Q1 2026 Ball Corp Earnings Call

May 5, 2026

Operator 2: Greetings. Welcome to Ball Corporation Q1 2026 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation. If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, please press star zero on your telephone keypad. Please note this conference is being recorded. I will now turn the conference over to Brandon Potthoff, Head of Investor Relations. Thank you. You may begin.

Operator: Greetings. Welcome to Ball Corporation Q1 2026 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation. If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, please press star zero on your telephone keypad. Please note this conference is being recorded. I will now turn the conference over to Brandon Potthoff, Head of Investor Relations. Thank you. You may begin.

Speaker #2: If anyone should require operator-assistance during the conference, please press star zero on your telephone keypad. Please note this conference is being recorded. I will now turn the conference over to Brandon Potthoff, Head of Investor Relations.

Speaker #2: Thank you. You may begin. Good morning, everyone. This is BALL Corp Conference Call regarding the company's first quarter 2026 results. During this call, we will reference our first quarter 2026 earnings presentation available through this webcast and our website at investors.ball.com.

Brandon Potthoff: Good morning, everyone. This is Ball Corporation's conference call regarding the company's Q1 2026 results. During this call, we will reference our Q1 2026 earnings presentation available through this webcast and our website at ball.com/investors. The information provided during this call will contain forward-looking statements. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made today. Some factors that could cause the results or outcomes to differ are described in the company's latest form 10-K, other SEC filings, and in today's earnings release and earnings presentation. If you do not already have our earnings release, it is available on our website at ball.com. Information regarding the use of non-GAAP financial measures may also be found in the notes section of today's earnings release.

Speaker #2: The information provided during this call will contain forward-looking statements, actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied.

Speaker #2: We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made today. Some factors that could cause the results or outcomes to differ are described in the company's latest Form 10-K, other SEC filings, and in today's earnings release and earnings presentation.

Brandon Potthoff: We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made today. Some factors that could cause the results or outcomes to differ are described in the company's latest form 10-K, other SEC filings, and in today's earnings release and earnings presentation. If you do not already have our earnings release, it is available on our website at ball.com. Information regarding the use of non-GAAP financial measures may also be found in the notes section of today's earnings release.

Speaker #2: If you do not already have our earnings release, it is available on our website at ball.com. Information regarding the use of non-GAAP financial measures may also be found in the notes section of today's earnings release.

Speaker #2: In addition, the release includes a summary of non-comparable items as well as a reconciliation of comparable net earnings and diluted earnings per share calculations.

Brandon Potthoff: In addition, the release includes a summary of non-comparable items as well as a reconciliation of comparable net earnings and diluted earnings per share calculations. I would now like to turn the call over to our CEO, Ron Lewis.

Speaker #2: I would now like to turn the call over to our CEO, Ron Lewis.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Brandon. Today, I am joined on our call by Dan Rabbit, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. I will provide some brief introductory remarks and discuss first quarter 2026 financial performance and our outlook for the remainder of 2026.

Ron Lewis: Thank you, Brandon. Today, I am joined on our call by Daniel Rabbitt, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. I will provide some brief introductory remarks and discuss Q1 2026 financial performance, and our outlook for the remainder of 2026. Dan will touch on key metrics. We will finish up with closing comments, and a Q&A. As we begin, I want to start with the big picture because it continues to matter how we think about Ball and our long-term value creation. We believe Ball is positioned to win. The fundamentals supporting that belief remain firmly in place. Packaged liquid volume is continuing to grow globally. Aluminum cans are taking share as consumers, customers, and retailers increasingly prioritize convenience, performance, and sustainability. That dynamic creates a durable, long runway of demand for our products.

Speaker #3: Dan will touch on key metrics and then we will finish up with closing comments and a Q&A. As we begin, I want to start with the big picture.

Speaker #3: Because it continues to matter how we think about BALL and our long-term value creation. We believe BALL is positioned to win and the fundamental supporting that belief remain firmly in place.

Ron Lewis: The fundamentals supporting that belief remain firmly in place. Packaged liquid volume is continuing to grow globally. Aluminum cans are taking share as consumers, customers, and retailers increasingly prioritize convenience, performance, and sustainability. That dynamic creates a durable, long runway of demand for our products.

Speaker #3: Packaged liquid volume is continuing to grow globally and aluminum cans are taking share as consumers, customers, and retailers increasingly prioritize convenience, performance, and sustainability.

Speaker #3: That dynamic creates a durable, long runway of demand for our products. Within that growing market, BALL is executing at a high level, across our regions we continue to leverage long-term customer partnerships, a well-contracted portfolio, and an unmatched global footprint.

Ron Lewis: Within that growing market, Ball is executing at a high level. Across our regions, we continue to leverage long-term customer partnerships, a well-contracted portfolio, and an unmatched global footprint. Our utilization levels are strong, reflecting both disciplined capacity management and consistent commercial execution. We are pairing that execution with financial strength. We delivered solid results to start 2026, supported by a healthy balance sheet and a capital allocation framework grounded in EVA. Our focus remains on deploying capital where it earns returns above our hurdle rate and on continuing momentum as we move through the year. Operationally, our teams are performing well. Standardization, cost discipline, and the Ball Business System are driving improved profit per can and reinforcing our ability to generate operating leverage as volumes grow. While we are proud of the progress, we continue to see opportunity ahead.

Speaker #3: Our utilization levels are strong, reflecting both disciplined capacity management and consistent commercial execution. We are pairing that execution with financial strength. We delivered solid results to start 2026, supported by a healthy balance sheet and a capital allocation framework grounded in EVA.

Speaker #3: Our focus remains on deploying capital where it earns returns above our hurdle rate and on continuing momentum as we move through the year. Operationally, our teams are performing well.

Ron Lewis: Our focus remains on deploying capital where it earns returns above our hurdle rate and on continuing momentum as we move through the year. Operationally, our teams are performing well. Standardization, cost discipline, and the Ball Business System are driving improved profit per can and reinforcing our ability to generate operating leverage as volumes grow. While we are proud of the progress, we continue to see opportunity ahead.

Speaker #3: Standardization, cost discipline, and the BALL business system are driving improved profit per can and reinforcing our ability to generate operating leverage as volumes grow.

Speaker #3: While we are proud of the progress, we continue to see opportunity ahead. When you bring together attractive industry fundamentals, disciplined execution, financial strength, and an operating system built for continuous improvement, BALL remains exceptionally well-positioned, not just for this year, but for the long term.

Ron Lewis: When you bring together attractive industry fundamentals, disciplined execution, financial strength, and an operating system built for continuous improvement, Ball remains exceptionally well-positioned, not just for this year, but for the long term. Our strong start to the year underscores the resilience of our business, particularly in a complex geopolitical and macroeconomic environment. Our strategy is clear, consistent, and grounded in our four strategic pillars, and that strategy is working. First is executing exceptionally in our core business. That discipline shows up in how we operate every day across our plants and regions, and it underpins our ability to deliver solid Q1 results in an uncertain world. Second, we stay close to our customers and maximize our global network. Long-term partnerships, strong service levels, and a well-balanced footprint allow us to respond quickly and reliably. Third, we continue to accelerate the substrate shift to aluminum and expand categories.

Speaker #3: Our strong start to the year underscores the resilience of our business, particularly in a complex geopolitical and macroeconomic environment. Our strategy is clear, consistent, and grounded in our four strategic pillars and that strategy is working.

Speaker #3: First is executing exceptionally in our core business. That discipline shows up in how we operate every day, across our plants and regions, and it underpins our ability to deliver solid Q1 results in an uncertain world.

Ron Lewis: First is executing exceptionally in our core business. That discipline shows up in how we operate every day across our plants and regions, and it underpins our ability to deliver solid Q1 results in an uncertain world. Second, we stay close to our customers and maximize our global network. Long-term partnerships, strong service levels, and a well-balanced footprint allow us to respond quickly and reliably. Third, we continue to accelerate the substrate shift to aluminum and expand categories.

Speaker #3: Second, we stay close to our customers and maximize our global network. Long-term partnerships, strong service levels, and a well-balanced footprint allow us to respond quickly and reliably.

Speaker #3: Third, we continue to accelerate the substrate shift to aluminum and expand categories. Aluminum's sustainability and performance advantages matter, reinforcing demand and long-term growth opportunities.

Ron Lewis: Aluminum's sustainability and performance advantages matter, reinforcing demand and long-term growth opportunities. Fourth, we manage complexity to our advantage. Our scale, standardization, and systems enable us to remain focused on execution rather than distraction. The Ball Business System brings these pillars together, connecting commercial excellence, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. At the center are our people and our culture: low ego, high collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing the right things the right way. This is what makes our business resilient, supports strong Q1 performance, and positions Ball to continue delivering disciplined execution and long-term value creation regardless of the external environment. The Ball Business System is how we operate. EVA remains our North Star. Together, they drive disciplined execution and capital allocation, enabling us to deliver results. That discipline showed up in our Q1 performance.

Speaker #3: And fourth, we manage complexity to our advantage. Our scale, standardization, and systems enable us to remain focused on execution rather than distraction. The BALL business system brings these pillars together, connecting commercial excellence, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Speaker #3: At the center are our people and our culture. Low ego, high collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing the right things the right way.

Speaker #3: This is what makes our business resilient, supports strong Q1 performance, and positions BALL to continue delivering disciplined execution and long-term value creation regardless of the external environment.

Ron Lewis: This is what makes our business resilient, supports strong Q1 performance, and positions Ball to continue delivering disciplined execution and long-term value creation regardless of the external environment. The Ball Business System is how we operate. EVA remains our North Star. Together, they drive disciplined execution and capital allocation, enabling us to deliver results. That discipline showed up in our Q1 performance.

Speaker #3: The BALL business system is how we operate and EVA remains our North Star. Together, they drive disciplined execution and capital allocation enabling us to deliver results.

Speaker #3: That discipline showed up in our first quarter performance. We executed well and stayed focused on the levers we control. Earning returns above our cost of capital while maintaining flexibility.

Ron Lewis: We executed well and stayed focused on the levers we control, earning returns above our cost of capital while maintaining flexibility. This approach underpins our growth algorithm of 10%+ comparable diluted EPS growth, strong free cash flow, and consistent returns to shareholders. The results we delivered this quarter are a direct outcome of this operating and financial discipline, and they set up the discussion on our performance in the quarter. Turning to our Q1 performance, we had a good start to 2026. Global volumes were up nearly 1% year-over-year, reflecting slightly stronger than expected volumes in North America and in-line performance in South America, partially offset by volumes in EMEA. What stands out is our execution. Comparable operating earnings grew 10% year-over-year, exceeding our 2 times operating leverage objective for the quarter.

Speaker #3: This approach underpins our growth algorithm of 10-plus percent comparable diluted EPS growth. Strong free cash flow and consistent returns to shareholders. The results we delivered this quarter are a direct outcome of this operating and financial discipline and they set up the discussion on our performance in the quarter.

Speaker #3: Turning to our first quarter performance, we had a good start to 2026. Global volumes were up nearly 1% year over year reflecting slightly stronger than expected volumes in North America and in line performance in South America partially offset by volumes in EMEA.

Ron Lewis: Turning to our Q1 performance, we had a good start to 2026. Global volumes were up nearly 1% year-over-year, reflecting slightly stronger than expected volumes in North America and in-line performance in South America, partially offset by volumes in EMEA. What stands out is our execution. Comparable operating earnings grew 10% year-over-year, exceeding our 2 times operating leverage objective for the quarter.

Speaker #3: What stands out is our execution. Comparable operating earnings grew 10% year over year exceeding our two times operating leverage objective for the quarter. That performance flowed through to the bottom line with comparable diluted EPS up 22% year over year driven by strong operational execution, cost discipline, and capital allocation.

Ron Lewis: That performance flowed through to the bottom line with comparable diluted EPS up 22% year over year, driven by strong operational execution, cost discipline, and capital allocation. The first quarter performance reinforces our confidence in delivering 10%+ EPS growth for the full year. We remain focused on shareholder returns and are on track to deliver in the range of $800 million to shareholders in 2026. Operationally, we continue to advance our priorities, including completing the Benepack acquisition to expand EMEA capacity and making good progress at our Millersburg, Oregon facility, which remains on track towards full ramp-up in 2027. Overall, this was a solid first quarter that reflects the resilience of our business, disciplined execution, and the strength of our operating model.

Speaker #3: The first quarter performance reinforces our confidence in delivering 10-plus percent EPS growth for the full year. We also remain focused on shareholder returns and our on-track to deliver in the range of $800 million to shareholders in 2026.

Speaker #3: Operationally, we continue to advance our priorities, including completing the Benepack acquisition to expand EMEA capacity and making good progress at our Millersburg, Oregon facility, which remains on track toward full ramp-up in 2027.

Ron Lewis: Operationally, we continue to advance our priorities, including completing the Benepack acquisition to expand EMEA capacity and making good progress at our Millersburg, Oregon facility, which remains on track towards full ramp-up in 2027. Overall, this was a solid first quarter that reflects the resilience of our business, disciplined execution, and the strength of our operating model.

Speaker #3: Overall, this was a solid first quarter that reflects the resilience of our business, disciplined execution, and the strength of our operating model. With that outlook in mind, I'll let Dan walk you through the details of our first quarter financial performance and provide more color on our current expectations for 2026.

Ron Lewis: With that outlook in mind, I'll let Dan walk you through the details of our Q1 financial performance and provide more color on our current expectations for 2026. Over to you, Dan.

Speaker #3: Over to you, Dan.

Speaker #4: Thank you, Ron. Before walking through our first quarter 2026 performance, I want to spend a moment on the changes we made to our financial reporting this quarter.

Daniel Rabbitt: Thank you, Ron. Before walking through our Q1 2026 performance, I want to spend a moment on the changes we made to our financial reporting this quarter. As you saw in the earnings release this morning, we updated how we report our segment financials. As Ron and I stepped into our roles, we took a fresh look at how we measure performance and align accountability across the organization. It became clear that we needed to more clearly distinguish between operating decisions made within the businesses and financing decisions made at the corporate level. As a result, we amended our definition of comparable operating earnings to exclude such items as factoring fees, interest income, and other impacts driven by corporate financing activity rather than the underlying operations. Importantly, these financing-related items remain included in comparable net earnings and comparable diluted EPS.

Speaker #4: As you saw in the earnings release this morning, we updated how we report our segment financials. As Ron and I stepped into our roles, we took a fresh look at how we measure performance and align accountability across the organization.

Speaker #4: It became clear that we needed a more clearly distinguished between operating decisions made within the businesses and financing decisions made at the corporate level.

Speaker #4: As a result, we amended our definition of comparable operating earnings to exclude such items as factoring fees, interest income, and other impacts driven by corporate financing activity rather than the underlying operations.

Daniel Rabbitt: As a result, we amended our definition of comparable operating earnings to exclude such items as factoring fees, interest income, and other impacts driven by corporate financing activity rather than the underlying operations. Importantly, these financing-related items remain included in comparable net earnings and comparable diluted EPS.

Speaker #4: Importantly, these financing-related items remain included in comparable net earnings and comparable diluted EPS. So there is not a material change to how we measure or report overall company earnings.

Daniel Rabbitt: There is not a material change to how we measure or report overall company earnings. In addition, we moved our beverage can plants in India and Myanmar into the EMEA segment, which has had management and P&L responsibility for those operations for several years. We believe these changes provide a clearer view of underlying operating performance by segment while continuing to give investors full transparency into our consolidated financial results. To be clear, these changes do not materially impact comparable net earnings or comparable diluted EPS. Additional information can be found in notes of the earnings press release, as well as on investors.ball.com under Financial Results. With that context, I'll now walk you through our Q1 2026 financial performance. Overall, the business delivered a good start to the year.

Speaker #4: In addition, we moved our beverage can plants in India and Myanmar into the EMEA segment. Which has had management and P&L responsibility for those operations for several years.

Speaker #4: We believe these changes provide a clearer view of underlying operating performance by segment while continuing to give investors full transparency into our consolidated financial results.

Speaker #4: And to be clear, these changes do not materially impact comparable net earnings or comparable diluted EPS. Additional information can be found in notes of the earnings press release as well as on investors.ball.com under financial results.

Daniel Rabbitt: To be clear, these changes do not materially impact comparable net earnings or comparable diluted EPS. Additional information can be found in notes of the earnings press release, as well as on investors.ball.com under Financial Results. With that context, I'll now walk you through our Q1 2026 financial performance. Overall, the business delivered a good start to the year.

Speaker #4: With that context, I'll now walk you through our first quarter 2026 financial performance. Overall, the business delivered a good start to the year. Global ship beverage volumes increased approximately 1% year over year low single-digit volume growth in North America and EMEA partially offset by lower volumes in South America.

Daniel Rabbitt: Global shipped beverage volumes increased approximately 1% year over year, low single-digit volume growth in North America and EMEA, partially offset by lower volumes in South America. Despite ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic events, our teams executed well across the business. Comparable operating earnings increased 10% year over year. That performance translated into comparable diluted earnings per share of $0.94, up 22% year over year. This Q1 performance reflects the strength and resilience of our operating model and is consistent with the financial framework we've laid out for 2026. In North and Central America, segment comparable operating earnings increased 2.5% in the Q1. Volumes increased low single-digit percent year over year, reflecting slightly stronger demand, particularly in energy drinks and non-alcoholic beverages. The team continues to execute at a high level, supporting customers, managing cost, and navigating a dynamic operating environment.

Speaker #4: Despite ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic events, our team’s executed well across the business. Comparable operating earnings increased 10% year over year. That performance translated into comparable diluted earnings per share of $0.94, up 22% year over year.

Speaker #4: This first quarter performance reflects the strength and resilience of our operating model and is consistent with the financial framework we've laid out for 2026.

Daniel Rabbitt: This Q1 performance reflects the strength and resilience of our operating model and is consistent with the financial framework we've laid out for 2026. In North and Central America, segment comparable operating earnings increased 2.5% in the Q1. Volumes increased low single-digit percent year over year, reflecting slightly stronger demand, particularly in energy drinks and non-alcoholic beverages. The team continues to execute at a high level, supporting customers, managing cost, and navigating a dynamic operating environment.

Speaker #4: In North and Central America, segment comparable operating earnings increased 2.5% in the first quarter. Volumes increased low single-digit percent year over year reflecting slightly stronger demand particularly in energy drinks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Speaker #4: The team continues to execute at a high level supporting customers, managing cost, and navigating a dynamic operating environment. As we look to the remainder of 2026, we continue to expect volume growth at the low end of our long-term range of 1 to 3 percent.

Daniel Rabbitt: As we look to the remainder of 2026, we continue to expect volume growth at the low end of our long-term range of 1% to 3%. As previously discussed, we anticipate $35 million of startup costs related to the Millersburg facility and US domestication of ends to begin later this year. While these costs represent a near-term headwind, they support long-term volume growth and operating leverage. In EMEA, segment comparable operating earnings increased 20% in Q1. Volumes were up low single-digit percent year over year. The team continues to perform well operationally, and during the quarter, we completed the Benepack acquisition, further strengthening our European footprint and expanding capacity in Hungary and Belgium. As we integrate these assets, we see meaningful opportunity to drive both volume growth and operating leverage as capacity is filled.

Speaker #4: As previously discussed, we anticipate $35 million of startup costs related to the Millersburg facility and U.S. domestication of ends to begin later this year.

Speaker #4: While these costs represent a near-term headwind they support long-term volume growth and operating leverage. In EMEA, segment comparable operating earnings increased 20% in the first quarter.

Speaker #4: Volumes were up low single-digit percent year over year the team continues to perform well operationally and during the quarter we completed the benepack acquisition.

Daniel Rabbitt: Volumes were up low single-digit percent year over year. The team continues to perform well operationally, and during the quarter, we completed the Benepack acquisition, further strengthening our European footprint and expanding capacity in Hungary and Belgium. As we integrate these assets, we see meaningful opportunity to drive both volume growth and operating leverage as capacity is filled.

Speaker #4: Further strengthening our European footprint and expanding capacity in Hungary and Belgium as we integrate these assets we see meaningful opportunity to drive both volume growth and operating leverage as capacity is filled.

Speaker #4: For 2026 with the inclusion of benepack we continue to expect volume growth above the top end of our long-term 3 to 5 percent range along with operating leverage of two times.

Daniel Rabbitt: For 2026, with the inclusion of Benepack, we continue to expect volume growth above the top end of our long-term 3% to 5% range, along with operating leverage of 2 times. In South America, segment comparable operating earnings were flat in Q1. Volumes declined mid-single digit % year-over-year, reflecting customer timing and inventory position coming into the quarter. Despite lower volumes, the team remained disciplined on cost and execution, supporting earnings and positioning the business well as growth normalizes in the next 3 quarters. Looking ahead, we continue to expect volume growth at the low end of our long-term range of 4% to 6% in 2026, with operating leverage of 2 times. Focusing on modeling details for 2026.

Speaker #4: In South America, segment comparable operating earnings were flat in the first quarter. Volumes declined mid single-digit percent year over year reflecting customer timing and inventory position coming into the quarter.

Speaker #4: Despite lower volumes, the team remained disciplined on cost and execution supporting earnings and positioning the business well as growth normalizes in the next three quarters.

Daniel Rabbitt: Despite lower volumes, the team remained disciplined on cost and execution, supporting earnings and positioning the business well as growth normalizes in the next 3 quarters. Looking ahead, we continue to expect volume growth at the low end of our long-term range of 4% to 6% in 2026, with operating leverage of 2 times. Focusing on modeling details for 2026.

Speaker #4: Looking ahead, we continue to expect volume growth at the low end of our long-term range of 4 to 6 percent in 2026 with operating leverage of two times.

Speaker #4: Focusing on modeling details for 2026. As Ron noted, with the resilience of our business and our pass-through models we continue to expect to be on track with our algorithm of 10% plus comparable diluted EPS growth.

Daniel Rabbitt: As Ron noted, with the resilience of our business and our pass-through models, we continue to expect to be on track with our algorithm of 10%+ comparable diluted EPS growth. We anticipate free cash flow of greater than $900 million in 2026. Our 2026 full year effective tax rate on comparable earnings is expected to be slightly above 23%. Full year 2026 interest expense is expected to be in the range of $320 million. CapEx is expected to be in line with GAAP D&A in 2026. Full year 2026 reported adjusted corporate undistributed costs recorded in other non-reportable are expected to be in the range of $175 million.

Speaker #4: We anticipate free cash flow of greater than $900 million in 2026. Our 2026 full-year effective tax rate on comparable earnings is expected to be slightly above 23%.

Speaker #4: Full-year 2026 interest expense is expected to be in the range of $320 million. CapEx is expected to be in line with GAAP DNA in 2026.

Daniel Rabbitt: Full year 2026 interest expense is expected to be in the range of $320 million. CapEx is expected to be in line with GAAP D&A in 2026. Full year 2026 reported adjusted corporate undistributed costs recorded in other non-reportable are expected to be in the range of $175 million.

Speaker #4: Full-year 2026 reported adjusted corporate undistributed costs recorded in other non-reportable are expected to be in the range of $175 million. We anticipate year-end 2026 net debt to comparable EBITDA to be around 2.7 times and we will repurchase at least $600 million of shares which will bring our total capital return to shareholders to $800 million.

Daniel Rabbitt: We anticipate year-end 2026 net debt to comparable EBITDA to be around 2.7x, and we will repurchase at least $600 million of shares, which will bring our total capital return to shareholders to $800 million in 2026. Last week, Ball's Board declared its quarterly cash dividend. With that, I'll turn it back to Ron.

Speaker #4: In 2026. And last week, BALL's board declared its quarterly cash dividend. With that, I'll turn it back to Ron.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Dan. Overall, our strong first quarter results reflect exactly how we intend to run BALL. Amid ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic factors, our teams stayed focused on what we control, serving our customers, running our operations with discipline, and allocating capital through an EVA lens.

Ron Lewis: Thanks, Dan. Overall, our strong Q1 results reflect exactly how we intend to run Ball. Amid ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic factors, our teams stayed focused on what we control, serving our customers, running our operations with discipline, and allocating capital through an EVA lens. The Ball Business System and our strategic pillars are not theoretical. They are driving resilience in our business and translating into earnings, cash generation, and returns for shareholders. We had a good start to 2026, and just as importantly, we are executing in a way that reinforces our confidence in the year ahead. Thank you. With that, we are ready for your questions.

Speaker #5: The BALL business system and our strategic pillars are not theoretical. They are driving resilience in our business and translating into earnings, cash generation, and returns for shareholders.

Ron Lewis: They are driving resilience in our business and translating into earnings, cash generation, and returns for shareholders. We had a good start to 2026, and just as importantly, we are executing in a way that reinforces our confidence in the year ahead. Thank you. With that, we are ready for your questions.

Speaker #5: We had a good start to 2026 and just as importantly, we are executing in a way that reinforces our confidence in the year ahead.

Speaker #5: Thank you. And with that, we are ready for your questions.

Speaker #1: Thank you. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue.

Operator 2: Our first question is from George Staphos with Bank of America. Please proceed.

Speaker #1: You may press star two if you would like to remove your question from the queue. And for participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys.

Speaker #1: Our first question is from George Staffos. With Bank of America, please proceed.

Operator: Our first question is from George Staphos with Bank of America. Please proceed.

Speaker #6: Thank you. Hi everyone. Good morning. hope you're doing well. And thanks for all the detail. Question for you first. with the performance are you seeing any effects that you could call out from the Middle East tensions in terms of increased costs that won't necessarily be passed through real-time this year?

George Staphos: Thank you. Hi, everyone. Good morning. I hope you're doing well, and thanks for all the detail. Question for you first. With the performance, are you seeing any effects that you could call out from the Middle East tensions in terms of increased costs that won't necessarily be passed through real-time this year? Any effects on volume, particularly as regards Europe? Was there any effect on the segment's volumes related to the conflict that you could call out? I have a couple of follow-ons.

Speaker #6: Any effects on volume? Particularly as regards Europe, was there any effect on the segment's volumes related to the conflict that you could call out in a couple of follow-ons?

Speaker #5: Hi George. Thanks for the question.

Ron Lewis: Hi, George. Thanks for the question.

Speaker #6: Morning. nice to talk to you. from the impact on the Middle East, first it's important to note that we do not have any direct business in the Middle East.

George Staphos: Morning. Morning, Ron.

Ron Lewis: Nice to talk to you. From the impact on the Middle East, first, it is important to note that we do not have any direct business in the Middle East. As a rule of thumb, we maintain supply chains that are as short as possible. There's no supply assurance impact either for our business or for our customers. It is a fact, however, that the cost of all things commodities that are affected by the conflict in the Middle East have affected our business like others, especially aluminum. That's where our resilient business model comes to the fore. The way that our contracts work generally is we pass on the cost of aluminum to our customers on an immediate basis, and then they choose how they will manage that cost impact.

Speaker #6: And as a rule of thumb, we maintain supply chains that are as short as possible. So there's no supply assurance impacts either for our business or for our customers.

Speaker #6: it is a fact however that the, the cost of all things—commodities that are affected by the conflict in the Middle East—have, affected our business like, like others.

Speaker #6: Especially aluminum. And that's where our resilient business model comes to the fore. the way that our contracts work generally is we pass on the cost of aluminum to our customers on an immediate basis and then they choose how they will, manage, that, that cost impact.

Ron Lewis: That's where our resilient business model comes to the fore. The way that our contracts work generally is we pass on the cost of aluminum to our customers on an immediate basis, and then they choose how they will manage that cost impact.

Ron Lewis: Thus far, the can is winning. The can is winning in every region we operate, and EMEA is no different than that of North America or South America. Our volumes are actually accelerating as we begin the Q2 of the year across all of our businesses. EMEA is no different from that.

Speaker #6: so thus far the can is winning. The can is winning in every region we operate. In EMEA is no different than that of North America or South America.

Speaker #6: Our volumes are actually accelerating as we begin the second quarter of the year across all of our businesses, and EMEA is no different from that.

Speaker #6: Okay. Appreciate that Ron. maybe the related question: did European volume perform as you'd expected or were there any one-off factors that might have led to better or worse performance related?

George Staphos: Okay. Appreciate that, Ron. Maybe the related question: Did European volume perform as you'd expected, or were there any one-off factors that might have led to better or worse performance? Are there any important contracts qualitatively that we should at least have in the back of our mind that you'll be managing against and to renegotiate for 2027? Lastly, you know, with Europe, with the contracts, the last point being, we appreciate all the detail you're giving us and the granularity and getting back to basically operating performance within the segments. Are there any other metrics that you would call out that you're using as a guide point or a North Star, use your term, for the segments in terms of profitability over time beyond the 2x leverage? Thanks, good luck in the quarter.

Speaker #6: Are there any important contracts qualitatively that we should at least have in the back of our mind that you'll be managing against entering negotiate for 2027?

Speaker #6: And then lastly, you know, with Europe with the contracts the last point being we appreciate all the detail you're giving us and the granularity in getting back to basically operating performance within the segments.

Speaker #6: Are there any other metrics that you would call out that you're using as a guide point or a North Star use your term for the segments in terms of profitability over time beyond the two X leverage?

George Staphos: Are there any other metrics that you would call out that you're using as a guide point or a North Star, use your term, for the segments in terms of profitability over time beyond the 2x leverage? Thanks, good luck in the quarter.

Speaker #6: Thanks and good luck in the quarter.

Speaker #5: Okay. Thanks George. so any one-offs related to our EMEA volume would be specifically, we, we purchased, the, the business known as Benepac. The two plants.

Ron Lewis: Hey, thanks, George. Any one-offs related to our EMEA volume would be specifically, we purchased the business known as Benepack, the two plants-

George Staphos: Yeah

Ron Lewis: 1 in Belgium and 1 in Hungary. We purchased that from basically the beginning of February. We assumed that we would have it from the beginning of the year, so that probably affected what we had versus what we had planned. The second thing is we sold a business in Saudi Arabia called UAC, and that business was reported previously in our other segment. With the change in our segment reporting, that's now from a comparable perspective, Q1 of last year is reported in our business. That shows up as a headwind in our business. Those two things probably would have been some one-offs for us.

Speaker #5: One in Belgium and one in Hungary. And we purchased that from basically the beginning of February. We assumed that we would have it from the beginning of the year.

Speaker #5: So that, probably affected what we had versus what we had planned. the second thing is we sold a business, in Saudi Arabia called UAC.

Speaker #5: And that business was reported previously in our other segment. And with the change in our segment reporting, that's now, from a comparable perspective, Q1 of last year is reported in our, i-in our business.

Speaker #5: So that shows up as a headwind in our business. Those two things probably would have been some one-offs. for us. But the core of our Europe business we believe we're in line with market.

Ron Lewis: The core of our Europe business, we believe we're in line with market. We're within our algorithm that we talk about in the 3% to 5% growth, and we feel pretty good about how we started the year there, basically as expected. You asked about contracts. gives me a moment to just say that for this year, we are fully contracted, and we actually are volume constrained in North America, as you know. We have been volume constrained in Europe because it grew so fast last year, as did North America. Those two things are why we're building a plant in North America and why we acquired the Benepack plants. We're sold for 2026. For 2027, we're more than 90% sold. Out through the end of the decade, we are basically 50% sold.

Speaker #5: We're within our algorithm that we talk about in the 3% to 5% growth, and we feel pretty good about how we started the year there.

Speaker #5: Basically as expected. you asked about contracts. it gives me a moment to just say that for this year, we are fully contracted. And we actually are volume-constrained in North America as you know.

Speaker #5: And we have been volume-constrained in Europe because it grew so fast last year as did North America. And those two things, are why we're building a plant in North America and why we acquired the Benepac plants.

Ron Lewis: We have been volume constrained in Europe because it grew so fast last year, as did North America. Those two things are why we're building a plant in North America and why we acquired the Benepack plants. We're sold for 2026. For 2027, we're more than 90% sold. Out through the end of the decade, we are basically 50% sold.

Speaker #5: So we're, we're sold for 2026. For 2027, we're more than 90% sold. And out through the end of the decade, we are basically 50% sold.

Speaker #5: So, no, we don't have any specific contracts that we are concerned about. We've got long-term contracts in place, and that's just the nature of this business, which makes it.

Ron Lewis: No, we don't have any specific contracts that we are concerned about. We've got long-term contracts in place, and that's just as the nature of this business.

Speaker #5: A, a wonderful business to be in because we're able to establish some great long-term relationships and help our customers win and win with the can.

Ron Lewis: A wonderful business to be in because we're able to establish some great long-term relationships that help our customers win and win with the can. As it relates to what metrics we would like to point you to, it would probably be operating earnings per can, that's why we've had the segment changes that we did. I'm sure we'll get questions about that as well. It's basically we want to have the most transparent, clean way for you all that analyze and comment on us and advise on us. We want you to have the cleanest look you can at us. Operating earnings per can would be the metric that we would point you to.

Speaker #5: as it relates to what metrics, we would like to point you to, it would probably be operating earnings, per can. And that's why we've had this segment changes that we did.

Speaker #5: and I'm sure we'll get questions about that as well. But it's basically we want to have the most transparent clean way for you all that, that analyze and, and, comment on us and, and advise on us.

Speaker #5: We want you to have the cleanest look you can at us. So operating earnings per can would be the metric that we would point you to.

Speaker #6: Thank you Ron.

George Staphos: Thank you, Ron.

Speaker #5: Thanks George. Thank you.

Ron Lewis: Thanks, George.

George Staphos: Good luck in the quarter.

Ron Lewis: Thank you.

Speaker #7: Our next question is from Gansham, Punjabi. With Baird, please proceed.

Operator 2: Our next question is from Ghansham Panjabi with Baird. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Ghansham Panjabi with Baird. Please proceed.

Speaker #8: Thank you operator. Good morning everybody. I, I guess just picking up on the last, you know, question from George. so, so if I have this right, it looks like 1Q was pretty much in line with your expectations on a volumetric basis.

Ghansham Panjabi: Thank you, operator. Good morning, everybody. I guess just picking up on the last, you know, question from George. So if I have this right, it looks like Q1 was pretty much in line with your expectations on a volumetric basis, but it was really the operating leverage that was quite strong. If that's accurate, can you just give us the specifics, Ron, on what drove that improvement, you know, in operating earnings specific to Q1?

Speaker #8: But it was really the operating leverage that was quite strong. And if that's accurate, can you just give us the specifics Ron on, on what drove that improvement?

Speaker #8: you know, in operating earnings specific to the first quarter.

Speaker #5: Yeah, hi, I gotcha. It's nice to hear your voice. Thanks for the question. I would say yes, we were largely in line with what we expected from a volume perspective.

Ron Lewis: Yeah. Hi. Hi, Ghansham. Nice to hear your voice. Thanks for the question. I would say yes, we were largely in line with what we expected from a volume perspective, even with our South America business down year on year. We were probably a little bit ahead of what we expected in North America, and we were a little bit behind in EMEA. Let me just take a moment to talk about volume. While we were down in South America, well, how did we compare versus the market? We think we were in line with market in North America. We think we were in line with the market in EMEA, and we were obviously below the market in South America, given what our competitors have already publicly stated.

Speaker #5: Even with our South America business down year over year, we were probably a little bit ahead of what we expected in North America, and we were a little bit behind in EMEA.

Speaker #5: And let me just take a moment to talk about volume. while we were down in South Amer well, how did we compare versus the market?

Ron Lewis: While we were down in South America, well, how did we compare versus the market? We think we were in line with market in North America. We think we were in line with the market in EMEA, and we were obviously below the market in South America, given what our competitors have already publicly stated.

Speaker #5: we think we were in line with market in North America. We think we were in line with the market in EMEA. And we were obviously below the market in South America given what our competitors have already already publicly stated.

Speaker #5: As we begin Q2 at an enterprise level, our volumes as we finished April were up mid-single digits. Again, that's as we expected them to be.

Ron Lewis: As we begin Q2 at an enterprise level, our volumes as we finished April were up mid-single digits. Again, that's as we expected them to be. Importantly, our South America business is up 20% April on April, and that erases all of the declines we saw in Q1, and we're back to flat volume for the year. We are very confident in our predictions for how our business will finish on a volume basis for 2026. We expect to finish in our 2% to 3%, towards the top end of our range of the 2% to 3% volume at enterprise level. We expect North America to be on towards the bottom end of our range because we are capacity constrained.

Speaker #5: And importantly, our South America business is up 20% April on April. And that erases all of the declines we saw in Q1. And we're back to flat volume for the year.

Speaker #5: So we are very confident in our predictions for how our business will finish, on a volume basis, for 2026. We expect to finish in our two to three percent—towards the top end of our range—of the 2% to 3% volume in enterprise level.

Ron Lewis: We expect to finish in our 2% to 3%, towards the top end of our range of the 2% to 3% volume at enterprise level. We expect North America to be on towards the bottom end of our range because we are capacity constrained.

Speaker #5: And we expect North America to be on towards the bottom end of our range because we are capacity-constrained. We expect EMEA to be above the three to five percent.

Ron Lewis: We expect EMEA to be above the 3% to 5% commitment that we've made because of the inorganic acquisition that we made, as well as business that's performing in line or better with market. In South America, we expect to still achieve the 4% to 6% volume growth as it relates to our long-term commitment. Now, as for the operating leverage, maybe I'll give Dan Rabbitt a moment to reflect on that for us 'cause I think I wanna hear his voice in this meeting, and I think you do too.

Speaker #5: commitment that we've made because of some the inorganic acquisition that we made as well as business that's performing in line or better with market.

Speaker #5: And in South America, we expect to still achieve the four to six percent volume growth. as it relates to our long-term commitment. Now, as for the operating leverage, maybe I'll give Dan Rabbit a moment to reflect on that for us 'cause I think, I wanna hear his voice.

Speaker #5: And in this meeting. And I think you do too.

Speaker #6: Yeah. Thank you Ron. And Gansham, thanks for the question. we are you know, as, as we've been speaking to a lot of you all, very focused on trying to improve the profitability.

Daniel Rabbitt: Thank you, Ron. Ghansham, thanks for the question. We are, you know, as we've been speaking to a lot of you all, are very focused on trying to improve the profitability. That is why Ron really highlighted the, you know, the growing importance of our metric of profit per can. We measured in profit per thousand, being manufacturers, but regardless, it's profit per can focus. I think the business is responding very well to how to this focus. You've seen, we saw good performance, good cost management, good pass-through of our cost, really on top of our game, that came through to deliver that 10% growth on operating earnings quarter over quarter.

Speaker #6: and that is why Ron really highlighted the, you know, the growing importance of our metric of profit per can. we, we measured in profit per thousand, being manufacturers.

Speaker #6: But, regardless, it's profit per can focus. And I think the business is responding very well to how to this focus. And you've seen we, we saw good performance, good cost management, good pass-through of our of our cost.

Daniel Rabbitt: You've seen, we saw good performance, good cost management, good pass-through of our cost, really on top of our game, that came through to deliver that 10% growth on operating earnings quarter over quarter.

Speaker #6: Really on top of our game, that came through to, to deliver that 10% growth on operating earnings quarter over quarter.

Speaker #8: Okay. Fantastic. Thanks for that. Very comprehensive. And then, you know, just on the resegmentation, if you will, and just moving the plants in India and, you know, Myanmar to the to, to, to the EMEA segment.

Ghansham Panjabi: Okay. Fantastic. Thanks for that. Very comprehensive. Then, you know, just on the resegmentation, if you will, and just moving the plants in India and, you know, Myanmar to the EMEA segment, should we take away from this that you're just gonna focus on North America, Europe and Latin America and not so much on the emerging markets, including those regions? Is it just a interim move, if you will, before, you know, before you start looking at capital deployment in the other regions, in the emerging markets outside of South America?

Speaker #8: Should we take away from this that you are just gonna focus on North America Europe and Latin America and not so much on the emerging markets including the, those regions?

Speaker #8: Or is it just an interim move, if you will, before, you know, before you start looking at capital deployment in the other regions? In the emerging markets outside of South America.

Ron Lewis: Let me start with that question, Ghansham. Thank you for it.

Speaker #5: let, let me start with that question Gansham. Thank you for it. And, I know we probably have some follow-up work to do with you and others, after this call.

Ron Lewis: Let me start with that question, Ghansham. Thank you for it.

Ron Lewis: I know we probably have some follow-up work to do with you and others after this call. Number one, the reason we made this segment operating change is this is the way we manage our business. It really is. We, the management team that manages our EMEA business, is also the management team that manages those plants that we've now included in our EMEA business. We're doing it for the way that we operate our business. We want you to look at us and advise on us the way we operate our business. Number two, we want it to be as clean as possible for you and others to analyze us from an operating earnings perspective.

Speaker #5: But number one, the reason we made this segment operating change is this is the way we manage our business. It really is. We the management team that manages our EMEA business is also the management team that manages those plants that we've now included in our EMEA business.

Speaker #5: So, we're doing it for the way that we operate our business. We want you to look at us and advise on us—the way we operate our business.

Ron Lewis: We're doing it for the way that we operate our business. We want you to look at us and advise on us the way we operate our business. Number two, we want it to be as clean as possible for you and others to analyze us from an operating earnings perspective.

Speaker #5: number two, we want it to be as clean as possible for you and others to analyze us from an operating earnings perspective. So it's about transparency for us both the way we operate internally and the way that we want you to look at us.

Ron Lewis: It's about transparency for us, both the way we operate internally and the way that we want you to look at us. The three regions in which we operate, including those regions that we've now added to our EMEA business, are our core business, and we are the market leader in North America, South America, and what is our EMEA business, the footprint that we have there. We're very excited about our EMEA business. It's a growing business, especially those parts of the world that we just added. India is growing high teens and has been for years, and you saw us add capacity and announce additional capacity adds to India, and you see our competitors looking to add capacity there. It's a great market, and there are other great markets out there.

Speaker #5: the three regions in which we operate including those regions that we've now added to our EMEA business are our core business. And we are the market leader in North America, South America, and what is our EMEA business, the footprint that we have there.

Speaker #5: And we're very excited about our EMEA business. It's a growing business especially those parts of the world that we just added. India is growing high teens and has been for years.

Ron Lewis: It's a growing business, especially those parts of the world that we just added. India is growing high teens and has been for years, and you saw us add capacity and announce additional capacity adds to India, and you see our competitors looking to add capacity there. It's a great market, and there are other great markets out there.

Speaker #5: And you saw us add capacity and announce additional capacity adds to India and you see our competitors looking to add capacity there. So it's a great market.

Speaker #5: And, there are other great markets out there. I wouldn't take from this that we are that we are focusing only and solely on on markets we operate in.

Ron Lewis: I wouldn't take from this that we are focusing only and solely on markets we operate in. Maybe Dan, if you wouldn't mind commenting a bit on.

Speaker #5: And maybe Dan, if you wouldn't mind commenting a bit on one of the other segment changes.

Daniel Rabbitt: Yeah

Ron Lewis: any of the other segment changes.

Speaker #6: Yeah. Yeah. as far as the, the segments goes, the, the other thing that we, we did note, noteworthy really and, and was taking out the financing the treasury-related items of the businesses to allow for better transparency on how the businesses are performing.

Daniel Rabbitt: Yeah. As far as the segments goes, the other thing that we did noteworthy really and was taking out the financing, the treasury related items of the businesses to allow for better transparency on how the businesses are performing. You know, we really like our prospects in all three regions. As you know, we measure everything from how we wanna grow this company through the lens of EVA, we see great opportunities in all three of our regions.

Speaker #6: and, you know, we really like our prospects in all three regions. And as you know, we measure everything from how we wanna grow this company through the lens of EVA.

Speaker #6: And we see great, great opportunities in all three of our regions. And so I think now you have a better picture on how they're performing.

Ron Lewis: I think now you have a better picture on how they're performing. Really if the changes, maybe contrary to what people might think is actually were slightly negative. The operating earnings would have been higher had we not made them on the quarter. I think over the long haul, we see this as a de minimis change and again, reinforcing that, the net earnings really have not changed. We're really materially the same place where we are when you look at the bottom line.

Daniel Rabbitt: I think now you have a better picture on how they're performing. Really if the changes, maybe contrary to what people might think is actually were slightly negative. The operating earnings would have been higher had we not made them on the quarter. I think over the long haul, we see this as a de minimis change and again, reinforcing that, the net earnings really have not changed. We're really materially the same place where we are when you look at the bottom line.

Speaker #6: and, and really if, if the change is maybe contrary to what people might think is actually we're slightly negative. The, the operating earnings would've been higher had we not made them on the quarter.

Speaker #6: I think over the long haul, we see this as a de minimis change. And, and, and again, reinforcing that the net earnings really have not changed.

Speaker #6: We're, we're really materially the same place where we are when you look at the, the bottom line.

Speaker #8: Very good. Thank you so much.

Ghansham Panjabi: Very good. Thank you so much.

Speaker #1: Our next question is from Anthony Petanari with Citi. Please proceed.

Operator 2: Our next question is from Anthony Pettinari with Citi. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Anthony Pettinari with Citi. Please proceed.

Brian Bergmeyer: Hi, this is Brian Bergmeyer on for Anthony. Thanks for taking the question. Just wanted to ask about, you know, tariffs. Curious if there's any impact to Ball from sort of the latest changes, announced early last month. You know, specifically just thinking about, covering some of the, you know, derivative products or applying the tariff value to the whole value of the product and, you know, conversely, maybe some changes, to Mexican beer. Just not sure if that alters the view for Ball at all.

Bryan Bergmeyer: Hi, this is Brian Bergmeyer on for Anthony. Thanks for taking the question. Just wanted to ask about, you know, tariffs. Curious if there's any impact to Ball from sort of the latest changes, announced early last month. You know, specifically just thinking about, covering some of the, you know, derivative products or applying the tariff value to the whole value of the product and, you know, conversely, maybe some changes, to Mexican beer. Just not sure if that alters the view for Ball at all.

Speaker #7: Hi. This is Brian Bergmeyer on for Anthony. Thanks for taking the question. just wanted to ask about, you know, tariffs. curious if there's any impact to BALL from sort of the latest changes announced early last month.

Speaker #7: You know, specifically just thinking about covering some of the, you know, derivative products or applying the tariff value to the whole value of the product, and, you know, conversely, maybe some changes to Mexican beer. Just not sure if that alters the due for BALL at all.

Speaker #6: Hi Brian. Thanks for the question. again the tariffs that manage and govern the aluminum ecosystem and industry are Section 232. That's what's most impactful on aluminum costs and pricing.

Ron Lewis: Hi, Brian. Thanks for the question. Again, the tariffs that manage and govern the aluminum ecosystem and industry are Section 232. That's what's most impactful on aluminum costs and pricing. The recent changes, I think they're de minimis for our business. There's a slight positive for products that can come to the US, filled products, be they impact extruded aerosol packages or, as you said, beverage packages that are filled. Net, net, it could be slightly positive, but we, you know, we're focused on serving our customers and when they look for supply from us, that's what we're intending to do. Yeah, so far so good.

Speaker #6: And the recent changes I think they're de minimis for, for our business. There, there's a slight positive for products that can come to the US filled products be they impact extruded aerosol packages or as you said beverage packages that are filled.

Speaker #6: So net, net it, it could be slightly positive. But we you know, we're focused on serving our customers and, and when they when they look for supply from us that's what we're intending to do.

Speaker #6: And yeah. So far so good.

Speaker #8: Got it, got it. Thank you. And then, you know, you touched on India already, but just wanted to follow up there. You know, we've seen maybe some reports about energy shortages or, you know, material shortages.

Brian Bergmeyer: Got it. Got it. Thank you. You know, you touched on India already, but just wanted to follow up there. You know, we've seen maybe some reports about like energy shortages or, you know, material shortages. Just curious if that region's been impacted at all by what's going on in the Middle East. You know, it seems like a pretty good growth outlook over there. If you could just maybe share some details on the near term and long term for India. Thank you. I'll turn it over.

Bryan Bergmeyer: Got it. Got it. Thank you. You know, you touched on India already, but just wanted to follow up there. You know, we've seen maybe some reports about like energy shortages or, you know, material shortages. Just curious if that region's been impacted at all by what's going on in the Middle East. You know, it seems like a pretty good growth outlook over there. If you could just maybe share some details on the near term and long term for India. Thank you. I'll turn it over.

Speaker #8: Just curious if that region's been impacted at all by what's going on in the Middle East. And you know, it seems like a pretty good growth outlook over there.

Speaker #8: But yeah. If you could just maybe share some details on the near term and, and long term for India. Thank you. I'll turn it over.

Speaker #6: Yeah. Sure. Thanks Brian. India for sure is an exciting place. That's the real story is that we've seen multiple years of high teens plus 20% growth.

Ron Lewis: Sure. Thanks, Brian. India for sure is an exciting place. That's the real story, is that we've seen multiple years of high teens, plus 20% growth. The can industry is really moving quickly to establish supply locally as we are. As I noted, we've recently added capacity to one of our two plants there, and we've announced the adding of capacity to the second of our plants. That's the real story of just managing growth in a high growth market with capacity constraints. There are continuing to be imports into that country because we cannot, as an industry, manage to fulfill all the demand locally. There are some minor supply chain disruptions in that market that are, I think, come and gone.

Speaker #6: So the canned industry is really moving quickly to establish supply locally a-as as we are. as I noted we've recently added capacity to one of our two plants there.

Speaker #6: And we've announced the adding, adding of capacity to the second of our plants. So that's the real story of just managing growth in a high growth market with with capacity constraints.

Speaker #6: there there are continuing to be as an industry manage to to fulfill all the demand locally. And there are some minor supply chain disruptions in that market that are I think come and gone.

Ron Lewis: There are continuing to be imports into that country because we cannot, as an industry, manage to fulfill all the demand locally. There are some minor supply chain disruptions in that market that are, I think, come and gone.

Speaker #6: So we're running our plants and our plants as at capacity. So it if there's any if there's any there was no material impact and nothing to note really to talk about on this call.

Ron Lewis: We're running our plants at capacity. There was no material impact, nothing to note really to talk about on this call, we're excited about the long-term prospects of India.

Speaker #6: And we're excited about the long-term prospects of India.

Speaker #1: Our next question is from Phil Ng with Jefferies. Please proceed.

Operator 2: Our next question is from Phil Ng with Jefferies. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Phil Ng with Jefferies. Please proceed.

Speaker #9: Good morning Ron. Good morning Dan. This is John on for Phil. thanks for all the details. I just wanted to start on EMEA. The comparable EMEA earnings came in quite a bit better than we expected.

[Analyst] (Jefferies): Morning, Ron. Good morning, Dan. This is John on for Phil. Thanks for all the details. I just wanted to start on EMEA. The comparable EMEA earnings came in quite a bit better than we expected. Sounded like Benepack wasn't much of a contributor, at least compared to where you were thinking it was gonna close. You did note that the FX actually supported the earnings in the segment. Could you just maybe give us a little bit more detail on what drove some of the higher year-over-year comparable EBIT in the quarter?

John Dunigan: Morning, Ron. Good morning, Dan. This is John on for Phil. Thanks for all the details. I just wanted to start on EMEA. The comparable EMEA earnings came in quite a bit better than we expected. Sounded like Benepack wasn't much of a contributor, at least compared to where you were thinking it was gonna close. You did note that the FX actually supported the earnings in the segment. Could you just maybe give us a little bit more detail on what drove some of the higher year-over-year comparable EBIT in the quarter?

Speaker #9: sounded like Benepac wasn't much of a contributor. at least compared to where you were thinking it was gonna close. but you did note that the FX actually supported the earnings in the segment.

Speaker #9: Could you just maybe give us a little bit more detail on what drove some of the higher year-over-year comparable EBIT in the quarter?

Speaker #6: Sure. This is Dan. I mean, I think we, we have to start with is that the business performed really well. we're, we're again focusing very much on improving profit.

Ron Lewis: Sure. This is Dan. I mean, I think we have to start with is that the business performed really well. We're again, focusing very much on improving profit. This region really has probably the most runway to improve profit, and indeed, they're doing that. I think it's a credit to that. When you look at the overall puts and takes that Ron previously had talked about, the driver of this region is the EMEA segment, as you've always heard about it the last few years. It is performing very well. We're getting good now with the India plants and the Myanmar plant coming in. Those two are showing growth and good operating leverage as well.

Daniel Rabbitt: Sure. This is Dan. I mean, I think we have to start with is that the business performed really well. We're again, focusing very much on improving profit. This region really has probably the most runway to improve profit, and indeed, they're doing that.

Speaker #6: This region really has probably the most runway to to improve profit. And indeed they're doing that. so I think it's, it's a credit to that.

Daniel Rabbitt: I think it's a credit to that. When you look at the overall puts and takes that Ron previously had talked about, the driver of this region is the EMEA segment, as you've always heard about it the last few years. It is performing very well. We're getting good now with the India plants and the Myanmar plant coming in. Those two are showing growth and good operating leverage as well.

Speaker #6: But when you when you look at the overall puts and takes that Ron previously had talked about the driver of this region is the EMEA segment as you've always heard about it the last few years.

Speaker #6: It is performing very well. We're getting good now with the India plants and the Myanmar plant coming in. Those two are showing growth and good operating leverage as well.

Speaker #6: So I think the, the two the two inorganic opportunities that we that we took on buying Benepac and, and selling the UAC really So I think really mostly what's happening is good performance in, in this segment.

Ron Lewis: I think the two inorganic opportunities that we took on, buying Benepack and selling the UAC really kind of neutralize each other. I think really mostly what's happening is good performance in this segment.

Daniel Rabbitt: I think the two inorganic opportunities that we took on, buying Benepack and selling the UAC really kind of neutralize each other. I think really mostly what's happening is good performance in this segment.

Speaker #9: Great. And maybe you could just quantify how much the FX supported earnings in 1Q. And then my, my second question is just on the corporate undistributed cost.

[Analyst] (Jefferies): Great. Maybe you could just quantify how much the FX supported earnings in Q1. My second question is just on the corporate undistributed cost. Sounds like they stepped up. Maybe that was just a factor of some of the recasting that you did, going up to $175 million, I think you said. Could you just tell us what's going on there? I'll turn it over. Thank you.

John Dunigan: Great. Maybe you could just quantify how much the FX supported earnings in Q1. My second question is just on the corporate undistributed cost. Sounds like they stepped up. Maybe that was just a factor of some of the recasting that you did, going up to $175 million, I think you said. Could you just tell us what's going on there? I'll turn it over. Thank you.

Speaker #9: Sounds like they stepped up. Maybe that was just a factor of some of the recasting that you to 175 million I think you said.

Speaker #9: could you just tell us what's going on there? And I'll turn it over. Thank you.

Speaker #6: Yeah. well, mo a lot of the, the positive FX now is, is is moving out of the segment reporting per what we did. So but for, for the company as a whole I think we probably had about 15 million dollars of, of, of positive earnings from, from the translation.

Daniel Rabbitt: Yeah. Well, a lot of the positive FX now is moving out of the segment reporting for what we did.

Daniel Rabbitt: For the company as a whole, I think we probably had about $15 million of positive earnings from the translation, and a lot of that is the euro when you compare it year over year from the Q1 'cause it was at a low point a year ago, and now it's kind of, I don't know, about 0.15 higher on the foreign exchange.

Speaker #6: And a lot of that is the euro. when you compare it year over year from the first quarter. 'Cause it was at a low point a year ago.

Speaker #6: And, and now it's it's kinda I don't know about 0.15 higher on the on the on the on the foreign exchange. As it relates to EMEA specifically, John, I think it was less than half of the gain in operating earnings in our EMEA business was related to FX.

Ron Lewis: As it relates to EMEA specifically, John, I think it was less than half of the gain in operating earnings in our EMEA business was related to FX.

Speaker #9: Great. And then the the corporate undistributed?

[Analyst] (Jefferies): Great. Then the corporate undistributed?

John Dunigan: Great. Then the corporate undistributed?

Ron Lewis: This is what I think Dan referred to earlier, which was the $15 million.

Speaker #6: this is what I think Dan referred to earlier, which was the 15 million dollars.

Ron Lewis: This is what I think Dan referred to earlier, which was the $15 million.

Speaker #9: Oh, I, I apologize. All right. Thank you very much.

[Analyst] (Jefferies): Oh, I apologize. All right. Thank you very much.

John Dunigan: Oh, I apologize. All right. Thank you very much.

Speaker #6: I'm sorry. So there's a there's a there's a corporate undistributed. That's where we put the FX gains and losses as the, the. Translational impact on EMEA was less than half of the operating earnings gain.

Ron Lewis: Yeah. Sorry. There's a corporate undistributed. That's where we put the FX gains and losses.

[Analyst] (Jefferies): I see.

John Dunigan: I see.

Ron Lewis: the translational impact on EMEA was less than half of the operating earnings gain, and that's what you heard from others in the industry as well.

Speaker #6: And, and that's what you heard from, from others in the industry as well.

Speaker #9: Got it. Thank you.

[Analyst] (Jefferies): Got it. Thank you.

John Dunigan: Got it. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Our next question is from Edlyn Rodriguez with Mizuho Securities. Please proceed.

Operator 2: Our next question is from Edlain Rodriguez with Mizuho Securities. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Edlain Rodriguez with Mizuho Securities. Please proceed.

Speaker #10: Tha thank you. good mo good morning everyone. I mean, clearly, I mean, Ron, so we are clearly in an inflationary environment. You know, globally.

Edlain Rodriguez: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. I mean, clearly, I mean, Ron, we are clearly in an inflationary environment, you know, globally. Like, how do you expect this to impact consumer mood and ability to spend? If there is any impact, like, in which region would you expect to kind of start seeing that first?

Speaker #10: Like how do you expect this to impact consumer mood and ability to spend? And if there is any impact, like in which region would you expect to kind of start seeing that first?

Ron Lewis: All right. Thanks for the question. Well, first of all, the can is winning in every single region in which we operate, and it continues to take share from other substrates. That was true last year and the year before and the year before, and it's true this quarter, and we believe it will be true for the foreseeable future. The can is winning. We can. You see the same data we see, and we're really pleased for that. Why is that? It's because of the unique nature of the can. It provides a robust transportation. It provides a robust shelf life. The can has a shelf life of a year. It provides a great billboard effect. You could sell it as singles, multiples.

Speaker #6: All right. Thanks for the question. Well, first of all, the can is winning in every single region in which we operate, and it continues to take share from other substrates.

Speaker #6: That was true last year. And the year before. And the year before. And it's true this quarter. And we believe it will be true for the foreseeable future.

Speaker #6: So the canned is winning. and we can you, you, you see the same data we see. and we're really pleased for that. And why is that?

Ron Lewis: You see the same data we see, and we're really pleased for that. Why is that? It's because of the unique nature of the can. It provides a robust transportation. It provides a robust shelf life. The can has a shelf life of a year. It provides a great billboard effect. You could sell it as singles, multiples.

Speaker #6: It's because of the unique nature of, of the canned. It provides a robust transportation. It provides a robust shelf life. The, the canned has a shelf life of a year.

Speaker #6: it provides a great billboard effect. You can sell it as singles, multiples. I mean, I can talk for, for hours about the benefits and the and the of, of the s of filling your product in an aluminum beverage package.

Ron Lewis: I mean, I can talk for hours about the benefits of filling your product in an aluminum beverage package, and especially one made by Ball. That's what makes it unique and helpful. As it relates to inflation on the consumer, I mean, all inflation, all costs are going up. All I can say is our customers are excited about winning with the can as well. Every time I go to one of our plants, I see new promotional activity coming into summer, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. Every one of our plants is running, and most of those labels are promotional labels.

Speaker #6: And especially one made by Ball. So that, that's what makes it unique and, and helpful. as it relates to inflation on the consumer, I mean, all inflation all, all costs are going up.

Speaker #6: And, and all I can say is our customers are excited about winning with the canned as well. every time I go to one of our plants I see new promotional activity, coming into summer especially in the northern hemisphere.

Speaker #6: So every one of our plants is running in most of those labels are promotional labels. and you know, I think our customers will continue to lean into the canned as a as a means of helping them to support the consumer as they as they seek value.

Ron Lewis: You know, I think our customers will continue to lean into the can as a means of helping them to support the consumer, as they seek value.

Speaker #6: And Ronnie, the only other thing to add is, is that as, as consumer it really is inflating it has headwinds. It tends to kinda retreat to doing more home consumption.

Daniel Rabbitt: Ron, I think the only other thing to add is that as consumer really is in placing, it has headwinds, it tends to kind of retreat to doing more home consumption.

Speaker #6: and that that's been yeah, the reason why it's remained so strong.

Ron Lewis: Yeah

Daniel Rabbitt: that's been the reason why it's remained so strong.

Speaker #10: No, clearly that's the case. And one quick one. In terms of like the past two mechanism you have for aluminum and other costs, can you remind us how much l-like is there a lag in how much of i-is that lag in terms of like, you know, how quickly you pass through those costs?

David Brown: No, clearly that's the case. One quick one. In terms of, like, the pass-through mechanism you have for aluminum and other costs, like, can you remind us how much, is there a lag, and how much of, is that lag in terms of like, you know, how quickly you pass through those costs?

Edlain Rodriguez: No, clearly that's the case. One quick one. In terms of, like, the pass-through mechanism you have for aluminum and other costs, like, can you remind us how much, is there a lag, and how much of, is that lag in terms of like, you know, how quickly you pass through those costs?

Speaker #6: Okay. Well, let me do it very quickly. On aluminum, it's—I would say—immediate. And our other cost pass-throughs are formulaic in nature, and usually they pass through on an annualized basis.

Ron Lewis: Okay. Well, let me do very quickly. On aluminum, it's, I say, immediate. Our other cost pass-throughs are formulaic in nature, and usually they pass through on an annualized basis. Is there more detail you'd like to add to that, Dan?

Speaker #6: Is there more detail you'd like to add to that, Dan? Yeah. I think I think the two areas I would add on to that is, is that really we're, we're talking about higher energy costs and how does that impact o-us on Ron covered the aluminum so I won't go back to that.

Daniel Rabbitt: Yeah. I think the two areas I would add onto that is that really we're talking about higher energy costs and how does that impact to us. Ron covered the aluminum, so I won't go back to that. It's really about, you know, the customer often pays for the freight, more often than not pays for the freight too, so that's a pass-through too, and that's a fairly immediate pass-through in many circumstances. You know, when we look at the year, we always look at trying to hedge and lock in our energy cost. We're in pretty good position from what it takes to run our plants right now too.

Speaker #6: It's really about you know, the customer often pays for the freight. More often than not pays for the freight too. So, so that's a pass-through too.

Speaker #6: And that's, that's a fairly immediate pass-through. in, in, in mo in many circumstances. And then you know, when, when we look at the year we, we always look at trying to, to hedge and lock in our energy cost.

Speaker #6: And so, we're in pretty good position from what it takes to run our plants right now, too.

Speaker #10: And, and we do those hedging to align with our customer contracts so that we wanna be valued for the additional the additional values that we add to the aluminum that we buy and make into aluminum beverage cans and ends and bottles for our customers.

Ron Lewis: We do those hedging to align with our customer contracts so that we want to be valued for the additional values that we add to the aluminum that we buy and make into aluminum beverage cans and ends and bottles for our customers.

Speaker #10: All right. Perfect. Thank you very much.

David Brown: All right. Perfect. Thank you much.

Edlain Rodriguez: All right. Perfect. Thank you much.

Speaker #6: Thank you.

Ron Lewis: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Our next question is from Mike Roxland with True Securities. Please proceed.

Operator 2: Our next question is from Mike Roxland with Truist Securities. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Mike Roxland with Truist Securities. Please proceed.

Speaker #11: yeah. Thank you, Ron, Dan, and Brandon for taking my questions and congrats on all the progress. first question I had is, you know, Dan, you m you ment just mentioned your response to John's question that the EMEA business has the most runway to improve profit and they're doing that.

Mike Roxland: Yes. Thank you, Ron, Dan, and Brandon for taking my questions, and congrats on all the progress. First question I had is, you know, Dan, you've mentioned in response to John's question that the EMEA business has the most runway to improve profit, and they're doing that. That segment was already achieving, excuse me, its operating leverage target, whereas North America isn't. I'm just wondering what you see in terms of the potential for EMEA and why it has the most runway relative to other businesses.

Speaker #11: that segment that was already achieving excuse me, it's operating leverage target whereas North America is. And so I'm just wondering what you see in terms of the potential for EMEA and, and why it has the most runway relative to other businesses.

Speaker #6: Yeah. Thanks, Michael. yeah, I think the main thing to do is when you take a look at the profit per can. EMEAs are lowest, okay?

Daniel Rabbitt: Yeah. Thanks, Michael. I think the main thing to do is when you take a look at the profit per can, EMEA is our lowest, okay? For the regions. They actually have been focused for several years in making the biggest strides on it, as far as the profit per can. That's why I highlight that there's the most opportunity and the most progress has been made too as we think about that from them. To your question about North America-you know, really right now for the last quarter or 2, we see more North America on, you know, on target for the 2 times operating leverage. It's been pretty close to that number as we measure it though this quarter and last.

Speaker #6: So per the per the regions. And they actually have been focused for several years in making the biggest strides on it. and i-is as far as the profit per can.

Speaker #6: So that's why I highlight that there's the most opportunity and the most progress has been made too as we think about that from them.

Speaker #6: But your question about North America, you know, really right now for the last quarter or two we, we see more North America on, you know, on target for trying to for the two times operating leverage.

Daniel Rabbitt: To your question about North America-you know, really right now for the last quarter or 2, we see more North America on, you know, on target for the 2 times operating leverage. It's been pretty close to that number as we measure it though this quarter and last.

Speaker #6: It's been pretty close to that number. as we as we measure it the this quarter and last. happening in North America as well. And, and it is also r increasing its profit per can too as we look at it.

Daniel Rabbitt: I think good things are happening in North America as well, and it is also increasing its profit per can too, as we look at it.

Speaker #10: A-and if you don't mind, Dan, I'd like to add a few things Mike. Thanks for the question. how are we gonna improve our why do we believe we can improve our operating earnings in Europe?

Ron Lewis: If you don't mind, Dan, I'd like to add a few things. Mike, thanks for the question. Why do we believe we can improve our operating earnings in Europe? It comes back to our operational excellence platform. Number 1, we need to implement manufacturing standards in our business, and we're doing that. Number 2, we need to manage our network well, and adding 2 new plants in countries where we didn't operate, in Belgium and in Hungary, are certainly going to help us. We're investing in our people and our systems. Those are the things that I think they give us confidence that we can continue to compete and operate our plants and our network well.

Speaker #10: It comes back to our operational excellence platform. number one, we need to implement manufacturing standards in our business. And we're doing that. number two, we need to manage our network well and adding two new plants in countries where we didn't operate in Belgium and in Hungary are certainly going to help us.

Ron Lewis: Number 2, we need to manage our network well, and adding 2 new plants in countries where we didn't operate, in Belgium and in Hungary, are certainly going to help us. We're investing in our people and our systems. Those are the things that I think they give us confidence that we can continue to compete and operate our plants and our network well.

Speaker #10: And we're investing in our people and our systems so those are the things that I think will that give us confidence that we can continue to compete and operate our b our plants and our network well.

Ron Lewis: I would say the other thing is Europe, we always talk about it as the land of opportunity. There is still significant opportunities for can penetration, we know there's a lot of runway to go. We're really proud of our ability to deliver our operating leverage this quarter. We delivered it, and then some across the enterprise. We certainly delivered it and then some in our EMEA business. We delivered flat operating earnings in South America, despite the volume declines. In North America, we achieved our operating leverage there as well in the quarter, although, you know, for the enterprise, for the full year, we expect to do more or less operating leverage as compared to our volumes at 2 times. That's what we're planning to do.

Speaker #10: I would say the other thing is Europe we always talk about it as the land of opportunity. There is still significant opportunities for can penetration.

Speaker #10: So, we know there's a lot of runway to go. We're really proud of our ability to deliver our operating leverage this quarter. We delivered at it, and then some, across the enterprise.

Speaker #10: We certainly delivered it and then some in our EMEA business. we delivered flat operating earnings in, in South America. despite the volume declines and North America we achieved our our operating leverage there as well in the quarter although you know, for the enterprise for the full year we expect to do more or less operating leverage as compared to our volumes at two times.

Ron Lewis: In North America, we achieved our operating leverage there as well in the quarter, although, you know, for the enterprise, for the full year, we expect to do more or less operating leverage as compared to our volumes at 2 times. That's what we're planning to do.

Speaker #10: That's what we're planning to do. Yeah.

Daniel Rabbitt: Yeah. Ronald, I think I'll use this as an opportunity to reiterate the outlook for North America. We've been talking about the $35 million of ramp-up cost for Millersburg and the domestication of some end production as well, and that was not in Q1. As we start to think about the rest of the year, you're gonna see those costs come in later in this quarter and heavily in Q3, possibly a little in Q4 as well. That's gonna distort some of that operating leverage, and that's why we've been saying all year long, you're gonna have to make some adjustments for those, and you will see the operating leverage on the base business.

Speaker #6: And Ron, though, I think I'll use this as an opportunity to, to reiterate the outlook for North America. Th we've been talking about the 35 million dollars of, of ramp-up cost for Millersburg and the domestication of, of some end production as well.

Speaker #6: And, and, and that, that was not in the first quarter. So as we start to think about the rest of the year you're gonna see those costs come in later in this quarter and heavily in the third quarter possibly a little in fourth quarter as well.

Speaker #6: So that's going to distort some of that operating leverage, and that's why we've been saying all year long you're going to have to make some adjustments for those, and you will see the operating leverage on the base business.

Speaker #10: That's perfect. And if I could just one quick quick follow-up. In terms of you know, some of the incremental costs you're experiencing obviously that they're believed to be transitory, you know, freight, chemicals, energy.

Mike Roxland: That's perfect. If I could, just one quick follow-up. In terms of, you know, some of the incremental costs you're experiencing, obviously they're believed to be transitory, you know, freight, chemicals, energy. I think I know what the answer is gonna be, but I'm gonna ask the question anyway. You know, what levers do you have available to you internally to offset those higher costs? You know, I'm assuming operational efficiencies, deploying best practices, the Ball Business System, some of the things you mentioned historic, you know, in, on your commentary. Are those are the levers that you have in your, in your wheelhouse to basically offset incremental costs and to even potentially drive margins higher when those costs recede?

Speaker #10: And I, I think I know what the answer's gonna be but I'm gonna ask the question anyway. You know, what leverage do you have available to you internally to offset those higher costs?

Speaker #10: I'm, I'm assuming operational efficiencies, deploying best practices, the bold business system, some of the things you mentioned about historic you know, and, and on your commentary.

Mike Roxland: You know, I'm assuming operational efficiencies, deploying best practices, the Ball Business System, some of the things you mentioned historic, you know, in, on your commentary. Are those are the levers that you have in your, in your wheelhouse to basically offset incremental costs and to even potentially drive margins higher when those costs recede?

Speaker #10: But are those are the leverage that you have in your in your wheelhouse to basically offset incremental cost and to even potentially drive margins higher when those costs recede?

Speaker #6: Mike, I think you're thinking about it the right way. We have to be operational excellent every day and that's the first pillar with our strategy.

Ron Lewis: Mike, I think you're thinking about it the right way. We have to be operationally excellent every day, and that's the first pillar with our strategy. Those are the primary means by which we offset those costs, and they're real. The second thing is we are a resilient business model. We are rewarded for and paid for making cans, bottles, and ends as efficiently as possible. The costs that we manage on behalf of our customers are generally passed on to them in a formulaic way, be it freight, be it other direct materials, be it aluminum, through various means. That's what makes us a very resilient business and a very resilient industry.

Speaker #6: So that those are the primary means by which we we offset those costs. And they're real. so and then the second thing is we are a resilient business model.

Speaker #6: We are rewarded for and paid for making cans, bottles, and ends as efficiently as possible. And the costs that we manage on behalf of our customers are generally passed on to them.

Ron Lewis: The costs that we manage on behalf of our customers are generally passed on to them in a formulaic way, be it freight, be it other direct materials, be it aluminum, through various means. That's what makes us a very resilient business and a very resilient industry.

Speaker #6: in, i-i-in a formulaic way be it freight, be it other direct materials. be it aluminum through various means. So that's that's what makes us a very resilient business a-and a very resilient industry.

Speaker #10: Thank you.

Mike Roxland: Thank you.

Speaker #6: Thanks, Mike.

Ron Lewis: Thanks, Mike.

Speaker #1: Our next question is from Arun Vishwanathan. With RBC Capital Markets. Please proceed.

Operator 2: Our next question is from Arun Viswanathan with RBC Capital Markets. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Arun Viswanathan with RBC Capital Markets. Please proceed.

Speaker #11: great. Thanks for taking my question. I guess I just wanted to get your thoughts on maybe the, the, the contracting environment. you know, you guys are adding capacity in North America and Europe and, and elsewhere.

Arun Viswanathan: Great. Thanks for taking my question. I guess I just wanted to get your thoughts on maybe the contracting environment. You know, you guys are adding capacity in North America and Europe and elsewhere, so presumably supply and demand is relatively tight in all regions. Are you expecting to, you know, given that tight capacity, would there be any pricing opportunities over the next few years? I mean, you know, should we still expect about a third of your contracts rollover every year? Maybe you can just kinda help us frame, you know, those kinds of opportunities as well. Thanks.

Speaker #11: So presumably supply and demand is relatively tight. in, in, in all regions. but are you expecting to you know, give it given that tight capacity would there be any pricing opportunities over the next few years?

Speaker #11: I mean, w-w you know, ho-how should we still expect about a third of your contracts rollover every year or maybe you can just kinda h-help us frame you know, those kinds of opportunities as well?

Speaker #11: Thanks.

Speaker #6: Hi, Arun. Thanks for the question. I would say you saw the industry grow significantly the last few years certainly last year BALL we grew more than 4%.

Ron Lewis: Hi, Arun. Thanks for the question. I would say you saw the industry grow significantly the last few years. Certainly last year, Ball, we grew more than 4%, above our long-term algorithm. We used up a lot of the latent capacity that we had. Strong growth in the last several years has led to a relatively tight supply and demand scenario. We, as a business, are operating certainly at asset utilization levels in the mid-to-high 90s, depending on the region, on a percentage basis. The supply and demand is relatively balanced to tight. The next thing I would say is the long-term nature of our business is also reflected in the long-term nature of our contracts with our customers.

Speaker #6: So above our long-term algorithm and we used up a lot of the latent capacity that we had. So strong growth in the last several years has led to a relatively tight supply and de-demand scenario.

Speaker #6: We as a business are operating certainly at at asset utilization levels in the mid to high 90s depending on the region on a percentage basis.

Ron Lewis: We, as a business, are operating certainly at asset utilization levels in the mid-to-high 90s, depending on the region, on a percentage basis. The supply and demand is relatively balanced to tight. The next thing I would say is the long-term nature of our business is also reflected in the long-term nature of our contracts with our customers.

Speaker #6: so the supply and demand is relatively balanced to tight. the next thing I would say is the long-term nature of our business i-i-is is also reflected in the long-term nature of our contracts with our customers.

Speaker #6: So I mentioned earlier on the call we are sold out for this year. We are more than 90% sold for next year. And we're more than 50% sold for the balance of the decade.

Ron Lewis: I mentioned earlier on the call, we are sold out for this year. We are more than 90% sold for next year, and we're more than 50 sold for the balance of the decade. We have a heavy capital deployment in our industry, so it requires that level of commitment from a customer for multi-year contracts. We're well contracted. You said, does roughly a third of our volume turnover every year. Just based on those numbers, it's significantly less than that. Is there an opportunity for us for pricing?

Speaker #6: we have a heavy capital deployment in our industry. So it requires that level of commitment from a customer for multi-year contracts. So we're well contracted.

Speaker #6: you said does it roughly a third of our volume turnover every year? just based on those numbers it's, it's significantly less than that. is there an opportunity for us to to for pricing?

Ron Lewis: I would say we want to be fairly rewarded for what we do, including down to all of the value-added things that we do, whether it be a different type of specialty can or a special, a special promotion or a different type of ink. Those are the things that we deserve to and get rewarded for when we're able to bring that sort of innovation to the market. The market will be what it will be, and we just know that we need to be operationally excellent to compete in it. Thank you, Arun.

Speaker #6: I would say we want to be fairly rewarded for what we do. including down to all of the value-added things that we do whether whether it be a different type of, of specialty can or a special a special promotion or a different type of ink.

Speaker #6: Those are the things that we deserve to and, and get a rewarded for when we're able to bring that sort of innovation to the market.

Speaker #6: the market will be what it will be and we just know that we need to be operationally excellent to compete in it. Thank you, Arun.

Speaker #11: Okay. Thanks for that. and then if I could ask a, a follow-up. you know, just, just, just curious on you know, i-i-if y-y-you will be putting in more capacity here in North America obviously you have the Millersburg plant.

Arun Viswanathan: Okay, thanks for that. If I could ask a follow-up. You know, just curious on, you know, if you will be putting in more capacity here in North America. Obviously, you have the Millersburg plant, but, you know, presumably that will only bring you down to the low nineties, and maybe even, you know, in the mid-nineties. Is that, would you be adding more capacity? What are your customers, I guess, when you do go through this process, do you kind of pre-sell the plant out or, is it, you know, kind of a, you know, more done in the future? Thanks.

Speaker #11: But you know, presumably that will only bring you down to the low 90s. and, and maybe even you know, in the mid 90s. So is that would you be adding more capacity and what, what are your customers I guess when you do go through this, this process d-do you kinda pre-sell the plant out or is it you know, kind of a, a, you know, m-m you know, mo-more, more done, done in the future?

Speaker #11: Thanks.

Speaker #6: Yeah. Thanks for the question, Arun. gives us a chance to talk about Millersburg which will be commissioning late this year and it will bring material volume to our network next year.

Ron Lewis: Yeah. Thanks for the question, Arun. Gives us a chance to talk about Millersburg, which we'll be commissioning late this year, and it will bring material volume to our network next year. It will allow us to remove some supply chain inefficiencies because we do not have capacity in the Pacific Northwest of the US, so that will help us and our customers. The most important thing about that plant that you should know is it comes on the back of a long-term offtake agreement with one of our most strategic customers. That plant is capacity is spoken for many, many years to come when we build it. That is the second thing that you said, the case for any plant that we would build.

Speaker #6: it will allow us to remove some supply chain inefficiencies because we do not have capacity in the Pacific Northwest of the US. So that will help us and our customers.

Speaker #6: The most important thing about that plant that you should know is it comes on the back of a long-term offtake agreement with one of our most strategic customers.

Ron Lewis: The most important thing about that plant that you should know is it comes on the back of a long-term offtake agreement with one of our most strategic customers. That plant is capacity is spoken for many, many years to come when we build it. That is the second thing that you said, the case for any plant that we would build.

Speaker #6: So that plant is capacity is spoken for for many, many years to come when we build it. And that is the second thing that you said.

Speaker #6: The case for any plant that we would build we will not build a plant unless we have a long-term offtake agreement filling essentially all of the capacity for that plant.

Ron Lewis: We will not build a plant unless we have a long-term offtake agreement filling essentially all of the capacity for that plant. We're excited to bring new capacity to North America, but we only bring it on the back of a customer's commitment to us because they see the growth of the beverage can. Maybe a specific comment, for example, the energy drink category, as you know and we all know, is growing and continues to grow unabated. As it grows, we're excited to help our customers in that regard. We have potential to build another plant on the East Coast at some point before the end of the decade, but I wouldn't get too excited about it because it won't be in the next several years.

Speaker #6: So, we're excited to bring new capacity to North America. But we only bring it on the back of a customer's commitment to us because they see the growth of the beverage can.

Speaker #6: maybe a specific comment for example the energy drink category as you know and we all know is growing and continues to grow unabated. And as it grows we're excited to help our customers in that regard.

Ron Lewis: As it grows, we're excited to help our customers in that regard. We have potential to build another plant on the East Coast at some point before the end of the decade, but I wouldn't get too excited about it because it won't be in the next several years.

Speaker #6: And we have potential to build a-another plant on the East Coast at some point before the end of the decade. But I wouldn't get too excited about it because it won't be in the next several years.

Ron Lewis: We have intentions to build a plant in the East Coast in North Carolina, because of the growth of one of our most strategic customers as well. We'll do that when it's appropriate. Hopefully, that gives you a sense of how we deploy our capital, related to our customers. Thank you.

Speaker #6: but we have a intentions to build a plant in in the East Coast in North Carolina. because of the growth of one of our more strateg most strategic customers as well.

Speaker #6: And we'll do that when it's appropriate, and hopefully that gives you a sense of how we deploy our capital related to our customers.

Speaker #6: Thank you.

Speaker #11: Thanks.

Arun Viswanathan: Thanks.

Speaker #12: Our next question is from Hillary Kakanado with Deutsche Bank. Please proceed.

Operator 2: Our next question is from Hillary Cacanando with Deutsche Bank. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Hillary Cacanando with Deutsche Bank. Please proceed.

Speaker #13: Hi. Thank you for taking my question. could you talk about what you're seeing from the CPGs and, you know, terms of promotional activity? Are you seeing them, you know, be more promotional than they've have been in the past?

Hillary Cacanando: Hi. Thank you for taking my question. Could you talk about what you're seeing from the CPGs in, you know, terms of promotional activity? Are you seeing them, you know, be more promotional than they have been in the past? Any color on that would be helpful. Thank you.

Speaker #13: And you call on that would be helpful. Thank you.

Speaker #6: Hi, Hillary. thanks for your coverage of us. We appreciate it.

Ron Lewis: Hi, Hillary. Thanks for your coverage of us. We appreciate it.

Speaker #13: Oh, thank you.

Hillary Cacanando: Oh, thank you.

Ron Lewis: Yeah, it's great. Our customers, we really expect them and look to them for guidance on how they view the consumer. They're much better at this than us, and we really appreciate the insights they provide us. Based on what we know and we hear from them, and I'm gonna talk specifically, you know, about the summer coming up. When I go into our plants and our factories around the world, be it in Europe, in South America, or in the US, at least 1 of the lines is running a World Cup label. That's exciting. Everyone's excited about the summer's World Cup coming up.

Speaker #6: So yeah. Yeah. It's great. our customers we really expect them a-a-and look to them for guidance on on how they view the consumer. They're much better at this than us.

Speaker #6: And we really appreciate the insights they provide us. based on what we know and we hear from them and I-I'm gonna talk specifically, you know, about the summer coming up.

Speaker #6: when I go into our plants and our factories around the world in be it in, in Europe, in South America, or in the US, at least one of the lines is running a World Cup label.

Speaker #6: So that's exciting. Everyone's excited about the, the summer summer's World Cup coming up. And if you're walking through one of our plants in North America I can almost guarantee you you will also see another rhyme line running America 250 years celebration labels as well.

Ron Lewis: If you're walking through one of our plants in North America, I can almost guarantee you will also see another rhyme- line running America 250 year celebration labels as well. Clearly, our customers are looking forward to taking advantage of some exciting consumer-driven marketing activity this summer. It should be at least, it'll be no worse than neutral, and we think it will be a net positive for us. We couldn't put a number on it right now. We're just pleased that our customers continue to see the value that I spoke about earlier of the beverage can. It provides an amazing billboard for them to talk about that promotion.

Speaker #6: So clearly our customers are looking forward to taking advantage of some exciting consumer-driven marketing and activity this summer. and it should be at least it'll be no, no worse than neutral and we think it will be a net positive for us.

Speaker #6: We couldn't put a number on it right now. We're just we're just pleased that our customers continue to see the value that I spoke about earlier of the beverage can it provides an amazing billboard for them to talk about that promotion.

Ron Lewis: We couldn't put a number on it right now. We're just pleased that our customers continue to see the value that I spoke about earlier of the beverage can. It provides an amazing billboard for them to talk about that promotion.

Speaker #6: they can they can use it as a multi-pack or a single different sizes. And the robustness of the package means that they can they can lean into the can as opposed to other packaging substrates because of the shelf life and the quality that that can provides for their product.

Ron Lewis: They can use it as a multi-pack or a single, different sizes, and the robustness of the package means that they can lean into the can as opposed to other packaging substrates because of the shelf life and the quality that that can provides for their product.

Speaker #13: Got it. That's helpful. And then just a follow-up question. the EVA framework really seems to be working well. You know, in setting a clear guideline and goals on the corporate level.

Hillary Cacanando: Got it. That's helpful. Just a follow-up question. The EVA framework really seems to be working well, you know, in setting a clear guideline and goals on the corporate level. Could you talk a little bit about how the EVA framework is being used to, like, incentivize employees at the plant level and, you know, to make operational decisions? You know, is that what's driving operational efficiency on the corporate level as well?

Speaker #13: So, could you talk a little bit about how the EVA framework is being used to, like, incentivize employees at the plant level and, you know, to make operational decisions?

Speaker #13: And, you know, is that what's driving operational efficiency? On the corporate level as well.

Speaker #6: Thanks for the question, Hillary. I'll, I'll let Dan say a few words in a in a moment. about EVA. But just gives me a chance to say EVA is our North Star.

Ron Lewis: Thanks for the question, Hillary. I'll let Dan say a few words in a moment, about EVA, but just gives me a chance to say EVA is our North Star. It has been for a long, long time, and it will continue to be for the foreseeable future. How we deploy capital, running a cost-efficient business, that's what acting like an owner means. As it relates to our plants, all of us are rewarded for delivering EVA dollars, every single person in this company. Maybe, Dan, could you give some nuance around how we're thinking about EVA operationally?

Speaker #6: It has been for a long, long time, and it will continue to be for the foreseeable future. So how we deploy capital, running a cost-efficient business—that's what acting like an owner means.

Speaker #6: So as it relates to our plants all of us are rewarded for delivering EVA dollars every single person in this company. And maybe Dan could you give some nuance around how we're thinking about EVA

Speaker #13: Yeah.

Speaker #6: operationally.

Speaker #14: Yeah. The yeah. The nice thing about having EVA is it's been here longer than Ron and I have. And, and then so it's really ingrained in the culture.

Daniel Rabbitt: The nice thing about having EVA is it's been in here longer than Ron and I have, it's really ingrained in the culture. We do like to have everybody included in these plans. What we're really focused on now is breaking EVA down from this financial concept into what they can actually do to improve EVA. We're making it much more personal. That's one of the key items we're doing to improve the profitability of the company right now, is really getting much more granular in breaking down EVA.

Speaker #14: we, we, we do like to have everybody included in these plans. And, and what we're really focused on now is breaking EVA down from this financial concept into what they can actually do to improve EVA.

Speaker #14: So we're, we're making it much more personal and, and that's, that's one of the key the key items we're doing to, to improve the profitability of, of, of the company right now is, is really getting much more granular.

Speaker #14: in, in breaking down EVA.

Speaker #13: Great. Thank you very much.

Hillary Cacanando: Great. Thank you very much.

Speaker #12: Our final question will be from Matt Roberts with Raymond James. Please proceed.

Operator 2: Our final question will be from Matt Roberts with Raymond James. Please proceed.

Operator: Our final question will be from Matt Roberts with Raymond James. Please proceed.

Speaker #15: Brandon. Good morning. Hi. Thanks for getting me in here. got a couple mostly just clarif-clarifications. first April I believe you said that was up mid-single digits.

Matt Roberts: Brandon, good morning. Thanks for getting me in here. Got a couple mostly just clarifications. First, April, I believe you said that was up mid-single digits. What region was that, or was that enterprise-wide? I believe South America, you said April up 20%. How much of that 20% was the catch-up from Q1?

Speaker #15: What region was that? Or was that enterprise-wide? I believe South America you said April of 20%. How much of that 20% was the catch-up from 1Q?

Ron Lewis: Thanks for the question, Matt. Enterprise-wide, we started the quarter, the month of April, up mid-single digits as an enterprise. Within that enterprise, South America, April volumes were up 20%. How much of it was catch-up from Q1? Well, what I can say is that April volume made up for all of the declines we saw in Q1. It gives me a moment to just say what happened in Q1. What happened in Q1 for us was you saw a really strong volume for us, high single digits in Q4 2025. We came into Q1 with a pretty healthy sales of cans into our customers who had built a strong inventory.

Speaker #6: thanks for the question, Matt. So enterprise-wide we started the, the quarter. The month of April up mid-single digits as an enterprise. within that enterprise South America April volumes were up 20%.

Speaker #6: How much of it was catch-up from Q1? Well, what I can say is that April volume made up for all of the declines we saw in the first quarter.

Speaker #6: And it gives me a moment to just say what happened in the first quarter. What happened in the first quarter for us was you saw a really strong volume for us high single digits in Q4 2025.

Speaker #6: So we came into the to Q1 with a pretty healthy sales of cans into our customers who had built a strong inventory. the peak season in South America weather wasn't probably as good as it a on average that it would normally be.

Ron Lewis: The peak season in South America, weather wasn't probably as good as it on average that it would normally be. It was a little weaker than average, but the coming out of peak, the weather has been quite good, and we're seeing a strong pull-through as we come out of that peak selling season in South America. We think that's some of what's happening. It wasn't asked, but we delivered flat operating earnings in the region, which we're really proud of. How we did that was we actually got to a position where our inventory levels were a bit lower than we expected, so we were able to build back our inventory, which helped us to deliver the P&L in South America.

Speaker #6: So, it was a little weaker than average. But, coming out of the peak, the weather has been quite good. And we're seeing a strong pull-through as we come out of that peak selling season.

Speaker #6: In South America and we think that's some of what's happening. and it wasn't asked but we delivered flat operating earnings. in the in the region which we're really proud of.

Speaker #6: And how we did that was we actually got to a position where our inventory levels were a bit lower than we expected. So we were able to build back our inventory which helped us to deliver the P&L in South America.

Ron Lewis: How we did that was we actually got to a position where our inventory levels were a bit lower than we expected, so we were able to build back our inventory, which helped us to deliver the P&L in South America.

Speaker #6: And also we had some some good size mix in, in country mix there as well that helped us deliver flat operating earnings while we had volumes down a bit.

Ron Lewis: Also, we had some good size mix and country mix there as well that helped us deliver flat operating earnings while we had volumes down a bit. Hopefully that answers your question about the volume and a little bonus on color on South America.

Speaker #6: So hopefully that answers your question about the volume and, and a little bonus on color on, on South America.

Speaker #15: Can I ask first? I'll leave it there. Thank you all again.

Matt Roberts: I asked first, so I'll leave, I'll leave it there. Thank you all again.

Speaker #6: Okay. Thank you very much, Matt. And Sherry I think that's our last question. So just wanted to thank everybody again for your interest in our company.

Ron Lewis: Okay. Thank you very much, Matt. Sherry, I think that's our last question. Just wanted to thank everybody again for your interest in our company, your analysis of our company, your partnership in helping us tell our story. We really appreciate that very much. We look forward to talking with all of you more and sharing our story. We're excited about how we delivered the first quarter of 2026. We're confident in how we're gonna complete 2026. Importantly, we're confident in the long-term nature and the resilient business that we have the privilege to run. Thanks again, everyone, and we look forward to talking to you very soon.

Speaker #6: Your analysis of our company, your partnership in helping us tell our story—we really appreciate that very much. We look forward to talking with all of you more.

Speaker #6: And sharing our story. So we're excited about how we delivered the first quarter of 2026. We're confident in how we're gonna complete 2026. And importantly we're confident in the long-term nature and the resilient business that we have the privilege to run.

Ron Lewis: We're confident in how we're gonna complete 2026. Importantly, we're confident in the long-term nature and the resilient business that we have the privilege to run. Thanks again, everyone, and we look forward to talking to you very soon.

Speaker #6: So thanks again everyone. And we look forward to talking to you very soon.

Operator 2: Thank you. This will conclude today's conference. You may disconnect at this time, and thank you for your participation.

Operator: Thank you. This will conclude today's conference. You may disconnect at this time, and thank you for your participation.

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Q1 2026 Ball Corp Earnings Call

Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 at 12:30 PM

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