Ball Corporation Beats EPS Estimates By 1 Cent (BLL)

Broomfield, Colorado-based Ball Corporation BLL released financial results on Thursday morning that beat Wall Street estimates. Ball Corporation announced that its 4th quarter net earnings from continuing operations rose to $93.7 million, or $1.06 per share, up from $79.7 million, or 83 cents per share, a year earlier. Excluding special items, the company reported earnings of 93 cents per share. Ball Corporation reported revenue of $2.0 billion, up from $1.73 billion a year earlier. According to a poll of analysts by Thomson Reuters, the average Wall Street estimate called for earnings of 92 cents per share, on revenue of $1.88 billion. President and chief executive officer John A. Hayes said, "Excellent operating performance, the consolidation of our Brazilian joint venture into our financial results, continued growth in emerging markets and strong aerospace program performance all contributed to the significant improvement in results. Our fourth quarter diluted earnings per share, adjusted for the impact of the tax benefit of 13 cents, were 93 cents, an increase over 83 cents a year ago." Ball Corporation (BLL) finished the previous trading day at $71.67 per share. The consensus price target of analysts covering the company's stock is $74.09 per share. Read more from Benzinga's Company news.