Table of Contents Japan at the end of the second quarter of 2017. Our International financial volume decreased 7.5% in 2018 compared to 2017, driven by shifting to local third party production in Mexico, which increased our royalty volume. Net sales per hectoliter on a brand volume basis decreased 7.3% in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily driven by sales mix changes and shifting to local production in Mexico, partially offset by positive net pricing. Net sales per hectoliter on a reported basis increased 2.4% in 2018 compared to 2017 due to changes in sales mix. Brand volume increased 28.9% in 2017 compared to 2016, driven by the change in segment reporting of the Puerto Rico business from the U.S. segment,  Coors Light  growth primarily in Latin America and the addition of the  Miller  brands partially offset by the transfer of royalty and export brand volume to Europe. Net sales per hectoliter on a brand volume basis increased 25.2% in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to sales mix changes and positive pricing. Net sales per hectoliter on a reported basis increased 0.8% in 2017 compared to 2016, driven by positive net pricing and favorable sales mix. Cost of goods sold per hectoliter decreased 3.9% in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily driven by sales mix changes. Additionally, during 2018 we recorded $1.0 million of integration costs related to the Acquisition within cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold per hectoliter increased 5.2% in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily driven by sales mix changes. Additionally, during 2017 we recorded $3.6 million of integration costs related to the Acquisition within cost of goods sold. Marketing, general and administrative expenses decreased 19.8% in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to lower marketing investments, overhead, and integration costs as well as $2.0 million of settlement proceeds related to our Colombia business in the first quarter of 2018. During 2018, we recorded $1.8 million of integration costs related to the Acquisition within marketing, general and administrative expenses. Marketing, general and administrative expenses increased 56.0% in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to higher organization and integration costs related to the acquisition of the  Miller  global brands, along with increased brand investments, including higher brand amortization costs. During 2017, we recorded $8.4 million of integration costs related to the Acquisition within marketing, general and administrative expenses. Cost of goods sold Marketing, general and administrative expenses Corporate Segment 53 N/M = Not meaningful For the years ended December 31, 2018 Change December 31, 2017 Change December 31, 2016 (In millions, except percentages) Financial volume in hectoliters — —  % — —  % — Sales $ 0.8 (11.1)% $ 0.9 (10.0)% $ 1.0 Excise taxes — —  % — —  % — Net sales 0.8 (11.1)% 0.9 (10.0)% 1.0 Cost of goods sold (166.4 ) N/M 122.9 N/M 22.9 Gross profit (165.6) N/M 123.8 N/M 23.9 Marketing, general and administrative expenses (213.3 ) (11.1 )% (239.8 ) 6.4  % (225.3 ) Special items, net (1) 326.6 N/M (0.1) (85.7)% (0.7) Operating income (loss) (52.3 ) (55.0 )% (116.1 ) (42.6 )% (202.1 ) Interest expense, net (301.9) (16.1)% (360.0) 45.2 % (248.0) Other pension and postretirement benefits (costs), net 38.2 (19.4 )% 47.4 N/M 8.4 Other income (expense), net 14.4 N/M (7.7) (84.8)% (50.5) Income (loss) before income taxes $ (301.6 ) (30.9 )% $ (436.4 ) (11.3 )% $ (492.2 )