Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the operations of Post and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates and Allocations	Use of Estimates and Allocations — The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which require certain elections as to accounting policy, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amount of net revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant accounting policy elections, estimates and assumptions include, among others, allowance for trade promotions, business combinations, pension and benefit plan assumptions, valuation assumptions of goodwill and other intangible assets and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations — The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, the Company’s financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the date of acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Useful lives of identified tangible and intangible assets are determined based on the expected time period in which the cash flows of the related assets are expected to be realized. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Any excess of the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired over the purchase price is recorded as a gain on bargain purchase. The Company utilizes various valuation methodologies (and depending on the size and complexity of an acquisition, assistance from third-party specialists) to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the nature of the underlying asset or liability. These methodologies include but are not limited to utilizing replacement cost, comparative sales and market- and income-based approaches. The income approach utilizes significant unobservable inputs, including revenue growth rates, discount rates, attrition rates and royalty rates. These fair value measurements fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as described in Note 14. During the measurement period, up to twelve months from the date of acquisition, subsequent changes may be made to adjust the preliminary amounts recognized at the acquisition date to their subsequently determined acquisition-date fair values.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents — Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash — Restricted cash includes cash deposits which serve as collateral for certain commodity and energy hedging contracts as well as the Company’s high deductible workers’ compensation insurance program.
Receivables	Receivables — Receivables are reported net of appropriate allowances for credit losses, cash discounts and other amounts which the Company does not ultimately expect to collect. To calculate an allowance for credit losses, the Company estimates uncollectible amounts based on a review of past due balances, historical loss information and expectations regarding potential future losses. A receivable is considered past due if payments have not been received within the agreed upon invoice terms. Receivables are written off against the allowance when the customer files for bankruptcy protection or are otherwise deemed to be uncollectible based upon the Company’s evaluation of the customer’s solvency. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not have off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
Inventories	Inventories — Inventories, other than flocks, are generally valued at the lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value. Reported amounts have been reduced by an allowance for excess and obsolete product and packaging materials based on a review of inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales. Flock inventory represents the cost of purchasing and raising chicken flocks to egg laying maturity. The costs included in our flock inventory include the costs of the chicks, the feed fed to the birds and the labor and overhead costs incurred to operate the pullet facilities until the birds are transferred into the laying facilities, at which time their cost is amortized to operations, as cost of goods sold, over their expected useful lives of one to two years.
Restructuring Expenses	Restructuring Expenses — Restructuring charges and related charges principally consist of one-time termination benefits, severance, contract termination benefits, accelerated stock compensation and other employee separation costs. The Company recognizes restructuring obligations and liabilities for exit and disposal activities at fair value in the period the liability is incurred. Employee severance costs are expensed when they become probable and reasonably estimable under established severance plans.
Property	Property — Property is recorded at cost, and depreciation expense is generally provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the properties. Estimated useful lives range from 1 to 30 years for machinery and equipment; 1 to 35 years for buildings, building improvements and leasehold improvements; and 1 to 7 years for software. Total depreciation expense was $245.3, $232.9 and $222.2 in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Any gains and losses incurred on the sale or disposal of assets are included in “Other operating expense (income), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Ordinary repair and maintenance costs are accounted for under the direct expensing method.
Goodwill	Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the fair market value of their identifiable net assets and represents the value the Company expects to achieve through the implementation of operational synergies, the expansion of the business into new or growing segments of the industry and the addition of new employees. The Company conducts a goodwill impairment assessment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year following the annual forecasting process, or more frequently if facts and circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. The goodwill impairment assessment performed may be either qualitative or quantitative; however, if adverse qualitative trends are identified that could negatively impact the fair value of the business, a quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed. In fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test for all reporting units. The Company has six reporting units, which have been identified at either the operating segment level, or in the case of certain reporting units, at a level below the operating segment. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit is determined using a combined income and market approach with a greater weighting on the income approach. The income approach is based on discounted future cash flows and requires significant assumptions, including estimates regarding future revenue, profitability, capital requirements and discount rates. The market approach is based on a market multiple (revenue and EBITDA) and requires an estimate of appropriate multiples based on market data for comparable peers. These fair value measurements fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as described in Note 14.
Other Intangible Assets	Other Intangible Assets — Other intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships, trademarks, brands and licensing agreements acquired in business combinations and include both indefinite and definite-lived assets.
Recoverability of Assets	Recoverability of Assets — The Company continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred which might impair the recoverability of the carrying value of its assets, including property, identifiable intangibles and right-of-use (“ROU”) assets. Trademarks and brands with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year following the annual forecasting process, or more frequently if facts and circumstances indicate the trademark or brand may be impaired. The trademark and brand impairment test performed may either be qualitative or quantitative; however, if adverse qualitative trends are identified that could negatively impact the fair value of the trademark or brand, a quantitative impairment test is performed. In fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test. The quantitative trademark and brand impairment tests require the Company to compare the calculated fair value of the trademark or brand to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The fair value is determined using an income-based approach, which requires significant assumptions for each brand, including estimates regarding future revenue growth, discount rates and royalty rates. Assumptions are determined after consideration of several factors for each brand, including profit levels, research of external royalty rates by third-party experts and the relative importance of each brand to the Company. Revenue growth assumptions are based on historical trends and management’s expectations for future growth by brand. The discount rate is based on a weighted-average cost of capital utilizing industry market data of similar companies. In fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test for all indefinite-lived intangible assets and concluded for each year there were no impairments. The estimated fair value of all indefinite-lived trademarks exceeded book value by 11% or greater, 23% or greater and 22% or greater at September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These fair value measurements fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as described in Note 14. In addition, definite-lived assets (groups) are tested for recoverability when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset (group) may not be recoverable or the estimated useful life is no longer appropriate. The Company groups assets at the lowest level for which cash flows are separately identifiable. In general, an asset (group) is deemed impaired and written down to its fair value if the estimated related undiscounted future cash flows are less than its carrying amount. There were no impairments recorded on the Company’s definite-lived assets (groups) in fiscal 2023, 2022 or 2021.
Internal Use Software, Policy	Software Implementation Costs — For hosting arrangements that are service contracts, the Company capitalizes certain implementation costs incurred during the development stage of the related project. Capitalized software implementation costs are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the hosting service arrangement, beginning when the software is ready for its intended use.
Deferred Compensation Investments	Deferred Compensation Investments — The Company funds a portion of its deferred compensation liability by investing in certain mutual funds in substantially the same amounts as selected by the participating employees. Because management’s intent is to invest in a manner that matches the deferral options chosen by the participants and those participants can elect to transfer amounts into or out of each of the designated deferral options at any time, these investments are stated at fair value in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 14). Both realized and unrealized gains and losses on these assets are generally included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and offset the related change in the deferred compensation liability.
Derivatives	Derivative Financial Instruments — In the ordinary course of business, the Company is exposed to commodity price risks relating to the purchases of raw materials and supplies, interest rate risks and foreign currency exchange rate risks. The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments, including (but not limited to) futures contracts, option contracts, forward contracts and swaps, to manage certain of these exposures by hedging when it is practical to do so. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. The Company’s derivative programs may include strategies that qualify and strategies that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedging relationship, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged risk during the period that the hedge is designated. All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. For derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting, the derivative is designated as a hedge on the date in which the derivative contract is entered. A derivative could be designated as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge) or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Some derivatives may also be considered natural hedging instruments, where changes in their fair value act as economic offsets to changes in fair value of the underlying hedged item and are not designated for hedge accounting. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income or loss (“OCI”) and are reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Operations in conjunction with the recognition of the underlying hedged item. If a derivative is designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, its changes in fair value are recorded in OCI and subsequently recognized in earnings when the foreign operation is liquidated. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated for hedge accounting are recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company does not have any derivatives currently designated as hedging instruments under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Cash flows associated with all derivatives are reported as cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, unless the derivative contains an other-than-insignificant financing element, in which case its cash flows are reported as cash flows from financing activities.
Leases	Leases — The Company leases office space, certain warehouses and equipment primarily through operating lease agreements. The Company has no material finance lease agreements. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at its inception. When the arrangements include lease and non-lease components, the Company accounts for them as a single lease component. Leases with an initial term of less than 12 months are not reported on the balance sheet, but rather are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Arrangements may include options to extend or terminate the lease arrangement. These options are included in the lease term used to establish ROU assets and lease liabilities when it is reasonably certain they will be exercised. The Company will reassess expected lease terms based on changes in circumstances that indicate options may be more or less likely to be exercised. The Company has certain lease arrangements that include variable rental payments. The future variability of these payments and adjustments are unknown and therefore are not included in minimum rental payments used to determine ROU assets and lease liabilities. The Company has lease arrangements where it makes separate payments to the lessor based on the lessor’s common area maintenance expenses, property and casualty insurance costs, property taxes assessed on the property and other variable expenses. As the Company has elected the practical expedient not to separate lease and non-lease components, these variable amounts are captured in operating lease expense in the period in which they are incurred. Variable rental payments are recognized in the period in which their associated obligation is incurred. For lease arrangements that do not provide an implicit interest rate, an incremental borrowing rate (“IBR”) is applied in determining the present value of future payments. The Company’s IBR is selected based upon information available at the lease commencement date. ROU assets are recorded as “Other assets” and lease liabilities are recorded as “Other current liabilities” and “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in either “Cost of goods sold” or “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Costs associated with finance leases do not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Revenue	Revenue — The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations have been satisfied by transferring control of the goods to customers. Control is generally transferred upon delivery of the goods to the customer. At the time of delivery, the customer is invoiced using previously agreed-upon credit terms. Shipping and/or handling costs that occur before the customer obtains control of the goods are deemed fulfillment activities and are accounted for as fulfillment costs. The Company’s contracts with customers generally contain one performance obligation. Many of the Company’s contracts with customers include some form of variable consideration. The most common forms of variable consideration are trade promotions, rebates and discounts. Variable consideration is treated as a reduction of revenue at the time product revenue is recognized. Depending on the nature of the variable consideration, the Company uses either the “expected value” or the “most likely amount” method to determine variable consideration. The Company does not believe that there will be significant changes to its estimates of variable consideration when any uncertainties are resolved with customers. The Company reviews and updates estimates of variable consideration quarterly. Uncertainties related to the estimates of variable consideration are resolved in a short time frame and do not require any additional constraint on variable consideration. The Company’s products are sold with no right of return, except in the case of goods which do not meet product specifications or are damaged. No services beyond this assurance-type warranty are provided to customers. Customer remedies include either a cash refund or an exchange of the product. As a result, the right of return and related refund liability is estimated and recorded as a reduction of revenue based on historical sales return experience.
Cost of Good Sold	Cost of Goods Sold — Cost of goods sold includes, among other things, inbound and outbound freight costs (including for the Company-owned fleets) and depreciation expense related to assets used in production, while storage and other warehousing costs are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Advertising Cost	Advertising — Advertising costs are expensed as incurred except for costs of producing media advertising, such as television commercials or magazine or online advertisements, which are deferred until the first time the advertising takes place and amortized to the statement of operations over the time the advertising takes place.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation — The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the equity or liability award. For liability awards, the fair market value is remeasured at each quarterly reporting period. The cost for equity and liability awards is recognized ratably over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award — the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). Any forfeitures of stock-based awards are recorded as they occur.
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense	Income Taxes — Income tax expense is estimated based on income taxes in each jurisdiction and includes the effects of both current tax exposures and the temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established against the related deferred tax assets to the extent that it is more likely than not that the future benefits will not be realized. Reserves are recorded for estimated exposures associated with the Company’s tax filing positions, which are subject to periodic audits by governmental taxing authorities. Interest incurred due to an underpayment of income taxes is classified as income tax expense. The Company considers the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries to be permanently invested, so no United States (“U.S.”) taxes have been recorded in relation to the Company’s investment in its foreign subsidiaries.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings per Share — The Company has presented basic and diluted earnings per share for both continuing and discontinued operations. Basic earnings per share is based on the average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is based on the average number of shares used for the basic earnings per share calculation, adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units using the “treasury stock” method and convertible senior notes using the “if-converted” method. Remeasurements to the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest (“NCI”) (see Note 5) were recognized as a deemed dividend. The Company made an election to treat the portion of the deemed dividend that exceeded fair value as an adjustment to income available to common shareholders for basic and diluted earnings from continuing operations per share. In addition, dilutive net earnings from continuing operations was adjusted for interest expense, net of tax, related to the Company’s convertible senior notes, and dilutive net earnings from discontinued operations was adjusted for the Company’s share of Old BellRing’s consolidated net earnings prior to the BellRing Spin-off, to the extent it was dilutive. Net earnings from continuing operations was utilized as the “control number” to determine whether potential shares of common stock were dilutive or anti-dilutive.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the operations of Post and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates and Allocations

Use of Estimates and Allocations — The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which require certain elections as to accounting policy, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amount of net revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant accounting policy elections, estimates and assumptions include, among others, allowance for trade promotions, business combinations, pension and benefit plan assumptions, valuation assumptions of goodwill and other intangible assets and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations — The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, the Company’s financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the date of acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Useful lives of identified tangible and intangible assets are determined based on the expected time period in which the cash flows of the related assets are expected to be realized. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Any excess of the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired over the purchase price is recorded as a gain on bargain purchase.

The Company utilizes various valuation methodologies (and depending on the size and complexity of an acquisition, assistance from third-party specialists) to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the nature of the underlying asset or liability. These methodologies include but are not limited to utilizing replacement cost, comparative sales and market- and income-based approaches. The income approach utilizes significant unobservable inputs, including revenue growth rates, discount rates, attrition rates and royalty rates. These fair value measurements fall within Level 3 of the

fair value hierarchy as described in Note 14. During the measurement period, up to twelve months from the date of acquisition, subsequent changes may be made to adjust the preliminary amounts recognized at the acquisition date to their subsequently determined acquisition-date fair values.

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents — Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash — Restricted cash includes cash deposits which serve as collateral for certain commodity and energy hedging contracts as well as the Company’s high deductible workers’ compensation insurance program.

Receivables

Receivables — Receivables are reported net of appropriate allowances for credit losses, cash discounts and other amounts which the Company does not ultimately expect to collect. To calculate an allowance for credit losses, the Company estimates uncollectible amounts based on a review of past due balances, historical loss information and expectations regarding potential future losses. A receivable is considered past due if payments have not been received within the agreed upon invoice terms. Receivables are written off against the allowance when the customer files for bankruptcy protection or are otherwise deemed to be uncollectible based upon the Company’s evaluation of the customer’s solvency. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not have off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.

Inventories

Inventories — Inventories, other than flocks, are generally valued at the lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value. Reported amounts have been reduced by an allowance for excess and obsolete product and packaging materials based on a review of inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales. Flock inventory represents the cost of purchasing and raising chicken flocks to egg laying maturity. The costs included in our flock inventory include the costs of the chicks, the feed fed to the birds and the labor and overhead costs incurred to operate the pullet facilities until the birds are transferred into the laying facilities, at which time their cost is amortized to operations, as cost of goods sold, over their expected useful lives of one to two years.

Restructuring Expenses

Restructuring Expenses — Restructuring charges and related charges principally consist of one-time termination benefits, severance, contract termination benefits, accelerated stock compensation and other employee separation costs. The Company recognizes restructuring obligations and liabilities for exit and disposal activities at fair value in the period the liability is incurred. Employee severance costs are expensed when they become probable and reasonably estimable under established severance plans.

Property

Property — Property is recorded at cost, and depreciation expense is generally provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the properties. Estimated useful lives range from 1 to 30 years for machinery and equipment; 1 to 35 years for buildings, building improvements and leasehold improvements; and 1 to 7 years for software. Total depreciation expense was $245.3, $232.9 and $222.2 in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Any gains and losses incurred on the sale or disposal of assets are included in “Other operating expense (income), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Ordinary repair and maintenance costs are accounted for under the direct expensing method.

Goodwill

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the fair market value of their identifiable net assets and represents the value the Company expects to achieve through the implementation of operational synergies, the expansion of the business into new or growing segments of the industry and the addition of new employees. The Company conducts a goodwill impairment assessment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year following the annual forecasting process, or more frequently if facts and circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. The goodwill impairment assessment performed may be either qualitative or quantitative; however, if adverse qualitative trends are identified that could negatively impact the fair value of the business, a quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed. In fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test for all reporting units. The Company has six reporting units, which have been identified at either the operating segment level, or in the case of certain reporting units, at a level below the operating segment. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit is determined using a combined income and market approach with a greater weighting on the income approach. The income approach is based on discounted future cash flows and requires significant assumptions, including estimates regarding future revenue, profitability, capital requirements and discount rates. The market approach is based on a market multiple (revenue and EBITDA) and requires an estimate of appropriate multiples based on market data for comparable peers. These fair value measurements fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as described in Note 14.

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets — Other intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships, trademarks, brands and licensing agreements acquired in business combinations and include both indefinite and definite-lived assets.

Recoverability of Assets

Recoverability of Assets — The Company continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred which might impair the recoverability of the carrying value of its assets, including property, identifiable intangibles and right-of-use (“ROU”) assets.

Trademarks and brands with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year following the annual forecasting process, or more frequently if facts and circumstances indicate the trademark or brand may be impaired. The trademark and brand impairment test performed may either be qualitative or quantitative; however, if adverse qualitative trends are identified that could negatively impact the fair value of the trademark or brand, a quantitative impairment test is performed. In fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test.

The quantitative trademark and brand impairment tests require the Company to compare the calculated fair value of the trademark or brand to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The fair value is determined using an income-based approach, which requires significant assumptions for each brand, including estimates regarding future revenue growth, discount rates and royalty rates. Assumptions are determined after consideration of several factors for each brand, including profit levels, research of external royalty rates by third-party experts and the relative importance of each brand to the Company. Revenue growth assumptions are based on historical trends and management’s expectations for future growth by brand. The discount rate is based on a weighted-average cost of capital utilizing industry market data of similar companies.

In fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test for all indefinite-lived intangible assets and concluded for each year there were no impairments. The estimated fair value of all indefinite-lived trademarks exceeded book value by 11% or greater, 23% or greater and 22% or greater at September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These fair value measurements fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as described in Note 14.

In addition, definite-lived assets (groups) are tested for recoverability when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset (group) may not be recoverable or the estimated useful life is no longer appropriate. The Company groups assets at the lowest level for which cash flows are separately identifiable. In general, an asset (group) is deemed impaired and written down to its fair value if the estimated related undiscounted future cash flows are less than its carrying amount. There were no impairments recorded on the Company’s definite-lived assets (groups) in fiscal 2023, 2022 or 2021.

Internal Use Software, Policy

Software Implementation Costs — For hosting arrangements that are service contracts, the Company capitalizes certain implementation costs incurred during the development stage of the related project. Capitalized software implementation costs are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the hosting service arrangement, beginning when the software is ready for its intended use.

Deferred Compensation Investments

Deferred Compensation Investments — The Company funds a portion of its deferred compensation liability by investing in certain mutual funds in substantially the same amounts as selected by the participating employees. Because management’s intent is to invest in a manner that matches the deferral options chosen by the participants and those participants can elect to transfer amounts into or out of each of the designated deferral options at any time, these investments are stated at fair value in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 14). Both realized and unrealized gains and losses on these assets are generally included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and offset the related change in the deferred compensation liability.

Derivatives

Derivative Financial Instruments — In the ordinary course of business, the Company is exposed to commodity price risks relating to the purchases of raw materials and supplies, interest rate risks and foreign currency exchange rate risks. The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments, including (but not limited to) futures contracts, option contracts, forward contracts and swaps, to manage certain of these exposures by hedging when it is practical to do so. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

The Company’s derivative programs may include strategies that qualify and strategies that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedging relationship, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged risk during the period that the hedge is designated. All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. For derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting, the derivative is designated as a hedge on the date in which the derivative contract is entered. A derivative could be designated as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge) or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Some derivatives may also be considered natural hedging instruments, where changes in their fair value act as economic offsets to changes in fair value of the underlying hedged item and are not designated for hedge accounting.

Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income or loss (“OCI”) and are reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Operations in conjunction with the recognition of the underlying hedged item. If a derivative is designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, its changes in fair value are recorded in OCI and subsequently recognized in earnings when the foreign operation is liquidated. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated for hedge accounting are recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company does not have any derivatives currently designated as hedging instruments under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.”

Cash flows associated with all derivatives are reported as cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, unless the derivative contains an other-than-insignificant financing element, in which case its cash flows are reported as cash flows from financing activities.

Leases

Leases — The Company leases office space, certain warehouses and equipment primarily through operating lease agreements. The Company has no material finance lease agreements. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at its inception. When the arrangements include lease and non-lease components, the Company accounts for them as a single lease component. Leases with an initial term of less than 12 months are not reported on the balance sheet, but rather are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Arrangements may include options to extend or terminate the lease arrangement. These options are included in the lease term used to establish ROU assets and lease liabilities when it is reasonably certain they will be exercised. The Company will reassess expected lease terms based on changes in circumstances that indicate options may be more or less likely to be exercised.

The Company has certain lease arrangements that include variable rental payments. The future variability of these payments and adjustments are unknown and therefore are not included in minimum rental payments used to determine ROU assets and lease liabilities. The Company has lease arrangements where it makes separate payments to the lessor based on the lessor’s common area maintenance expenses, property and casualty insurance costs, property taxes assessed on the property and other variable expenses. As the Company has elected the practical expedient not to separate lease and non-lease components, these variable amounts are captured in operating lease expense in the period in which they are incurred. Variable rental payments are recognized in the period in which their associated obligation is incurred.

For lease arrangements that do not provide an implicit interest rate, an incremental borrowing rate (“IBR”) is applied in determining the present value of future payments. The Company’s IBR is selected based upon information available at the lease commencement date.

ROU assets are recorded as “Other assets” and lease liabilities are recorded as “Other current liabilities” and “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in either “Cost of goods sold” or “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Costs associated with finance leases do not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Revenue

Revenue — The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations have been satisfied by transferring control of the goods to customers. Control is generally transferred upon delivery of the goods to the customer. At the time of delivery, the customer is invoiced using previously agreed-upon credit terms. Shipping and/or handling costs that occur before the customer obtains control of the goods are deemed fulfillment activities and are accounted for as fulfillment costs. The Company’s contracts with customers generally contain one performance obligation.

Many of the Company’s contracts with customers include some form of variable consideration. The most common forms of variable consideration are trade promotions, rebates and discounts. Variable consideration is treated as a reduction of revenue at the time product revenue is recognized. Depending on the nature of the variable consideration, the Company uses either the “expected value” or the “most likely amount” method to determine variable consideration. The Company does not believe that there will be significant changes to its estimates of variable consideration when any uncertainties are resolved with customers. The Company reviews and updates estimates of variable consideration quarterly. Uncertainties related to the estimates of variable consideration are resolved in a short time frame and do not require any additional constraint on variable consideration.

The Company’s products are sold with no right of return, except in the case of goods which do not meet product specifications or are damaged. No services beyond this assurance-type warranty are provided to customers. Customer remedies include either a cash refund or an exchange of the product. As a result, the right of return and related refund liability is estimated and recorded as a reduction of revenue based on historical sales return experience.

Cost of Good Sold

Cost of Goods Sold — Cost of goods sold includes, among other things, inbound and outbound freight costs (including for the Company-owned fleets) and depreciation expense related to assets used in production, while storage and other warehousing costs are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Advertising Cost

Advertising — Advertising costs are expensed as incurred except for costs of producing media advertising, such as television commercials or magazine or online advertisements, which are deferred until the first time the advertising takes place and amortized to the statement of operations over the time the advertising takes place.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based Compensation — The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the equity or liability award. For liability awards, the fair market value is remeasured at each quarterly reporting period. The cost for equity and liability awards is recognized ratably over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award — the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). Any forfeitures of stock-based awards are recorded as they occur.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense

Income Taxes — Income tax expense is estimated based on income taxes in each jurisdiction and includes the effects of both current tax exposures and the temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established against the related deferred tax assets to the extent that it is more likely than not that the future benefits will not be realized. Reserves are recorded for estimated exposures associated with the Company’s tax filing positions, which are subject to periodic audits by governmental taxing authorities. Interest incurred due to an underpayment of income taxes is classified as income tax expense. The Company considers the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries to be permanently invested, so no United States (“U.S.”) taxes have been recorded in relation to the Company’s investment in its foreign subsidiaries.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per Share — The Company has presented basic and diluted earnings per share for both continuing and discontinued operations. Basic earnings per share is based on the average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is based on the average number of shares used for the basic earnings per share calculation, adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units using the “treasury stock” method and convertible senior notes using the “if-converted” method.

Remeasurements to the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest (“NCI”) (see Note 5) were recognized as a deemed dividend. The Company made an election to treat the portion of the deemed dividend that exceeded fair value as an adjustment to income available to common shareholders for basic and diluted earnings from continuing operations per share. In

addition, dilutive net earnings from continuing operations was adjusted for interest expense, net of tax, related to the Company’s convertible senior notes, and dilutive net earnings from discontinued operations was adjusted for the Company’s share of Old BellRing’s consolidated net earnings prior to the BellRing Spin-off, to the extent it was dilutive. Net earnings from continuing operations was utilized as the “control number” to determine whether potential shares of common stock were dilutive or anti-dilutive.