Ball Corporation (NYSE:BALL) Q4 2022 Earnings Call Transcript

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Scott Morrison: But I would say in Europe, Ghansham, the sustainability push in Europe is not slowing down. And I think that will help. And we know how many can filling lines are going in Europe in the next couple of years. And so that’s why I think we’re bullish on the outlook for Europe.

Daniel Fisher: I think the reopening, if anything, would have slowed our growth because the on-premise is overwhelmingly kegs. And so, despite that return to on-prem, we’re still growing at the high single-digit rate. So, I continue to be bullish about what’s happening in Europe. I’ve said this — a number of times, and I think I’ve said this to you. I’m most bullish on Europe and the medium and the long-term. The short-term, obviously, they have to figure out energy that will impact every industry, every business. But for us, the sustainability underpinnings are tremendous and we’re excited about these new assets that we’re ramping up here in the first half of the year.

Ghansham Panjabi: Okay. That’s clear. And then for the second question, on the $200 million plus net price cost recovery guidance for 2023, how do you anticipate that will flow through the various beverage can segments? And then separately, did you give a working capital number for 2023 in terms of year-over-year movement?

Scott Morrison: For 2023 working capital, we expect to get to that $750 million of free cash flow. We expect working capital to be a source around a little over $300 million.

Daniel Fisher: And on the net cost pass-through and net recovery, it’s overwhelmingly Europe and North America, and it’s 60% North America, Scott, as he’s nodding. And you’ll see, in Europe, it comes in a more linear fashion over the quarters. And in North America, you’ll see probably 60% of that coming in, in the second half of the year. July 1 is a big date for lapping one particular customer contract.

Ghansham Panjabi: Fantastic. Thanks so much.

Operator: Next question from the line of Anthony Pettinari with Citi. Please go ahead.

Anthony Pettinari: Good morning.

Daniel Fisher: Good morning.

Anthony Pettinari: Just following up on Ghansham’s last question, you reaffirmed the $200 million inflation recovery target. Scott, you mentioned inflation and energy coming in lower than expected, maybe in some cases materially. I’m just wondering if that’s something that would cause you to raise that $200 million target or maybe it’s too early in the year? Or do you think about sort of the benefits of those lower costs in a different way? Or is there a lag? Just wondering, how we should think about that.

Daniel Fisher: I’ll answer it, and then I’ll let Scott give you more detailed answer. We prefer to be heroes in December than off start here. But Scott, go ahead.

Scott Morrison: No, what I was going to say. It’s only February 2. I mean, I think the optimism we’re feeling is that it appears a lot of the trends are more helpful to us. And so, all those things will be beneficial, but we’ve got to see how volumes show up. That’s the big wildcard. We’re getting out of the gate in a more positive and constructive way. And we’re building our plan on a more conservative basis but we’ll see. But definitely, things seem to be turning into a little more tailwinds than headwinds that we had last year.

Anthony Pettinari: Okay. That’s helpful. And then just a few quick follow-ups on Latin America. With the footprint actions in Brazil, I don’t know if there’s kind of a finer point you can put on the cost savings there. And then maybe just where your operating rates will be in Brazil once that’s completed? And I guess just one last one. If — how you’d characterize the South American businesses ex Brazil, how they’re doing?

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