Aug 1 (Reuters) - Ball Corp ( BALL ) reported a
second-quarter profit on Thursday that beat analysts' estimates
as the beer can maker benefited from cost-reduction plans and
lower input costs.
The company, whose customers include Corona beer maker
Constellation Brands ( STZ ), has been streamlining its business
and cutting down on higher cost facilities.
In February, Ball Corp ( BALL ) completed the sale of its aerospace
business to focus on aluminum packaging - demand for which has
been growing as companies look for more sustainable alternatives
to plastic.
Still, muted consumer spending on food and beverages in
North America and Europe due to sticky inflation has prompted
consumer goods companies to temper inventories, denting demand.
The Colorado-based company reported sales of $1.47 billion
at its beverage packaging business in North and Central America,
missing estimates of $1.52 billion, according to LSEG data.
Volumes at its beverage packaging segment were also lower in
South America, hurt by "disruptive economic and operating
conditions in Argentina," according to the company.
Ball Corp ( BALL ) forecast annual adjusted profit to grow by a
mid-single-digit plus percentage. Analysts had expected
full-year earnings to increase 5.4%.
On an adjusted basis, the company earned 74 per share,
beating estimates of 70 cents.
Ball Corp's ( BALL ) net sales for the quarter ending June 30 fell
3.5% to $2.96 billion, missing estimates of $3.10 billion.