Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

        On October 1, 2010, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 15, 2010, among NBTY, Alphabet Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Holdings") formed by an affiliate of TC Group, L.L.C. (d/b/a The Carlyle Group) and Alphabet Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings ("Merger Sub") formed solely for the purpose of entering into the Merger, Merger Sub merged with and into NBTY with NBTY as the surviving corporation (also referred herein as the "Merger" or the "Acquisition"). As a result of the Merger, NBTY became a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings. See Note 3 for further information.

        Merger Sub was determined to be the acquirer for accounting purposes and therefore, the Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations and non-controlling interests. Accordingly, the purchase price of the Acquisition has been allocated to the Company's assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair values at the acquisition date.

        Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

        Effective July 2, 2012, Julian Graves Limited was placed into administration under the laws of the United Kingdom and Wales, and this former subsidiary is reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial statements. During the course of the administration, attempts to sell the business were unsuccessful and the operations were wound down by the end of August 2012. The operations of this subsidiary were previously reported in the European Retail segment.

        Effective August 31, 2012, we sold certain assets and liabilities of Le Naturiste, Inc., and have reported this former subsidiary as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial statements. The operations of this subsidiary were previously reported in the North American Retail segment.

        All amounts related to discontinued operations are excluded from the notes to the consolidated financial statement unless otherwise indicated. See Note 5 for additional information about discontinued operations.

Estimates

Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. These judgments can be subjective and complex, and consequently actual results could differ materially from those estimates and assumptions. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our most significant estimates include: sales returns, promotions and other allowances; inventory valuation and obsolescence; valuation and recoverability of long-lived assets, including goodwill; stock-based compensation; income taxes; and accruals for the outcome of current litigation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        We consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

        We recognize product revenue when title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement to deliver a product, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. The delivery terms for most sales within the wholesale and direct response segments are F.O.B. destination. Generally, title and risk of loss transfer to the customer at the time the product is received by the customer. With respect to retail store operations, we recognize revenue upon the sale of products to customers. Net sales represent gross sales invoiced to customers, less certain related charges for discounts, returns and other promotional program incentive allowances.

Sales Returns and Other Allowances

Sales Returns and Other Allowances

        Allowance for sales returns:    Estimates for sales returns are based on a variety of factors, including actual return experience of specific products or similar products. We are able to make reasonable and reliable estimates of product returns based on our 40 year history in this business. We also review our estimates for product returns based on expected return data communicated to us by customers. Additionally, we monitor the levels of inventory at our largest customers to avoid excessive customer stocking of merchandise. Allowances for returns of new products are estimated by reviewing data of any prior relevant new product return information. We also monitor the buying patterns of the end-users of our products based on sales data received by our retail outlets in North America and Europe.

        Promotional program incentive allowances:    We estimate our allowance for promotional program incentives based upon specific outstanding marketing programs and historical experience. The allowance for sales incentives offered to customers is based on various contractual terms or other arrangements agreed to in advance with certain customers. Generally, customers earn such incentives as specified sales volumes are achieved. We accrue these incentives as a reduction to sales either at the time of sale or over the period of time in which they are earned, depending on the nature of the program.

        Allowance for doubtful accounts:    We perform on-going credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and the customer's current credit worthiness, as determined by our review of current credit information. We estimate bad debt expense based upon historical experience as well as specifically identified customer collection issues to adjust the carrying amount of the related receivable to its estimated realizable value.

        Accounts receivable are presented net of the following reserves at September 30:

	2013		2012
Allowance for sales returns	$	13,549	$	10,360
Promotional program incentive allowances		82,827		71,845
Allowance for doubtful accounts		2,472		5,244
	$	98,848	$	87,449

Inventories

Inventories

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in first-out method) or market. The cost elements of inventories include materials, labor and overhead. In evaluating whether inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, we consider such factors as the amount of inventory on hand, estimated time required to sell such inventory, remaining shelf life and current and expected market conditions, including levels of competition. Based on this evaluation, we record an adjustment to cost of goods sold to reduce inventories to net realizable value.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment

        Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is charged on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The costs of normal maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred. Expenditures which significantly improve or extend the life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the asset's remaining useful life. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the related assets or the remaining lease term. Upon sale or disposition, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is reflected in earnings.

Capitalized Software Costs

Capitalized Software Costs

        We capitalize certain costs related to the acquisition and development of software for internal use and amortize these costs using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software. These costs are included in property, plant and equipment in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

        Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. We consider the following to be some examples of important indicators that may trigger an impairment review: (i) a history of cash flow losses at retail stores; (ii) significant changes in the manner or use of the acquired assets in our overall business strategy; (iii) significant negative industry or economic trends; (iv) increased competitive pressures; and (v) regulatory changes. Our annual impairment testing date is as of July 1, the first day of our fourth quarter. No impairment adjustments were deemed necessary based on our evaluations. We use a combination of the income and market approaches to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. A 10% change in the estimate of fair value would not have impacted our assessment.

        Goodwill is tested for impairment using a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit goodwill is not considered impaired and no further testing is required. Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. We use a combination of the income and market approaches to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. For our indefinite-lived intangible assets, 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 of our trademarks is determined based on the relief from royalty method under the income approach, which requires us to estimate a reasonable royalty rate, identify relevant projected revenues and expenses, and select an appropriate discount rate. The evaluation of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment requires management to use significant judgments and estimates including, but not limited to, projected future net sales, operating results, and cash flow of our business.

        We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable at the time, but such assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainty. If actual external conditions or future operating results differ from our judgments, this may result in an impairment of our goodwill and/or intangible assets. An impairment charge would reduce operating income in the period it was determined that the charge was needed.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

        We evaluate the need for an impairment charge relating to long-lived assets, including definite lived intangible assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset group to its expected future net cash flows generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the carrying amount is compared to its fair value and an impairment charge is recognized to the extent of the difference. On a quarterly basis, we assess whether events or changes in circumstances occur that potentially indicate that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate projected future operating cash flows. Accordingly, if actual results fall short of such estimates, significant future impairments could result.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

        We recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. We estimate the degree to which tax assets and credit carryforwards will result in a benefit based on expected profitability by tax jurisdiction. A valuation allowance for such tax assets and loss carryforwards is provided when it is determined that such assets will, more likely than not, go unused. If it becomes more likely than not that a tax asset will be used, the related valuation allowance on such assets would be reversed. Management makes judgments as to the interpretation of the tax laws that might be challenged upon an audit and cause changes to previous estimates of tax liability. In addition, we operate within multiple taxing jurisdictions and are subject to audit in these jurisdictions. We believe adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for all years. If actual taxable income by tax jurisdiction varies from estimates, additional allowances or reversals of reserves may be necessary.

Accruals for Litigation and Other Contingencies

Accruals for Litigation and Other Contingencies

        We are subject to legal proceedings, lawsuits and other claims related to various matters. We are required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. We determine the amount of reserves needed, if any, for each individual issue based on our knowledge and experience and discussions with legal counsel. These reserves may change in the future due to new developments in each matter (including the enactment of new laws), the ultimate resolution of each matter or changes in approach, such as a change in settlement strategy. In some instances, we may be unable to make a reasonable estimate of the liabilities that may result from the final resolution of certain contingencies disclosed and accordingly, no reserve is recorded until such time that a reasonable estimate may be made.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs

        We incur shipping and handling costs in all divisions of our operations. These costs, included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income, were $92,062, $85,784 and $80,072 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Of these amounts, $14,050, $13,831 and $16,660 have been billed to customers and are included in net sales for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Advertising, Promotion and Catalog

Advertising, Promotion and Catalog

        We expense the production costs of advertising as incurred, except for the cost of mail order catalogs, which are capitalized and amortized over our expected period of future benefit, which typically approximates two months. Capitalized costs for mail order catalogs at September 30, 2013 and 2012 were $740 and $477, respectively. Total mail order catalog expense was $7,713, $9,378 and $10,395 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and is included in advertising, promotion and catalog in the consolidated statements of income.

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency

        The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is the applicable local currency. The translation of the applicable foreign currencies into US dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts and cash flows using average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Adjustments resulting from the translation of foreign currency financial statements are accumulated in a separate component of stockholder's equity.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

        All derivative financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measurement of those instruments is at fair value. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are reported in earnings or other comprehensive income (loss) depending on the designation of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. For derivatives that have been formally designated as cash flow hedges (interest rate swap agreements), the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings when interest expense on the underlying borrowings is recognized. For hedges of the net investment in foreign subsidiaries (cross currency swap agreements), changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) to offset the change in the value of the net investment being hedged. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

Recent Accounting Developments

Recent Accounting Developments

        In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance on disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"). This new guidance requires entities to present (either on the face of the income statement or in the notes hereto) the effects on the line items of the income statement for amounts reclassified out of AOCI. The new guidance has been effective for us beginning October 1, 2013. Other than requiring additional disclosures, the Company does not anticipate material impacts on our financial statements upon adoption.

        In March 2013, the FASB issued guidance on a parent's accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. This new guidance requires that the parent release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. The new guidance will be effective for us beginning on October 1, 2014. We do not anticipate material impacts on our financial statements upon adoption.

        In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance which amends the guidance related to the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits and allows for the reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward whenever the net operating loss carryforward or tax credit carryforward would be available to reduce the additional taxable income or tax due if the tax position is disallowed. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.