Ball (US:BALL) ZACKS·2025-11-04 19:16Core Insights - Ball Corporation reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.02, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate and reflecting a 12% year-over-year improvement driven by higher volumes across all segments [1][8] - Total sales reached $3.38 billion, surpassing the previous year's $3.08 billion and beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.32 billion, with global aluminum packaging shipments increasing by 3.9% year over year [2][8] Financial Performance - The cost of sales was $2.7 billion, an increase of 11.4% from the prior-year quarter, while gross profit totaled $678 million, up 3% from $657 million, resulting in a gross margin of 20.1%, down from 21.3% in the previous year [5] - Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by 8.5% year over year to $130 million, with comparable segment operating earnings rising to $437 million from $409 million in the prior year [6] Segment Performance - Beverage Packaging North and Central America segment revenues increased by 12.5% year over year to $1.64 billion, with operating earnings of $210 million, up 3% year over year [7] - Beverage Packaging EMEA segment revenues rose by 11% year over year to $1.06 billion, with operating earnings growing by 14.8% to $147 million [8][9] - Beverage Packaging South America segment revenues increased by 5% year over year to $508 million, with operating earnings rising by 2.6% to $80 million [9] Cash Flow and Debt - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q3 2025 were $0.57 billion, down from $1.44 billion a year earlier, with cash generated from operating activities amounting to $51 million compared to a cash outflow of approximately $385 million in the previous year [10] - Long-term debt increased to $6.86 billion as of September 30, 2025, from $5.35 billion a year prior, with the company returning $1.27 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [11] Outlook - The company anticipates growth in comparable earnings per share of 12-15% for 2025 [12] Market Performance - Ball Corporation's shares have declined by 14.6% year to date, compared to a 6.4% decline in the industry [13]