Ball Reports Sharply Higher First Quarter Results

Ball Corporation BLL today reported first quarter net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation of $91.3 million, or 53 cents per diluted share, on sales of $2 billion, compared to $79.3 million, or 42 cents per diluted share, on sales of $1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2010. Comparable earnings per share, which exclude the impact of the previously announced closing of a metal beverage can plant in California and other business consolidation costs and discontinued operations, were 58 cents, an increase over 43 cents a year ago.