10-K 1 tap2017123110-k.htm 10-K Document

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________________________________________________________
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______ to ______ .
Commission File Number: 1-14829
mcbclogoa02.jpg
Molson Coors Brewing Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
 
84-0178360
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1801 California Street, Suite 4600, Denver, Colorado
1555 Notre Dame Street East, Montréal, Québec, Canada
 
80202
H2L 2R5
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
303-927-2337 (Colorado)
514-521-1786 (Québec)
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
_______________________________________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value
 
New York Stock Exchange
Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value
 
New York Stock Exchange
Senior Floating Rate Notes due 2019
 
New York Stock Exchange
1.25% Senior Notes due 2024
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES ý    NO o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES o    NO ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES ý    NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES ý    NO o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ý
 
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
Emerging growth company o
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES o    NO ý
The aggregate market value of the registrant's voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant at the close of business on June 30, 2017, was approximately $15.6 billion based upon the last sales price reported for such date on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange. For purposes of this disclosure, shares of common and exchangeable stock held by persons holding more than 10% of the outstanding shares of stock and shares owned by officers and directors of the registrant as of June 30, 2017, are excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination is not necessarily conclusive of affiliate status for other purposes.
The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of February 9, 2018:
Class A Common Stock—2,560,568 shares
 
Class B Common Stock—195,427,749 shares

           Exchangeable shares:
As of February 9, 2018, the following number of exchangeable shares was outstanding for Molson Coors Canada, Inc.:
Class A Exchangeable Shares—2,878,535 shares
 
Class B Exchangeable Shares—14,691,571 shares
The Class A exchangeable shares and Class B exchangeable shares are shares of the share capital in Molson Coors Canada Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the registrant. They are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TPX.A and TPX.B, respectively. These shares are intended to provide substantially the same economic and voting rights as the corresponding class of Molson Coors common stock in which they may be exchanged. In addition to the registered Class A common stock and the Class B common stock, the registrant has also issued and outstanding one share each of a Special Class A voting stock and Special Class B voting stock. The Special Class A voting stock and the Special Class B voting stock provide the mechanism for holders of Class A exchangeable shares and Class B exchangeable shares to be provided instructions to vote with the holders of the Class A common stock and the Class B common stock, respectively. The holders of the Special Class A voting stock and Special Class B voting stock are entitled to one vote for each outstanding Class A exchangeable share and Class B exchangeable share, respectively, excluding shares held by the registrant or its subsidiaries, and generally vote together with the Class A common stock and Class B common stock, respectively, on all matters on which the Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to vote. The Special Class A voting stock and Special Class B voting stock are subject to a voting trust arrangement. The trustee which holds the Special Class A voting stock and the Special Class B voting stock is required to cast a number of votes equal to the number of then-outstanding Class A exchangeable shares and Class B exchangeable shares, respectively, but will only cast a number of votes equal to the number of Class A exchangeable shares and Class B exchangeable shares as to which it has received voting instructions from the owners of record of those Class A exchangeable shares and Class B exchangeable shares, other than the registrant or its subsidiaries, respectively, on the record date, and will cast the votes in accordance with such instructions so received.
Documents Incorporated by Reference: Portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement for the registrant's 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after the close of the registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, are incorporated by reference under Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 



MOLSON COORS BREWING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
 
 
 
Page
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 16.
 
Form 10-K Summary


1


Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
AOCI    
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
CAD    
Canadian dollar
CZK
Czech Koruna
DSUs
Deferred stock units
EBITDA
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization
EPS    
Earnings per share
EROA
Assumed long-term expected return on assets
EUR
Euro
FASB    
Financial Accounting Standards Board
GBP    
British Pound
HRK
Croatian Kuna
JPY    
Japanese Yen
LIBOR    
London Interbank Offered Rate
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service Limited, a nationally recognized statistical rating organization designated by the Securities and Exchange Commission
NAV
Net asset value
OCI
Other comprehensive income (loss)
OPEB    
Other postretirement benefit plans
PBO
Projected benefit obligation
PSUs
Performance share units
RSD    
Serbian Dinar
RSUs
Restricted stock units
S&P 500
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index®
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
Standard & Poor’s
Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, a nationally recognized statistical rating organization designated by the SEC
SOSARs
Stock-only stock appreciation rights
STRs
Sales-to-retailers
STWs
Sales-to-wholesalers
U.K.
United Kingdom
U.S.    
United States
U.S. GAAP
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
USD or $
U.S. dollar
VIEs
Variable interest entities
            
            
                
                
                    
            
                
            
            
    
                
            

2


Cautionary Statement Pursuant to Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act"). From time to time, we may also provide oral or written forward-looking statements in other materials we release to the public. Such forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our businesses, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements, and include, but are not limited to, statements in Part II—Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this report, and under the heading "Outlook for 2018" therein, overall volume trends, consumer preferences, pricing trends, industry forces, cost reduction strategies, anticipated results, anticipated synergies, expectations for funding future capital expenditures and operations, debt service capabilities, shipment levels and profitability, market share and the sufficiency of capital resources. In addition, statements that we make in this report that are not statements of historical fact may also be forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "goals," "plans," "believes," "continues," "may," "anticipate," "seek," "estimate," "outlook," "trends," "future benefits," "potential," "projects," "strategies," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from those indicated (both favorably and unfavorably). These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those described in Part I—Item 1A "Risk Factors," elsewhere throughout this report, and those described from time to time in our past and future reports filed with the SEC. Caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Market and Industry Data
The market and industry data used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are based on independent industry publications, customers, trade or business organizations, reports by market research firms and other published statistical information from third parties, as well as information based on management’s good faith estimates, which we derive from our review of internal information and independent sources. Although we believe these sources to be reliable, we have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information.


3


PART I

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS
Unless otherwise noted in this report, any description of "we," "us" or "our" includes Molson Coors Brewing Company ("MCBC" or the "Company"), principally a holding company, and its operating and non-operating subsidiaries included within our reporting segments and Corporate. Our reporting segments include: MillerCoors LLC ("MillerCoors" or U.S. segment), operating in the United States; Molson Coors Canada ("MCC" or Canada segment), operating in Canada; Molson Coors Europe (Europe segment), operating in Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Montenegro, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Serbia, the United Kingdom and various other European countries; and Molson Coors International ("MCI" or International segment), operating in various other countries.
Unless otherwise indicated, information in this report is presented in USD and comparisons are to comparable prior periods. Our primary operating currencies, other than USD, include the CAD, the GBP, and our Central European operating currencies such as the EUR, CZK, HRK and RSD.
Background
We are one of the world's largest brewers and have a diverse portfolio of owned and partner brands, including global priority brands Blue Moon, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Lite, and Staropramen, regional champion brands Carling, Molson Canadian and other leading country-specific brands, as well as craft and specialty beers such as Creemore Springs, Cobra, Doom Bar, Henry's Hard and Leinenkugel's. With centuries of brewing heritage, we have been crafting high-quality, innovative products with the purpose of delighting the world's beer drinkers and with the ambition to be the first choice for our consumers and customers. Our success depends on our ability to make our products available to meet a wide range of consumer segments and occasions.
Molson and Coors were founded in 1786 and 1873, respectively. Our commitment to producing the highest quality beers is a key part of our heritage and remains so to this day. Our brands are designed to appeal to a wide range of consumer tastes, styles and price preferences. Our largest markets are the U.S., Canada and Europe.
Coors was incorporated in June 1913 under the laws of the state of Colorado. In October 2003, Coors merged with and into Adolph Coors Company, a Delaware corporation. In February 2005, Adolph Coors Company merged with Molson Inc. Upon completion of the merger, Adolph Coors Company changed its name to Molson Coors Brewing Company.
Acquisition
On October 11, 2016, we completed the acquisition of SABMiller plc's ("SABMiller") 58% economic interest and 50% voting interest in MillerCoors and all trademarks, contracts and other assets primarily related to the "Miller International Business," as defined in the purchase agreement, outside of the U.S. and Puerto Rico (the "Acquisition") from Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV ("ABI"). The Acquisition was completed for $12.0 billion in cash, subject to a downward adjustment as described in the purchase agreement. This purchase price "Adjustment Amount," as defined in the purchase agreement, required payment to MCBC if the unaudited EBITDA for the Miller International Business for the twelve months prior to closing was below $70 million. Under the purchase agreement, we retained the rights to all of the brands in the MillerCoors portfolio at the time of the Acquisition for the U.S. and Puerto Rican markets, including import brands such as Peroni and Pilsner Urquell, as well as obtained full ownership of the Miller brand portfolio outside of the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Additionally, in consolidating control of MillerCoors, we expect we will further improve our scale and agility, benefit from significantly enhanced cash flows from operations, and capture substantial operational synergies. We believe the purchase of the Miller brand trademarks outside of the U.S. and Puerto Rico provides a strategic opportunity to leverage the iconic Miller trademark globally alongside our trademarks for Coors and Staropramen, and presents volume and profit growth opportunities in both core markets and emerging markets.
On January 21, 2018, MCBC and ABI entered into a settlement agreement related to the purchase price adjustment under the purchase agreement. Subsequently, on January 26, 2018, pursuant to the settlement agreement, ABI paid to MCBC $330.0 million, of which $328.0 million constitutes the Adjustment Amount. This settlement occurred following the finalization of purchase accounting and, as a result, we expect the settlement proceeds related to the Adjustment Amount to be recorded as a gain within special items, net in our consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Therefore, the amount will not impact the fair value of consideration transferred for the purpose of the previously disclosed purchase accounting. MCBC and ABI also agreed to certain mutual releases as further described in the settlement agreement which was filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 22, 2018.

4


Industry Overview
The brewing industry has significantly evolved over the years, becoming an increasingly global beer market. The industry was previously founded on local presence with modest international expansion achieved through export, license and partnership arrangements. More recently, it has become increasingly complex, as the consolidation of brewers has occurred globally, resulting in fewer major global market participants. In addition to the acquisitive element of this industry consolidation, the market continues to utilize export, license and partnership arrangements; however, these are often with the same global competitors that make up the majority of the market. This industry consolidation has resulted in a small number of large global brewers representing the majority of the worldwide beer market. At the same time, smaller local brewers within certain established markets are experiencing accelerated growth as consumers increasingly place value on locally-produced, regionally-sourced products. As the beer industry continues its evolution of consolidation and diversification of its products to meet consumer demand with broadening preferences, large global brewers are uniquely positioned to leverage the scale, depth of product portfolio and industry knowledge to continue to lead the market forward.
Global Competitors' Market Capitalization
We evaluate ourselves in relation to other global brewers using various metrics, including overall market capitalization, volume, net sales revenue, gross margins and net profits, as well as our position within each of our core markets, with the goal to be the first choice for our consumers and customers. To provide a perspective of the relative size of the major participants in the global brewing market, the market capitalizations of our primary global competitors, based on foreign exchange rates at December 31, 2017, were as follows:
 
Market Capitalization
 
(In billions)
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV
$
225.8

Heineken N.V. ("Heineken")
$
60.1

Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. ("Asahi")
$
24.0

Carlsberg Group ("Carlsberg")
$
18.1

MCBC
$
17.7

Our Products
We have a diverse portfolio of owned and partner brands which are positioned to meet a wide range of consumer segments and occasions in a variety of markets, including global priority brands Blue Moon, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Lite and Staropramen. We consider these our global priority brands which we continue to invest in and focus on growing globally. We believe our portfolio encompasses all segments of the beer industry with the purpose of delighting the world's beer drinkers, including premium and premium lights, economy, above premium and craft, as well as adjacencies such as ciders and other malt beverages. The following includes our primary brands sold in each of our segments.

5


Brands sold in the U.S.
Global priority brands
 
Regional champion brands
 
Craft and import brands
Blue Moon
 
Hamm's
 
Grolsch(1)
Coors Banquet
 
Icehouse
 
Hop Valley 
Coors Light
 
Keystone
 
Leinenkugel's 
Miller Genuine Draft
 
Mickey's
 
Peroni Nastro Azurro(1)
Miller Lite
 
Miller 64
 
Pilsner Urquell(1)
 
 
Miller High Life
 
Revolver
 
 
Milwaukee's Best
 
Saint Archer
 
 
Olde English
 
Sol(2)
 
 
Steel Reserve
 
Terrapin
 
 
 
 
 
Hard cider brands
 
Flavored malt beverages
 
 
Crispin
 
Henry's Hard 
 
 
Smith & Forge
 
Redd's(3)
 
 
 
 
Steel Reserve Alloy Series 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Under perpetual royalty-free license from Asahi.
 
 
(2) Under license from Heineken.
 
 
(3) Under perpetual royalty-free license from ABI.
 
 
Brands sold in Canada
Global priority brands
 
Regional champion brands
 
Craft and import brands
Belgian Moon
 
Carling
 
Brasseurs de Montréal
Coors Banquet
 
Carling Black Label
 
Creemore Springs
Coors Light
 
Keystone
 
Le Trou du Diable
Miller Genuine Draft
 
Mad Jack
 
Granville Island
Miller Lite
 
Molson Canadian
 
 
 
 
Molson Canadian 67
 
 
 
 
Molson Canadian Cider
 
 
 
 
Molson Dry
 
 
 
 
Molson Export
 
 
 
 
Old Style Pilsner
 
 
 
 
Rickard's
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Licensed and premium import brands(1)
 
Other(2)
Amstel Light
 
Desperados
 
Asahi Select
Heineken
 
Dos Equis
 
Asahi Super Dry
Murphy's
 
Moretti
 
Labatt Blue
Newcastle
 
Sol
 
Labatt Blue Light
Strongbow cider
 
Tecate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Under license from Heineken.
 
 
 
 
(2) Under contract brewing arrangements with Asahi and North American Breweries, Inc. to produce for the U.S. market.


6


Brands sold in Europe
Global priority brands
 
Regional champion brands
 
Other(1)
Blue Moon
 
Bergenbier
 
Aspall Cider
Coors Light
 
Borsodi
 
Bavaria
Miller Genuine Draft
 
Branik
 
Beck's
Staropramen
 
Carling
 
Birradamare
 
 
Jelen
 
Cobra
 
 
Kamenitza
 
Corona Extra
 
 
Niksicko
 
Grolsch
 
 
Ozujsko
 
Lowenbrau
 
 
Sharp's Doom Bar
 
Rekorderlig cider
 
 
 
 
Singha
 
 
 
 
Stella Artois
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The European business has licensing and distribution agreements with various other brewers through which it also brews and distributes Beck's, Lowenbrau, Stella Artois and Spaten, as well as a distribution agreement for the exclusive distribution of the Corona brand, throughout the Central European countries in which we operate. We have an agreement with Dutch brewer, Bavaria, for the exclusive on-premise and off-premise rights to the sales, distribution and customer marketing of Bavaria and its portfolio of brands in the U.K. We also distribute the Rekorderlig cider brand in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland. In the U.K., we also sell the Cobra brands through the Cobra Beer Partnership Ltd. joint venture and the Grolsch brands through a joint venture with Royal Grolsch N.V., and are the exclusive distributor for several brands including Singha. Additionally, in order to be able to provide a full line of beer and other beverages to our U.K. on-premise customers, we sell "factored" brands, which are third-party beverage brands for which we provide distribution to retail, typically on a non-exclusive basis.
 
Brands sold in International
Global priority brands
 
Regional champion brands
 
Other
Blue Moon
 
Miller High Life
 
Carling Strong
Coors Light
 
Molson Canadian
 
Coors
Miller Genuine Draft
 
 
 
Coors 1873
Miller Lite
 
 
 
Coors Extra
 
 
 
 
Coors Gold
 
 
 
 
Miller Ultra
 
 
 
 
Thunderbolt
 
 
 
 
Zima
Our Segments
In 2017, we operated the following segments: the U.S., Canada, Europe and International. A separate operating team manages each segment and each segment manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other beverage products.
As result of the Acquisition, effective January 1, 2017, European markets including Sweden, Spain, Germany, Ukraine and Russia, which were previously reported under our International segment, are reported within our Europe segment. Additionally, effective January 1, 2017, the results of the MillerCoors Puerto Rico business, which were previously included as part of the U.S. segment, are now reported within the International segment.
See Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 3, "Segment Reporting" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements ("Notes") for information relating to our segments and operations, including financial and geographic information. For certain risks attendant to our operations, refer to Part I—Item 1A Risk Factors.

7


United States Segment
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Approximately 7,900 employees
Second largest brewer by volume in the U.S., selling approximately 25% of the total 2017 U.S. brewing industry shipments (excluding exports)
Currently operating seven primary breweries, six craft breweries, two container operations and one cidery
Prior to the Acquisition completed on October 11, 2016, MCBC owned a 50% voting and 42% economic interest in MillerCoors (which was originally formed on July 1, 2008, as a joint venture between MCBC and SABMiller), and MillerCoors was accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Following the completion of the Acquisition, MillerCoors became a wholly-owned subsidiary of MCBC and its results were fully consolidated by MCBC prospectively beginning on October 11, 2016.
Sales and Distribution
In the United States, beer is generally distributed through a three-tier system consisting of manufacturers, distributors and retailers. A national network of approximately 400 independent distributors and one owned distributor, Coors Distribution Company, purchases our products and distributes them to on- and off-premise retail accounts.
References to on- and off-premise sales volumes are the sales to retailers of these distributors, which is a useful data point relative to consumer trends.
Channels
In the United States, the on-premise channel, which includes sales in bars and restaurants, declined approximately 2% in 2017.
The off-premise channel includes sales in convenience stores, grocery stores, liquor stores and other retail outlets. The off-premise channel volumes declined approximately 1% in 2017 versus prior year.
The following table reflects the percentage of industry sales volume by channel over the last five years in the United States. Note that percentages reflect estimates based on market data currently available.
 
Sales volume by channel
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
On-premise
16
%
 
16
%
 
17
%
 
17
%
 
18
%
Off-premise
84
%
 
84
%
 
83
%
 
83
%
 
82
%
We wholly own one distributorship, which handled less than 2% of our total owned and non-owned volume in 2017.
Manufacturing, Production and Packaging
Brewing Raw Materials
We use high quality ingredients to brew our products. We malt a portion of our production requirements, using barley purchased under primarily annual contracts from independent farmers located primarily in the western United States. Other barley, malt, and cereal grains are purchased from suppliers primarily in the U.S. Hops are purchased from suppliers in the U.S. and Europe. We both own and lease water rights, as well as purchase water through local municipalities, to provide for and sustain brewing operations in case of a prolonged drought in the regions where we have operations. We do not currently anticipate future difficulties in accessing water or agricultural products used in our brewing process in the near term.

8


Packaging Materials
The following summarizes the percentage of our U.S. segment's packaging materials by type for the year ended December 31, 2017.


    chart-40c305f8942701e4d1a.jpg
Aluminum cans or bottles:
A portion of the aluminum containers was purchased from Rocky Mountain Metal Container ("RMMC"), our joint venture with Ball Corporation ("Ball"), whose production facilities, which are leased from us, are located near our brewery in Golden, Colorado.
In addition to the supply agreement with RMMC, we have a supply agreement with Ball to purchase cans and ends in excess of what is supplied through RMMC.
The RMMC joint venture agreement along with the cans and ends purchase agreement expire on December 31, 2021.

Glass bottles:
A portion of the glass bottles was provided by Rocky Mountain Bottle Company ("RMBC"), our joint venture with Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc. ("Owens"), whose production facilities, which are leased from us, are located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. The RMBC joint venture agreement expires on July 31, 2025.
In addition to the supply agreement with RMBC, we have a supply agreement with Owens for requirements in excess of RMBC's production, which expires on December 31, 2021.

Stainless steel kegs:
Kegs are packaged in half, quarter, and one-sixth barrel stainless steel kegs.
A limited number of kegs are purchased each year, and we have no long-term supply agreement.
Crowns, labels, corrugate and paperboard are purchased from a small number of sources unique to each product. In recent years, we have experienced a slight shift in the allocation among different packaging types toward aluminum cans and bottles and away from glass bottles. In general, aluminum cans allow for lower packaging costs compared to most other types of packaging materials. We do not currently anticipate future difficulties in accessing packaging products in the near term.
Contract Manufacturing
We have an agreement to brew, package and ship products for Pabst Brewing Company through June 2020. Additionally, the U.S. segment produces beer for our Canada and International segments. As a result of the Acquisition, we produce a small amount of beer for an affiliate of ABI under an Amended and Restated Brewing Agreement ("Brewing Agreement") in which we continue to produce Redd’s and Foster’s products for the ABI affiliate for sale outside of the U.S. This Brewing Agreement has a contractual term through April 2018.
Seasonality of the Business
Total industry volume in the U.S. is sensitive to factors such as weather, changes in demographics, consumer preferences and drinking occasions. Weather conditions consisting of high temperatures and extended periods of warm weather favor increased consumption of our products, while unseasonably cool or wet weather, especially during the summer months,

9


adversely affects our sales volumes and net sales. Accordingly, consumption of beer in the U.S. is seasonal, with approximately 38% of industry sales volume typically occurring during the warmer months from May through August.
Known Trends and Competitive Conditions
2017 U.S. Beer Industry Overview
The beer industry in the United States is highly competitive, and the two largest brewers, ABI and MillerCoors together represented the majority of the market in 2017. Growing or even maintaining market share has required significant investments in marketing.
Following a decline in volume during the recession from 2008 to 2011, overall the U.S. beer industry shipment to wholesaler volumes have been relatively stable since 2011. However, consumer preferences continue to shift within this space to premium priced, higher alcohol, full calorie beers. Competition from outside of the beer category also continues to be a challenge for the beer industry.
The following table summarizes the estimated percentage market share by volume of beer (including flavored malt beverages) and other alcohol beverages, including wine and spirits, as a component of the overall U.S. alcohol market over the last five years. We anticipate that 2017 data, when available, will reflect a continuation of the recent consumer trends. Note that percentages reflect estimates based on market data currently available.
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Beer
51
%
 
51
%
 
51
%
 
52
%
 
53
%
Other alcohol beverages
49
%
 
49
%
 
49
%
 
48
%
 
47
%
Our Competitive Position
Our portfolio of beers competes with numerous above premium, premium, and economy brands. These competing brands are produced by international, national, regional and local brewers. We compete most directly with ABI brands, but also compete with imported and craft beer brands. The following table summarizes the estimated percentage share of the U.S. beer market represented by Molson Coors, ABI and all other brewers over the last five years. Note that current year percentages reflect estimates based on market data currently available.
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
MCBC's share
25
%
 
25
%
 
26
%
 
27
%
 
28
%
ABI's share
43
%
 
44
%
 
45
%
 
46
%
 
47
%
Others' share
32
%
 
31
%
 
29
%
 
27
%
 
25
%
Our products also compete with other alcohol beverages, including wine and spirits, and thus their competitive position is affected by consumer preferences between and among these other categories. Driven by increased spirits advertising along with increased wine and spirits sales execution, sales of wine and spirits have grown faster than sales of beer in recent years, resulting in a reduction in the beer segment's lead in the overall alcohol beverage market.
Regulation
The U.S. beer business is regulated by federal, state, and local governments. These regulations govern many parts of our operations, including brewing, marketing and advertising, transportation, distributor relationships, sales, and environmental issues. To operate our facilities, we must obtain and maintain numerous permits, licenses and approvals from various governmental agencies, including the U.S. Treasury Department, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, state alcohol regulatory agencies, and state and federal environmental agencies.
Governmental entities also levy taxes and may require bonds to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In 2017, excise taxes on malt beverages were approximately $15 per hectoliter sold on a reported basis. State excise taxes are levied in specific states at varying rates. Note, the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act took effect January 1, 2018, and will reduce excise taxes for MCBC in the U.S. by $2 per barrel on the first six million barrels for all qualified large domestic brewers and importers effective for 2018 and 2019, which equates to approximately $1.70 per hectoliter.
Refer to Part I—Item 1A, Risk Factors for risks associated with the regulatory environment in the U.S.

10


Canada Segment
Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario
Approximately 2,400 employees
Canada's second largest brewer by volume and North America's oldest beer company, selling approximately 33% of the total 2017 Canada beer market
Currently operating five primary breweries and four craft breweries
We brew, market, sell and distribute a wide variety of beer brands nationally. Our portfolio has leading brands in all major product and price segments. Our focus and investment is on Canada global priority brands, including Belgian Moon, Coors Banquet, and Coors Light, regional champion Molson Canadian, as well as other key owned brands, including Creemore Springs, Granville Island, Molson Dry, Molson Export, Old Style Pilsner and Rickard's and strategic distribution partnerships, including those with Heineken. In 2017, Coors Light had an approximate 10% market share and was the second largest selling beer brand in Canada, and Molson Canadian had an approximate 6% market share and was the fourth largest selling beer in Canada. As a result of the Acquisition, the Miller brands returned to our Canada business.
The Canada segment also includes our partnership arrangements related to the distribution of beer in Ontario, Brewers' Retail Inc. ("BRI"), and in the Western provinces, Brewers' Distributor Ltd. ("BDL"). BRI and BDL are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The majority of ownership in BRI resides with MCC, Labatt Breweries of Canada LP (a subsidiary of ABI) and Sleeman Breweries Ltd. (a subsidiary of Sapporo International). BDL is jointly owned by MCC and Labatt Breweries of Canada LP.
In line with our strategic initiatives to expand our craft portfolio, the Canada segment acquired two craft breweries in Quebec, Le Trou du Diable and Brasseurs de Montréal, Inc. in 2017 and in 2016, respectively.
Sales and Distribution
In Canada, provincial governments regulate the beer industry, particularly with regard to the pricing, mark-up, container management, sale, distribution and advertising of beer. Distribution and the retail sale of alcohol products involve a wide range and varied degree of Canadian government control through their respective provincial liquor boards. See below discussion for details by province.
Channels
In Canada, the on-premise channel includes sales in bars and restaurants. In Ontario and Western Canada, MCC uses jointly-owned distribution systems to deliver beer to on-premise customers along with products from Labatt Breweries of Canada LP and Sleeman Breweries Ltd., and other small participating brewers. In Quebec and Eastern Canada, MCC primarily delivers directly. The on-premise channel, and relationships with customers, are highly regulated and the regulations differ significantly across different provincial jurisdictions.
The off-premise channel includes sales to convenience stores, grocery stores, liquor stores and other specialty retail outlets, including "The Beer Store" in Ontario, which is the world's largest beer retailer and is co-owned by Ontario's three largest brewers. The off-premise channel is highly regulated and differs significantly across different provincial jurisdictions.
The following table reflects the percentage of industry sales volume by channel over the last five years in Canada.
 
Sales volume by channel
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
On-premise
17
%
 
17
%
 
17
%
 
17
%
 
18
%
Off-premise
83
%
 
83
%
 
83
%
 
83
%
 
82
%
Province of Ontario
In Ontario, beer is primarily purchased at retail outlets operated by BRI, at government-regulated retail outlets operated by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario ("LCBO"), at approved agents of the LCBO, at certain licensed grocery stores, or at any bar, restaurant, or tavern licensed by the LCBO to sell alcohol for on-premise consumption. The BRI retail outlets operate under The Beer Store name. Brewers may deliver directly to BRI's outlets or may choose to use BRI's distribution centers to access retail stores in Ontario, the LCBO system, the grocery channel and licensed establishments.

11


Province of Québec
In Québec, the distribution and sale of beer is governed by the Quebec Alcohol Corporation ("SAQ"). Beer is distributed to retail outlets directly by each brewer or through approved independent agents. We are the agent for the licensed brands we distribute. The brewer or agent distributes the products to permit holders for retail sales for on-premise consumption. Québec retail sales for off-premise consumption are made through grocery and convenience stores, as well as government operated outlets.
Province of British Columbia
In British Columbia, the government's Liquor Distribution Branch controls the regulatory elements of distribution of all alcohol products in the province. BDL, which we co-own with ABI, manages the distribution of our products throughout British Columbia. Consumers can purchase beer at any Liquor Distribution Branch retail outlet, at any independently owned and licensed retail store or at any licensed establishment for on-premise consumption. Establishments licensed primarily for on-premise alcohol sales may also be licensed for off-premise consumption.
Province of Alberta
In Alberta, the distribution of beer is managed by independent private warehousing and shipping companies or by a government sponsored system in the case of U.S. sourced products. All sales of liquor in Alberta are made through retail outlets licensed by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission or licensees, such as bars, hotels and restaurants. BDL manages the distribution of our products in Alberta.
Other Provinces
Our products are distributed in the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan through local liquor boards. Manitoba and Saskatchewan also have licensed private retailers. BDL manages the distribution of our products in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In the Maritime Provinces (other than Newfoundland), local liquor boards distribute and sell our products. In Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, government liquor commissioners manage the distribution and sale of our products.
Manufacturing, Production and Packaging
Brewing Raw Materials
We select global suppliers in order to procure high quality materials and services at the lowest prices available. We also use hedging instruments to mitigate the risk of volatility in certain commodities and foreign exchange markets.
We source barley malt from one primary provider, from which we have a committed supply through 2022. Hops are purchased from a variety of global suppliers in the U.S. and Europe through contracts that vary in length based on market conditions and cover our supply requirements through 2021. Other starch brewing adjuncts are sourced from two main suppliers, both in North America. Water used in the brewing process is from local sources in the communities where our breweries operate. We do not currently anticipate future difficulties in accessing water or agricultural products used in our brewing process in the near term.


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Packaging Materials
The following summarizes the percentage of our Canada segment's packaging materials by type for the year ended December 31, 2017.

    chart-afde04d5eb80dd22d40.jpg
Aluminum cans or bottles:
We source cans and lids from two primary providers with contracts ending December 2021 and December 2023, respectively.
The distribution systems in each province generally provide the collection network for returnable bottles and aluminum cans.

Bottles:
We single source glass bottles and have a committed supply through December 2021.
The standard bottle for beer brewed in Canada is the 341 ml returnable bottle and represents the vast majority of our bottle sales.
Bottle sales continue to decline as we have experienced a shift in consumers' preference toward aluminum cans. The standard returnable bottle requires significant investment behind our returnable bottle inventory and bottling equipment. The trend away from returnable bottles could result in higher fixed cost deleverage related to these assets and an ultimate decreased need for the assets that support this packaging, which could adversely impact profitability.

Stainless steel kegs:
A limited number of kegs are purchased every year, and we have no long-term supply commitment.
Crowns are currently sourced from two suppliers with contracts through December 2018. Paperboard and labels are currently sourced from one supplier each with contracts through March 2018 and December 2021. Corrugate is purchased from a small number of sources with contracts through March 2018, and we are in the process of extending an additional contract which expired on December 31, 2017. We do not currently anticipate future difficulties in accessing any of our required packaging materials in the near term.
Contract Manufacturing
We have an agreement with North American Breweries, Inc. ("NAB") to brew, package and ship certain Labatt brands to the U.S. market through 2020. We also have an agreement with Asahi to brew and package Asahi Super Dry and Asahi Select to the U.S. market through early 2020.
Seasonality of Business
Total industry volume in Canada is sensitive to factors such as weather, changes in demographics, consumer preferences and drinking occasions. Weather conditions consisting of high temperatures and extended periods of warm weather favor increased consumption of our products, while unseasonably cool or wet weather, especially during the summer months, adversely affects our sales volumes and net sales. Accordingly, consumption of beer in Canada is seasonal, with approximately 41% of industry sales volume typically occurring during the warmer months from May through August.

13


Known Trends and Competitive Conditions
2017 Canada Beer Industry Overview
The Canadian brewing industry is a mature market and ABI and MCBC are the two largest brewers. It is characterized by aggressive competition for volume and market share from regional brewers, microbrewers and certain foreign brewers, as well as our main domestic competitor. These competitive pressures require significant annual investment in marketing and selling activities. In 2017, the Ontario and Québec markets accounted for approximately 61% of the total beer market in Canada.
There are three major beer price segments: above premium, which includes craft and most imports; premium, which includes the majority of domestic brands and the light sub-segment; and value (below premium). Since 2001, the premium beer segment in Canada has gradually lost volume to the above premium and value segments.
The beer industry has declined in four of the last five years through 2016. Aging population and strong competition from other alcohol beverages have been the main contributors to the declining state of the beer industry.
The following table summarizes the estimated percentage market share by volume of beer (including adjacencies, such as cider) and other alcohol beverages, including wine and spirits, as a component of the overall Canadian alcohol market over the last five years, for which data is currently available. We anticipate that 2017 data, when available, will reflect a continuation of the recent consumer trends. Note that percentages reflect estimates based on market data currently available.
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Beer
47
%
 
48
%
 
48
%
 
48
%
 
49
%
Other alcohol beverages
53
%
 
52
%
 
52
%
 
52
%
 
51
%
Our Competitive Position
Our brands compete with competitor beer brands and other alcohol beverages, including wine and spirits, and thus our competitive position is affected by consumer preferences among these other categories. Our brand portfolio gives us strong representation in all major beer segments.
The following table summarizes the estimated percentage share of the Canadian beer market represented by MCBC, ABI and all other brewers over the last five years. Note that the sum of the percentages below may not equal 100% due to rounding. Current year percentages reflect estimates based on market data currently available.
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
MCBC's share(1)
33
%
 
33
%
 
34
%
 
37
%
 
39
%
ABI's share(1)
42
%
 
43
%
 
43
%
 
43
%
 
40
%
Others' share
25
%
 
24
%
 
23
%
 
21
%
 
20
%
(1)
The decrease in MCBC's share in 2015 was largely driven by the loss of the contract with Miller Brewing Company ("Miller"), under which we had exclusive rights to distribute certain Miller brands in Canada and was terminated effective March 2015. As a result of the Acquisition, beginning October 11, 2016, these Miller brands returned to our Canada business. The decrease in MCBC's share and increase in ABI's share from 2013 to 2014 is primarily the result of ABI's acquisition of Grupo Modelo S.A.B. de C.V. ("Modelo") in 2013. MCBC distributed the Modelo brands through the first quarter of 2014. The Modelo brands are now distributed by ABI in Canada.
Regulation
In Canada, provincial governments regulate the production, marketing, distribution, selling and pricing of beer (including the establishment of minimum prices), and impose commodity taxes and license fees in relation to the production, distribution and sale of beer. In addition, the federal government regulates the advertising, labeling, quality control, and international trade of beer, and also imposes commodity taxes on both domestically produced and imported beer. In 2017, our Canada segment excise taxes were approximately $51 per hectoliter sold on a reported basis. Further, certain bilateral and multilateral treaties entered into by the federal government, provincial governments and certain foreign governments, especially with the United States, affect the Canadian beer industry.
We, along with other owners of BRI, entered into a new beer framework agreement with the Province of Ontario on September 22, 2015, which became effective January 1, 2016. Refer to Part I—Item 1A, Risk Factors for risks associated with the regulatory environment in Canada.

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Europe Segment
Headquarters: Prague, Czech Republic
Approximately 6,000 employees
Europe's second largest brewer by volume, on a combined basis, within the European countries in which we operate, with an approximate aggregate 20% market share (excluding factored products) in 2017
Currently operating twelve primary breweries, three craft breweries and one cidery
The majority of our European segment sales are in the U.K., Croatia, Czech Republic and Romania. Our portfolio includes beers that have the largest share in their respective countries, such as Carling in the U.K., Ozujsko in Croatia and Niksicko in Montenegro. We have beers that rank in the top three in market share in their respective segments throughout the region, such as Bergenbier in Romania, Jelen in Serbia, Kamenitza in Bulgaria and Borsodi in Hungary. Additionally, as a result of the Acquisition, we began selling Miller Genuine Draft in various European countries. We also brew and distribute Beck's, Lowenbrau, Spaten and Stella Artois under license agreements with ABI companies, and beginning in January 2015, we distribute certain of the Modelo brands throughout the Central European countries in which we operate. Our Europe segment includes our consolidated joint venture arrangements for the production and distribution of Grolsch and Cobra brands in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland and factored brand sales (beverage brands owned by other companies, but sold and delivered to retail by us). In 2015, we purchased the Rekorderlig cider brand distribution rights in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland and also sold our U.K. malting facility. Additionally, in 2015, we closed a brewery in the U.K. and terminated our distribution agreement with Carlsberg whereby it held the exclusive distribution rights for the Staropramen brand in the U.K. As a result, we repatriated distribution of the Staropramen brand back to the U.K. business at the end of 2015.
In the second half of 2016, we entered into a long-term partnership agreement with Dutch brewer, Bavaria, which gives us the exclusive rights in the on- and off-premise channels to the sales, distribution and customer marketing of Bavaria and its portfolio of brands in the U.K. In 2017, we extended our relationship with additional distribution agreements of the Bavaria brand into Croatia and Serbia.
Effective January 1, 2017, European markets including Sweden, Spain, Germany, Ukraine and Russia, which were previously reported under our International segment, are reported within our Europe segment. Additionally, in January 2017, we purchased a controlling interest in the Spanish craft brewery La Sagra Brew. Located near Madrid, La Sagra expands our craft portfolio in the world's 11th largest beer market and offers a new distribution partner in Spain for Blue Moon Belgian White, the largest craft brand in the U.S. In July 2017, we also completed the purchase of Birradamare, a small Italian craft brewery based just outside of Rome, which gives us an opportunity to develop its special brands in Italy and select export markets.
In January 2018, we purchased Aspall Cider Limited in the U.K., which will strengthen the U.K. portfolio with a premium top ten cider as well as a cider production facility.
Sales and Distribution
In Europe, beer is generally distributed through either a two-tier system consisting of manufacturers and retailers, or a three-tier system consisting of manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Distribution activities for both the on-premise and off-premise channels are conducted primarily by third-party logistics providers. Most of our beer in the U.K. is sold directly to retailers. We have an agreement with Tradeteam Ltd. ("Tradeteam", a subsidiary of DHL) to provide the distribution of our products throughout the U.K. through 2023. We utilize several hundred third-party logistics providers across our Central European operations. We also conduct a small amount of secondary distribution in Czech Republic utilizing our own fleet of vehicles. It is also common in the U.K. for brewers to distribute beer, wine, spirits, and other products owned and produced by other companies, which we refer to as factored brands, to the on-premise channel (bars and restaurants). Approximately 18% of our Europe segment net sales in 2017 represented factored brands. In addition, we have an agreement with Heineken through December 2019, whereby they sell, market and distribute Coors Light in Republic of Ireland.
Channels
In Europe, the on-premise channel includes sales to pubs and restaurants. The installation and maintenance of draught beer dispensing equipment in the on-premise channel is generally the responsibility of the brewer. Accordingly, we own refrigeration units and other equipment used to dispense beer from kegs to consumers that are used in on-premise outlets. This includes beer lines, cooling equipment, taps, and counter mounts.
The off-premise channel includes sales to supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores, distributors, and wholesalers. The off-premise channel has become increasingly concentrated among a small number of super-store chains, placing increasing downward pressure on beer pricing.

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Generally, over the years, industry volumes in Europe have shifted from the higher margin on-premise channel, where products are consumed in pubs and restaurants, to the lower margin off-premise channel, also referred to as the "take-home" market. In 2017, approximately 40% of sales were on-premise and 60% were off-premise. Consistent with prior years, the on-premise channel has continued to experience declines from shifting consumer preference to off-premise partially due to smoking bans in many countries. The off-premise channel continues to be challenged by competitive pricing.
Manufacturing, Production and Packaging
Brewing Raw Materials
We use high quality water, barley, malt and hops to brew our products. During 2017, our malt requirements were sourced from third-party suppliers. We have multiple agreements with various suppliers that cover almost all of our total required malt, with terms ending in 2019 through 2025. Hops are purchased under various contracts with suppliers in Germany, the U.S. and the U.K., which cover our requirements through 2018. Adjuncts are purchased under various contracts with local producers, which are typically crop year contracts commencing in October of each year. Water used in the brewing process is sourced from various wells and through water rights and supply contracts. We do not currently anticipate future difficulties in accessing required water or agricultural products used in our brewing process in the near term.
Packaging Materials
The following summarizes the percentage of our Europe segment's packaging materials by type for the year ended December 31, 2017.
    chart-e12417c022a4843f788.jpg
Bottles:
A significant majority in returnable bottles sourced under various agreements with third-party suppliers.

Kegs and casks:
A limited number of kegs are purchased each year from various suppliers, and we have no long-term supply commitment. We are currently in the process of signing new agreements which would cover all of our requirements for kegs in 2018.

Cans:
We are currently in the process of signing new long-term contracts that would cover all of our required supply of cans through 2023.

Recyclable plastic containers:
We have long-term agreements with various manufacturers in the region, covering 100% of our requirements which expire in March 2018 and will be extended through March 2019. We do not currently anticipate future difficulties in accessing recyclable plastic containers.
Crowns, labels and corrugate are purchased from sources unique to each category. We do not currently foresee future difficulties in accessing these or other packaging materials in the near term.

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Seasonality of Business
In Europe, the beer industry is subject to seasonal sales fluctuations primarily influenced by holidays, weather and by certain major televised sporting events. Weather conditions consisting of high temperatures and extended periods of warm weather favor increased consumption of our products, while unseasonably cool or wet weather, especially during the summer months, adversely affects our sales volumes and net sales. Accordingly, the peak selling seasons typically occur during the summer and during the Christmas and New Year holiday season.
Known Trends and Competitive Conditions
2017 Europe Beer Industry Overview
We estimate that the Europe beer market was flat in 2017 compared to 2016, driven by decreased beer consumption versus last year in some of the largest regions in which we operate. Since 2010, the off-premise market share has increased in our European markets from 55% to over 60% of total volume, and the on-premise market share has declined from 45% to below 40%. Europe beer industry retail shipments have fluctuated by approximately 1% to 2% yearly over the last five years. These market fluctuations are consistent with the fluctuations within the overall alcohol market in each of the respective years.
The following table summarizes the estimated percentage market share by volume of beer and other alcohol beverages, including wine and spirits, as a component of the overall European alcohol market, within the countries in which we have production facilities, over the last five years, for which data is currently available. We anticipate that 2017 data, when available, will reflect a continuation of the recent consumer trends. Note that percentages reflect estimates based on market data currently available.
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Beer
35
%
 
35
%
 
35
%
 
35
%
 
36
%
Other alcohol beverages
65
%
 
65
%
 
65
%
 
65
%
 
64
%
Our Competitive Position
Our beers compete not only with similar products from competitors, but also with other alcohol beverages, including wines and spirits. We believe our brand portfolio gives us strong representation in all major beer categories.
In European countries where we currently operate, our primary competitors are Heineken, Asahi, ABI and Carlsberg. The following table summarizes our estimated percentage share of the beer market within the European countries where we operate and our primary competitors over the last five years. Note that current year percentages reflect estimates based on market data currently available.
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
MCBC's share
20
%
 
20
%
 
20
%
 
20
%
 
20
%
Primary competitors' share
56
%
 
57
%
 
57
%
 
59
%
 
59
%
Others' share
24
%
 
23
%
 
23
%
 
21
%
 
21
%
Regulation
Each country that is part of our Europe segment is either a member of the European Union ("EU") or a current candidate to join, with the exception of Bosnia, which is a potential candidate, and, as such, there are similarities in the regulations that apply to many parts of our Europe segment's operations and products, including brewing, food safety, labeling and packaging, marketing and advertising, environmental, health and safety, employment and data protection regulations. To operate breweries and conduct our business in Europe, we must obtain and maintain numerous permits and licenses from various governmental agencies.

In a referendum held on June 23, 2016, a majority of voters in the U.K. voted in favor of the U.K. leaving the EU. On March 29, 2017, the U.K. formally initiated its exit from the EU and is expected to leave on March 29, 2019. Withdrawal negotiations started in June 2017 and both sides are due to finalize a draft agreement in October 2018. The draft agreement will be voted on by the U.K. Parliament and the European Parliament. A potential transition phase after March 29, 2019, is currently being negotiated. Because the terms of the exit are still unknown, we may face regulatory uncertainty and we may need to quickly adapt to regulatory changes.


17


Each country's government levies excise taxes on all alcohol beverages. With the exception of Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia, all countries' laws on excise taxes are consistent with the directives of the EU. With the exception of Serbia, where a flat excise per hectoliter is used, all European countries use similar measurements based on either alcohol by volume or Plato degrees. In 2017, the excise taxes for our Europe segment, excluding the release of a provision for indirect taxes related to the assessments discussed in Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 19, "Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes were approximately $43 per hectoliter on a reported basis. Refer to Part I—Item 1A, Risk Factors for risks associated with the regulatory environment in Europe.
International Segment
Headquarters: Denver, Colorado
Approximately 400 employees
International beer markets, including emerging markets, outside the U.S, Canada and Europe
Currently operating under export models and license agreements in Latin America, Africa and Asia Pacific as well as owned breweries, which brew and package brands sold in India
The objective of our International segment is to grow and expand our business and brand portfolio in new and existing markets, including emerging markets, outside the U.S., Canada and Europe segments. The focus of our International segment includes Latin America (including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America), Asia Pacific and Africa. The International segment's portfolio of beers competes within the above premium category in most of our markets. Our principal competitors include large global brewers, as well as local brewers. As our International segment's objective is to grow and expand our business, we are developing scale and building market share in the countries where we operate. Many of the markets in which we operate are considered emerging beer markets, with other brewers controlling the majority of the market share. Our beers compete not only with similar products from competitors, but also with other alcohol beverages, including wines, spirits, and ciders, and thus our competitive position is affected by consumer preferences between and among these other categories.
Effective January 1, 2017, European markets including Sweden, Spain, Germany, Ukraine and Russia, which were previously reported as part of our International segment, are reported within our Europe segment while the results of the MillerCoors Puerto Rico business, which were previously included as part of the U.S. segment, are presented within the International segment. The Miller International Business, which we acquired during the fourth quarter of 2016, was included in our 2017 results. As part of the acquisition of the Miller International Business, we entered into various Transitional Service Agreements (“TSAs”) with local SABMiller and now ABI owned entities. The intent of these TSAs is to enable the Miller brands to continue to be produced and/or distributed in the local markets while we finalize its route to market. The services provided through these agreements range from fully brewing, selling, distributing and marketing Miller products on behalf of the International segment to solely providing back office services. We have successfully created a presence and route to market in many markets and have now transitioned off all of the sales, distribution and back office TSAs, but continue to rely upon production TSAs in several markets.
Latin America
In Latin America, we use a combination of export models and license agreements to sell Blue Moon, Coors Light, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller High Life, Miller Lite and other brands. In our export model markets, we export beer from the U.S. and sell it through agreements with independent distributors. Our export markets include countries such as Chile, Dominican Republic, Panama, Paraguay and Puerto Rico. In license markets, such as Argentina, Colombia and Mexico, we have established exclusive licensing agreements with distributors for the manufacturing and distribution of our products.
Asia Pacific
Our operations in the Asia Pacific region include markets such as Australia, China, India, Japan and South Korea. Our business in India consists primarily of operations in the states of Haryana and Punjab and previously, Bihar. Our consolidated India business produces, markets and sells a beer portfolio consisting of Thunderbolt and Carling Strong. We own three breweries in India, where we use high quality ingredients to brew our products, which are sourced through various contracts with local suppliers. We do not currently anticipate any significant disruption in the supply of these raw materials or brewing inputs in the near term. During the second quarter of 2016, a complete prohibition of the sale and consumption of all forms of alcohol in the state of Bihar was implemented. The government in Bihar did not grant production licenses for export outside of Bihar for fiscal year 2017, and as a result, we shut down our brewery in Bihar in April 2017. See Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 11, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" of the Notes for further details.
In Japan our focus is on the marketing and selling of the Blue Moon, Coors Light and Zima brands. We previously had a contract with ABI to sell and distribute the Modelo brands, and this contract was terminated in the second quarter of 2017. Our

18


brands are imported into Japan and are sold through independent wholesalers to both the on-premise and off-premise channels. In Australia we have appointed a local partner that distributes locally produced and imported products including Blue Moon, Coors, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Chill and other products for us. In South Korea, we previously operated under a TSA agreement with ABI and are now operating under an export model and sell our brands through an independent distributor. Our China business sells the Coors family of brands, through a trade distribution model with the brands being produced under a contract manufacturing agreement.
Africa
We sell Miller Genuine Draft in South Africa and Zambia. Miller Genuine Draft is produced and sold through a local license agreement.
Corporate
Corporate is not a reportable segment and primarily includes interest and certain other general and administrative costs that are not allocated to any of the operating segments. The majority of these corporate costs relate to worldwide administrative functions, such as corporate affairs, legal, human resources, information technology, finance, internal audit, insurance and risk management, global growth, supply chain and commercial initiatives, as well as acquisition, integration and financing costs associated with the Acquisition. Additionally, Corporate includes the results of our water resources and energy operations in Colorado as well as the unrealized changes in fair value on our commodity swaps not designated in hedging relationships recorded within cost of goods sold, which are later reclassified when realized to the segment in which the underlying exposure resides.
Other Information
Global Intellectual Property
We own trademarks on the majority of the brands we produce and have licenses for the remainder. We also hold several patent and design registrations with expiration dates through 2038 relating to brewing methods, beer dispensing systems, packaging and certain other innovations. We are not reliant on patent royalties for our financial success. Therefore, these expirations are not expected to have a significant impact on our business.
Sustainability
Our Beer Print, is MCBC's approach to sustainability and the right way to grow our business. Our Beer Print is integral to how we will build long-term value for society and our shareholders, while leaving a positive imprint on our communities, on our environment and on our business.
We have a long legacy of leaving a positive imprint on the environment and our community. MCBC has been recognized on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for seven consecutive years for our sustainability performance. For five consecutive years, between 2012 and 2016, we were listed on the World Index and were also distinguished as the Beverage Sector Leader in 2012 and 2013.

In 2012, MCBC built on long-standing efforts to reduce harmful drinking by becoming a signatory of the Beer, Wine and Spirits Producers’ Commitments to Reduce Harmful Drinking. We have been working closely with other leading beer, wine and spirit companies and with governments around the world to deliver a 10% reduction in the harmful use of alcohol by 2025. The current phase of the Commitments ended in 2017, and we look forward to working with our industry partners to develop the next set of ambitious targets.

In 2017, we launched Our Beer Print 2025 agenda, Raising the Bar on Beer, a new sustainability strategy for Molson Coors and a set of ambitious goals to take us to 2025. The goals that we’ve set across our three areas - Alcohol Responsibility, Environmental Sustainability and Our People and Communities - broaden our efforts to address the shifting expectations of our consumers and stakeholders, while we continue to drive our operations to be even more resource efficient and resilient. More information about our 2025 agenda can be found on our sustainability website, www.OurBeerPrint.com, which includes:

Our Beer Print Report 2017, which presents our new 2025 strategy and highlights of our work across our three focus areas: Responsibly Refreshing, Sustainably Brewing and Collectively Crafted; and
ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) Report, which offers greater detail on Molson Coors 2016 performance.

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Environmental Matters
Our operations are subject to a variety of extensive and changing federal, state and local environmental laws, regulations and ordinances that govern activities or operations that may have an impact on human health or the environment. Such laws, regulations or ordinances may impose liability for the cost of remediation, and for certain damages resulting from sites of past releases of hazardous materials. Our policy is to comply with all such legal requirements. While we cannot predict our eventual aggregate cost for the environmental and related matters in which we may be or are currently involved, we believe that any payments, if required, for these matters would be made over a period of time in amounts that would not be material in any one year to our operating results, cash flows, or our financial or competitive position. We believe adequate reserves have been provided for losses that are probable and estimable. However, there can be no assurance that environmental laws will not become more stringent in the future or that we will not incur material costs in the future in order to comply with such laws. See Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 19, "Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes under the caption "Environmental" for additional information regarding environmental matters.
Employees
As of the end of 2017, we employed approximately 17,200 full-time employees within our business globally. Specifically, we employed approximately 7,900 within our U.S. segment, 6,000 within our Europe segment, 2,400 within our Canada segment, 400 within our International segment, 250 within our Corporate headquarters in Colorado and 250 within our Global Business Services center in Romania.
Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales
See Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 3, "Segment Reporting" of the Notes for discussion of sales, operating income and identifiable assets attributable to our country of domicile, the United States, and all foreign countries.
Available Information
We file with, or furnish to, the SEC reports, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. These reports are available free of charge on our corporate website (www.molsoncoors.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Copies of any materials we file with the SEC can be obtained at www.sec.gov or at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the public reference room is available by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The foregoing website addresses are provided as inactive textual references only. The information provided on our website (or any other website referred to in this report) is not part of this report and is not incorporated by reference as part of this report.
Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers as of February 14, 2018:
Name
 
Age
 
Position
Mark R. Hunter
 
55
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
Tracey I. Joubert
 
51
 
Chief Financial Officer
Gavin D. Hattersley
 
55
 
President and Chief Executive Officer, MillerCoors LLC
Sergey K. Yeskov
 
41
 
President and Chief Executive Officer, Molson Coors International
Simon J. Cox
 
50
 
President and Chief Executive Officer, Molson Coors Europe
Frederic Landtmeters
 
44
 
President and Chief Executive Officer, Molson Coors Canada
Samuel D. Walker
 
59
 
Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer
Celso L. White
 
56
 
Chief Supply Chain Officer
Michelle S. Nettles
 
46
 
Chief People and Diversity Officer
Krishnan Anand
 
60
 
Chief Growth Officer

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ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS
Investing in our Company involves risk. The reader should carefully consider the following risk factors and the other information contained within this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks set forth below are those that management believes are most likely to have a material adverse effect on us, however, are not a comprehensive description of the risks facing our Company. We may also be subject to other risks or uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial but may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations in future periods. If the following risks or uncertainties, individually or in combination, actually occur, they may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and prospects.
Risks Specific to Our Company
The global beer industry is constantly evolving, and our position within the global beer industry and our markets in which we operate may fundamentally change. If we do not successfully transform along with the evolving industry and market dynamics, then the result could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.  The brewing industry has significantly evolved over the years becoming an increasingly global beer market. For many years, the industry operated primarily on local presence with modest international expansion achieved through export, license and partnership arrangements, whereas it has now become increasingly complex as the global consolidation of brewers has resulted in fewer major market participants. At the same time, smaller local brewers within certain geographies are seeing accelerated growth as consumers increasingly place value on locally-produced and/or regionally-sourced products. As a result of the increased global consolidation of brewers and the dynamic of an expanding new segment within the industry with new market entrants, the markets in which we operate, particularly the more mature markets, may evolve at a disadvantage to our current market position and local governments may intervene, which may fundamentally accelerate transformational changes to such markets. For example, U.S. and Canada beer markets have long consisted of a select number of significant market participants with government-regulated routes to market. However, evolution in these and others of our beer markets together with emerging changes to consumer preferences have introduced a significant expansion of market entrants and resulted in increased consumer choice and market competition, as well as increased government scrutiny. Specifically, in the U.S., Canada and Europe, we have experienced vast expansion in the craft beer industry along with the expansion of cider and flavored malt beverages and, accordingly, among other things, we have strategically acquired several craft breweries. If our competitors are able to respond more quickly to the evolving trends within the craft beer, cider and flavored malt beverages categories, or if our new products are not successful, our business and financial results may be adversely impacted. In Canada, changes to interprovincial trade rules, regulations, distribution models, and packaging requirements, such as government-owned retail outlets and industry standard returnable bottles, may be disadvantageous to us. Currently, in Ontario and other provinces, provincial governments are reviewing and/or changing this historical foundation as a result of this market evolution and increased demand by some for government intervention to enhance competition and choice. In addition, the Supreme Court of Canada is currently considering the validity of certain interprovincial trade rules, which, among other things, may favor local or small brewers, and any changes could adversely impact our operating model across Canada. If we are unsuccessful in evolving with, and navigating through, the changes to the markets in which we operate, there could be a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. See risk factors below under “Risks Specific to the Canadian Segment” for additional risks specific to competition in the Canadian beer market.
    
Competition in our markets could require us to reduce prices or increase capital and other expenditures or cause us to lose sales volume, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.    In many of our markets, our primary competitors have greater financial, marketing, production and distribution resources than we do, and may be more diverse in terms of their geographies and brand portfolios. In all of the markets in which we operate, aggressive marketing strategies, such as reduced pricing, brand positioning, and increased capital investments by these competitors could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. In addition, continuing consolidation among major global brewers may lead to stronger or new competitors, loss of partner brands, negative impacts on our distributor networks and pressures from marketing and pricing tactics by competitors. Further, consolidation of distributors in our industry could reduce our ability to promote our brands in the market in a manner that enhances rather than diminishes their value, as well as reduce our ability to manage our pricing effectively. Additionally, due to competition with brewers and other beverage companies, an increase in the purchasing power of our large competitors may cause further pricing pressures which could prevent us from increasing prices to recover higher costs necessary to compete. Such pressures could have a material adverse impact our on our business and our financial results and market share. Failure to generate significant cost savings and margin improvement through our ongoing initiatives could adversely affect our profitability. Increased pressures for reduced pricing or difficulties in increasing prices while remaining competitive within our markets, as well as the need for increased capital investment, marketing and other expenditures could result in lower margins or loss of market share and volumes. Moreover, most of our major markets are mature, so growth opportunities may be more limited to us than to our competitors. For example, sales in the U.S. and Canada accounted for approximately 80% of our total 2017 sales.
    

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Our success as an enterprise depends largely on the success of relatively few products in several mature markets specific to the beer industry; if consumer preferences shift away from our products or consumption of our products decline, our business and financial results could be materially adversely affected.    Our Coors Light and Miller Lite brands in the U.S., Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Coors Banquet and Carling brands in Canada, and Carling, Staropramen, Jelen, Bergenbier and Coors Light brands in Europe represented approximately half of each respective segment's sales volumes in 2017. Additionally, several of our brands represent a significant share of their respective market, therefore volatility in these markets could disproportionately impact the performance of these brands. Consequently, any material shift in consumer preferences away from these brands, or from the categories in which they compete, could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. Consumer preferences and tastes may shift away from our brands or beer generally due to, among others, changing taste preferences, demographics, downturn in economic conditions or perceived value, as well as changes in consumers' perception of our brands due to negative publicity, regulatory actions or litigation. Recently, there has been more attention focused on health concerns and the harmful effects of alcoholic beverages which could result in a change in the social acceptability of beer and other alcoholic beverages which could materially impact the consumption of beer and our sales. Additionally, in some of our major markets, specifically Canada, the U.S. and Europe, there has been a shift in consumer preferences within the total beer market away from premium brands to "craft beer" produced by smaller, regional microbreweries, as well as a shift within the total alcohol beverage market from beer to wine and spirits. Moreover, several of our major markets are mature and we have a significant share in such markets, therefore, small movements in consumer preference, such as a consumer shift away from premium light brands, can disproportionately impact our results. Although the ultimate impact is currently unknown, the emergence of legal cannabis in certain U.S. states and Canada may result in a shift of discretionary income away from our products or a change in consumer preferences away from beer. As a result, a shift in consumer preferences away from our products or beer or a decline in the consumption of our products could result in a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
    
The success of our business relies heavily on brand image, reputation, product quality and protection of intellectual property.    It is important that we maintain and increase the image and reputation of our existing brands and products. Concerns about product quality, even when unsubstantiated, could be harmful to our image and reputation of our brands and products. While we have quality control programs in place, in the event we experienced an issue with product quality, we may experience recalls or liability in addition to business disruption which could further negatively impact brand image and reputation and negatively affect our sales. Our brand image and reputation may also be more difficult to protect due to less oversight and control as a result of the outsourcing of some of our operations. We also could be exposed to lawsuits relating to product liability or marketing or sales practices. Deterioration to our brand equity may be difficult to combat or reverse and could have a material effect on our business and financial results. In addition, because our brands carry family names, personal activities by certain members of the Molson or Coors families that harm their public image or reputation could have an adverse effect on our brands. Further, our success is dependent on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents, domain names, trade secrets and know-how. We cannot be certain that the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property rights will be sufficient or that third parties will not infringe upon or misappropriate these rights. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Weak, or weakening of, economic or other negative conditions in the markets in which we do business could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. Beer consumption in many of our markets is closely tied to general economic conditions and a significant portion of our portfolio consists of premium and above premium brands. Difficult macroeconomic conditions in our markets, such as decreases in per capita income and level of disposable income driven by increases to inflation, income taxes, the cost of living, unemployment levels, political or economic instability or other country-specific factors could have an adverse effect on the demand for our products. For example, a trend towards value brands in certain of our markets or further deterioration of the current economic conditions could result in a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. A significant portion of our consolidated net sales revenues are concentrated in the U.S. Therefore, unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, such as a recession or slowed economic growth, in the U.S. could negatively affect consumer demand for our product in this important market. Under difficult economic conditions, consumers may seek to reduce discretionary spending by forgoing purchases of our products or by shifting away from our products to lower-priced products offered by other companies. Softer consumer demand for our products in the U.S. could reduce our profitability and could negatively affect our overall financial performance.

We may not be able to realize anticipated cost and operational synergies from the Acquisition. The success of the Acquisition will depend, in part, on our ability to realize anticipated cost and operational synergies. Our success in realizing these cost synergies, and the timing of this realization, depends on the successful integration of our business and operations with the acquired business and operations. Even if we are able to integrate the acquired businesses and operations successfully,

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this integration may not result in the realization of the full benefits of the cost and operational synergies of the Acquisition that we currently expect within the anticipated time frame, or at all.

The Acquisition subjects us to significant additional liabilities, costs and other risks. We have assumed all of the liabilities of MillerCoors, including, among others, significant pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities. The assumed liabilities put additional pressure on our ability to successfully meet our deleveraging commitments and grow our business over time as discussed further below. In addition, as a result of the Acquisition, we are subject to the risks of the U.S. beer market to a much greater extent, and a significant majority of our overall business is in mature, low growth beer markets, such as the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Economic conditions and consumer preferences in these markets will have a greater impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

We may also incur additional costs in the course of the integration of the Miller International Business, and we cannot be certain that the elimination of duplicative costs or the realization of other efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses will offset the transaction and integration costs in the near term, or at all. Integrations of acquired businesses are complex, costly, and time-consuming, and such activities divert management’s time and attention. The assumption of liabilities in the Acquisition, coupled with any delays, additional costs, or issues experienced during the integration period could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We face numerous risks associated with the integration of the Miller International Business. The acquisition of the Miller International Business may subject us to unknown expenses and liabilities. These risks arise because we acquired the Miller International Business from ABI at a time when we had no access to historical financial statements or information which were then in the possession of SABMiller. Accordingly, our due diligence was limited. Under a settlement agreement entered into with ABI in January 2018, we received an Adjustment Amount of $328 million related to the Acquisition; however, this adjustment may not be sufficient to mitigate all our risks related to the limited due diligence and incomplete historical financial statements and information of the Miller International Business. The success of our acquisition of the Miller International Business will depend, in part, on our ability to realize all or some of the anticipated synergies and other benefits from integrating this business with our existing businesses and operations. The potential difficulties of the continuing integration of operations include, among others:

failure to implement our business plan for the combined business; 

impacts of change in control provisions in contracts and agreements;

failure to retain key customers, employees and suppliers; 

unanticipated changes in applicable laws and regulations; 

inherent operating risks in the business;

unanticipated issues, expenses and liabilities;

increased foreign currency exposures which could adversely affect the amounts recorded for our foreign assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and could have a negative effect on our results of operations;

unfamiliarity with operating in many of the countries in which the Miller International Business operates;

reliance on competitors, ABI (or Asahi, in the case of Europe), to provide production services as we continue to transition the business;

failure to develop sustainable production sources prior to the expiration of ABI's (or Asahi's, in the case of Europe) production services.

We may not be able to maintain the levels of revenue, earnings or operating efficiency that each of the Company and the Miller International Business had achieved or might achieve separately. The markets in which the Miller International Business operates may not experience the growth rates expected and any economic downturn affecting those markets could negatively impact the Miller International Business. These markets are in differing stages of development and may experience more volatility than expected or face more operating risks than in the more mature markets in which we have historically operated. If the Miller International Business or the markets in which it operates deteriorate, the potential cost savings, growth opportunities and other synergies of the acquisition of the Miller International Business may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take longer

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to realize than expected. In such case, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be negatively impacted.

Our debt level, which increased significantly to fund the Acquisition, subjects us to financial and operating risks, and the agreements governing such debt subject us to financial and operating covenants and restrictions. Our indebtedness subjects us to financial and operating covenants, including restrictions on priority indebtedness, leverage thresholds, liens, certain types of secured debt and certain types of sale lease-back transactions and transfers of assets, which may limit our flexibility in responding to our business needs. If we are not able to maintain compliance with stated financial covenants or if we breach other covenants in any debt agreement, we could be in default under such agreement. Such a default would adversely affect our credit ratings, may allow our creditors to accelerate the related indebtedness, and may result in the acceleration of any other indebtedness to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies. Our significant debt level and the terms of such debt could, among other things:     

make it more difficult to satisfy our obligations under the terms of our indebtedness;    

limit our ability to refinance our indebtedness on terms acceptable to us, or at all;    

limit our flexibility to plan for and adjust to changing business and market conditions and increase our
    vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;    

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to make interest and principal payments on our
    debt, thereby limiting the availability of our cash flow to fund future acquisitions, working capital, business
    activities, and other general corporate requirements;

limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, strategic
    opportunities, including acquisitions or other investments, to fund growth or for general corporate purposes,
    even when necessary to maintain adequate liquidity, particularly if any ratings assigned to our debt securities
by rating organizations were revised downward; and

adversely impact our competitive position in the industry.

Failure to comply with our debt covenants could have an adverse effect on our ability to obtain future financing at competitive rates and/or our ability to refinance our existing indebtedness. Under the terms of each of our debt facilities, we must comply with certain restrictions. These include restrictions on priority indebtedness (certain threshold percentages of secured consolidated net tangible assets), leverage thresholds, liens, and restrictions on certain types of sale lease-back transactions and transfers of assets. Failure to comply with these restrictions or maintain our credit rating may result in issues with our current financing structure and potential future financing requirements.

A deterioration in our credit rating could increase our borrowing rates or have an adverse effect on our ability to obtain future financing or refinance current debt. Ratings agencies may downgrade our credit ratings below their current investment grade levels if we are unable to meet our deleveraging commitments. A credit ratings downgrade could increase our costs of future borrowing and harm our ability to refinance our debt in the future on acceptable terms or access the capital markets. We currently intend to hold per share dividends constant and have suspended both our dividend target of 18% to 22% of trailing annualized EBITDA and our share repurchase program. We also intend to use cash from operations to reduce our debt level, which will reduce funds available for other operational or strategic needs and may increase our vulnerability to adverse economic or industry conditions.
    
Default by or failure of one or more of our counterparty financial institutions could cause us to incur significant losses. As part of our risk management activities, we enter into transactions involving derivative financial instruments, including, among others, forward contracts, commodity swap contracts, option contracts, with various financial institutions. In addition, we have significant amounts of cash and cash equivalents on deposit or in accounts with banks or other financial institutions in the U.S. and abroad. As a result, we are exposed to the risk of default by, or failure of, counterparty financial institutions. The risk of counterparty default or failure may be heightened during economic downturns and periods of uncertainty in the financial markets. If one of our counterparties were to become insolvent or file for bankruptcy, our ability to recover losses incurred as a result of default or to retrieve our assets that are deposited or held in accounts with such counterparty may be limited by the counterparty's liquidity or the applicable laws governing the insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings.
    

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Our operations face significant exposure to changes in commodity prices, which could materially and adversely affect our business and financial results.    We use a large volume of agricultural and other raw materials, some of which are purchased through supply contracts with third parties, to produce our products, including barley, malted barley, hops, corn, other various starches, water and packaging materials, including aluminum cans and bottles, glass and polyethylene terephthalate containers, as well as, cardboard and other paper products. We also use a significant amount of diesel fuel, natural gas and electricity in our operations. The supply and price of these raw materials and commodities can be affected by a number of factors beyond our control, including market demand, alternative sources for suppliers, global geopolitical events (especially as to their impact on crude oil prices and the resulting impact on diesel fuel prices), trade agreements among producing and consuming nations, governmental regulations, including tariffs, frosts, droughts and other weather conditions, economic factors affecting growth decisions, inflation, plant diseases and theft. To the extent any of the foregoing factors affect the availability or prices of ingredients or packaging or our hedging arrangements do not effectively or completely hedge changes in commodity price risks and we are not able to pass these increased costs along to customers, our business and financial results could be materially adversely impacted.

Unfavorable outcomes of legal or regulatory proceedings may adversely affect our business and financial condition. We are from time to time involved in or subject to legal or regulatory proceedings related to our business. Such proceedings can be complex, costly, and highly disruptive to business operations by diverting the attention and energies of management and other key personnel. The assessment of the outcome of such proceedings, including our potential liability, if any, is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events that are not within our control. The outcome of litigation, arbitration, regulatory or other proceedings, including amounts ultimately received or paid upon judgment or settlement, may differ materially from management’s outlook or estimates, including any amounts accrued in the financial statements. Actual outcomes, including judgments, awards, settlements or orders, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, or cash flows.

We may incur impairments of the carrying value of our goodwill and other intangible assets which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. In connection with various business combinations, we have historically allocated material amounts of the related purchase prices to goodwill and other intangible assets that are considered to have indefinite useful lives. For example, as a result of the Acquisition, we have allocated approximately $6.3 billion and $7.6 billion to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, respectively. These assets are tested for impairment at least annually, using estimates and assumptions affected by factors such as economic and industry conditions and changes in operating performance. Additionally, in conjunction with the brand impairment tests, we also reassess each brand's indefinite-life classification. Potential resulting charges from an impairment of goodwill or brand intangible, as well as reclassification of an indefinite-lived to a definite-lived brand intangible, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. For example, the results of our annual impairment testing completed as of October 1, 2016, indicated that the fair value of the Molson core brand indefinite-lived intangible asset was below its carrying value. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge of $495.2 million recorded within special items in our consolidated statements of operations during the fourth quarter of 2016. Additionally, during this review, we also reassessed the asset’s indefinite-life classification and determined that the Molson core brands have characteristics that have evolved which now indicate a definite-life is more appropriate. These brands were therefore reclassified as definite-lived intangible assets and will be amortized over useful lives ranging from 30 to 50 years.
    
Our most recent impairment analysis, conducted as of October 1, 2017, the first day of our fiscal fourth quarter, indicated that the fair value of the U.S., Europe and Canada reporting units were estimated at approximately 28%, 18% and 26% in excess of their carrying values, respectively. Although the fair values of our reporting units are sufficiently in excess of their carrying values, the fair values are sensitive to potential unfavorable changes in forecasted cash flows, macroeconomic conditions, market multiples or discount rates that could have an adverse impact. Any future impairment of the U.S., Europe or Canada reporting units or brands, or reclassification of indefinite-lived brands to definite-lived, may result in material charges that could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. Additionally, if the on-going integration of the MillerCoors and Miller International Business is unsuccessful due to, for example, unexpected challenges or difficulties, or adverse economic, market or industry conditions, material impairment charges may be incurred in the future. The testing of our goodwill for impairment is predicated upon our determination of our reporting units. Any change to the conclusion of our reporting units or the aggregation of components within our reporting units could result in a different outcome to our annual impairment test. See Part II-Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Critical Accounting Estimates and Part II-Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 11, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" of the Notes for additional information related to the results of our annual impairment testing.

Termination of one or more manufacturer/distribution agreements could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.    We manufacture and/or distribute products of other beverage companies through various joint venture, licensing, distribution, contract brewing or other similar arrangements, such as our agreement to import, market, distribute and sell Heineken in Canada and our arrangements to brew and distribute Beck's, Stella Artois, Lowenbrau and

25


Spaten and to distribute Corona in Central Europe. Our inability to renew or the loss of one or more of these arrangements, as a result of industry consolidation or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. For example, our 2015 Europe results were adversely impacted by the termination of our brewing and kegging agreement with Heineken under which we produced and packaged the Foster’s and Kronenbourg brands in the U.K. Additionally, in 2017, our International segment was adversely impacted by the loss of the Modelo brands in Japan.
    
Changes in various supply chain standards or agreements could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.    Our business includes various joint venture and industry agreements which standardize parts of the supply chain system. An example includes our warehousing and customer delivery systems in Canada organized under joint venture agreements with other brewers. Any negative change in these agreements or material terms within these agreements could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
    
We rely on a small number of suppliers to obtain the packaging materials we need to operate our business. The inability to obtain materials could unfavorably affect our ability to produce our products which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.    We purchase certain types of packaging materials including aluminum cans and bottles, glass bottles and paperboard from a small number of suppliers. Consolidation of packaging materials suppliers has reduced local supply alternatives and increased risks of supply disruptions. The inability of any of these suppliers to meet our production requirements without sufficient time to develop an alternative source could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. Additionally, if the financial condition of these suppliers deteriorates our business and financial results could be adversely impacted. Our suppliers’ financial condition is affected in large part by conditions and events that are beyond our and their control, including: competitive and general market conditions in the locations in which they operate; the availability of capital and other financing resources on reasonable terms; loss of major customers; or disruptions of bottling operations that may be caused by strikes, work stoppages, labor unrest or natural disasters. A deterioration of the financial condition or results of operations of one or more of our major suppliers could adversely affect our business and financial results.
    
Risks associated with operating our joint ventures may materially adversely affect our business and financial results. We have entered into several joint ventures, including our joint ventures with Ball Corporation (i.e. Rocky Mountain Metal Container), and with Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc. (i.e. Rocky Mountain Bottle Company), for a portion of our aluminum and glass packaging supply in the U.S. We may enter into additional joint ventures in the future. Our joint venture partners may at any time have economic, business or legal interests or goals that are inconsistent with our goals or with the goals of the joint venture. In addition, we compete against our joint venture partners in certain of our other markets. Disagreements with our business partners may impede our ability to maximize the benefits of our partnerships. Our joint venture arrangements may require us, among other matters, to pay certain costs or to make certain capital investments or to seek our joint venture partner's consent to take certain actions. In addition, our joint venture partners may be unable or unwilling to meet their economic or other obligations under the operative documents, and we may be required to either fulfill those obligations alone to ensure the ongoing success of a joint venture or to dissolve and liquidate a joint venture. For example, effective in 2014 we terminated our Modelo Molson Imports, L.P. joint venture that imported, distributed and marketed the Modelo beer brand portfolio across all Canadian provinces and territories which had an adverse effect on our Canadian volumes and financial results.
    
Our operations in developing and emerging markets expose us to additional risks which could harm our business and financial results. We expect our operations in developing and emerging markets to become more significant to our operating results as we continue to further expand internationally, including in connection with our acquisition of the Miller International Business. In certain of these markets, we have limited operating experience and may not succeed. In addition to risks described elsewhere in this section, our operations in these markets expose us to additional risks, including: changes in local political, economic, social and labor conditions; restrictions on foreign ownership and investments; repatriation of cash earned in countries outside the U.S.; import and export requirements; increased costs to ensure compliance with complex foreign laws and regulations; currency exchange rate fluctuations; a less developed and less certain legal and regulatory environment, which among other things can create uncertainty with regard to liability issues; longer payment cycles, increased credit risk and higher levels of payment fraud; and other challenges caused by distance, language, and cultural differences.
    
In addition, as a global company, we are subject to foreign and U.S. laws and regulations designed to combat governmental corruption, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act. Violations of these laws and regulations could result in fines and penalties, criminal sanctions against us, our officers, or our employees, prohibitions on the conduct of our business and prohibitions on our ability to offer our products and services in one or more countries, each of which could have a materially negative effect on our brands and our operating results. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these foreign and U.S. laws and regulations, including the U.S. Foreign

26


Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act, there can be no assurance that our employees, business partners or agents will not violate our policies.

Changes to the regulation of the distribution systems for our products could adversely affect our business and financial results.    Many countries in which we operate regulate the distribution of alcohol products and if those regulations were changed, it could alter our business practices and have material adverse effect on our business and financial results. For example, in the U.S. market, there is a three-tier distribution system that governs the sale of malt beverage products. That system, consisting of required separation of manufacturers, distributors and retailers, dates back to the repeal of prohibition and is periodically subject to legal challenges. To the extent that such challenges are successful and allow changes to the three-tier system, such changes could have a material adverse effect on our U.S. segment results of operations. Further, in Canada, our products are required to be distributed through each province's respective provincial liquor board. Additionally, in certain Canadian provinces, we rely on our joint venture arrangements, such as BRI and BDL, to distribute our products via retail outlets that are mandated and regulated by provincial government regulators. BRI owns and operates commercial retail outlets, known as The Beer Store, in Ontario, and BDL facilitates the distribution of our products in the Western Canadian provinces. If provincial regulation should change, the costs to adjust our distribution methods could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Our consolidated financial statements are subject to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, most significantly the Canadian dollar and the European operating currencies such as, Euro, British Pound, Czech Koruna, Croatian Kuna, Serbian Dinar, New Romanian Leu, Bulgarian Lev and Hungarian Forint. We hold assets and incur liabilities, earn revenues and pay expenses in different currencies, most significantly in Canada and throughout Europe. Because our financial statements are presented in USD, we must translate our assets, liabilities, income and expenses into USD. Increases and decreases in the value of the USD will affect, perhaps adversely, the value of these items in our financial statements, even if their local currency value has not changed. Additionally, we are exposed to currency transaction risks related to transactions denominated in currencies other than one of the functional currencies of our operating entities, such as the purchase of certain raw material inputs or capital expenditures, as well as sales transactions and debt issuances or other incurred obligations. Further, certain actions by the government of any of the jurisdictions in which we operate could adversely affect our results and financial position. To the extent that we fail to adequately manage these risks through our risk management policies intended to protect our exposure to currency movements, which may affect our operations, including if our hedging arrangements do not effectively or completely hedge changes in foreign currency rates, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. As a result of the U.K. vote to leave the European Union, the GBP experienced a significant decline in comparison to USD and EUR and may continue to be volatile. Any significant further weakening of the GBP to the USD will have an adverse impact on our European revenues as reported in USD due to the importance of U.K. sales. Additionally, the strengthening of the USD against the Canadian dollar, European currencies and various other global currencies would adversely impact our USD reported results due to the impact on foreign currency translation.

Changes in tax, environmental, trade or other regulations or failure to comply with existing licensing, trade and other regulations could cause volatility or have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.    Our business is highly regulated by national, state, provincial and local laws and regulations in various jurisdictions regarding such matters as tariffs, licensing requirements, trade and pricing practices, labeling, advertising, promotion and marketing practices, relationships with distributors, environmental matters, ingredient regulations, and other matters. These laws and regulations are subject to frequent re-evaluation, varying interpretations and political debate and inquiries from government regulators charged with their enforcement, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. For example, on December 22, 2017, H.R. 1, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”), was enacted in the U.S. This enactment resulted in a number of significant changes to U.S. federal income tax law for U.S. corporations. Most notably, the statutory federal corporate income tax rate was changed from 35% to 21% for corporations and, as a result, we recorded an estimated net tax benefit of approximately $434 million in our consolidated statements of operations during the fourth quarter of 2017 driven by the effects of the 2017 Tax Act on our deferred tax positions as of December 31, 2017. Our initial assessment of the impacts of the 2017 Tax Act is preliminary as we continue to evaluate the 2017 Tax Act and understand its implications, as well as the related, and yet to be issued, regulator rules, regulations and interpretations. If our complete and final assessment and understanding of the 2017 Tax Act differs significantly from this initial assessment, or the forthcoming rules, regulations and interpretations change our preliminary conclusions, the resulting impacts could have a material adverse impact on our tax rate and cash tax expectations. Additionally, modifications of U.S. laws and policies governing foreign trade and investment (including trade agreements and tariffs, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement or aluminum tariffs currently being evaluated by the U.S. government) could adversely affect our supply chain, business and results of operations. Failure to comply with existing laws and regulations or changes in these laws, regulations, or interpretations thereof, or in tax, environmental, excise tax levels imposed or any other laws or regulations could result in the loss, revocation or suspension of our licenses, permits or approvals and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation of, and potential future developments in, complex

27


domestic and international tax laws and regulations, the amount and timing of future taxable income and the interaction of such laws and regulations among jurisdictions. Given the wide range of international business relationships and the long-term nature and complexity of existing contractual agreements, differences arising between the actual results and assumptions made, or future changes to such assumptions, could necessitate future adjustments to tax income and expense already recorded. Finally, advocates of prohibition and other severe restrictions on the marketing and sales of alcohol are becoming increasingly organized and coordinated on a global basis, seeking to impose laws or regulations or to bring actions against us, to curtail substantially the consumption of alcohol, including beer, in developed and developing markets. To the extent such views gain traction in regulations of jurisdictions in which we do or plan to do business, they could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. For example, in early 2016, the government of Bihar, India, the largest state in India in which our International segment operates, announced a complete prohibition on the sale and distribution of alcohol.
    
Climate change and water availability may negatively affect our business and financial results.    There is concern that a gradual increase in global average temperatures could cause significant changes in global weather patterns and an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Changing weather patterns and more volatile weather conditions could result in decreased agricultural productivity in certain regions which may impact quality, limit availability or increase the cost of key agricultural commodities, such as hops, barley and other cereal grains, which are important ingredients for our products. Increased frequency or duration of extreme weather conditions could also impair production capabilities, disrupt our supply chain, distribution networks and routes to market, or impact demand for our products. In addition, public expectations for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions could result in increased energy, transportation and raw material costs and may require us to make additional investments in facilities and equipment. Clean water is a limited resource in many parts of the world and climate change may increase water scarcity and cause a deterioration of water quality in areas where we maintain brewing operations. The competition for water among domestic, agricultural and manufacturing users is increasing in some of our brewing communities. Even where water is widely available, water purification and waste treatment infrastructure limitations could increase costs or constrain our operations.
    
Loss or closure of a major brewery or other key facility, due to unforeseen or catastrophic events or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. Our business could be interrupted and our financial results could be materially adversely impacted by physical risks such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, terror attacks and other natural disasters or catastrophic events that damage or destroy one of our breweries or key facilities or the key facilities of our significant suppliers. Additionally, certain catastrophes are not covered by our general insurance policies, which could result in significant unrecoverable losses. Furthermore, our business and results of operations could be adversely impacted by under-investment in physical assets or production capacity, including contract brewing and effect on priority of our brands if production capacity is limited. Further, significant excess capacity at any of our breweries as a result of increased efficiencies in our supply chain process or continued volume declines, could result in under-utilization of our assets, which could lead to excess overhead expenses or additional costs incurred associated with the closure of one or more of our facilities. For example, as part of a strategic review of our supply chain network, certain breweries and bottling lines were closed during 2015 and 2016 and we incurred related costs during 2017. We regularly review our supply chain network to ensure that our supply chain capacity is aligned with the needs of the business. Such reviews could potentially result in further closures and the related costs could be material.
    
Failure to successfully identify, complete or integrate attractive acquisitions and joint ventures into our existing operations could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results. We have made a number of acquisitions and entered into several strategic joint ventures. In order to compete in the consolidating global brewing industry, we anticipate that we may, from time to time, in the future acquire additional businesses or enter into additional joint ventures that we believe would provide a strategic fit with our business such as the Acquisition. Potential risks associated with acquisitions and joint ventures could include, among other things: our ability to identify attractive acquisitions and joint ventures; our ability to offer potential acquisition targets and joint venture partners' competitive transaction terms; our ability to raise capital on reasonable terms to finance attractive acquisitions and joint ventures; our ability to realize the benefits or cost savings that we expect to realize as a result of the acquisition or joint venture; diversion of management's attention; our ability to successfully integrate our businesses with the business of the acquired company; motivating, recruiting and retaining key employees; conforming standards, controls, procedures and policies, business cultures and compensation structures among our company and the acquired company; consolidating and streamlining sales, marketing and corporate operations; potential exposure to unknown liabilities of acquired companies; loss of key employees and customers of the acquired business; and managing tax costs or inefficiencies associated with integrating our operations following completion of an acquisition or entry into a joint venture.

Poor investment performance of pension plan holdings and other factors impacting pension plan costs could unfavorably affect our business, liquidity and our financial results.    Our costs of providing defined benefit pension plans are dependent upon a number of factors, such as the rates of return on the plans' assets, discount rates, the level of interest rates used to measure the required minimum funding levels of the plans, exchange rate fluctuations, future government regulation,

28


global equity prices, and our required and/or voluntary contributions to the plans. While we comply with the minimum funding requirements, we have certain qualified pension plans with obligations which exceed the value of the plans' assets. These funding requirements also may require contributions even when there is no reported deficit. Without sustained growth in the pension investments over time to increase the value of the plans' assets, and depending upon the other factors as listed above, we could be required to fund the plans with significant amounts of cash. Such cash funding obligations (or the timing of such contributions) could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, credit rating, cost of borrowing, financial position and/or results of operations. For example, following the completion of the triennial review of the U.K. pension plan with the plan's trustees in 2014, we made a GBP 150 million contribution to our U.K. pension plan in January 2015, based on the underfunded status of the plan and the evaluation of the plan's performance and long-term obligations. In addition, we made pension plan contributions during 2017 of approximately $310 million, including $200 million of discretionary contributions to the U.S. pension plan.
    
We depend on key personnel, the loss of whom could harm our business. The loss of the services and expertise of any key employee could harm our business. Our future success depends on our ability to identify, attract and retain qualified personnel on a timely basis. Turnover of senior management can adversely impact our stock price, our results of operations and our client relationships and may make recruiting for future management positions more difficult. In addition, we must successfully integrate any new management personnel that we hire within our organization, or who join our organization as a result of an acquisition, in order to achieve our operating objectives, and changes in other key management positions may temporarily affect our financial performance and results of operations as new management becomes familiar with our business.

Due to a high concentration of workers represented by unions or trade councils in Canada, Europe, and the U.S., we could be significantly affected by labor strikes, work stoppages or other employee-related issues.    As of December 31, 2017, approximately 55%, 40%, and 28% of our Canadian, European and U.S. workforces, respectively, are represented by trade unions. Stringent labor laws in certain of our key markets expose us to a greater risk of loss should we experience labor disruptions in those markets. A prolonged labor strike, work stoppage or other employee-related issue, could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. For example, in the first quarter of 2017, our Toronto brewery unionized employees commenced a labor strike initiated from on-going negotiations of the collective bargaining agreement.  This labor strike resulted in slower than expected production at the Toronto brewery in the first quarter of 2017. From time to time, our collective bargaining agreements come due for renegotiation. Currently, we are in collective bargaining with our Montreal brewery, distribution and sales unions and, if we are unable to timely complete negotiations, affected employees may strike, which could have an adverse effect on our Canadian business and financial results.

Because of our reliance on third-party service providers and internal and outsourced systems for our information technology and certain other administrative functions, we could experience a disruption to our business.    We rely extensively on information services providers worldwide for our information technology functions including network, help desk, hardware and software configuration. Additionally, we rely on internal networks and information systems and other technology, including the internet and third-party hosted services, to support a variety of business processes and activities, including procurement and supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, invoicing and collection of payments. We use information systems for certain human resource activities and to process our employee benefits, as well as to process financial information for internal and external reporting purposes and to comply with various reporting, legal and tax requirements. As information systems are critical to many of our operating activities, our business may be impacted by system shutdowns, service disruptions or security breaches. Additionally, if one of our service providers were to fail and we were unable to find a suitable replacement in a timely manner, we could be unable to properly administer our outsourced functions.

A breach of our information systems could cause material financial or reputational harm. Our internal and outsourced systems may also be the target of cyber-attacks or other breaches to our security, which, if successful, could expose us to the loss of key business, employee, customer or vendor information and disruption of our operations. If our information systems suffer severe damage, disruption or shutdown and our remediation plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, we could experience delays in reporting our financial results and we may lose revenue and profits as a result of our inability to timely prepare, distribute, invoice and collect payments from our customers. Misuse, leakage or falsification of information could result in a violation of data privacy laws and regulations, or damage our reputation and credibility. In addition, we may suffer financial and reputational damage because of lost or misappropriated confidential information and may become subject to legal action and increased regulatory oversight or consumers may avoid our brands due to negative publicity. We could also be required to spend significant financial and other resources to remedy the damage caused by a security breach or to repair or replace networks and information systems, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.


29


If the Pentland Trust and the Coors Trust do not agree on a matter submitted to our stockholders or if a super-majority of our board of directors do not agree on certain actions, generally the matter will not be approved, even if beneficial to us or favored by other stockholders or a majority of our board of directors.    Pentland Securities (1981) Inc. (the "Pentland Trust") (a company controlled by the Molson family and related parties) and the Adolph Coors, Jr. Trust (the "Coors Trust"), which together control more than 90% of our Class A common stock and Class A exchangeable shares, have a voting trust agreement through which they have combined their voting power over the shares of our Class A common stock and the Class A exchangeable shares that they own. If these two stockholders do not agree to vote in favor of a matter submitted to a stockholder vote (other than the election of directors), the voting trustees are required to vote all of the Class A common stock and Class A exchangeable shares deposited in the voting trust against the matter. There is no other mechanism in the voting trust agreement to resolve a potential deadlock between these stockholders. Therefore, if either the Pentland Trust or the Coors Trust is unwilling to vote in favor of a proposal that is subject to a stockholder vote, we would be unable to implement the proposal even if our board of directors, management or other stockholders believe the proposal is beneficial to us. Similarly, our bylaws require the authorization of a super-majority (two-thirds) of the board of directors to take certain transformational actions. Thus, it is possible that the Company will not be authorized to take action even if it is supported by a simple majority of the board of directors.
    
The interests of the controlling stockholders may differ from those of other stockholders and could prevent the Company from making certain decisions or taking certain actions that would be in the best interest of the other stockholders. Our Class B common stock has fewer voting rights than our Class A common stock and holders of our Class A common stock have the ability to effectively control or have a significant influence over certain company actions requiring stockholder approval, which could have a material adverse effect on Class B stockholders. See Part II-Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 8, "Stockholders' Equity" of the Notes for additional information regarding voting rights of Class A and Class B stockholders.

Risks Specific to the United States Segment
    
Our U.S. business is highly dependent on independent distributors to sell our products, with no assurance that these distributors will effectively sell our products.    We sell nearly all of our products, including all of our imported products, in the U.S. to independent distributors for resale to retail outlets. These independent distributors are entitled to exclusive territories and protected from termination by state statutes and regulations. Consequently, if we are not allowed, or are unable under acceptable terms or at all, to replace unproductive or inefficient distributors, our business, financial position and results of operation may be adversely affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Changes in the social acceptability of alcohol and the political view of the alcohol industry may harm the U.S. business. The alcoholic beverage industry is regularly the subject of anti-alcohol activist activity related to the health concerns from the misuse of alcohol and concerns regarding underage drinking and exposure to alcohol advertisements. Negative publicity regarding beer and changes in consumer perceptions in relation to beer and other alcoholic beverages, could adversely affect the sale and consumption of our products which could, in turn, adversely affect our business and financial conditions. Additionally, the concerns around alcohol could result in advertising, selling and other restrictions imposed by regulators. Moreover, it could result in increased taxes associated with alcohol sales, which also could negatively impact our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition if consumers and customers change their purchasing patterns.
Risks Specific to the Canada Segment
We may experience adverse effects on our Canada business and financial results due to declines in the overall Canadian beer industry, continued price discounting, increased cost of goods sold and higher taxes.    If the Canadian beer market continues to decline, the impact to our financial results could be exacerbated due to our significant share of the overall market. Additionally, continuation or acceleration of price discounting, in Ontario, Québec, Alberta or other provinces, as well as increases in our cost of goods sold, could adversely impact our business. Further, changes in the Canadian tax legislation, such as the potential for an increase in beer excise taxes, could decrease our net sales. Although the ultimate impact is currently unknown, the legalization of cannabis in Canada may result in a shift of discretionary income away from our products or a change in consumer preferences away from beer or our other products. Moreover, the future success and earnings growth of the Canada business depends, in part, on our ability to efficiently conduct our operations. Failure to generate significant cost savings and margin improvement through our ongoing initiatives could adversely affect our profitability.
    
If we are required to move away from the industry standard returnable bottle we use today, we may incur unexpected losses. Along with other brewers in Canada, we currently use an industry standard returnable bottle which represents approximately 31% of total volume sales (excluding imports) in Canada. Changes to the Industry Standard Bottle Agreement could impact our use of the industry standard returnable bottle. If we cease to use the industry standard returnable

30


bottle, our current bottle inventory and a portion of our bottle packaging equipment could become obsolete and could result in a material write-off of these assets.
Risks Specific to the Europe Segment
The vote in the U.K. to leave the European Union could adversely affect us. Approximately 11% of our consolidated net sales in 2017 came from the U.K., which is our largest market in Europe. In a referendum held on June 23, 2016, a majority of voters in the U.K. voted in favor of the U.K. leaving the European Union. The U.K. vote to leave the European Union triggered a decline in the GBP in comparison to USD and EUR. Weakening of economic conditions or economic uncertainties tend to harm the beer business, and if such conditions emerge in the U.K. or in the rest of Europe, it may have a material adverse effect on our Europe segment. In addition, any significant weakening of the GBP to the USD will have an adverse impact on our European revenues as reported in USD due to the importance of U.K. sales. The U.K. is expected to leave the EU on March 29, 2019. Because the terms of the exit are still unknown, we may face regulatory uncertainty and may need to quickly adapt to regulatory changes and market volatility.
    
Economic trends and intense competition in European markets could unfavorably affect our profitability. Our European businesses have been, and, in the future may be, adversely affected by conditions in the global financial markets and general economic and political conditions, as well as a weakening of their respective currencies versus the U.S. dollar. Additionally, we face intense competition in certain of our European markets, particularly with respect to pricing, which could lead to reduced sales or profitability. In particular, the on-going focus by large competitors in Europe to drive increased market share through aggressive pricing strategies could adversely affect our sales and results of operations. In addition, in recent years, beer volume sales in Europe have been shifting from pubs and restaurants (on-premise) to retail stores (off-premise) as well as from premium or core brands to value brands, for the industry in general. Margins on sales of value brands and sales to off-premise customers tend to be lower than margins on sales to on-premise customers, and, as a result, continuation or acceleration of these trends would further adversely affect our profitability.
Risks Specific to the International Segment
An inability to expand our operations in emerging markets could adversely affect our growth prospects. Our ability to further grow our International segment in emerging markets depends on our ability: to react to social, economic, and political conditions in those markets; to create effective product distribution networks and consumer brand awareness in new markets; and, in many cases, to find appropriate local partners. Due to product price, local regulatory changes, local competition from competitors that are larger and have more resources than we do, and cultural differences, or absence of effective routes to market, there is no assurance that our products will be accepted in any particular emerging market. If we are unable to expand our businesses in emerging markets, our growth prospects could be adversely affected.
Risks Specific to Our Discontinued Operations
Indemnities provided to the purchaser of 83% of the Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil S.A. ("Kaiser") business in Brazil could result in future cash outflows and statement of operations charges.    In 2006, we sold our 83% ownership interest in Kaiser to FEMSA Cerveza S.A. de C.V. ("FEMSA"). The terms of the sale agreement require us to indemnify FEMSA for exposures related to certain tax, civil and labor contingencies and certain purchased tax credits. The ultimate resolution of these claims is not under our control. These indemnity obligations are recorded as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, however, we could incur future statement of operations charges as facts further develop resulting in changes to our estimates or changes in our assessment of probability of loss on these items as well as due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Due to the uncertainty involved in the ultimate outcome and timing of these contingencies, significant adjustments to the carrying value of our indemnity liabilities and corresponding statement of operations charges/credits could result in the future.

ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES
As of February 14, 2018, our major facilities were owned (unless otherwise indicated) and are as follows:
Facility
 
Location
 
Character
U.S. Segment
Administrative offices
 
Chicago, Illinois(1)
 
U.S. segment headquarters
 
 
Golden, Colorado
 
U.S. segment administrative office
 
 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
 
U.S. segment administrative office
Brewery/packaging plants

Albany, Georgia(2)

Brewing and packaging
 
 
Elkton, Virginia
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Fort Worth, Texas(2)
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Golden, Colorado(2)
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Irwindale, California
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin(2)
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Trenton, Ohio(2)
 
Brewing and packaging
Beer distributorship
 
Denver, Colorado
 
Distribution
Container operations

Wheat Ridge, Colorado(3)

Bottling manufacturing facility
 
 
Golden, Colorado(3)
 
Can and end manufacturing facilities
Malting operations

Golden, Colorado

Malting
Canada Segment
Administrative offices
 
Montréal, Québec

Corporate headquarters

 
Toronto, Ontario

Canada segment headquarters
Brewery/packaging plants
 
Montréal, Québec(4)
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Toronto, Ontario(4)
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Vancouver, British Columbia(5)
 
Brewing and packaging
Europe Segment
Administrative offices
 
Prague, Czech Republic
 
Europe segment headquarters
Brewery/packaging plants
 
Apatin, Serbia(6)
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Bőcs, Hungary
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, U.K.(6)(7)
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Haskovo, Bulgaria
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Niksic, Montenegro
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Ostrava, Czech Republic
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Ploiesti, Romania(6)
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Prague, Czech Republic(6)
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Tadcaster Brewery, Yorkshire, U.K.(6)
 
Brewing and packaging
 
 
Zagreb, Croatia
 
Brewing and packaging
(1)
We lease the office space for our U.S. segment headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.
(2)
The Golden, Trenton, Albany, Fort Worth and Milwaukee breweries collectively account for approximately 75% of our U.S. production.
(3)
The Wheat Ridge and Golden Colorado facilities are leased from us by RMBC and RMMC, respectively.
(4)
The Montréal and Toronto breweries collectively account for approximately 78% of our Canada production.
(5)
We lease two brewing and packaging facilities in British Columbia. As part of our ongoing assessment of our Canadian supply chain network, we completed the sale of our Vancouver brewery on March 31, 2016. In conjunction

32


with the sale of the brewery, we agreed to leaseback the existing property to continue operations on an uninterrupted basis while the new brewery is being constructed. We expect to incur significant capital expenditures associated with the construction of the new brewery, most of which we expect to be funded with the proceeds from the sale of the Vancouver brewery. The final closure of the brewery is currently expected to occur in the third quarter of 2019.
In further efforts to help optimize the Canada brewery network, in the third quarter of 2017 we announced a plan to build a more efficient and flexible brewery in the greater Montreal area. As a result of this decision, we have begun to develop plans to transition out of our existing Montreal brewery. The final closure of the brewery is currently expected to occur in 2021.
(6)
The Burton-on-Trent, Prague, Ploiesti, Apatin and Tadcaster breweries collectively account for approximately 73% of our Europe production.
(7)
During the fourth quarter of 2015, we announced the planned closure of the Burton South brewery in the U.K., which is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2018. We continue to own the Burton South Brewery as of December 31, 2017.
In addition to the properties listed above, we have smaller capacity facilities, including craft breweries and cideries, in each of our segments. We lease various warehouse and office spaces throughout the United States and we own and lease six warehouses throughout Canada, excluding the Province of Quebec. In addition, we own fourteen distribution centers, lease sixteen additional distribution centers, own two warehouses and lease nine additional warehouses throughout Europe.
As a result of the implementation of total alcohol prohibition, the Bihar, India brewery is currently not operating and is idled pending any future change in law or regulation.
We also lease offices in Colorado, the location of our Corporate and International segment headquarters, as well as within various international countries in which our International segment operates. We believe our facilities are well maintained and suitable for their respective operations. In 2017, our operating facilities were not capacity constrained.
During the third quarter of 2015, MillerCoors announced plans to close its brewery in Eden, North Carolina, in an effort to optimize the brewery footprint and streamline operations for greater efficiencies. Products produced in the Eden brewery were transitioned to other breweries in the MillerCoors network. As of December 31, 2017, we continue to own the Eden, North Carolina brewery, which closed in September 2016.
During the second quarter of 2015 and fourth quarter of 2015, we completed the closure of the Alton brewery in the U.K. and our Plovdiv brewery in Bulgaria, respectively. During the third quarter of 2017, we completed the sale of land related to the Plovdiv brewery. We continue to own the Alton brewery as of December 31, 2017.

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Litigation and other disputes
For information regarding litigation, other disputes and environmental and regulatory proceedings see Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 19, "Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes.
We are involved in other disputes and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business. While it is not feasible to predict or determine the outcome of these proceedings, in our opinion, based on a review with legal counsel, none of these disputes and legal actions are expected to have a material impact on our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business.

ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.

33


PART II

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our Class A common stock and Class B common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols "TAP.A" and "TAP," respectively. In addition, the Class A exchangeable shares and Class B exchangeable shares of our indirect subsidiary, Molson Coors Canada Inc., trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols "TPX.A" and "TPX.B," respectively. The Class A and B exchangeable shares are a means for shareholders to defer tax in Canada and have substantially the same economic and voting rights as the respective common shares. The exchangeable shares can be exchanged for our Class A or B common stock at any time and at the exchange ratios described in the Merger documents, and receive the same dividends. At the time of exchange, shareholders' taxes are due. The exchangeable shares have voting rights through special voting shares held by a trustee.
The approximate number of record security holders by class of stock at February 9, 2018, is as follows:
Title of class
 
Number of record
security holders
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value
 
22
Class B common stock, $0.01 par value
 
2,681
Class A exchangeable shares, no par value
 
226
Class B exchangeable shares, no par value
 
2,382
The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of our Class A common stock for each quarter of 2017 and 2016 as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, as well as dividends paid in such quarter.
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
2017
 
 
 
 
 
First quarter
$
108.00

 
$
94.63

 
$
0.41

Second quarter
$
96.00

 
$
84.23

 
$
0.41

Third quarter
$
91.63

 
$
83.84

 
$
0.41

Fourth quarter
$
87.83

 
$
79.84

 
$
0.41

2016
 
 
 
 
 
First quarter
$
93.87

 
$
81.97

 
$
0.41

Second quarter
$
103.78

 
$
91.85

 
$
0.41

Third quarter
$
110.17

 
$
91.86

 
$
0.41

Fourth quarter
$
109.99

 
$
95.07

 
$
0.41

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of our Class B common stock for each quarter of 2017 and 2016 as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, as well as dividends paid in such quarter.
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
2017
 
 
 
 
 
First quarter
$
102.14

 
$
94.12

 
$
0.41

Second quarter
$
97.50

 
$
85.46

 
$
0.41

Third quarter
$
94.02

 
$
80.92

 
$
0.41

Fourth quarter
$
84.91

 
$
76.25

 
$
0.41

2016
 
 
 
 
 
First quarter
$
97.00

 
$
80.78

 
$
0.41

Second quarter
$
104.15

 
$
91.17

 
$
0.41

Third quarter
$
111.24

 
$
89.40

 
$
0.41

Fourth quarter
$
112.19

 
$
94.10

 
$
0.41


34


The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of our Class A exchangeable shares for each quarter of 2017 and 2016 as reported by the Toronto Stock Exchange, as well as dividends paid in such quarter.
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
2017
 
 
 
 
 

First quarter
CAD
131.88

 
CAD
120.00

 
$
0.41

Second quarter
CAD
125.00

 
CAD
111.00

 
$
0.41

Third quarter
CAD
120.00

 
CAD
101.00

 
$
0.41

Fourth quarter
CAD
110.00

 
CAD
101.50

 
$
0.41

2016
 
 
 
 
 

First quarter
CAD
126.34

 
CAD
116.00

 
$
0.41

Second quarter
CAD
130.84

 
CAD
121.82

 
$
0.41

Third quarter
CAD
137.84

 
CAD
120.00

 
$
0.41

Fourth quarter
CAD
140.00

 
CAD
128.20

 
$
0.41

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of our Class B exchangeable shares for each quarter of 2017 and 2016 as reported by the Toronto Stock Exchange, as well as dividends paid in such quarter.
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
2017
 
 
 
 
 
First quarter
CAD
134.75

 
CAD
120.00

 
$
0.41

Second quarter
CAD
132.69

 
CAD
111.74

 
$
0.41

Third quarter
CAD
117.25

 
CAD
100.55

 
$
0.41

Fourth quarter
CAD
107.54

 
CAD
98.04

 
$
0.41

2016
 
 
 
 
 
First quarter
CAD
129.87

 
CAD
114.90

 
$
0.41

Second quarter
CAD
133.94

 
CAD
118.13

 
$
0.41

Third quarter
CAD
145.51

 
CAD
120.02

 
$
0.41

Fourth quarter
CAD
147.85

 
CAD
125.01

 
$
0.41



35


PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares our cumulative total stockholder return over the last five fiscal years with the S&P 500 and a customized peer index including MCBC, ABI, Carlsberg, Heineken and Asahi (the "Peer Group"). We have used a weighted-average based on market capitalization to determine the return for the Peer Group. The graph assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2012, in our Class B common stock, the S&P 500 and the Peer Group, and assumes reinvestment of all dividends. The below is provided for informational purposes and is not indicative of future performance.
tap2017123_chart-05634.jpg
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
Molson Coors
$
100.00

 
$
132.37

 
$
179.63

 
$
231.25

 
$
243.65

 
$
209.27

S&P 500
$
100.00

 
$
129.10

 
$
146.76

 
$
148.77

 
$
162.96

 
$
198.53

Peer Group
$
100.00

 
$
117.13

 
$
144.30

 
$
181.88

 
$
169.12

 
$
178.93

Dividends
As a result of the Acquisition, we plan to maintain our current quarterly dividend of $0.41 per share as we pay down debt, and we will revisit our dividend policy once deleveraging is well underway.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
In February 2015, we announced that our board of directors approved and authorized a new program to repurchase up to $1.0 billion of our Class A and Class B common stock. As a result of the Acquisition, we suspended the share repurchase program and thus, there were no shares of Class A or Class B common stock repurchased in 2016 or 2017. Under the program, shares may be repurchased in privately negotiated and/or open market transactions, including under plans complying with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. The number, price and timing of the repurchases will be at the Company’s sole discretion and will be evaluated depending on market conditions, liquidity needs or other factors. The Company’s board of directors may suspend, modify or terminate the share repurchase program at any time without prior notice.

36


ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The table below summarizes selected financial information for the five years ended December 31, 2017. For further information, refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto presented under Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Net income from continuing operations attributable to MCBC and the related basic and diluted per share amounts for fiscal years 2013 through 2016, have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of our change in accounting policy as discussed in Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes.
 
2017
 
2016(1)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions, except per share data)
Consolidated Statements of Operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
11,002.8

 
$
4,885.0

 
$
3,567.5

 
$
4,146.3

 
$
4,206.1

Net income from continuing operations attributable to MCBC
$
1,412.7

 
$
1,995.8

 
$
391.3

 
$
538.1

 
$
581.3

Net income from continuing operations attributable to MCBC per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
6.56

 
$
9.41

 
$
2.11

 
$
2.91

 
$
3.18

Diluted
$
6.52

 
$
9.35

 
$
2.10

 
$
2.89

 
$
3.16

Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
30,246.9

 
$
29,341.5

 
$
12,276.3

 
$
13,980.1

 
$
15,560.5

Current portion of long-term debt and short-term borrowings
$
714.8

 
$
684.8

 
$
28.7

 
$
849.0

 
$
586.9

Long-term debt
$
10,598.7

 
$
11,387.7

 
$
2,908.7

 
$
2,321.3

 
$
3,193.4

Other information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends per share of common stock
$
1.64

 
$
1.64

 
$
1.64

 
$
1.48

 
$
1.28

(1)
Includes MillerCoors' results of operations on a consolidated basis for the post-Acquisition period October 11, 2016, through December 31, 2016, as well as the assets acquired and related debt issued in connection with the Acquisition. Prior to October 11, 2016, MCBC’s 42% share of MillerCoors' results of operations was reported as equity income in MillerCoors in the consolidated statements of operations and our 42% share of MillerCoors' net assets was reported as Investment in MillerCoors in the consolidated balance sheets. Also included in net income from continuing operations attributable to MCBC is a net special items gain of approximately $3.0 billion related to the fair value remeasurement of our pre-existing 42% interest in MillerCoors over its carrying value, as well as the reclassification of the loss related to MCBC's historical AOCI on our 42% interest in MillerCoors. See Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 4, "Acquisition and Investments" of the Notes for further discussion.




37


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is provided to assist in understanding our company, operations and current business environment and should be considered a supplement to, and read in conjunction with, the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes included within Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, as well as the discussion of our business and related risk factors in Part I—Item 1 Business and Part I—Item 1A Risk Factors, respectively.
Our Fiscal Year
Unless otherwise indicated, (a) all $ amounts are in USD, (b) comparisons are to comparable prior periods, and (c) 2017, 2016 and 2015 refers to the 12 months ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively. For 2016, the consolidated statement of operations includes MillerCoors' results of operations for the period from January 1, 2016, to October 10, 2016, on an equity method basis of accounting and from October 11, 2016, to December 31, 2016, on a consolidated basis of accounting. Where indicated, we have reflected unaudited pro forma financial information for 2016 and 2015 which gives effect to the Acquisition and the related financing as if they were completed on January 1, 2015, the first day of the Company’s 2015 fiscal year.
Operational Measures
We have certain operational measures, such as STWs and STRs, which we believe are important metrics. STW is a metric that we use in our business to reflect the sales from our operations to our direct customers, generally wholesalers. We believe the STW metric is important because it gives an indication of the amount of beer and adjacent products that we have produced and shipped to customers. STR is a metric that we use in our business to refer to sales closer to the end consumer than STWs, which generally means sales from our wholesalers or our company to retailers, who in turn sell to consumers. We believe the STR metric is important because, unlike STWs, it provides the closest indication of the performance of our brands in relation to market and competitor sales trends.
Acquisition
On October 11, 2016, we completed the acquisition of SABMiller plc's ("SABMiller") 58% economic interest and 50% voting interest in MillerCoors and all trademarks, contracts and other assets primarily related to the "Miller International Business," as defined in the purchase agreement, outside of the U.S. and Puerto Rico (the "Acquisition") from Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV ("ABI"). The Acquisition was completed for $12.0 billion in cash, subject to a downward purchase price adjustment as described in the purchase agreement. This purchase price "Adjustment Amount," as defined in the purchase agreement, required payment to MCBC if the unaudited EBITDA for the Miller International Business for the twelve months prior to closing was below $70 million.
On January 21, 2018, MCBC and ABI entered into a settlement agreement related to the purchase price adjustment under the purchase agreement. Subsequently, on January 26, 2018, pursuant to the settlement agreement, ABI paid to MCBC $330.0 million, of which $328.0 million constitutes the Adjustment Amount. This settlement occurred following the finalization of purchase accounting and, as a result, we expect the settlement proceeds related to the Adjustment Amount to be recorded as a gain within special items, net in our consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Therefore, the amount will not impact the fair value of consideration transferred for the purpose of the previously disclosed purchase accounting. MCBC and ABI also agreed to certain mutual releases as further described in the settlement agreement which was filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 22, 2018.
Executive Summary
We are one of the world's largest brewers and have a diverse portfolio of owned and partner brands, including global priority brands Blue Moon, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Lite, and Staropramen, regional champion brands Carling, Molson Canadian and other leading country-specific brands, as well as craft and specialty beers such as Creemore Springs, Cobra, Doom Bar, Henry's Hard and Leinenkugel's. With centuries of brewing heritage, we have been crafting high-quality, innovative products with the purpose of delighting the world's beer drinkers and with the ambition to be the first choice for our consumers and customers. Our success depends on our ability to make our products available to meet a wide range of consumer segments and occasions.
In 2017, we continued to focus on building our brand strength and transforming our portfolio toward the above premium, flavored malt beverages, craft and cider segments. Further, we continued to focus on generating higher returns on our invested capital, managing our working capital and delivering a greater return on investment for our shareholders. During the first quarter of 2017, we issued the 2017 Notes (as defined in Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note

38


12, "Debt" of the Notes), and within the first nine months of 2017, we fully repaid our term loans, all of which will generate future interest savings and will contribute to meeting our deleveraging commitments. As part of our deleveraging commitments we also made a discretionary cash contribution of $200 million to the U.S. pension plan during 2017.
Summary of Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table highlights summarized components of our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, and unaudited pro forma financial information for the years ended December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015. See Part II-Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, “Consolidated Statements of Operations” for additional details of our U.S. GAAP results.
Our consolidated historical financial statements and unaudited pro forma financial information have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of our change in accounting policy as discussed in Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes. This change impacts our Canada and Europe segments.
We have presented unaudited pro forma financial information to enhance comparability of financial information between periods. The unaudited pro forma financial information is based on the historical consolidated financial statements of MCBC and MillerCoors, both prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and gives effect to the Acquisition and the completed financing as if they were completed on January 1, 2015. Pro forma adjustments are based on items that are factually supportable, are directly attributable to the Acquisition or the related financing, and are expected to have a continuing impact on MCBC's results of operations. Any non-recurring items directly attributable to the Acquisition or the related financing are excluded in the unaudited pro forma statements of operations. The unaudited pro forma financial information does not include adjustments for costs related to integration activities following the completion of the Acquisition, cost savings or synergies that have been or may be achieved by the combined businesses. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the results of operations of MCBC that actually would have resulted had the Acquisition and related financing occurred at the date indicated, or project the results of operations of MCBC for any future dates or periods. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information" below for details of pro forma adjustments.
 
For the years ended

December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 

As Reported
 
As Reported
 
Pro Forma
 
Pro Forma Change
 
As Reported
 
Pro Forma
 
Pro Forma Change

(In millions, except percentages and per share data)
Financial volume in hectoliters(1)
99.563

 
46.912

 
101.934

 
(2.3
)%
 
33.746

 
104.012

 
(2.0
)%
Net sales
$
11,002.8

 
$
4,885.0

 
$
10,983.2

 
0.2
 %
 
$
3,567.5

 
$
11,238.1

 
(2.3
)%
Net income (loss) attributable to MCBC from continuing operations
$
1,412.7

 
$
1,995.8

 
$
294.6

 
N/M

 
$
391.3

 
$
578.3

 
(49.1
)%
Net income (loss) attributable to MCBC per diluted share from continuing operations
$
6.52

 
$
9.35

 
$
1.36

 
N/M

 
$
2.10

 
$
2.67

 
(49.1
)%
N/M = Not meaningful
(1)
Historical financial volumes have been recast to reflect the impacts of aligning policies on reporting financial volumes as a result of the Acquisition. See "Worldwide Brand Volume" below for further details.
2017 Financial Highlights
On an as reported basis - In 2017, net income attributable to MCBC from continuing operations decreased 29.2% compared to the prior year largely due to a benefit recorded to special items, net in 2016 for the revaluation gain on the excess of the estimated fair value remeasurement for our pre-existing 42% interest in MillerCoors over its carrying value, as well as the reclassification of the loss related to MCBC's historical AOCI on our 42% interest in MillerCoors. This was partially offset by the incremental net income recorded in 2017 associated with the Acquisition. Further, we released an indirect tax loss contingency, which was initially recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016, for a benefit of approximately $50 million during the first quarter of 2017 in our Europe business which favorably impacted net sales and net income attributable to MCBC from continuing operations.
On a pro forma basis - In 2017, net income attributable to MCBC from continuing operations increased from $294.6 million to $1,412.7 million, primarily as a result of lower special charges specifically related to the 2016 impairment

39


charge of $495.2 million and an income tax benefit in the current year resulting from U.S. tax reform. Additionally, as noted above, we released an indirect tax loss contingency, which was initially recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016, for a benefit of approximately $50 million during the first quarter of 2017 in our Europe business which favorably impacted net sales and net income attributable to MCBC from continuing operations. Further, consolidated results were favorably impacted by positive global pricing, net pension benefits, cost savings, and marketing, general and administrative efficiencies, partially offset by the impacts of lower volume, cost inflation and investments behind our global business capabilities.
During 2017, we issued the 2017 Notes and fully repaid our term loans and also refinanced our senior notes maturing during the year with commercial paper, resulting in net debt payments of approximately $1.1 billion, which will generate future interest savings and will contribute to meeting our deleveraging commitments. In addition, we also made contributions of approximately $310 million to our defined benefit pension plans as part of our overall pension de-risking strategy and deleveraging goals.
We generated cash flow from operating activities of approximately $1.9 billion, representing a 65.6% increase from approximately $1.1 billion in 2016. The increase in operating cash flow in 2017 compared to 2016 is primarily related to the addition of the consolidated U.S. business and lower cash paid for taxes (refund in 2017 as compared to cash tax paid in 2016), partially offset by higher cash paid for interest and higher pension contributions.
Regional financial highlights:
In the U.S. segment, our income from continuing operations before income taxes decreased on a reported basis due to a net gain in 2016 of approximately $3.0 billion recorded within special items related to the Acquisition. On a pro forma basis compared to 2016, our income from continuing operations before income taxes increased driven by higher net pricing, cost savings and lower marketing, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by cost of goods sold inflation, and lower shipment volumes. During the year we focused on gaining segment share in premium, accelerating performance in above premium and stabilizing our below premium brand volume. In the premium segment, Coors Banquet completed its eleventh consecutive year of volume growth. We also grew our share of the premium light segment with both Miller Lite and Coors Light. Miller Lite completed its thirteenth consecutive quarter of increased segment share which elevated the brand to the number three beer in America, according to Nielsen. Coors Light remained the number two beer and completed its eleventh consecutive quarter of increased segment share. In above premium, Blue Moon Belgian White grew during each quarter and continued to acquire incremental tap handles while Leinenkugel's was up low-single digits for the year, carried by Summer Shandy's best volume year in the brand's history. Our below premium brand volumes showed a trend improvement relative to recent years led by the Keystone family.
In our Canada segment, we drove positive pricing and mix resulting from lower year-over-year contract brewing volume. However, volume declined as a result of market pressure in Quebec and weak industry performance in Ontario. We reported income from continuing operations before income taxes of $212.8 million in 2017 compared to a loss of $125.6 million in 2016 primarily driven by lower special charges due to indefinite-lived intangible asset brand impairment charges incurred in 2016 of $495.2 million, positive pricing, cost savings and favorable foreign currency impacts, partially offset by lower volume, cycling lower distribution costs from the prior year, cost inflation, higher brand amortization, and higher compensation expense.
In our Europe segment, our continued portfolio premiumization and mix management positively impacted our performance as we grew volumes in our above premium brands. In 2017, we reported income from continuing operations before income taxes of $281.0 million, versus income of $149.7 million in 2016, primarily driven by the first quarter 2017 reversal of the indirect tax provision which was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2016 and higher net pension benefits. We also grew our market share as brand volumes increased 10.3% in Europe.
Our International segment reported a loss from continuing operations before income taxes of $19.7 million in 2017, compared to a loss of $39.7 million in the prior year, primarily driven by special charges as a result of total alcohol prohibition in the state of Bihar, India which resulted in an aggregate impairment charge of $30.8 million recorded in 2016. This improvement was also driven by the addition of the results of the MillerCoors Puerto Rico business, which were previously included as part of the U.S. segment, volume growth in several Latin American markets, and the addition of the Miller global brands. Overall improvements in the International segment were partially offset by the transfer of royalty and export volume to the Europe segment and the loss of the Modelo contract in Japan.

40


Brand highlights:
Global priority brand volume increased 2.8% in 2017 versus 2016, driven by growth in Europe, Canada and International, partially offset by declines in the U.S. The overall increase is driven by growth from all global priority brands with the exception of Coors Light as discussed below.
Blue Moon Belgian White global brand volume increased 4.1% in 2017 versus 2016, due to strong growth globally.
Carling brand volume in Europe decreased by 0.6% versus 2016, driven by a decrease of 2.3% in the mainstream lager market in U.K. However, Carling maintained its share within its segment compared to the prior year.
Coors global brand volume - Coors Light global brand volume declined 2.9% in 2017 versus 2016, as lower volumes in the U.S. and Canada were partially offset by strong performance in Europe and International. Although volumes in the U.S. were lower than prior year, Coors Light gained share of the premium light segment for the eleventh consecutive quarter. The declines in Canada were the result of ongoing competitive pressures in Quebec and Ontario. Coors Banquet global brand volume increased 4.2% in 2017 versus 2016, due to continued strong performance in the U.S. and Canada.
Miller global brand volume - Miller Lite and Miller Genuine Draft global brand volumes increased 1.3% and 116.1% in 2017 versus 2016, respectively, due to the addition of the Miller global brands business. Additionally, Miller Lite gained share of the premium light segment in the U.S. for the thirteenth consecutive quarter.
Molson Canadian brand volume in Canada decreased 4.7% during 2017 versus the prior year, primarily driven by challenging economic conditions in Ontario and competitive pressures in the West.
Staropramen global brand volume increased 2.7% during 2017 versus 2016, driven by growth outside of the brand's primary market.
Worldwide Brand Volume
As a result of the Acquisition, we aligned our volume reporting policies resulting in adjustments to our historically reported volumes. Specifically, financial volume for all consolidated segments has been recast to include contract brewing and wholesaler non-owned brand volumes (including factored brands in Europe and non-owned brands distributed in the U.S.), as the corresponding sales are reported within our gross sales amounts. We have also modified our worldwide brand volume definition to include an adjustment from STWs to STRs for timing impacts.

Worldwide brand volume (or "brand volume" when discussed by segment) reflects owned brands sold to unrelated external customers within our geographic markets, net of returns and allowances, royalty volume, an adjustment from STWs to STRs and our proportionate share of equity investment brand volume calculated consistently with MCBC owned volume. Contract brewing and wholesaler volume is removed from worldwide brand volume as this is non-owned volume for which we do not directly control performance. We believe this definition of worldwide brand volume more closely aligns with how we measure the performance of our owned brands within the markets in which they are sold. Financial volume represents owned brands sold to unrelated external customers within our geographical markets, net of returns and allowances as well as contract brewing, wholesale non-owned brand volume and company-owned distribution volume. Royalty volume consists of our brands produced and sold by third parties under various license and contract-brewing agreements and because this is owned volume, it is included in worldwide brand volume. The adjustment from STWs to STRs provides the closest indication of the performance of our owned brands in relation to market and competitor sales trends, as it reflects sales volume one step closer to the end consumer and generally means sales from our wholesalers or our company to retailers. Equity investment worldwide brand volume represents our ownership percentage share of volume in our subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method, consisting of MillerCoors prior to the completion of the Acquisition on October 11, 2016. See Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 4, "Acquisition and Investments" of the Notes for further discussion.

41


 
For the years ended
 
December 31, 2017
 
Change
 
December 31, 2016
 
Change
 
December 31, 2015
 
(In millions, except percentages)
Volume in hectoliters:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial volume
99.563

 
112.2
 %
 
46.912

 
39.0
 %
 
33.746

Less: Contract brewing and wholesaler volume
(8.602
)
 
108.6
 %
 
(4.124
)
 
18.4
 %
 
(3.482
)
Add: Royalty volume
3.685

 
75.3
 %
 
2.102

 
28.9
 %
 
1.631

Add: STW to STR adjustment
(0.687
)
 
(197.2
)%
 
0.707

 
N/M

 
(0.041
)
Owned volume
93.959

 
106.1
 %
 
45.597

 
43.1
 %
 
31.854

Add: Proportionate share of equity investment worldwide brand volume

 
(100.0
)%
 
19.940

 
(23.9
)%
 
26.211

Total worldwide brand volume
93.959

 
43.4
 %
 
65.537

 
12.9
 %
 
58.065

N/M = Not meaningful
Our worldwide brand volume increased in 2017 compared to 2016, due to the Acquisition as well as strong growth in Europe and International partially as a result of adding the Miller global brands business as well as growth within our existing brand portfolio. Worldwide brand volume increased in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to the Acquisition.
Net Sales Drivers
The following table highlights the drivers of change in net sales on a reported basis for the year ended December 31, 2017, versus December 31, 2016, by segment (in percentages) and excludes Corporate net sales revenue for our water resources and energy operations in the state of Colorado. Consolidated includes the U.S. segment for 2017 as well as the post-Acquisition period of October 11, 2016, through December 31, 2016. Prior to the Acquisition, MillerCoors was accounted for as an equity method investment:
 
Volume
 
Price, Product and Geography Mix
 
Currency
 
Other(1)
 
Total
Consolidated
112.2
 %
 
13.3
%
 
(0.3
)%
 
 %
 
125.2
%
Canada
(1.6
)%
 
2.2
%
 
1.7
 %
 
 %
 
2.3
%
Europe
3.1
 %
 
2.9
%
 
(2.1
)%
 
6.4
 %
 
10.3
%
International
60.1
 %
 
1.3
%
 
 %
 
 %
 
61.4
%
(1)
Europe "other" column includes the release of an indirect tax provision as further discussed below.

The following table highlights the drivers of change in net sales on a reported basis for the year ended December 31, 2016, versus December 31, 2015, by segment (in percentages) and excludes Corporate net sales revenue for our water resources and energy operations in the state of Colorado. Consolidated includes the U.S. segment for the post-Acquisition period of October 11, 2016, through December 31, 2016. Prior to the Acquisition, MillerCoors was accounted for as an equity method investment:
 
Volume
 
Price, Product and Geography Mix
 
Currency
 
Other(1)
 
Total
Consolidated
39.0
 %
 
3.0
%
 
(5.1
)%
 
 %
 
36.9
 %
Canada
(2.8
)%
 
0.2
%
 
(3.1
)%
 
 %
 
(5.7
)%
Europe
(1.7
)%
 
4.2
%
 
(7.2
)%
 
(3.4
)%
 
(8.1
)%
International
(7.3
)%
 
19.1
%
 
1.4
 %
 
 %
 
13.2
 %
(1)
Europe "other" column includes an indirect tax provision recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016 as further discussed below.
Cost Savings Initiatives
Total cost savings in 2017 exceeded our targets and totaled more than $255 million, driven by our U.S., Canada and Europe segments.

42


Depreciation and Amortization
On a reported basis, depreciation and amortization expense was $812.8 million in 2017, an increase of $424.4 million compared to 2016, primarily due to the incremental depreciation and amortization recorded for the U.S. segment as a result of the Acquisition. On a pro forma basis, depreciation and amortization expense decreased $38.6 million in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to lower accelerated depreciation due to brewery closures in the current year and the impact of foreign exchange rates. On a reported basis, depreciation and amortization expense was $388.4 million in 2016, an increase of $74.0 million compared to 2015, primarily due to the incremental depreciation and amortization recorded for the U.S. segment from October 11, 2016, through December 31, 2016, as a result of the Acquisition. On a pro forma basis, 2016 depreciation and amortization of approximately $850 million was consistent with prior year, excluding the higher accelerated depreciation expense recorded within special items, net in 2016 compared to 2015 related to the closure of the Eden, North Carolina, brewery.
Income Taxes
 
For the years ended
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Effective tax rate
(4
)%
 
35
%
 
14
%
The decrease in the effective income tax rate for 2017 versus 2016 is primarily driven by the impacts of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "2017 Tax Act"), most notably the remeasurement of our deferred tax positions resulting from the reduction in the U.S. statutory federal corporate income tax rate, as well as higher pretax income in 2016 resulting from the Acquisition related revaluation gain on our previously held equity interest in MillerCoors. Additionally, our 2016 effective tax rate was also negatively impacted by the remeasurement of the deferred tax liability on our Molson core brand intangible asset to the Canadian ordinary income tax rate upon reclassification from indefinite-lived to definite-lived subject to amortization. The decrease was partially offset by the full-year inclusion of 100% of MillerCoors' pretax income in 2017, which is subject to the U.S. federal and state income tax rates, and the impact of certain Acquisition related permanent items during the comparable periods. The increase in our effective income tax rate in 2016 versus 2015 was primarily driven by higher pretax income in 2016 resulting from the Acquisition related revaluation gain, the inclusion of 100% of MillerCoors' pretax income following the completion of the Acquisition, and the remeasurement of the Molson core brand intangible deferred tax liability. Additionally, our effective income tax rates also deviate from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to lower effective income tax rates applicable to our foreign businesses, driven by lower statutory income tax rates and tax planning impacts on statutory taxable income.
Our tax rate is volatile and may move up or down with changes in, among other things, the amount and source of income or loss, our ability to utilize foreign tax credits, excess tax benefits from share-based compensation, changes in tax laws, and the movement of liabilities established pursuant to accounting guidance for uncertain tax positions as statutes of limitations expire, positions are effectively settled, or when additional information becomes available. There are proposed or pending tax law changes in various jurisdictions in which we do business that, if enacted, may have an impact on our effective tax rate.
Additionally, we continue to evaluate the impacts of the 2017 Tax Act. As we further understand its implications, as well as the related, and yet to be issued, regulator rules, regulations and interpretations, our effective tax rate could be impacted. Additional impacts from the 2017 Tax Act will be recorded as they are identified during the measurement period pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118"). Our determination of the tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act will be completed no later than one year from the enactment date as permitted under SAB 118. Any adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period will be recorded and disclosed in the reporting period in which the adjustment is determined. The complexity of the 2017 Tax Act could necessitate the need to use the full one year measurement period to adequately interpret, analyze and conclude upon the tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act as of the enactment date. See Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 6, "Income Tax" of the Notes for further discussion.
Discontinued Operations
Discontinued operations are associated with the formerly-owned Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil S.A. ("Kaiser") business in Brazil. See Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 19, "Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes for discussions of the nature of amounts recognized in discontinued operations, which consist of amounts associated with indemnity obligations to FEMSA Cerveza S.A. de C.V. ("FEMSA") related to purchased tax credits and other tax, civil and labor issues.

43


Results of Operations
United States Segment
We have presented unaudited pro forma financial information of the U.S. segment for 2016 and 2015 to enhance comparability of financial information between periods. Results for the period from January 1, 2016, through October 10, 2016, are actual results of MillerCoors utilized in preparing MCBC's share of MillerCoors earnings when we historically accounted for MillerCoors under the equity method of accounting, and, therefore, its results of operations were reported as equity income within MCBC's consolidated statements of operations. Results for the period from October 11, 2016, through December 31, 2016, are actual results recorded when MillerCoors was fully consolidated within our results of operations. We have aggregated these reported 2016 results and applied pro forma adjustments to arrive at combined U.S. segment pro forma financial information for the full year 2016. We have also included actuals and pro forma financial information for 2015.
 
For the year
ended
December 31,
2017
 
For the period
January 1
through
October 10,
2016
 
For the period
October 11
through
December 31, 2016
 
For the year ended
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As Reported
by
MCBC
 
As Reported
by
MillerCoors
 
As Reported
by
MCBC
 
Pro Forma Adjustments(1)
 
Pro
Forma(1)
 
Pro Forma
Change
 
(In millions, except percentages)
Financial volume in hectoliters(2)(3)
67.731

 
55.750

 
14.436

 

 
70.186

 
(3.5
)%
Sales(3)
$
8,541.7

 
$
6,987.2

 
$
1,780.0

 
$
(23.2
)
 
$
8,744.0

 
(2.3
)%
Excise taxes
(1,036.0
)
 
(861.8
)
 
(213.4
)
 
12.3

 
(1,062.9
)
 
(2.5
)%
Net sales(3)
7,505.7

 
6,125.4

 
1,566.6

 
(10.9
)
 
7,681.1

 
(2.3
)%
Cost of goods sold(3)
(4,331.5
)
 
(3,457.4
)
 
(1,026.0
)
 
37.8

 
(4,445.6
)
 
(2.6
)%
Gross profit
3,174.2

 
2,668.0

 
540.6

 
26.9

 
3,235.5

 
(1.9
)%
Marketing, general and administrative expenses
(1,782.1
)
 
(1,413.2
)
 
(430.9
)
 
(27.3
)
 
(1,871.4
)
 
(4.8
)%
Special items, net(4)
(9.9
)
 
(85.6
)
 
2,959.1

 
(2,965.0
)
 
(91.5
)
 
(89.2
)%
Operating income
1,382.2

 
1,169.2

 
3,068.8

 
(2,965.4
)
 
1,272.6

 
8.6
 %
Interest income (expense), net
13.1

 
(1.4
)
 

 

 
(1.4
)
 
N/M

Other income (expense), net
(2.4
)
 
3.7

 
0.7

 

 
4.4

 
(154.5
)%
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
$
1,392.9

 
$
1,171.5

 
$
3,069.5

 
$
(2,965.4
)
 
$
1,275.6

 
9.2
 %
N/M = Not meaningful
(1)
Pro forma amounts give effect to the Acquisition as if it had occurred at the beginning of fiscal year 2015 and have been updated to reflect that effective January 1, 2017, the results of the MillerCoors Puerto Rico business, which were previously included as part of the U.S. segment, are now reported within the International segment. See Part II - Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis, "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information," for details of pro forma adjustments.
(2)
Historical financial volumes have been recast to reflect the impacts of aligning policies on reporting financial volumes as a result of the Acquisition. See "Worldwide Brand Volume" above for further details.
(3)
On a reported basis, includes gross inter-segment sales, purchases, and volumes which are eliminated in the consolidated totals.
(4)
See Part II—Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 7, "Special Items" of the Notes for detail of special items.

44




For the period
January 1
through
October 10,
2016
 
For the period
October 11
through
December 31, 2016
 
For the years ended

 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
December 31, 2015

As Reported
by
MillerCoors
 
As Reported
by
MCBC
 
Pro Forma Adjustments(1)
 
Pro
Forma(1)
 
Pro Forma
Change
 
As Reported
by
MillerCoors
 
Pro Forma Adjustments(1)
 
Pro
Forma(1)

(In millions, except percentages)
Financial volume in hectoliters(2)(3)
55.750

 
14.436

 

 
70.186

 
(1.5
)%
 
71.220

 

 
71.220

Sales(3)
$
6,987.2

 
$
1,780.0

 
$
(23.2
)
 
$
8,744.0

 
(0.6
)%
 
$
8,822.2

 
$
(24.6
)
 
$
8,797.6

Excise taxes
(861.8
)
 
(213.4
)
 
12.3

 
(1,062.9
)
 
(3.1
)%
 
(1,096.7
)
 

 
(1,096.7
)
Net sales(3)
6,125.4

 
1,566.6

 
(10.9
)
 
7,681.1

 
(0.3
)%
 
7,725.5

 
(24.6
)
 
7,700.9

Cost of goods sold(3)
(3,457.4
)
 
(1,026.0
)
 
37.8

 
(4,445.6
)
 
(3.9
)%
 
(4,547.5
)
 
(78.2
)
 
(4,625.7
)
Gross profit
2,668.0

 
540.6

 
26.9

 
3,235.5

 
5.2
 %
 
3,178.0

 
(102.8
)
 
3,075.2

Marketing, general and administrative expenses
(1,413.2
)
 
(430.9
)
 
(27.3
)
 
(1,871.4
)
 
(0.5
)%