Broomfield, COLO-based Ball, the largest packaging company in terms of market capitalization, at $3.3 billion, posted a 67% increase in third-quarter profits, helped by strong overseas demand. Ball (BLL) says fourth-quarter results from continuing operations will track last year's 60 cents a share. Analysts see it earning $3.64 a share this year on almost $7.6 billion of sales and $4.01 next year, up from $3.50 a share in 2007. Ball's stock has fallen 25% in the past year, to a recent 34, but could trade closer to 50 in a year, if earnings increase as expected. Like other packaging concerns, Ball is cutting costs and closing plants. And it is renegotiating contracts with major customers that could yield higher prices. The leader in the $7.5 billion U.S. beverage-can market, with a 35% share, the company is leveraged to the beer and specialty-can markets, with products that include 12-ounce Coca-Cola and Pepsi soft-drink cans. "Today's environment plays into Ball's strengths," Chairman R. David Hoover told analysts on the company's third-quarter conference call. "I expect improved results in 2009."

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Positive indicators include better than expected results from Crown Holdings Corp and case volume increase for Coca Cola (9% internationallyand Pepsi's 8% growth in beverages will drive significant profit and margin improvement for Ball Corporation.

Ball Corp reports on 7/26

aerospace exposure

Downgraded by Banc of America Sec from Buy to Neutral

Accumulation

A play off the OMI earnings report

long term investment.
solid management leading producer of cans, and plastic bottles. Also aerospace division.
committed buy back strategy
European and Asian exposure in beverage cans. Profits on the Euro exchange due to plants in Germany and Asia
Long term play for 2008 Olympics in china

Work for the company, accumlate stock through an ESPP