Exhibit 99.1

 

Ball Reports Improved 2019 Results

 

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Feb. 6, 2020 – Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) today reported, on a U.S. GAAP basis, full-year 2019 net earnings attributable to the corporation of $566 million (including net after-tax charges of $295 million, or 87 cents per diluted share for business consolidation and other non-comparable costs) or $1.66 per diluted share, on sales of $11.5 billion, compared to $454 million net earnings attributable to the corporation, or $1.29 per diluted share (including net after-tax charges of $321 million, or 91 cents per diluted share for business consolidation and other non-comparable costs), on sales of $11.6 billion in 2018. Ball’s full-year 2019 comparable net earnings were $861 million, or $2.53 per diluted share, compared to $775 million, or $2.20 per diluted share in 2018.

Fourth quarter 2019 net earnings attributable to the corporation, on a U.S. GAAP basis, were $160 million, or 48 cents per diluted share, on sales of $2.7 billion compared to $151 million, or 44 cents per diluted share, on sales of $2.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018. Ball’s fourth quarter 2019 comparable net earnings were $238 million, or 71 cents per diluted share versus fourth quarter 2018 comparable net earnings of $191 million or 55 cents per diluted share.

Results reflect the 2019 sale of the company’s Argentine steel aerosol business and Chinese beverage can assets, and the 2018 sale of the company’s U.S. steel food and steel aerosol business. References to volume data represent units shipped. Year-over-year global beverage volumes referenced exclude the impact of the recent sale of the Chinese beverage can assets. Details of comparable segment earnings, business consolidation activities and other non-comparable items can be found in the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements that accompany this news release.

“We finished 2019 on a strong note, with fourth quarter comparable operating earnings increasing 14 percent, comparable earnings per diluted share increasing 29 percent and stronger than expected cash flow generation being driven by working capital improvements across most of our businesses. Over the past year, our global beverage volumes increased 5 percent, our aerospace contracted backlog increased 14 percent and we were able to sell underperforming assets. With global customer and consumer demand for aluminum packaging solutions continuing to outpace existing supply, our previously announced aluminum beverage can and cup projects will add at least 8 billion units of capacity by the end of 2021,” said John A. Hayes, chairman, president and chief executive officer.

“Throughout 2020, our focus will be on execution through improving our operational excellence and customer service, amplifying the sustainability benefits of aluminum packaging, and executing beverage and aerospace investment projects. In the near- and long-term, our business portfolio is well positioned to deliver on our financial goals and increase shareholder returns for many more years.” 

 

Beverage Packaging, North and Central America

Beverage packaging, North and Central America, comparable segment operating earnings for the full-year 2019 were $555 million on sales of $4.8 billion compared to $551 million on sales of $4.6 billion in 2018. For the fourth quarter 2019, comparable segment operating earnings were $139 million on sales of $1.1 billion compared to $128 million on sales of $1.1 billion during the same period in 2018.

Four percent volume growth during the year and net fixed cost savings were partially offset by previously disclosed unfavorable U.S. aluminum scrap rates and customer mix, as well as operational costs from newly commissioned production lines to support tight market conditions. Throughout the quarter, improved manufacturing performance at the new Goodyear, Arizona, facility was partially offset by the impact of investing in multiple growth projects at existing plants and network effects of managing tight production levels across the entire standard and specialty product portfolio. Our second half 2019 segment volume growth was limited by availability of cans and these tight supply conditions will continue until new production in Georgia and Texas ramps up in the second half of 2020.

In 2020, benefits from new customer contracts, mitigation of U.S. aluminum scrap headwinds, operational efficiency improvements and increased availability of cans are expected to add significantly to year-over-year results.

 

Beverage Packaging, South America

Beverage packaging, South America, comparable segment operating earnings for full-year 2019 were $288 million on sales of $1.7 billion, compared to $313 million on sales of $1.7 billion in 2018. For the fourth quarter 2019, comparable segment operating earnings were $95 million on sales of $460 million compared to $78 million on sales of $472 million during the same period in 2018.

Eight percent volume growth in the full year was unable to offset the final wind down of the third-party end sales agreement associated with the Rexam acquisition, unfavorable foreign exchange associated with the Argentine peso, customer mix, and start-up and warehousing costs related to new capacity additions.

During the fourth quarter, industry beverage can demand in South America remained strong as customers continue to shift packaging mix from returnable glass to aluminum cans, and new categories including wine, sparkling beverages, spiked seltzers, mixed drinks and still water launch their brands in cans. The company’s new beverage can manufacturing plant in Paraguay began production in late October and an additional multi-line beverage can plant will start up in Brazil during the fourth quarter of 2020.  

As we look forward, year-over-year performance is expected to improve due to favorable market trends for cans across the regions where we operate, better customer mix and improved manufacturing efficiencies. 

 

Beverage Packaging, Europe

Beverage packaging, Europe, comparable segment operating earnings for the full-year 2019 were $308 million on sales of $2.7 billion, compared to $282 million on sales of $2.6 billion in 2018. For the fourth quarter 2019, comparable segment operating earnings were $67 million on sales of $599 million compared to $63 million on sales of $624 million during the same period in 2018.

Full-year segment earnings reflect five percent can demand growth across Europe and effective operational performance offset by euro earnings translation. Segment volume was driven by packaging mix shift to cans for traditional and non-traditional beverages, strong growth for energy drinks and growing demand for specialty cans. Operational efficiencies more than offset muted shipments in the fourth quarter due largely to customer / retailer positioning at year-end.

Multiple beverage can line additions will be executed across the existing European plant network to provide incremental capacity in 2020 for customers adjusting their packaging filling assets to aluminum beverage packaging from single-serve plastics. Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, the company’s existing facilities in Cairo, Egypt, and Manisa, Turkey, will be consolidated into the existing beverage packaging, Europe segment. This 2020 change reflects how the segment will be managed and reported for the purposes of further cost reduction and improved operational efficiency.

 

Aerospace

Aerospace comparable segment operating earnings for 2019 were $140 million on sales of $1.5 billion, compared to $113 million on sales of $1.2 billion in 2018. For the fourth quarter 2019, comparable segment operating earnings were $37 million on sales of $398 million compared to $38 million on sales of $359 million during the same period in 2018. Contracted backlog increased 14 percent year-over-year to $2.5 billion at the end of 2019 and contracts already won, but not yet booked into current contracted backlog remained strong at $4.2 billion.

Program execution remains strong across the business and the company hired more than 1,000 people in 2019. Multiple projects to expand office space, manufacturing capacity and test capabilities are on track. In 2020 and beyond, the larger labor base will execute on a broad base of defense, civil, climate monitoring and weather prediction contracts leading segment comparable operating earnings to grow on a full-year basis for the foreseeable future.

 

Non-reportable

Year-over-year results in non-reportable reflect the benefit of lower undistributed corporate expenses and improved volumes in AMEA partially offset by the dilutive impact of the 2019 sale of the Chinese beverage can assets, the 2019 sale of the Argentine steel aerosol business, and the mid-year 2018 sale of the U.S. steel food and steel aerosol business.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, the company’s existing facilities in Cairo, Egypt, and Manisa, Turkey, currently reported in the Other non-reportable segment, will be consolidated into the existing beverage packaging, Europe segment. This 2020 change reflects how the segment will be managed and reported for the purposes of further cost reduction and improved operational efficiency following the recent decision to close our regional office in Dubai. The results for the company’s global aluminum aerosol business and beverage can manufacturing facilities located in India, Saudi Arabia and Myanmar will continue to be reported as a non-reportable segment in 2020.

 

Outlook

“In 2019, we met our goals of generating nearly $1 billion in free cash flow and returning in excess of $1 billion to shareholders, in addition to investing $600 million to expand our capabilities and initiate multi-year plans to increase our global beverage can production. Our successful November 2019 euro-denominated bond issuance resulted in favorable rates and a larger than typical cash balance at year-end. In January 2020, we redeemed the outstanding 3.5% and 4.375% 2020 senior notes. The company continues to operate from a position of strength with earnings growth and cash flow to support disciplined growth investments and consistent return of value to shareholders in the range of $1 billion in 2020,” said Scott C. Morrison, senior vice president and chief financial officer.

“We are building our future today. Managing the growth in our existing businesses, being the sustainability leader, enabling the go-to-market strategy for our new aluminum cups business, and executing our disciplined capital allocation strategy is an exciting way to embark on 2020 and beyond. We look forward to delivering long-term diluted earnings per share growth of at least 10 to 15 percent, increasing EVA dollars generated on a growing invested capital base and returning significant value to shareholders,” Hayes 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 18,300 people worldwide and reported 2019 net sales of $11.5 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 2019 earnings call today at 9 a.m. Mountain time (11 a.m. Eastern). The North American toll-free number for the call is 800-658-8315. International callers should dial 303-223-4375. Please use the following URL for a webcast of the live call:

 

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/b4qn6tot 

 

For those unable to listen to the live call, a taped replay will be available from 11 a.m. Mountain time on February 6, 2020, until 11 a.m. Mountain time on February 13, 2020. To access the replay, call 800-633-8284 (North American callers) or 402-977-9140 (international callers) and use reservation number 21950517. 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," "targets," "likely," "positions" 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 any such statements 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; availability/cost of raw materials 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; mandatory deposit or other restrictive packaging laws; customer and supplier consolidation; power and supply chain interruptions; potential delays and tariffs related to the U.K’s departure from the EU; changes in major customer or supplier contracts or a loss of a major customer or supplier; political instability and sanctions; currency controls; changes in foreign exchange or tax rates; and tariffs, trade actions, or other governmental actions in any country affecting goods produced by us or in our supply chain, including imported raw materials, such as pursuant to Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act of 1962 or Section 301 of Trade Act of 1974; 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 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 action or issues including tax, 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; information technology initiatives and management of cyber-security processes; litigation; strikes; labor cost changes; rates of return on assets of the company's defined benefit retirement plans; pension changes; uncertainties surrounding geopolitical events and governmental policies both in the U.S. and in other countries, including the U.S. government elections, budget, sequestration and debt limit; reduced cash flow; interest rates affecting our debt; and successful or unsuccessful joint ventures, acquisitions and divestitures.

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Condensed Financial Statements (Fourth Quarter 2019)

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

Condensed Financial Statements (Fourth Quarter 2019)

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Condensed Financial Statements (Fourth Quarter 2019)

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

 

 

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 metal beverage containers.

 

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

 

Beverage packaging, Europe:  Consists of operations in numerous countries in Europe, including Russia, that manufacture and sell metal beverage containers.

 

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 non-reportable segments located in Africa, Middle East and Asia (beverage packaging, AMEA) and Asia Pacific (beverage packaging, Asia Pacific) that manufacture and sell metal beverage containers; a non-reportable segment that manufactures and sells aerosol containers, extruded aluminum aerosol containers and aluminum slugs (aerosol packaging); undistributed corporate expenses; intercompany eliminations and other business activities.

 

The company also has investments in operations in Guatemala, Panama, South Korea, 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.

 

Beginning in January 2020, Ball has changed how the beverage packaging, AMEA and beverage packaging, Asia Pacific, operating segments are being managed and reported to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs. The plants in Cairo, Egypt, and Manisa, Turkey, will be consolidated with the existing reportable beverage packaging, Europe, operating segment. The company’s operations in India and Saudi Arabia will be consolidated with the remainder of the beverage packaging, Asia Pacific, operating segment resulting in a new non-reportable beverage packaging, other, operating segment. These changes will be reflected in the segment financial reporting beginning the first quarter of 2020 including comparative historical periods.

 

1. Business Segment Information (continued)

 

2. Non-Comparable Items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Subsequent Events

 

In November 2019, Ball issued €1.3 billion in aggregate principal amount of euro-denominated senior notes for general corporate purposes. In January 2020, Ball redeemed the outstanding euro-denominated 3.50% senior notes due in 2020 in the amount of €400 million and the outstanding 4.375% senior notes due in 2020 in the amount of $1 billion.

 

4. 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.

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.

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

 

A summary of the effects of the above transactions on after tax earnings is as follows:

 

 

 

A summary of the effects of the above transactions on earnings before interest and taxes is as follows: