Ball Corporation has reported higher comparable earnings and shipment growth in every beverage can region for the third quarter of 2026, although a one-off hit pushed the company to a net loss on a reported basis.

Comparable net earnings came in at $293 million, or $1.10 per diluted share, up from $280 million ($1.03) a year earlier. Sales rose to $4.19 billion from $3.38 billion, with higher aluminium prices passed through to customers accounting for much of the increase.

On a US GAAP basis, however, the can maker recorded a net loss attributable to the corporation of $94 million, or 36 cents per diluted share, against net earnings of $321 million ($1.18) in the third quarter of 2025.

Ron Lewis, chief executive officer, said the quarter reflected the company’s customer-focused strategy and disciplined execution. “In an operating environment that remains dynamic, our teams continued to execute at a high level, driving global volume and operating earnings growth,” he said.

Regional performance

In North and Central America, segment comparable operating earnings slipped to $210 million from $215 million, despite sales rising to $2.06 billion from $1.64 billion. Ball put the decline down to higher operating costs and plant start-up costs, partly offset by favourable price/mix, including the timing of metal pass-through, and higher volume. Shipments in the region grew by a low single digit percentage year on year.

EMEA delivered comparable operating earnings of $170 million on sales of $1.33 billion, up from $164 million on $1.13 billion. Volumes rose by a mid single digit percentage. The segment now includes the acquired Benepack business, along with the company’s facilities in India and Myanmar and the former Saudi Arabian business, following a realignment in the first quarter.

South America was the standout performer, with comparable operating earnings climbing to $92 million from $77 million on sales of $653 million, up from $508 million. Volumes in the region increased by a low double digit percentage.

Ball sold 41 per cent of its 51 per cent stake in Ball United Arab Can Manufacturing Company in August 2025, retaining a 10 per cent holding, and deconsolidated its aluminium cups business in March of that year.

Outlook

Dan Rabbitt, senior vice president and chief financial officer, said the company remained on track to deliver its long-term target of four to six per cent operating earnings growth while generating strong cash flow and returning cash to shareholders through buybacks and dividends.

Lewis added that Ball sees “significant opportunities ahead” to deploy capital into growth projects, including investments to support customers and strengthen its global manufacturing network. “While the external environment remains volatile, we are confident in our ability to build on our momentum,” he said.

Ball operates more than 65 plants and facilities worldwide with around 16,000 employees, and reported 2025 net sales of $13.16 billion.