Core Viewpoint - Ball Corporation has established a joint venture with Ayna.AI to enhance the development of the Aluminum Cup category, aiming to expand its market presence and operational efficiency in sustainable packaging solutions [1][2][3]. Group 1: Joint Venture Details - The joint venture, named Oasis Venture Holdings, LLC, will focus on the Aluminum Cup business, incorporating commercial, supply chain, and manufacturing teams, with its headquarters located in Rome, Georgia [2]. - Ball Corporation holds a 49% stake in the joint venture, while Ayna.AI holds a 51% stake, indicating a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging Ayna's expertise in industrial technology [1][2]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The partnership is seen as a natural progression for Ball Corporation, which has been expanding its product offerings since 2019 by introducing the Aluminum Cup to its portfolio, thereby creating a new category in aluminum packaging [3]. - Ayna.AI's experience in executing large-scale joint ventures is expected to provide operational guidance and strategic partnerships, enhancing the venture's potential for success [3][4]. Group 3: Market Potential - Both companies believe in the long-term potential of the Aluminum Cup to transform the market for single-use products and recycling, while also improving consumer experience [3]. - The joint venture aims to strengthen relationships with existing customers and suppliers, increase awareness and adoption of the Aluminum Cup, and enhance its value proposition across key market segments [3]. Group 4: Company Background - Ball Corporation is a leading provider of sustainable aluminum packaging solutions, employing 16,000 people globally and reporting net sales of $11.80 billion in 2024, excluding its divested aerospace business [5]. - Ayna.AI specializes in advisory and implementation within the industrial technology sector, utilizing an engaged operator model to optimize performance and drive growth [4].

Financial Performance - Ball Corporation's consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $11.80 billion, a decrease from $12.06 billion in 2023, representing a decline of approximately 2.2%[241]. - The company recorded a net earnings of $4.01 billion for 2024, significantly up from $711 million in 2023, indicating a substantial increase of approximately 463.5%[245]. - Earnings per share (EPS) for basic continuing operations was $1.39 in 2024, down from $1.54 in 2023, reflecting a decrease of about 9.7%[245]. - The company's total comprehensive earnings for 2024 were $3.93 billion, compared to $474 million in 2023, marking an increase of approximately 728.5%[247]. - The effective tax provision for 2024 was $133 million, compared to $146 million in 2023, indicating a decrease of about 8.9%[245]. - The company reported a currency translation adjustment loss of $232 million in 2024, contrasting with a gain of $55 million in 2023[247]. - Ball Corporation's interest income increased to $68 million in 2024 from $36 million in 2023, representing an increase of approximately 88.9%[245]. - The company's business consolidation and other activities expenses rose to $420 million in 2024, up from $133 million in 2023, reflecting a significant increase of approximately 215.0%[245]. - Net earnings for 2024 reached $4,014 million, a significant increase from $711 million in 2023[250]. Segment Performance - Beverage packaging, North and Central America, accounted for 48% of consolidated net sales in 2024, with approximately 48 billion aluminum beverage containers shipped, representing 34% of the total shipments in the region[50][52]. - The beverage packaging, EMEA, segment contributed 29% to consolidated net sales in 2024, with 36 billion aluminum beverage containers shipped, capturing an estimated 39% of the market in that region[56]. - The beverage packaging, South America, segment represented 17% of consolidated net sales in 2024, with approximately 19 billion aluminum beverage containers shipped, accounting for 45% of South American shipments[59]. - Comparable segment operating earnings for beverage packaging in North and Central America increased to $747 million in 2024, up from $710 million in 2023[332]. Strategic Changes - The aerospace business was divested on February 16, 2024, and is now reported as discontinued operations, leading to a strategic shift in the company's financial reporting[49]. - The company completed the divestiture of its aerospace business for a pre-tax gain of $4.61 billion, with cash proceeds of $5.42 billion received at close[341]. - The company is expanding its operations in the personal & home care market through acquisitions, including the acquisition of Alucan Entec, S.A. in late-October 2024[64]. - The acquisition of Florida Can Manufacturing for $160 million is expected to enhance Ball's supply network in North and Central America[336]. - The company plans to form a strategic partnership for the aluminum cups business in early 2025, leading to its deconsolidation[337]. Risk Management - The company manages commodity price risk related to aluminum through sales contracts that include pass-through pricing and derivative instruments, estimating a $2 million after-tax reduction in net earnings from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in aluminum prices[220][221]. - A 100-basis point increase in interest rates is projected to result in an estimated $1 million after-tax reduction in net earnings over a one-year period[223]. - A hypothetical 10% reduction in currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar would lead to an estimated $19 million after-tax reduction in net earnings[226]. Assets and Liabilities - Total current assets decreased slightly to $4,841 million in 2024 from $4,883 million in 2023[249]. - Total assets decreased to $17,628 million in 2024, down from $19,303 million in 2023[249]. - Total liabilities decreased to $11,698 million in 2024, compared to $15,466 million in 2023[249]. - Long-term debt decreased to $5,312 million in 2024 from $7,504 million in 2023[249]. - The company has obligations outstanding under supplier finance programs amounting to $423 million as of December 31, 2024, down from $703 million at the beginning of the period[319]. Taxation - The effective income tax rate on discontinued operations for 2024 was 23.1%, influenced by state and local taxes[344]. - The total income tax provision for 2024 was $133 million, a decrease from $146 million in 2023 and $138 million in 2022[384]. - The effective tax rate for 2024 was 24.9%, compared to 23.8% in 2023 and 19.4% in 2022[384]. - Ball Corporation has $2.64 billion of adjusted retained earnings in non-U.S. subsidiaries, with $933 million previously subjected to U.S. federal income tax[384]. - Net income tax payments in 2024 were $922 million, significantly higher than $179 million in 2023 and $143 million in 2022[387]. Accounting Practices - The company recognizes sales of packaging products when a customer obtains control, either over time or at a point in time[269]. - The company assesses the fair value of reporting units using market and income approach methodologies, incorporating assumptions related to WACC and growth rates[264]. - The company performs an annual qualitative analysis of goodwill recoverability, with a quantitative impairment test if necessary[263]. - The company recognizes long-lived assets for impairment when future cash flows indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable[265]. - The company uses the purchase method of accounting for acquisitions, recording assets and liabilities at their estimated fair values, with any excess purchase price recognized as goodwill[295].

Core Viewpoint - Ball Corporation, a leader in sustainable aluminum packaging, will present at the Bank of America 2025 Global Agriculture and Materials Conference on February 26, 2025 [1]. Company Overview - Ball Corporation specializes in innovative and sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverages, personal care, and household products [3]. - The company employs 16,000 people globally and reported net sales of $11.80 billion for 2024, excluding its divested aerospace business [3]. Event Details - Daniel W. Fisher, chairman and CEO, and Howard H. Yu, executive vice president and CFO, are scheduled to speak at 7:30 am Eastern Time [2]. - A live webcast of the presentation will be available, with a replay accessible for 90 days post-event [2].

Financial Performance - Full-year 2024 net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation were $4.01 billion, with diluted earnings per share of $13.00 on sales of $11.80 billion, compared to $707 million net earnings and diluted earnings per share of $2.23 on sales of $12.06 billion in 2023[4]. - Fourth quarter 2024 net loss attributable to the corporation was $32 million, or a diluted loss per share of 11 cents, on sales of $2.88 billion, compared to net earnings of $154 million and diluted earnings per share of 49 cents on sales of $2.90 billion in Q4 2023[5]. - Full-year 2024 comparable net earnings were $977 million, or $3.17 per diluted share, compared to $920 million, or $2.90 per diluted share in 2023[4]. - Net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $4,014 million, a significant increase from $711 million in 2023[28]. - Comparable Net Earnings for Q4 2024 were $250 million, up from $246 million in Q4 2023, with Comparable Diluted Earnings Per Share increasing to $0.84 from $0.78[53]. - Comparable Operating Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $1,472 million, an increase from $1,342 million in 2023[55]. Shareholder Returns - Ball returned $1.96 billion to shareholders in 2024 through share repurchases and dividends[8]. Segment Performance - Beverage packaging segment in North and Central America reported full-year comparable operating earnings of $747 million on sales of $5.62 billion, compared to $710 million on sales of $5.96 billion in 2023[9]. - Beverage packaging segment in EMEA achieved full-year comparable operating earnings of $416 million on sales of $3.47 billion, up from $354 million on sales of $3.40 billion in 2023[12]. - Full-year segment volume for North and Central America decreased by low-single digits, while fourth quarter volume decreased by mid-single digits[11]. - Comparable segment operating earnings for Beverage packaging, North and Central America were $747 million for the year, up from $710 million in 2023[43]. Cash Flow and Assets - Cash provided by operating activities decreased to $115 million in 2024 from $1,863 million in 2023[28]. - Cash provided by investing activities was $5,003 million in 2024, compared to a cash used of $1,053 million in 2023, largely due to the business dispositions[28]. - Total assets decreased to $17,628 million in 2024 from $19,303 million in 2023, primarily due to the divestiture of the aerospace business[30]. - Total current liabilities decreased to $4,847 million in 2024 from $6,185 million in 2023, reflecting improved financial management[30]. - Free Cash Flow for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $(369) million, while Adjusted Free Cash Flow was $397 million after accounting for cash taxes paid related to the Aerospace disposition[56]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is positioned to grow comparable diluted earnings per share by over 10% in 2025 and beyond, while generating strong free cash flow and increasing economic value added (EVA)[8]. - In the fourth quarter of 2024, Ball's Board of Directors approved pursuing alternatives for the aluminum cup business, including a potential strategic partnership in early 2025[18]. - The company plans to leverage its Ball Business System and operational talent to consistently deliver high-quality results and returns[21]. Divestitures and Impairments - The divestiture of the aerospace business was completed for a purchase price of $5.6 billion, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $4.61 billion after adjustments[40]. - The company expects to pay approximately $875 million in income taxes related to the aerospace divestiture, with $766 million already paid as of December 31, 2024[42]. - The company recorded a noncash impairment charge of $233 million related to the aluminum cups business in Q4 2024[37]. - The pre-tax gain from the sale of the aerospace business was adjusted during Q4 2024, impacting the overall financial results[54]. Debt and Financial Ratios - Total debt at the end of 2024 was $5,673 million, with Net Debt standing at $4,788 million[56]. - Comparable EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $1,944 million, with Interest Coverage at 6.63x and Leverage at 2.46x[56].

Core Points - Ball Corporation's board declared a cash dividend of 20 cents per share, payable on March 17, 2025, to shareholders of record as of March 3, 2025 [1] - The board authorized a share repurchase of up to $4 billion, replacing all previous authorizations, to enhance the ongoing multi-year return of capital to shareholders [1][2] Financial Performance - Ball Corporation reported net sales of $12.06 billion for 2023, excluding the divested aerospace business [4] Upcoming Events - The company will hold its fourth quarter 2024 earnings call on February 4, 2025, at 9 a.m. Mountain time [3]

Core Viewpoint - Ball Corporation will announce its fourth quarter 2024 earnings on February 4, 2025, before trading begins on the New York Stock Exchange, followed by a conference call at 9 a.m. Mountain time [1] Group 1 - The company reported net sales of $12.06 billion for 2023, excluding the divested aerospace business [4] - Ball Corporation employs 16,000 people worldwide, focusing on innovative and sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for various sectors [4] Group 2 - A taped replay and transcript of the earnings call will be available within 48 hours on Ball's website [2] - North American callers can participate in the live Q&A session using the number 877-497-9071, while international callers should use +1 201-689-8727 [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2024, comparable diluted earnings per share was $0.91, up from $0.83 in Q3 2023, representing a year-over-year increase of 10% [14] - Comparable net earnings for Q3 2024 were $278 million, a 6% increase year-over-year, driven by strong operational performance and improved price/mix [14][15] - Year-to-date, the company has returned approximately $1.4 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North and Central America, segment comparable operating earnings increased by 4%, despite a softer U.S. mass beer category [15] - EMEA segment comparable operating earnings increased by 24%, with strong overall segment volumes [16] - In South America, segment comparable operating earnings increased by 28%, although segment volumes declined due to weakness in Argentina and supply-demand tightness in Brazil [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global beverage can shipments were essentially flat year-over-year in Q3 and up 2% year-to-date [12] - The company anticipates full-year global shipment growth in the low single digits range [12] - In South America, consumer conditions in Argentina showed gradual signs of recovery, while Brazil experienced strong demand in September [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Alucan Entec aims to expand the company's extruded aluminum aerosol business in Europe and diversify its customer base [9] - The company is focused on operational excellence, driving efficiency, and productivity across its business while managing costs [22] - The long-term goal includes exceeding 10% annual diluted comparable EPS growth, supported by significant share repurchases and dividends [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving mid-single-digit growth in comparable diluted EPS for 2024, despite a volatile consumer backdrop [24] - The company is optimistic about 2025, anticipating improvements in discretionary spending power due to potential rate cuts [42] - Management acknowledged the challenges in Argentina but remains committed to the market, citing long-term favorable prospects [75] Other Important Information - The company expects year-end 2024 net debt to comparable EBITDA to be below 2.5x, currently at 2.2x [19] - 2024 capital expenditures are projected to be around $650 million, a reduction of $400 million year-over-year [20] - The effective tax rate on comparable earnings for 2024 is expected to be slightly above 21% [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Operational excellence and cost structure improvements - Management indicated a goal of driving 2% to 3% productivity improvements in the cost structure over the next couple of years [29] Question: Capacity management in Brazil - Management confirmed that capacity constraints in Brazil were addressed, and production lines have been uncurtailed to meet demand [34] Question: Performance of premium categories in North America - Management noted that while there were contractual shifts, the marketplace remains rational, and they expect to grow in line with the market moving forward [46] Question: Impact of restructuring charges - The majority of restructuring charges were related to closures in North America and South America, with some associated with IT and non-continuing operations [51] Question: Challenges in the aluminum cups initiative - Management cited inflation and weakened consumer demand as significant challenges for the aluminum cups initiative [53] Question: Volume progression expectations - Management expects North America to reflect end consumer health in Q4, with optimism for growth in 2025 [58] Question: Argentina's impact on volumes - Management anticipates a significant year-over-year decrement in volumes from Argentina, with a focus on long-term profitability in the region [72][75]

Financial Performance - Net sales for Q3 2024 were $3,082 million, a decrease of 0.9% compared to $3,111 million in Q3 2023[8]. - Net earnings for Q3 2024 were $199 million, down from $204 million in Q3 2023, representing a decrease of 2.5%[9]. - Total comprehensive earnings for Q3 2024 were $208 million, compared to $144 million in Q3 2023, reflecting a growth of 44.4%[9]. - Earnings from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $431 million, compared to $386 million for the same period in 2023, an increase of 11.7%[8]. - Net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $4,044 million, a significant increase from $557 million in the same period last year[14]. - For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, total revenue was $8,915 million, compared to $9,159 million for the same period in 2023, indicating a 2.7% decrease[51]. - Net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation for the three months ended September 30, 2024, decreased by $6 million compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease of $65 million from lower discontinued operations, net of tax[122]. - Total comprehensive earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $4,048 million, compared to $594 million for the same period in 2023[9]. Assets and Liabilities - Total current assets increased to $5,607 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $4,883 million at the end of 2023, reflecting a growth of 14.8%[12]. - Cash and cash equivalents rose significantly to $1,440 million in Q3 2024, up from $695 million at the end of 2023, marking an increase of 106.5%[12]. - Long-term debt decreased to $5,353 million as of September 30, 2024, down from $7,504 million at the end of 2023, a reduction of 28.8%[12]. - The total liabilities decreased to $12,069 million as of September 30, 2024, down from $15,466 million at the end of 2023, a decrease of 21.5%[12]. - Retained earnings increased to $11,618 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $7,763 million at the end of 2023, an increase of 49.5%[12]. - Current liabilities decreased to $4.245 billion as of September 30, 2024, down from $5.163 billion as of December 31, 2023[171]. Cash Flow - Cash provided by operating activities was $(385) million, compared to $1,127 million in the prior year, indicating a decline in operational cash flow[14]. - Cash provided by investing activities was $5,181 million, a substantial increase from $(826) million in the previous year, primarily due to business dispositions[14]. - The company reported a net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash of $734 million, up from $791 million in the previous year[14]. - Cash flows used in operating activities were $(385) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily driven by working capital outflows of $630 million[150]. - Cash flows provided by investing activities were $5.18 billion in 2024, primarily from the sale of the aerospace business, which generated initial cash proceeds of $5.42 billion[151]. - Cash flows used in financing activities were $(4.00) billion in 2024, mainly due to net repayments of long-term borrowings of $2.83 billion and repurchases of common stock totaling $1.06 billion[152]. Business Operations - The company completed the divestiture of its aerospace business on February 16, 2024, marking a strategic shift in its operations[19]. - The company now reports its financial performance in three segments: North and Central America, EMEA, and South America, following the divestiture of the aerospace segment[19]. - The Ball Aluminum Cups business had net assets of $213 million as of September 30, 2024, representing less than 1% of the company's total net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2024[27]. - The company is assessing the impact of new climate-related disclosure rules adopted by the SEC, with effective dates currently uncertain[32]. - The current global economic environment poses risks related to inflation, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical conflicts, which may impact the company's operations[21]. Shareholder Returns - Common dividends declared totaled $185 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024[82]. - The company plans to return approximately $245 million to shareholders in dividends for the full year 2024, with a cash dividend of 20 cents per share payable on December 16, 2024[156]. - The company repurchased up to 40 million shares of its common stock, replacing all previous authorizations[81]. Segment Performance - Comparable segment operating earnings for Beverage packaging, North and Central America increased to $203 million, up 3.6% from $196 million in the prior year[40]. - Reportable segment sales for Beverage packaging, EMEA increased to $950 million, up 5.3% from $902 million in the same quarter last year[40]. - Beverage Packaging segment net sales in EMEA for the three months ended September 30, 2024, were $950 million, an increase from $902 million in the same period of 2023, while for the nine months, they were $2,640 million, slightly down from $2,656 million[138]. - Beverage Packaging segment net sales in South America for the three months ended September 30, 2024, were $484 million, down from $489 million in the same period of 2023, while for the nine months, they were $1,388 million, up from $1,344 million[140]. Tax and Pension - The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was 18.5%, an increase of 0.7 percentage points compared to the statutory U.S. tax rate due to Pillar Two Global Minimum Taxes[72]. - Contributions to defined benefit pension plans were $24 million for the first nine months of 2024, compared to $13 million for the same period in 2023[78]. - The company anticipates total contributions to defined benefit pension plans to be approximately $30 million for the full year of 2024[78]. - Underfunded defined benefit pension liabilities decreased from $323 million on December 31, 2023, to $286 million on September 30, 2024[74]. Legal and Regulatory Matters - The company has ongoing legal proceedings related to product liability and environmental claims, with potential liabilities that cannot be reasonably estimated[102]. - The company is involved in various governmental assessments in Brazil, primarily related to tax claims, with outcomes that are currently unpredictable[105]. - The company has not recorded any material liabilities for indemnifications and guarantees in its financial statements[108].

[Ball Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results](index=1&type=section&id=Ball%20Reports%20Third%20Quarter%202024%20Results) [Financial Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Highlights) Ball Corporation reported strong Q3 2024 results, with comparable diluted EPS increasing and significant shareholder returns, reflecting a leaner operating model and recent acquisition Q3 2024 Key Performance Indicators | Indicator | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | U.S. GAAP Total Diluted EPS | $0.65 | $0.64 | | Comparable Diluted EPS | $0.91 | $0.83 | - Returned **$1.25 billion** to shareholders via share repurchases and dividends in the first nine months of 2024, and is on track to exceed **$1.6 billion** by year-end[1](index=1&type=chunk) - In late-October, the company completed the acquisition of Alucan Entec, S.A., a European impact extruded aluminum packaging business[1](index=1&type=chunk) Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023 Financial Summary | Metric | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Sales | $3.08 billion | $3.11 billion | | Net Earnings Attributable to Corporation | $197 million | $203 million | [Segment Performance](index=3&type=section&id=Segment%20Performance) Overall segment performance in Q3 2024 was mixed, with EMEA showing strong volume growth while other regions experienced declines, yet all beverage packaging segments saw increased comparable operating earnings due to favorable price/mix and cost savings [Beverage Packaging, North and Central America](index=3&type=section&id=Beverage%20Packaging%2C%20North%20and%20Central%20America) The North and Central America segment experienced a **3.1%** volume decline, leading to decreased Q3 sales, yet comparable operating earnings increased due to favorable price/mix and operational efficiencies Q3 2024 Performance: North and Central America | Metric | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sales | $1.46 billion | $1.54 billion | | Comparable Operating Earnings | $203 million | $196 million | | Volume Change | -3.1% | N/A | - The increase in comparable operating earnings was primarily due to favorable price/mix, partially offset by lower volumes[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Future results are expected to improve due to benefits from fixed and variable cost-out initiatives and enhanced operational efficiencies[5](index=5&type=chunk) [Beverage Packaging, EMEA](index=3&type=section&id=Beverage%20Packaging%2C%20EMEA) The EMEA segment reported increased Q3 sales and comparable operating earnings, primarily driven by a **6.7%** volume increase, supported by a packaging mix shift to aluminum cans due to sustainability trends and legislation Q3 2024 Performance: EMEA | Metric | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sales | $950 million | $902 million | | Comparable Operating Earnings | $128 million | $103 million | | Volume Change | +6.7% | N/A | - Growth was driven by a packaging mix shift to aluminum cans, supported by ongoing packaging legislation in certain countries[7](index=7&type=chunk) [Beverage Packaging, South America](index=3&type=section&id=Beverage%20Packaging%2C%20South%20America) The South America segment experienced a **10.0%** volume decline, leading to a slight decrease in Q3 sales, yet comparable operating earnings significantly increased due to favorable price/mix despite challenging economic conditions Q3 2024 Performance: South America | Metric | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sales | $484 million | $489 million | | Comparable Operating Earnings | $78 million | $61 million | | Volume Change | -10.0% | N/A | - Lower volumes were driven by disruptive economic and operating conditions in Argentina and demand outstripping supply in Brazil late in the quarter[8](index=8&type=chunk) [Non-reportable Segments](index=4&type=section&id=Non-reportable) Non-reportable segments, including global aluminum aerosol and cup businesses, showed improved Q3 2024 results due to higher comparable operating earnings, further expanded by the acquisition of Alucan Entec, S.A. for **€82 million** (**$88 million**) - Q3 2024 results improved due to higher comparable operating earnings for the aluminum packaging businesses, partially offset by increased undistributed corporate expenses[9](index=9&type=chunk) - Completed the acquisition of Alucan Entec, S.A. for **€82 million** (**$88 million**), which complements Ball's existing global extruded aluminum aerosol and bottle business[10](index=10&type=chunk) [Business Outlook](index=5&type=section&id=Outlook) Management is confident in achieving 2024 goals, including mid-single-digit plus comparable diluted EPS growth and returning over **$1.6 billion** to shareholders, with a target of greater than **10 percent** comparable diluted EPS growth annually from 2025 - The company is on target to return in excess of **$1.6 billion** to shareholders in 2024[11](index=11&type=chunk) - Positioned to achieve mid-single digit plus comparable diluted earnings per share growth in 2024[12](index=12&type=chunk) - The company aims to deliver comparable diluted earnings per share growth greater than **10 percent** per annum in 2025 and beyond[12](index=12&type=chunk) [Condensed Financial Statements](index=7&type=section&id=Condensed%20Financial%20Statements) [Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings](index=7&type=section&id=Unaudited%20Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Earnings) For Q3 2024, Ball reported net sales of **$3.08 billion** and net earnings of **$197 million**, while nine-month net earnings reached **$4.04 billion**, significantly boosted by a **$3.61 billion** gain from discontinued aerospace operations Consolidated Earnings Summary (in millions, except per share) | Metric | Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2024 | Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2024 | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Sales | $3,082 | $3,111 | $8,915 | $9,159 | | Earnings from continuing operations | $193 | $133 | $431 | $386 | | Discontinued operations, net of tax | $6 | $71 | $3,613 | $171 | | Net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation | $197 | $203 | $4,040 | $553 | | Total diluted earnings per share | $0.65 | $0.64 | $12.96 | $1.74 | [Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=8&type=section&id=Unaudited%20Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) For the first nine months of 2024, cash used in operating activities was **$385 million**, while investing activities generated a **$5.18 billion** inflow from the aerospace disposition, and financing activities used **$4.0 billion** primarily for debt repayment and share repurchases Cash Flow Summary for Nine Months Ended Sep 30 (in millions) | Category | 2024 | 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $(385) | $1,127 | | Cash provided by (used in) investing activities | $5,181 | $(826) | | Cash provided by (used in) financing activities | $(3,998) | $490 | | **Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash** | **$734** | **$791** | [Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=9&type=section&id=Unaudited%20Condensed%20Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) As of September 30, 2024, Ball's total assets decreased to **$18.82 billion** due to the aerospace divestiture, while total debt significantly reduced to **$5.81 billion**, and total equity substantially increased to **$6.76 billion** Balance Sheet Summary (in millions) | Metric | Sep 30, 2024 | Sep 30, 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total current assets | $5,607 | $5,408 | | Total assets | $18,824 | $19,932 | | Total current liabilities | $5,124 | $6,715 | | Long-term debt | $5,353 | $7,483 | | Total liabilities | $12,069 | $15,924 | | Total equity | $6,755 | $4,008 | [Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements](index=10&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20the%20Condensed%20Financial%20Statements) [Note 1: U.S. GAAP Measures and Business Segment Information](index=10&type=section&id=Note%201%3A%20U.S.%20GAAP%20Measures%20and%20Business%20Segment%20Information) This note details the company's three reportable segments post-aerospace business divestiture, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of **$4.67 billion** from **$5.42 billion** cash proceeds, and provides a breakdown of segment sales and comparable operating earnings - Following the divestiture of the aerospace business on February 16, 2024, the company reports its financial performance in three segments: beverage packaging for (1) North and Central America, (2) EMEA, and (3) South America[26](index=26&type=chunk) - The aerospace business divestiture resulted in a pre-tax gain of **$4.67 billion** on cash proceeds of **$5.42 billion** (net of cash disposed)[31](index=31&type=chunk) Segment Sales and Comparable Operating Earnings (in millions) | Segment (Q3 2024) | Net Sales | Comparable Operating Earnings | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Bev. pkg, North & Central America | $1,456 | $203 | | Bev. pkg, EMEA | $950 | $128 | | Bev. pkg, South America | $484 | $78 | | **Total Reportable Segments** | **$2,890** | **$409** | [Note 2: Non-U.S. GAAP Measures](index=12&type=section&id=Note%202%3A%20Non-U.S.%20GAAP%20Measures) This note provides definitions and reconciliations for non-U.S. GAAP financial measures, detailing how Q3 2024 Comparable Net Earnings of **$278 million** differ from GAAP Net Earnings of **$197 million** due to specific adjustments, and includes reconciliations for other key non-GAAP metrics Reconciliation of GAAP to Comparable Net Earnings (Q3 2024, in millions) | Description | Amount | | :--- | :--- | | **Net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation (GAAP)** | **$197** | | Facility closure costs and other items | $85 | | Amortization of acquired Rexam intangibles | $34 | | Non-comparable tax items | $(39) | | Gain on Aerospace disposal | $1 | | **Comparable Net Earnings (Non-GAAP)** | **$278** | Reconciliation of Earnings Before Taxes to Comparable Operating Earnings (Q3 2024, in millions) | Description | Amount | | :--- | :--- | | **Earnings before taxes (GAAP)** | **$227** | | Interest expense | $67 | | Business consolidation and other activities | $85 | | Amortization of acquired Rexam intangibles | $34 | | **Comparable Operating Earnings (Non-GAAP)** | **$413** | Leverage and Coverage Ratios (Year Ended Sep 30, 2024) | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Comparable EBITDA | $1,961 million | | Net Debt | $4,365 million | | Interest Coverage | 5.8x | | Leverage (Net Debt/Comparable EBITDA) | 2.2x |

Ball Corporation (NYSE:BALL) Q2 2024 Results Conference Call August 1, 2024 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Brandon Potthoff - Director of Investor Relations Dan Fisher - CEO Howard Yu - EVP, CFO Conference Call Participants Ghansham Panjabi - Baird George Staphos - Bank of America Jeff Zekauskas - JPMorgan Josh Spector - UBS Arun Viswanathan - RBC Mike Roxland - Truist Mike Leithead - Barclays Bryan Burgmeier - Citi Phil Ng - Jefferies Chris Parkinson - Wolfe Research Stefan Diaz - Morgan Stanley Operator ...