18. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is involved, and will continue to be involved, in numerous legal proceedings arising from the conduct of its business. These proceedings may include personal injury claims arising from the transportation and handling of goods, contractual disputes and employment-related claims, including alleged violations of wage and hour laws.
The Company establishes accruals for specific legal proceedings when it is considered probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company reviews and adjusts accruals for loss contingencies quarterly and as additional information becomes available. If a loss is not both probable and reasonably estimable, or if an exposure to a loss exists in excess of the amount accrued, the Company assesses whether there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss, or additional loss, may have been incurred. If there is a reasonable possibility that a loss, or additional loss, may have been incurred, the Company discloses the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss if it is material and an estimate can be made, or discloses that such an estimate cannot be made. The determination as to whether a loss can reasonably be considered to be possible or probable is based on management’s assessment, together with legal counsel, regarding the ultimate outcome of the matter.
Management of the Company believes that it has adequately accrued for the potential impact of loss contingencies that are probable and reasonably estimable. Management of the Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of any matters to which the Company is presently a party will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Legal costs related to these matters are expensed as they are incurred.
The Company carries liability and excess umbrella insurance policies that are deemed sufficient to cover potential legal claims arising in the normal course of conducting its operations. In the event the Company is required to satisfy a legal claim outside the scope of the coverage provided by insurance, its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be negatively impacted.
On July 2, 2024, the Italian authorities initiated an investigation into the deductibility of value-added tax (VAT) payments made by the Company to certain third-party service providers. In 2025, the Company recorded €61 million ($65 million) of expense, including legal fees, and made final payments of €59 million ($68 million) to the Italian authorities in connection with the settlement of this matter. Related expenses, including legal fees, were recorded in Regulatory matter and litigation expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.