WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Ball Corp. (BLL) reported that its fourth-quarter net earnings attributable to the company were $77.5 million, or $0.47 per share, down from $92.2 million, or $0.52 per share in the fourth quarter of 2010. On a comparable basis, Ball's fourth quarter net earnings were $78.1 million, or $0.48 per share, compared to $94.4 million or $0.53 per share in the fourth quarter of 2010 including a tax benefit of 7 cents per share. Net sales were $2.052 billion, up from $1.995 billion in the year ago quarter. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $0.53 per share on revenues of $2.06 billion for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. 'We expect investments made in growth projects in 2011 to benefit 2012 results as those projects come on line, and our Drive for 10 actions will play a key role in helping Ball achieve our goal of 10 to 15 percent earnings per share growth in 2012 and beyond,' said John Hayes, president and chief executive officer.
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