Boston Beer faces $191 million judgment in Ardagh supplier dispute
Boston Beer Co. (NYSE: SAM) disclosed that a federal court entered a final judgment of $191.0 million against the company in its supplier dispute with Ardagh Metal Packaging USA Corp.
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois entered an amended final judgment on May 26, 2026, setting damages at $175.5 million plus pre-judgment interest of $15.5 million. The jury initially awarded damages against Boston Beer on April 6, 2026.
Boston Beer had previously recorded $212.0 million in litigation expenses during the first quarter of 2026, including $175.5 million in damages and $36.5 million in estimated pre-judgment interest. The final pre-judgment interest determination of $15.5 million was $21.0 million lower than the company's initial estimate.
The company will record a $21.0 million decrease in pre-judgment interest expense in the second quarter of 2026, which it estimates will favorably impact earnings per share by $1.52 per diluted share.
Boston Beer stated it continues to deny breaching its contract with Ardagh and intends to pursue post-trial motions and appellate remedies. Post-judgment interest will accrue on the $191.0 million total at an estimated statutory rate of 3.79% during the appeals process.
The company said it cannot estimate when damages or interest will be paid or when the matter will be resolved, according to information disclosed in its quarterly report filed April 30, 2026.
