405m of the increase came from passing higher material costs through to customers. Adjusted earnings per share rose to $2.39, from $2.24. Reported diluted earnings per share were $2.08, compared with $1.85.Total segment income was $484m, against $490m a year earlier. The fall came from Transit Packaging, where income dropped to $60m from $70m on sales of $520m.

In beverage cans:

• Americas Beverage: segment income rose to $259m from $255m, on net sales of $1.70bn (up from $1.42bn).
• European Beverage: income was flat at $109m, while net sales grew to $772m from $658m.
• Asia Pacific: income rose to $46m from $44m, on sales of $321m (up from $259m).

Timothy J. Donahue, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Company performed well during the third quarter, continuing its pace for another exceptional year in 2026. Robust global beverage can volumes helped offset the majority of rising input cost pressures.”

He added: “The outlook for continued long-term growth of beverage can demand remains robust as customers and consumers increasingly recognise aluminium cans as the most sustainable and responsible packaging choice. Cans continue to be the preferred format for brands across both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage categories, including many new product introductions worldwide.”

On capacity, Donahue said: “Previously announced capacity expansion projects in Brazil, Greece and Spain are on plan and will support continued customer needs. During September, groundbreaking commenced on the construction of a beverage can plant in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, marking Crown’s entry into one of the world’s fastest growing beverage markets with commercial start-up expected in the first quarter of 2028.”

Crown spent $81m buying back shares in the quarter. It has bought back nearly 6% of its shares over the past 12 months.

Kevin C. Clothier, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said: “With our strong year-to-date performance and continued cash generation, Crown is on track to deliver another year of solid earnings and free cash flow. We expect full year adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $8.35 to $8.45 and adjusted free cash flow to be at least $950 million after capital spending of approximately $550 million.”

He said Crown expects fourth quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.63 to $1.73, and that net leverage of 2.5 times leaves it “well positioned to invest in attractive organic growth opportunities and return capital to shareholders.”