NOTE TO EDITORS: The Following Is an Investment Opinion Being Issued by Benchmark Journal.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Following Is an Investment Opinion Being Issued by WallStSense.com

Among the shares expected to see active trade in Thursday's session are Aetna, Campbell Soup, Hot Topic, Jack in the Box, Limited, NetApp, Sears, Sony and Stage Stores.

Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) announced promotions and senior management changes that will become effective at the beginning of 2010, including that John A. Hayes will become president of Ball at that time. Hayes, who will remain chief operating officer for the corporation, also will join Ball's board of directors at the beginning of the year.

Raymond J. Seabrook will become executive vice president and chief operating officer, global packaging operations, reporting to Hayes. Scott C. Morrison will become senior vice president and chief financial officer and will remain treasurer.

Hayes began his career with Ball as senior director, corporate planning and development. He was vice president, corporate strategy, development and marketing, in 2005 when he was named executive vice president of Ball Packaging Europe.

Seabrook joined Ball Corporation in 1988 with the formation of Ball Packaging Products, Canada. He has been executive vice president and chief financial officer since 2006.

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Ball Corp. COO Hayes Adds Post Of President

Ball (NYSE: BLL) closed yesterday at $51.32. So far the stock has hit a 52-week low of $28.15 and 52-week high of $52.46. Ball stock has been showing support around 50.21 and resistance in the 51.99 ran...(Click the story link or go to http://www.marketintelligencecenter.com for the full story)

Ball Corporation (BLL) announced its plans to acquire the remaining 65% interest in a joint venture metal beverage can and end plant in Sanshui, China, from Guangdong Jianlibao Group Co., Ltd. Ball has owned 35% of the joint venture plant since 1992. Ball agreed to buy the plant and related assets for approximately $90 million in [...]

(BLL) Ball Corporation Strengthens Presence in China

Ball Corporation (BLL) announced its plans to acquire the remaining 65% interest in a joint venture metal beverage can and end plant in Sanshui, China, from Guangdong Jianlibao Group Co., Ltd. Ball has owned 35% of the joint venture plant since 1992. 

Ball agreed to buy the plant and related assets for approximately $90 million in cash and assumed debt. The transaction, which is expected to close in 2010, will strengthen the company’s presence in the fast growing Chinese market.
 
In the past couple of months the company reiterated its focus on expanding worldwide beverage can business. It recently acquired four low-cost manufacturing plants for  metal beverage packaging  in the U.S from AB InBev. Also, the company expanded its metal beverage packaging pilot manufacturing line at the Ball Technology & Innovation Center (BTIC) in Broomfield, Colorado.
 
Given its ability to generate strong cash flows, we believe Ball is well-positioned to invest in business expansion. The company generated free cash flow of $321 million in 2008 and expects to generate approximately $375 million in 2009. The company is focusing on its core businesses and is exiting from the businesses outside its strategic focus area. 

Accordingly, Ball recently agreed to sell its plastic pail assets to BWAY Corporation (BWY) for approximately $32 million. Apart from investing in long-term growth, Ball has streamlined its operations and implemented pricing initiatives and other cost-cutting plans in response to the current market conditions. The company expects to post higher earnings in 2009 compared to 2008 despite lower revenues.
Read the full analyst report on "BLL"
Read the full analyst report on "BWY"
Zacks Investment Research

BWAY Holding Company (BWY) has surprised on estimates 4 quarters in a row by an average of 31.51%. It also recently raised guidance to the higher end of its forecast range. The company trades with a forward P/E of 13.04. Company Description BWAY Holding manufactures industrial in 21 plants in the United States and Canada. These include [...]

(BWY) BWAY Holding Company – Beat Estimates by 40.48% in the Third Quarter

Yesterday, metal and plastic packaging manufacturer, Ball Corporation (BLL), announced the sale of its plastic pail assets to BWAY Corporation (BWY) for approximately $32 million. The sale, which is expected to close by the end of October, primarily involves the sale of a pail manufacturing plant in Newnan, Georgia. Ball acquired this plant in 2006 as [...]

(BLL) Ball Corporation Sheds Extra Assets

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