Ball Corporation reports solid Q1 2025 sales growth, wins top packaging awards

USA – Ball Corporation has posted strong financial results for the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, reporting net sales of US$3.09 billion, a 7.7% increase from US$2.87 billion in Q1 2024.

The global aluminium packaging leader also saw a 2.6% year-over-year (YoY) increase in packaging shipments during the quarter.

For the period ending 31 March 2025, Ball recorded net earnings attributable to the company of US$179 million, a sharp decline from US$3.68 billion in the same period last year.

Diluted earnings per share (EPS) also dropped to US$0.63 from US$11.61. However, on a comparable basis, the company’s EPS rose to US$0.76, up from US$0.68.

The company returned US$612 million to shareholders through repurchases and dividends in Q1, with plans to return US$1.5 billion by year-end.

Revenue growth was reported across all global beverage packaging segments. In North and Central America, comparable operating earnings rose to US$195 million from US$192 million.

The Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) segment posted earnings of US$96 million on sales of US$544 million, compared to US$85 million on sales of US$482 million in Q1 2024.

South America also saw growth, generating US$69 million in earnings, up from US$55 million the previous year.

Ball attributed its performance to increased volumes and a favourable price/mix environment. Looking ahead, the company projects an 11–14% increase in comparable diluted EPS for the full year.

“We delivered strong first-quarter results, returning \$612 million to shareholders,” said Daniel Fisher, Ball’s chair and CEO.

“Our solid financial foundation, leaner operating model, and focused growth strategy enabled us to drive meaningful volume and comparable diluted EPS growth. While we remain mindful of heightened geopolitical uncertainty in select markets, we are confident in our ability to meet our 2025 objectives.”

Industry recognition at EMBANEWS awards

In a separate development, Ball was honored with four awards at the 32nd EMBANEWS Awards in Brazil—one of the country’s most prestigious packaging industry accolades.

The company was recognized in the categories of Technology and Quality, Packaging Raw Materials, Innovation, and Sustainability.

The award-winning projects were developed in collaboration with Brazilian brands Aeroflex, Night Power, and Soffie.

Notably, the Aeroflex and Soffie initiatives featured ReAl, Ball’s proprietary lightweight aluminium alloy, which allows for thinner can walls while maintaining strength.

This innovation reduces material usage by up to 15%, aligning with Ball’s decarbonization and circularity goals.

The standout winner in the Innovation category was the Night Power energy drink can, which introduced Brazil’s first braille-embossed lid for beverages.

Developed in partnership with Minalba and the Dorina Nowill Foundation for the blind, the feature improves accessibility for visually impaired consumers, marking a milestone in inclusive packaging design in the region.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE