v3.25.1
Commitments and Contingencies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation and Other Disputes and Environmental
Related to litigation, other disputes and environmental issues, we have an aggregate accrued contingent liability of $9.8 million and $71.1 million as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. While we cannot predict the eventual aggregate cost for litigation, other disputes and environmental matters in which we are currently involved, based on review with legal counsel, we believe adequate reserves have been provided for losses that are probable and estimable. For all matters unless otherwise noted below, we believe that any reasonably possible losses in excess of the amounts accrued are immaterial to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 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. Our litigation, other disputes and environmental issues are discussed in further detail within Part II.—Item 8. Financial Statements, Note 13, "Commitments and Contingencies" in our Annual Report and any updates for the three months ended March 31, 2025, are discussed below.
On February 12, 2018, Stone Brewing Company filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in federal court in the Southern District of California against Molson Coors Beverage Company USA LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of our Company, alleging that the Keystone brand had "rebranded" itself as "Stone" and was marketing itself in a manner confusingly similar to Stone Brewing Company's registered Stone trademark. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had a recorded accrued liability within accounts payable and other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets reflecting the best estimate of probable loss in this case based on the judgment plus associated post-judgment interest. On January 29, 2025, the Company paid $60.6 million in final resolution of this matter.
Regulatory Contingencies
An Early Implementation Agreement ("EIA") was entered into on May 23, 2024, between the Province of Ontario and Molson Canada 2005, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of our Company, Labatt Brewing Company Limited, Sleeman Breweries Ltd. (collectively, the "Representative Owners") and BRI, operating under the name The Beer Store ("TBS") concerning the intended features of the future marketplace for beer distribution and retail systems in the Province of Ontario. The EIA was effective July 18, 2024, with provisions continuing until December 31, 2030, except certain provisions which end December 31, 2025. TBS shall remain the primary distributor of beer to all retailers from the commencement date of the EIA to the end of the agreement, December 31, 2030.
The Province of Ontario will provide financial support to TBS and the Representative Owners of up to CAD 225 million through reimbursement of costs incurred in connection with the early implementation and to TBS in connection with the operation of the agreed upon retail footprint through December 31, 2025. The EIA requires TBS to maintain at least 386 retail locations in Ontario to support recycling, cash and carry and to preserve employment through June 30, 2025. Subsequently, TBS has the right to close retail locations to reduce the number of retail locations to a minimum of 300 by December 31, 2025. From January 1, 2026, onward, TBS will have full discretion to maintain an adequate number of retail locations determined by TBS in its sole and absolute discretion. Due to the anticipated increased competition from grocery stores and convenience stores, TBS anticipates closing stores during the year ended December 31, 2025, in line with the allowable reduction under the EIA with future closures dependent on the evolution of the expanded retail marketplace. We continue to evaluate the impacts of the EIA and the expected future marketplace for beer distribution and retail systems in the Province of Ontario on our results of operations.
Guarantees and Indemnities
We guarantee indebtedness and other obligations to banks and other third parties for some of our equity method investments and consolidated subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets include liabilities related to these guarantees of $15.0 million and $34.2 million, respectively.
Separately, our Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil S.A. ("Kaiser") indemnities are discussed in further detail within Part II.—Item 8. Financial Statements, Note 13, "Commitments and Contingencies" in our Annual Report and did not significantly change during the three months ended March 31, 2025.