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Ball Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

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Ball (NYSE: BALL) reported third quarter 2024 results with U.S. GAAP total diluted earnings per share of $0.65 compared to $0.64 in 2023. Comparable diluted earnings per share increased to $0.91 from $0.83 year-over-year. The company returned $1.25 billion to shareholders via share repurchases and dividends in the first nine months of 2024. Sales reached $3.08 billion, slightly down from $3.11 billion in 2023. Notable developments include the completion of Alucan Entec acquisition for €82 million and improved performance across global segments despite volume challenges in certain markets.

Ball (NYSE: BALL) ha riportato i risultati del terzo trimestre 2024 con un utile per azione diluito totale secondo i principi contabili generalmente accettati negli Stati Uniti (GAAP) di $0,65, rispetto a $0,64 nel 2023. L'utile per azione diluito comparabile è aumentato a $0,91 da $0,83 rispetto all'anno precedente. L'azienda ha restituito $1,25 miliardi agli azionisti tramite riacquisti di azioni e dividendi nei primi nove mesi del 2024. Le vendite hanno raggiunto $3,08 miliardi, leggermente in calo rispetto a $3,11 miliardi nel 2023. Tra i risultati degni di nota c'è il completamento dell'acquisizione di Alucan Entec per €82 milioni e un miglioramento delle performance nei segmenti globali nonostante le sfide di volume in alcuni mercati.

Ball (NYSE: BALL) reportó los resultados del tercer trimestre de 2024 con ganancias diluidas por acción de $0.65 según los principios de contabilidad generalmente aceptados en EE. UU. (GAAP), en comparación con $0.64 en 2023. Las ganancias diluidas por acción comparables aumentaron a $0.91 desde $0.83 en comparación con el año anterior. La compañía devolvió $1.25 mil millones a los accionistas a través de recompra de acciones y dividendos en los primeros nueve meses de 2024. Las ventas alcanzaron $3.08 mil millones, ligeramente por debajo de $3.11 mil millones en 2023. Entre los desarrollos notables se encuentra la finalización de la adquisición de Alucan Entec por €82 millones y una mejora en el rendimiento de los segmentos globales a pesar de los desafíos de volumen en ciertos mercados.

Ball (NYSE: BALL)는 2024년 3분기 실적을 보고하며 미국 일반 회계 원칙(US GAAP)에 따른 총 희석 주당 순이익이 $0.65로, 2023년의 $0.64와 비교되었다. 비교 가능한 희석 주당 순이익은 전년 대비 $0.83에서 $0.91로 증가했다. 회사는 2024년의 처음 아홉 달 동안 주식 매입 및 배당금을 통해 주주에게 $1.25억 달러를 반환했다. 매출은 $3.08억 달러에 달했으며, 2023년의 $3.11억 달러에서 약간 감소했다. 주요 사항으로는 Alucan Entec의 인수가 €82백만 유로로 완료되었으며, 일부 시장에서의 물량 문제에도 불구하고 전 세계 부문에서의 성과가 개선되었다.

Ball (NYSE: BALL) a annoncé les résultats du troisième trimestre 2024 avec un bénéfice par action dilué total selon les normes GAAP américaines de 0,65 $ contre 0,64 $ en 2023. Le bénéfice par action dilué comparable a augmenté à 0,91 $ contre 0,83 $ d'une année sur l'autre. L'entreprise a restitué 1,25 milliard de dollars aux actionnaires via des rachats d'actions et des dividendes au cours des neuf premiers mois de 2024. Les ventes ont atteint 3,08 milliards de dollars, légèrement en baisse par rapport à 3,11 milliards de dollars en 2023. Parmi les développements notables figure l'achèvement de l'acquisition d'Alucan Entec pour 82 millions d'euros et une performance améliorée dans les segments mondiaux malgré des défis de volume dans certains marchés.

Ball (NYSE: BALL) berichtete über die Ergebnisse des dritten Quartals 2024 mit GAAP-gesamt verdünnten Erträge pro Aktie von $0,65 im Vergleich zu $0,64 im Jahr 2023. Die vergleichbaren verdünnten Erträge pro Aktie stiegen von $0,83 im Vorjahr auf $0,91. Das Unternehmen gab in den ersten neun Monaten des Jahres 2024 $1,25 Milliarden an die Aktionäre in Form von Aktienrückkäufen und Dividenden zurück. Der Umsatz belief sich auf $3,08 Milliarden, ein leichter Rückgang von $3,11 Milliarden im Jahr 2023. Zu den bemerkenswerten Entwicklungen gehört der Abschluss der Übernahme von Alucan Entec für 82 Millionen Euro und eine verbesserte Leistung in den globalen Segmenten trotz der Volumenschwierigkeiten auf bestimmten Märkten.

Positive
  • Comparable EPS increased 9.6% YoY to $0.91 from $0.83
  • Strong shareholder returns with $1.25B distributed in first nine months
  • Operating earnings improved in all major segments
  • Strategic acquisition of Alucan Entec completed at attractive 7.4x EBITDA multiple
Negative
  • Sales declined to $3.08B from $3.11B YoY
  • North America volumes decreased 3.1%
  • South America volumes dropped 10.0%
  • Challenging economic conditions in Argentina affecting operations

Insights

The Q3 2024 results show mixed performance with notable strengths and challenges. Comparable EPS increased to $0.91 from $0.83, demonstrating operational improvements. Key highlights include substantial shareholder returns of $1.25 billion year-to-date through dividends and buybacks. The strategic acquisition of Alucan Entec for €82 million strengthens their European presence.

Regional performance varies significantly: North America saw volume decline of 3.1% but improved earnings, EMEA showed strong growth with 6.7% volume increase, while South America faced challenges with 10% volume decline particularly in Argentina. The company maintains positive momentum in operational efficiency and remains on track for their $1.6 billion shareholder return target for 2024.

Ball 's positioning in sustainable aluminum packaging aligns well with growing environmental regulations and consumer preferences, particularly evident in EMEA where legislation is driving packaging shifts toward aluminum. The strategic acquisition of Alucan Entec at 7.4x EBITDA multiple appears reasonably valued and enhances their European manufacturing capabilities.

Despite macroeconomic pressures affecting consumer behavior, aluminum beverage cans continue to outperform alternative packaging materials. The company's focus on operational efficiency and cost reduction initiatives, combined with their market-leading position, suggests strong potential for achieving their targeted 10%+ annual EPS growth from 2025 onward.

Highlights

  • Third quarter U.S. GAAP total diluted earnings per share of 65 cents vs. 64 cents in 2023
  • Third quarter comparable diluted earnings per share of 91 cents vs. 83 cents in 2023
  • Returned $1.25 billion to shareholders via share repurchases and dividends in the first nine months of 2024; on track to return in excess of $1.6 billion to shareholders by year-end
  • In late-October, completed acquisition of Alucan Entec, S.A., a European impact extruded aluminum packaging business
  • In 2024 and beyond, positioned to advance the use of sustainable aluminum packaging, grow comparable diluted earnings per share and EVA, generate strong free cash flow and expand long-term return of value to shareholders

WESTMINSTER, Colo., Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL) today reported third quarter results. References to net sales and comparable operating earnings in today's release do not include the company's former aerospace business. Year-over-year net earnings attributable to the corporation and comparable net earnings do include the performance of the company's former aerospace business through the sale date of February 16, 2024. On a U.S. GAAP basis, the company reported, third quarter 2024 net earnings attributable to the corporation of $197 million (including a net after-tax loss of $81 million, or 26 cents per diluted share for business consolidation and other non-comparable items) or total diluted earnings per share of 65 cents, on sales of $3.08 billion, compared to $203 million net earnings attributable to the corporation, or total diluted earnings per share of 64 cents (including a net after-tax loss of $60 million, or 19 cents per diluted share for business consolidation and other non-comparable items) on sales of $3.11 billion in 2023. Results for the first nine months of 2024 were net earnings attributable to the corporation of $4.04 billion (including a net after-tax gain of $3.31 billion for the aerospace business sale, business consolidation and other non-comparable items), or total diluted earnings per share of $12.96, on sales of $8.92 billion compared to $553 million, or total diluted earnings per share of $1.74, on sales of $9.16 billion for the first nine months of 2023.

Ball's third quarter and year-to-date 2024 comparable earnings per diluted share were 91 cents and $2.33, respectively, versus third quarter and year-to-date 2023 comparable earnings per diluted share of 83 cents and $2.13, respectively.

"We delivered strong third quarter results and have returned $1.25 billion to shareholders in the first nine months of 2024. Leveraging our strong financial position and leaner operating model, the company remains uniquely positioned to enable our purpose of advancing the greater use of sustainable aluminum packaging, despite the current end consumer environment in certain geographies. We continue to complement our purpose by driving innovation and sustainability on a global scale, unlocking additional manufacturing efficiencies and enabling consistent delivery of high-quality, long-term shareholder value creation," said Daniel W. Fisher, chairman and chief executive officer.

Details of reportable segment comparable operating earnings, business consolidation and other activities, business segment descriptions and other non-comparable items can be found in the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements that accompany this news release. References to volume data represent units shipped.

Beverage Packaging, North and Central America

Beverage packaging, North and Central America, segment comparable operating earnings for third quarter 2024 were $203 million on sales of $1.46 billion compared to $196 million on sales of $1.54 billion during the same period in 2023. The decrease in third quarter sales reflects lower year-over-year volumes and price/mix. 

Third quarter segment comparable operating earnings increased year-over-year primarily due to price/mix partially offset by lower volumes of 3.1 percent. Aluminum beverage cans continue to outperform other substrates despite continued economic pressure on the end consumer. Going forward, benefits from fixed and variable cost-out initiatives and improved operational efficiencies are expected to improve results throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond.

Beverage Packaging, EMEA

Beverage packaging, EMEA, segment comparable operating earnings for third quarter 2024 were $128 million on sales of $950 million compared to $103 million on sales of $902 million during the same period in 2023. Third quarter sales primarily reflect higher volumes.

Third quarter comparable operating earnings reflect 6.7 percent higher volumes. Packaging mix shift to aluminum cans supported by ongoing packaging legislation in certain countries continues to be a driver of aluminum beverage packaging growth. Going forward, sustainability tailwinds and improved operational efficiencies are expected to improve results.

Beverage Packaging, South America

Beverage packaging, South America, segment comparable operating earnings for third quarter 2024 were $78 million on sales of $484 million compared to $61 million on sales of $489 million during the same period in 2023. Third quarter sales reflect lower volumes partially offset by price/mix.

Third quarter segment comparable operating earnings increased year-over-year driven by favorable price/mix partially offset by 10.0 percent lower volumes during the quarter. Volumes were driven by the ongoing impact of disruptive economic and operating conditions in Argentina and demand outstripping supply in Brazil late in the quarter. In Argentina, the company continues to serve customers and assess risks given the dynamic economic and policy environment. Across South America multi-year customer initiatives to increase the use of sustainable aluminum packaging are expected to continue.

Non-reportable

Non-reportable is comprised of undistributed corporate expenses, net of corporate interest income, the results of the company's global aluminum aerosol business, beverage can manufacturing facilities in India, Saudi Arabia and Myanmar and the company's aluminum cup business.

Third quarter 2024 improved results reflect higher comparable operating earnings for the aluminum packaging businesses partially offset by increased year-over-year undistributed corporate expenses. The company's global aluminum aerosol, aluminum bottle and cups customers continue to collaborate with Ball to activate growth opportunities and tailored offerings for personal and home care brands, refill and reuse packaging for water, other beverages and venue specific needs to advance the circular economy.

In late-October, the company completed the acquisition of Alucan Entec, S.A., a European impact extruded aluminum packaging business, for the purchase price of €82 million (or $88 million using an exchange rate as of the date of close), subject to customary closing adjustments, which reflects an attractive EBITDA multiple of approximately 7.4x. The acquisition complements Ball's existing global extruded aluminum aerosol and bottle business with the addition of two manufacturing facilities near Lummen, Belgium, and Llinars del Vallés, Spain, along with associated contracts and other related assets.

Outlook

"Our company is performing well and on track to deliver or exceed against our stated comparable earnings growth goal and on target to return in excess of $1.6 billion to shareholders in 2024. By consistently executing on our plans to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence, our resulting strong free cash flow will allow us to return significant value to shareholders while also prudently investing in our business over the years to come," said Howard Yu, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

"Our global team is focused on executing our enterprise-wide strategy with purpose and pace to advance aluminum packaging and to consistently deliver high-quality results, products and returns. In 2024, we are positioned to achieve mid-single digit plus comparable diluted earnings per share growth, generate strong free cash flow and EVA while also returning significant value to shareholders through a combination of share repurchases and dividends. We will continue to leverage the strengths of our best-in-class footprint, product portfolio and operational talent. I want to thank our employees for their hard work to consistently deliver comparable diluted earnings per share growth greater than 10 percent per annum in 2025 and beyond," Fisher said.

About Ball Corporation

Ball Corporation supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverage, personal care and household products customers. Ball Corporation employs 16,000 people worldwide and reported 2023 net sales of $12.06 billion, which excludes the divested aerospace business. For more information, visit www.ball.com, or connect with us on Facebook or X (Twitter).

Conference Call Details
Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL) will hold its third quarter 2024 earnings call today at 9 a.m. Mountain time (11 a.m. Eastern). The North American toll-free number for the call is +1 877-497-9071. International callers should dial +1 201-689-8727. Please use the following URL for a webcast of the live call:

 https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=0McTrGVD

For those unable to listen to the live call, a webcast replay and written transcript of the call will be posted within 48 hours of the call's conclusion to Ball's website at www.ball.com/investors under "news and presentations."

Forward-Looking Statement
This release contains "forward-looking" statements concerning future events and financial performance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "believes," and similar expressions typically identify forward looking statements, which are generally any statements other than statements of historical fact. Such statements are based on current expectations or views of the future and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied. You should therefore not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, and they should be read in conjunction with, and qualified in their entirety by, the cautionary statements referenced below. Ball undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Key factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to be different are summarized in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Exhibit 99 in Ball's Form 10-K, which are available on Ball's website and at www.sec.gov. Additional factors that might affect: a) Ball's packaging segments include product capacity, supply, and demand constraints and fluctuations and changes in consumption patterns; availability/cost of raw materials, equipment, and logistics; competitive packaging, pricing and substitution; changes in climate and weather and related events such as drought, wildfires, storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods; footprint adjustments and other manufacturing changes, including the opening and closing of facilities and lines; failure to achieve synergies, productivity improvements or cost reductions; unfavorable mandatory deposit or packaging laws; customer and supplier consolidation; power and supply chain interruptions; changes in major customer or supplier contracts or loss of a major customer or supplier; inability to pass through increased costs; war, political instability and sanctions, including relating to the situation in Russia and Ukraine and its impact on Ball's supply chain and its ability to operate in Europe, the Middle East and Africa regions generally; changes in foreign exchange or tax rates; and tariffs, trade actions, or other governmental actions, including business restrictions and orders affecting goods produced by Ball or in its supply chain, including imported raw materials; and b) Ball as a whole include those listed above plus: the extent to which sustainability-related opportunities arise and can be capitalized upon; changes in senior management, succession, and the ability to attract and retain skilled labor; regulatory actions or issues including those related to tax, environmental, social and governance reporting, competition, environmental, health and workplace safety, including U.S. Federal Drug Administration and other actions or public concerns affecting products filled in Ball's containers, or chemicals or substances used in raw materials or in the manufacturing process; technological developments and innovations; the ability to manage cyber threats; litigation; strikes; disease; pandemic; labor cost changes; inflation; rates of return on assets of Ball's defined benefit retirement plans; pension changes; uncertainties surrounding geopolitical events and governmental policies; reduced cash flow; interest rates affecting Ball's debt; successful or unsuccessful joint ventures, acquisitions and divestitures, and their effects on Ball's operating results and business generally.

 

Ball Corporation

Condensed Financial Statements (Third Quarter 2024)


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

















Three Months Ended



Nine Months Ended




September 30,



September 30,

($ in millions, except per share amounts)


2024


2023


2024


2023














Net sales


$

3,082


$

3,111


$

8,915


$

9,159














Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)



(2,425)



(2,512)



(7,065)



(7,450)

Depreciation and amortization



(150)



(152)



(460)



(449)

Selling, general and administrative



(142)



(133)



(518)



(409)

Business consolidation and other activities



(85)



(29)



(171)



(43)

Interest income



14



12



58



23

Interest expense



(67)



(122)



(228)



(351)

Debt refinancing and other costs







(3)
















Earnings before taxes



227



175



528



480

Tax (provision) benefit



(42)



(45)



(118)



(107)

Equity in results of affiliates, net of tax



8



3



21



13

Earnings from continuing operations



193



133



431



386

Discontinued operations, net of tax



6



71



3,613



171














Net earnings



199



204



4,044



557














Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax



2



1



4



4














Net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation


$

197


$

203


$

4,040


$

553














Earnings per share:













Basic - continuing operations


$

0.63


$

0.42


$

1.38


$

1.22

Basic - discontinued operations



0.02



0.22



11.70



0.54

Total basic earnings per share


$

0.65


$

0.64


$

13.08


$

1.76














Diluted - continuing operations


$

0.63


$

0.42


$

1.37


$

1.20

Diluted - discontinued operations



0.02



0.22



11.59



0.54

Total diluted earnings per share


$

0.65


$

0.64


$

12.96


$

1.74














Weighted average shares outstanding (000s):













Basic



302,406



314,983



308,851



314,596

Diluted



305,219



317,296



311,674



316,938

 

Ball Corporation

Condensed Financial Statements (Third Quarter 2024)


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows











Nine Months Ended




September 30,

($ in millions)


2024


2023








Cash Flows from Operating Activities:







Net earnings


$

4,044


$

557

Depreciation and amortization



469



509

Business consolidation and other activities



171



43

Deferred tax provision (benefit)



201



(87)

Gain on Aerospace disposal



(4,694)



18

Pension contributions



(24)



(13)

Other, net



78



71

Changes in working capital components, net of dispositions



(630)



29

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities



(385)



1,127

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:







Capital expenditures



(377)



(830)

Business dispositions, net of cash sold



5,422



Other, net



136



4

Cash provided by (used in) investing activities



5,181



(826)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:







Changes in borrowings, net



(2,778)



652

Acquisitions of treasury stock



(1,061)



(3)

Dividends



(185)



(189)

Other, net



26



30

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities



(3,998)



490

Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash



(64)



Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash



734



791

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - beginning of period



710



558

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - end of period


$

1,444


$

1,349

 

Ball Corporation

Condensed Financial Statements (Third Quarter 2024)


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets










September 30,

($ in millions)


2024


2023








Assets







Current assets







Cash and cash equivalents


$

1,440


$

1,335

Receivables, net



2,655



1,785

Inventories, net



1,385



1,660

Other current assets



113



263

Current assets held for sale



14



365

Total current assets



5,607



5,408

Property, plant and equipment, net



6,550



6,606

Goodwill



4,244



4,182

Intangible assets, net



1,138



1,262

Other assets



1,285



1,635

Noncurrent assets held for sale





839








Total assets


$

18,824


$

19,932








Liabilities and Equity







Current liabilities







Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt


$

452


$

2,108

Payables and other accrued liabilities



4,672



4,212

Current liabilities held for sale





395

Total current liabilities



5,124



6,715

Long-term debt



5,353



7,483

Other long-term liabilities



1,592



1,513

Noncurrent liabilities held for sale





213

Equity



6,755



4,008








Total liabilities and equity


$

18,824


$

19,932

 

Ball Corporation
Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements (Third Quarter 2024)

1. U.S. GAAP Measures

Business Segment Information

Ball's operations are organized and reviewed by management along its product lines and geographical areas.

On February 16, 2024, the company completed the divestiture of its aerospace business. The transaction represents a strategic shift; therefore, the company's consolidated financial statements reflect the aerospace business' financial results as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The aerospace business was historically presented as a reportable segment. Effective as of the first quarter of 2024, the company reports its financial performance in the three reportable segments outlined below: (1) beverage packaging, North and Central America; (2) beverage packaging, Europe, Middle East and Africa (beverage packaging, EMEA) and (3) beverage packaging, South America.

Beverage packaging, North and Central America: Consists of operations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico that manufacture and sell aluminum beverage containers throughout those countries.

Beverage packaging, EMEA: Consists of operations in numerous countries throughout Europe, as well as Egypt and Turkey, that manufacture and sell aluminum beverage containers throughout those countries.

Beverage packaging, South America: Consists of operations in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile that manufacture and sell aluminum beverage containers throughout most of South America.

Other consists of a non-reportable operating segment (beverage packaging, other) that manufactures and sells aluminum beverage containers in India, Saudi Arabia and Myanmar; a non-reportable operating segment that manufactures and sells extruded aluminum aerosol containers and recloseable aluminum bottles across multiple consumer categories as well as aluminum slugs (aerosol packaging) throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Asia; a non-reportable operating segment that manufactures and sells aluminum cups (aluminum cups); undistributed corporate expenses; and intercompany eliminations and other business activities.

The company also has investments in operations in Guatemala, Panama, the U.S. and Vietnam that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and, accordingly, those results are not included in segment sales or earnings.

In the third quarter of 2023, Ball entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (Agreement) with BAE Systems, Inc. (BAE) and, for the limited purposes set forth therein, BAE Systems plc, to sell all outstanding equity interests in Ball's aerospace business. On February 16, 2024, the company completed the divestiture of the aerospace business for a purchase price of $5.6 billion, subject to working capital adjustments and other customary closing adjustments under the terms of the Agreement. The company is in the process of finalizing the working capital adjustments and other customary closing adjustments with BAE, which is currently expected to be completed in 2024 and may adjust the final cash proceeds and gain on sale amounts. The divestiture resulted in a pre-tax gain of $4.67 billion, which is net of $20 million of costs to sell incurred and paid in 2023 related to the disposal. Cash proceeds received at close from the sale of $5.42 billion, net of the cash disposed, are presented in business dispositions, net of cash sold, in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The company expects to pay approximately $950 million in income taxes related to the transaction throughout 2024, of which $484 million has been paid as of September 30, 2024. The remaining amount of income taxes related to the transaction is recorded in payables and other accrued liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, the completion of the divestiture resulted in the removal of the aerospace business from the company's obligor group, as the business no longer guarantees the company's senior notes and senior credit facilities.

 


Three Months Ended



Nine Months Ended


September 30,



September 30,

($ in millions)

2024


2023


2024


2023













Net sales












Beverage packaging, North and Central America

$

1,456


$

1,541


$

4,328


$

4,582

Beverage packaging, EMEA


950



902



2,640



2,656

Beverage packaging, South America


484



489



1,388



1,344

Reportable segment sales


2,890



2,932



8,356



8,582

Other


192



179



559



577

Net sales

$

3,082


$

3,111


$

8,915


$

9,159













Comparable segment operating earnings












Beverage packaging, North and Central America

$

203


$

196


$

605


$

554

Beverage packaging, EMEA


128



103



326



274

Beverage packaging, South America


78



61



170



141

Reportable segment comparable operating earnings


409



360



1,101



969

Reconciling items












Other (a)


4





(66)



7

Business consolidation and other activities


(85)



(29)



(171)



(43)

Amortization of acquired Rexam intangibles


(34)



(34)



(105)



(102)

Interest expense


(67)



(122)



(228)



(351)

Debt refinancing and other costs






(3)



Earnings before taxes

$

227


$

175


$

528


$

480

____________

(a)

Includes undistributed corporate expenses, net, of $32 million and $18 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $149 million and $60 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, undistributed corporate expenses, net, includes $82 million of incremental compensation cost from the successful sale of the aerospace business consisting of cash bonuses and stock based compensation. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, undistributed corporate expenses, net, include $7 million and $36 million of corporate interest income, respectively.

 

Discontinued Operations

The following table presents components of discontinued operations, net of tax for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023: 
















Three Months Ended September 30,


Nine Months Ended September 30,

($ in millions)


2024


2023


2024


2023














Net sales


$


$

460


$

261


$

1,467














Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)





(382)



(214)



(1,205)

Depreciation and amortization





(21)



(9)



(60)

Selling, general and administrative





(11)



(11)



(42)

Interest expense









1

Gain (loss) on disposition



(1)



(18)



4,694



(18)

Tax (provision) benefit



7



43



(1,108)



28

Discontinued operations, net of tax


$

6


$

71


$

3,613


$

171

 

2. Non-U.S. GAAP Measures

Non-U.S. GAAP Measures – Non-U.S. GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation. They should not be considered superior to, or a substitute for, financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Presentations of earnings and cash flows presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP are available in the company's earnings releases and quarterly and annual regulatory filings. Information reconciling forward-looking U.S. GAAP measures to non-U.S. GAAP measures is not available without unreasonable effort. We have not provided guidance for the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, as they are not available without unreasonable effort due to the high variability, complexity and low visibility with respect to certain special items, including restructuring charges, business consolidation and other activities, gains and losses related to acquisition and divestiture of businesses, the ultimate outcome of certain legal or tax proceedings and other non-comparable items. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors and could be material to our results computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Comparable Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (Comparable EBITDA) - Comparable EBITDA is earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, business consolidation and other non-comparable items.
Comparable Operating Earnings - Comparable Operating Earnings is earnings before interest expense, taxes, business consolidation and other non-comparable items.
Comparable Net Earnings - Comparable Net Earnings is net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation before business consolidation and other non-comparable items after tax.
Comparable Diluted Earnings Per Share - Comparable Diluted Earnings Per Share is Comparable Net Earnings divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
Net Debt - Net Debt is total debt less cash and cash equivalents, which are derived directly from the company's financial statements.
Free Cash Flow - Free Cash Flow is typically derived directly from the company's cash flow statements and is defined as cash flows from operating activities less capital expenditures; and, it may be adjusted for additional items that affect comparability between periods. Free Cash Flow is not a defined term under U.S. GAAP, and it should not be inferred that the entire free cash flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures.
Adjusted Free Cash Flow - Adjusted Free Cash Flow is defined as Free Cash Flow adjusted for payments made for income tax liabilities related to the Aerospace disposition and other material dispositions. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is not a defined term under U.S. GAAP, and it should not be inferred that the entire Adjusted Free Cash Flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures.

We use Comparable EBITDA, Comparable Operating Earnings, Comparable Net Earnings, and Comparable Diluted Earnings Per Share internally to evaluate the company's operating performance. Ball management uses Interest Coverage (Comparable EBITDA to interest expense) and Leverage (Net Debt to Comparable EBITDA) as metrics to monitor the credit quality of Ball Corporation. Management internally uses free cash flow measures to: (1) evaluate the company's liquidity, (2) evaluate strategic investments, (3) plan stock buyback and dividend levels and (4) evaluate the company's ability to incur and service debt. Note that when non-U.S. GAAP measures exclude amortization of acquired Rexam intangibles, the measures include the revenue of the acquired entities and all other expenses unless otherwise stated and the acquired assets contribute to revenue generation.

Please see the company's website for further details of the company's non-U.S. GAAP financial measures at www.ball.com/investors under the "Financials" tab.

A summary of the effects of non-comparable items on after tax earnings is as follows:



Three Months Ended


Nine Months Ended



September 30,


September 30,

($ in millions, except per share amounts)


2024


2023


2024


2023














Net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation


$

197


$

203


$

4,040


$

553

Facility closure costs and other items (1)



85



29



171



43

Amortization of acquired Rexam intangibles



34



34



105



102

Debt refinancing and other costs







3



Non-comparable tax items



(39)



(21)



1,020



(42)

Gain on Aerospace disposal (2)



1



18



(4,694)



18

Aerospace disposition compensation (3)







82



Comparable Net Earnings


$

278


$

263


$

727


$

674

Comparable Diluted Earnings Per Share


$

0.91


$

0.83


$

2.33


$

2.13

(1)

The charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, were primarily composed of costs related to plant closures in beverage packaging, South America and beverage packaging, North and Central America, and the company's activities to establish its new operating model. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, $94 million and $147 million, respectively, of costs were recorded for plant closures, primarily for employee severance and benefits, costs to scrap assets or write them down to their sellable value, accelerated depreciation and other shutdown costs. Additionally, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, $6 million and $26 million, respectively, of costs were recorded to establish the new operating model, primarily related to employee severance, employee benefits and other related items. The charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, were partially offset by income of $16 million and $27 million, respectively, from the receipt of insurance proceeds for replacement costs related to the 2023 fire at the company's Verona, Virginia extruded aluminum slug manufacturing facility. 


In the first quarter of 2023, Ball announced the planned closure of its aluminum beverage can manufacturing facility in Wallkill, New York. Production permanently ceased at this facility in the third quarter of 2023. The charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily were composed of costs for employee severance and benefits, accelerated depreciation and other shutdown costs related to this closure.

(2)

In the first quarter of 2024, the company recorded a pre-tax gain for the sale of the aerospace business. In the third quarter of 2023, the company recorded costs to sell the business. 

(3)

The charge for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was composed of incremental compensation costs from the successful sale of the aerospace business, which consisted of cash bonuses and stock based compensation. This amount was recorded in selling, general and administrative in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of earnings.

 

A summary of the effects of non-comparable items on earnings before taxes is as follows:



Three Months Ended



Nine Months Ended



September 30,



September 30,

($ in millions)


2024


2023


2024


2023














Net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation


$

197


$

203


$

4,040


$

553

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax



2



1



4



4

Discontinued operations, net of tax



(6)



(71)



(3,613)



(171)

Earnings from continuing operations



193



133



431



386

Equity in results of affiliates, net of tax



(8)



(3)



(21)



(13)

Tax provision (benefit)



42



45



118



107

Earnings before taxes



227



175



528



480

Interest expense



67



122



228



351

Debt refinancing and other costs







3



Business consolidation and other activities



85



29



171



43

Aerospace disposition compensation







82



Amortization of acquired Rexam intangibles



34



34



105



102

   Comparable Operating Earnings


$

413


$

360


$

1,117


$

976

 

A summary of Comparable EBITDA, Net Debt, Interest Coverage and Leverage is as follows: 



Twelve


Less: Nine


Add: Nine






Months Ended


Months Ended


Months Ended


Year Ended




December 31,


September 30,


September 30,


September 30,


($ in millions, except ratios)


2023


2023


2024


2024
















Net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation


$

707


$

553


$

4,040


$

4,194


Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax



4



4



4



4


Discontinued operations, net of tax



(223)



(171)



(3,613)



(3,665)


Earnings from continuing operations



488



386



431



533


Equity in results of affiliates, net of tax



(20)



(13)



(21)



(28)


Tax provision (benefit)



146



107



118



157


Earnings before taxes



614



480



528



662


Interest expense



460



351



228



337


Debt refinancing and other costs







3



3


Business consolidation and other activities



133



43



171



261


Aerospace disposition compensation







82



82


Amortization of acquired Rexam intangibles



135



102



105



138


Comparable Operating Earnings



1,342



976



1,117



1,483


Depreciation and amortization



605



449



460



616


Amortization of acquired Rexam intangibles



(135)



(102)



(105)



(138)


Comparable EBITDA


$

1,812


$

1,323


$

1,472


$

1,961
















Interest expense


$

(460)


$

(351)


$

(228)


$

(337)
















Total debt at period end











$

5,805


Cash and cash equivalents












(1,440)


Net Debt











$

4,365
















Interest Coverage (Comparable EBITDA/Interest Expense)












5.8

x

Leverage (Net Debt/Comparable EBITDA)












2.2

x

 

A summary of free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow is as follows:



Nine Months Ended



September 30,

($ in millions)


2024





Total cash provided by (used in) operating activities


$

(385)

Less: Capital expenditures



(377)

Free Cash Flow



(762)

Add: Cash taxes paid for Aerospace disposition



484

Adjusted Free Cash Flow


$

(278)

 

Ball Corporation Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Ball Corporation)

 

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SOURCE Ball Corporation

FAQ

What was Ball 's (BALL) earnings per share in Q3 2024?

Ball reported Q3 2024 U.S. GAAP earnings per share of $0.65 and comparable diluted earnings per share of $0.91.

How much did Ball (BALL) return to shareholders in 2024?

Ball returned $1.25 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in the first nine months of 2024.

What was Ball 's (BALL) Q3 2024 revenue?

Ball reported Q3 2024 sales of $3.08 billion, compared to $3.11 billion in Q3 2023.

What acquisition did Ball (BALL) complete in October 2024?

Ball completed the acquisition of Alucan Entec, S.A., a European impact extruded aluminum packaging business, for €82 million.

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