Dorato Capital Management Makes New Investment in Ball Corporation $BALL

Dorato Capital Management bought a new stake in Ball Corporation (NYSE:BALL) in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 10,972 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $615,000.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Endeavor Private Wealth Inc. bought a new position in shares of Ball during the 3rd quarter valued at about $583,000. Iridian Asset Management LLC CT increased its stake in Ball by 73.7% during the 3rd quarter. Iridian Asset Management LLC CT now owns 46,624 shares of the company’s stock worth $2,351,000 after purchasing an additional 19,776 shares in the last quarter. Rakuten Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Ball during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $464,000. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC acquired a new stake in Ball during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $2,682,000. Finally, Cibc World Market Inc. bought a new position in Ball in the third quarter valued at approximately $5,570,000. 86.51% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Insider Activity

In related news, SVP Kathleen Pitre sold 10,660 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.63, for a total transaction of $710,275.80. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 36,772 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,450,118.36. This represents a 22.47% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Fauze Villatoro purchased 1,551 shares of Ball stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 4th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $64.51 per share, with a total value of $100,055.01. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 13,778 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $888,818.78. The trade was a 12.69% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. 0.81% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on BALL shares. Mizuho upped their price target on shares of Ball from $58.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Weiss Ratings restated a “hold (c)” rating on shares of Ball in a report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley set a $66.00 target price on shares of Ball in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on Ball from $64.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $75.00 price target on Ball in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Ball has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $69.00.

Ball Price Performance

NYSE BALL opened at $59.95 on Friday. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $62.50 and its 200-day moving average is $54.50. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29. The company has a market capitalization of $15.96 billion, a PE ratio of 18.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.14. Ball Corporation has a 12-month low of $43.51 and a 12-month high of $68.29.

Ball (NYSE:BALL) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The company reported $0.91 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $3.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $3.11 billion. Ball had a net margin of 6.93% and a return on equity of 18.12%. The firm’s revenue was up 16.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.84 earnings per share. Ball has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.930- EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Ball Corporation will post 3.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Ball Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 2nd were paid a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, March 2nd. Ball’s dividend payout ratio is currently 24.10%.

About Ball

Ball Corporation is a leading provider of sustainable aluminum packaging solutions and advanced aerospace technologies. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, the company serves customers in the beverage, food and aerosol markets through a global network of manufacturing facilities. With an emphasis on sustainability and innovation, Ball designs and produces metal cans, bottles and ends that support recycling and reduce environmental impact.

The company’s packaging segment specializes in beverage cans for soft drinks, beer and energy drinks, as well as metal packaging for food and personal care applications.