WESTMINSTER, Colo., Jan. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) today reported, on a U.S. 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, compared 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.

Details of comparable segment operating earnings, business consolidation activities, business segment descriptions and other non-comparable items can be found in the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements that accompany this news release. References to volume data represent units shipped.

"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. Underlying demand for Ball's sustainable aluminum packaging portfolio and innovative aerospace technologies continues to outpace supply. Our teams executed at a high level to complete significant capital projects on time and on budget to serve accelerating customer demand in 2022 and beyond. During the fourth quarter, the company increased comparable earnings per diluted share by 20 percent compared to fourth quarter 2020, initiated additional cost recovery mechanisms and continued to hire talent and build back finished goods inventory to position the company for long-term growth despite challenges associated with the pandemic, natural disasters and global supply chain disruptions," said John A. Hayes, chairman and chief executive officer.

"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.

Beverage Packaging, North and Central America

Beverage packaging, North and Central America, comparable segment operating earnings for full-year 2021 were $681 million on sales of $5.9 billion compared to $683 million on sales of $5.1 billion in 2020. For the fourth quarter 2021, comparable segment operating earnings were $162 million on sales of $1.5 billion compared to $139 million on sales of $1.3 billion during the same period in 2020. Year-over-year sales reflect higher shipments, the contractual pass through of higher aluminum costs and improved price/mix.

Full-year comparable segment operating earnings were flat and reflect 4 percent segment volume growth offset by the impact of non-aluminum inflationary costs, operational inefficiencies from persistent supply chain disruptions and $42 million of startup costs associated with opening three new multi-line plants capable of producing at least 8 billion units of incremental beverage can and end capacity entering 2022.

Fourth quarter comparable segment operating earnings increased 17 percent versus the same period in 2020. Volume growth of 5 percent, and the benefits from new manufacturing capacity, contractual terms, recent non-aluminum cost recovery initiatives, improved finished goods inventory levels and specialty growth more than offset startup costs, the impacts of supply chain and dunnage tightness and weather-related plant disruptions during the quarter.

Demand for aluminum beverage packaging continues to outstrip supply across North America. In addition to the company's new Glendale, Arizona, and Pittston, Pennsylvania, beverage can manufacturing facilities becoming operational in 2021, the company will initiate construction of new beverage can manufacturing facilities in North Las Vegas, Nevada, and Concord, North Carolina, in 2022 and 2023, respectively, to serve long-term committed volume with global and regional strategic customers serving all beverage categories.

Beverage Packaging, EMEA

Beverage packaging, EMEA, comparable segment operating earnings for full-year 2021 were $452 million on sales of $3.5 billion compared to $354 million on sales of $2.9 billion in 2020. Fourth quarter comparable segment operating earnings were $103 million on sales of $870 million compared to $106 million on sales of $768 million during the same period in 2020. Year-over-year sales reflect higher shipments and the contractual pass through of higher aluminum costs.

Full-year comparable segment operating earnings increased 28 percent and reflect 8 percent segment volume growth, higher specialty mix and strong year-over-year consumption trends across Europe. Fourth quarter comparable segment operating earnings were relatively flat versus the same period in 2020 and reflect 6 percent volume growth offset by unfavorable euro earnings translation, tight labor and raw material conditions impacting certain customer filling locations.

Packaging mix shift to sustainable aluminum cans continues, and demand is outstripping supply. Intermittent supply chain disruptions across the region were effectively managed throughout the year. Contractual provisions and management practices are also in place to minimize potential impacts during the ongoing escalating cost environment. Successfully executed line speed ups in 2021, and greenfield projects in the U.K., Russia and Czech Republic during 2022, will enable further volume and operating earnings growth and are supported by long-term contracts.

Beverage Packaging, South America

Beverage packaging, South America, comparable segment operating earnings for full-year 2021 were $348 million on sales of $2.0 billion compared to $280 million on sales of $1.7 billion in 2020. Fourth quarter comparable segment operating earnings were $103 million on sales of $615 million compared to $107 million on sales of $529 million during the same period in 2020. Year-over-year fourth quarter sales reflect the contractual pass through of higher aluminum costs and higher shipments.

Full-year comparable segment operating earnings increased 24 percent and reflect 3 percent segment volume growth, favorable price/mix and contractual provisions for timely pass through of higher non-aluminum input costs offset by the impact of unfavorable weather conditions and operational inefficiencies associated with storm damage to a facility during the second half. Fourth quarter comparable segment operating earnings were relatively flat versus the same period in 2020 and reflect 3 percent volume growth offset by unfavorable customer product mix. In Brazil, underlying demand for sustainable aluminum packaging remains strong despite unseasonably cool and rainy weather conditions during the busy fourth quarter summer selling season.

To support long-term contracted volume growth and can-filling investments across South America, the company's new beverage can manufacturing facility in Frutal, Brazil, will start up its second line during the first quarter of 2022, and additional investments across our remaining South American footprint will continue.

Aerospace

Aerospace comparable segment operating earnings for full-year 2021 were $169 million on sales of $1.9 billion compared to $153 million on sales of $1.7 billion in 2020. For the fourth quarter, comparable segment operating earnings were $54 million on sales of $530 million compared to $39 million on sales of $420 million during the same period in 2020. Backlog ended the quarter at $2.5 billion and contracts won, but not yet booked into backlog, was $5.0 billion.

Full-year and fourth quarter segment operating earnings reflect moderation in the inefficiencies created from certain customer supply-chain disruptions and solid program execution. During the quarter, the Ball-built NASA Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) spacecraft was successfully launched. The IXPE astrophysics mission will provide unprecedented insight into how the universe works with a goal of probing the origin and destiny of our universe, including the nature of black holes, dark energy, dark matter and gravity. Also, during the quarter and following decades of collaboration among numerous industry partners, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launched on Christmas Day. Ball-built optics and mirror systems will enable Webb to detect light from the first stars and galaxies.

The company continues to win defense, climate change and Earth-monitoring contracts to provide mission-critical programs and technologies to U.S. government, defense, intelligence, and reconnaissance and surveillance customers. Hiring to support future growth and multiple projects to expand manufacturing capacity, test capabilities, engineering, and support workspace were successfully completed in 2021.

Non-reportable

In addition to undistributed corporate expenses, the results for the company's global aluminum aerosol business, beverage can manufacturing facilities in India, Saudi Arabia and Myanmar and investments in the company's aluminum cup business continue to be reported in other non-reportable.

Full-year results reflect higher year-over-year undistributed corporate expenses and marketing costs associated with the aluminum cup national retail launch and its return to venues and stadiums across the United States offset by stronger year-over-year performance achieved in the aluminum aerosol business and other non-reportable beverage can manufacturing facilities. Fourth quarter results reflect lower year-over-year undistributed corporate expenses driven by lower benefit costs and improved performance in the non-reportable beverage can manufacturing facilities. During the quarter, the company's global aluminum aerosol customers continued to pursue sustainable personal care packaging solutions including the company's new Infinity aluminum bottle and refillable aluminum bottles for new categories.

Outlook

"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. We look forward to reaping higher returns on newly commissioned investments, pursuing additional organic growth opportunities backed by long-term contracts with global strategic partners and increasing the return of value to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in 2022," said Scott C. Morrison, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

"Ball is stronger than ever. Despite the adversity we and others have endured, the optimism and resiliency of our team to get packaging products out the door and missions launched into space has allowed us to perform well, take care of one another and create an even brighter future for our company. Our Drive for 10 vision, enduring culture, talented team, capital allocation discipline and strong demand for our sustainable packaging and technologies will enable our ability to replicate our strong performance for decades to come. In 2022 and beyond, we look forward to growing our cash from operations, EVA dollars, returning even more capital to our shareholders and exceeding our long-term diluted earnings per share growth goal of at least 10 to 15%," Fisher said.

About Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverage, personal care and household products customers, as well as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ 24,300 people worldwide and reported 2021 net sales of $13.8 billion. For more information, visit www.ball.com, or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Conference Call Details
Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) will hold its fourth quarter 2021 earnings call today at 9 a.m. Mountain time (11 a.m. Eastern). The North American toll-free number for the call is 877-256-3243. International callers should dial 212-231-2919. Please use the following URL for a webcast of the live call:

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/vurbtc23

For those unable to listen to the live call, a taped replay will be available from 11 a.m. Mountain time on January 27, 2022, until 11 a.m. Mountain time on February 3, 2022. To access the replay, call 800-633-8284 (North American callers) or 402-977-9140 (international callers) and use reservation number 22002488. A written transcript of the call will be posted within 48 hours of the call's conclusion to Ball's website at www.ball.com/investors under "news and presentations."

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains "forward-looking" statements concerning future events and financial performance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "believes," and similar expressions typically identify forward-looking statements, which are generally any statements other than statements of historical fact. Such statements are based on current expectations or views of the future and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied. You should therefore not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements and they should be read in conjunction with, and qualified in their entirety by, the cautionary statements referenced below. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Key factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to be different are summarized in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Exhibit 99 in our Form 10-K, which are available on our website and at www.sec.gov. Additional factors that might affect: a) our packaging segments include product capacity, supply, and demand constraints and fluctuations and changes in consumption patterns; availability/cost of raw materials, equipment, and logistics; competitive packaging, pricing and substitution; changes in climate and weather; footprint adjustments and other manufacturing changes, including the startup of new facilities and lines; failure to achieve synergies, productivity improvements or cost reductions; unfavorable mandatory deposit or packaging laws; customer and supplier consolidation; power and supply chain interruptions; changes in major customer or supplier contracts or loss of a major customer or supplier; inability to pass through increased costs; political instability and sanctions; currency controls; changes in foreign exchange or tax rates; and tariffs, trade actions, or other governmental actions, including business restrictions and shelter-in-place orders in any country or jurisdiction affecting goods produced by us or in our supply chain, including imported raw materials; b) our aerospace segment include funding, authorization, availability and returns of government and commercial contracts; and delays, extensions and technical uncertainties affecting segment contracts; c) the company as a whole include those listed above plus: the extent to which sustainability-related opportunities arise and can be capitalized upon; changes in senior management, succession, and the ability to attract and retain skilled labor; regulatory actions or issues including those related to tax, ESG reporting, competition, environmental, health and workplace safety, including U.S. FDA and other actions or public concerns affecting products filled in our containers, or chemicals or substances used in raw materials or in the manufacturing process; technological developments and innovations; the ability to manage cyber threats; litigation; strikes; disease; pandemic; labor cost changes; inflation; rates of return on assets of the company's defined benefit retirement plans; pension changes; uncertainties surrounding geopolitical events and governmental policies, including policies, orders, and actions related to COVID-19; reduced cash flow; interest rates affecting our debt; and successful or unsuccessful joint ventures, acquisitions and divestitures, and their effects on our operating results and business generally.

Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements (Fourth Quarter 2021)

1. Business Segment Information

Ball's operations are organized and reviewed by management along its product lines and geographical areas and presented in the four reportable segments outlined below.

Beverage packaging, North and Central America: Consists of operations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico that manufacture and sell aluminum beverage containers.

Beverage packaging, EMEA: Consists of operations in numerous countries throughout Europe, including Russia, as well as Egypt and Turkey, that manufacture and sell aluminum beverage containers throughout those regions.

Beverage packaging, South America: Consists of operations in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile that manufacture and sell aluminum beverage containers throughout most of South America.

Aerospace: Consists of operations that manufacture and sell aerospace and other related products and the provision of services used in the defense, civil space and commercial space industries.

Other consists of a non-reportable operating segment (beverage packaging, other) that manufactures and sells aluminum beverage containers; a non-reportable segment that manufactures and sells extruded aluminum aerosol containers, recloseable aluminum bottles across multiple consumer categories and slugs (aerosol packaging); a non-reportable operating segment that manufactures and sells aluminum cups (aluminum cups); undistributed corporate expenses; intercompany eliminations and other business activities.

The company also has investments in operations in Guatemala, Panama, the U.S. and Vietnam that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and, accordingly, those results are not included in segment sales or earnings.

On January 26, 2022, Ball sold its remaining equity method investment in Ball Metalpack to Sonoco, a global provider of consumer, industrial, healthcare and protective packaging for approximately $300 million in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments. The carrying value of the investment was zero, therefore the proceeds, net of adjustments, will be reported as a pre-tax gain in business consolidation and other activities in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings. Cash proceeds will be presented in business dispositions in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

In the third quarter of 2021, Ball sold its minority-owned investment in South Korea. Consideration for the transaction was cash of $120 million, of which $110 million has been received and is presented in business dispositions within cash flows from investing activities in Ball's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The remaining $10 million will be received on or before December 31, 2022, and is presented in other current assets on Ball's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

2. Non-U.S. GAAP Measures

Non-U.S. GAAP Measures – Non-U.S. GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation. They should not be considered superior to, or a substitute for, financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Presentations of earnings and cash flows presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP are available in the company's earnings releases and quarterly and annual regulatory filings. Information reconciling forward-looking U.S. GAAP measures to non-U.S. GAAP measures is not available without unreasonable effort. We have not provided guidance for the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, as they are not available without unreasonable effort due to the high variability, complexity and low visibility with respect to certain special items, including restructuring charges, business consolidation and other costs, gains and losses related to acquisition and divestiture of businesses, the ultimate outcome of certain legal or tax proceedings and other non-comparable items. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors and could be material to our results computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Comparable Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (Comparable EBITDA), Comparable Operating Earnings, Comparable Net Earnings, Comparable Diluted Earnings Per Share and Net Debt – Comparable EBITDA is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, business consolidation and other non-comparable costs. Comparable Operating Earnings is earnings before interest, taxes, business consolidation and other non-comparable costs. Comparable Net Earnings is net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation before business consolidation and other non-comparable costs after tax. Comparable Diluted Earnings Per Share is Comparable Net Earnings divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding. We use Comparable EBITDA, Comparable Operating Earnings, Comparable Net Earnings, and Comparable Diluted Earnings Per Share internally to evaluate the company's operating performance. Net Debt is total debt less cash and cash equivalents, which are derived directly from the company's financial statements. Ball management uses Net Debt to Comparable EBITDA and Comparable EBITDA to interest expense as metrics to monitor the credit quality of Ball Corporation.

Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements (Fourth Quarter 2021)

2. Non-U.S. GAAP Measures (continued)

Please see the company's website for further details of the company's non-U.S. GAAP financial measures at www.ball.com/investors under the "FINANCIALS" tab.

A summary of the effects of non-comparable items on after tax earnings is as follows:

A summary of the effects of non-comparable items on earnings before interest and taxes is as follows:

SOURCE Ball Corporation