Properties

The cost of properties and related accumulated depreciation consists of the following:



	As of
	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(In millions)
Land and improvements	$	175.3		$	192.1
Buildings and improvements	475.0			505.0
Machinery and equipment	1,756.8			1,802.7
Returnable containers	241.5			313.5
Furniture and fixtures	205.9			365.4
Software	128.3			120.8
Natural resource properties	3.8			3.0
Construction in progress	154.6			126.3
Total properties cost	3,141.2			3,428.8
Less: accumulated depreciation	(1,343.2		)	(1,458.7		)
Net properties	$	1,798.0		$	1,970.1

Depreciation expense was $268.4 million, $272.5 million and $230.3 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Loss and breakage expense related to our returnable containers, included in the depreciation expense amounts noted above, was $43.1 million, $51.8 million and $45.3 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is classified within cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, the previously mentioned depreciation expense for 2014 includes accelerated depreciation associated with management's proposal to close one of our brewing facilities in 2015, and is classified within special items in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 8, "Special Items" for further discussion.