Ball Corp. (BLL) Misses Q1 EPS by 2c, Revenues Beat

Ball Corp. (NYSE: BLL) reported Q1 EPS of $0.49, $0.02 worse than the analyst estimate of $0.51. Revenue for the quarter came in at $2.79 billion versus the consensus estimate of $2.67 billion.

"Growth trends in our packaging and aerospace businesses continue to gain momentum. During the quarter, higher than expected global can demand driven by customers' shifting mix and new product launches to aluminum packaging helped drive stronger revenue growth. In North America, higher costs related to surplus U.S. aluminum scrap and higher than anticipated plant start-up costs affected first quarter results. We anticipate that these near-term cost pressures will moderate in the second half when new lines complete learning curves and more favorable contractual terms become effective, as well as in 2020 and beyond," said John A. Hayes, chairman, president and chief executive officer.

"Beverage can growth appears to be accelerating to levels that are stronger and more sustainable than in the past 25 plus years. We welcome the opportunity to support growth for infinitely recyclable aluminum packaging from 11 new beverage can lines and two new extruded aluminum aerosol lines installed across our global plant network since the beginning of 2018. In aerospace, new program awards for Ball's space hardware and capabilities will drive additional infrastructure investment and hiring to support multiple years of growth."

Outlook

"The company's financial position is strong, our debt portfolio is well positioned with low, fixed interest rates and our recently amended and extended credit facility provides ample financial flexibility to invest in disciplined growth and return value to shareholders. Given the strength of our cash flow, leverage at optimal levels, last week's dividend increase and our existing repurchase authorization, the company plans to return in excess of $1 billion to shareholders in 2019 and beyond," said Scott C. Morrison, senior vice president and chief financial officer.

"Our focus on commercializing sustainable aluminum packaging solutions across our customers' product categories and leveraging our aerospace capabilities with relevant government customers is translating into additional growth. We will continue to navigate short-term start-up inefficiencies and cost inflation to position Ball for the best long-term outcome in advance of contract renewals. While we still have much work to do to achieve our 2019 financial goals originally laid out in mid-2016, our longer term prospects continue to be bright, and we continue to drive toward our 2019 goals of $2 billion in comparable EBITDA, in excess of $1 billion in free cash flow and exceeding our long-term 10 to 15 percent diluted earnings per share growth goal this year," Hayes said.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Ball Corp. (BLL) click here.

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