Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Sep. 28, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies
Significant Accounting Policies	2. Significant Accounting Policies Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Significant estimates and assumptions by management affect the Company's inventory, deferred tax assets, allowance for sales returns, warranty reserves and certain accrued expenses, goodwill, intangible and long-lived assets and stock-based compensation. Although the Company regularly assesses these estimates, actual results could differ from these estimates. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period they become known. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and all of the entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest, most often because the Company holds a majority voting/ownership interest. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated in consolidation. Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling interests ("NCI") are evaluated by the Company and are shown as either a liability, temporary equity (shown between liabilities and equity) or as permanent equity depending on the nature of the redeemable features at amounts based on formulas specific to each entity. Generally, mandatorily redeemable NCI's are classified as liabilities and non-mandatorily redeemable NCI's are classified as either temporary or permanent equity. Redeemable NCIs that are not mandatorily redeemable are classified outside of shareholders' equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as temporary equity under the caption, Redeemable noncontrolling interests, and are measured at their redemption values at the end of each period. If the redemption value is greater than the carrying value, an adjustment is recorded in retained earnings to record the NCI at its redemption value. Redeemable NCIs that are mandatorily redeemable are classified as a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under either Other current liabilities or Other long-term liabilities, depending on the remaining duration until settlement, and are measured at the amount of cash that would be paid if settlement occurred at the balance sheet date based on the formula in the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement dated June 22, 2012, with any change from the prior period recognized as interest expense. See Note 8, Noncontrolling Interests in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for further information. Net income attributable to NCIs reflects the portion of the net income (loss) of consolidated entities applicable to the NCI shareholders in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. The net income attributable to NCIs is classified in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of consolidated net income and deducted from total consolidated net income to arrive at the net income attributable to the Company. If a change in ownership of a consolidated subsidiary results in a loss of control or deconsolidation, any retained ownership interests are remeasured with the gain or loss reported to net earnings. Business Combinations The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations and recognizes assets acquired and liabilities assumed measured at their fair values on the date acquired. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets. The fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired are determined based upon the Company's valuation. The valuation involves making significant estimates and assumptions which are based on detailed financial models including the projection of future cash flows, the weighted average cost of capital and any cost savings that are expected to be derived in the future. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include money market funds which are carried at cost, plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. The Company does not believe that it is subject to any unusual credit or market risk. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted cash and cash equivalents represents cash that is not available for use in our operations. Restricted cash of $0.6 million and $12.9 million as of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively. The restricted cash balance as of September 29, 2012 consisted primarily of cash placed in escrow related to our acquisition of Van Houtte, and was released during fiscal 2013. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts A provision for doubtful accounts is provided based on a combination of historical experience, specific identification and customer credit risk where there are indications that a specific customer may be experiencing financial difficulties. Inventories Inventories consist primarily of green and roasted coffee, including coffee in portion packs, purchased finished goods such as coffee brewers, and packaging materials. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is being measured using an adjusted standard cost method which approximates FIFO (first-in, first-out). The Company regularly reviews whether the net realizable value of its inventory is lower than its carrying value. If the valuation shows that the net realizable value is lower than the carrying value, the Company takes a charge to cost of sales and directly reduces the carrying value of the inventory. The Company estimates any required write downs for inventory obsolescence by examining its inventories on a quarterly basis to determine if there are indicators that the carrying values exceed net realizable value. Indicators that could result in additional inventory write downs include age of inventory, damaged inventory, slow moving products and products at the end of their life cycles. While management believes that inventory is appropriately stated at the lower of cost or market, significant judgment is involved in determining the net realizable value of inventory. Financial Instruments The Company enters into various types of financial instruments in the normal course of business. Fair values are estimated based on assumptions concerning the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and assumed discount rates reflecting varying degrees of perceived risk. Cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses are reported at carrying value and approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. Long-term debt is also reported at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the fact that the interest rate on the debt is based on variable interest rates. The fair values of derivative financial instruments have been determined using market information and valuation methodologies. Changes in assumptions or estimates could affect the determination of fair value; however, management does not believe any such changes would have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The fair values of short-term investments and derivative financial instruments are disclosed in Note 12, Fair Value Measurements, in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report. Derivative Instruments The Company enters into over-the-counter derivative contracts based on coffee futures ("coffee futures") to hedge against price increases in price-to-be-fixed coffee purchase commitments and anticipated coffee purchases. Coffee purchases are generally denominated in the U.S. dollar. The Company also enters into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate interest rate risk associated with the Company's variable-rate borrowings and foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the purchase and payment of certain green coffee purchase commitments as well as certain recognized liabilities in currencies other than the Company's functional currency. All derivatives are recorded at fair value. Interest rate swaps, coffee futures, and certain foreign currency forward contracts which hedge the purchase and payment of green coffee purchase commitments are designated as cash flow hedges with the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative instrument recorded as a component of other comprehensive income ("OCI") and subsequently reclassified into net earnings when the hedged exposure affects net earnings. Foreign currency forward contracts which hedge certain recognized liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies are designated as fair value hedges with the changes in the fair value of these instruments along with the changes in the fair value of the hedged liabilities recognized in gain or loss on foreign currency, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Effectiveness is determined by how closely the changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument offset the changes in the fair value of the hedged item. The ineffective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative instrument is recorded directly to earnings. The Company formally documents hedging instruments and hedged items, and measures at each balance sheet date the effectiveness of its hedges. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective, the derivative expires, or is sold or terminated, or the derivative is discontinued because it is unlikely that a forecasted transaction will occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively for that specific hedge instrument. The Company also enters into certain foreign currency and interest rate derivative contracts to hedge certain foreign currency exposures that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. These contracts are recorded at fair value, with the changes in fair value recognized in gain (loss) on financial instruments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company does not engage in speculative transactions, nor does it hold derivative instruments for trading purposes. See Note 11, Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 14, Stockholders' Equity in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for further information. Deferred Financing Costs Deferred financing costs consist primarily of commitment fees and loan origination fees and are being amortized over the respective life of the applicable debt using a method that approximates the effective interest rate method. Deferred financing costs included in Other long-term assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 were $15.2 million and $22.3 million, respectively. Goodwill and Intangibles Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at the end of the Company's fiscal year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units for purposes of impairment testing. A reporting unit is the same as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The Company may assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, no further testing is necessary. If, however, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company performs the first step of a two-step goodwill impairment test. The assessment of qualitative factors is optional and at the Company's discretion. The Company may bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and perform the first step of the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The Company may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The first step is a comparison of each reporting unit's fair value to its carrying value. The Company estimates fair value based on discounted cash flows. The reporting unit's discounted cash flows require significant management judgment with respect to sales forecasts, gross margin percentages, selling, operating, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses, capital expenditures and the selection and use of an appropriate discount rate. The projected sales, gross margin and SG&A expense rate assumptions and capital expenditures are based on the Company's annual business plan or other forecasted results. Discount rates reflect market-based estimates of the risks associated with the projected cash flows directly resulting from the use of those assets in operations. The estimates of fair value of reporting units are based on the best information available as of the date of the assessment. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value in the first step, a second step is performed, which requires the Company to allocate the fair value of the reporting unit derived in the first step to the fair value of the reporting unit's net assets, with any fair value in excess of amounts allocated to such net assets representing the implied fair value of goodwill for that reporting unit. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the book value, goodwill is impaired and is written down to the implied fair value amount. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated economic useful lives on a straight line basis. Intangible assets that have indefinite lives are not amortized and are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Similar to the qualitative assessment for goodwill, the Company may assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, no further testing is necessary. If, however, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, the Company compares the fair value of the indefinite-lived asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying value of an individual indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, the individual indefinite-lived intangible asset is written down by an amount equal to such excess. The assessment of qualitative factors is optional and at the Company's discretion. The Company may bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets When facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying values of long-lived assets, including fixed assets, may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability is performed by comparing the carrying value of the assets, at an asset group level, to undiscounted projected future cash flows in addition to other quantitative and qualitative analyses. When assessing impairment, property, plant and equipment assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of other groups of assets. Upon indication that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable, the Company recognizes an impairment loss as a charge against current operations. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less estimated costs to sell. The Company makes judgments related to the expected useful lives of long-lived assets and its ability to realize undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets which are affected by factors such as the ongoing maintenance and improvements of the assets, changes in economic conditions and changes in operating performance. Fixed Assets Fixed assets are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and renewals of minor items are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for refurbishments and improvements that significantly improve the productive capacity or extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the assets' estimated useful lives. The cost and accumulated depreciation for fixed assets sold, retired, or otherwise disposed of are relieved from the accounts, and the resultant gains and losses are reflected in income. The Company follows an industry-wide practice of purchasing and loaning coffee brewing and related equipment to wholesale customers. These assets are also carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation costs of manufacturing and distribution assets are included in cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Depreciation costs of other assets, including equipment on loan to customers, are included in selling and operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Leases Occasionally, the Company is involved in the construction of leased properties. Due to the extent and nature of that involvement, the Company is deemed the owner during the construction period and is required to capitalize the construction costs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets along with a corresponding financing obligation for the project costs that are incurred by the lessor. Upon completion of the project, a sale-leaseback analysis is performed to determine if the Company can record a sale to remove the assets and related obligation and record the lease as either an operating or capital lease obligation. If the Company is precluded from derecognizing the assets when construction is complete due to continuing involvement beyond a normal leaseback, the lease is accounted for as a financing transaction and the recorded asset and related financing obligation remain on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accordingly, the asset is depreciated over its estimated useful life in accordance with the Company's policy. If the Company is not considered the owner of the land, a portion of the lease payments is allocated to ground rent and treated as an operating lease. The portion of the lease payment allocated to ground rental expense is based on the fair value of the land at the commencement of construction. Lease payments allocated to the buildings are recognized as reductions to the financing obligation and interest expense. See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, for further information. Leases that qualify as capital leases are recorded at the lower of the fair value of the asset or the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term generally using the Company's incremental borrowing rate. Assets leased under capital leases are included in fixed assets and generally are depreciated over the lease term. Lease payments under capital leases are recognized as a reduction of the capital lease obligation and interest expense. All other leases are considered operating leases. Assets subject to an operating lease are not recorded on the balance sheet. Lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis as rent expense over the expected lease term. Revenue Recognition Revenue from sales of single cup brewer systems, coffee and other specialty beverages in portion packs, and coffee in more traditional packaging including whole bean and ground coffee selections in bags and ground coffee in fractional packs is recognized when title and risk of loss passes to the customer, which generally occurs upon shipment or delivery of the product to the customer as defined by the contractual shipping terms. Shipping charges billed to customers are also recognized as revenue, and the related shipping costs are included in cost of sales. Cash received in advance of product delivery is recorded in deferred revenue, which is included in other current liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, until earned. The majority of the Company's distribution to major retailers is processed by fulfillment entities. The fulfillment entities receive and fulfill sales orders and invoice certain retailers. All product shipped by the Company to the fulfillment entities are owned by the Company and included in inventories on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognizes revenue when delivery of the product from the fulfillment entity to the retailer has occurred based on the contractual shipping terms and when all other revenue recognition criteria are met. Sales of single cup brewers, portion packs and other products are recognized net of any discounts, returns, allowances and sales incentives, including coupon redemptions and rebates. The Company estimates the allowance for returns using an average return rate based on historical experience and an evaluation of contractual rights or obligations. The Company routinely participates in trade promotion programs with customers, including customers whose sales are processed by the fulfillment entities, whereby customers can receive certain incentives and allowances which are recorded as a reduction to sales when the sales incentive is offered and committed to or, if the incentive relates to specific sales, at the later of when that revenue is recognized or the date at which the sales incentive is offered. These incentives include, but are not limited to, cash discounts and volume based incentive programs. Allowances to customers that are directly attributable and supportable by customer promotional activities are recorded as selling expenses at the time the promotional activity occurs. Roasters licensed by the Company to manufacture and sell K-Cup® packs, both to the Company for resale and to their other coffee customers, are obligated to pay a royalty to the Company upon shipment to their customer. The Company records royalty revenue upon shipment of K-Cup® packs by licensed roasters to third-party customers as set forth under the terms and conditions of various licensing agreements. For shipments of K-Cup® packs to the Company for resale, this royalty payment is recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the related K-Cup® packs in inventory and as a reduction to cost of sales when sold through to third-party customers by the Company. Cost of Sales Cost of sales for the Company consists of the cost of raw materials including coffee beans, hot cocoa, flavorings and packaging materials; a portion of our rental expense; production, warehousing and distribution costs which include salaries; distribution and merchandising personnel; leases and depreciation on facilities and equipment used in production; the cost of brewers manufactured by suppliers; third-party fulfillment charges; receiving, inspection and internal transfer costs; warranty expense; freight, duties and delivery expenses; and certain third-party royalty charges. All shipping and handling expenses are also included as a component of cost of sales. Product Warranty The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties in cost of sales, at the time product revenue is recognized. Warranty costs are estimated primarily using historical warranty information in conjunction with current engineering assessments applied to the Company's expected repair or replacement costs. The estimate for warranties requires assumptions relating to expected warranty claims which can be impacted significantly by quality issues. Advertising Costs The Company expenses the costs of advertising the first time the advertising takes place, except for direct mail campaigns targeted directly at consumers, which are expensed over the period during which they are expected to generate sales. As of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, prepaid advertising costs of $4.1 million and $2.4 million, respectively, were recorded in Other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Advertising expense totaled $193.2 million, $147.7 million, and $90.8 million, for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Income Taxes The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax benefits or consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and related accruals, deferred tax assets and liabilities. These include establishing a valuation allowance related to the ability to realize certain deferred tax assets. The Company currently believes that future earnings and current tax planning strategies will be sufficient to recover substantially all of the Company's recorded net deferred tax assets. To the extent future taxable income against which these assets may be applied is not sufficient, some portion or all of our recorded deferred tax assets would not be realizable. Accounting for uncertain tax positions also requires significant judgments, including estimating the amount, timing and likelihood of ultimate settlement. Although the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates. The Company uses a more-likely-than-not measurement attribute for all tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return in order for those tax positions to be recognized in the financial statements. Stock-Based Compensation The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Equity awards consist of stock options, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), restricted stock awards ("RSAs"), and performance stock units ("PSUs"). The cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The Company measures the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes model and certain assumptions, including the expected life of the stock options, an expected forfeiture rate and the expected volatility of its common stock. The expected life of options is estimated based on options vesting periods, contractual lives and an analysis of the Company's historical experience. The expected forfeiture rate is based on the Company's historical employee turnover experience and future expectations. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate over the expected life. The Company uses a blended historical volatility to estimate expected volatility at the measurement date. The fair value of RSUs, RSAs and PSUs is based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the grant date. Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions The financial statements of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated into the reporting currency of the Company which is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of certain of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the local currency of the subsidiary. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at each balance sheet date. Revenue and expense accounts are generally translated using the average rate of exchange during the period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are accumulated as a component of other comprehensive income or loss as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the entity are charged directly against earnings in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in foreign currencies are primarily related to inter-company loans that have been determined to be temporary in nature, cash, long-term debt and accounts payable denominated in non-functional currencies. Significant Customer Credit Risk and Supply Risk The majority of the Company's customers are located in the U.S. and Canada. With the exception of M.Block & Sons ("MBlock") as described below, concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the large number of customers in various channels comprising the Company's customer base. The Company does not require collateral from customers as ongoing credit evaluations of customers' payment histories are performed. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses and such losses, in the aggregate, have not exceeded management's expectations. The Company procures the majority of the brewers it sells from one third-party brewer manufacturer. Purchases from this brewer manufacturer amounted to approximately $637.0 million, $721.3 million and $545.3 million in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company primarily relies on MBlock to process the majority of sales orders for our AH single serve business with retailers in the United States. The Company is subject to significant credit risk regarding the creditworthiness of MBlock and, in turn, the creditworthiness of the retailers. Sales processed by MBlock to retailers amounted to $1,600.2 million, $1,458.4 million and $997.0 million for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company's account receivables due from MBlock amounted to $157.4 million and $133.1 million at September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively. Sales to customers that represented more than 10% of the Company's net sales included Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and affiliates ("Wal-Mart"), representing approximately 14% and 12% of consolidated net sales for fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively; Costco Wholesale Corporation and affiliates ("Costco"), representing approximately 11% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2013; and Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc., and affiliates ("Bed Bath & Beyond"), representing approximately 11% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2011. For Wal-Mart and Bed Bath & Beyond, the majority of U.S. sales are processed through MBlock whereby MBlock is the vendor of record. Starting in fiscal 2012, for U.S. sales to Costco, the Company became the vendor of record and although the sales are processed through MBlock, the Company records the account receivables from the customer and pays MBlock for their fulfillment services. The Company's account receivables due from Costco amounted to $65.7 million, net of allowances, at September 28, 2013. Research & Development Research and development charges are expensed as incurred. These expenses amounted to $57.7 million, $41.7 million and $17.7 million in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These costs primarily consist of salary and consulting expenses and are recorded in selling and operating expenses in each respective segment of the Company. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued an Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists" ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 was issued to eliminate diversity in practice regarding the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. Under ASU 2013-11, an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. Otherwise, to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's net income, financial position or cash flows. In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, "Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity" ("ASU 2013-05"). ASU 2013-05 provides clarification regarding whether Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation—Overall, or Subtopic 830-30, Foreign Currency Matters—Translation of Financial Statements, applies to the release of cumulative translation adjustments into net income when a reporting entity either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that constitute a business within a foreign entity. The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's net income, financial position or cash flows. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, "Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date" ("ASU 2013-04"). ASU 2013-04 provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this ASU is fixed at the reporting date. The guidance requires an entity to measure those obligations as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors as well as any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of those obligations. The amendments in this ASU are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. Retrospective application is required. The adoption of ASU 2013-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's net income, financial position or cash flows. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Comprehensive Income" ("ASU 2013-02"). ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For significant items not reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2012, which for the Company will be the first quarter of fiscal 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 is not expected to have an impact on the Company's net income, financial position or cash flows. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, "Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities," ("ASU 2011-11") that provides amendments for disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The amendments require an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. Entities are required to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. On January 31, 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, "Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities," which clarified that the scope of the disclosures is limited to include derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. Disclosures required by the amendments should be provided retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. For the Company, the amendments are effective for the fiscal year ending September 27, 2014 (fiscal year 2014). The adoption of ASU 2011-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's disclosures.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Significant estimates and assumptions by management affect the Company's inventory, deferred tax assets, allowance for sales returns, warranty reserves and certain accrued expenses, goodwill, intangible and long-lived assets and stock-based compensation.

Although the Company regularly assesses these estimates, actual results could differ from these estimates. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period they become known. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and all of the entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest, most often because the Company holds a majority voting/ownership interest. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated in consolidation.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests ("NCI") are evaluated by the Company and are shown as either a liability, temporary equity (shown between liabilities and equity) or as permanent equity depending on the nature of the redeemable features at amounts based on formulas specific to each entity. Generally, mandatorily redeemable NCI's are classified as liabilities and non-mandatorily redeemable NCI's are classified as either temporary or permanent equity. Redeemable NCIs that are not mandatorily redeemable are classified outside of shareholders' equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as temporary equity under the caption, Redeemable noncontrolling interests, and are measured at their redemption values at the end of each period. If the redemption value is greater than the carrying value, an adjustment is recorded in retained earnings to record the NCI at its redemption value. Redeemable NCIs that are mandatorily redeemable are classified as a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under either Other current liabilities or Other long-term liabilities, depending on the remaining duration until settlement, and are measured at the amount of cash that would be paid if settlement occurred at the balance sheet date based on the formula in the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement dated June 22, 2012, with any change from the prior period recognized as interest expense. See Note 8, Noncontrolling Interests in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for further information.

Net income attributable to NCIs reflects the portion of the net income (loss) of consolidated entities applicable to the NCI shareholders in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. The net income attributable to NCIs is classified in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of consolidated net income and deducted from total consolidated net income to arrive at the net income attributable to the Company.

If a change in ownership of a consolidated subsidiary results in a loss of control or deconsolidation, any retained ownership interests are remeasured with the gain or loss reported to net earnings.

Business Combinations

The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations and recognizes assets acquired and liabilities assumed measured at their fair values on the date acquired. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets. The fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired are determined based upon the Company's valuation. The valuation involves making significant estimates and assumptions which are based on detailed financial models including the projection of future cash flows, the weighted average cost of capital and any cost savings that are expected to be derived in the future.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include money market funds which are carried at cost, plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. The Company does not believe that it is subject to any unusual credit or market risk.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents represents cash that is not available for use in our operations. Restricted cash of $0.6 million and $12.9 million as of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively. The restricted cash balance as of September 29, 2012 consisted primarily of cash placed in escrow related to our acquisition of Van Houtte, and was released during fiscal 2013.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

A provision for doubtful accounts is provided based on a combination of historical experience, specific identification and customer credit risk where there are indications that a specific customer may be experiencing financial difficulties.

Inventories

Inventories consist primarily of green and roasted coffee, including coffee in portion packs, purchased finished goods such as coffee brewers, and packaging materials. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is being measured using an adjusted standard cost method which approximates FIFO (first-in, first-out). The Company regularly reviews whether the net realizable value of its inventory is lower than its carrying value. If the valuation shows that the net realizable value is lower than the carrying value, the Company takes a charge to cost of sales and directly reduces the carrying value of the inventory.

The Company estimates any required write downs for inventory obsolescence by examining its inventories on a quarterly basis to determine if there are indicators that the carrying values exceed net realizable value. Indicators that could result in additional inventory write downs include age of inventory, damaged inventory, slow moving products and products at the end of their life cycles. While management believes that inventory is appropriately stated at the lower of cost or market, significant judgment is involved in determining the net realizable value of inventory.

Financial Instruments

The Company enters into various types of financial instruments in the normal course of business. Fair values are estimated based on assumptions concerning the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and assumed discount rates reflecting varying degrees of perceived risk. Cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses are reported at carrying value and approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. Long-term debt is also reported at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the fact that the interest rate on the debt is based on variable interest rates.

The fair values of derivative financial instruments have been determined using market information and valuation methodologies. Changes in assumptions or estimates could affect the determination of fair value; however, management does not believe any such changes would have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The fair values of short-term investments and derivative financial instruments are disclosed in Note 12, Fair Value Measurements, in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.

Derivative Instruments

The Company enters into over-the-counter derivative contracts based on coffee futures ("coffee futures") to hedge against price increases in price-to-be-fixed coffee purchase commitments and anticipated coffee purchases. Coffee purchases are generally denominated in the U.S. dollar. The Company also enters into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate interest rate risk associated with the Company's variable-rate borrowings and foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the purchase and payment of certain green coffee purchase commitments as well as certain recognized liabilities in currencies other than the Company's functional currency. All derivatives are recorded at fair value. Interest rate swaps, coffee futures, and certain foreign currency forward contracts which hedge the purchase and payment of green coffee purchase commitments are designated as cash flow hedges with the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative instrument recorded as a component of other comprehensive income ("OCI") and subsequently reclassified into net earnings when the hedged exposure affects net earnings. Foreign currency forward contracts which hedge certain recognized liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies are designated as fair value hedges with the changes in the fair value of these instruments along with the changes in the fair value of the hedged liabilities recognized in gain or loss on foreign currency, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Effectiveness is determined by how closely the changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument offset the changes in the fair value of the hedged item. The ineffective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative instrument is recorded directly to earnings.

The Company formally documents hedging instruments and hedged items, and measures at each balance sheet date the effectiveness of its hedges. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective, the derivative expires, or is sold or terminated, or the derivative is discontinued because it is unlikely that a forecasted transaction will occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively for that specific hedge instrument.

The Company also enters into certain foreign currency and interest rate derivative contracts to hedge certain foreign currency exposures that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. These contracts are recorded at fair value, with the changes in fair value recognized in gain (loss) on financial instruments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company does not engage in speculative transactions, nor does it hold derivative instruments for trading purposes. See Note 11, Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 14, Stockholders' Equity in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for further information.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs consist primarily of commitment fees and loan origination fees and are being amortized over the respective life of the applicable debt using a method that approximates the effective interest rate method. Deferred financing costs included in Other long-term assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 were $15.2 million and $22.3 million, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangibles

Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at the end of the Company's fiscal year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units for purposes of impairment testing. A reporting unit is the same as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The Company may assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, no further testing is necessary. If, however, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company performs the first step of a two-step goodwill impairment test. The assessment of qualitative factors is optional and at the Company's discretion. The Company may bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and perform the first step of the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The Company may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The first step is a comparison of each reporting unit's fair value to its carrying value. The Company estimates fair value based on discounted cash flows. The reporting unit's discounted cash flows require significant management judgment with respect to sales forecasts, gross margin percentages, selling, operating, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses, capital expenditures and the selection and use of an appropriate discount rate. The projected sales, gross margin and SG&A expense rate assumptions and capital expenditures are based on the Company's annual business plan or other forecasted results. Discount rates reflect market-based estimates of the risks associated with the projected cash flows directly resulting from the use of those assets in operations. The estimates of fair value of reporting units are based on the best information available as of the date of the assessment. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value in the first step, a second step is performed, which requires the Company to allocate the fair value of the reporting unit derived in the first step to the fair value of the reporting unit's net assets, with any fair value in excess of amounts allocated to such net assets representing the implied fair value of goodwill for that reporting unit. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the book value, goodwill is impaired and is written down to the implied fair value amount.

Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated economic useful lives on a straight line basis. Intangible assets that have indefinite lives are not amortized and are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Similar to the qualitative assessment for goodwill, the Company may assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, no further testing is necessary. If, however, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, the Company compares the fair value of the indefinite-lived asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying value of an individual indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, the individual indefinite-lived intangible asset is written down by an amount equal to such excess. The assessment of qualitative factors is optional and at the Company's discretion. The Company may bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

When facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying values of long-lived assets, including fixed assets, may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability is performed by comparing the carrying value of the assets, at an asset group level, to undiscounted projected future cash flows in addition to other quantitative and qualitative analyses. When assessing impairment, property, plant and equipment assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of other groups of assets. Upon indication that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable, the Company recognizes an impairment loss as a charge against current operations. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less estimated costs to sell. The Company makes judgments related to the expected useful lives of long-lived assets and its ability to realize undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets which are affected by factors such as the ongoing maintenance and improvements of the assets, changes in economic conditions and changes in operating performance.

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and renewals of minor items are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for refurbishments and improvements that significantly improve the productive capacity or extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the assets' estimated useful lives. The cost and accumulated depreciation for fixed assets sold, retired, or otherwise disposed of are relieved from the accounts, and the resultant gains and losses are reflected in income.

The Company follows an industry-wide practice of purchasing and loaning coffee brewing and related equipment to wholesale customers. These assets are also carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation costs of manufacturing and distribution assets are included in cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Depreciation costs of other assets, including equipment on loan to customers, are included in selling and operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Leases

Occasionally, the Company is involved in the construction of leased properties. Due to the extent and nature of that involvement, the Company is deemed the owner during the construction period and is required to capitalize the construction costs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets along with a corresponding financing obligation for the project costs that are incurred by the lessor. Upon completion of the project, a sale-leaseback analysis is performed to determine if the Company can record a sale to remove the assets and related obligation and record the lease as either an operating or capital lease obligation. If the Company is precluded from derecognizing the assets when construction is complete due to continuing involvement beyond a normal leaseback, the lease is accounted for as a financing transaction and the recorded asset and related financing obligation remain on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accordingly, the asset is depreciated over its estimated useful life in accordance with the Company's policy. If the Company is not considered the owner of the land, a portion of the lease payments is allocated to ground rent and treated as an operating lease. The portion of the lease payment allocated to ground rental expense is based on the fair value of the land at the commencement of construction. Lease payments allocated to the buildings are recognized as reductions to the financing obligation and interest expense. See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, for further information.

Leases that qualify as capital leases are recorded at the lower of the fair value of the asset or the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term generally using the Company's incremental borrowing rate. Assets leased under capital leases are included in fixed assets and generally are depreciated over the lease term. Lease payments under capital leases are recognized as a reduction of the capital lease obligation and interest expense.

All other leases are considered operating leases. Assets subject to an operating lease are not recorded on the balance sheet. Lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis as rent expense over the expected lease term.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from sales of single cup brewer systems, coffee and other specialty beverages in portion packs, and coffee in more traditional packaging including whole bean and ground coffee selections in bags and ground coffee in fractional packs is recognized when title and risk of loss passes to the customer, which generally occurs upon shipment or delivery of the product to the customer as defined by the contractual shipping terms. Shipping charges billed to customers are also recognized as revenue, and the related shipping costs are included in cost of sales. Cash received in advance of product delivery is recorded in deferred revenue, which is included in other current liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, until earned.

The majority of the Company's distribution to major retailers is processed by fulfillment entities. The fulfillment entities receive and fulfill sales orders and invoice certain retailers. All product shipped by the Company to the fulfillment entities are owned by the Company and included in inventories on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognizes revenue when delivery of the product from the fulfillment entity to the retailer has occurred based on the contractual shipping terms and when all other revenue recognition criteria are met.

Sales of single cup brewers, portion packs and other products are recognized net of any discounts, returns, allowances and sales incentives, including coupon redemptions and rebates. The Company estimates the allowance for returns using an average return rate based on historical experience and an evaluation of contractual rights or obligations. The Company routinely participates in trade promotion programs with customers, including customers whose sales are processed by the fulfillment entities, whereby customers can receive certain incentives and allowances which are recorded as a reduction to sales when the sales incentive is offered and committed to or, if the incentive relates to specific sales, at the later of when that revenue is recognized or the date at which the sales incentive is offered. These incentives include, but are not limited to, cash discounts and volume based incentive programs. Allowances to customers that are directly attributable and supportable by customer promotional activities are recorded as selling expenses at the time the promotional activity occurs.

Roasters licensed by the Company to manufacture and sell K-Cup® packs, both to the Company for resale and to their other coffee customers, are obligated to pay a royalty to the Company upon shipment to their customer. The Company records royalty revenue upon shipment of K-Cup® packs by licensed roasters to third-party customers as set forth under the terms and conditions of various licensing agreements. For shipments of K-Cup® packs to the Company for resale, this royalty payment is recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the related K-Cup® packs in inventory and as a reduction to cost of sales when sold through to third-party customers by the Company.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales for the Company consists of the cost of raw materials including coffee beans, hot cocoa, flavorings and packaging materials; a portion of our rental expense; production, warehousing and distribution costs which include salaries; distribution and merchandising personnel; leases and depreciation on facilities and equipment used in production; the cost of brewers manufactured by suppliers; third-party fulfillment charges; receiving, inspection and internal transfer costs; warranty expense; freight, duties and delivery expenses; and certain third-party royalty charges. All shipping and handling expenses are also included as a component of cost of sales.

Product Warranty

The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties in cost of sales, at the time product revenue is recognized. Warranty costs are estimated primarily using historical warranty information in conjunction with current engineering assessments applied to the Company's expected repair or replacement costs. The estimate for warranties requires assumptions relating to expected warranty claims which can be impacted significantly by quality issues.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses the costs of advertising the first time the advertising takes place, except for direct mail campaigns targeted directly at consumers, which are expensed over the period during which they are expected to generate sales. As of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, prepaid advertising costs of $4.1 million and $2.4 million, respectively, were recorded in Other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Advertising expense totaled $193.2 million, $147.7 million, and $90.8 million, for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax benefits or consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and related accruals, deferred tax assets and liabilities. These include establishing a valuation allowance related to the ability to realize certain deferred tax assets. The Company currently believes that future earnings and current tax planning strategies will be sufficient to recover substantially all of the Company's recorded net deferred tax assets. To the extent future taxable income against which these assets may be applied is not sufficient, some portion or all of our recorded deferred tax assets would not be realizable.

Accounting for uncertain tax positions also requires significant judgments, including estimating the amount, timing and likelihood of ultimate settlement. Although the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates. The Company uses a more-likely-than-not measurement attribute for all tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return in order for those tax positions to be recognized in the financial statements.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Equity awards consist of stock options, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), restricted stock awards ("RSAs"), and performance stock units ("PSUs"). The cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.

The Company measures the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes model and certain assumptions, including the expected life of the stock options, an expected forfeiture rate and the expected volatility of its common stock. The expected life of options is estimated based on options vesting periods, contractual lives and an analysis of the Company's historical experience. The expected forfeiture rate is based on the Company's historical employee turnover experience and future expectations. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate over the expected life. The Company uses a blended historical volatility to estimate expected volatility at the measurement date. The fair value of RSUs, RSAs and PSUs is based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the grant date.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

The financial statements of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated into the reporting currency of the Company which is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of certain of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the local currency of the subsidiary. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at each balance sheet date. Revenue and expense accounts are generally translated using the average rate of exchange during the period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are accumulated as a component of other comprehensive income or loss as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the entity are charged directly against earnings in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in foreign currencies are primarily related to inter-company loans that have been determined to be temporary in nature, cash, long-term debt and accounts payable denominated in non-functional currencies.

Significant Customer Credit Risk and Supply Risk

The majority of the Company's customers are located in the U.S. and Canada. With the exception of M.Block & Sons ("MBlock") as described below, concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the large number of customers in various channels comprising the Company's customer base. The Company does not require collateral from customers as ongoing credit evaluations of customers' payment histories are performed. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses and such losses, in the aggregate, have not exceeded management's expectations.

The Company procures the majority of the brewers it sells from one third-party brewer manufacturer. Purchases from this brewer manufacturer amounted to approximately $637.0 million, $721.3 million and $545.3 million in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company primarily relies on MBlock to process the majority of sales orders for our AH single serve business with retailers in the United States. The Company is subject to significant credit risk regarding the creditworthiness of MBlock and, in turn, the creditworthiness of the retailers. Sales processed by MBlock to retailers amounted to $1,600.2 million, $1,458.4 million and $997.0 million for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company's account receivables due from MBlock amounted to $157.4 million and $133.1 million at September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively.

Sales to customers that represented more than 10% of the Company's net sales included Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and affiliates ("Wal-Mart"), representing approximately 14% and 12% of consolidated net sales for fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively; Costco Wholesale Corporation and affiliates ("Costco"), representing approximately 11% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2013; and Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc., and affiliates ("Bed Bath & Beyond"), representing approximately 11% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2011. For Wal-Mart and Bed Bath & Beyond, the majority of U.S. sales are processed through MBlock whereby MBlock is the vendor of record. Starting in fiscal 2012, for U.S. sales to Costco, the Company became the vendor of record and although the sales are processed through MBlock, the Company records the account receivables from the customer and pays MBlock for their fulfillment services. The Company's account receivables due from Costco amounted to $65.7 million, net of allowances, at September 28, 2013.

Research & Development

Research and development charges are expensed as incurred. These expenses amounted to $57.7 million, $41.7 million and $17.7 million in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These costs primarily consist of salary and consulting expenses and are recorded in selling and operating expenses in each respective segment of the Company.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued an Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists" ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 was issued to eliminate diversity in practice regarding the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. Under ASU 2013-11, an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. Otherwise, to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's net income, financial position or cash flows.

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, "Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity" ("ASU 2013-05"). ASU 2013-05 provides clarification regarding whether Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation—Overall, or Subtopic 830-30, Foreign Currency Matters—Translation of Financial Statements, applies to the release of cumulative translation adjustments into net income when a reporting entity either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that constitute a business within a foreign entity. The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's net income, financial position or cash flows.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, "Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date" ("ASU 2013-04"). ASU 2013-04 provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this ASU is fixed at the reporting date. The guidance requires an entity to measure those obligations as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors as well as any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of those obligations. The amendments in this ASU are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. Retrospective application is required. The adoption of ASU 2013-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's net income, financial position or cash flows.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Comprehensive Income" ("ASU 2013-02"). ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For significant items not reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2012, which for the Company will be the first quarter of fiscal 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 is not expected to have an impact on the Company's net income, financial position or cash flows.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, "Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities," ("ASU 2011-11") that provides amendments for disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The amendments require an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. Entities are required to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. On January 31, 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, "Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities," which clarified that the scope of the disclosures is limited to include derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. Disclosures required by the amendments should be provided retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. For the Company, the amendments are effective for the fiscal year ending September 27, 2014 (fiscal year 2014). The adoption of ASU 2011-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's disclosures.