Ball Reports Strong 2021 Results

Ball Corporation reported, on a US GAAP basis, full-year 2021 net earnings attributable to the corporation of $878 million (including net after-tax charges of $279 million, or $0.84 per diluted share for business consolidation and other non-comparable items), or $2.65 per diluted share, on sales of $13.8 billion.

This compares to $585 million net earnings attributable to the corporation, or $1.76 per diluted share (including net after-tax charges of $402 million, or $1.21 per diluted share for business consolidation and other non-comparable items), on sales of $11.8 billion in 2020.

Ball’s full-year 2021 comparable net earnings were $1.16 billion, or $3.49 per diluted share compared to $987 million, or $2.97 per diluted share in 2020.

Ball’s fourth quarter 2021 net earnings attributable to the corporation on a U.S. GAAP basis, were $297 million, or 90 cents per diluted share, on sales of $3.7 billion compared to $227 million, or 68 cents per diluted share, on sales of $3.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Ball’s fourth quarter 2021 comparable earnings per diluted share were 97 cents versus fourth quarter 2020 comparable earnings per diluted share of 81 cents.

“We delivered a strong finish to 2021 and returned approximately $950 million to shareholders after deploying $1.7 billion of capital expenditures to support our growth during the year,” said John A. Hayes, chairman and CEO. “Underlying demand for Ball’s sustainable aluminum packaging portfolio and innovative aerospace technologies continues to outpace supply.

“Our focus remains on our employees’ safety, mental well-being, training and development, generating EVA-enhancing returns on capital and delivering sustainable innovative products and technologies to our customers. Driven by our Drive for 10 vision, EVA discipline, ownership mindset and incredible workforce, we are well positioned to meaningfully grow our long-term diluted earnings per share, EVA dollars, cash from operations and return significant value to our shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases in 2022 and beyond,” said Daniel W. Fisher, president.

“The company is well-positioned for long-term growth, cost/price recovery and increasing return of value to shareholders. Our businesses’ resiliency, financial strength and ability to effectively manage the business during evolving economic environments reflects who we are and have always been,” said Scott C. Morrison, EVP and CFO.