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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. - Annual Report: 2010 (Form 10-K)


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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM 10-K



ý   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED: SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

-OR-

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                                      to                                     

Commission File No. 1-33145

SALLY BEAUTY HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  36-2257936
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


 

 

3001 Colorado Boulevard
Denton, Texas

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

76210
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (940) 898-7500

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
  Name of Each Exchange on Which
Registered
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    YES ý    NO o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    YES o    NO ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES ý    NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.    YES ý    NO o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. (See the definitions of "accelerated filer," "large accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large accelerated filer ý   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)    YES o    NO ý

The aggregate market value of registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing price of a share of the registrant's common stock on March 31, 2010 was approximately $840,840,000. At November 15, 2010, there were 182,889,302 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement relating to the registrant's 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K where indicated.


Table of Contents


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
  Page

 

PART I

   

ITEM 1.

 

BUSINESS

  1

ITEM 1A.

 

RISK FACTORS

  17

ITEM 1B.

 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

  32

ITEM 2.

 

PROPERTIES

  33

ITEM 3.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

  34

ITEM 4.

 

REMOVED AND RESERVED

  35

 

PART II

   

ITEM 5.

 

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

  35

ITEM 6.

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

  37

ITEM 7.

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

  39

ITEM 7A.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

  72

ITEM 8.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

  74

ITEM 9.

 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

  74

ITEM 9A.

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

  74

ITEM 9B.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

  75

 

PART III

   

ITEM 10.

 

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

  76

ITEM 11.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

  76

ITEM 12.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

  76

ITEM 13.

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

  77

ITEM 14.

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

  77

 

PART IV

   

ITEM 15.

 

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

  78

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In this Annual Report, references to "the Company," "Sally Beauty," "our company," "we," "our," "ours" and "us" refer to Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries for periods after the separation from Alberto-Culver Company ("Alberto-Culver"), and to Sally Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries for periods prior to the separation from Alberto-Culver unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.


CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein which are not purely historical facts or which depend upon future events may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which we refer to as the Exchange Act. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "target," "can," "could," "may," "should," "will," "would" or similar expressions may also identify such forward-looking statements.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as such statements speak only as of the date they were made. Any forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the events or results described in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to:

    the highly competitive nature of, and the increasing consolidation of, the beauty products distribution industry;

    anticipating changes in consumer preferences and buying trends and managing our product lines and inventory;

    potential fluctuation in our same store sales and quarterly financial performance;

    our dependence upon manufacturers who may be unwilling or unable to continue to supply products to us;

    the possibility of material interruptions in the supply of beauty supply products by our manufacturers;

    products sold by us being found to be defective in labeling or content;

    compliance with laws and regulations or becoming subject to additional or more stringent laws and regulations;

    product diversion to mass retailers;

    the operational and financial performance of our Armstrong McCall, L.P. ("Armstrong McCall") franchised-based business;

    the success of our internet-based business;

    successfully identifying acquisition candidates or successfully completing desirable acquisitions;

    integrating businesses acquired in the future;

    opening and operating new stores profitably;

    the impact of a downturn in the economy upon our business;

    the success of our cost control plans;

    protecting our intellectual property rights, particularly our trademarks;

    conducting business outside the United States;

    disruption in our information technology systems;

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    natural disasters or acts of terrorism;

    the preparedness of our accounting and other management systems to meet financial reporting and other requirements and the upgrade of our existing financial reporting system;

    we are a holding company, with no operations of our own, and we depend on our subsidiaries for cash;

    our substantial indebtedness;

    the possibility that we may incur substantial additional debt in the future;

    restrictions and limitations in the agreements and instruments governing our debt;

    generating the significant amount of cash needed to service all of our debt and refinancing all or a portion of our indebtedness or obtaining additional financing;

    changes in interest rates increasing the cost of servicing our debt or increasing our interest expense due to our interest rate swap agreements;

    the potential impact on us if the financial institutions we deal with become impaired;

    the representativeness of our historical consolidated financial information with respect to our future financial position, results of operations or cash flows;

    our reliance upon Alberto-Culver for the accuracy of certain historical services and information;

    the share distribution of Alberto-Culver common stock in our separation from Alberto-Culver not constituting a tax-free distribution;

    actions taken by certain large stockholders adversely affecting the tax-free nature of the share distribution of Alberto-Culver common stock;

    the voting power of our largest stockholder discouraging third party acquisitions of us at a premium; and

    the interests of our largest stockholder differing from the interests of other holders of our common stock.

The events described in the forward-looking statements might not occur or might occur to a different extent or at a different time than we have described. As a result, our actual results may differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

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PART I


ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Introduction

We are the largest distributor of professional beauty supplies in the U.S. based on store count. We operate primarily through two business units, Sally Beauty Supply and Beauty Systems Group, or BSG. Through Sally Beauty Supply and BSG (which operates stores under the CosmoProf service mark), we operated a multi-channel platform of 3,874 stores and supplied 185 franchised stores primarily in North America, South America and selected European countries, as of September 30, 2010. Within BSG, we also have one of the largest networks of professional distributor sales consultants in North America, with approximately 1,051 professional distributor sales consultants who sell directly to salons and salon professionals. As of September 30, 2010, Sally Beauty Supply had 3,006 company-operated retail stores and supplied 26 franchised stores located outside the U.S. and BSG had 868 company-operated stores and supplied 159 franchised stores. We provide our customers with a wide variety of leading third-party branded and exclusive-label professional beauty supplies, including hair care and hair color products, styling appliances, skin and nail care products and other beauty items. Sally Beauty Supply stores target retail consumers and salon professionals, while BSG exclusively targets salons and salon professionals. Approximately 82%, 84% and 82% of our consolidated net sales for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were in the U.S. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, our consolidated net sales were $2,916.1 million.

Sally Beauty Supply began operations with a single store in New Orleans in 1964 and was acquired in 1969 by our former parent company, Alberto-Culver. BSG became a subsidiary of Alberto-Culver in 1995. In November 2006, we separated from Alberto-Culver and became an independent company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We refer to our separation from Alberto-Culver and its consumer products-focused business as the Separation Transactions. Sally Beauty is a Delaware corporation formed in June 2006 and became the accounting successor company to Sally Holdings, Inc. upon the completion of the Separation Transactions. When we refer to Alberto-Culver, we mean Alberto-Culver Company prior to the Separation Transactions or the company from which we separated.

In connection with the Separation Transactions, CDRS Acquisition LLC, or CDRS and CD&R Parallel Fund VII, L.P., or the Parallel Fund, and which we refer to together with CDRS as the CDR Investors, invested an aggregate of $575.0 million in cash equity, representing ownership currently of approximately 47.0% of the outstanding shares of our common stock on an undiluted basis. CDRS, which owns approximately 47.0% of the outstanding shares of our common stock on an undiluted basis as of September 30, 2010, is a Delaware limited liability company organized by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Fund VII, L.P., a private investment fund managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Inc. Also in connection with the Separation Transactions, certain of our subsidiaries incurred approximately $1,850.0 million of indebtedness, as more fully described below. Please see "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Substantial Indebtedness" in Item 1A below.

Professional Beauty Supply Industry Distribution Channels

The professional beauty supply industry serves end-users through four distribution channels: full-service/exclusive distribution, open-line distribution, direct and mega-salon stores.

Full-Service/Exclusive

This channel exclusively serves salons and salon professionals and distributes "professional-only" products for use and resale to consumers in salons. Many brands are distributed through arrangements with suppliers by geographic territory. BSG is a leading full-service distributor in the U.S.

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Open-Line

This channel serves retail consumers and salon professionals through retail stores and the internet. This channel is served by a large number of localized retailers and distributors, with only a few having a regional presence and significant channel share. We believe that Sally Beauty Supply is the only open-line distributor in the U.S. with a national network of retail stores. In addition, Sally Beauty Supply's website (www.sallybeauty.com) and e-commerce platform provides access to product offerings and information beyond our retail stores.

Direct

This channel focuses on direct sales to salons and salon professionals by large manufacturers. This is the dominant form of distribution in Europe, but represents a small channel in the U.S. due to the highly fragmented nature of the U.S. marketplace, which makes direct distribution cost prohibitive for many manufacturers.

Mega-Salon Stores

In this channel, large-format salons are supplied directly by manufacturers due to their large scale.

Key Industry and Business Trends

We operate within the large and growing U.S. professional beauty supply industry. Potential growth in the industry is expected to be driven by increases in consumer demand for hair color, hair loss prevention and hair styling products. We believe the following key industry and business trends and characteristics will influence our business and our financial results going forward:

    High level of marketplace fragmentation.  The U.S. salon channel is highly fragmented with over 250,000 salons. Given the fragmented and small-scale nature of the salon industry, we believe that salon operators will continue to depend on full-service/exclusive distributors and open-line channels for a majority of their beauty supply purchases.

    Growth in booth renting and frequent stocking needs.  Salon professionals primarily rely on just-in-time inventory due to capital constraints and a lack of warehouse and shelf space at salons. In addition, booth renters, who comprise a significant percentage of total U.S. salon professionals, are often responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Historically, booth renters have significantly increased as a percentage of total salon professionals, and we expect this trend to continue. Given their smaller individual purchases and relative lack of financial resources, booth renters are likely to be dependent on frequent trips to professional beauty supply stores, like BSG and Sally Beauty Supply. We expect that these factors will continue to drive demand for conveniently located professional beauty supply stores.

    Increasing use of exclusive-label products.  We offer a broad range of private label and controlled label products, which we generally refer to collectively as "exclusive-label products." Private label products are brands for which we own or license the trademark and, in some instances, the formula. Controlled label products are brands that are owned by the manufacturer, but for which we have been granted sole distribution rights. Generally, our exclusive-label products have higher gross margins than the leading third-party branded products, and we believe this area offers potential for growth. Please see "Risk FactorsWe depend upon manufacturers who may be unable to provide products of adequate quality or who may be unwilling to continue to supply products to us."

    Favorable demographic and consumer trends.  We expect the aging baby-boomer population to drive future growth in professional beauty supply sales through an increase in the usage of hair color and hair loss products. Additionally, continuously changing fashion-related trends that drive new hair styles are expected to result in continued demand for hair styling products. Changes in consumer tastes and fashion trends can have an impact on our financial performance. Our continued success

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      depends in large part on our ability to anticipate, gauge and react in a timely and effective manner to changes in consumer spending patterns and preferences for beauty products. We continuously adapt our marketing and merchandising initiatives for Sally Beauty Supply in an effort to expand our market reach or to respond to changing consumer preferences. If we are unable to anticipate and respond to trends in the marketplace for beauty products and changing consumer demands, our business could suffer.

    International growth strategies.  A key element of our growth strategy depends on our ability to capitalize on growth in the international marketplace and to grow our current level of non-U.S. operations. For example, on December 16, 2009, we acquired Sinelco Group NV ("Sinelco"), a wholesale distributor of professional beauty products located in Belgium with sales throughout Europe. In addition, on September 4, 2009, we acquired Distribuidora Intersalon Limitada ("Intersalon"), a leading distributor of premier beauty supply products with 16 stores located in Chile. These acquisitions furthered our expansion plans in Europe and Latin America, key targets of the Company's international growth initiative. We intend to continue to identify and evaluate non-U.S. acquisition and/or organic growth targets. Our ability to grow our non-U.S. operations, integrate our new non-U.S. acquisitions and successfully pursue additional non-U.S. acquisitions and/or organic growth may be affected by business, legal, regulatory and economic risks. Please see "Risk FactorsWe may not be able to successfully identify acquisition candidates and complete desirable acquisitions," "If we acquire any businesses in the future, they could prove difficult to integrate, disrupt our business or have an adverse effect on our results of operations" and "Our ability to conduct business in international marketplaces may be affected by legal, regulatory and economic risks."

    Continuing consolidation.  There is continuing consolidation among professional beauty product distributors and professional beauty product manufacturers. We plan to continue to examine ways in which we can benefit from this trend, including reviewing opportunities to shift business within the professional beauty products channel from competitive distributors to the BSG network as well as seeking opportunistic, value-added acquisitions which complement our long-term growth strategy. We believe that suppliers are increasingly likely to focus on larger distributors and retailers with a broader scale and retail footprint. We also believe that we are well positioned to capitalize on this trend as well as participate in the ongoing consolidation at the distributor/retail level. However, changes often occur in our relationships with suppliers that may materially affect the net sales and operating earnings of our business segments. Consolidation among suppliers could exacerbate the effects of these relationship changes and could increase pricing pressures. For example, as we announced in December 2006, our largest supplier, L'Oreal, moved a material amount of revenue out of the BSG nationwide distribution network and into competitive regional distribution networks. More recently, L'Oreal acquired distributors competing with BSG in the southeastern and west coast of the U.S. and, as a result, directly competes with BSG in certain geographic areas. If L'Oreal acquired other distributors or suppliers that conduct significant business with BSG, we could lose related revenue. There can be no assurance that there will not be further loss of revenue over time by BSG (including within its franchise-based business) due to potential losses of additional products (both from L'Oreal and from other suppliers) as well as from the increased competition from L'Oreal-affiliated distribution networks. Please see "Risk FactorsThe beauty products distribution industry is highly competitive and is consolidating" and "We depend upon manufacturers who may be unable to provide products of adequate quality or who may be unwilling to continue to supply products to us."

    Relationships with suppliers.  Sally Beauty Supply/BSG and their suppliers are dependent on each other for the distribution of beauty products. We do not manufacture the brand name or exclusive-label products we sell. We purchase our products from a limited number of manufacturers. As is typical in distribution businesses, these relationships are subject to change from time to time (including the expansion or loss of distribution rights in various geographies and the addition or loss

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      of product lines). Since we purchase products from many manufacturers on an at-will basis, under contracts which can generally be terminated without cause upon 90 days' notice or less or which expire without express rights of renewal, such manufacturers could discontinue sales to us at any time or upon the expiration of the distribution period. Some of our contracts with manufacturers may be terminated by such manufacturers if we fail to meet specified minimum purchase requirements. In such cases, we do not have contractual assurances of continued supply, pricing or access to new products and vendors may change the terms upon which they sell. Infrequently, a supplier will seek to terminate a distribution relationship through legal action. For example, in 2007 Farouk Systems, Inc. filed an action seeking a declaratory judgment that it was entitled to terminate a long-term distribution agreement with Armstrong McCall. In 2010 that matter was settled and BSG now sells Farouk products in some territories. Changes in our relationships with suppliers occur often and could positively or negatively impact our net sales and operating profits. Although we focus on developing new revenue and cost management initiatives to mitigate the negative effects resulting from unfavorable changes in our supplier relationships, there can be no assurance that our efforts will continue to completely offset the loss of these or other distribution rights. Please see "Risk FactorsWe depend upon manufacturers who may be unable to provide products of adequate quality or who may be unwilling to continue to supply products to us."

      We expect to continue to expand our product line offerings and to gain additional distribution rights over time through either further negotiation with suppliers or by strategic acquisitions of existing distributors. Although we are focused on developing new revenue and cost management initiatives, there can be no assurance that our efforts will partially or completely offset any potential loss of distribution rights in the future. Please see "Risk Factors—We depend upon manufacturers who may be unable to provide products of adequate quality or who may be unwilling to continue to supply products to us."

    High level of competition.  Sally Beauty Supply competes with other domestic and international beauty product wholesale and retail outlets, including local and regional open-line beauty supply stores, professional-only beauty supply stores, salons, mass merchandisers, drug stores and supermarkets, as well as sellers on the internet and salons retailing hair care items. BSG competes with other domestic and international beauty product wholesale and retail suppliers and manufacturers selling professional beauty products directly to salons and individual salon professionals. We also face competition from authorized and unauthorized retailers and internet sites offering professional salon-only products. The increasing availability of unauthorized professional salon products in large format retail stores such as drug stores, grocery stores and others could also have a negative impact on our business. Please see "Risk FactorsThe beauty products distribution industry is highly competitive and is consolidating."

    Economic conditions.  We appeal to a wide demographic consumer profile and offer a broad selection of beauty products sold directly to retail consumers and salons and salon professionals. Historically, these factors have provided us with reduced exposure to downturns in economic conditions in the countries in which we operate. However, a downturn in the economy, especially for an extended period of time, could adversely impact consumer demand of discretionary items such as beauty products and salon services, particularly affecting our electrical products category and our full-service sales business. In addition, higher freight costs resulting from increases in the cost of fuel, especially for an extended period of time, may impact our expenses at levels that we cannot pass through to our customers. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Please see "Risk FactorsThe health of the economy in the channels we serve may affect consumer purchases of discretionary items such as beauty products and salon services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations."

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    Controlling expenses.  Another important aspect of our business is our ability to control costs, especially in our BSG business segment, by right-sizing the business and maximizing the efficiency of our structure. In 2009, we completed implementation of an approximately $22.0 million capital spending program to consolidate warehouses and reduce administrative expenses related to BSG's distribution network resulting in annualized cost savings of approximately $14.0 million for the 2010 fiscal year. Please see "Risk FactorsWe are not certain that our ongoing cost control plans will continue to be successful."

    Opening new stores.  Our future growth strategy depends in part on our ability to open and profitably operate new stores in existing and additional geographic areas. The capital requirements to open a U.S.-based Sally Beauty Supply or BSG store, excluding inventory, average approximately $70,000 and $80,000, respectively, with the capital requirements for international stores costing less or substantially more depending upon the marketplace. We may not be able to open all of the new stores we plan to open and any new stores we open may not be profitable, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations. Please see "Risk FactorsIf we are unable to profitably open and operate new stores, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected."

    Changes to our information technology systems.  As our operations grow in both size and scope, we will continuously need to improve and upgrade our information systems and infrastructure while maintaining the reliability and integrity of our systems and infrastructure. The expansion of our systems and infrastructure will require us to commit substantial financial, operational and technical resources in advance of any increase in the volume of our business, with no assurance that the volume of business will increase. For example, we have recently upgraded our financial reporting systems in the U.S. and are in the process of designing and implementing a standardized enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system internationally over the next few years. In addition, we are currently implementing a three-year point-of-sale system upgrade program in a number of our divisions (including our Sally Beauty Supply operations in the U.S.), which we anticipate will provide significant benefits, including enhanced tracking of customer sales and store inventory activity. These and any other required upgrades to our information systems and information technology (or new technology), now or in the future, will require that our management and resources be diverted from our core business to assist in completion of these projects. There can be no assurance that the time and resources our management will need to devote to these upgrades, service outages or delays due to the installation of any new or upgraded technology (and customer issues therewith), or the impact on the reliability of our data from any new or upgraded technology will not have a material adverse effect on our financial reporting, business, financial condition or results of operations. Please see "Risk FactorsWe may be adversely affected by any disruption in our information technology systems."

Business Segments, Geographic Area Information and Seasonality

We operate two business segments: (i) Sally Beauty Supply, an open-line and exclusive-label distributor of professional beauty supplies offering professional beauty supplies to both retail consumers and salon professionals primarily in North America, Europe, Puerto Rico and South America, and (ii) BSG, a full-service beauty supply distributor offering professional brands directly to salons and salon professionals through our own sales force and professional-only stores, many in exclusive geographical territories in North America. BSG operates stores under the CosmoProf service mark. BSG also franchises beauty supply outlets in the southwest portion of the U.S. and Mexico, and supplies sub-distributors in Europe. Sales of Sally Beauty Supply accounted for approximately 63%, 64% and 63%; and BSG accounted for approximately 37%, 36% and 37% of the company's consolidated net sales for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

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Financial information about business segments and geographic area information is incorporated herein by reference to the "Business Segments and Geographic Area Information," Note 19 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in "Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report.

Neither the sales nor the product assortment for Sally Beauty Supply or BSG are generally seasonal in nature.

Sally Beauty Supply

We believe Sally Beauty Supply is the largest open-line distributor of professional beauty supplies in the U.S. based on store count. As of September 30, 2010, Sally Beauty Supply operated 3,006 company-operated retail stores, 2,429 of which are located in the U.S. (with the remainder in the United Kingdom, Belgium and certain other countries in Europe, and in Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Chile), and supplied 26 franchised stores located outside the U.S. Its stores carry an extensive selection of professional beauty products, ranging between 4,000 and 8,000 stock keeping units (or SKUs) of beauty products, and includes products for hair care, nail care, beauty sundries and small electrical appliances targeting retail consumers and salon professionals. Sally Beauty Supply stores carry leading third-party brands such as Clairol, Revlon and Conair, as well as an extensive selection of exclusive-label merchandise. We believe that Sally Beauty Supply has differentiated itself from its competitors through its customer value proposition, attractive pricing, extensive selection of leading third-party branded and exclusive-label products, a broad ethnic product selection, the product knowledge of its sales associates and convenient store locations.

Store Design and Operations

Sally Beauty Supply stores are designed to create an appealing shopping environment that embraces the retail consumer and salon professional and highlights its extensive product offering. Sally Beauty Supply stores average between 1,500 square feet and 1,700 square feet in size and are located primarily in strip shopping centers in the U.S. and Canada. Generally, Sally Beauty Supply stores in the U.S. and Canada follow a consistent format, allowing customers familiarity between Sally Beauty Supply locations. Store formats for Sally Beauty Supply outside the U.S. and Canada vary by marketplace.

Sally Beauty Supply stores are segmented into distinctive areas arranged by product type with signs allowing its customers to easily navigate through its stores. Sally Beauty Supply seeks to stimulate cross-selling and impulse buying through strategic product placement and use of displays to highlight new products and key promotional items.

Merchandise

Sally Beauty Supply stores carry a broad selection of branded and exclusive-label beauty supplies. Sally Beauty Supply manages each category by product and by SKU and uses centrally developed planoguides to maintain a consistent merchandise presentation across its store base (primarily in the U.S. and Canada). Through its information systems, Sally Beauty Supply actively monitors each store's performance by category, allowing it to maintain consistently high levels of in-stock merchandise. We believe Sally Beauty Supply's tailored merchandise strategy enables it to meet local demands and helps drive traffic in its stores. Additionally, its information systems enable it to track and automatically replenish inventory levels, generally on a weekly basis, primarily in the U.S.

Sally Beauty Supply offers a comprehensive ethnic product selection with specific appeal to African-American and Hispanic customers. Its ethnic product offerings are tailored by store based on market demographics and category performance. For example, sales of products targeted for the African-American customers averaged approximately 8.6% of net sales in Sally Beauty Supply's U.S. stores during the past three years. We believe the breadth of selection of ethnic products available in Sally Beauty Supply

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stores is unique and differentiates its stores from its competition. Sally Beauty Supply also aims to position itself to be competitive in price, but not a discount leader.

Sally Beauty Supply's pricing strategy is differentiated by customer segment. Professional salon customers are generally entitled to a price lower than that received by retail customers. However, Sally Beauty Supply does offer discounts to retail customers through its customer loyalty program.

Leading Third-Party Branded Products

Sally Beauty Supply offers an extensive selection of hair care products, nail care products, beauty sundries and appliances from leading third-party brands such as Clairol, Revlon and Conair, as well as an extensive selection of exclusive-label merchandise. We believe that carrying a broad selection of the latest premier branded merchandise is critical to maintaining long-term relationships with our customers. The merchandise Sally Beauty Supply carries includes products from one or more of the leading manufacturers in each category. Sally Beauty Supply's objective is not only to carry leading brands, but also to carry a full range of branded and exclusive-label products within each category. As hair trends continue to evolve, we expect to offer the changing professional beauty product assortment necessary to meet the needs of retail consumers and salon professionals.

Exclusive-Label Products

Sally Beauty Supply offers a broad range of exclusive-label products. We believe exclusive-label products provide customers with an attractive alternative to higher-priced leading third-party brands. Exclusive-label products accounted for approximately 42% of Sally Beauty Supply's product sales in the U.S. during the 2010 fiscal year. Generally, the exclusive-label brands have higher gross margins than the leading third-party branded products, and we believe this area offers continued potential growth. Sally Beauty Supply maintains exclusive-label products in a number of categories including hair care, small electrical appliances and salon products. Sally Beauty Supply actively promotes its exclusive-label brands through in-store promotions and monthly shopping guides. We believe our customers perceive these exclusive-label products to be comparable in quality and name recognition to leading third-party branded products.

The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of Sally Beauty Supply's sales by merchandise category:

 
  Fiscal Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008  

Hair color

    22.7 %   22.8 %   21.7 %

Hair care

    20.7 %   19.7 %   18.5 %

Brushes, cutlery and accessories

    15.1 %   15.6 %   16.8 %

Skin and nail care

    14.2 %   13.0 %   12.4 %

Electrical appliances

    11.8 %   11.9 %   13.2 %

Ethnic products

    8.1 %   8.7 %   9.1 %

Other beauty items

    7.4 %   8.3 %   8.3 %
               
 

Total

    100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
               

Marketing and Advertising

Sally Beauty Supply's marketing program is designed to promote its extensive selection of brand name products at competitive prices. The program is currently centered on multi-page, color flyers highlighting promotional products. Separate flyers are created and tailored to Sally Beauty Supply's retail customers and salon professionals. These flyers, which are available in Sally Beauty Supply stores, are also mailed to

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loyalty program customers and salon professionals on a monthly basis and are supplemented by e-mail newsletters.

We continuously adapt our marketing and merchandising initiatives for Sally Beauty Supply in an effort to expand our market reach or to respond to changing consumer preferences.

Sally Beauty Supply's customer loyalty and marketing programs, primarily in the U.S. and Canada, allow Sally Beauty Supply to collect point-of-sale customer data and increase our understanding of customers' needs. The Sally "Beauty Club" is a loyalty program for customers who are not salon professionals. Beauty Club members, after paying a nominal annual fee, receive a special, discounted price on almost every non-sale item. Members are also eligible for a special Beauty Club e-mail newsletter that contains additional savings, beauty tips, new product information and coupons. In addition, the "ProCard" is a marketing program for licensed salon professionals. ProCard members receive discounts on all beauty products sold at Sally Beauty Supply stores. We believe these programs are effective in developing and maintaining customer relationships. Outside the U.S. and Canada, our customer loyalty and marketing programs vary by marketplace.

Store Locations

Sally Beauty Supply selects geographic areas and store sites on the basis of demographic information, quality and nature of neighboring tenants, store visibility and location accessibility. Sally Beauty Supply seeks to locate stores primarily in strip malls, which are occupied by other high traffic retailers including grocery stores, mass merchants and home centers.

Sally Beauty Supply balances its store expansion between new and existing marketplaces. In its existing marketplaces, Sally Beauty Supply adds stores as necessary to provide additional coverage. In new marketplaces, Sally Beauty Supply generally seeks to expand in geographically contiguous areas to leverage its experience. We believe that Sally Beauty Supply's knowledge of local marketplaces is an important part of its success.

The following table provides a history of Sally Beauty Supply's store count during the last five fiscal years:

 
  Fiscal Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008   2007   2006  

Stores open at beginning of period

    2,923     2,844     2,694     2,511     2,419  

Net store openings during period

    108     60     110     83     92  

Stores acquired during period

    1     19     40     100      
                       

Stores open at end of period

    3,032     2,923     2,844     2,694     2,511  
                       

Beauty Systems Group

We believe that BSG is the largest full-service distributor of professional beauty supplies in the U.S. As of September 30, 2010, BSG had 868 company-operated stores, supplied 159 franchised stores and had a sales force of approximately 1,051 professional distributor sales consultants selling exclusively to salons and salon professionals in substantially every state in the U.S., in Puerto Rico and in portions of Canada, Mexico and certain European countries.

Store Design and Operations

BSG stores are designed to create a professional shopping environment that embraces the salon professional and highlights its extensive product offering. Company-operated BSG stores average approximately 2,700 square feet and are located primarily in secondary strip shopping centers. BSG store layouts are designed to provide optimal variety and options to the salon professional. Stores are segmented into distinctive areas arranged by product type with certain areas dedicated to leading third-party brands;

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such as Paul Mitchell, Wella, Sebastian, Goldwell and TIGI. The selection of these brands varies by territory.

Professional Distributor Sales Consultants

BSG has a network of approximately 1,051 professional distributor sales consultants ("DSC" or "DSCs"), which exclusively serve salons and salon professionals. The following table sets forth the number of consultants in the BSG network during the last five fiscal years:

 
  Fiscal Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008   2007   2006  

Professional distributor sales consultants(a)

    1,051     1,022     984     1,002     1,163  
(a)
Includes 395, 300, 328, 317 and 348 distributor sales consultants of our Armstrong McCall franchisees at September 30, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The increase in the number of DSCs in 2009 reflects approximately 90 distributor sales consultants previously employed by Schoeneman Beauty Supply, Inc ("Schoeneman") prior to the Company's acquisition of Schoeneman on September 30, 2009. The decrease in DSCs in the fiscal year 2007 was in response to the loss of L'Oreal-related sales resulting from changes to our contractual relationship with L'Oreal. BSG's DSC sales force was reduced in the fiscal year 2007 and the remaining affected sales consultants were offered certain compensation related incentives to stay with the Company, as BSG replaced lost L'Oreal sales. Please see "Risk Factors—The beauty products distribution industry is highly competitive and is consolidating," and "We depend upon manufacturers who may be unable to provide products of adequate quality or who may be unwilling to continue to supply products to us."

In order to provide a knowledgeable sales consultant team, BSG actively recruits individuals with industry knowledge or sales experience, as we believe that new sales consultants with either broad knowledge about the products or direct sales experience will be more successful.

BSG provides training to new sales consultants beginning with a two-week training program, followed by a continuing program of media-based training, delivered through audio, video and web-based e-learning. The program is designed to develop product knowledge as well as techniques on how best to serve salon professionals. In addition to selling professional beauty products, these sales consultants offer in-salon training for professionals and owners in areas such as new styles, techniques and business practices.

An important component of sales consultants' compensation is sales commissions. BSG's commission system is designed to drive sales and focus consultants on selling products that are best suited to individual salons and salon professionals. We believe our emphasis on recruitment, training, and sales-based compensation results in a sales force that distinguishes itself from other full-service/exclusive-channel distributors.

The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of BSG sales attributable by distribution channel:

 
  Fiscal Year Ended
September 30,
 
 
  2010   2009  

Company-operated retail stores

    65.1 %   60.0 %

Professional distributor sales consultants (full-service)

    24.2 %   27.9 %

Franchise stores

    10.7 %   12.1 %
           
 

Total

    100.0 %   100.0 %
           

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Merchandise

BSG stores carry a broad selection of third-party branded products, ranging between 5,000 and 10,000 SKUs of beauty products, including hair care products, nail care, small electrical appliances and other beauty items. Some products are available in bulk packaging for higher volume salon needs. Through BSG's information systems, each store's product performance is actively monitored, allowing maintenance of an optimal merchandise mix. Additionally, BSG's information systems track and automatically replenish inventory levels on a weekly basis, enabling BSG to maintain high levels of product in stock. Although BSG positions itself to be competitive on price, its primary focus is to provide a comprehensive selection of branded products to the salon professional. Certain BSG products are sold under exclusive arrangements with suppliers, whereby BSG is designated the sole distributor for a specific brand name within certain geographic territories. We believe that carrying a broad selection of branded merchandise is critical to maintaining relationships with our valued professional customers.

The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of BSG's sales attributable by merchandise category:

 
  Fiscal Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008  

Hair care

    37.1 %   38.5 %   38.1 %

Hair color

    29.6 %   28.4 %   26.3 %

Promotional items(a)

    13.2 %   12.5 %   12.4 %

Skin and nail care

    8.1 %   7.7 %   8.0 %

Electrical appliances

    4.5 %   4.9 %   6.5 %

Other beauty items

    7.5 %   8.0 %   8.7 %
               
 

Total

    100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
               
(a)
Promotional items consist of sales from other categories that are sold on a value-priced basis.

Marketing and Advertising

BSG's marketing program is designed primarily to promote its extensive selection of brand name products at competitive prices. BSG distributes at its stores and mails to its salon and salon professional customers, multi-page color shopping guides that highlight promotional products. Some BSG stores also host monthly manufacturer-sponsored classes for customers. These classes are held at BSG stores and led by manufacturer-employed educators. Salon professionals, after paying a small fee to attend, are educated on new products and beauty trends. We believe these classes increase brand awareness and drive sales in BSG stores.

Store Locations

BSG stores are primarily located in secondary strip shopping centers. Although BSG stores are located in visible and convenient locations, salon professionals are less sensitive about store location than Sally Beauty Supply customers.

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The following table provides a history of BSG's store count during the last five fiscal years:

 
  Fiscal Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008   2007   2006  

Stores open at beginning of period

    991     929     874     828     822  

Net store openings during period

    36     16     44     46     6  

Stores acquired during period(a)(b)

        46     11          
                       

Stores open at end of period

    1,027     991     929     874     828  
                       
(a)
Stores acquired in the fiscal year 2009, include 43 stores owned by Schoeneman prior to the Company's acquisition of Schoeneman on September 30, 2009.

(b)
Stores acquired during and at the end of the fiscal periods presented herein do not include 82 stores owned by Aerial Company Inc. ("Aerial") prior to the Company's acquisition of Aerial on October 1, 2010.

Our Strategy

We believe there are significant opportunities to increase our sales and profitability through the further implementation of our operating strategy and by growing our store base in existing and contiguous marketplaces, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Specific elements of our growth strategy include the following:

Increase Sales Productivity of Our Stores

We intend to grow same store sales by focusing on improving our merchandise mix and introducing new products. In addition, we plan to tailor our marketing, advertising and promotions to attract new customers and increase sales with existing customers. We also plan to enhance our customer loyalty programs, which allow us to collect point-of-sale customer data and increase our understanding of customers' needs.

Open New Stores and Exploring New Marketplaces

In the fiscal year 2010, we opened or acquired 109 and 36 net new stores for Sally Beauty Supply and BSG, respectively. Because of the limited initial capital outlay, rapid payback, and attractive return on capital, we intend to continue to expand our Sally Beauty Supply and BSG store base. We believe there are growth opportunities for additional stores in North America, Europe and Central and South America. We expect new store openings and acquisitions in existing and new areas to be an important aspect of our future growth opportunities. Please also see "Pursue Strategic Acquisitions."

Increase Sales of Exclusive-label Products

We currently intend to grow exclusive-label sales in Sally Beauty Supply. We believe our customers view our exclusive-label products as high-quality, recognizable brands, which are competitive with leading third-party branded merchandise. Exclusive-label products are currently sold through our Sally Beauty Supply stores with very limited exclusive-label offerings at BSG. Exclusive-label products account for a substantial amount of the Sally Beauty Supply segment net sales and generate a gross margin greater than that of the leading third-party brands sold through our stores. Potential growth for such products is believed to be significant. In addition, our broad exclusive-label product offering minimizes our dependence on any one brand or supplier. We believe exclusive-label products present opportunities to grow profits and increase store loyalty.

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Increase Operating Efficiency and Profitability

We believe there are opportunities to increase the profitability of operations, especially in our BSG business. During the last couple of fiscal years, we made certain changes which included right-sizing the business (including some targeted reductions-in-force) and maximizing the efficiency of our structure. We completed a re-branding project at BSG that repositioned all of our North American company-operated stores under a common name and store identity, CosmoProf, which we believe has improved brand consistency, saved on advertising and promotional costs and allowed for a more focused marketing strategy. We also implemented a two-year, $22.0 million capital spending program to consolidate warehouses and reduce administrative expenses related to BSG's distribution network. Over the past few years, we have undertaken a full review of our procurement strategy. This initiative is intended to identify lower-cost alternative sources of supply in certain product categories from countries with lower manufacturing costs. We also offer between 5,000 and 8,000 SKUs of our Sally Beauty Supply products for sale through our website (www.sallybeauty.com), which we expect will increasingly lead to additional sales for that business segment.

Pursue Strategic Acquisitions and New Territories for Organic Growth

We have completed more than 30 acquisitions during the last 10 years. We believe our experience in identifying attractive acquisition targets; our proven integration process; and our highly scalable infrastructure have created a strong platform for potential future acquisitions, subject to restrictions on our ability to finance acquisitions by incurring additional debt or issuing equity under our debt agreements. For example, (1) in March of 2010, we acquired certain assets and the business of a former exclusive distributor of John Paul Mitchell Systems beauty products with sales primarily in south Florida and certain islands in the Caribbean; (2) in December of 2009, we acquired Sinelco, a wholesale distributor of professional beauty products located in Belgium with sales throughout Europe; (3) on September 30, 2009, we acquired Schoeneman, a 43-store beauty supply chain located in the central northeast United States; (4) in September of 2009, we acquired Intersalon, a leading distributor of premier beauty supply products with 16 stores located in Chile; (5) in September of 2009, we also acquired the assets and business of Belleza Concept International, Inc., a distributor of beauty supply products operating in Puerto Rico; and (6) in May of 2008, we acquired Pro-Duo NV ("Pro-Duo"), a cash and carry retailer of both professional and retail hair products with 40 stores located primarily in Belgium, France and Spain. We intend to continue to identify and evaluate acquisition targets and organic growth targets both domestically and internationally, with a focus on expanding our exclusive BSG territories and allowing Sally Beauty Supply to enter new geographic areas principally outside the U.S.

Competition

Although there are a limited number of sizable direct competitors to our business, the beauty industry is highly competitive. In each area in which we operate, we experience competition from domestic and international businesses often with more resources, including mass merchandisers, drug stores, supermarkets and other chains offering similar or substitute beauty products at comparable prices. Our business also faces competition from department stores. In addition, our business competes with local and regional open-line beauty supply stores and full-service distributors selling directly to salons and salon professionals through both professional distributor sales consultants and outlets open only to salons and salon professionals. Our business also faces increasing competition from certain manufacturers that use their own sales forces to distribute their professional beauty products directly or align themselves with our competitors. Some of these manufacturers are vertically integrating through the acquisition of distributors and stores. In addition, these manufacturers may acquire additional brands that we currently distribute and attempt to shift these products to their own distribution channels. Our business also faces competition from authorized and unauthorized retailers and internet sites offering professional salon-only products.

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Please see "Risk Factors—The beauty products distribution industry is highly competitive and is consolidating" for additional information about our competition.

Competitive Strengths

We believe the following competitive strengths differentiate us from our competitors and contribute to our success:

The Largest Professional Beauty Supply Distributor in the U.S. with Multi-Channel Platform

Sally Beauty Supply and BSG together comprise the largest distributor of professional beauty products in the U.S. by store count. Our leading channel positions and multi-channel platform afford us several advantages, including strong positioning with suppliers, the ability to better service the highly fragmented beauty supply marketplace, economies of scale and the ability to capitalize on the ongoing consolidation in our sector. Through our multi-channel platform, we are able to generate and grow revenues across broad, diversified geographies, and customer segments using varying product assortments. In the U.S. and Puerto Rico, we offer up to 8,000 and 10,000 SKUs in Sally Beauty Supply (in our stores and online) and BSG stores, respectively, to a potential customer base that includes millions of retail consumers and more than 250,000 hair salons in the U.S.

Differentiated Customer Value Proposition

We believe that our stores are differentiated from their competitors through convenient location, broad selection of professional beauty products (including leading third-party branded and exclusive-label merchandise), high levels of in-stock merchandise, knowledgeable salespeople and competitive pricing. Our merchandise mix includes a comprehensive ethnic product selection, which is tailored by store based on market demographics and category performance. We believe that the breadth of our selection of these products further differentiates Sally Beauty Supply from its competitors. In addition, as discussed above, Sally Beauty Supply also offers a customer loyalty program for Sally Beauty Supply customers, the Beauty Club, whereby members receive a special, discounted price on products and are also eligible for a special Beauty Club e-mail newsletter with additional promotional offerings, beauty tips and new product information for a nominal annual fee. We believe that our differentiated customer value proposition and strong brands drive customer loyalty and high repeat traffic, contributing to our consistent historical financial performance. Our BSG professional distributor sales consultants benefit from their customers having access to the BSG store systems as customers have the ability to pick up the products they need between sales visits from professional distributor sales consultants.

Attractive Store Economics

We believe that our stores generate attractive returns on invested capital. The capital requirements to open a U.S.-based Sally Beauty Supply or BSG store, excluding inventory, average approximately $70,000 and $80,000, respectively, with the capital requirements for international stores costing less or substantially more depending on the local economic conditions. Sally Beauty Supply stores average between 1,500 square feet and 1,700 square feet and BSG stores average approximately 2,700 square feet in size in the U.S. and Canada. Domestically, our stores are typically located within strip shopping centers. Strong average sales per square foot combined with minimal staffing requirements, low rent expense and limited initial capital outlay typically result in positive contribution margins within a few months, and cash payback on investment within approximately two years. Due to such attractive investment returns and relatively high operating profit contributions per store, during the past five years Sally Beauty Supply and BSG have opened an aggregate of 453 and 148 net new stores, respectively, excluding the effect of acquisitions. Store formats, including average size, for Sally Beauty Supply outside the U.S. and Canada vary by marketplace.

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Consistent Financial Performance

We have a proven track record of strong growth and consistent profitability due to superior operating performance, new store openings and strategic acquisitions. Over the past five fiscal years, our consolidated same store sales growth has been positive in each year and has averaged 3.3%, as set forth in the following table:

 
  Fiscal Year Ended September 30,  
Same store sales growth(a)
  2010   2009   2008   2007   2006  

Sally Beauty Supply

    4.1 %   2.1 %   1.2 %   2.7 %   2.4 %

Beauty Systems Group

    6.2 %   1.0 %   6.9 %   10.1 %   4.1 %
 

Consolidated

    4.6 %   1.8 %   2.6 %   4.5 %   2.8 %

Experienced Management Team with a Proven Track Record

Our management team, led by President and Chief Executive Officer Gary Winterhalter, has a strong record of performance.

Customer Service

We strive to complement our extensive merchandise selection and innovative store design with superior customer service. We actively recruit individuals with cosmetology experience because we believe that such individuals are more knowledgeable about the products they sell. Additionally, Sally Beauty Supply recruits individuals with retail experience because we believe their general retail knowledge can be leveraged in the beauty supply industry. We believe that employees' knowledge of the products and ability to demonstrate and explain the advantages of the products increases sales and that their prompt, knowledgeable service fosters the confidence and loyalty of customers and differentiates our business from other professional beauty supply distributors.

We emphasize product knowledge during initial training as well as during ongoing training sessions, with programs intended to provide new associates and managers with significant training. The training programs encompass operational and product training and are designed to increase employee and store productivity. Store employees are also required to participate in training on an ongoing basis to keep up-to-date on products and operational practices.

Most of our stores are staffed with a store manager, and two or three full-time or part-time associates. BSG stores are generally also staffed with an assistant manager. The operations of each store are supervised by a district manager, who reports to a territory manager. A significant number of our store managers and assistant managers are licensed in the cosmetology field. Additionally, in certain geographic areas in the U.S., a significant number of our store personnel, including store managers and assistant managers, speak Spanish as a second language. We believe that these skills enhance our store personnel's ability to serve our customers.

Relationships with Suppliers

We purchase our merchandise directly from manufacturers through supply contracts and by purchase orders. For the fiscal year 2010, our five largest suppliers, The Procter & Gamble Company, or P&G, Shiseido Cosmetics (America) Limited, Conair Corporation, the Professional Products Division of L'Oreal USA S/D, Inc., or L'Oreal, and John Paul Mitchell Systems, accounted for approximately 39% of our

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consolidated merchandise purchases. Products are purchased from these and many manufacturers on an at-will basis or under contracts which can be terminated without cause upon 90 days notice or less or expire without express rights of renewal. Such manufacturers could discontinue sales to us at any time or upon short notice. If any of these suppliers discontinued selling or were unable to continue selling to us, there could be a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations.

As is typical in the distribution businesses, relationships with suppliers are subject to change from time to time (including the expansion or loss of distribution rights in various geographies and the addition or loss of products lines). Changes in our relationships with suppliers occur often, and could positively or negatively impact our net sales and operating profits. Please see "Risk Factors—We depend upon manufacturers who may be unable to provide products of adequate quality or who may be unwilling to continue to supply products to us." However, we believe that we can be successful in mitigating negative effects resulting from unfavorable changes in the relationships between us and our suppliers through, among other things, the development of new or expanded supplier relationships.

Distribution

As of September 30, 2010, we operated mainly through 17 distribution centers, nine of which serviced Sally Beauty Supply and eight of which serviced BSG. During the 2009 fiscal year, we completed implementation of a comprehensive optimization program to consolidate warehouses and reduce administrative expenses related to BSG's distribution network. Total capital expenditures for this program were approximately $22.0 million and certain related expenses were approximately $5.0 million. We believe that annual savings from this program are approximately $14.0 million for the 2010 fiscal year.

Our purchasing and distribution system is designed to minimize the delivered cost of merchandise and maximize the level of merchandise in-stock in stores. This distribution system also allows for monitoring of delivery times and maintenance of appropriate inventory levels. Product deliveries are typically made to our stores on a weekly basis. Each distribution center has a quality control department that monitors products received from suppliers. We utilize proprietary software systems to provide computerized warehouse locator and inventory support. Please see "Risk Factors—We are not certain that our ongoing cost control plans will continue to be successful."

Management Information Systems

Our management information systems provide order processing, accounting and management information for the marketing, distribution and store operations functions of our business. A significant portion of these systems have been developed internally. The information gathered by the management information systems supports automatic replenishment of in-store inventory and provides support for product purchase decisions. Please see "Risk Factors—We may be adversely affected by any disruption in our information technology systems."

Employees

In our domestic and foreign operations, we had approximately 22,900 employees as of September 30, 2010; consisting of approximately 6,730 salaried, 4,670 hourly and 11,500 part-time employees. We had approximately 22,410 employees as of September 30, 2009; consisting of approximately 6,480 salaried, 4,930 hourly and 11,000 part-time employees. Part-time employees are used to supplement schedules, particularly in North America.

Certain subsidiaries in Mexico have collective bargaining agreements covering warehouse and store personnel which expire at various times over the next several years. We believe that we have good relationships with our employees worldwide.

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Management

For information concerning our directors and executive officers, please see "Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant" in Item 10 of this Annual Report.

Regulation

We are subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations, which historically have not had a material effect on our business. For example, in the U.S., most of the products sold and the content and methods of advertising and marketing utilized are regulated by a host of federal agencies, including, in each case, one or more of the following: the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, and the Consumer Products Safety Commission. The transportation and disposal of many of our products are also subject to federal regulation. State and local agencies regulate many aspects of our business. In marketplaces outside of the U.S., regulation is also comprehensive and focused upon labeling and safety issues.

As of September 30, 2010, Sally Beauty Supply supplied 26 and BSG supplied 159 franchised stores located in the U.S., Mexico and certain countries in Europe. As a result of these franchisor-franchisee relationships, we are subject to regulation when offering and selling franchises in the applicable countries. The applicable laws and regulations affect our business practices, as franchisor, in a number of ways, including restrictions placed upon the offering, renewal, termination and disapproval of assignment of franchises. To date, these laws and regulations have not had a material effect upon operations.

Trademarks and Other Intellectual Property Rights

Our trademarks, certain of which are material to our business, are registered or legally protected in the U.S., Canada and other countries throughout the world in which we operate. Together with our subsidiaries, we own over 250 trademark registrations in the U.S., and over 900 trademark registrations outside the U.S. We also rely upon trade secrets and know-how to develop and maintain our competitive position. We protect intellectual property rights through a variety of methods, including reliance upon trademark, patent and trade secret laws and confidentiality agreements with many vendors, employees, consultants and others who have access to our proprietary information. The duration of our trademark registrations is generally 10 or 15 years, depending on the country in which a mark is registered, and generally the registrations can be renewed. The scope and duration of intellectual property protection varies by jurisdiction and by individual product.

Access to Public Filings

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to such reports are available, without charge, on our website, www.sallybeautyholdings.com, as soon as reasonably possible after they are filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, under the Exchange Act. We will provide copies of such reports to any person, without charge, upon written request to our Investor Relations Department at 3001 Colorado Blvd, Denton, TX 76210. The information found on our website shall not be considered to be part of this or any other report filed with or furnished to the SEC.

In addition to our website, you may read and copy public reports we file with or furnish to the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains our reports, proxy and information statements, and other information that we file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The following describes risks that we believe to be material to our business. If any of the following risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely affected. This report also contains forward-looking statements and the following risks could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements.

Risks Relating to Our Business

The beauty products distribution industry is highly competitive and is consolidating.

The beauty products distribution industry is highly fragmented, and there are few significant barriers to entry into the marketplaces for most of the types of products and services we sell. Sally Beauty Supply competes with other domestic and international beauty product wholesale and retail outlets, including local and regional open line beauty supply stores, professional-only beauty supply stores, salons, mass merchandisers, drug stores and supermarkets. BSG competes with other domestic and international beauty product wholesale and retail suppliers and with manufacturers selling professional beauty products directly to salons and individual salon professionals. We also face competition from authorized and unauthorized retailers as well as e-commerce retailers offering professional salon-only and other products. The availability of diverted professional salon products in large format retail stores such as drug stores, grocery stores and others could have a negative impact on our business. The primary competitive factors in the beauty products distribution industry are the price at which we purchase products from manufacturers, the quality, perceived value, consumer brand name recognition, packaging and mix of the products we sell, customer service, the efficiency of our distribution network and the availability of desirable store locations. Competitive conditions may limit our ability to maintain prices or may require us to reduce prices to retain business or marketplace share. Some of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do and are less leveraged than our business, and may therefore be able to spend more aggressively on advertising and promotional activities and respond more effectively to changing business and economic conditions. We expect existing competitors, business partners and new entrants to the beauty products distribution industry to constantly revise or improve their business models in response to challenges from competing businesses, including ours. If these competitors introduce changes or developments that we cannot address in a timely or cost-effective manner, our business may be adversely affected.

In addition, our industry is consolidating, which may give our competitors increased negotiating leverage with suppliers and greater marketing resources, resulting in a more effective ability to compete with us. For instance, we may lose customers if those competitors which have broad geographic reach attract additional salons (individual and chain) that are currently BSG customers, or if professional beauty supply manufacturers align themselves with our competitors. For example, BSG's largest supplier, L'Oreal, has been able to shift a material amount of revenue out of the BSG nationwide distribution network and into its competitive regional distribution networks. L'Oreal has also acquired one manufacturer (that does not currently do business with BSG) and distributors directly competitive with BSG in the southeastern U.S., the mid-western U.S. and the west coast of the U.S. As a result, L'Oreal entered into direct competition with BSG and there can be no assurance that there will not be further revenue losses over time at BSG, due to potential losses of additional L'Oreal related products as well as from the increased competition from L'Oreal-affiliated distribution networks. If L'Oreal (or another direct competitor) were to acquire another manufacturer which conducts business with BSG, we could lose that revenue as well. Not only does consolidation in distribution pose risks from the competitive distributors, but it may also place more leverage in the hands of those manufacturers to negotiate smaller margins on products sold through our network.

If we are unable to compete effectively in our marketplace or if competitors divert our customers away from our networks, it would adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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We may be unable to anticipate changes in consumer preferences and buying trends or manage our product lines and inventory commensurate with consumer demand.

Our success depends in part on our ability to anticipate, gauge and react in a timely manner to changes in consumer spending patterns and preferences for specific beauty products. If we do not timely identify and properly respond to evolving trends and consumer demands in the marketplace for beauty products and changing consumer demands our sales may decline significantly and we may be required to mark down unsold inventory to prices which can be significantly lower than normal prices, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we depend on our inventory management and information technology systems in order to replenish inventories and deliver products to store locations in response to customer demands. Any systems-related problems could result in difficulties satisfying the demands of customers which, in turn, could adversely affect our sales and profitability.

We expect the aging baby boomer population to drive future growth in professional beauty supply sales through an increase in the use of hair color and hair loss products. Additionally, we expect continuously changing fashion-related trends that drive new hair styles to result in continued demand for hair styling products. Changes in consumer tastes and fashion trends can have an impact on our financial performance. If we are unable to anticipate and respond to trends in the marketplace for beauty products and changing consumer demands, our business could suffer.

Our comparable store sales and quarterly financial performance may fluctuate for a variety of reasons.

Our comparable store sales and quarterly results of operations have fluctuated in the past, and we expect them to continue to fluctuate in the future. A variety of factors affect our comparable store sales and quarterly financial performance, including:

Accordingly, our results for any one fiscal quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other quarter, and comparable store sales for any particular future period may decrease, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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We depend upon manufacturers who may be unable to provide products of adequate quality or who may be unwilling to continue to supply products to us.

We do not manufacture any products we sell, and instead purchase our products from recognized brand manufacturers and exclusive-label fillers. We depend on a limited number of manufacturers for a significant percentage of the products we sell. For fiscal 2010, our five largest suppliers were P&G, Shiseido Cosmetics (America) Limited, Conair Corporation, L'Oreal and John Paul Mitchell Systems and accounted for approximately 39.0% of our consolidated merchandise purchases.

Since we purchase products from many manufacturers and fillers under at-will contracts and contracts which can be terminated without cause upon 90 days notice or less, or which expire without express rights of renewal, manufacturers and fillers could discontinue sales to us immediately or upon short notice. Some of our contracts with manufacturers may be terminated if we fail to meet specified minimum purchase requirements. If minimum purchase requirements are not met, we do not have contractual assurances of continued supply. In lieu of termination, a manufacturer may also change the terms upon which it sells, for example, by raising prices or broadening distribution to third parties. Infrequently, a supplier will seek to terminate a distribution relationship through legal action. For example, in 2009 L'Oreal filed an action which threatens a long-term distribution agreement with Armstrong McCall. Armstrong McCall is vigorously defending its rights under the agreement. For these and other reasons, we may not be able to acquire desired merchandise in sufficient quantities or on acceptable terms in the future.

Changes in Sally Beauty Supply's and BSG's relationships with suppliers occur often, and could positively or negatively impact the net sales and operating profits of both business segments. Some of our suppliers may seek to decrease their reliance on distribution intermediaries, including full-service/exclusive and open-line distributors like BSG and Sally Beauty Supply, by promoting their own distribution channels, as discussed above. These suppliers may offer advantages, such as lower prices, when their products are purchased from distribution channels they control. If our access to supplier-provided products were to diminish relative to our competitors or we were not able to purchase products at the same prices as our competitors, our business could be materially and adversely affected. Also, consolidation among suppliers may increase their negotiating leverage, thereby providing them with competitive advantages that may increase our costs and reduce our revenues, adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As discussed above, L'Oreal is entering into direct competition with BSG, and there can be no assurance that there will not be further revenue losses over time at BSG, due to potential losses of additional L'Oreal related products as well as from the increased competition from L'Oreal-affiliated distribution networks. For example, L'Oreal could attempt to terminate our contracts to carry certain of their products in BSG stores, which accounted for approximately $100 million in U.S. sales for the 2010 fiscal year and have expiration dates at the end of 2012. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the impact of these developments will not adversely impact revenue to a greater degree than we currently expect or that our efforts to mitigate the impact of these developments will be successful. If the impact of these developments is greater than we expect or our efforts to mitigate the impact of these developments are not successful, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Although we plan to mitigate the negative effects resulting from unfavorable changes in our relationships with suppliers, such as L'Oreal, there can be no assurance that our efforts will partially or completely offset the loss of these distribution rights.

Any significant interruption in the supply of products by manufacturers and fillers could disrupt our ability to deliver merchandise to our stores and customers in a timely manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Manufacturers and fillers of beauty supply products are subject to certain risks that could adversely impact their ability to provide us with their products on a timely basis, including inability to procure ingredients,

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industrial accidents, environmental events, strikes and other labor disputes, union organizing activity, disruptions in logistics or information systems, loss or impairment of key manufacturing sites, product quality control, safety, and licensing requirements and other regulatory issues, as well as natural disasters and other external factors over which neither they nor we have control. In addition, our operating results depend to some extent on the orderly operation of our receiving and distribution processes, which depend on manufacturers' adherence to shipping schedules and our effective management of our distribution facilities and capacity.

If a material interruption of supply occurs, or a significant manufacturer or filler ceases to supply us or materially decreases its supply to us, we may not be able to acquire products with similar quality and consumer brand name recognition as the products we currently sell or to acquire such products in sufficient quantities to meet our customers' demands or on favorable terms to our business, any of which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If products sold by us are found to be defective in labeling or content, our credibility and that of the brands we sell may be harmed, marketplace acceptance of our products may decrease, and we may be exposed to liability in excess of our products liability insurance coverage and manufacturer indemnities.

We do not control the production process for the products we sell. We may not be able to identify a defect in a product we purchase from a manufacturer or filler before we offer such product for resale. In many cases, we rely on representations of manufacturers and fillers about the products we purchase for resale regarding whether such products have been manufactured in accordance with applicable governmental regulations. Our sale of certain products exposes us to potential product liability claims, recalls or other regulatory or enforcement actions initiated by federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities or through private causes of action. Such claims, recalls or actions could be based on allegations that, among other things, the products sold by us are misbranded, contain contaminants or impermissible ingredients, provide inadequate instructions regarding their use or misuse, or include inadequate warnings concerning flammability or interactions with other substances. Claims against us could also arise as a result of the misuse by purchasers of such products or as a result of their use in a manner different than the intended use. We may be required to pay for losses or injuries actually or allegedly caused by the products we sell and to recall any product we sell that is alleged to be or is found to be defective.

Any actual defects or allegations of defects in products sold by us could result in adverse publicity and harm our credibility, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although we may have indemnification rights against the manufacturers of many of the products we distribute and rights as an "additional insured" under the manufacturers' insurance policies, it is not certain that any manufacturer or insurer will be financially solvent and capable of making payment to any party suffering loss or injury caused by products sold by us. Further, some types of actions and penalties, including many actions or penalties imposed by governmental agencies and punitive damages awards, may not be remediable through reliance on indemnity agreements or insurance. Furthermore, potential product liability claims may exceed the amount of indemnity or insurance coverage or be excluded under the terms of an indemnity agreement or insurance policy. If we are forced to pay to satisfy such claims, it could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We could be adversely affected if we do not comply with laws and regulations or if we become subject to additional or more stringent laws and regulations.

We are subject to a number of federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as applicable laws and regulations in each foreign marketplace in which we do business. These laws and regulations govern the composition, packaging, labeling and safety of the products we sell, the methods we use to sell and import these products. Non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations of governmental authorities, including the FDA and similar authorities in other jurisdictions, by us or the manufacturers and fillers of the products sold by us could result in fines, product recalls and enforcement actions, and otherwise

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restrict our ability to market certain products, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The laws and regulations applicable to us or manufacturers of the products sold by us may become more stringent. Continued legal compliance could require the review and possible reformulation or relabeling of certain products, as well as the possible removal of some products from the marketplace. Legal compliance could also lead to considerably higher internal regulatory costs. Manufacturers may try to recover some or all of any increased costs of compliance by increasing the prices at which we purchase products, and we may not be able to recover some or all of such increased cost in our own prices to our customers. We are also subject to state and local laws and regulations that affect our franchisor-franchisee relationships. Increased compliance costs and the loss of sales of certain products due to more stringent or new laws and regulations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Laws and regulations impact our business in many areas that have no direct relation to the products we sell. For example, as a public company, we are subject to a number of laws and regulations related to the issuance and sale of our securities. Another area of intense regulation is that of the relationships we have with our employees, including compliance with many different wage and hour and nondiscrimination related regulatory schemes. Violation of any of the laws or regulations governing our business or the assertion of individual or class-wide claims could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Product diversion could have an adverse impact on our revenues.

The majority of the products that BSG sells, including those sold by our Armstrong McCall franchisees, are meant to be used exclusively by salons and individual salon professionals or are meant to be sold exclusively by the purchasers, such as salons, to their retail consumers. However, despite our efforts to prevent diversion, incidents of product diversion occur, whereby our products are sold by these purchasers (and possibly by other bulk purchasers such as franchisees) to wholesalers and ultimately to general merchandise retailers, among others. These retailers, in turn, sell such products to consumers. The diverted product may be old, tainted or damaged and sold through unapproved outlets, all of which could diminish the value of the particular brand. In addition, such diversion may result in lower net sales for BSG should consumers choose to purchase diverted products from retailers rather than purchasing from our customers, or choose other products altogether because of the perceived loss of brand prestige.

In the BSG arena, product diversion is generally prohibited under our manufacturers' contracts, and we are often under a contractual obligation to stop selling to salons, salon professionals and other bulk purchasers which engage in product diversion. If we fail to comply with our anti-diversion obligations under these manufacturers' contracts, (including any known diversion of products sold through our Armstrong McCall franchisees), these contracts could be adversely affected or even terminated. In addition, our investigation and enforcement of our anti-diversion obligations may result in reduced sales to our customer base, thereby decreasing our revenues and profitability.

BSG's financial results are affected by the financial results of BSG's franchised-based business (Armstrong McCall).

BSG receives revenue from products purchased by Armstrong McCall franchisees. Accordingly, a portion of BSG's financial results is to an extent dependent upon the operational and financial success of these franchisees, including their implementation of BSG's strategic plans. If sales trends or economic conditions worsen for Armstrong McCall's franchisees, their financial results may worsen. Additionally, the failure of Armstrong McCall franchisees to renew their franchise agreements, any requirement that Armstrong McCall restructure its franchise agreements in connection with such renewals, or any failure of Armstrong McCall to meet its obligations under its franchise agreements, could result in decreased revenues for BSG or create legal issues with our franchisees or manufacturers.

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Our internet-based business may be unsuccessful or may cause internal channel conflict.

We offer many of our beauty products for sale through our websites in the U.S. (such as www.sallybeauty.com) and abroad. Therefore, we encounter risks and difficulties frequently experienced in internet-based businesses, including risks related to our ability to attract and retain customers on a cost-effective basis and our ability to operate, support, expand and develop our internet operations, websites and software and other related operational systems. In addition, our internet-based business may reduce the financial performance of our Sally Beauty Supply and other stores. For example, customers may choose to shop online rather than purchasing products from our Sally Beauty Supply stores. Although we believe that our participation in both e-commerce and physical store sales is a distinct advantage for us due to synergies and the potential for new customers, conflicts between these offerings could create issues that have the potential to adversely affect our results of operations. For example, such conflict could cause some of our current or potential internet customers to consider competing distributors of beauty products. These events could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to successfully identify acquisition candidates or successfully complete desirable acquisitions.

In the past several years, we have completed multiple acquisitions. We intend to pursue additional acquisitions. We actively review acquisition prospects which would complement our existing lines of business, increase the size and geographic scope of our operations or otherwise offer growth and operating efficiency opportunities. There can be no assurance that we will continue to identify suitable acquisition candidates.

If suitable candidates are identified, sufficient funds may not be available to make such acquisitions. We compete against many other companies, some of which are larger and have greater financial and other resources than we do. Increased competition for acquisition candidates could result in fewer acquisition opportunities and higher acquisition prices. In addition, we are highly leveraged and the agreements governing our indebtedness contain limits on our ability to incur additional debt to pay for acquisitions. Additionally, the amount of equity that we can issue to make acquisitions or raise additional capital is severely limited. We may be unable to finance acquisitions that would increase our growth or improve our financial and competitive position. To the extent that debt financing is available to finance acquisitions, our net indebtedness could increase as a result of any acquisitions.

If we acquire any businesses in the future, they could prove difficult to integrate, disrupt our business or have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Any acquisitions that we make may be difficult to integrate profitably into our business and may entail numerous risks, including:

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In addition, during the acquisition process, we may fail or be unable to discover some of the liabilities of businesses that we acquire. These liabilities may result from a prior owner's noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations. Acquired businesses may also not perform as we expect or we may not be able to obtain the expected financial improvements in the acquired businesses.

If we are unable to profitably open and operate new stores, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Our future growth strategy depends in part on our ability to open and profitably operate new stores in existing and additional geographic areas. The capital requirements to open a U.S.-based Sally Beauty Supply or BSG store, excluding inventory, average approximately $70,000 and $80,000, respectively, with the capital requirements for international stores costing less or substantially more depending upon the marketplace. Despite these relatively low opening costs, we may not be able to open all of the new stores we plan to open and any new stores we open may not be profitable, either of which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations. There are several factors that could affect our ability to open and profitably operate new stores, including:

The health of the economy in the channels we serve may affect consumer purchases of discretionary items such as beauty products and salon services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our results of operations may be materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the economy generally, both in the U.S. and internationally. Concerns over inflation, energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, the U.S. mortgage market and the real estate market in the U.S. have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy. We appeal to a wide demographic consumer profile and offer a broad selection of beauty products sold directly to retail consumers and salons and salon professionals. Continued uncertainty in the economy could adversely

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impact consumer purchases of discretionary items such as beauty products, as well as adversely impact the frequency of salon services performed by professionals using products purchased from us. Factors that could affect consumers' willingness to make such discretionary purchases include general business conditions, levels of employment, interest rates, tax rates, the availability of consumer credit and consumer confidence in future economic conditions. In the event of a prolonged economic downturn, consumer spending habits could be adversely affected and we could experience lower than expected net sales. In addition, a reduction in traffic to, or the closing of, the other destination retailers in the shopping areas where our stores are located could significantly reduce our sales and leave us with unsold inventory. The economic climate could also adversely affect our vendors. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are not certain that our ongoing cost control plans will continue to be successful.

Our business strategy substantially depends on continuing to control or reduce operating expenses. In furtherance of this strategy, we have engaged in ongoing activities to reduce or control costs. We cannot assure you that our efforts will result in the increased profitability, cost savings or other benefits that we expect, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, specifically our trademarks and service marks, our ability to compete could be negatively impacted.

The success of our business depends to a certain extent upon the value associated with our intellectual property rights. We own certain trademark and service mark rights used in connection with our business including, but not limited to, "Sally," "Sally Beauty," "Sally Beauty Supply," "Sally Beauty Club Card," "BSG," "CosmoProf," "Proclub," "Armstrong McCall," "ion," "Beyond the Zone" and "Salon Services." We protect our intellectual property rights through a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, applying for and obtaining trademark protection in the U.S., Canada and other countries throughout the world in which our business operates. We also rely on trade secret laws, in addition to confidentiality agreements with vendors, employees, consultants and others who have access to our proprietary information. While we intend to vigorously protect our trademarks against infringement, we may not be successful. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S. The costs required to protect our intellectual property rights and trademarks are expected to continue to be substantial.

Our ability to conduct business in international marketplaces may be affected by legal, regulatory and economic risks.

Our ability to capitalize on growth in new international marketplaces and to grow or maintain our current level of operations in our existing international marketplaces is subject to risks associated with our international operations. These risks include: unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, trade barriers to some international marketplaces, economic and foreign currency fluctuations, potential difficulties in enforcing contracts, increasing levels of violence or terrorism, an inability to properly protect assets (including intellectual property), an inability to collect receivables, potential tax liabilities associated with repatriating funds from foreign operations and difficulties and costs of staffing, managing and accounting for foreign operations.

We may be adversely affected by any disruption in our information technology systems.

Our operations are dependent upon our information technology systems, which encompass all of our major business functions. We rely upon such information technology systems to manage and replenish inventory, to fill and ship customer orders on a timely basis, to coordinate our sales activities across all of our products and services and to coordinate our administrative activities. A substantial disruption in our

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information technology systems for any prolonged time period (arising from, for example, system capacity limits from unexpected increases in our volume of business, outages or delays in our service) could result in delays in receiving inventory and supplies or filling customer orders and adversely affect our customer service and relationships. Our systems might be damaged or interrupted by natural or man-made events or by computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions affecting the internet. Such delays, problems or costs may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As our operations grow in both size and scope, we continuously need to improve and upgrade our systems and infrastructure while maintaining their reliability and integrity. The expansion of our systems and infrastructure will require us to commit substantial financial, operational and technical resources before the volume of our business increases, with no assurance that the volume of business will increase. For example, we have recently upgraded our financial reporting systems in the U.S. and are in the process of designing and implementing a standardized ERP system internationally over the next few years. In addition, we are currently implementing a three-year point-of-sale system upgrade program in a number of our divisions (including our Sally Beauty Supply operations in the U.S.), which we anticipate will provide significant benefits, including enhanced tracking of customer sales and store inventory activity. These and any other required upgrades to our systems and information technology, or new technology, now and in the future, will require that our management and resources be diverted from our core business to assist in meeting implementation objectives. Many of our systems are proprietary, and as a result our options are limited in seeking third-party help with the operation and upgrade of those systems. There can be no assurance that the time and resources our management will need to devote to operations and upgrades, any delays due to the installation of any upgrade (and customer issues therewith), any resulting service outages, and the impact on the reliability of our data from any upgrade or any legacy system, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The occurrence of natural disasters or acts of violence or terrorism could adversely affect our operations and financial performance.

The occurrence of natural disasters or acts of violence or terrorism could result in physical damage to our properties, the temporary closure of stores or distribution centers, the temporary lack of an adequate work force, the temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of products (or a substantial increase in the cost of those products) from domestic or foreign suppliers, the temporary disruption in the delivery of goods to our distribution centers (or a substantial increase in the cost of those deliveries), the temporary reduction in the availability of products in our stores, and/or the temporary reduction in visits to stores by customers.

If one or more natural disasters or acts of violence or terrorism were to impact our business, we could, among other things, incur significantly higher costs and longer lead times associated with distributing products. Furthermore, insurance costs associated with our business may rise significantly in the event of a large scale natural disaster or act of violence or terrorism.

Our accounting and other management systems, controls and resources may not be adequately prepared to meet the financial reporting and other requirements to which we are subject.

As a publicly-traded company, we are subject to reporting and other obligations under the Exchange Act. These obligations place significant demands on our management, administrative and operational resources, including accounting resources. As a public company, we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses. We also have significant compliance costs under SEC and New York Stock Exchange rules and regulations.

In addition, as a public company we are subject to rules adopted by the SEC pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which require us to include in our Annual Report on Form 10-K our management's report on, and assessment of, the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial

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reporting. Furthermore, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of such internal controls. If we fail to properly assess and/or achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, there is a risk that we will not comply with Section 404. Moreover, effective internal controls are necessary to help prevent financial fraud. Any adverse finding could result in a negative reaction in the financial marketplace due to loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which ultimately could harm our business and could negatively impact the market price of our securities.

To comply with these requirements, we and our subsidiaries are continuously upgrading our systems, including information technology systems, and implementing additional financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures. These and any other modifications to our financial and management controls, reporting systems, information technology systems and procedures under the financial reporting requirements and other rules that apply to us, now and in the future, will require that our management and resources be diverted from our core business to assist in compliance with the requirements. There can be no assurance that the time and resources our management will need to devote to the requirements, any delays due to the installation of any upgrade, any resulting service outages, and any impact on the reliability of our data from an upgrade will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are a holding company with no operations of our own, and we depend on our subsidiaries for cash.

We are a holding company and do not have any material assets or operations other than ownership of equity interests of our subsidiaries. Our operations are conducted almost entirely through our subsidiaries, and our ability to generate cash to meet our obligations or to pay dividends is highly dependent on the earnings of, and receipt of funds from, our subsidiaries through dividends or intercompany loans. The ability of our subsidiaries to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to allow us and them to make scheduled payments on our obligations will depend on their future financial performance, which will be affected by a range of economic, competitive and business factors, many of which are outside of our control. We cannot assure you that the cash flow and earnings of our operating subsidiaries will be adequate for our subsidiaries to service their debt obligations. If our subsidiaries do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy corporate obligations, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans (such as refinancing), restructure debt, sell assets, reduce or delay capital investments, or seek to raise additional capital. We cannot assure you that any such alternative refinancing would be possible, that any assets could be sold, or, if sold, of the timing of the sales and the amount of proceeds realized from those sales, that additional financing could be obtained on acceptable terms, if at all, or that additional financing would be permitted under the terms of our various debt instruments then in effect. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our obligations, or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms, would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Furthermore, we and our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future that may severely restrict or prohibit our subsidiaries from making distributions, paying dividends or making loans to us.

Risks Relating to Our Substantial Indebtedness

We have substantial debt and may incur substantial additional debt, which could adversely affect our financial health, our ability to obtain financing in the future and our ability to react to changes in our business.

In connection with the Separation Transactions, certain of our subsidiaries, including Sally Holdings LLC, which we refer to as Sally Holdings, incurred approximately $1,850.0 million in debt. As of September 30, 2010, we had an aggregate principal amount of approximately $1,562.6 million, including capital lease obligations, of outstanding debt, and a total debt to equity ratio of -3.39:1.00.

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Our substantial debt could have important consequences. For example, it could:

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to our lenders, resulting in possible defaults on and acceleration of such indebtedness;

limit our ability to obtain additional financing or raise even a small amount of equity capital for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements or general corporate purposes;

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of such cash flows to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;

restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or otherwise transfer assets to us, which could limit our ability to conduct repurchases of our own equity securities or make dividends to our stockholders, thereby limiting our ability to enhance stockholder value through such transactions;

increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including interest rate fluctuations (because a portion of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest), including borrowings under our senior secured term loan facilities and our asset-backed senior secured loan facility, which we refer to collectively as the senior secured credit facilities;

place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with proportionately less debt or comparable debt at more favorable interest rates and that, as a result, may be better positioned to withstand economic downturns;

limit our ability to refinance indebtedness or cause the associated costs of such refinancing to increase; and

limit our flexibility to adjust to changing market conditions and ability to withstand competitive pressures, or prevent us from carrying out capital spending that is necessary or important to our growth strategy and efforts to improve operating margins or our business.

Any of the foregoing impacts of our substantial indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Despite our current indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantially more debt, including secured debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness.

We and our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the instruments governing our indebtedness do not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from doing so. As of September 30, 2010, our senior credit facilities provided us commitments for additional borrowings of up to approximately $341.8 million under an asset-based senior secured loan (or ABL) facility, subject to borrowing base limitations. On November 12, 2010, we entered into a new ABL facility. The new ABL facility has a 5-year maturity and we will continue to have substantially the same commitments for additional borrowings as we did under our previous ABL facility. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we face would increase, and we may not be able to meet all our debt obligations. In addition, the agreements governing our senior credit facilities as well as the indentures governing our senior notes and senior subordinated notes, which we refer to collectively as the Notes, do not prevent us from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness.

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The agreements and instruments governing our debt contain restrictions and limitations that could significantly impact our ability to operate our business.

The senior secured term loan facilities, which we refer to as the Term Loans, contain covenants that, among other things, restrict Sally Holdings and its subsidiaries' ability to:

dispose of assets;

incur additional secured indebtedness (including guarantees of additional indebtedness);

pay dividends, repurchase stock or make other distributions;

make voluntary prepayments on the Notes or make amendments to the terms thereof;

prepay certain other debt or amend specific debt agreements;

create liens on assets;

make investments (including joint ventures);

make acquisitions of all of the business or assets of, or stock representing beneficial ownership of, any person;

engage in mergers, consolidations or sales of all or substantially all of Sally Holdings' assets;

engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and

permit restrictions on Sally Holdings subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends to Sally Holdings.

The ABL facility contains covenants that, among other things, restrict Sally Holdings and its subsidiaries' ability to:

dispose of assets;

incur additional indebtedness (including guarantees of additional indebtedness);

pay dividends, repurchase stock or make other distributions;

create liens on assets;

make investments (including joint ventures);

make acquisitions of all of the business or assets of, or stock representing beneficial ownership of any person;

engage in mergers, consolidations or sales of all or substantially all of their assets;

make voluntary prepayments on the Notes or make amendments to the terms thereof;

prepay certain other debt or amend specific debt agreements;

change the fiscal year of Sally Holdings or its direct parent; and

create or incur negative pledges.

The term loans contain a requirement that Sally Holdings not exceed a maximum ratio of net senior secured debt to consolidated EBITDA (as those terms are defined in the relevant credit agreement). In addition, if Sally Holdings fails to maintain a specified minimum level of borrowing capacity under the ABL facility, it will then be obligated to maintain a specified fixed-charge coverage ratio. Our ability to comply with these covenants in future periods will depend on our ongoing financial and operating performance, which in turn will be subject to economic conditions and to financial, market and competitive factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our ability to comply with these covenants in future periods

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will also depend substantially on the pricing of our products, our success at implementing cost reduction initiatives and our ability to successfully implement our overall business strategy.

The indentures governing the Notes also contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of Sally Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries to:

dispose of assets;

incur additional indebtedness (including guarantees of additional indebtedness);

pay dividends, repurchase stock or make other distributions;

prepay subordinated debt;

create liens on assets (which, in the case of the senior subordinated notes, would be limited in applicability to liens securing pari passu or subordinated indebtedness);

make investments (including joint ventures);

engage in mergers, consolidations or sales of all or substantially all of Sally Holdings' assets;

engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and

permit restrictions on Sally Holdings' subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends.

The restrictions in the indentures governing our Notes and the terms of our senior credit facilities may prevent us from taking actions that we believe would be in the best interest of our business and may make it difficult for us to successfully execute our business strategy or effectively compete with companies that are not similarly restricted. We may also incur future debt obligations that might subject us to additional restrictive covenants that could affect our financial and operational flexibility. We cannot assure you that our subsidiaries, which are borrowers under these agreements, will be granted waivers or amendments to these agreements if they are unable to comply with these agreements, or that we will be able to refinance our debt on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

Our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in the senior credit facilities and the indentures for the Notes may be affected by economic, financial and industry conditions beyond our control. The breach of any of these covenants and restrictions could result in a default under either the senior credit facilities or the indentures that would permit the applicable lenders or note holders, as the case may be, to declare all amounts outstanding thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest. If we are unable to repay debt, lenders having secured obligations, such as the lenders under the senior credit facilities, could proceed against the collateral securing the debt. In any such case, our subsidiaries may be unable to borrow under the senior credit facilities and may not be able to repay the amounts due under the term loans and the Notes. This could have serious consequences to our financial condition and results of operations and could cause us to become bankrupt or insolvent.

Our ability to generate the significant amount of cash needed to service all of our debt and our ability to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness or obtain additional financing depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on, or to refinance our obligations under, our debt will depend on our financial and operating performance, which, in turn, will be subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to financial and business factors, many of which may be beyond our control, described under "Risks Relating to Our Business" above.

If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek to obtain additional equity capital or restructure our debt. In the future, our cash flow and capital resources may not be sufficient for payments of interest on and principal of our debt, and such alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations.

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We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness or obtain additional financing, particularly because of our high levels of debt and the debt incurrence restrictions imposed by the agreements governing our debt, as well as prevailing market conditions. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. Our senior credit facilities and the indentures governing the Notes restrict our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from any such dispositions. We cannot assure you we will be able to consummate those sales, or if we do, what the timing of the sales will be or whether the proceeds that we realize will be adequate to meet debt service obligations when due.

An increase in interest rates would increase the cost of servicing our debt and could reduce our profitability.

A significant portion of our outstanding debt, including under our senior credit facilities, bears interest at variable rates. As a result, an increase in interest rates, whether because of an increase in market interest rates or a decrease in our creditworthiness, would increase the cost of servicing our debt and could materially reduce our profitability and cash flows. The impact of such an increase would be more significant for us than it would be for some other companies because of our substantial debt.

The impairment of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

We have exposure to different counterparties with regard to our interest rate swaps. These transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty. We also have exposure to financial institutions used as depositories of our corporate cash balances. If our counterparties and financial institutions become impaired or insolvent, this could have serious consequences to our financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Our Separation from Alberto-Culver and Relating To Our Largest Stockholder

We rely upon Alberto-Culver for the accuracy of certain historical services and information.

We sometimes rely upon Alberto-Culver for the accuracy and/or completeness of certain historical services and information provided to us when we were part of that company. For example, as the successor entity to Alberto-Culver after the separation, we rely upon the prior-year federal income tax returns of Alberto-Culver and accounting methods established therein, for certain calculations that affect our U.S. federal income tax liability. We also rely upon Alberto-Culver for historical information related to our insurance programs and other benefits. There can be no assurance that our reliance upon the accuracy or completeness of historical information or services previously provided by them will not have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If the share distribution of Alberto-Culver common stock in the transactions separating us from Alberto-Culver did not constitute a tax-free distribution under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, or if we became liable for additional taxes owed by Alberto-Culver, then we may be responsible for payment of significant U.S. federal income taxes.

The following discussion describes the risk that the share distribution of Alberto-Culver common stock in the Separation Transactions may have triggered significant tax liabilities for us, which could result in a material adverse effect on us. In connection with the share distribution of Alberto-Culver common stock in the separation, we received: (i) a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, and (ii) an opinion of Sidley Austin LLP, counsel to Alberto-Culver, in each case, to the effect that the transactions qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code and a distribution eligible for non-recognition under Sections 355(a) and 361(c) of the Code. The private letter ruling and the opinion of counsel were based, in part, on assumptions and representations as to factual matters made by, among others, Alberto-Culver, us and representatives of Mrs. Carol L. Bernick, Mr. Leonard H. Lavin and

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certain of our other stockholders to whom we refer to as the Lavin family stockholders, as requested by the IRS or counsel, which, if incorrect, could jeopardize the conclusions reached by the IRS and counsel. The private letter ruling also did not address certain material legal issues that could affect its conclusions, and reserved the right of the IRS to raise such issues upon a subsequent audit. Opinions of counsel neither bind the IRS or any court, nor preclude the IRS from adopting a contrary position.

If the Alberto-Culver share distribution were not to qualify as a tax-free distribution under Section 355 of the Code, we would recognize taxable gain equal to the excess of the fair market value of the Alberto-Culver common stock distributed to our stockholders over our tax basis in such Alberto-Culver common stock.

Even if the Alberto-Culver share distribution otherwise qualified as a tax-free distribution under Section 355 of the Code, it would result in significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities to us if there was an acquisition of our stock or the stock of Alberto-Culver as part of a plan or series of related transactions that includes the Alberto-Culver share distribution and that results in an acquisition of 50% or more of Alberto-Culver's or our outstanding common stock.

In the event that we recognize a taxable gain in connection with the Alberto-Culver share distribution (either: (i) because the Alberto-Culver share distribution did not qualify as a tax-free distribution under Section 355 of the Code, or (ii) because of an acquisition by CDR Investors of 50% or more of Alberto-Culver or our outstanding common stock as part of a plan or series of related transactions that includes the Alberto-Culver share distribution), the taxable gain recognized by us would result in significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities to us. Under the Code, we would be jointly and severally liable for these taxes for which Alberto-Culver may be required to indemnify us under the tax allocation agreement, and there can be no assurance that Alberto-Culver would be able to fulfill its obligations under the tax allocation agreement if Alberto-Culver was determined to be responsible for the taxes thereunder.

The process for determining whether a prohibited change in control has occurred under the rules is complex, inherently factual and subject to interpretation of the facts and circumstances of a particular case. If Alberto-Culver did not carefully monitor its, or we did not carefully monitor our, compliance with these rules, this might inadvertently cause or permit a prohibited change in the ownership of us or of Alberto-Culver to occur, thereby triggering Alberto-Culver's or our respective obligations to indemnify the other pursuant to the tax allocation agreement, which would have a material adverse effect on us.

If any of the above events occur, we will be jointly and severally liable for these taxes, and there can be no assurance that Alberto-Culver would be able to fulfill its indemnification obligations to us under the tax allocation agreement if Alberto-Culver was determined to be responsible for these taxes thereunder. In addition, these mutual indemnity obligations could discourage or prevent a third party from making a proposal to acquire us.

Actions taken by the Lavin family stockholders or by the CDR investors could adversely affect the tax-free nature of the share distribution of Alberto-Culver common stock in connection with the transactions separating us from Alberto-Culver.

Sales and/or acquisitions by the Lavin family stockholders of our common stock or Alberto-Culver's common stock may adversely affect the tax-free nature of the share distribution of Alberto-Culver's common stock in the Separation Transactions. First, with certain exceptions, sales by the Lavin family stockholders of our common stock or Alberto-Culver's common stock at any time after the Separation Transactions might be considered evidence that the share distribution was used principally as a device for the distribution of earnings and profits, particularly if the selling stockholder was found to have an intent to effect such sale at the time of the share distribution. If the IRS successfully asserted that the share distribution was used principally as such a device, the share distribution would not qualify as a tax-free distribution, and thus would be taxable to us. Second, with certain exceptions, if any of the Lavin family stockholders had sold an amount of our common stock that it received in connection with the Separation

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Transactions (or acquired additional shares of our common stock) within the two year period following completion of the Alberto-Culver share distribution, and that amount of stock, if added to the common stock that was acquired by CDR Investors were to equal or exceed 50% of our outstanding common stock, as determined under the Code and applicable Treasury regulations, a deemed acquisition of control of us in connection with the Alberto-Culver share distribution would be presumed. If this presumption were not rebutted, we would be subject to significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities, which, if not reimbursed by Alberto-Culver, would have a material adverse effect on us.

The voting power of our largest stockholder may discourage third party acquisitions of us at a premium.

CDRS, our largest stockholder, owns approximately 47.0% of our outstanding common stock on an undiluted basis. Pursuant to the stockholders agreement entered into by us, the CDR Investors and the Lavin family stockholders, which we refer to as the Stockholders Agreement, CDRS has designated five of our initial eleven directors, as well as the Director elected as Chairman of our Board of Directors, and CDRS' right to nominate a certain number of directors will continue so long as it owns specified percentages of our common stock. The CDR Investors' ownership of our common stock may have the effect of discouraging offers to acquire control of us and may preclude holders of our common stock from receiving any premium above market price for their shares that may otherwise be offered in connection with any attempt to acquire control of us.

The interests of our largest stockholder may differ from the interests of other holders of our common stock.

CDRS owns approximately 47.0% of our outstanding common stock on an undiluted basis. Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, CDRS has designated five of our eleven directors and CDRS' right to nominate a certain number of directors will continue so long as it owns specified percentages of our common stock, as discussed above. In addition, the current Chairman of our Board of Directors is affiliated with CDRS. The interests of CDRS may differ from those of other holders of our common stock in material respects. For example, CDRS may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures, financings, re-financings, stockholder dividends or other transactions that, in its judgment, could enhance its overall equity portfolio or the short-term value of their investment in us, even though such transactions might involve substantial risks to other holders of our common stock. The manager of CDRS' ultimate parent is in the business of making investments in companies, and may acquire interests in businesses that directly or indirectly compete with certain portions of our business or are suppliers of us or our customers. Additionally, CDRS may determine that the disposition of some or all of its interests in us would be beneficial to it at a time when such disposition could be detrimental to us and/or to the other holders of our common stock. Moreover, the ownership by CDRS of a significant percentage of our outstanding common stock may have the effect of discouraging offers to acquire control of us and may preclude holders of our common stock from receiving any premium above market price for their shares that may otherwise be offered in connection with any attempt to acquire control of us.


ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Substantially all of our store and warehouse locations are leased and our corporate headquarters and four warehouses/distribution centers are owned. The average store lease is for a term of five years with customary renewal options. The following table provides the number of stores in the U.S. and globally, as of September 30, 2010:

 
  Sally Beauty Supply   Beauty Systems Group  
Location
  Company-Operated   Franchise   Company-Operated   Franchise  

United States (excluding Puerto Rico)

    2,429         777     130  

Puerto Rico

    39         3      

International:

                         
 

United Kingdom

    249     5          
 

Belgium

    29     5          
 

Canada

    58         88      
 

Chile

    22              
 

France

    27     2          
 

Germany

    27              
 

Mexico

    102             29  
 

Other

    24     14          
                   
   

Total International

    538     26     88     29  
                   

Total Store Count

    3,006     26     868     159  
                   

The following table provides locations for our significant offices and warehouses and corporate headquarters, as of September 30, 2010:

Location
  Type of Facility   Sq. Feet   Business Segment  

Company-Owned Properties:

                 
 

Columbus, Ohio

  Warehouse     246,000     (1 )
 

Denton, Texas

  Corporate Headquarters     N/A     (1 )(2)
 

Denton, Texas

  Warehouse     45,000     (1 )
 

Jacksonville, Florida

  Warehouse     237,000     (1 )
 

Reno, Nevada

  Warehouse     253,000     (1 )

Leased Properties:

                 
 

Benicia, California

  Office, Warehouse     187,000     (2 )
 

Clackamas, Oregon

  Warehouse     104,000     (2 )
 

Fresno, California

  Warehouse     200,000     (2 )
 

Greenville, Ohio

  Office, Warehouse     246,000     (2 )
 

Pottsville, Pennsylvania

  Office, Warehouse     160,000     (2 )
 

Spartanburg, South Carolina

  Warehouse     100,000     (2 )
 

Blackburn, Lancashire, England

  Warehouse     107,000     (1 )
 

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

  Warehouse     62,000     (2 )
 

Gent, Belgium

  Office, Warehouse     83,000     (1 )
 

Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

  Warehouse     40,000     (1 )
 

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

  Office, Warehouse     60,000     (2 )
 

Ronse, Belgium

  Office, Warehouse     91,000     (1 )
 

Thornliebank, Scotland

  Office, Warehouse     94,000     (1 )
(1)
Sally Beauty Supply
(2)
BSG

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There were no material legal proceedings pending against us or our subsidiaries as of September 30, 2010. We are involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to the conduct of our business in the ordinary course. We carry insurance coverage in such amounts in excess of our self-insured retention as we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances and that may or may not cover any or all of our liabilities in respect of claims and lawsuits. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

We are subject to a number of U.S., federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as the laws and regulations applicable in each other marketplace in which we do business. These laws and regulations govern, among other things, the composition, packaging, labeling and safety of the products we sell, the methods we use to sell these products and the methods we use to import these products. We believe that we are in material compliance with such laws and regulations, although no assurance can be provided that this will remain true going forward.

On February 25, 2008, we disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that on February 21, 2008, L'Oreal filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of San Diego—Central Division naming, among others, SD Hair, Ltd. and Hair of Nevada, LLC (collectively, "SD Hair"), franchisees of our subsidiary Armstrong McCall division ("AMLP") of our BSG business unit, as defendants. The suit alleged, among other things, that SD Hair breached its franchise agreement with AMLP by diverting (selling) Matrix branded products to unauthorized buyers, and that L'Oreal is entitled to make claims against SD Hair under the franchise agreement as a third-party beneficiary of that agreement. On March 24, 2008, SD Hair filed a cross-complaint in the same case naming AMLP and BSG as cross-defendants, seeking, among other things, i) declaratory relief from BSG and AMLP in the form of a judicial finding that SD Hair is not in breach of its franchise agreement and that L'Oreal has no rights as a third-party beneficiary to SD Hair's franchise agreement, and ii) injunctive relief in the form of a judicial order compelling AMLP and BSG to take appropriate legal action against L'Oreal to enforce SD Hair's claimed rights under AMLP's Matrix distribution agreement. We have answered the cross-complaint.

On July 30, 2009, we disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that L'Oreal filed a Second Amended Complaint in connection with the previously disclosed lawsuit described above. The Second Amended Complaint alleges, among other things, that AMLP, certain of its employees and others were involved in selling Matrix branded products to unauthorized buyers and that certain of its employees (and others) engaged in improper business transactions for personal benefit from 2005 through 2007. L'Oreal seeks money damages, certain injunctive relief and a declaration that L'Oreal is entitled to terminate the 1981 Matrix Distributor Agreement now in effect between L'Oreal and AMLP. None of the employees involved in the allegations are executive officers of the Company. Substantially all of these allegations were made known by L'Oreal to the Company prior to the filing of the Second Amended Complaint. L'Oreal also provided the Company with documents allegedly supporting the allegations.

As a result of these allegations made by L'Oreal, many of which are incorporated into the Second Amended Complaint, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company engaged independent special counsel to investigate whether certain employees engaged in improper business transactions for personal benefit. After extensive review, the Audit Committee and independent special counsel found insufficient evidence to support a conclusion that Company employees entered into improper transactions for personal benefit.

On September 8, 2009, AMLP and BSG filed a cross-complaint against L'Oreal. In the cross-complaint, AMLP and BSG allege that L'Oreal does not have a genuine interest in stopping diversion, and that L'Oreal's anti-diversion policies have been discriminatorily applied to AMLP and BSG. AMLP further alleges that L'Oreal is using diversion as a pretext to attempt to terminate the 1981 Matrix Distributor Agreement. L'Oreal has answered the cross-complaint and the matter is currently set for jury trial on February 18, 2011.

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ITEM 4. REMOVED AND RESERVED


PART II


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., or the NYSE, under the symbol "SBH." Prior to the Separation Transactions, there was no established public trading market for our common stock. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of our common stock, as reported by the NYSE, during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

Quarter Ended
  High   Low  

Fiscal Year 2010:

             
 

September 30, 2010

  $ 11.72   $ 7.99  
 

June 30, 2010

  $ 10.77   $ 7.52  
 

March 31, 2010

  $ 9.10   $ 7.65  
 

December 31, 2009

  $ 7.96   $ 6.60  

Fiscal Year 2009:

             
 

September 30, 2009

  $ 8.49   $ 5.48  
 

June 30, 2009

  $ 8.09   $ 5.11  
 

March 31, 2009

  $ 6.22   $ 3.71  
 

December 31, 2008

  $ 8.70   $ 2.66  

As of November 15, 2010, there were 1,407 stockholders of record of our common stock, and the closing price of our common stock as reported by the NYSE was $12.53.

Dividends

We have not declared or paid dividends at any time during the last two fiscal years prior to the date of this Annual Report.

We currently anticipate that we will retain future earnings to support our growth strategy or to repay outstanding debt. We do not anticipate paying regular cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any payment of future cash dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, future earnings, operations, capital requirements, our general financial condition, contractual restrictions (including those present in our credit agreements) and general business conditions. We depend on our subsidiaries for cash and unless we receive dividends, distributions, advances, transfers of funds or other cash payments from our subsidiaries, we will be unable to pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the future. However, none of our subsidiaries are obligated to make funds available to us for payment of dividends. Further, the terms of our subsidiaries' debt agreements significantly restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or otherwise transfer assets to us. Finally, we and our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future that may severely restrict or prohibit our subsidiaries from making distributions, paying dividends or making loans to us. Please see "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Substantial Indebtedness" and Note 13 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in "Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

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Performance Graph

The following illustrates the comparative total return among Sally Beauty, the Dow Jones U.S. Specialty Retailers Index (formerly the Dow Jones Wilshire Specialty Retailers Index) and the S&P 500 Index assuming that $100 was invested on November 17, 2006, the date regular-way trading of our common stock commenced and that dividends, if any, were reinvested for the fiscal year included in the data:

GRAPHIC

The Dow Jones U.S. Specialty Retailers Index (NYSE: DJUSRS) is a comprehensive view of entities which are primarily in the retail sector in the U.S. Sally Beauty is one of the issuers included in this index.

 
     
 
  11/06   12/06   3/07   6/07   9/07   12/07   3/08   6/08   9/08   12/08   3/09   6/09   9/09   12/09   3/10   6/10   9/10  

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 

    100.00     99.24     116.92     114.50     107.51     115.14     87.79     82.19     109.41     72.39     72.26     80.92     90.46     97.33     113.49     104.33     142.49  

S&P 500

    100.00     103.33     103.99     110.52     112.77     109.01     98.71     96.02     87.98     68.68     61.11     70.85     81.91     86.85     91.53     81.07     90.23  

Dow Jones US Specialty Retailers TSM

    100.00     98.70     102.44     106.76     97.61     90.46     82.54     76.64     75.66     58.72     65.48     70.98     81.97     86.30     94.99     87.00     102.72  

This data assumes that $100 was invested on November 17, 2006 in the Company's common stock and in each of the indexes shown and that all dividends are reinvested. The Company did not declare dividends during the period covered by this table. Stockholder returns shown should not be considered indicative of future stockholder returns.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table presents selected financial data of Sally Beauty and its consolidated subsidiaries for the year ended September 30, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007, and of Sally Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries for the year ended September 30, 2006 (dollars in thousands, except per share data). Sally Holdings, Inc. was a wholly owned subsidiary of Alberto-Culver until November 16, 2006 when it was converted to a Delaware limited liability company, was renamed "Sally Holdings LLC," and became an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Sally Beauty in connection with the Separation Transactions. Sally Beauty was formed in June of 2006 in connection with the Separation Transactions. On November 17, 2006, the Company commenced regular-way trading on the NYSE as an independent company under the symbol "SBH."

 
  Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008   2007   2006  

Results of operations information:

                               

Net sales

  $ 2,916,090   $ 2,636,600   $ 2,648,191   $ 2,513,772   $ 2,373,100  

Cost of products sold and distribution expenses

    1,511,716     1,393,283     1,413,597     1,360,025     1,286,329  
                       

Gross profit

    1,404,374     1,243,317     1,234,594     1,153,747     1,086,771  

Selling, general and administrative expenses(a)

    1,012,321     899,415     903,146     857,276     798,211  

Depreciation and amortization

    51,123     47,066     48,533     42,605     38,032  

Sales-based service fee charged by Alberto-Culver

                3,779     28,852  

Transaction expenses(b)

                21,502     41,475  
                       

Operating earnings

    340,930     296,836     282,915     228,585     180,201  

Interest expense(c)

    112,982     132,022     159,116     145,972     92  
                       

Earnings before provision for income taxes

    227,948     164,814     123,799     82,613     180,109  

Provision for income taxes

    84,120     65,697     46,222     38,121     69,916  
                       

Net earnings

  $ 143,828   $ 99,117   $ 77,577   $ 44,492   $ 110,193  
                       

Net earnings per share(d)

                               
 

Basic

  $ 0.79   $ 0.55   $ 0.43   $ 0.25      
 

Diluted

  $ 0.78   $ 0.54   $ 0.42   $ 0.24      

Weighted average shares, basic

    181,985     181,691     181,189     180,392      

Weighted average shares, diluted

    184,088     183,306     182,704     182,375      

Operating data:

                               

Number of stores (end of period):

                               
 

Sally Beauty Supply

    3,032     2,923     2,844     2,694     2,511  
 

Beauty Systems Group

    1,027     991     929     874     828  
                       
   

Total

    4,059     3,914     3,773     3,568     3,339  

Professional distributor sales consultants (end of period)

    1,051     1,022     984     1,002     1,163  

Same store sales growth(e):

                               
 

Sally Beauty Supply

    4.1 %   2.1 %   1.2 %   2.7 %   2.4 %
 

Beauty Systems Group

    6.2 %   1.0 %   6.9 %   10.1 %   4.1 %
   

Consolidated

    4.6 %   1.8 %   2.6 %   4.5 %   2.8 %

Financial condition information (at period end):

                               

Working capital

  $ 387,123   $ 341,733   $ 367,198   $ 354,185   $ 479,107  

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

    59,494     54,447     99,788     38,272     107,571  

Property, plant and equipment, net

    168,119     151,252     156,260     154,068     142,735  

Total assets

    1,589,412     1,490,732     1,527,023     1,404,503     1,338,841  

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities(c)

    1,559,591     1,653,013     1,724,684     1,758,594     621  

Stockholders' equity (deficit)

  $ (461,272 ) $ (615,451 ) $ (702,960 ) $ (767,710 ) $ 1,005,967  
(a)
We account for share-based compensation awards in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. Selling, general

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(b)
The fiscal year 2007 includes one-time charges associated with the Separation Transactions and the fiscal year 2006 includes one-time charges associated with the termination of a merger agreement. Please see Note 1 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in "Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information about the Separation Transactions.

(c)
After November 16, 2006, long-term debt primarily represents debt incurred in connection with the Separation Transactions and interest expense related mainly to such indebtedness. Prior to the Separation Transactions, interest expense was attributable to notes payable to then-affiliates.

(d)
Weighted average shares for fiscal year 2007 was calculated from November 17, 2006 through September 30, 2007, which represents the actual number of days that shares of the Company's common stock were publicly traded. Net earnings per share were not calculated for fiscal year 2006 since we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alberto-Culver. Please see Note 1 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in "Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information about the Separation Transactions.

(e)
Same stores are defined as company-operated stores that have been open for at least 14 months as of the last day of a month. Our same store sales calculation includes internet-based sales (beginning in fiscal year 2009) and store expansions, if applicable, but does not generally include sales from stores relocated.

We have not declared or paid dividends at any time during the last two fiscal years prior to the date of this Annual Report. We do not anticipate paying regular cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently anticipate that we will retain future earnings to support our growth strategy or to repay outstanding debt.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following section discusses management's view of the financial condition as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the results of operations and cash flows for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, of Sally Beauty and its consolidated subsidiaries. This section should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Sally Beauty and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section contains forward-looking statements. Please see "Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these forward-looking statements that could cause results to differ materially from those reflected in such forward-looking statements.

Highlights of the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2010

Our sales from company-operated stores that have been open for at least 14 months as of the last day of a month, which we refer to as same store sales, increased 4.6% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010;

Our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 increased $279.5 million, or 10.6%, to $2,916.1 million compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 reflect approximately $17.2 million, or 0.7%, in net positive impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates;

Our consolidated gross profit for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 increased $161.1 million, or 13.0%, to $1,404.4 million compared to $1,243.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 48.2% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to 47.2% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009;

Our consolidated operating earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 increased $44.1 million, or 14.9%, to $340.9 million compared to $296.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. As a percentage of net sales, operating earnings increased to 11.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to 11.3% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009;

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, unallocated corporate expenses increased 13.1% to $79.2 million compared to $70.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009;

Sally Beauty Supply and BSG opened or acquired 109 and 36 net new stores, respectively, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010;

In December of 2009, we acquired Sinelco, a wholesale distributor of professional beauty products based in Ronse, Belgium, for approximately €25.2 million (approximately $36.6 million);

During fiscal year 2010, we made a mandatory prepayment in the amount of $22.3 million and optional prepayments in the aggregate amount of $102.7 million on our senior term loans, resulting in the prepayment in full of all borrowings under the Term Loan A facility and partial prepayment of borrowings under the Term Loan B facility; and

Cash provided by operations decreased by $6.1 million, or 2.7%, to $217.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to $223.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

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Overview

Description of Business

We operate primarily through two business units, Sally Beauty Supply and BSG. Through Sally Beauty Supply and BSG (which operates stores under the CosmoProf service mark), we operated a multi-channel platform of 3,874 stores and supplied 185 franchised stores in North America, South America and selected European countries, as of September 30, 2010. We are the largest distributor of professional beauty supplies in the U.S. based on store count. Within BSG, we also have one of the largest networks of professional distributor sales consultants in North America, with approximately 1,051 professional distributor sales consultants who sell directly to salons and salon professionals. We provide our customers with a wide variety of leading third-party branded and exclusive-label professional beauty supplies, including hair care products, styling appliances, skin and nail care products and other beauty items. Sally Beauty Supply stores target retail consumers and salon professionals, while BSG exclusively targets salons and salon professionals. For the year ended September 30, 2010, our consolidated net sales and operating earnings were $2,916.1 million and $340.9 million, respectively.

We believe Sally Beauty Supply is the largest open-line distributor of professional beauty supplies in the U.S. based on store count. As of September 30, 2010, Sally Beauty Supply operated 3,006 company-operated retail stores, 2,429 of which are located in the U.S. (with the remainder in the United Kingdom and certain other countries in Europe, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Chile) and supplied 26 franchised stores located outside the U.S. Sally Beauty Supply stores in the U.S. and Canada range in size between 1,500 square feet and 1,700 square feet and are primarily located in strip shopping centers. The product selection in Sally Beauty Supply stores ranges between 4,000 and 8,000 SKUs of beauty products and includes products for hair care, skin and nail care, beauty sundries and electrical appliances targeting retail consumers and salon professionals. Sally Beauty Supply stores carry leading third-party brands such as Clairol, Revlon and Conair, as well as an extensive selection of exclusive-label merchandise. For the year ended September 30, 2010, Sally Beauty Supply's net sales and segment operating profit were $1,834.6 million and $320.5 million, respectively, representing 62.9% and 74.0% of our consolidated net sales and consolidated operating profit before unallocated corporate expenses, respectively. Store formats, including average size and product selection, for Sally Beauty Supply outside the U.S. and Canada vary by marketplace.

We believe BSG is the largest full-service distributor of professional beauty supplies in the U.S. As of September 30, 2010, BSG had 868 company-operated stores, supplied 159 franchised stores and had a sales force of approximately 1,051 professional distributor sales consultants selling exclusively to salons and salon professionals in substantially all states in the U.S. and in portions of Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and certain European countries. BSG stores average approximately 2,700 square feet and are primarily located in secondary strip shopping centers. Through BSG's large store base and sales force, BSG is able to access a significant portion of the highly fragmented U.S. salon channel. The product selection in BSG stores, ranging between 5,000 and 10,000 SKUs of beauty products, includes hair care and color, skin and nail care, beauty sundries and electrical appliances; targeting salons and salon professionals. BSG carries leading professional beauty product brands, intended for use in salons and for resale by the salon to consumers. Certain BSG products are sold under exclusive distribution agreements with suppliers, whereby BSG is designated as the sole distributor for a product line within certain geographic territories. For the year ended September 30, 2010, BSG's net sales and segment operating profit were $1,081.5 million and $112.5 million, respectively, representing 37.1% and 26.0% of our consolidated net sales and consolidated operating profit before unallocated corporate expenses, respectively.

Industry and Business Trends

We operate within the large and growing U.S. professional beauty supply industry. Potential growth in the industry is expected to be driven by increases in consumer demand for hair color, hair loss prevention and

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hair styling products. We believe the following key industry and business trends and characteristics will influence our business and our financial results going forward:

High level of marketplace fragmentation.  The U.S. salon channel is highly fragmented with over 250,000 hair salons. Given the fragmented and small-scale nature of the salon industry, we believe that salon operators will continue to depend on full-service/exclusive distributors and open-line channels for a majority of their beauty supply purchases.

Growth in booth renting and frequent stocking needs.  Salon professionals primarily rely on just-in-time inventory due to capital constraints and a lack of warehouse and shelf space at salons. In addition, booth renters, who comprise a significant percentage of total U.S. salon professionals, are often responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Historically, booth renters have significantly increased as a percentage of total salon professionals, and we expect this trend to continue. Given their smaller individual purchases and relative lack of financial resources, booth renters are likely to be dependent on frequent trips to professional beauty supply stores, like BSG and Sally Beauty Supply. We expect that these factors will continue to drive demand for conveniently located professional beauty supply stores.

Increasing use of exclusive-label products.  We offer a broad range of exclusive-label products. As our lines of exclusive-label products have matured and become better known in our retail stores, we have seen an increase in sales of these products. Generally, our exclusive-label products have higher gross margins than the leading third-party branded products and, accordingly, the growth in sales of these products will likely enhance our overall gross margins. Please see "Risk Factors—We depend upon manufacturers who may be unable to provide products of adequate quality or who may be unwilling to continue to supply products to us."

Favorable demographic and consumer trends.  We expect the aging baby-boomer population to drive future growth in professional beauty supply sales through an increase in the usage of hair color and hair loss products. Additionally, continuously changing fashion-related trends that drive new hair styles are expected to result in continued demand for hair styling products. Changes in consumer tastes and fashion trends can have an impact on our financial performance. Our continued success depends in large part on our ability to anticipate, gauge and react in a timely and effective manner to changes in consumer spending patterns and preferences for beauty products. We continuously adapt our marketing and merchandising initiatives for Sally Beauty Supply in an effort to expand our market reach or to respond to changing consumer preferences. If we are unable to anticipate and respond to trends in the marketplace for beauty products and changing consumer demands, our business could suffer.

International growth strategies.  A key element of our growth strategy depends on our ability to capitalize on growth in the international marketplace and to grow our current level of non-U.S. operations. For example, on December 16, 2009, we acquired Sinelco, a wholesale distributor of professional beauty products located in Belgium with sales throughout Europe. In addition, on September 4, 2009, we acquired Intersalon, a leading distributor of premier beauty supply products with 16 stores located in Chile. These acquisitions furthered our expansion plans in Europe and Latin America, key targets of Sally Beauty Supply's international growth initiative. We intend to continue to identify and evaluate non-U.S. acquisition and/or organic growth targets. Our ability to grow our non-U.S. operations, integrate our new non-U.S. acquisitions and successfully pursue additional non-U.S. acquisition and/or organic growth targets may be affected by business, legal, regulatory and economic risks. Please see "Risk Factors—We may not be able to successfully identify acquisition candidates and complete desirable acquisitions," "If we acquire any businesses in the future, they could prove difficult to integrate, disrupt our business or have an adverse effect on our results of operations" and "Our ability to conduct business in international marketplaces may be affected by legal, regulatory and economic risks."

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Continuing consolidation.  There is continuing consolidation among professional beauty product distributors and professional beauty product manufacturers. We plan to continue to examine ways in which we can benefit from this trend, including reviewing opportunities to shift business within the professional beauty products channel from competitive distributors to the BSG network as well as seeking opportunistic, value-added acquisitions which complement our long-term growth strategy. We believe that suppliers are increasingly likely to focus on larger distributors and retailers with a broader scale and retail footprint. We also believe that we are well positioned to capitalize on this trend as well as participate in the ongoing consolidation at the distributor/retail level. However, changes often occur in our relationships with suppliers that may materially affect the net sales and operating earnings of our business segments. Consolidation among suppliers could exacerbate the effects of these relationship changes and could increase pricing pressures. For example, as we announced in December 2006, our largest supplier, L'Oreal, moved a material amount of revenue out of the BSG nationwide distribution network and into competitive regional distribution networks. More recently, L'Oreal acquired distributors competing with BSG in the southeastern and west coast of the U.S. and, as a result, directly competes with BSG in certain geographic areas. If L'Oreal acquired other distributors or suppliers that conduct significant business with BSG, we could lose related revenue. There can be no assurance that there will not be further loss of revenue over time by BSG (including within its franchise-based business) due to potential losses of additional products (both from L'Oreal and from other suppliers) as well as from the increased competition from L'Oreal-affiliated distribution networks. Please see "Risk Factors—The beauty products distribution industry is highly competitive and is consolidating" and "We depend upon manufacturers who may be unable to provide products of adequate quality or who may be unwilling to continue to supply products to us."

Relationships with suppliers.  Sally Beauty Supply/BSG and their suppliers are dependent on each other for the distribution of beauty products. We do not manufacture the brand name or exclusive-label products we sell. We purchase our products from a limited number of manufacturers. As is typical in distribution businesses, these relationships are subject to change from time to time (including the expansion or loss of distribution rights in various geographies and the addition or loss of product lines). Since we purchase products from many manufacturers on an at-will basis, under contracts which can generally be terminated without cause upon 90 days' notice or less or which expire without express rights of renewal, such manufacturers could discontinue sales to us at any time or upon the expiration of the distribution period. Some of our contracts with manufacturers may be terminated by such manufacturers if we fail to meet specified minimum purchase requirements. In such cases, we do not have contractual assurances of continued supply, pricing or access to new products and vendors may change the terms upon which they sell. Infrequently, a supplier will seek to terminate a distribution relationship through legal action. For example, in 2007 Farouk Systems, Inc. filed an action seeking a declaratory judgment that it was entitled to terminate a long-term distribution agreement with Armstrong McCall. In 2010 that matter was settled and BSG now sells Farouk products in some territories. Changes in our relationships with suppliers occur often and could positively or negatively impact our net sales and operating profits. Although we focus on developing new revenue and cost management initiatives to mitigate the negative effects resulting from unfavorable changes in our supplier relationships, there can be no assurance that our efforts will continue to completely offset the loss of these or other distribution rights. Please see "Risk FactorsWe depend upon manufacturers who may be unable to provide products of adequate quality or who may be unwilling to continue to supply products to us."

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High level of competition.  Sally Beauty Supply competes with other domestic and international beauty product wholesale and retail outlets, including local and regional open-line beauty supply stores, professional-only beauty supply stores, salons, mass merchandisers, drug stores and supermarkets, as well as sellers on the internet and salons retailing hair care items. BSG competes with other domestic and international beauty product wholesale and retail suppliers and manufacturers selling professional beauty products directly to salons and individual salon professionals. We also face competition from authorized and unauthorized retailers and internet sites offering professional salon-only products. The increasing availability of unauthorized professional salon products in large format retail stores such as drug stores, grocery stores and others could also have a negative impact on our business. Please see "Risk Factors—The beauty products distribution industry is highly competitive and is consolidating."

Economic conditions.  We appeal to a wide demographic consumer profile and offer a broad selection of beauty products sold directly to retail consumers and salons and salon professionals. Historically, these factors have provided us with reduced exposure to downturns in economic conditions in the countries in which we operate. However, a downturn in the economy, especially for an extended period of time, could adversely impact consumer demand of discretionary items such as beauty products and salon services, particularly affecting our electrical products category and our full-service sales business. In addition, higher freight costs resulting from increases in the cost of fuel, especially for an extended period of time, may impact our expenses at levels that we cannot pass through to our customers. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Please see "Risk FactorsThe health of the economy in the channels we serve may affect consumer purchases of discretionary items such as beauty products and salon services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations."

Controlling expenses.  Another important aspect of our business is our ability to control costs, especially in our BSG business segment, by right-sizing the business and maximizing the efficiency of our structure. In 2009 we completed implementation of an approximately $22.0 million capital spending program to consolidate warehouses and reduce administrative expenses related to BSG's distribution network resulting in annualized cost savings of approximately $14.0 million for the 2010 fiscal year. Please see "Risk Factors—We are not certain that our ongoing cost control plans will continue to be successful."

Opening new stores.  Our future growth strategy depends in part on our ability to open and profitably operate new stores in existing and additional geographic areas. The capital requirements to open a U.S.-based Sally Beauty Supply or BSG store, excluding inventory, average approximately $70,000 and $80,000, respectively, with the capital requirements for international stores costing less or substantially more depending upon the marketplace. We may not be able to open all of the new stores we plan to open and any new stores we open may not be profitable, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations. Please see "Risk Factors—If we are unable to profitably open and operate new stores, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected."

Changes to our information technology systems.  As our operations grow in both size and scope, we will continuously need to improve and upgrade our information systems and infrastructure while maintaining the reliability and integrity of our systems and infrastructure. The expansion of our systems and infrastructure will require us to commit substantial financial, operational and technical resources in advance of any increase in the volume of our business, with no assurance that the volume of business will increase. For example, we have recently upgraded our financial reporting

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Significant Recent Acquisitions

On December 16, 2009, we acquired Sinelco, a wholesale distributor of professional beauty products based in Ronse, Belgium, for approximately €25.2 million (approximately $36.6 million). We also assumed €4.0 million (approximately $5.8 million) of pre-acquisition debt, excluding capital lease obligations, of Sinelco in connection with the acquisition. Sinelco serves over 1,500 customers through a product catalog and website and has sales throughout Europe. Goodwill of $5.2 million (which is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes) was recorded as a result of this acquisition. In addition, during the fiscal year 2010, we completed several other individually immaterial acquisitions at an aggregate cost of $9.0 million and recorded additional goodwill in the amount of $5.4 million (the majority of which is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes) in connection with such acquisitions. The valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the all acquisitions completed during the fiscal year 2010 was based on their fair values at the acquisition date. We funded these acquisitions with cash from operations as well as borrowings under our ABL facility. Please see Note 2 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in Item 8—"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" contained elsewhere in this Annual Report for additional information about the Company's accounting policies in connection with business combinations.

During the fiscal year 2009, we acquired Schoeneman, a 43-store beauty supply chain located in the central northeastern United States, at a cost of approximately $71.0 million, subject to certain adjustments. We currently expect to realize approximately $10 million in present value of future tax savings as a result of anticipated incremental depreciation and amortization tax deductions relating to the assets acquired in this transaction. In the fiscal year 2009, goodwill of approximately $61.0 million (which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes) was initially recorded as a result of this acquisition. In addition, during the fiscal year 2009, we completed several other individually immaterial acquisitions at an aggregate cost of $11.3 million of which a significant portion was allocated to goodwill (the majority of which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes). Generally, we funded these acquisitions with cash from operations. The purchase prices of certain acquisitions completed during the fiscal year 2009 (including the acquisition of Schoeneman) were initially allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their preliminary estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The final valuations of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were completed during the fiscal year 2010. Accordingly, in the fiscal year 2010, we recorded intangible assets subject to amortization of $24.9 million and intangible assets with indefinite lives of $0.8 million in connection with certain the acquisitions completed during the fiscal year 2009. These amounts were previously reported in Goodwill pending the valuation of the assets acquired.

During the fiscal year 2008, we acquired Pro-Duo, a 40-store beauty supply chain located in Belgium, France and Spain for €19.3 million (approximately $29.8 million) plus incidental acquisition costs

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capitalized, subject to certain adjustments. We also assumed €3.0 million (approximately $4.7 million) of debt, excluding capital lease obligations, of Pro-Duo in connection with the acquisition. Goodwill of $23.9 million (which is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes) and certain identifiable intangible assets of $11.4 million were recorded as a result of this acquisition. In addition, during the fiscal year 2008, we completed several other individually immaterial acquisitions at an aggregate cost of $22.9 million of which a significant portion was allocated to intangible assets and goodwill (the majority of which is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes). The purchase prices of these acquisitions have been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The final valuations of the assets and liabilities acquired were completed during the fiscal year 2009. We funded these acquisitions with cash from operations as well as borrowings under our ABL facility.

In addition, subsequent to the fiscal year 2010, we acquired Aerial Company, Inc. ("Aerial"), an 82-store professional-only beauty supply chain operating in the Midwestern and northwestern United States, for approximately $79.0 million, subject to certain adjustments. This acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the results of operations of Aerial will be included in the Company's consolidated financial statements subsequent to the acquisition date. The acquisition was funded with borrowings under our ABL facility in the amount of $78.0 million and with cash from operations.

Our Separation from Alberto-Culver

Prior to November 2006, our business constituted two operating segments within the operations of Alberto-Culver. In November 2006, we separated from Alberto-Culver. We refer to our separation from Alberto-Culver as the Separation Transactions. As a result: (i) we own and operate the Sally Beauty Supply and BSG distribution businesses that were owned and operated by Alberto-Culver prior to the Separation Transactions; (ii) at the closing of the Separation Transactions, the stockholders of Alberto-Culver prior thereto became the beneficial owners of approximately 52% of our outstanding common stock on an undiluted basis and the CDR Investors, who in the aggregate invested $575.0 million in us, received an equity interest representing approximately 48% of our outstanding common stock on an undiluted basis; and (iii) Alberto-Culver continued to own and operate its consumer products business. In addition, in connection with the Separation Transactions, the Company, through subsidiaries Sally Investment Holdings LLC ("Sally Investment") and Sally Holdings, incurred approximately $1,850.0 million of indebtedness. Please see Note 13 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in "Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" contained elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Credit Facilities

Borrowings under the Term Loans and the ABL facility are secured by substantially all of our assets, those of Sally Investment, those of our domestic subsidiaries and, in the case of the ABL facility, those of our Canadian subsidiaries. The Term Loans may be prepaid at our option at any time without premium or penalty. Such facility is subject to mandatory prepayment in an amount equal to 50% of excess cash flow (as defined in the agreement governing the Term Loans) for any fiscal year unless a specified leverage ratio is met. Additionally, the facility is subject to mandatory prepayment in an amount equal to 100% of the proceeds of specified asset sales that are not reinvested in the business or applied to repay borrowings under the ABL facility. Please see "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for additional information about our borrowings under the Term Loans.

Our Notes are unsecured obligations of Sally Holdings and its co-issuer and are guaranteed on a senior basis (in the case of the senior notes) and on a senior subordinated basis (in the case of the senior subordinated notes) by each material domestic subsidiary of Sally Holdings (other than the co-issuer). Our Notes carry optional redemption features whereby Sally Holdings has the option to redeem the Notes on or before November 15, 2010 and November 15, 2011, respectively, at par plus a premium, plus accrued

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and unpaid interest and, thereafter, at par plus a premium declining ratably to par, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Details of long-term debt (excluding capitalized leases) as of September 30, 2010 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
  Amount   Maturity dates   Interest Rates

ABL facility(a)

  $     Nov. 2011   (i) Prime plus up to 0.50% or;

              (ii) LIBOR(b) plus (1.00% to 1.50%)

Term Loan B

    843,856     Nov. 2013   (i) Prime plus (1.25% to 1.50%) or;

              (ii) LIBOR plus (2.25% to 2.50%)(c)

Other(d)

    6,675     2011-2014   4.05% to 6.75%
               
 

Total

  $ 850,531          
               

               

Senior notes

  $ 430,000     Nov. 2014   9.25%

Senior subordinated notes

    275,000     Nov. 2016   10.50%
               
 

Total

  $ 705,000          
               
(a)
In November 2010, the Company entered into a new ABL facility. Please see "—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Credit Facilities."

(b)
London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR").

(c)
At September 30, 2010, the interest rate for the Term Loan B was 2.51%.

(d)
Represents pre-acquisition debt of Pro-Duo and Sinelco.

In November 2010, Sally Holdings entered into a new agreement with lenders to replace its ABL facility with a new $400 million, 5-year credit facility (the "new ABL facility"). The new ABL facility contains restrictions and limitations similar to those contained in the prior ABL facility and, similar to the prior ABL facility, borrowings under the new ABL facility are secured by substantially all of our assets. The terms of the new ABL facility include interest rates at Prime plus 1.25% to 1.75% or LIBOR plus 2.25% to 2.75% and a commitment fee of 0.50% on the unused portion of the facility.

Other Significant Items

Derivative Instruments

As a multinational corporation, we are subject to certain market risks including changes in market interest rates and foreign currency fluctuations. We may consider a variety of practices in the ordinary course of business to manage these market risks, including, when deemed appropriate, the use of derivative financial instruments.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

The Company is exposed to a wide variety of economic risks, including risks arising from changing market interest rates. The Company manages its exposure to certain economic risks (including liquidity, credit risk and changes in interest rates) primarily (a) by closely managing its cash flows from operating and investing activities and the amounts and sources of its debt obligations; (b) by assessing periodically the creditworthiness of its business partners; and (c) through the use of interest rate swaps by Sally Holdings. The Company uses interest rate swaps as part of its overall economic risk management strategy to add stability to the interest payments due in connection with its term loan obligations. Interest payments

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related to the term loans are impacted by changes in LIBOR. Interest rate swap agreements involve the periodic receipt by Sally Holdings of amounts based on a variable rate in exchange for Sally Holdings making payments based on a fixed rate over the term of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

In November 2006, Sally Holdings entered into four interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $500 million. Interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $150 million expired in November of 2008 and agreements with a notional amount of $350 million expired in November of 2009. These interest rate swap agreements did not qualify as hedges and, therefore, the changes in fair value of these agreements were recorded in interest expense in our consolidated statements of earnings.

Additionally, in May 2008, Sally Holdings entered into two interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $300 million. These interest rate swap agreements expire in May of 2012 and are designated as effective hedges, consistent with ASC 815. Accordingly, adjustments to reflect the change in the fair values of these interest rate swap agreements are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax, until the hedged obligation is settled or the swap agreements expire, whichever is earlier. Any ineffectiveness is recognized in interest expense in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings. Please see "Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Interest rate risk" and Note 15 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in Item 8—"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" contained elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Foreign Currency Option and Forward Contracts

The Company is exposed to potential gains or losses from foreign currency fluctuations affecting its net investments in subsidiaries and earnings denominated in foreign currencies. The Company's primary exposures are to changes in exchange rates for the U.S. dollar versus the British pound sterling, the Canadian dollar, the Euro, the Mexican peso, and the Chilean peso. The Company's various foreign currency exposures at times offset each other providing a natural hedge against foreign currency risk. In connection with its exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, we may from time to time use foreign currency derivative instruments, such as foreign currency option contracts and foreign currency forward contracts, to manage such risk.

As a result of our acquisition of Sinelco on December 16, 2009, the Company uses foreign currency options, including, at September 30, 2010, foreign currency put options with an aggregate notional amount of €1.4 million ($1.9 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate) and foreign currency call options with an aggregate notional amount of €0.8 million ($1.2 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate), to manage the exposure to certain non-Euro currencies resulting from Sinelco's purchases of merchandise from third-party suppliers. Sinelco's functional currency is the Euro. These foreign currency options are not designated as hedges and do not meet the hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments (which are adjusted quarterly) are recorded in our consolidated statements of earnings.

In the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2010, Sally Holdings entered into four foreign currency forward agreements which expire in January of 2011. Two foreign currency forward agreements enable Sally Holdings to sell, in the aggregate, approximately €5.2 million ($7.1 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate) at the weighted average forward exchange rate of 1.3073. The other two foreign currency forward agreements enable Sally Holdings to buy, in the aggregate, approximately $7.0 million Canadian dollars ($6.8 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate) at the weighted average forward exchange rate of 1.0277. These foreign currency forward agreements are not designated as hedges and do not meet the hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments (which are adjusted quarterly) are recorded in our consolidated statements of earnings.

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In October 2010, the Company also entered into certain foreign currency option agreements, including foreign currency put options with an aggregate notional amount of €4.0 million ($5.5 million, at the November 12, 2010 exchange rate) and foreign currency call options with an aggregate notional amount of €8.1 million ($11.1 million, at the November 12, 2010 exchange rate), to manage the exposure to certain non-Euro currencies resulting from Sinelco's purchases of merchandise from third-party suppliers. These foreign currency options expire ratably through September 15, 2011, are not designated as hedges, and do not meet the hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments (which will be adjusted quarterly) will be recorded in our consolidated statements of earnings.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, selling general and administrative expenses included $0.2 million in net gains from all of the Company's foreign currency option and forward agreements (net of non-cash losses of $0.3 million resulting from our foreign currency forwards). In addition, selling general and administrative expenses included $0.3 million in non-cash net gains related to certain intercompany balances not permanently invested, which certain of these derivative instruments are intended to hedge. Please see "Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Foreign currency exchange rate risk" and Note 15 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in Item 8—"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" contained elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Share-Based Payments

For the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, total share-based compensation cost charged against earnings was $12.8 million, $8.6 million and $10.2 million, respectively, and resulted in an increase in additional paid-in capital by the same amounts. Share-based compensation for the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 included $2.5 million, $2.0 million and $3.1 million, respectively, of accelerated expense related to certain retirement eligible employees who are eligible to continue vesting awards upon retirement under the terms of the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2010 Plan") and certain predecessor plans, such as the Sally Beauty Holdings 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the Alberto-Culver Company Employee Stock Option Plan of 2003. For the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, the total income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings from all share-based compensation plans in which our employees participate or participated was $4.2 million, $2.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively, and resulted in the recognition of deferred tax assets of the same amount. Our consolidated statements of cash flows reflect, for the fiscal years 2010 and 2008, excess tax benefits of $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively and, for the fiscal year 2009, an excess tax shortfall of $0.2 million, from employee exercises of stock options as financing cash flows. As of September 30, 2010, we had $9.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option awards that is expected to be charged to expense over the weighted average period of 2.2 years, and $2.0 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock awards that is expected to be charged to expense over the weighted average period of 3.2 years.

Prior to the Separation Transactions, we were a subsidiary of Alberto-Culver and had no share-based compensation plans of our own; however, certain of our employees had been granted stock options and restricted stock awards under share-based compensation plans of Alberto-Culver. Upon completion of the Separation Transactions, all outstanding Alberto-Culver stock options held by our employees became options to purchase shares of our common stock.

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Results of Operations

The following table shows the condensed results of operations of our business for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 (in millions):

 
  Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008  

Net sales

  $ 2,916.1   $ 2,636.6   $ 2,648.2  

Cost of products sold and distribution expenses

    1,511.7     1,393.3     1,413.6  
               
 

Gross profit

    1,404.4     1,243.3     1,234.6  

Total other operating costs and expenses

    1,063.5     946.5     951.7  
               
 

Operating earnings

    340.9     296.8     282.9  

Interest expense

    113.0     132.0     159.1  
               
 

Earnings before provision for income taxes

    227.9     164.8     123.8  

Provision for income taxes

    84.1     65.7     46.2  
               
 

Net earnings

  $ 143.8   $ 99.1   $ 77.6  
               

The following table shows the condensed results of operations of our business for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, expressed as a percentage of net sales for the respective periods:

 
  Year Ended
September 30,
 
 
  2010   2009   2008  

Net sales

    100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of products sold and distribution expenses

    51.8 %   52.8 %   53.4 %
               
 

Gross profit

    48.2 %   47.2 %   46.6 %

Total other costs and expenses

    36.5 %   35.9 %   35.9 %
               
 

Operating earnings

    11.7 %   11.3 %   10.7 %

Interest expense

    3.9 %   5.0 %   6.0 %
               
 

Earnings before provision for income taxes

    7.8 %   6.3 %   4.7 %

Provision for income taxes

    2.9 %   2.5 %   1.8 %
               
 

Net earnings

    4.9 %   3.8 %   2.9 %
               

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Key Operating Metrics

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information concerning key measures we rely on to gauge our operating performance (dollars in thousands):

 
  Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008  

Net sales:

                   
 

Sally Beauty Supply

  $ 1,834,631   $ 1,695,652   $ 1,672,897  
 

BSG

    1,081,459     940,948     975,294  
               

  $ 2,916,090   $ 2,636,600   $ 2,648,191  
               

Gross Profit

  $ 1,404,374   $ 1,243,317   $ 1,234,594  

Gross profit margin

    48.2 %   47.2 %   46.6 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  $ 1,012,321   $ 899,415   $ 903,146  

Depreciation and amortization

  $ 51,123   $ 47,066   $ 48,533  

Earnings before provision for income taxes:

                   
 

Segment operating profit:

                   
   

Sally Beauty Supply

  $ 320,456   $ 283,872   $ 285,615  
   

BSG

    112,495     91,604     80,927  
               
   

Segment operating profit

    432,951     375,476     366,542  

Unallocated expenses

    (79,203 )   (70,022 )   (73,385 )

Share-based compensation expense

    (12,818 )   (8,618 )   (10,242 )
               
 

Operating earnings

    340,930     296,836     282,915  

Interest expense

    (112,982 )   (132,022 )   (159,116 )
               
 

Earnings before provision for income taxes

  $ 227,948   $ 164,814   $ 123,799  
               

Segment operating profit margin:

                   
 

Sally Beauty Supply

    17.5 %   16.7 %   17.1 %
 

BSG

    10.4 %   9.7 %   8.3 %

Consolidated operating profit margin

    11.7 %   11.3 %   10.7 %

Number of stores at end-of-period (including franchises):

                   
 

Sally Beauty Supply

    3,032     2,923     2,844  
 

BSG

    1,027     991     929  
               

    4,059     3,914     3,773  
               

Same store sales growth(a)

                   
 

Sally Beauty Supply

    4.1 %   2.1 %   1.2 %
 

BSG

    6.2 %   1.0 %   6.9 %

Consolidated

    4.6 %   1.8 %   2.6 %
(a)
Same stores are defined as company-operated stores that have been open for at least 14 months as of the last day of a month. Our same store sales calculation includes internet-based sales (beginning in the fiscal year 2009) and store expansions, if applicable, but does not generally include sales from stores relocated.

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Description of Net Sales and Expenses

Net Sales.    Our net sales consist primarily of the following:

Sally Beauty Supply.  Sally Beauty Supply generates net sales primarily by selling products through its stores to both professional and retail customers. Sally Beauty Supply sells hair care, hair color, skin and nail care products, electrical appliances and other beauty related accessories. Because approximately 42% of our Sally Beauty Supply product sales come from exclusive-label brands, most of these same products are generally not available in most other retail stores or in our BSG business segment. Various factors influence Sally Beauty Supply's net sales including local competition, product assortment and availability, price, hours of operation and marketing and promotional activity. Sally Beauty Supply's product assortment and sales are generally not seasonal in nature.

Beauty Systems Group.  BSG generates net sales by selling products to salon professionals and independent stylists through company-operated and franchised stores as well as through its network of professional distributor sales consultants. BSG sells hair care, hair color products, skin and nail care products, electrical appliances and other beauty related accessories. These products are not sold directly to the general public and are generally not the same products as those sold in our Sally Beauty Supply stores. Various factors influence BSG's net sales, including product breadth and availability, competitive activity, relationships with suppliers, new product introductions and price. BSG's product assortment and sales are generally not seasonal in nature.

Cost of Products Sold and Distribution Expenses.    Cost of products sold and distribution expenses consist of the cost to purchase merchandise from suppliers, less rebates and allowances, and certain overhead expenses including purchasing costs, freight from distribution centers to stores and handling costs in the distribution centers. Cost of products sold and distribution expenses are also affected by store inventory shrinkage, which represents products that are lost, stolen or damaged at the store level.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel costs, commissions paid to professional distributor sales consultants, benefits, utilities, property maintenance, advertising, rent, insurance, freight and distribution expenses for delivery to customers, administrative costs and costs associated with our corporate support center.

Interest Expense.    Interest expense includes the amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and is stated net of interest income. Interest expense is primarily associated with debt incurred in connection with the Separation Transactions.

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The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2010 compared to the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2009

The table below presents net sales, gross profit and gross profit margin data for each reportable segment (dollars in thousands).

 
  Fiscal Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   Increase  

Net sales:

                         
 

Sally Beauty Supply

  $ 1,834,631   $ 1,695,652   $ 138,979     8.2 %
 

BSG

    1,081,459     940,948     140,511     14.9 %
                     
 

Consolidated net sales

  $ 2,916,090   $ 2,636,600   $ 279,490     10.6 %
                     

Gross profit:

                         
 

Sally Beauty Supply

  $ 976,377   $ 878,738   $ 97,639     11.1 %
 

BSG

    427,997     364,579     63,418     17.4 %
                     
 

Consolidated gross profit

  $ 1,404,374   $ 1,243,317     161,057     13.0 %
                     

Gross profit margin:

                         
 

Sally Beauty Supply

    53.2 %   51.8 %   1.4 %      
 

BSG

    39.6 %   38.7 %   0.9 %      
 

Consolidated gross profit margin

    48.2 %   47.2 %   1.0 %      

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales increased by $279.5 million, or 10.6%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Company-operated stores that have been open for at least 14 months contributed an increase of approximately $179.1 million, or 6.8%, and sales from businesses acquired in the preceding 12 months contributed approximately $94.1 million, or 3.6%, more to consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Other sales channels (including sales through our BSG distributor sales consultants and our BSG franchise-based businesses and from stores that have been open for less than 14 months), in the aggregate, contributed an increase of $6.3 million, or 0.2%, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, are inclusive of approximately $17.2 million in positive impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Sally Beauty Supply.    Net sales for Sally Beauty Supply increased by $139.0 million, or 8.2%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. In the Sally Beauty Supply segment, company-operated stores that have been open for at least 14 months contributed an increase of approximately $127.3 million, or 7.5%, and sales from businesses acquired in the preceding 12 months contributed approximately $13.2 million, or 0.8%, more to net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Other sales channels (including sales from stores that have been open for less than 14 months and non-store sales), in the aggregate, experienced a minor decline in sales compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Net sales for Sally Beauty Supply for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, are inclusive of approximately $4.5 million in positive impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Beauty Systems Group.    Net sales for BSG increased by $140.5 million, or 14.9%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Company-operated stores that have been open for at least 14 months contributed an increase of approximately $51.8 million, or 5.5%, sales from stores that have been open for less than 14 months contributed an increase of approximately $6.3 million, or 0.7%, and sales from businesses acquired in the preceding 12 months contributed approximately $80.9 million, or 8.6%, more to net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Other sales channels (including sales through our

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distributor sales consultants and our franchise-based businesses), in the aggregate, experienced a minor increase in sales compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Net sales for BSG for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, are inclusive of approximately $12.7 million in positive impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily in connection with our Canadian operations.

Gross Profit

Consolidated gross profit increased by $161.1 million, or 13.0%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, principally due to higher sales volume and improved gross margins in both business segments as more fully described below.

Sally Beauty Supply.    Sally Beauty Supply's gross profit increased by $97.6 million, or 11.1%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, principally as a result of higher sales volume and improved gross margins. Sally Beauty Supply's gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 53.2% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to 51.8% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. This increase was the result of a shift in product and customer mix (including a year-over-year increase in sales of exclusive-label and other higher-margin products), continued benefits from low-cost sourcing initiatives and overall margin improvements in certain of our Sally Beauty Supply international businesses. This increase also reflects a $2.7 million positive impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Beauty Systems Group.    BSG's gross profit increased by $63.4 million, or 17.4%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, principally as a result of higher sales volume and improved gross margins. BSG's gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 39.6% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to 38.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. This increase was principally the result of a favorable change in the sales and product mix across the business, previously anticipated savings realized from the warehouse optimization program and synergies from businesses acquired during the last 12 months. This increase also reflects a $5.5 million positive impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $112.9 million, or 12.6%, to $1,012.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to $899.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. This increase was attributable to incremental expenses (including employee compensation, rent and other occupancy-related expenses) resulting from stores opened and from businesses acquired in the preceding 12 months (including an increase of 145 stores, or 3.7%, over the fiscal year 2009), as well as higher share-based compensation expense of $4.2 million, higher advertising expenses in the Sally Beauty Supply segment of $7.1 million and acquisition-related expenses of $0.7 million. Please see "Recent Accounting Pronouncements" below for more information about the Company's treatment of acquisition-related expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, were 34.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to 34.1% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

Depreciation and Amortization

Consolidated depreciation and amortization increased to $51.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to $47.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, due to the incremental expenses associated with businesses acquired in the last 12 months and depreciation related to capital expenditures mainly in connection with store openings in both operating segments, partially offset by the impact of assets that became fully depreciated in the preceding 12 months.

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Operating Earnings

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information concerning our operating earnings for each reportable segment (dollars in thousands):

 
  Fiscal Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   Increase  

Operating Earnings:

                         
 

Segment operating profit:

                         
   

Sally Beauty Supply

  $ 320,456   $ 283,872   $ 36,584     12.9 %
   

BSG

    112,495     91,604     20,891     22.8 %
                     
   

Segment operating profit

    432,951     375,476     57,475     15.3 %

Unallocated expenses

    (79,203 )   (70,022 )   9,181     13.1 %

Share-based compensation expense

    (12,818 )   (8,618 )   4,200     48.7 %
                     
 

Operating earnings

  $ 340,930   $ 296,836   $ 44,094     14.9 %
                     

Consolidated operating earnings increased by $44.1 million, or 14.9%, to $340.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. The increase in consolidated operating earnings was due primarily to an increase in the operating profits of both segments, partially offset by higher unallocated corporate expenses and share-based compensation expense, as discussed below. Operating earnings, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 11.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to 11.3% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

Sally Beauty Supply.    Sally Beauty Supply's segment operating earnings increased by $36.6 million, or 12.9%, to $320.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. The increase in Sally Beauty Supply's segment operating earnings was primarily a result of increased sales volume and improved gross margins, partially offset by higher advertising costs of approximately $7.1 million and the incremental costs related to approximately 108 net additional company-operated stores (stores opened or acquired during the past 12 months) operating during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010. Segment operating earnings, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 17.5% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to 16.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. The increase in Sally Beauty Supply's operating earnings, as a percentage of segment net sales, was primarily a result of gross margin improvements.

Beauty Systems Group.    BSG's segment operating earnings increased by $20.9 million, or 22.8%, to $112.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Segment operating earnings, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 10.4% for the fiscal year ended September 30, compared to 9.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. The increase in BSG operating earnings was primarily a result of gross margin improvements, the incremental operating earnings of businesses acquired and stores opened during the past 12 months, and to ongoing cost reduction initiatives (including cost savings realized from the warehouse optimization program that began in the fiscal year 2007).

Unallocated expenses.    Unallocated expenses, which represent corporate costs (such as payroll, employee benefits and travel expenses for corporate staff, certain professional fees and corporate governance expenses) that have not been charged to our operating segments, increased by $9.2 million, or 13.1%, to $79.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. This increase was due primarily to higher employee compensation and compensation-related expenses of approximately $3.7 million, an unfavorable change in foreign currency transactions of approximately $2.3 million resulting principally from intercompany loans not permanently invested, other corporate expenses of approximately $2.5 million related primarily to recent upgrades to our information

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technology and communication systems, and acquisition-related expenses of approximately $0.7 million (representing legal fees and expenses, professional fees and other expenses).

Share-based Compensation Expense.    Total compensation cost charged against income for share-based compensation arrangements increased by $4.2 million to $12.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. This increase was due to the higher fair value at the grant date of stock option awards during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to stock option awards during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, and the incremental annual expenses resulting from such fiscal year 2010 stock option awards.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased by $19.0 million, to $113.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Interest expense is net of interest income of $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to lower outstanding principal balances on our ABL facility and senior term loans and to lower prevailing LIBOR interest rates, partially offset by a $2.9 million net unfavorable change in the fair value of certain interest rate swaps (Please see Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8—"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" contained elsewhere in this Annual Report for additional information about the Company's interest rate swap agreements).

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes was $84.1 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to $65.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. The effective tax rate is 36.9% for fiscal year 2010, compared to 39.9% for fiscal year 2009. The decrease in the annual effective tax rate primarily relates to an increase in earnings in certain low tax jurisdictions, the release of certain valuation allowances and a reduction in unfavorable permanent items.

Net Earnings

As a result of the foregoing, consolidated net earnings increased by $44.7 million, or 45.1%, to $143.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to $99.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Net earnings, as a percentage of net sales, were 4.9% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to 3.8% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

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The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2009 compared to the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2008

The table below presents net sales, gross profit and gross profit margin data for each reportable segment (dollars in thousands).

 
  Fiscal Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2009   2008   Increase (Decrease)  

Net sales:

                         
 

Sally Beauty Supply

  $ 1,695,652   $ 1,672,897   $ 22,755     1.4 %
 

BSG

    940,948     975,294     (34,346 )   (3.5 )%
                     
 

Consolidated net sales

  $ 2,636,600   $ 2,648,191   $ (11,591 )   (0.4 )%
                     

Gross profit:

                         
 

Sally Beauty Supply

  $ 878,738   $ 858,375   $ 20,363     2.4 %
 

BSG

    364,579     376,219     (11,640 )   (3.1 )%
                     
 

Consolidated gross profit

  $ 1,243,317   $ 1,234,594   $ 8,723     0.7 %
                     

Gross profit margin:

                         
 

Sally Beauty Supply

    51.8 %   51.3 %   0.5 %      
 

BSG

    38.7 %   38.6 %   0.1 %      
 

Consolidated gross profit margin

    47.2 %   46.6 %   0.6 %      

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales decreased by $11.6 million, or 0.4%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. Company-operated stores that have been open for at least 14 months contributed an increase of approximately $70.5 million, or 2.7%, and sales through certain non-store sales channels contributed an increase of approximately $3.9 million, or 0.1%, to consolidated net sales. Other sales channels experienced declines compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. Sales through BSG's franchise-based businesses declined by approximately $12.0 million, or 0.5%, sales through our BSG distributor sales consultants declined approximately $29.2 million, or 1.1%, and sales through new stores (not including acquisitions) declined approximately $19.6 million, or 0.7%, due to fewer store openings through the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2009, compared to the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2008. In addition, incremental sales from businesses acquired in the preceding 12 months contributed $25.2 million, or 1.0%, less to our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. Consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, are inclusive of approximately $86.0 million in negative impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Sally Beauty Supply.    Net sales for Sally Beauty Supply increased by $22.8 million, or 1.4%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. In the Sally Beauty Supply segment, company-operated stores that have been open for at least 14 months contributed an increase of approximately $52.4 million, or 3.1%, while our non-store sales channels contributed an increase of approximately $3.9 million, or 0.2%. Sales of businesses acquired in the preceding 12 months contributed $28.3 million less to the Sally Beauty Supply segment's net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 and sales through new stores (not including acquisitions) declined approximately $5.3 million, or 0.3%. Net sales for Sally Beauty Supply for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, are inclusive of approximately $64.1 million in negative impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Beauty Systems Group.    Net sales for BSG decreased by $34.3 million, or 3.5%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. While company-operated

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stores that have been open for at least 14 months contributed an increase of approximately $18.1 million, or 1.9%, and sales from businesses acquired in the preceding 12 months contributed $3.1 million more to the BSG segment's net sales, other sales channels experienced declines compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. Sales through BSG's franchise-based businesses declined by approximately $12.0 million, or 1.2%, sales through distributor sales consultants declined approximately $29.2 million, or 3.0%, and sales through new stores (not including acquisitions) declined approximately $14.3 million, or 1.5%. Net sales for BSG for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, are inclusive of approximately $21.9 million in negative impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Gross Profit

Consolidated gross profit increased by $8.7 million, or 0.7%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, principally due to higher sales volume for the Sally Beauty Supply segment and improved gross margin percentages for both business segments. This increase was partially offset by lower sales volume for the BSG segment, as more fully described below.

Sally Beauty Supply.    Sally Beauty Supply's gross profit increased by $20.4 million, or 2.4%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, principally as a result of increased unit sales volume and improved margins. Sally Beauty Supply's gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 51.8% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to 51.3% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. This increase was the result of recent marketing efforts, low-cost sourcing initiatives and a shift in product mix (including an increase in sales of exclusive-label products and other higher-margin products).

Beauty Systems Group.    BSG's gross profit decreased by $11.6 million, or 3.1%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, principally as a result of lower unit sales volume. BSG's gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased slightly to 38.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to 38.6% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, principally as a result of a favorable change in sales mix towards higher company-operated store sales volume (with higher gross profit margins as opposed to both franchise store and distributor sales consultants' sales).

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $3.7 million, or 0.4%, to $899.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to $903.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, were 34.1% for both the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses reflects lower share-based compensation of $1.6 million, lower sales commissions of $4.7 million and a decrease in other unallocated corporate expenses as a result of cost-saving initiatives as well as favorable foreign currency transactions of $3.9 million resulting from intercompany notes not permanently invested, partially offset by the incremental expenses related to businesses acquired in the last 12 months as well as to an increase in advertising expenses of approximately $4.6 million. Selling, general and administrative expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 included approximately $3.0 million for BSG retention incentives for distributor sales consultants (resulting from the L'Oreal contractual changes reported during fiscal year 2007) and warehouse optimization expenses of approximately $2.4 million, with no similar expenses in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

Depreciation and Amortization

Consolidated depreciation and amortization decreased to $47.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to $48.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, due to a

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favorable impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by the expenses associated with businesses acquired in the fiscal years 2008 and 2009.

Operating Earnings

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information concerning our operating earnings for each reportable segment (dollars in thousands):

 
  Fiscal Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2009   2008   Increase (Decrease)  

Operating Earnings:

                         
 

Segment operating profit:

                         
 

Sally Beauty Supply

  $ 283,872   $ 285,615   $ (1,743 )   (0.6 )%
 

BSG

    91,604     80,927     10,677     13.2 %
                     
 

Segment operating profit

    375,476     366,542     8,934     2.4 %

Unallocated expenses

    (70,022 )   (73,385 )   (3,363 )   (4.6 )%

Share-based compensation expense

    (8,618 )   (10,242 )   (1,624 )   (15.9 )%
                     
 

Operating earnings

  $ 296,836   $ 282,915   $ 13,921     4.9 %
                     

Consolidated operating earnings increased by $13.9 million, or 4.9%, to $296.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to $282.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. Operating earnings, as a percentage of net sales, were 11.3% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to 10.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. The increase in consolidated operating earnings was due primarily to an increase in BSG operating earnings and declines in unallocated expenses and share-based compensation expense, offset in part by a decline in the Sally Beauty Supply's operating profits, as discussed below. Consolidated operating earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, are inclusive of approximately $1.4 million in negative impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Sally Beauty Supply.    Sally Beauty Supply's segment operating earnings decreased $1.7 million, or 0.6%, to $283.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to $285.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. The decrease in Sally Beauty Supply's segment operating earnings was primarily a result of higher advertising costs of approximately $6.4 million and the incremental costs related to approximately 78 additional company-operated stores (stores opened or acquired during the past twelve months) operating during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, partially offset by declines in other segment operating expenses resulting from cost-saving initiatives. Segment operating earnings, as a percentage of net sales, were 16.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to 17.1% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. The decrease in Sally Beauty Supply's segment operating earnings as a percentage of segment net sales was primarily a result of higher advertising costs as a percentage of segment net sales and continued softer sales in some of the segment's international operations.

Beauty Systems Group.    BSG's segment operating earnings increased by $10.7 million, or 13.2%, to $91.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to $80.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. Segment operating earnings, as a percentage of net sales, were 9.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to 8.3% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. This increase was due primarily to a decline in segment operating expenses resulting from cost-saving initiatives and slightly higher segment gross profit, as discussed above. BSG's segment operating earnings also reflect, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, approximately $3.0 million for retention incentives for distributor sales consultants (resulting from the L'Oreal contractual changes reported during

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fiscal year 2007). Segment operating earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, are inclusive of approximately $2.0 million in negative impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Unallocated expenses.    Unallocated expenses, which represent corporate costs (such as payroll, employee benefits and travel expenses for corporate staff, certain professional fees and corporate governance expenses) that have not been charged to our operating segments decreased by $3.4 million, or 4.6%, to $70.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to $73.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. This decrease was due primarily to favorable foreign currency transactions of $5.1 million resulting from intercompany notes not permanently invested, partially offset by an increase in corporate expenses mainly in connection with recent upgrades to our information technology systems.

Share-based Compensation Expense.    For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, total compensation cost charged against income for share-based compensation arrangements was $8.6 million compared to $10.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. This decrease was due to a decline in the fair value per share of options awarded in the period ended September 30, 2009, compared to options awarded in the period ended September 30, 2008. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company granted to its employees and consultants approximately 2.7 million and 2.8 million stock options, respectively, and approximately 123,000 and 136,000 restricted share awards, respectively, under the 2007 Plan. Additionally, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company granted approximately 93,500 and 55,700 restricted stock units, respectively, to certain of its non-employee directors under the 2007 Plan.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, net of interest income of $0.3 million, was $132.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to $159.1 million, net of interest income of $0.7 million, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to a $9.9 million favorable change in the fair value of certain interest rate swaps (please see Note 15 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in Item 8—"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data") and to lower prevailing interest rates on our ABL and senior term loan facilities and lower outstanding principal balances on our senior term loans.

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes was $65.7 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to $46.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. The effective tax rate is 39.9% for fiscal year 2009, compared to 37.3% for fiscal year 2008. The increase in the effective tax rate primarily relates to a reduction in earnings in low tax jurisdictions and a reduction in favorable permanent items triggered by lower foreign earnings.

Net Earnings

As a result of the foregoing, consolidated net earnings increased by $21.5 million, or 27.8%, to $99.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to $77.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. Net earnings, as a percentage of net sales, were 3.8% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to 2.9% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.

Financial Condition

September 30, 2010 Compared to September 30, 2009

Working capital (current assets less current liabilities) increased by $45.4 million to $387.1 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $341.7 million at September 30, 2009. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 1.95 to 1.00 at September 30, 2010, compared to 1.91 to 1.00 at September 30, 2009.

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The increase in working capital reflects an increase of $78.9 million in current assets and an increase of $33.5 million in current liabilities. The increase in current assets as of September 30, 2010 includes an increase of $44.7 million in inventory, an increase of $11.3 million in trade accounts receivable, an increase of $7.4 million in deferred income tax assets, an increase of $5.4 million in other receivables, an increase of $5.0 million in prepaid expenses and an increase of $5.0 million in cash and cash equivalents. The increase in current liabilities as of September 30, 2010 includes an increase of $44.7 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and an increase of $10.3 million in income taxes payable, partially offset by a decrease of $21.5 million in current maturities of long-term debt, as further described below.

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $5.0 million to $59.5 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $54.4 million at September 30, 2009 due primarily to cash provided by operating activities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, partially offset by cash used in by investing and financing activities (Please see "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below). Trade accounts receivable increased by $11.3 million to $55.0 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $43.6 million at September 30, 2009 due primarily to the increase in sales activity and to receivables of businesses acquired. Other receivables increased by $5.4 million to $29.5 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $24.1 million at September 30, 2009 due primarily to accrued vendor rebates and to other receivables of businesses acquired. Inventory increased by $44.7 million to $604.4 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $559.7 million at September 30, 2009 due primarily to the effect of stores opened and to the inventory of businesses acquired in the preceding 12 months, partially offset by the effect of foreign currency translation adjustments of approximately $1.5 million. Prepaid expenses increased by $5.0 million to $23.5 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $18.5 million at September 30, 2009 due primarily to the timing of store rent and business insurance prepayments and to prepaid expenses of businesses acquired. Deferred income tax assets, increased by $7.4 million to $22.9 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $15.6 million at September 30, 2009 primarily due to the timing of differences between the treatment of certain elements of income and expenses for tax purposes versus for inclusion in our consolidated statements of earnings.

Accounts payable increased by $31.3 million to $224.9 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $193.6 million at September 30, 2009 due primarily to the accounts payable of businesses acquired and the timing of payments to suppliers in connection with recent purchases of merchandise inventory. Accrued liabilities increased by $13.3 million to $167.5 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $154.2 million at September 30, 2009 due primarily to the timing of payments of employee compensation and compensation-related expenses and to accrued liabilities of businesses acquired. Income taxes payable increased by $10.3 million to $12.2 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $1.9 million at September 30, 2009 due primarily to increased earnings and to businesses acquired. Current maturities of long-term debt decreased by $21.5 million to $3.0 million at September 30, 2010 primarily due to a mandatory prepayment of $22.3 million on the senior term loan facilities in January 2010 (Please see "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below).

Net property and equipment increased by $16.9 million to $168.1 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $151.3 million at September 30, 2009, primarily due to the capital expenditures and the property and equipment of businesses acquired, partially offset by the fiscal year 2010 depreciation expense and the effect of foreign currency translation adjustments.

Goodwill decreased by $15.9 million to $478.2 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $494.1 million at September 30, 2009, primarily due to the reclassification, during the fiscal year 2010, of intangible assets in the amount of $22.9 million and $2.8 million recorded in connection with the September 2009 acquisitions of Schoeneman and Intersalon, respectively. These amounts were previously reported in Goodwill pending the valuation of the assets acquired. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in goodwill in the amount of $10.7 million resulting from businesses acquired during the fiscal year 2010.

Other intangible assets increased by $30.7 million to $109.4 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $78.7 million at September 30, 2009, primarily due to the reclassification, during the fiscal year 2010, of

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intangible assets in the amount of $22.9 million and $2.8 million recorded in connection with the September 2009 acquisitions of Schoeneman and Intersalon, respectively. These amounts were previously reported in Goodwill pending the valuation of the assets acquired. Additionally, other intangible assets increased by $15.1 million as a result of businesses acquired during the fiscal year 2010 (including Sinelco), partially offset by amortization expense and the effect of foreign currency translation adjustments.

Other assets decreased by $11.8 million to $38.9 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $50.7 million at September 30, 2009, primarily due to amortization of the debt issuance costs, which are being amortized as interest expense over the term of the debt, and the unamortized debt issuance costs that were expensed in connection with repayments of debt during the fiscal year 2010.

Long-term debt, excluding current portion, decreased by $93.4 million to $1,559.6 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $1,653.0 million at September 30, 2009 due primarily to optional prepayments of $102.7 million on our senior term loan facilities (Please see "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below), partially offset by the long-term portion of the pre-acquisition indebtedness, including capital leases, of Sinelco and the effect of foreign currency translation adjustments.

Deferred income tax liabilities, net, increased by $8.2 million to $41.8 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $33.6 million at September 30, 2009. This increase was primarily due to the timing of differences between depreciation and amortization included for tax purposes versus depreciation and amortization included in our consolidated statements of earnings, and the tax effect of deferred (losses) gains on certain interest rate swaps.

Total stockholders' deficit decreased by $154.2 million to $461.3 million at September 30, 2010, as a result of net earnings of $143.8 million and an increase in additional paid-in capital of $14.8 million, partially offset by cumulative translation adjustments and deferred losses on interest rate swaps, net of tax, as described below.

Additional paid-in capital increased by $14.8 million to $650.3 million at September 30, 2010, as a result of share-based compensation expense, the exercise of stock options, and the exercise or cancelation of certain stock options subject to redemption. Accumulated other comprehensive loss increased by $4.4 million, to $20.3 million at September 30, 2010, due to foreign currency translation adjustments of $4.3 million and deferred losses on hedged interest rate swaps of $0.1 million, net of income tax.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We broadly define liquidity as our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities to meet our obligations and commitments. In addition, liquidity includes the ability to obtain appropriate debt and equity financing and to convert into cash those assets that are no longer required to meet existing strategic and financial objectives. Therefore, liquidity cannot be considered separately from capital resources that consist of current or potentially available funds for use in achieving long-range business objectives and meeting debt service commitments.

We are highly leveraged and a substantial portion of our liquidity needs will arise from debt service on indebtedness incurred primarily in connection with the Separation Transactions and from funding the costs of operations, working capital and capital expenditures. As a holding company, we depend on our subsidiaries, including Sally Holdings, to distribute funds to us so that we may pay our obligations and expenses. The ability of our subsidiaries to make such distributions will be subject to their operating results, cash requirements and financial condition and their compliance with covenants and financial ratios related to their existing or future indebtedness, including covenants restricting Sally Holdings' ability to pay dividends to us. In addition, under Delaware law, the ability of each of Sally Holdings and its subsidiaries to make distributions to us will be limited to the extent: (i) of its surplus, or if there is no surplus, of its net earnings for the fiscal year in which the distribution is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year, if such subsidiary is a corporation; or (ii) the fair value of its assets exceeds its liabilities, in the

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case of Sally Holdings or such subsidiary that is a limited liability company. If, as a consequence of these limitations, we cannot receive sufficient distributions from our subsidiaries, we may not be able to meet our obligations to fund general corporate expenses. Please see "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business," and "—Risks Relating to Our Substantial Indebtedness."

We may from time to time repurchase or otherwise retire our debt (through our subsidiaries) and take other steps to reduce our debt or otherwise improve our balance sheet. These actions may include open market repurchases of our notes, prepayments of our term loans or other retirements of outstanding debt. The amount of debt that may be repurchased or otherwise retired, if any, would be decided upon at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on market conditions, trading levels of the Company's debt from time to time, the Company's cash position and other considerations.

The senior term loan facilities may be prepaid at the option of Sally Holdings at any time without premium or penalty and are subject to mandatory prepayment in an amount equal to 50% of excess cash flow (as defined in the agreement governing the term loan facilities) for any fiscal year unless a specified leverage ratio is met. In January 2010, the Company made a mandatory prepayment on the senior term loan facilities in the amount of $22.3 million pursuant to such excess cash flow provision. Amounts paid pursuant to said provision may be applied, at the option of Sally Holdings, against minimum loan repayments otherwise required of it over the twelve-month period following any such payment under the terms of the loan agreement. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, the Company also made optional prepayments in the aggregate amount of $102.7 million on its senior term loans. This amount together with the mandatory prepayment discussed above, resulted in the prepayment in full of borrowings under the Term Loan A facility. In connection with the mandatory prepayment and the optional prepayments made during the fiscal year 2010, the Company recorded losses on extinguishment of debt in the aggregate amount of $1.0 million, which are included in interest expense in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings.

Based upon the current level of operations and anticipated growth, we anticipate that existing cash balances, funds expected to be generated by operations, and funds available under the ABL facility will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements and to finance anticipated capital expenditures over the next 12 months.

There can be no assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations, that anticipated net sales and operating improvements will be realized, or that future borrowings will be available under our ABL facility in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. In addition, our ability to meet our debt service obligations and liquidity needs are subject to certain risks, which include, but are not limited to, increases in competitive activity, the loss of key suppliers, rising interest rates, the loss of key personnel, the ability to execute our business strategy and general economic conditions. Please see "Risk Factors."

We utilize our ABL facility for the issuance of letters of credit as well as to manage normal fluctuations in operational cash flow. In that regard, we may from time to time draw funds under the revolving credit facility for general corporate purposes including acquisitions and interest payments due on our indebtedness. The funds drawn on individual occasions during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 have varied in amounts of up to $30.0 million, with total amounts outstanding ranging from zero up to $53.5 million. The amounts drawn are generally paid down with cash provided by our operating activities.

As of September 30, 2010, Sally Holdings had $341.8 million available for additional borrowings under our ABL facility, subject to borrowing base limitations, as reduced by outstanding letters of credit.

On November 12, 2010, we entered into a new $400.0 million ABL facility. Availability under the new ABL facility is a function of a customary borrowing base of receivables and inventory levels. The new ABL facility has a 5-year maturity and pricing levels at market rates.

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We are a holding company and do not have any material assets or operations other than ownership of equity interests of our subsidiaries. The agreements and instruments governing the debt of Sally Holdings and its subsidiaries contain material limitations on their ability to pay dividends and other restricted payments to us which, in turn, constitute material limitations on our ability to pay dividends and other payments to our stockholders.

Under the agreements and indentures governing the term loan facilities and the notes, Sally Holdings may not make certain restricted payments to us if a default then exists under the credit agreement or the indentures or if its consolidated interest coverage ratio is less than 2.0 to 1.0 at the time of the making of such restricted payment. As of September 30, 2010, its consolidated interest coverage ratio exceeded 2.0 to 1.0. Further, the aggregate amount of restricted payments it is able to make is limited pursuant to various baskets as calculated pursuant to the credit agreement and indentures.

As of September 30, 2010, the net assets of our consolidated subsidiaries that were unrestricted from transfer under our credit arrangements totaled $310.1 million, subject to certain adjustments. Under our new ABL facility, we may pay dividends and make other equity distributions if availability under the facility exceeds certain thresholds. For dividends and distributions up to $30.0 million during each fiscal year, borrowing availability must exceed the lesser of $80.0 million or 20% of the borrowing base for 45 days prior to such dividend and distribution. For dividends in excess of that amount, we must maintain that same availability and our fixed charge coverage ratio must exceed 1.10 to 1.00. As of September 30, 2010, we would have met all of these conditions.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, we completed several acquisitions at an aggregate cost of $45.6 million. In general, we funded these acquisitions with cash from operations and borrowings under the ABL facility. For example, on December 16, 2009, we acquired Sinelco, a wholesale distributor of professional beauty products based in Ronse, Belgium, for approximately €25.2 million (approximately $36.6 million). We also assumed €4.0 million (approximately $5.8 million) of pre-acquisition debt of Sinelco in connection with the acquisition. In addition, during the fiscal year 2009, we completed several acquisitions at an aggregate cost of $82.3 million. In general, we funded these acquisitions with cash from operations. For example, on September 4, 2009, we acquired Intersalon, a leading distributor of premier beauty supply products with 16 stores located in Chile, for approximately $6.4 million and, on September 30, 2009, we acquired Schoeneman, a 43-store beauty supply chain located in the central northeast United States, for approximately $71.0 million (subject to certain adjustments and including incidental acquisition costs capitalized).

Historical Cash Flows

Our primary source of cash has been from funds provided by operating activities and, for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, from borrowings. The primary uses of cash during the past three years were for acquisitions

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and capital expenditures. The following table shows our sources and uses of funds for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):

 
  Fiscal Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   Change   2009   2008   Change  

Cash provided by operating activities

  $ 217,246   $ 223,333   $ (6,087 ) $ 223,333   $ 110,480   $ 112,853  

Cash used by investing activities

    (85,022 )   (118,562 )   33,540     (118,562 )   (98,162 )   (20,400 )

Cash (used) provided by financing activities

    (126,511 )   (149,262 )   22,751     (149,262 )   48,069     (197,331 )

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    (666 )   (850 )   184     (850 )   1,129     (1,979 )
                           

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  $ 5,047   $ (45,341 ) $ 50,388   $ (45,341 ) $ 61,516   $ (106,857 )
                           

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, which excludes cash used for acquisitions completed during the period, decreased by $6.1 million to $217.2 million compared to $223.3 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. The decrease was primarily due to changes in inventory levels of approximately $80.5 million (resulting from increases in inventory levels in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 and reductions in inventory levels in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009) and deferred income taxes of $8.8 million, partially offset by changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of approximately $19.5 million and income taxes payable of $18.6 million and by an improvement in earnings of approximately $44.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

Net cash provided by operating activities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, which excludes cash used for acquisitions completed during the period, increased by $112.9 million to $223.3 million compared to $110.5 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. The increase was primarily due to a reduction of approximately $75.7 million in inventory levels, an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of approximately $29.1 million, and an improvement of approximately $21.5 million in earnings, partially offset by a change in other liabilities of $12.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.

Cash Used by Investing Activities

Net cash used by investing activities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 decreased by $33.5 million to $85.0 million compared to $118.6 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. This decrease was primarily due to $45.0 million less in cash used for acquisitions, partially offset by higher capital expenditures (primarily as a result of more store openings) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

Net cash used by investing activities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 increased by $20.4 million to $118.6 million compared to $98.2 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. This increase was primarily due to $28.6 million more in cash used for acquisitions, partially offset by lower capital expenditures (primarily as a result of fewer store openings) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.

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Cash (Used) Provided by Financing Activities

Net cash used by financing activities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 decreased by $22.8 million to $126.5 million compared to $149.3 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. This decrease was primarily due to net repayments of debt of $127.6 million (including the prepayment in full of our Term Loan A and including a mandatory repayment in the amount of $22.3 million on our senior term loan facilities) during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, compared to net repayments of debt of $148.1 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. (Please see Liquidity and Capital Resources above).

Net cash (used) provided by financing activities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 changed by $197.3 million to cash used of $149.3 million compared to cash provided of $48.1 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. The change was primarily due to net borrowings of $63.6 million under our ABL facility during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, compared to net repayments of $75.0 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. In addition, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, the Company made scheduled payments in the aggregate amount of $6.1 million, a mandatory repayment in the amount of $16.7 million and optional repayments in the aggregate amount of $45.0 million on its term loan facilities and the Company repurchased $5.0 million in par value of its senior subordinated notes.

Credit Facilities

In November of 2006, we, through our subsidiaries: (i) entered into two term loan facilities (term loans A and B) in an aggregate amount of $1,070.0 million; (ii) issued senior notes in an aggregate amount of $430.0 million and senior subordinated notes in an aggregate amount of $280.0 million (the Notes); and (iii) entered into the $400.0 million ABL facility, subject to borrowing base limitations, of which approximately $70.0 million was drawn at closing, which resulted in the incurrence of aggregate indebtedness in connection with the Separation Transactions of approximately $1,850.0 million. Proceeds from this new debt and the $575.0 million equity investment by the CDR Investors were used to pay a $25.00 per share cash dividend to holders of record of Alberto-Culver shares as of the record date for the Separation Transactions. Please see "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Substantial Indebtedness."

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, the Company prepaid in full its borrowings under the Term Loan A facility. As of September 30, 2010, there were outstanding borrowings of $843.9 million under the Term Loan B facility, at an interest rate of 2.51%, and outstanding borrowings of $705.0 million under the Notes, at a weighted average interest rate of 9.75%. As of September 30, 2010, we had $341.8 million available for additional borrowings under our ABL facility, subject to borrowing base limitations, as reduced by outstanding letters of credit.

The agreements and instruments governing our debt contain restrictions and limitations that could significantly impact our ability to operate our business. These restrictions and limitations relate to:

 

•       disposal of assets

•       incurrence of additional indebtedness (including guarantees of additional indebtedness)

•       stock repurchase and distributions

•       certain debt prepayments and modifications

•       liens on assets

 

•       making investments (including joint ventures)

•       mergers, consolidations or sales of subsidiaries' assets

•       ability of subsidiaries to pay dividends

•       making acquisitions of all of the business or assets of or stock representing beneficial ownership of, any person

Borrowings under the term loan facilities and the ABL facility are secured by substantially all of our assets, those of Sally Investment Holdings LLC, those of our domestic subsidiaries and, in the case of the ABL

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facility, those of our Canadian subsidiaries and a pledge of certain intercompany notes. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, the Company prepaid in full its borrowings under the Term Loan A facility. The Term Loan B may be prepaid at our option at any time without premium or penalty and is subject to mandatory prepayment in an amount equal to 50% of excess cash flow (as defined in the agreement governing the Term Loans) for any fiscal year unless a specified leverage ratio is met. Additionally, the Term Loan B is subject to mandatory prepayment in an amount equal to 100% of the proceeds of specified asset sales that are not reinvested in the business or applied to repay borrowings under the ABL facility.

The Term Loans contain a covenant requiring Sally Holdings and its subsidiaries to meet certain maximum consolidated secured leverage ratio levels, which decline over time. The consolidated secured leverage ratio is a ratio of (A) net consolidated secured debt to (B) Consolidated EBITDA as defined in the agreement underlying the Term Loans. Compliance with the consolidated secured leverage ratio is tested quarterly, with a maximum ratio of 4.00 as of September 30, 2010. Failure to comply with the consolidated secured leverage ratio covenant under the Term Loans would result in a default under such facilities.

Both the previous and the new ABL facilities contain a covenant requiring Sally Holdings and its subsidiaries to maintain a fixed-charge coverage ratio of at least 1.0 to 1.0 in the event that availability under the ABL facility falls below certain thresholds. In the new ABL facility, we must comply with the ratio in the event availability is less than the greater of: (a) the lesser of $60.0 million or 15% of the then current borrowing base and (b) $40.0 million. The fixed-charge coverage ratio is defined as the ratio of (A) EBITDA (as defined in the agreement underlying the ABL facility, or Credit Agreement EBITDA) less unfinanced capital expenditures to (B) fixed charges (as included in the definition of the fixed-charge coverage ratio in the agreement governing the ABL facility).

For purposes of calculating either the consolidated secured leverage ratio or the fixed-charge coverage ratio, Consolidated EBITDA and Credit Agreement EBITDA are measured on a last-four-quarters basis. Accordingly, the calculation can be disproportionately affected by a particularly strong or weak quarter and may not be comparable to the measure for any previous or subsequent four-quarter period.

Failure to comply with the fixed-charge coverage ratio covenant (if and when applicable) under the ABL facility would result in a default under such facility. A default could also result in a default under the other facility or facilities, as the case may be, and the Notes. Absent a waiver or an amendment from our lenders and note holders, such defaults could permit the acceleration of all indebtedness under the ABL facility, the Term Loans and the Notes, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Consolidated EBITDA and Credit Agreement EBITDA are not recognized measurements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, and should not be considered as a substitute for financial performance and liquidity measures determined in accordance with GAAP, such as net earnings, operating income or operating cash flow. In addition, because other companies may calculate EBITDA differently, Consolidated EBITDA and Credit Agreement EBITDA likely will not be comparable to EBITDA or similarly titled measures reported by other companies or reported by us in our quarterly earnings releases.

We believe that we are currently in compliance with the agreements and instruments governing our debt, including our financial covenants. Our ability to comply with these covenants in future periods will depend on our ongoing financial and operating performance, which in turn will be subject to economic conditions and to financial, market and competitive factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our ability to comply with these covenants in future periods will also depend substantially on the pricing of our products, our success at implementing cost reduction initiatives and our ability to successfully implement our overall business strategy. Please see "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Substantial Indebtedness."

Capital Requirements

During the fiscal year 2010, we had total capital expenditures of approximately $48.7 million which were primarily to fund the addition of new stores; the remodel, expansion or relocation of existing stores in the ordinary course of our business; and corporate projects. For the fiscal year 2011, we anticipate capital expenditures in the range of approximately $50.0 million to $55.0 million, excluding acquisitions. Capital expenditures will be primarily for the addition of new stores; the remodel, expansion or relocation of existing stores in the ordinary course of our business; and corporate projects.

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Contractual Obligations

The following table is a summary of our contractual cash obligations and commitments outstanding by future payment dates at September 30, 2010 (in thousands):

 
  Payments Due by Period  
 
  Less than 1
year
  1-3 years   3-5 years   More than 5
years
  Total  

Long-term debt obligations, including interest obligations(a)

  $ 93,563   $ 201,305   $ 1,364,013   $ 310,854   $ 1,969,735  

Operating leases obligations(b)

    135,142     200,391     91,455     49,158     476,146  

Purchase obligations(c)

    22,098     30,563     24,025     35,457     112,143  

Other long-term obligations(d)(e)

    12,044     33,049     4,336     3,306     52,735  
                       

Total

  $ 262,847   $ 465,308   $ 1,483,829   $ 398,775   $ 2,610,759  
                       
(a)
Long-term debt includes capital leases and future interest payments on debt facilities, based upon outstanding principal amounts and interest rates as of September 30, 2010.

(b)
In accordance with GAAP, these obligations are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The amounts reported for operating leases do not include executory costs.

(c)
Purchase obligations reflect legally binding agreements entered into by us to purchase goods or services, that specify minimum quantities to be purchased and with fixed or variable price provisions. In accordance with GAAP, these obligations are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amounts shown do not, however, reflect open purchase orders, mainly for merchandise, to be fulfilled within one year, which are generally cancellable.

(d)
Other long-term obligations principally represent obligations under insurance and self-insurance programs, obligations under interest rate swap agreements, certain liabilities related to uncertain income tax benefits and commitments under various acquisition-related agreements including non-compete, consulting and severance agreements and deferred compensation arrangements. These obligations are included in accrued liabilities and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

(e)
The table above does not include $13.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits due to uncertainty regarding the realization and timing of the related future cash flows, if any.

The table above excludes amounts included in current liabilities, other than the current portion of long-term debt, as these items will be paid within one year, and long-term liabilities not requiring cash payments, such as deferred lease incentives.

Our assumptions with respect to the interest rates applicable to the Term Loans and the ABL facility are subject to changes that may be material. In addition, other future events could cause actual payments to differ materially from these amounts. Please see Note 15 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in "Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report and "Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Interest rate risk" for a discussion of interest rate swap agreements.

The majority of our operating leases are for Sally Beauty Supply and BSG stores, which typically are located in strip shopping centers. The use of operating leases allows us to expand our business to new locations without making significant up-front cash outlays for the purchase of land and buildings.

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Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements

At September 30, 2010 and 2009, we had no off-balance sheet financing arrangements other than operating leases incurred in the ordinary course of business, as well as outstanding letters of credit related to inventory purchases and self insurance programs, which totaled $14.5 million and $13.4 million, respectively.

Inflation

We believe that inflation currently does not have a material effect on our results of operations.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates. We believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable. We consider accounting policies to be critical when they require us to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate is made and when different estimates that our management reasonably could have used have a material effect on the presentation of our financial condition, changes in financial condition or results of operations.

Our critical accounting estimates include but are not limited to the valuation of inventory, vendor concessions, retention of risk, income taxes, assessment of long-lived assets and certain intangible assets for impairment and share-based payments.

Valuation of Inventory

When necessary, we adjust the carrying value of inventory to the lower of cost or market, including costs to sell or dispose, and for estimated inventory shrinkage. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost (first in, first out method) or market (net realizable value). Estimates of the future demand for our products, age of the inventory and changes in stock-keeping units are some of the key factors used by our management in assessing the net realizable value of inventory. We estimate inventory shrinkage based upon our historical experience. Actual results differing from these estimates could significantly affect our inventory and cost of products sold and distribution expenses. Inventory shrinkage averaged approximately 1.0% of consolidated net sales in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008. A 10% increase or decrease in our estimate of inventory shrinkage at September 30, 2010, would impact net earnings by approximately $1.4 million, net of income tax.

Vendor Rebates and Concessions

We account for cash consideration received from vendors under ASC 605-50, Customer Payments and Incentives. This standard states that cash consideration received by a customer is presumed to be a reduction of the cost of sales unless it is for an asset or service or a reimbursement of a specific, incremental, identifiable cost incurred by the customer in selling the vendor's products. The majority of cash consideration we receive is considered to be a reduction of the cost of sales and is allocated to cost of products sold and distribution expenses as the related inventory is sold. We consider the facts and circumstances of the various contractual agreements with vendors in order to determine the appropriate classification of amounts received in the consolidated statements of earnings. We record cash consideration expected to be received from vendors in other receivables. These receivables are recorded at the amount we believe will be collected based on the provisions of the programs in place and are computed by estimating the point in time that we have completed our performance under the agreements and the amounts earned. These receivables could be significantly affected if actual results differ from

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management's expectations. A 10% increase or decrease in these receivables at September 30, 2010, would impact net earnings by approximately $1.3 million, net of income tax.

Retention of Risk

Employee Health Insurance Liability

We maintain a largely self-funded program for healthcare benefits for employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. We cover the majority of expenses associated with these benefits, other than payroll deductions and out-of pocket expenses paid by the employees. Payments for healthcare benefits below specified amounts (currently $350,000 per individual per year and $1,000,000 per individual for a lifetime maximum) are self-insured by us. The Company intends to remove such lifetime maximum limit during the fiscal year 2011 in accordance with federal legislation recently enacted in the U.S. We base our estimate of ultimate liability on trends in claim payment history, historical trends in claims incurred but not yet reported, and other components such as expected increases in medical costs, projected premium costs and the number of plan participants. We review our liability on a regular basis and adjust our accruals accordingly. As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, we accrued an estimated liability relating to employee health insurance of $6.0 million and $5.6 million, respectively.

Changes in facts and circumstances may lead to a change in the estimated liability due to revisions of the estimated ultimate costs of our employee healthcare benefits. Estimates of medical costs and trends in claims are some of the key factors used by our management in determining our employee health insurance liability. This liability could be significantly affected if actual results differ from management's expectations. A 10% increase or decrease in our employee health insurance liability at September 30, 2010 would impact net earnings by approximately $0.4 million, net of income tax.

Workers' Compensation Liability, General Liability and Automobile and Property Liability

We maintain a large deductible insurance plan for workers' compensation liability, general liability and automobile and property liability loss exposures. We base our estimates of the ultimate liability on an actuarial analysis performed by an independent third-party actuary. We review our liability on a regular basis and adjust our accruals accordingly. As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, our balance sheet included an estimated liability related to the deductible and retention limits of approximately $22.8 million and $19.7 million, respectively.

Changes in facts and circumstances may lead to a change in the estimated liability due to revisions of the estimated ultimate costs that affect our workers' compensation, general liability and automobile and property liability insurance coverage. Changes in estimates occur over time due to such factors as claims incidence and severity of injury or damages. Our liabilities could be significantly affected if actual results differ from management's expectations or actuarial analyses. A 10% increase or decrease in our workers' compensation liability, general liability and automobile and property liability at September 30, 2010 would impact net earnings by approximately $1.4 million, net of income tax.

The change in the self-insurance liability was as follows (in thousands):

 
  Fiscal Year Ended
September 30,
 
 
  2010   2009  

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 26,920   $ 25,415  

Self-insurance expense

    62,440     54,566  

Self-insurance liability of businesses acquired

        214  

Payments, net of employee contributions

    (59,074 )   (53,275 )
           

Balance at end of period

  $ 30,286   $ 26,920  
           

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Income Taxes

We record income tax provisions in our consolidated financial statements based on an estimation of current income tax liabilities. The development of these provisions requires judgments about tax issues, potential outcomes and timing. If we prevail in tax matters for which provisions have been established or are required to settle matters in excess of established provisions, our effective tax rate for a particular period could be significantly affected.

For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the effective income tax rates were 36.9%, 39.9% and 37.3%, respectively. For the fiscal year 2011, we expect our annual effective income tax rate to be approximately 38.0%. The projected increase over the fiscal year 2010 annual effective tax rate is primarily related to non-recurring tax benefits realized in the fiscal year 2010 and the expiration of certain beneficial U.S. international tax law provisions. The increase is expected to be partially offset by a projected decrease in foreign losses subject to valuation allowances.

Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are estimated to be recovered or settled. We believe that it is more likely than not that our results of operations in the future will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance currently recorded. In the future, if we determine that certain deferred tax assets will not be realizable, the related adjustments could significantly affect our effective tax rate at that time. The estimated tax benefit of an uncertain tax position is recorded in our financial statements only after determining a more-likely-than-not probability that the uncertain tax position will withstand challenge, if any, from applicable taxing authorities.

Assessment of Long-Lived Assets and Certain Intangible Assets for Impairment

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, including store equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The recoverability of long-lived assets and purchased intangibles is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

Goodwill, the cost of an acquisition less the fair value of the net assets of the acquired business, and purchased intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment at least annually, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or related intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. Management considers whether there has been a permanent impairment to the value of goodwill and other intangible assets by evaluating if various factors (including current operating results, anticipated future results and cash flows, and market and economic conditions) indicate a possible impairment. Based on the reviews performed, after taking into account the economic downturn during the past couple of years in certain geographic areas in which we operate, there were no asset impairments recognized in the current or prior fiscal years presented.

Share-Based Payments

We account for stock-based compensation under ASC 718. We recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period or to the date a participant becomes eligible for retirement, if earlier. For fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, total compensation cost charged against income and included in selling, general and administrative expenses for share-based compensation arrangements was $12.8 million, $8.6 million and $10.2 million, respectively.

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The amount of stock option expense is determined based on the fair value of each stock option grant, which is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: expected life, volatility, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. The expected life of stock options represents the period of time that the stock options granted are expected to be outstanding. We estimate the expected life based on historical exercise trends. We estimate expected volatility by using the average volatility of both the Company and similar companies (based on industry sector) since it is not practicable to estimate the Company's expected volatility on a stand-alone basis due to a lack of sufficient trading history. The risk-free interest rate is based on the zero-coupon U.S. Treasury issue at the date of the grant for the expected life of the stock options. The dividend yield represents our anticipated cash dividend over the expected life of the stock options. The amount of stock option expense recorded is significantly affected by these estimates. In addition, we record stock option expense based on an estimate of the total number of stock options expected to vest, which requires us to estimate future forfeitures. We use historical forfeiture experience as a basis for this estimate. Actual forfeitures differing from these estimates could significantly affect the timing of the recognition of stock option expense. We have based all these estimates on our assumptions as of September 30, 2010. Our estimates for future periods may be based on different assumptions and accordingly may differ.

We believe that our stock-based compensation expense is based on reasonable estimates and assumptions. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimate or assumptions, we may be exposed to changes in stock-based compensation expense that could be material. A 10% change in our stock based compensation expense for the year ended September 30, 2010 would affect earnings by approximately $0.9 million, net of income tax.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") revised the accounting standards for business combinations. This new standard (currently contained in ASC 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805")), among other things, generally requires that an acquirer recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed measured at their "full fair values" on the acquisition date. This practice replaced the practice, under predecessor accounting standards, of allocating the cost of an acquisition to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative estimated fair values. This new standard further requires that acquisition-related costs be recognized separately from the related acquisition. The Company adopted this standard effective on October 1, 2009. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 includes approximately $0.7 million of expenses related to acquisitions.

In April 2008, the FASB amended ASC 350, Intangibles and Other ("ASC 350"). This new accounting standard, currently contained in ASC 350-30-35, specifically amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. The objective of this amendment is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset. The Company adopted this standard during the first quarter of its fiscal year 2010 and its adoption did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2009-05 which amended ASC 820 as it relates to the measurement of liabilities at fair value, effective for interim reporting periods beginning after August 26, 2009. More specifically, this amendment provided clarification for liabilities in which a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability is not available. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of its fiscal year 2010 and its adoption did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06 which amended ASC 820 as it relates to certain disclosures of fair value measurements. This amendment requires, among other things, (a) disclosure of the sensitivity of an entity's fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs to changes in such inputs, (b) a reconciliation of changes in such fair value measurements and (c) disclosure of transfers between fair value measurements using Level 1 and 2 inputs, if any. The Company adopted this amendment during the second quarter of its fiscal year 2010 and its adoption did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 855, Subsequent Events ("ASC 855"), during the third quarter of its fiscal year 2009. ASC 855 establishes standards of accounting for and disclosure of transactions and events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued and requires the disclosure, among other things, of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events. In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09 which amended ASC 855. This amendment, which was effective upon issuance, removed the requirement for SEC registrants to disclose the date through which such registrants have evaluated subsequent events.


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a multinational corporation, we are subject to certain market risks including foreign currency fluctuations, interest rates and credit risk. We may consider a variety of practices in the ordinary course of business to manage these market risks, including, when deemed appropriate, the use of derivative financial instruments.

Foreign currency exchange rate risk

We are exposed to potential gains or losses from foreign currency fluctuations affecting net investments and earnings denominated in foreign currencies. Our primary exposures are to changes in exchange rates for the U.S. dollar versus the British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Euro, Mexican peso and Chilean peso. Our various foreign currency exposures at times offset each other, sometimes providing a natural hedge against foreign currency risk. For the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, approximately 18%, 16% and 18%, respectively, of our sales were made in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, are inclusive of approximately $17.2 million in positive impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, other comprehensive income reflects $4.3 million in foreign currency translation adjustments. For the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, fluctuations in the U.S. dollar exchange rates did not otherwise have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations.

A 10% increase or decrease in the exchange rates for the U.S. dollar versus the foreign currencies to which we have exposure, would have impacted our consolidated net sales by approximately 1.8% in the fiscal year 2010, and would have impacted our consolidated net assets by approximately 2.6% at September 30, 2010.

As a result of our acquisition of Sinelco on December 16, 2009, we use foreign currency options, including, at September 30, 2010, foreign currency put options with an aggregate notional amount of €1.4 million ($1.9 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate) and foreign currency call options with an aggregate notional amount of €0.8 million ($1.2 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate), to manage the exposure to certain non-Euro currencies resulting from Sinelco's purchases of merchandise from third-party suppliers. Sinelco's functional currency is the Euro. These foreign currency options are not designated as hedges and do not meet the hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments (which are adjusted quarterly) are recorded in our consolidated statements of earnings. Selling, general and administrative expenses include net gains of $0.5 million related to these foreign currency options, including non-cash marked-to-market adjustments, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, these

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derivative instruments did not have a material impact in our consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows.

In the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2010, Sally Holdings entered into four foreign currency forward agreements which expire in January of 2011. Two foreign currency forward agreements enable Sally Holdings to sell, in the aggregate, approximately €5.2 million ($7.1 million at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate) at the weighted average forward exchange rate of 1.3073. The other two foreign currency forward agreements enable Sally Holdings to buy, in the aggregate, approximately $7.0 million Canadian dollars ($6.8 million at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate) at the weighted average forward exchange rate of 1.0277. These foreign currency forward agreements are not designated as hedges and do not meet the hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments (which are adjusted quarterly) are recorded in our consolidated statements of earnings. Selling, general and administrative expenses include net non-cash losses from marked-to-market adjustments related to these foreign currency forward contracts of $0.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, these derivative instruments did not have a material impact in our consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows.

Interest rate risk

As a result of the debt financing incurred in connection with the Separation Transactions, we are subject to interest rate market risk in connection with our long-term debt. The principal interest rate exposure relates to amounts borrowed under the Term Loan B and the ABL facilities. Based on the approximately $843.9 million of borrowings under the Term Loan B and the ABL facilities as of September 30, 2010, a change in the estimated applicable interest rate up or down by 1/8% will increase or decrease earnings, before provision for income taxes, by approximately $1.1 million on an annual basis, without considering the effect of any interest rate swap agreements we may have from time to time.

We and certain of our subsidiaries are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. In order to enhance our ability to manage risk relating to cash flow and interest rate exposure, we and/or our other subsidiaries who are borrowers under the ABL facility may from time to time enter into and maintain derivative instruments, such as interest rate swap agreements, for periods consistent with the related underlying exposures. In addition, pursuant to the agreement underlying our Term Loans we and/or certain of our other subsidiaries hedge a portion of our floating interest rate exposure for a specified period as more fully described below. We do not purchase or hold any derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

In November 2006, we entered into four interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $500 million. Interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $150 million expired in November 2008 and agreements with a notional amount of $350 million expired in November 2009. These interest rate swap agreements did not qualify as hedges and, therefore, the change in the fair value of these agreements, which were adjusted quarterly, were recorded in interest expense in our consolidated statements of earnings.

In May 2008, we entered into two additional interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $300 million (each agreement with a notional amount of $150 million). These agreements expire on May 31, 2012 and enable us to convert a portion of our variable interest rate obligations to fixed rate obligations with interest ranging from 5.818% to 6.090%. These agreements are designated as effective cash flow hedges, in accordance with ASC 815. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recorded quarterly, net of income tax, in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income ("OCI") until the hedged obligation is settled or the swap agreements expire, whichever is earlier. Any hedge ineffectiveness, as this term is used in ASC 815, is recognized in interest expense in our consolidated statements of earnings.

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Credit risk

We are exposed to credit risk on certain assets, primarily cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. We believe that the credit risk associated with cash equivalents and short-term investments, if any, is largely mitigated by our policy of investing in a diversified portfolio of securities with high credit ratings.

We provide credit to customers in the ordinary course of business and perform ongoing credit evaluations. We believe that our exposure to concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is largely mitigated by our broad customer base. We believe our allowance for doubtful accounts is sufficient to cover customer credit risks.


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Please see "Index to Financial Statements" which is located on page 87 of this Annual Report.


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Background.    Attached as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K are certifications of our Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), which are required in accordance with Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act. This "Controls and Procedures" section includes information concerning the controls and controls evaluation referred to in the certifications. Part II, Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K sets forth the attestation report of KPMG LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, regarding its audit of our internal control over financial reporting. This section should be read in conjunction with the certifications and the KPMG attestation report for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.

Controls Evaluation and Related CEO and CFO Certifications.    Our management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. The controls evaluation was conducted by our Disclosure Committee, comprised of senior representatives from our finance, accounting, internal audit, and legal departments under the supervision of our CEO and CFO.

Certifications of our CEO and our CFO, which are required in accordance with Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, are attached as exhibits to this Annual Report. This "Controls and Procedures" section includes the information concerning the controls evaluation referred to in the certifications, and it should be read in conjunction with the certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls.    We do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all fraud. A system of controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system are met. Because of the limitations in all such systems, no evaluation can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. Furthermore, the design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how unlikely. Because of these inherent limitations in a cost-effective system of controls and procedures, misstatements or omissions due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

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Scope of the Controls Evaluation.    The evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures included a review of their objectives and design, our implementation of the controls and procedures and the effect of the controls and procedures on the information generated for use in this Annual Report. In the course of the evaluation, we sought to identify whether we had any data errors, control problems or acts of fraud and to confirm that appropriate corrective action, including process improvements, was being undertaken if needed. This type of evaluation is performed on a quarterly basis so that conclusions concerning the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures can be reported in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Annual Reports on Form 10-K. Many of the components of our disclosure controls and procedures are also evaluated by our internal audit department, by our legal department and by personnel in our finance organization. The overall goals of these various evaluation activities are to monitor our disclosure controls and procedures on an ongoing basis, and to maintain them as dynamic systems that change as conditions warrant.

Conclusions regarding Disclosure Controls.    Based on the required evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of September 30, 2010, we maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Management of the Company, including the CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and our Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. A system of internal controls may become inadequate over time because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010 using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of September 30, 2010 our internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles based on such criteria.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.    Please refer to KPMG's Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting on page F-1 of the financial statements, which begin on page 87 of this Annual Report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.    During our last fiscal quarter, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation described above that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by Item 10 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement related to the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the headings "Proposal 1—Election of Directors," "Executive Officers of the Registrant," "Information Regarding Corporate Governance, the Board, and Its Committees," "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" and "Report of the Audit Committee."

The Board of Directors has adopted: (i) Corporate Governance Guidelines and a (ii) Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that apply to directors, officers and employees. Copies of these documents and the committee charters are available on our website at www.sallybeautyholdings.com and are available in print to any person, without charge, upon written request to our Vice President of Investor Relations. We intend to disclose on our website at www.sallybeautyholdings.com any substantive amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to these individuals or persons performing similar functions.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by Item 11 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement related to the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the headings "Information on the Compensation of Directors," "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Compensation Committee Report," "Executive Compensation" and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation."


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement related to the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the headings "Ownership of Securities."


EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table gives information as of September 30, 2010, about our common stock that may be issued under all of our existing equity compensation plans:

Plan Category
  Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights(1)
(a)
  Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
  Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance
under equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))(2)
(c)
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

    13,370,493   $ 7.53     16,152,079  

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

    N/A     N/A     N/A  
 

Total

    13,370,493   $ 7.53     16,152,079  

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(1)
Includes options issued and available for exercise and shares available for issuance in connection with past awards under: (a) the Alberto-Culver Employee Stock Option Plan of 2003, the 2003 Alberto-Culver Restricted Stock Plan, the Alberto-Culver Company 2003 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, and the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (collectively, the "Prior Plans"); and the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan. We no longer grant additional awards under the Prior Plans.

(2)
Represents shares that are available for issuance pursuant to restricted stock or other full value awards under the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan. We no longer grant additional awards under the Prior Plans.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by Item 13 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement related to the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the headings "Information Regarding Corporate Governance, the Board, and Its Committees," "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."


ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by Item 14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement related to the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the headings "Proposal 2—Ratification of Selection of Auditors."

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PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Documents filed as part of this Annual Report:

(a)   Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

Please see "Index to Financial Statements" which is located on page 87 of this Annual Report.

(b)   Exhibits Required by Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report or are incorporated herein by reference:


Exhibits

Exhibit No.   Description
2.1   Investment Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2006, among Alberto-Culver Company, New Aristotle Company, Sally Holdings, Inc., New Sally Holdings, Inc. and CDRS Acquisition LLC, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to Amendment No. 3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-136259) filed on October 10, 2006†

2.2

 

First Amendment to the Investment Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2006, among Alberto-Culver Company, New Aristotle Company, Sally Holdings, Inc., New Sally Holdings, Inc. and CDRS Acquisition LLC, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 2.2 to Amendment No. 3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-136259) filed on October 10, 2006†

2.3

 

Second Amendment to the Investment Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2006, among Alberto-Culver Company, New Aristotle Company, Sally Holdings, Inc., New Sally Holdings, Inc. and CDRS Acquisition LLC, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 2.02 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2006†

2.4

 

Separation Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2006, among Alberto-Culver Company, Sally Holdings, Inc., New Sally Holdings, Inc. and New Aristotle Holdings, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 2.3 to Amendment No. 3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-136259) filed on October 10, 2006†

2.5

 

First Amendment to the Separation Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2006, among Alberto-Culver Company, Sally Holdings, Inc., New Sally Holdings, Inc. and New Aristotle Holdings, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 2.4 to Amendment No. 3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-136259) filed on October 10, 2006†

2.6

 

Second Amendment to the Separation Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2006, among Alberto-Culver Company, Sally Holdings, Inc., New Sally Holdings, Inc. and New Aristotle Holdings, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 2.01 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2006†

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2.7   Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Beauty Systems Group LLC, Lady Lynn Enterprises, Inc., Schoeneman Beauty Supply, Inc., the Shareholders and F. Dale Schoeneman, dated September 30, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.27 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 19, 2009†

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc., dated November 16, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 20, 2006

3.2

 

Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc., dated October 23, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 23, 2008.

4.1

 

Stockholders Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2006, by and among the Company, CDRS Acquisition LLC, CD&R Parallel Fund VII, L.P. and the other stockholders party thereto, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.8 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2006

4.2

 

First Amendment to the Stockholders Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2006, between the Company and CDRS Acquisition LLC and Carol L. Bernick, as representative of the other stockholders, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 22, 2006

4.3

 

Indenture, dated as of November 16, 2006, by and among Sally Holdings LLC and Sally Capital Inc., as Co-Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time parties thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, governing the 9.25% Senior Notes due 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2006

4.4

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 30, 2007, by and among Sally Holdings LLC and Sally Capital Inc., as co-Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, governing the 9.25% Senior Notes due 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.2 from the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-144427) of Sally Holdings LLC and Sally Capital Inc. filed on July 9, 2007

4.5

 

Indenture, dated as of November 16, 2006, by and among Sally Holdings LLC and Sally Capital Inc., as Co-Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time parties thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, governing the 10.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2006

4.6

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 30, 2007, by and among Sally Holdings LLC and Sally Capital Inc., as co-Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, governing the 10.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.4 from the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-144427) of Sally Holdings LLC and Sally Capital Inc. filed on July 9, 2007

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4.7   Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2006, by and among Sally Holdings LLC, Sally Capital Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors parties thereto, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Incorporated and the other financial institutions named therein, relating to the 9.25% Senior Notes due 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2006

4.8

 

Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2006, by and among Sally Holdings LLC, Sally Capital Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors parties thereto, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Incorporated and the other financial institutions named therein, relating to the 10.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2006

4.9

 

Credit Agreement, dated November 16, 2006, with respect to a Term Loan Facility, by and among Sally Holdings LLC, the several lenders from time to time parties thereto, and Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.5.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2006

4.10

 

Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2006, made by Sally Investment Holdings LLC, Sally Holdings LLC and certain subsidiaries of Sally Holdings LLC in favor of Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.5.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2006

4.11

 

Credit Agreement, dated November 16, 2006, with respect to an Asset-Based Loan Facility, among Sally Holdings LLC, Beauty Systems Group LLC, Sally Beauty Supply LLC, any Canadian Borrower from time to time party thereto, certain subsidiaries of Sally Holdings LLC, the several lenders from time to time parties thereto, Merrill Lynch Capital, a division of Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services Inc., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and Merrill Lynch Capital Canada Inc., as Canadian Agent and Canadian Collateral Agent, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.6.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2006

4.12

 

U.S. Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2006, made by Sally Investment Holdings LLC, Sally Holdings LLC and certain subsidiaries of Sally Holdings LLC in favor of Merrill Lynch Capital, a division of Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services Inc., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.6.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2006

4.13

 

Canadian Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2006, made by Sally Beauty (Canada) Corporation, Beauty Systems Group (Canada), Inc., Sally Beauty Canada Holdings Inc. and certain of their respective subsidiaries in favor of Merrill Lynch Capital Canada Inc., as Canadian Agent and Canadian Collateral Agent, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.6.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2006

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4.14   Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2006, by and between Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent under the Term Loan Facility, and Merrill Lynch Capital, a division of Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services Inc., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent under the Asset-Based Loan Facility, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.7 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2006

4.15

 

Assignment and Acceptance of that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2006, among Sally Holdings LLC, Beauty Systems Group LLC, Sally Beauty Supply LLC, the Canadian Borrowers (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties thereto, Merrill Lynch Capital, a division of Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent for the Lenders and Merrill Lynch Capital Canada, Inc., as Canadian agent and Canadian collateral agent for the Lenders, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 19, 2009

10.1

 

Tax Allocation Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2006, among Alberto-Culver Company, New Aristotle Holdings, Inc., New Sally Holdings, Inc. and Sally Holdings, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Amendment No. 3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-136259) filed on October 10, 2006

10.2

 

First Amendment to the Tax Allocation Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2006, among Alberto-Culver Company, New Aristotle Holdings, Inc., New Sally Holdings, Inc. and Sally Holdings, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Amendment No. 3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-136259) filed on October 10, 2006

10.3

 

Second Amendment to the Tax Allocation Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2006, among Alberto-Culver Company, New Aristotle Holdings, Inc., New Sally Holdings, Inc. and Sally Holdings, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.01 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2006

10.4

 

Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2006, among Alberto-Culver Company, New Aristotle Holdings, Inc., New Sally Holdings, Inc. and Sally Holdings, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to Amendment No. 3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-136259) filed on October 10, 2006

10.5

 

First Amendment to the Employee Matters Agreement, dated October 3, 2006, among Alberto-Culver Company, New Aristotle Holdings, Inc., New Sally Holdings, Inc. and Sally Holdings, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to Amendment No. 3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-136259) filed on October 10, 2006

10.6

 

Second Amendment to the Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2006, among Alberto-Culver Company, New Aristotle Holdings, Inc., New Sally Holdings, Inc. and Sally Holdings, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.02 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2006

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10.7   Support Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2006, among CDRS Acquisition LLC, Alberto-Culver Company, New Sally Holdings, Inc. and the stockholders party thereto, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.10 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Alberto-Culver Company on June 22, 2006

10.8

 

Support Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2006, among CDRS Acquisition LLC, Alberto-Culver Company, New Sally Holdings, Inc. and Howard B. Bernick, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.11 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Alberto-Culver Company on June 22, 2006

10.9

 

Termination Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2006, among Alberto-Culver Company, Sally Holdings, Inc. and Gary G. Winterhalter, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.9 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Alberto-Culver Company on June 22, 2006

10.10

 

Form of First Amendment to the Termination Agreement with Gary G. Winterhalter, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 29, 2007

10.11

 

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. Independent Director Compensation Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 19, 2009

10.12

 

Alberto-Culver Company 2003 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.17 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-144427) of Sally Holdings LLC and Sally Capital Inc. filed on July 9, 2007

10.13

 

Alberto-Culver Company 2003 Restricted Stock Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.18 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-144427) of Sally Holdings LLC and Sally Capital Inc. filed on July 9, 2007

10.14

 

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2008

10.15

 

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on May 3, 2007

10.16

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement for Independent Directors pursuant to the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2007

10.17

 

2007 Form of Stock Option Agreement for Employees pursuant to the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 27, 2007

10.18

 

2007 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Independent Directors pursuant to the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2007

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10.19   2007 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Employees pursuant to the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2007

10.20

 

2009 Form of Stock Option Agreement for Employees pursuant to the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.23 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 20, 2008

10.21

 

2009 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Independent Directors pursuant to the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.24 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 20, 2008

10.22

 

2009 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Employees pursuant to the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.25 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 20, 2008

10.23

 

Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2006, made and entered into by and among Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc., Sally Investment Holdings LLC and Sally Holdings LLC, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.14 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Sally Holdings LLC and Sally Capital Inc. filed on August 29, 2007

10.24

 

Form of Option Exercise Period Extension Agreement for Retired Executives, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2009

10.25

 

Amendment and Restated Alberto-Culver Company Employee Stock Option Plan of 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.28 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 19, 2009

10.26

 

2010 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Independent Directors pursuant to the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.29 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 19, 2009

10.27

 

2010 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Employees pursuant to the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.30 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 19, 2009

10.28

 

2010 Form of Stock Option Agreement for Employees pursuant to the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.31 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 19, 2009

10.29

 

2010 Form of Stock Option Agreement for Employees pursuant to the Alberto-Culver Company Employee Stock Option Plan of 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.32 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 19, 2009

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10.30   Form of Amended and Restated Indemnification Agreement with Directors, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.33 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 19, 2009

10.31

 

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference from Appendix A to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on December 11, 2009

10.32

 

Amended and Restated Letter Agreement between Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC ("CD&R") and the Company with respect to the provision of services by CD&R to the Company's Board of Directors dated as of February 24, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2010

10.33

 

2011 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Employees pursuant to the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan*

10.34

 

2011 Form of Stock Option Agreement for Employees pursuant to the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan*

10.35

 

2011 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Independent Directors pursuant to the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan*

21.1

 

List of Subsidiaries of Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*

23.1

 

Consent of KPMG*

31.1

 

Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification of Gary G. Winterhalter*

31.2

 

Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification of Mark J. Flaherty*

32.1

 

Section 1350 Certification of Gary G. Winterhalter*

32.2

 

Section 1350 Certification of Mark J. Flaherty*

101

 

Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the following financial information from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) and furnished electronically herewith: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.
*
Included herewith

Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit upon request.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 18th day of November, 2010.

    SALLY BEAUTY HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ GARY G. WINTERHALTER

Gary G. Winterhalter
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

 

By:

 

/s/ MARK J. FLAHERTY

Mark J. Flaherty
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

By:

 

/s/ JANNA S. MINTON

Janna S. Minton
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature   Title   Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ GARY G. WINTERHALTER

Gary G. Winterhalter
  President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   November 18, 2010

/s/ MARK J. FLAHERTY

Mark J. Flaherty

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

November 18, 2010

/s/ JANNA S. MINTON

Janna S. Minton

 

Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

November 18, 2010

/s/ JAMES G. BERGES

James G. Berges

 

Chairman of the Board and Director

 

November 18, 2010

/s/ KATHLEEN J. AFFELDT

Kathleen J. Affeldt

 

Director

 

November 18, 2010

/s/ MARSHALL E. EISENBERG

Marshall E. Eisenberg

 

Director

 

November 18, 2010

/s/ KENNETH A. GIURICEO

Kenneth A. Giuriceo

 

Director

 

November 18, 2010

/s/ ROBERT R. MCMASTER

Robert R. McMaster

 

Director

 

November 18, 2010

/s/ WALTER L. METCALFE JR.

Walter L. Metcalfe Jr.

 

Director

 

November 18, 2010

/s/ JOHN A. MILLER

John A. Miller

 

Director

 

November 18, 2010

/s/ MARTHA MILLER DE LOMBERA

Martha Miller de Lombera

 

Director

 

November 18, 2010

/s/ EDWARD W. RABIN

Edward W. Rabin

 

Director

 

November 18, 2010

/s/ RICHARD J. SCHNALL

Richard J. Schnall

 

Director

 

November 18, 2010

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SALLY BEAUTY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Financial Statements
Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    F-1  

Consolidated Financial Statements:

    F-3  
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2010 and 2009

    F-4  
 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

    F-5  
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

    F-6  
 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

    F-7  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

    F-8  

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.:

We have audited Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.'s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows and stockholders' equity (deficit) for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2010, and our report dated November 17, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
November 17, 2010

F-1


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (the Company) and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows, and stockholders' equity (deficit) for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2010. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated November 17, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
November 17, 2010

F-2


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Consolidated Financial Statements

The following consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 and the related consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows, and stockholders' equity (deficit) for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2010 are those of Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. In November of 2006, Sally Holdings, Inc. was converted to a Delaware limited liability company, was renamed "Sally Holdings LLC" and became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. in connection with our separation from the Alberto-Culver Company ("Alberto-Culver"). In these financial statements and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we refer to these transactions as the Separation Transactions. Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. was formed in June of 2006 in connection with the Separation Transactions.

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SALLY BEAUTY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2010 and 2009
(In thousands, except par value data)

 
  2010   2009  

Assets

             

Current assets:

             
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 59,494   $ 54,447  
 

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,756 and $2,266 at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively

    54,989     43,649  
 

Other receivables

    29,510     24,090  
 

Inventory

    604,357     559,689  
 

Prepaid expenses

    23,486     18,492  
 

Deferred income tax assets, net

    22,939     15,551  
           
   

Total current assets

    794,775     715,918  

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $291,186 and $265,329 at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively

    168,119     151,252  

Goodwill

    478,240     494,135  

Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $33,031 and $24,357 at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively

    109,352     78,685  

Other assets

    38,926     50,742  
           
   

Total assets

  $ 1,589,412   $ 1,490,732  
           

Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit

             

Current liabilities:

             
 

Current maturities of long-term debt

  $ 3,045   $ 24,517  
 

Accounts payable

    224,931     193,592  
 

Accrued liabilities

    167,496     154,162  
 

Income taxes payable

    12,180     1,914  
           
   

Total current liabilities

    407,652     374,185  

Long-term debt

    1,559,591     1,653,013  

Other liabilities

    40,692     43,586  

Deferred income tax liabilities, net

    41,803     33,599  
           
   

Total liabilities

    2,049,738     2,104,383  

Stock options subject to redemption

   
946
   
1,800
 

Stockholders' deficit:

             
 

Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 400,000 shares; 182,592 and 182,189 shares issued and 182,230 and 181,858 shares outstanding at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively

    1,822     1,819  
 

Additional paid-in capital

    650,315     635,519  
 

Accumulated deficit

    (1,093,030 )   (1,236,858 )
 

Treasury stock, 15 and 6 shares at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, at cost

    (103 )   (33 )
 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

    (20,276 )   (15,898 )
           
   

Total stockholders' deficit

    (461,272 )   (615,451 )
           
   

Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit

  $ 1,589,412   $ 1,490,732  
           

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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SALLY BEAUTY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008
(In thousands, except per share data)

 
  2010   2009   2008  

Net sales

  $ 2,916,090   $ 2,636,600   $ 2,648,191  

Cost of products sold and distribution expenses

    1,511,716     1,393,283     1,413,597  
               
   

Gross profit

    1,404,374     1,243,317     1,234,594  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    1,012,321     899,415     903,146  

Depreciation and amortization

    51,123     47,066     48,533  
               
   

Operating earnings

    340,930     296,836     282,915  

Interest expense

    112,982     132,022     159,116  
               
   

Earnings before provision for income taxes

    227,948     164,814     123,799  

Provision for income taxes

    84,120     65,697     46,222  
               
   

Net earnings

  $ 143,828   $ 99,117   $ 77,577  
               

Net earnings per share:

                   
   

Basic

  $ 0.79   $ 0.55   $ 0.43  
               
   

Diluted

  $ 0.78   $ 0.54   $ 0.42  
               

Weighted average shares:

                   
   

Basic

    181,985     181,691     181,189  
               
   

Diluted

    184,088     183,306     182,704  
               

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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SALLY BEAUTY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008
(In thousands)

 
  2010   2009   2008  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

                   

Net earnings

  $ 143,828   $ 99,117   $ 77,577  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

                   
 

Depreciation and amortization

    51,123     47,066     48,533  
 

Share-based compensation expense

    12,818     8,618     10,242  
 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    7,775     8,319     8,469  
 

Excess tax (benefit) shortfall from share-based compensation

    (248 )   194     (451 )
 

Net (gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment

    (41 )   (56 )   116  
 

Net loss on extinguishment of debt

    985     1,017      
 

Deferred income taxes

    (662 )   8,129     543  
 

Changes in (exclusive of effects of acquisitions):

                   
   

Trade accounts receivable

    (17 )   3,708     7,629  
   

Other receivables

    (4,520 )   9     (1,152 )
   

Inventory

    (34,247 )   46,208     (29,527 )
   

Prepaid expenses

    (4,369 )   832     (4,634 )
   

Other assets

    3,565     558     61  
   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    37,443     17,946     (11,176 )
   

Income taxes payable

    7,020     (11,628 )   (1,471 )
   

Other liabilities

    (3,207 )   (6,704 )   5,721  
               
     

Net cash provided by operating activities

    217,246     223,333     110,480  
               

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                   

Capital expenditures

    (48,702 )   (37,320 )   (45,576 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    143     217     288  

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

    (36,463 )   (81,459 )   (52,874 )
               
     

Net cash used by investing activities

    (85,022 )   (118,562 )   (98,162 )
               

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

                   

Change in book cash overdraft

        (1,633 )   1,633  

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

    334,000     95,577     527,735  

Repayments of long-term debt

    (461,567 )   (243,666 )   (482,685 )

Proceeds from exercises of stock options

    878     687     935  

Excess tax benefit (shortfall) from share-based compensation

    248     (194 )   451  

Purchases of treasury stock

    (70 )   (33 )    
               
     

Net cash (used) provided by financing activities

    (126,511 )   (149,262 )   48,069  
               

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    (666 )   (850 )   1,129  
               
     

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    5,047     (45,341 )   61,516  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

    54,447     99,788     38,272  
               

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $ 59,494   $ 54,447   $ 99,788  
               

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

                   
 

Interest paid

  $ 108,733   $ 130,204   $ 150,060  
 

Income taxes paid, net

  $ 81,668   $ 67,463   $ 46,973  

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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SALLY BEAUTY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008
(In thousands)

 
  Common Stock    
   
   
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Treasury
Stock
  Total
Stockholders'
Deficit
 
 
  Shares   Amount  

Balance at September 30, 2007

    180,909   $ 1,809   $ 610,513   $ (1,414,554 ) $   $ 34,522   $ (767,710 )
                               
 

Net earnings

                77,577             77,577  
 

Deferred gains on interest rate swaps, net of income taxes of $509

                        793     793  
 

Foreign currency translation

                        (26,626 )   (26,626 )
                               
   

Total comprehensive income

                                        51,744  
 

Adjustment to distributions to Alberto-Culver

                1,002             1,002  
 

Share-based compensation

    70         10,242                 10,242  
 

Stock issued for stock options

    537     6     1,756                 1,762  
                               

Balance at September 30, 2008

    181,516     1,815     622,511     (1,335,975 )       8,689     (702,960 )
                               
 

Net earnings

                99,117             99,117  
 

Deferred losses on interest rate swaps, net of income taxes of $6,471

                        (10,196 )   (10,196 )
 

Foreign currency translation

                        (14,391 )   (14,391 )
                               
   

Total comprehensive income

                                        74,530  
 

Stock options subject to redemption

            4,083                 4,083  
 

Share-based compensation

    67     1     8,618                 8,619  
 

Purchases of treasury stock

                    (33 )       (33 )
 

Stock issued for stock options

    275     3     307                 310  
                               

Balance at September 30, 2009

    181,858     1,819     635,519     (1,236,858 )   (33 )   (15,898 )   (615,451 )
                               
 

Net earnings

                143,828             143,828  
 

Deferred losses on interest rate swaps, net of income taxes of $64

                        (101 )   (101 )
 

Foreign currency translation

                        (4,277 )   (4,277 )
                               
   

Total comprehensive income

                                        139,450  
 

Stock options subject to redemption

            854                 854  
 

Share-based compensation

    88     1     12,817                 12,818  
 

Purchases of treasury stock

                    (70 )       (70 )
 

Stock issued for stock options

    284     2     1,125                 1,127  
                               

Balance at September 30, 2010

    182,230   $ 1,822   $ 650,315   $ (1,093,030 ) $ (103 ) $ (20,276 ) $ (461,272 )
                               

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Description of Business

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Sally Beauty" or "the Company") sell professional beauty supplies, primarily through its Sally Beauty Supply retail stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Chile, Belgium, France, Italy, the United Kingdom and certain other countries in Europe. Additionally, the Company distributes professional beauty products to salons and professional cosmetologists through its Beauty Systems Group ("BSG") store operations and a commissioned direct sales force that calls on salons primarily in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom and certain other countries in Europe, and to franchises in the southern and southwestern U.S. and in Mexico through the operations of its subsidiary Armstrong McCall, L.P. ("Armstrong McCall"). Certain beauty products sold by BSG and Armstrong McCall are sold under exclusive territory agreements with the manufacturers of the products.

Prior to November of 2006, the Company was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alberto-Culver operating under the name "Sally Holdings, Inc." In November of 2006, Alberto-Culver separated its consumer products business and its Sally Beauty Supply/BSG distribution business into two separate, publicly-traded companies (the "Separation Transactions"). The separation was effected pursuant to an investment agreement dated as of June 19, 2006 (the "Investment Agreement") among Alberto-Culver and certain of its subsidiaries, including Sally Holdings, Inc., and CDRS Acquisition LLC ("CDRS"). In connection with the Separation Transactions, Sally Holdings, Inc. was converted to a Delaware limited liability company, was renamed "Sally Holdings LLC," which we refer to as "Sally Holdings," and became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sally Beauty. Sally Beauty was formed in June of 2006, and became the accounting successor company to Sally Holdings, Inc. upon the completion of the Separation Transactions.

Pursuant to the Investment Agreement: (i) the stockholders of Alberto-Culver immediately prior to the Separation Transactions became the beneficial owners of approximately 52% of the outstanding common stock of the Company on an undiluted basis; and (ii) CDRS, a limited liability company organized by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Fund VII, L.P., invested $575.0 million to obtain an equity ownership of approximately 48% of the outstanding common stock of the Company. In addition, the Company incurred approximately $1,850.0 million of new long-term debt in connection with the Separation Transactions.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP").

All references in these notes to "management" are to the management of Sally Beauty. All references in these notes to the "Company" are to Sally Beauty.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to interpret and apply accounting standards and to develop and follow accounting policies consistent with such standards. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies used in preparing the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

Reclassifications

Certain amounts for prior fiscal years have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.

Principles of Consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include the operations of Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in the financial statements. The level of uncertainty in estimates and assumptions increases with the length of time until the underlying transactions are completed. Actual results may differ from these estimates in amounts that may be material to the financial statements. Management believes that the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements are reasonable.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments purchased by the Company from time to time which have an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. These investments are stated at cost, which approximates market value. Also included in cash equivalents are proceeds due from customer credit and debit card transactions, which generally settle within one to three days, and were $8.4 million and $7.2 million at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other accounts receivable, accounts payable, interest rate swap agreements, foreign currency option and forward agreements and long-term debt.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.

The aggregate fair value of the interest rate swap agreements held at September 30, 2010 and 2009, was a net liability of $15.5 million and $15.4 million, respectively, and is included in other liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The fair value amounts reported for these agreements are based on third-party information and were determined using proprietary models based upon well-recognized financial principles and reasonable estimates about relevant future market conditions. Please see Note 15 for additional information about the Company's interest rate swap agreements.

The aggregate fair value of the foreign currency option and forward agreements held at September 30, 2010 was a net liability of $0.2 million, consisting of $0.3 million included in accrued liabilities and $0.1 million included in prepaid expenses in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The fair value amounts reported for these agreements are based on third-party information and were determined using proprietary models based upon well-recognized financial principles and reasonable estimates about

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


relevant future market conditions. Please see Note 15 for additional information about the Company's foreign currency option and forward agreements.

At September 30, 2010 and 2009, the fair value of the Company's long-term debt (including capital leases) was approximately $1,596.2 million and $1,655.1 million, while the carrying amount in the Company's consolidated balance sheets was $1,562.6 million and $1,677.5 million, respectively. The fair value amounts reported for the Company's long-term debt are based on quoted market prices where available or, if not available, based on discounted future cash flows using current market interest rates. Long-term debt is stated at amortized cost in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

  Interest Rate Swap Agreements

The Company utilizes derivative instruments, such as interest rate swap agreements, to manage its cash flow exposure associated with changing interest rates in connection with its term loan obligations, and accounts for these agreements in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"). The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Interest rate swap agreements held by the Company at September 30, 2010 are designated as effective cash flow hedges and adjustments to reflect the change in their fair values (which are adjusted quarterly) are recorded, net of income tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income until the hedged obligation is settled or the swap agreements expire, whichever is earlier. Any hedge ineffectiveness, as this term is used in ASC 815, is recognized in interest expense in our consolidated statements of earnings.

  Foreign Currency Option and Forward Contracts

The Company utilizes foreign currency derivative instruments, such as foreign currency option and forward contracts, to manage its cash flow exposure associated with certain changing foreign currency exchange rates. The Company's various foreign currency exposures at times offset each other, providing a natural hedge against foreign currency risk. The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

As a result of our acquisition of Sinelco Group NV ("Sinelco") on December 16, 2009, the Company uses foreign currency options, including, at September 30, 2010, foreign currency put options with an aggregate notional amount of €1.4 million ($1.9 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate) and foreign currency call options with an aggregate notional amount of €0.8 million ($1.2 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate), to manage the exposure to certain non-Euro currencies resulting from Sinelco's purchases of merchandise from third-party suppliers. Sinelco's functional currency is the Euro.

In the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2010, Sally Holdings entered into four foreign currency forward agreements which expire in January of 2011. Two foreign currency forward agreements enable Sally Holdings to sell, in the aggregate, approximately €5.2 million ($7.1 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate) at the weighted average forward exchange rate of 1.3073. The other two foreign currency forward agreements enable Sally Holdings to buy, in the aggregate, approximately $7.0 million Canadian dollars ($6.8 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate) at the weighted average forward exchange rate of 1.0277.

The Company's foreign currency derivative instruments are not designated as hedges and do not currently meet the requirements for hedge accounting. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of our foreign

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


currency derivative instruments (which are adjusted quarterly) are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings. Please see "Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Foreign currency exchange rate risk" contained elsewhere in this Annual Report, and Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of investments in cash equivalents, accounts receivable and derivative instruments.

The Company invests from time to time in securities of financial institutions with high credit quality. Accounts receivable are deemed by the Company to be highly diversified due to the high number of entities comprising the Company's customer base and their dispersion across diverse geographical regions. The counterparties to all our derivative instruments are deemed by the Company to be of substantial resources and strong creditworthiness. The Company believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to its investments in cash equivalents, its accounts receivable and its derivative instruments at September 30, 2010 and 2009.

Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the values invoiced to customers and do not bear interest. Trade accounts receivable are stated net of the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts requires management to estimate the future collectability of amounts receivable at the balance sheet date. Management records allowances for doubtful accounts based on historical collection data and current customer information. Customer account balances are charged against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. In the Company's consolidated statements of earnings, bad debt expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company's exposure to credit risk with respect to trade receivables is mitigated by the Company's broad customer base and their dispersion across diverse geographical regions.

Other Receivables

Other receivables consist primarily of amounts expected to be received from vendors under various contractual agreements. Other receivables are recorded at the amount management estimates will be collected.

Inventory

Inventory consists primarily of beauty supplies and related accessories and salon equipment for sale in the normal course of our business and is stated at the lower of cost, determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market (net realizable value). When necessary, the Company adjusts the carrying value of inventory to the lower of cost or market, including costs to sell or dispose, and for estimated inventory shrinkage. Estimates of the future demand for the Company's products, age of the inventory and changes in stock keeping units ("SKUs") are some of the key factors used by management in assessing the net realizable value of inventories. The Company estimates inventory shrinkage based on historical experience. Inventory shrinkage averaged approximately 1% of our consolidated net sales for the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the respective classes of assets and is reflected in depreciation and amortization expense in our consolidated statements of earnings. Buildings and building improvements are depreciated over periods ranging from five to 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the term of the related lease, including renewals determined to be reasonably assured. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated over periods ranging from three to ten years. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while expenditures for major renewals and improvements are capitalized. Upon the disposition of property and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from our accounts.

Lease Accounting

The Company's lease agreements for office space, retail stores and warehouse/distribution facilities are generally accounted for as operating leases, consistent with applicable GAAP. Rent expense (including any rent abatements or escalation charges) is recognized on a straight-line basis from the date the Company takes possession of the property to begin preparation of the site for occupancy, to the end of the lease term, including renewal options determined to be reasonably assured. Certain leases provide for contingent rents that are determined as a percentage of revenues in excess of specified levels. The Company records a contingent rent liability along with the corresponding rent expense when specified levels have been achieved or when management determines that achieving the specified levels during the fiscal year is probable.

Certain lease agreements to which the Company is a party provide for tenant improvement allowances. Such allowances are recorded as deferred lease credits, included in accrued liabilities and other liabilities, as appropriate, on our consolidated balance sheets, and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term (including renewal options determined to be reasonably assured) as a reduction of rent expense. Such amortization period is generally consistent with the amortization period used for the constructed leasehold improvement asset.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets and Certain Intangible Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, including store equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. There was no significant impairment of such assets recognized in our financial statements in the current or prior fiscal years.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill is the cost of an acquisition less the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment at least annually, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Management considers whether there has been a

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


permanent impairment to the value of goodwill and other intangibles by evaluating if various factors (including current operating results, anticipated future results and cash flows, and market and economic conditions) indicate a possible impairment. Based on the reviews performed, after taking into account the recent economic downturn in certain geographic areas in which we operate, there was no impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets recognized in our financial statements in the current or prior fiscal years.

Other intangible assets with indefinite lives include trade names and certain distribution rights. Other intangible assets subject to amortization include customer relationships, certain distribution rights and non-competition agreements; and are amortized, on a straight-line basis, over periods of one to twelve years. For other intangible assets held at September 30, 2010, the weighted average amortization period is approximately seven years. Both other intangible assets with indefinite lives and other intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment at least annually, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that their fair values have declined below their carrying amounts.

Deferred Financing Costs

Certain expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the related debt agreements on a straight line-basis or by using the effective interest method. These capitalized expenses are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

Insurance/Self-Insurance Programs

The Company retains a substantial portion of the risk related to certain of its workers' compensation, general and auto liability and property damage insurable loss exposure. Predetermined loss limits have been arranged with insurance companies to limit the Company's exposure per occurrence and aggregate cash outlay. Certain of our employees and their dependents are also covered by a self-insurance program for healthcare benefit purposes, up to a certain maximum lifetime limit at September 30, 2010. The Company intends to remove such lifetime limit requirements during the fiscal year 2011 in accordance with federal legislation recently enacted in the U.S. Currently these self-insurance costs, less amounts recovered through payroll deductions and certain out-of-pocket amounts in connection with the employee healthcare program, are funded by the Company. The Company maintains an annual stop-loss insurance policy for the healthcare benefits plan.

The Company records an estimated liability for the ultimate cost of claims incurred and unpaid as of the balance sheet date, which includes both claims filed and estimated losses incurred but not yet reported. The Company estimates the ultimate cost based on an analysis of historical data and actuarial estimates. Workers' compensation, general and auto liability and property damage insurable loss liabilities are recorded at the estimate of their net present value, while healthcare plan liabilities are not discounted. These estimates are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that the recorded liability is adequate. The Company believes the amounts accrued at September 30, 2010 and 2009 are adequate, although actual losses may differ from the amounts provided.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs relate mainly to print advertisements, digital marketing and trade shows. Advertising costs incurred in connection with print advertisements are expensed the first time the advertisement is run.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


Other advertising costs are expensed when incurred. Advertising costs of $64.6 million, $55.2 million and $50.6 million for the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings.

Vendor Rebates and Concessions

The Company deems a cash consideration received from a supplier to be a reduction of the cost of products sold unless it is in exchange for an asset or service or a reimbursement of a specific, incremental, identifiable cost incurred by the Company in selling the vendor's products. The majority of cash consideration received by the Company is considered to be a reduction of the cost of the related products and is reflected in cost of products sold and distribution expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings as the related products are sold. Any portion of such cash consideration received that is attributable to inventory on hand is reflected as a reduction of inventory.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred income taxes for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to 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 expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are estimated to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings in the period of enactment. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized unless it is more-likely-than-not that such assets will be realized in full. The estimated tax benefit of an uncertain tax position is recorded in our financial statements only after determining a more-likely-than-not probability that the uncertain tax position will withstand challenge, if any, from applicable taxing authorities.

Foreign Currency

The functional currency of each of the Company's foreign operations is generally the respective local currency. Balance sheet accounts are translated into U.S. dollars (the Company's reporting currency) at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date, while the results of operations are translated using the average exchange rates during the period presented. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in our consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are included in our consolidated statements of earnings when incurred and were not significant in any of the periods presented in the accompanying financial statements.

Net Earnings per Share

Basic net earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net earnings per share is calculated similarly but includes potential dilution from the exercise of all outstanding stock options and stock awards, except when the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes sales revenue when a customer consummates a point-of-sale transaction in a store. The cost of sales incentive programs, such as customer and consumer coupons, are recognized as a reduction of revenue at the time of sale. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


authorities are recorded on a net basis and are excluded from revenue. The Company also recognizes revenue on merchandise shipped to customers when title and risk of loss pass to the customer (generally upon shipment). Appropriate provisions for sales returns and cash discounts are made at the time the sales are recognized. Sales returns and allowances averaged approximately 2.2% of net sales during each of the past three fiscal years.

Cost of Products Sold and Distribution Expenses

Cost of products sold and distribution expenses include actual product costs, the cost of transportation to the Company's distribution centers, and certain shipping and handling costs, such as freight from the distribution centers to the stores and handling costs incurred at the distribution centers. All other shipping and handling costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses when incurred.

Shipping and Handling

Shipping and handling costs (including freight and distribution expenses) related to delivery to customers are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings when incurred and amounted to $36.0 million, $30.3 million and $35.8 million for the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value at the date of grant of the award, and recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period or to the date a participant becomes eligible for retirement, if earlier.

Prior to November of 2006, the Company was a subsidiary of Alberto-Culver and had no share-based compensation plans of its own, however, Alberto-Culver had granted to Company employees certain stock options, with a cash settlement provision contingent upon the occurrence of certain change in control events, pursuant to its stock option plans. As such, the contingent cash settlement of these stock options as a result of such event would not be solely in the control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company reported $0.9 million and $1.8 million in "Stock options subject to redemption" outside of accumulated stockholders' equity (deficit) on its consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and this amount will be reclassified back into additional paid-in capital in future periods as the related stock options are exercised or canceled or otherwise terminated.

Business Combinations

The Company adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"), effective on October 1, 2009. ASC 805, among other things, generally requires that an acquirer recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed measured at their "full fair values" on the acquisition date. This practice replaced the practice, under predecessor accounting standards, of allocating the cost of an acquisition to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative estimated fair values. ASC 805 further requires that acquisition-related costs be recognized separately from the related acquisition. Accordingly, selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year 2010 includes approximately $0.7 million of expenses related to acquisitions.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income reflects changes in accumulated stockholders' equity (deficit) from sources other than transactions with stockholders and, as such, includes net earnings and certain other specified components. The Company's only components of comprehensive income, other than net earnings, are foreign currency translation adjustments and deferred gains (losses) on certain interest rate swap agreements, net of income tax.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at September 30, 2010 and 2009, are as follows (in thousands):

 
  As of September 30,  
 
  2010   2009  
 
  Amount
Before Tax
  Deferred
Tax
  Net
Amount
  Amount
Before Tax
  Deferred
Tax
  Net
Amount
 

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments

  $ (10,772 )     $ (10,772 ) $ (6,495 )     $ (6,495 )

Deferred (losses) gains on interest rate swaps(a)

    (15,530 )   6,026     (9,504 )   (15,365 )   5,962     (9,403 )
                           

Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

  $ (26,302 ) $ 6,026   $ (20,276 ) $ (21,860 ) $ 5,962   $ (15,898 )
                           
(a)
Please see Note 15 for more information about the Company's interest rate swaps.

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Changes

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB revised the accounting standards for business combinations. This new standard (currently contained in ASC 805), among other things, generally requires that an acquirer recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed measured at their "full fair values" on the acquisition date. This practice replaced the practice, under predecessor accounting standards, of allocating the cost of an acquisition to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative estimated fair values. This new standard further requires that acquisition-related costs be recognized separately from the related acquisition. The Company adopted this standard effective October 1, 2009. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year 2010 includes approximately $0.7 million of expenses related to acquisitions.

In April 2008, the FASB amended ASC Topic 350, Intangibles and Other ("ASC 350"). This new accounting standard, currently contained in ASC 350-30-35, specifically amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. The objective of this amendment is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset. The Company adopted this standard during the first quarter of its fiscal year 2010 and its adoption did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC Topic 805-20 Business Combinations—Identifiable Assets and Liabilities and Any Non-controlling Interest. This new accounting standard amended ASC 805 and applies to assets acquired and liabilities assumed that arise from contingencies in a business combination. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of its fiscal year 2010 and its adoption did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2009-05 which amended ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820") as it relates to the measurement of liabilities at fair value, effective for interim reporting periods beginning after August 26, 2009. More specifically, this amendment provided clarification about the valuation of liabilities in which a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability is not available. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of its fiscal year 2010 and its adoption did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06 which amended ASC 820 as it relates to certain disclosures of fair value measurements. This amendment requires, among other things, (a) disclosure of the sensitivity of an entity's fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs to changes in such inputs, (b) a reconciliation of changes in such fair value measurements and (c) disclosure of transfers between fair value measurements using Level 1 and 2 inputs, if any. The Company adopted this amendment during the second quarter of its fiscal year 2010 and its adoption did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events ("ASC 855"), during the third quarter of its fiscal year 2009. ASC 855 establishes standards of accounting for and disclosure of transactions and events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued and requires the disclosure, among other things, of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events. In February of 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09 which amended ASC 855. This amendment, which was effective upon issuance, removed the requirement for SEC registrants to disclose the date through which such registrants have evaluated subsequent events. Please see Note 20 for additional information about our subsequent events.

Accounting Changes

The Company made no other accounting changes during the fiscal year 2010.

4. Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures on a recurring basis and discloses certain financial instruments (including interest rate swap agreements, and foreign currency option and forward agreements) under the provisions of ASC 820, as amended. The Company defines "fair value" as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy for measuring fair value and requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. This valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability on the measurement date. The three levels of that hierarchy are defined as follows:

        Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

        Level 2—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data; and

        Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Consistent with this hierarchy, the Company categorized certain of its financial assets and liabilities as follows at September 30, 2010 (in thousands):

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
 
  Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  

Assets

                         
 

Foreign currency forwards(a)

  $ 20       $ 20      
 

Foreign currency options(a)

    99         99      
                   

Total assets

  $ 119         $ 119        
                       

Liabilities

                         
 

Long-term debt(b)

  $ 1,596,228   $ 751,250   $ 844,978      
 

Hedged interest rate swaps(a)

    15,530         15,530      
 

Foreign currency forwards(a)

    328         328      
                   

Total liabilities

  $ 1,612,086   $ 751,250   $ 860,836        
                     
(a)
Foreign currency forwards and options and interest rate swaps are valued using internal models based on market observable inputs, including market interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, as appropriate. Please see Note 15 for more information about the Company's foreign currency forwards and options and interest rate swaps.

(b)
Long-term debt, which is carried at amortized cost in the Company's consolidated financial statements, is valued for purposes of this disclosure using internal models based on market observable inputs, except for the senior and senior subordinated notes. The senior and senior subordinated notes are valued using quoted market prices for such debt securities.

Consistent with this hierarchy, the Company categorized certain of its financial assets and liabilities as follows at September 30, 2009 (in thousands):

 
  As of September 30, 2009  
 
  Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  

Liabilities

                         
 

Long-term debt(a)

  $ 1,655,076   $ 727,719   $ 927,357      
 

Hedged interest rate swaps(b)

    15,365         15,365      
 

Non-hedged interest rate swaps(b)

    2,356         2,356      
                     

Total liabilities

  $ 1,672,797   $ 727,719   $ 945,078        
                     
(a)
Long-term debt, which is carried at amortized cost in the Company's consolidated financial statements, is valued for purposes of this disclosure using internal models based on market

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

(b)
Interest rate swaps are valued using internal models based on market observable inputs, including market interest rates. Please see Note 15 for more information about the Company's interest rate swaps.

5. Accumulated Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

The Company is authorized to issue up to 400.0 million shares of common stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. Prior to November of 2006, the Company was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alberto-Culver. In November of 2006, the Company had approximately 180.1 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding and commenced regular-way trading on the New York Stock Exchange as an independent company under the symbol "SBH," in connection with the Separation Transactions. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had approximately 182.6 million shares issued and approximately 182.2 million shares outstanding. Please see the Note 1 for additional information about the Separation Transactions.

6. Net Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):

 
  Year ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008  

Net earnings:

  $ 143,828   $ 99,117   $ 77,577  
               

Total weighted average basic shares

    181,985     181,691     181,189  

Dilutive securities:

                   
 

Stock option and stock award programs

    2,103     1,615     1,515  
               

Total weighted average diluted shares

    184,088     183,306     182,704  
               

Earnings per share:

                   
 

Basic

  $ 0.79   $ 0.55   $ 0.43  
               
 

Diluted

  $ 0.78   $ 0.54   $ 0.42  
               

At September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, options to purchase 6,286,491 shares, 6,431,741 shares and 6,641,544 shares, respectively, of the Company's common stock were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share, since these options were anti-dilutive. Anti-dilutive options are out-of-the-money options (options the exercise price of which is greater than the average price per share of the Company's common stock during the period), and in-the-money options for which the sum of assumed proceeds, including unrecognized compensation expense, exceeds the average price per share for the period.

7. Share-Based Payments

In January of 2010, the Company adopted the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2010 Plan"), a share-based compensation plan which allows for the issuance of up to 29.8 million shares of the Company's common stock. During the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company granted

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Table of Contents


Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


to its employees and consultants approximately 2.9 million, 2.7 million and 2.8 million stock options and approximately 118,000, 123,000 and 136,000 restricted share awards, respectively, under the 2010 Plan, the Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2007 Plan") or the Alberto-Culver Company Employee Stock Option Plan of 2003. Additionally, during the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company granted approximately 66,038, 93,500 and 55,700 restricted stock units ("RSUs"), respectively, to its non-employee directors under the 2007 Plan. After the adoption of the 2010 Plan, the Company's equity awards have been made under the 2010 Plan and all future awards are currently expected to be made under such plan.

The Company measures the cost of services received from employees, directors and consultants in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, and recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period or up to the date a participant becomes eligible for retirement, if earlier. For the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, total compensation cost charged against income and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings for all share-based compensation arrangements was $12.8 million, $8.6 million and $10.2 million, respectively, and resulted in an increase in additional paid-in capital by the same amounts. These amounts included, for the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, $2.5 million, $2.0 million and $3.1 million, respectively, of accelerated expense related to certain retirement eligible employees who continue vesting awards upon retirement, under the provisions of the 2010 Plan and certain predecessor share-based plans such as the 2007 Plan. For fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, the total income tax benefit recognized in our consolidated statements of earnings from these plans was $4.2 million, $2.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

Prior to the Separation Transactions, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alberto-Culver and had no share-based compensation plans of our own; however, certain of our employees had been granted stock options and restricted stock awards under share-based compensation plans of Alberto-Culver. Upon completion of the Separation Transactions, all outstanding Alberto-Culver stock options held by our employees became options to purchase shares of our common stock.

Stock Options

Each option has an exercise price that equals 100% of the market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant and generally has a maximum term of 10 years. Options generally vest ratably over a four year period and are generally subject to forfeiture until the vesting period is complete, subject to certain retirement provisions contained in the 2010 Plan and certain predecessor share-based compensation plans such as the 2007 Plan.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

The following table presents a summary of the activity for the Company's stock option plans for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010:

 
  Number of
Outstanding
Options (in
Thousands)
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in
Years)
  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (in
Thousands)
 

Outstanding at September 30, 2009

    10,159   $ 7.43     7.7   $ 10,678  
 

Granted

    2,917     7.46              
 

Exercised

    (284 )   3.09              
 

Forfeited or expired

    (54 )   8.55              
                         

Outstanding at September 30, 2010

    12,738   $ 7.53     7.3   $ 46,789  
                         

Exercisable at September 30, 2010

    6,292   $ 7.89     6.3   $ 20,850  
                         

The following table summarizes information about stock options under the Company's option plans at September 30, 2010:

 
  Options Outstanding   Options Exercisable  
Range of Exercise Prices
  Number
Outstanding at
September 30,
2010 (in
Thousands)
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in
Years)
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Number
Exercisable at
September 30,
2010 (in
Thousands)
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

$2.00

    922     3.8   $ 2.00     922   $ 2.00  

$5.24 - 9.66

    11,816     7.5     7.96     5,370     8.90  
                             
 

Total

    12,738     7.3   $ 7.53     6,292   $ 7.89  
                             

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value the Company's stock options for each stock option award. Using this option pricing model, the fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant. The fair value of the Company's stock option awards is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period (generally four years) of the stock options or to the date a participant becomes eligible for retirement, if earlier.

The weighted average assumptions relating to the valuation of the Company's stock options are as follows:

 
  Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008  

Expected lives (in years)

    5.0     5.0     5.0  

Expected volatility

    64.4%     47.9%     37.5% - 41.3%  

Risk-free interest rate

    2.4%     2.6%     3.5% - 4.0%  

Dividend yield

    0.0%     0.0%     0.0%  

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

The expected life of options represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding and is based on historical experience of employees of the Company who have been granted stock options, including grants under stock option plans of Alberto-Culver prior to the Separation Transactions. Expected volatility is derived using the average volatility of both the Company and similar companies (based on industry sector) since it is not practicable to estimate the Company's expected volatility on a stand-alone basis due to a lack of sufficient trading history. The risk-free interest rate is based on the zero-coupon U.S. Treasury issue as of the date of the grant. Since the Company does not currently expect to pay dividends, the dividend yield is 0%.

The weighted average fair value per option at the date of grant, of the stock options issued to the Company's grantees during the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $4.15, $2.33 and $3.73, respectively. The total fair value of stock options issued to the Company's grantees that vested during the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $7.6 million, $6.2 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $1.8 million, $1.0 million and $3.3 million, and the tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from these option exercises was $0.5 million, $0.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The total cash received during the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 from these option exercises was $0.9 million, $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

At September 30, 2010, approximately $9.4 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock option awards are expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of 2.2 years.

Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

The Company from time to time grants restricted stock awards to employees and consultants under the 2010 Plan. A restricted stock award is an award of shares of the Company's common stock (which have full voting and dividend rights but are restricted with regard to sale or transfer) the restrictions over which lapse ratably over a specified period of time (generally five years). Restricted stock awards are independent of stock option grants and are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to these restrictions lapsing, subject to certain retirement provisions of the 2010 Plan and certain predecessor share-based compensation plans such as the 2007 Plan.

The Company expenses the cost of the restricted stock awards, which is determined to equal the fair value of the restricted stock award at the date of grant, on a straight-line basis over the period (the "vesting period") in which the restrictions on these stock awards lapse ("vesting") or to the date a participant becomes eligible for retirement, if earlier. For these purposes, the fair value of the restricted stock award is determined based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

The following table presents a summary of the activity for the Company's restricted stock awards for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010:

Restricted Stock Awards
  Number of
Shares (in
Thousands)
  Weighted
Average Fair
Value Per Share
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Vesting Term
(in Years)
 

Unvested at September 30, 2009

    331   $ 7.45     3.3  
 

Granted

    118     7.42        
 

Vested

    (87 )   7.69        
 

Forfeited or expired

                 
                   

Unvested at September 30, 2010

    362   $ 7.38     3.2  
                   

At September 30, 2010, approximately $2.0 million of unrecognized compensation expenses related to unvested restricted stock awards and are expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of 3.2 years.

Restricted Stock Units

The Company currently grants RSUs which generally vest within one year from the date of grant pursuant to the 2010 Plan. To date, the Company has only granted RSU awards to its non-employee directors. RSUs represent an unsecured promise of the Company to issue shares of common stock of the Company. Upon vesting, such RSUs are generally retained by the Company as deferred stock units that are not distributed until six months after the independent director's service as a director terminates. RSUs are independent of stock option grants and are generally subject to forfeiture if service terminates prior to the vesting of the units. Participants have no voting rights with respect to unvested RSUs. Under the 2010 Plan, the Company may settle the vested deferred stock units with shares of the Company's common stock or in cash.

The Company expenses the cost of services received in exchange of RSUs (which is determined to equal the fair value of the RSUs at the date of grant) on a straight-line basis over the vesting period (generally one year). For these purposes, the fair value of the RSU is determined based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

The following table presents a summary of the activity for the Company's RSUs for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010:

Restricted Stock Units
  Number of
Shares (in
Thousands)
  Weighted
Average Fair
Value Per Share
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Vesting Term
(In Years)
 

Unvested at September 30, 2009

      $      

Granted

    66     7.42        

Vested

    (66 )   7.42        

Forfeited

               
                   

Unvested at September 30, 2010

             
                   

During fiscal year 2010, all RSUs vested. Therefore, there are no remaining unrecognized compensation costs to be expensed as of September 30, 2010.

8. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The change in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows (in thousands):

 
  Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008  

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 2,266   $ 2,702   $ 2,564  

Bad debt expense

    1,578     1,859     2,353  

Uncollected accounts written off, net of recoveries

    (1,431 )   (2,648 )   (2,218 )

Allowance for doubtful accounts of acquired companies

    343     353     3  
               

Balance at end of period

  $ 2,756   $ 2,266   $ 2,702  
               

9. Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net consists of the following (in thousands):

 
  September 30,  
 
  2010   2009  

Land

  $ 11,124   $ 9,672  

Buildings and building improvements

    58,594     49,608  

Leasehold improvements

    155,476     139,642  

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

    234,111     217,659  
           
 

Total property and equipment, gross

    459,305     416,581  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

    (291,186 )   (265,329 )
           
 

Total property and equipment, net

  $ 168,119   $ 151,252  
           

Depreciation expense for the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $42.4 million, $40.9 million and $42.2 million, respectively. As further described in Note 13, the term loan facilities and the ABL facility are

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


secured by substantially all of our assets, those of Sally Investment Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sally Beauty and the direct parent of Sally Holdings, those of our domestic subsidiaries and, in the case of the ABL facility, those of our Canadian subsidiaries.

10. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by operating segment for the fiscal years 2009 and 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 
  Sally Beauty
Supply
  Beauty Systems
Group
  Total  

Balance at September 30, 2008

  $ 65,188   $ 359,775   $ 424,963  

Additions, net of purchase price adjustments

    10,264     62,388     72,652  

Foreign currency translation

    (2,244 )   (1,236 )   (3,480 )
               

Balance at September 30, 2009

    73,208     420,927     494,135  
               

Additions, net of purchase price adjustments

    8,092     2,568     10,660  

Reclassifications

    (2,780 )   (22,920 )   (25,700 )

Foreign currency translation

    (2,221 )   1,366     (855 )
               

Balance at September 30, 2010

  $ 76,299   $ 401,941   $ 478,240  
               

As described in Note 18, during the fiscal year 2009, $61.0 million of the increase in BSG's goodwill was attributable to the acquisition of Schoeneman Beauty Supply, Inc. ("Schoeneman") on September 30, 2009. The remaining increase in BSG's goodwill in the amount of $1.4 million and the $10.3 million increase in Sally Beauty Supply's goodwill during the fiscal year 2009 were attributable to acquisitions, which were not individually material, and to net purchase price adjustments. The purchase prices of certain acquisitions completed during the fiscal year 2009 were allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their preliminary estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The final valuations of such assets and liabilities were completed during the fiscal year 2010.

As described in Note 18, during the fiscal year 2010, $5.2 million of the increase in Sally Beauty Supply's goodwill was attributable to the acquisition of Sinelco on December 16, 2010. The remaining increase in Sally Beauty Supply's goodwill in the amount of $2.9 million and the $2.6 million increase in BSG's goodwill during the fiscal year 2010 were attributable to acquisitions which were not individually material and to net purchase price adjustments. During the fiscal year 2010, intangible assets subject to amortization in the amount of $24.9 million were also recorded in connection with certain 2009 acquisitions, including the acquisition of Schoeneman, and intangible assets with indefinite lives in the amount of $0.8 million were recorded in connection with such 2009 acquisitions. These amounts were previously reported in Goodwill pending completion of the final valuations of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as discussed in the preceding paragraph.

The following table provides the carrying value for intangible assets with indefinite lives and the gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for intangible assets subject to amortization (which we refer

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


to, in the aggregate, as "other intangible assets") by operating segment at September 30, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

 
  Sally Beauty
Supply
  Beauty Systems
Group
  Total  

Balance at September 30, 2010:

                   

Intangible assets with indefinite lives:

                   
 

Trade names

  $ 28,046   $ 33,752   $ 61,798  
 

Other intangibles

        5,700     5,700  
               
   

Total

    28,046     39,452     67,498  
               

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

                   
 

Gross carrying amount

    14,399     60,486     74,885  
 

Accumulated amortization

    (4,301 )   (28,730 )   (33,031 )
               
   

Net value

    10,098     31,756     41,854  
               
     

Total intangible assets, net

  $ 38,144   $ 71,208   $ 109,352  
               

Balance at September 30, 2009:

                   

Intangible assets with indefinite lives:

                   
 

Trade names

  $ 20,183   $ 33,815   $ 53,998  
 

Other intangibles

        5,700     5,700  
               
   

Total

    20,183     39,515     59,698  
               

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

                   
 

Gross carrying amount

    6,933     36,411     43,344  
 

Accumulated amortization

    (2,299 )   (22,058 )   (24,357 )
               
   

Net value

    4,634     14,353     18,987  
               
     

Total intangible assets, net

  $ 24,817   $ 53,868   $ 78,685  
               

Amortization expense totaled $8.7 million, $6.2 million and $6.3 million for the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. As of September 30, 2010, future amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization is estimated to be as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year:
   
 

2011

  $ 8,052  

2012

    6,583  

2013

    4,819  

2014

    4,501  

2015

    4,067  

Thereafter

    13,832  
       

  $ 41,854  
       

The weighted average amortization period for intangible assets subject to amortization is approximately 7 years.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

11. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 
  September 30,  
 
  2010   2009  

Compensation and benefits

  $ 74,446   $ 60,811  

Interest payable

    26,518     28,612  

Deferred revenue

    13,099     12,392  

Rental obligations

    11,531     10,708  

Property and other taxes

    4,511     4,414  

Insurance reserves

    8,428     6,805  

Acquisition related payables

    1,077     1,950  

Operating accruals and other

    27,886     28,470  
           
 

Total accrued liabilities

  $ 167,496   $ 154,162  
           

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Commitments

The Company's principal leases relate to retail stores and warehousing properties. At September 30, 2010, future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases, net of sublease income, are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year:
   
 

2011

  $ 135,142  

2012

    113,168  

2013

    87,223  

2014

    57,900  

2015

    33,555  

Thereafter

    49,158  
       

  $ 476,146  
       

Certain of the Company's leases require the Company to pay a portion of real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance and special assessments assessed by the lessor. Also, certain of the Company's leases include renewal options and escalation clauses.

Total rental expense for operating leases amounted to $178.5 million, $166.3 million and $163.7 million for the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings. These amounts include $0.5 million, $0.4 million and $0.8 million for contingent rents for the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

There were no material legal proceedings pending against the Company or its subsidiaries, as of September 30, 2010. The Company is involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to the conduct of its business in the ordinary course. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse impact on its consolidated financial position, statements of earnings or cash flows.

On February 25, 2008, we disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that on February 21, 2008, L'Oreal filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of San Diego—Central Division naming, among others, SD Hair, Ltd. and Hair of Nevada, LLC (collectively, "SD Hair"), franchisees of our subsidiary Armstrong McCall division ("AMLP") of our BSG business unit, as defendants. The suit alleged, among other things, that SD Hair breached its franchise agreement with AMLP by diverting (selling) Matrix branded products to unauthorized buyers, and that L'Oreal is entitled to make claims against SD Hair under the franchise agreement as a third-party beneficiary of that agreement. On March 24, 2008, SD Hair filed a cross-complaint in the same case naming AMLP and BSG as cross-defendants, seeking, among other things, i) declaratory relief from BSG and AMLP in the form of a judicial finding that SD Hair is not in breach of its franchise agreement and that L'Oreal has no rights as a third-party beneficiary to SD Hair's franchise agreement, and ii) injunctive relief in the form of a judicial order compelling AMLP and BSG to take appropriate legal action against L'Oreal to enforce SD Hair's claimed rights under AMLP's Matrix distribution agreement. We have answered the cross-complaint.

On July 30, 2009, we disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that L'Oreal filed a Second Amended Complaint in connection with the previously disclosed lawsuit described above. The Second Amended Complaint alleges, among other things, that AMLP, certain of its employees and others were involved in selling Matrix branded products to unauthorized buyers and that certain of its employees (and others) engaged in improper business transactions for personal benefit during 2005 through 2007. L'Oreal seeks money damages, certain injunctive relief and a declaration that L'Oreal is entitled to terminate the 1981 Matrix Distributor Agreement now in effect between L'Oreal and AMLP. None of the employees involved in the allegations are executive officers of the Company. Substantially all of these allegations were made known by L'Oreal to the Company prior to the filing of the Second Amended Complaint. L'Oreal also provided the Company with documents allegedly supporting the allegations.

As a result of these allegations made by L'Oreal, many of which are incorporated into the Second Amended Complaint, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company engaged independent special counsel to investigate whether certain employees engaged in improper business transactions for personal benefit. After extensive review, the Audit Committee and independent special counsel found insufficient evidence to support a conclusion that Company employees entered into improper transactions for personal benefit.

On September 8, 2009, AMLP and BSG filed a cross-complaint against L'Oreal. In the cross-complaint, AMLP and BSG allege that L'Oreal does not have a genuine interest in stopping diversion, and that L'Oreal's anti-diversion policies have been discriminatorily applied to AMLP and BSG. AMLP further alleges that L'Oreal is using diversion as a pretext to attempt to terminate the 1981 Matrix Distributor Agreement. L'Oreal has answered the cross-complaint and the matter is currently set for jury trial on February 18, 2011.

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Table of Contents


Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

Other Contingencies

The Company provides healthcare benefits to most of its full-time employees. The Company is largely self-funded for the cost of the healthcare plan (including healthcare claims), other than certain fees and out-of-pocket amounts paid by the employees. In addition, the Company retains a substantial portion of the risk related to certain workers' compensation, general liability, and automobile and property insurance. The Company records an estimated liability for the ultimate cost of claims incurred and unpaid as of the balance sheet date. The estimated liability is included in accrued liabilities (current portion) and other liabilities (long-term portion) in our consolidated balance sheets. The Company carries insurance coverage in such amounts in excess of its self-insured retention which management believes to be reasonable.

Liabilities for loss contingencies, arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated. The Company has no significant liabilities for loss contingencies at September 30, 2010 and 2009.

13. Long-Term Debt

Details of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):

 
  September 30,
2010
  Maturity dates   Interest Rates

ABL facility

  $     Nov. 2011   (i) Prime and up to 0.50% or;

              (ii) LIBOR(a) plus (1.00% to 1.50%)

Term Loan B

    843,856     Nov. 2013   (i) Prime plus (1.25% to 1.50%) or;

              (ii) LIBOR(a) plus (2.25% to 2.50%)(b)

Other(c)

    6,675     2011-2014   4.05% to 6.75%
               
 

Total

  $ 850,531          
               

Senior notes

  $ 430,000     Nov. 2014   9.25%

Senior subordinated notes

    275,000     Nov. 2016   10.50%
               
 

Total

  $ 705,000          
               

Capitalized leases and other

  $ 7,105          

Less: current portion

    (3,045 )        
               
 

Total long-term debt

  $ 1,559,591          
               
(a)
London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR").

(b)
At September 30, 2010, the interest rate for the Term Loan B was 2.51%.

(c)
Represents pre-acquisition debt of Pro-Duo NV ("Pro-Duo") and Sinelco.

In connection with the Separation Transactions in November of 2006, the Company, through its subsidiaries (Sally Investment Holdings LLC and Sally Holdings) incurred $1,850.0 million of indebtedness by (i) drawing on a $400.0 million revolving, asset-based lending ("ABL") facility in the amount of $70.0 million, (ii) entering into two senior term loan facilities (term loans A and B) in an aggregate amount of $1,070.0 million, and (iii) together (jointly and severally) with another of the Company's indirect

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Table of Contents


Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


subsidiaries, Sally Capital Inc., issuing senior notes in an aggregate amount of $430.0 million and senior subordinated notes in an aggregate amount of $280.0 million. The Company incurred approximately $58.5 million in costs related to the issuance of the debt, which were capitalized and are being amortized to interest expense over the life of the related debt obligations. Proceeds from the initial debt were used primarily to pay the $25.00 per share special cash dividend to the holders of record of Alberto-Culver's stock and for certain expenses associated with the Separation Transactions.

The ABL facility provides for senior secured revolving loans up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $400.0 million, subject to borrowing base limitations. The availability of funds under the ABL facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation, which is based on specified percentages of the value of eligible inventory and eligible accounts receivables, subject to certain reserves and other adjustments and reduced by certain outstanding letters of credit. At September 30, 2010, the Company had $341.8 million available for borrowing under the ABL facility. Additionally, the Company is required to pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.35% on the unused portion of the ABL facility. At September 30, 2010, the commitment fee rate was 0.20%. In November 2010, Sally Holdings entered into a new agreement with lenders to replace its ABL facility with a new $400 million, 5-year credit facility (the "new ABL facility"). Please see Note 20 for additional information about the new ABL facility.

The ABL facility contains a covenant requiring Sally Holdings and its subsidiaries to maintain a fixed-charge coverage ratio of at least 1.0 to 1.0 when availability under the ABL facility falls below $40.0 million. The fixed-charge coverage ratio is defined as the ratio of EBITDA (as defined in the agreement underlying the ABL facility, or Credit Agreement EBITDA) less unfinanced capital expenditures to fixed charges (as included in the definition of the fixed-charge coverage ratio in the agreement governing the ABL facility).

The senior term loan facilities consisted of (i) a $150.0 million senior term loan A facility and (ii) a $920.0 million senior term loan B facility. Principal and interest is payable on a quarterly basis. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, the Company prepaid in full its borrowings under the Term Loan A facility.

The senior term loan facilities contain a covenant requiring Sally Holdings and its subsidiaries to meet certain maximum consolidated secured leverage ratio levels, which decline over time. The consolidated secured leverage ratio is a ratio of (A) net consolidated secured debt to (B) Consolidated EBITDA as defined in the agreement underlying the senior term loan facilities. Compliance with the consolidated secured leverage ratio is tested quarterly, with a maximum ratio of 4.00 as of September 30, 2010. Failure to comply with the consolidated secured leverage ratio covenant under the senior term loan facilities would result in a default under such facilities.

The senior term loan facilities and the ABL facility are secured by substantially all of our assets, those of Sally Investment Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sally Beauty and the direct parent of Sally Holdings, those of our domestic subsidiaries and, in the case of the ABL facility, those of our Canadian subsidiaries. Borrowings under the senior term loan facilities may be prepaid at the option of Sally Holdings at any time without premium or penalty and are subject to mandatory prepayment in an amount equal to 50% of excess cash flow (as defined in the agreement governing the senior term loan facilities) for any fiscal year unless a specified leverage ratio is met. In January 2010, the Company made a mandatory prepayment on the senior term loan facilities in the amount of $22.3 million. Amounts paid pursuant to said provision may be applied, at the option of Sally Holdings, against minimum loan repayments otherwise required of it over the twelve-month period following any such payment under the terms of the loan agreements. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, the Company also made optional

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


prepayments in the aggregate amount of $102.7 million on its senior term loans. This amount together with the mandatory prepayment discussed above, resulted in the prepayment in full of borrowings under the Term Loan A facility. In connection with the mandatory prepayment and the optional prepayments made during the fiscal year 2010, the Company recorded losses on extinguishment of debt in the aggregate amount of $1.0 million, which are included in interest expense in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings. Additionally, borrowings under the senior term loan facilities would be subject to mandatory repayment in an amount equal to 100% of the proceeds of specified asset sales that are not reinvested in the business or applied to repay borrowings under the ABL facility. We believe that the Company is currently in compliance with the agreements and instruments governing our debt, including our financial covenants.

The senior notes and senior subordinated notes are unsecured obligations of the issuers and are jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior basis (in the case of the senior notes) and on a senior subordinated basis (in the case of the senior subordinated notes) by each material domestic subsidiary of the Company. The senior notes and the senior subordinated notes carry optional redemption features whereby the Company has the option to redeem the notes before November 15, 2010 and November 15, 2011, respectively, at par plus a premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, and on or after November 15, 2010 and November 15, 2011, respectively, at par plus a premium declining ratably to par, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Interest on the senior notes and senior subordinated notes is payable semi-annually. Furthermore, the agreements underlying the Company's credit facilities contain terms which significantly restrict the ability of Sally Beauty's subsidiaries to pay dividends or otherwise transfer assets to Sally Beauty.

In the fiscal year 2008, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $300.0 million. The Company uses interest rate swaps, as part of its overall economic risk management strategy, to add stability to the interest payments due in connection with its term loan obligations. Interest payments related to our term loans are impacted by changes in LIBOR. Please see Note 15 for additional information about the Company's interest rate swap agreements.

Maturities of the Company's long-term debt are as follows at September 30, 2010 (in thousands):

Fiscal Year:
   
 
 

2011

  $ 2,685  
 

2012

    10,278  
 

2013

    10,145  
 

2014

    827,326  
 

2015

    430,097  
 

Thereafter

    275,000  
       

  $ 1,555,531  

Capital leases and other

    7,105  

Less: current portion

    (3,045 )
       
 

Total

  $ 1,559,591  
       

We are a holding company and do not have any material assets or operations other than ownership of equity interests of our subsidiaries. The agreements and instruments governing the debt of Sally Holdings and its subsidiaries contain material limitations on our subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends and other restricted payments to us which, in turn, constitute material limitations on our ability to pay dividends and other payments to our stockholders.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

Under the agreements and indentures governing the term loan facilities and the notes, Sally Holdings may not make certain restricted payments to us if a default then exists under the credit agreement or the indentures or if its consolidated interest coverage ratio is less than 2.0 to 1.0 at the time of the making of such restricted payment. As of September 30, 2010, its consolidated interest coverage ratio exceeded 2.0 to 1.0. Further, the aggregate amount of restricted payments Sally Holdings is able to make is limited pursuant to various baskets as calculated pursuant to the credit agreement and indentures.

The agreements governing our ABL facility generally permit the making of distributions and certain other restricted payments so long as the borrowing availability under the facility equals or exceeds $60.0 million. If the borrowing availability falls below this amount, Sally Holdings may nevertheless make restricted payments to us in the aggregate since the date of the Separation Transactions, together with the aggregate cash amounts paid in connection with acquisitions since said date, of not greater than $50.0 million, together with certain other exceptions. As of September 30, 2010, borrowing availability under the ABL facility exceeded $60.0 million. As of September 30, 2010, the net assets of our consolidated subsidiaries that were unrestricted from transfer under our credit arrangements totaled $310.1 million, subject to certain adjustments. The agreements governing our ABL facility and the senior term loan facilities, as well as the indentures covering the Company's 9.25% Senior Notes and its 10.5% Senior Subordinated Notes contain customary cross-default and/or cross-acceleration provisions.

At September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company had no off-balance sheet financing arrangements other than operating leases incurred in the ordinary course of business as disclosed in Note 12, and outstanding letters of credit related to inventory purchases and self-insurance programs which totaled $14.5 million and $13.4 million at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

14. Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. Stand-Alone Financial Information

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. is a holding company and has no material assets or operations other than its ownership interests in its subsidiaries. The Company's operations are conducted almost entirely through its subsidiaries. As such, Sally Beauty depends on its subsidiaries for cash to meet its obligations or to pay dividends.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

Sally Investment Holdings LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sally Beauty and the direct parent of Sally Holdings, does not have any assets or operations of any kind. Summary financial data for Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. on a stand-alone basis as of and for each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

 
  2010   2009  

Balance Sheet

             

Assets:

             
 

Deferred income tax assets

  $ 1,071   $ 829  
 

Income taxes receivable

        3,915  
 

Other

    41,479     22,342  
 

Investment in subsidiaries

    (497,888 )   (642,139 )
           
   

Total assets

  $ (455,338 ) $ (615,053 )
           

Liabilities:

             
 

Deferred income tax liabilities

  $ 330   $ 78  
 

Income taxes payable

    5,368      
 

Other

    236     320  
           
   

Total liabilities

    5,934     398  

Stockholders' deficit:

    (461,272 )   (615,451 )
           
   

Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit

  $ (455,338 ) $ (615,053 )
           

Statement of Earnings

             

Operating loss

  $ (7,662 ) $ (8,359 )

Interest (expense) income

    (29 )   22  
           
   

Loss before provision for income taxes

    (7,691 )   (8,337 )

Benefit from income taxes

    (2,890 )   (2,726 )
           
   

Net loss

  $ (4,801 ) $ (5,611 )
           

Statement of Cash Flows

             

Net cash used by operating activities

  $ (808 ) $ (651 )

Net cash used by investing activities:

             
 

Capital expenditures

        (3 )
           
   

Net cash used by investing activities

        (3 )
           

Net cash provided by financing activities:

             
 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

    878     687  
 

Purchases of treasury stock

    (70 )   (33 )
           
   

Net cash provided by financing activities

    808     654  
           

Net change in cash

         

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

         
           

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $   $  
           

15. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Risk Management objectives of Using Derivative Instruments

The Company is exposed to a wide variety of risks, including risks arising from changing economic conditions. The Company manages its exposure to certain economic risks (including liquidity, credit risk, and changes in interest rates and in foreign currency exchange rates) primarily (a) by closely managing its cash flows from operating and investing activities and the amounts and sources of its debt obligations;

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


(b) by assessing periodically the creditworthiness of its business partners; and (c) through the use of interest rate swaps and foreign currency options and forwards by Sally Holdings.

The Company uses interest rate swaps, as part of its overall economic risk management strategy, to add stability to the interest payments due in connection with its term loan obligations. Interest payments related to our term loans are impacted by changes in LIBOR. Interest rate swap agreements involve the periodic receipt by Sally Holdings of amounts based on a variable rate in exchange for Sally Holdings making payments based on a fixed rate over the term of the interest rate swap agreements, without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

The Company uses foreign currency options and forwards, as part of its overall economic risk management strategy, to fix the amount of certain foreign assets and obligations relative to its functional currency (the U.S. dollar) or to add stability to cash flows resulting from its net investments (including intercompany notes not permanently invested) and earnings denominated in foreign currencies. Such cash flows may be materially affected (favorably or unfavorably) by changes in the exchange rates for the U.S. dollar versus the British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Euro, Mexican peso and Chilean peso. The Company's foreign currency exposures at times offset each other, providing a natural hedge against its foreign currency risk. The Company uses foreign currency options and forwards to effectively fix the foreign currency exchange rate applicable to specific anticipated foreign currency-denominated cash flows, thus limiting the potential losses resulting from such cash flows.

At September 30, 2010, the Company did not purchase or hold any derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Designated Cash Flow Hedges

In the fiscal year 2008, Sally Holdings entered into two interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $300 million (each agreement with a notional amount of $150 million). These agreements expire in May of 2012 and are designated and qualify as effective cash flow hedges, in accordance with ASC 815. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recorded quarterly, net of income tax, in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income ("OCI") until the hedged obligation is settled or the swap agreements expire, whichever is earlier. Any hedge ineffectiveness, as this term is used in ASC 815, is recognized in interest expense in our consolidated statements of earnings. No hedge ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges was recognized during the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008.

Amounts reported in OCI related to interest rate swaps are reclassified into interest expense, as a yield adjustment, in the same period in which interest on the Company's variable-rate debt obligations affect earnings. During the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, interest expense resulting from such reclassifications was $10.1 million, $7.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively. During the twelve-month period ending September 30, 2011, the Company estimates that an additional $9.7 million, before income tax, of the amount reported in OCI will be reclassified into interest expense.

Non-designated Cash Flow Hedges

The Company may use from time to time derivative instruments (such as interest rate swaps, and foreign currency options and forwards) not designated as hedges, or that do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting, to manage its exposure to interest rate or foreign currency exchange rate movements

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

In November of 2006, Sally Holdings entered into certain interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $500 million. These interest rate swap agreements expired on or before November 2009 and were not designated as hedges and, accordingly, the changes in fair value of these interest rate swap agreements (which were adjusted quarterly) were recorded in interest expense in our consolidated statements of earnings. During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, interest expense of $7.5 million and $10.5 million, respectively, resulted from these interest rate swap agreements. In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, interest expense resulting from these agreements was less than $0.1 million.

As a result of our acquisition of Sinelco Group NV ("Sinelco") on December 16, 2009, the Company uses foreign currency options, including, at September 30, 2010, foreign currency put options with an aggregate notional amount of €1.4 million ($1.9 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate) and foreign currency call options with an aggregate notional amount of €0.8 million ($1.2 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate), to manage the exposure to certain non-Euro currencies resulting from Sinelco's purchases of merchandise from third-party suppliers. These foreign currency options expire ratably through December 1, 2010. Sinelco's functional currency is the Euro.

In addition, in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2010, Sally Holdings entered into four foreign currency forward agreements which expire in January of 2011. These derivative instruments are intended to mitigate our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates in connection with certain intercompany balances not permanently invested. Two foreign currency forward agreements enable Sally Holdings to sell, in the aggregate, approximately €5.2 million ($7.1 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate) at the weighted average forward exchange rate of 1.3073. The other two foreign currency forward agreements enable Sally Holdings to buy, in the aggregate, approximately $7.0 million Canadian dollars ($6.8 million, at the September 30, 2010 exchange rate) at the weighted average forward exchange rate of 1.0277.

The Company's foreign currency option and forward agreements are not designated as hedges and do not currently meet the requirements for hedge accounting. However, these derivative instruments are intended to offset and do offset the Company's exposure to foreign currencies resulting from specific anticipated cash flow transactions. The changes in the fair value of all these derivative instruments (which are adjusted quarterly) are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings. During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010, selling general and administrative expenses included $0.2 million in net gains from all of the Company's foreign currency option and forward agreements (net of non-cash losses of $0.3 million resulting from our foreign currency forwards). In addition, selling general and administrative expenses included $0.3 million in net non-cash gains, related to such intercompany balances not permanently invested.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

The table below presents the fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2010 (in thousands):


Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

 
  Asset Derivatives
As of September 30, 2010
  Liability Derivatives
As of September 30, 2010
 
 
  Balance Sheet
Location
  Fair Value   Balance Sheet
Location
  Fair Value  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

                     
 

Interest Rate Swaps

  Other assets   $   Other liabilities   $ 15,530  
                   

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

      $       $ 15,530  
                   

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

                     
 

Foreign Currency Options and Forwards

  Prepaid expenses   $ 119   Accrued liabilities   $ 328  
 

Interest Rate Swaps

  Prepaid expenses       Accrued liabilities      
                   

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

      $ 119       $ 328  
                   

The table below presents the fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2009 (in thousands):


Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

 
  Asset Derivatives
As of September 30, 2009
  Liability Derivatives
As of September 30, 2009
 
 
  Balance Sheet
Location
  Fair Value   Balance Sheet
Location
  Fair Value  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

                     
 

Interest Rate Swaps

  Other assets   $   Other liabilities   $ 15,365  
                   

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

      $       $ 15,365  
                   

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

                     
 

Interest Rate Swaps

  Prepaid expenses   $   Accrued liabilities   $ 2,356  
                   

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

      $       $ 2,356  
                   

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

The table below presents the effect of the Company's derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 (in thousands):

Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Earnings
for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2010
 
Derivatives in
Cash Flow
Hedging
Relationships
  Amount of
Gain or
(Loss)
Recognized
in OCI on
Derivative
(Effective
Portion),
net of tax
  Location of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
  Amount of
Gain or (Loss)
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into
Income
(Effective
Portion)
  Location of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
  Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective
Portion and
Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
 

Interest Rate Swaps

  $ (101 )

Interest expense

  $ (10,067 ) Interest expense   $  
                       

Derivatives Not Designated
as Hedging Instruments
  Location of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
  Amount of
Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
   
   
 

Foreign Currency Options and Forwards

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  $ 203            

Interest Rate Swaps

 

Interest expense

    (24 )          
                           

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

      $ 179            
                           

The table below presents the effect of the Company's derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 (in thousands):

 

Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Earnings
for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2009
 
Derivatives in
Cash Flow
Hedging
Relationships
  Amount of
Gain or
(Loss)
Recognized
in OCI on
Derivative
(Effective
Portion),
net of tax
  Location of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
  Amount of
Gain or (Loss)
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into
Income
(Effective
Portion)
  Location of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
  Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective
Portion and
Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
 

Interest Rate Swaps

  $ (10,196 )

Interest expense

  $ (7,935 ) Interest expense   $  
                         

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments
  Location of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
  Amount of
Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
   
   
 

Interest Rate Swaps

 

Interest expense

  $ (7,488 )          
                           

The table below presents the effect of the Company's derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 (in thousands):

Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Earnings
for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2008
 
Derivatives in
Cash Flow
Hedging
Relationships
  Amount of
Gain or
(Loss)
Recognized
in OCI on
Derivative
(Effective
Portion),
net of tax
  Location of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
  Amount of
Gain or (Loss)
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into
Income
(Effective
Portion)
  Location of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
  Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective
Portion and
Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
 

Interest Rate Swaps

  $ 793  

Interest expense

  $ (1,174 ) Interest expense   $  
                         

Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments
  Location of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
  Amount of
Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
   
   
 

Interest Rate Swaps

 

Interest expense

  $ (10,481 )          
                           

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

The agreements governing the Company's interest rate swaps contain provisions pursuant to which the Company could be declared in default on its interest rate swap obligations in the event the Company defaulted under certain terms of the loan documents governing the Company's ABL facility. As of September 30, 2010, the fair value of interest rate swaps in a liability position related to these agreements was $15.5 million and the Company was under no obligation to post and had not posted any collateral related to these agreements. If the Company breached any of these provisions, it would be required to settle its obligations under the swap agreements at their termination value of $15.9 million, including accrued interest and other termination costs.

At September 30, 2010, the aggregate fair value of all foreign currency option and forward agreements held was a net liability of $0.2 million, consisting of derivative instruments in a liability position of $0.3 million and derivative instruments in an asset position of $0.1 million. The Company was under no obligation to post and had not posted any collateral related to these agreements.

The counterparties to all our derivative instruments are deemed by the Company to be of substantial resources and strong creditworthiness. However, these transactions result in exposure to credit risk in the

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


event of default by a counterparty. The recent financial crisis affecting the banking systems and financial markets resulted in many well-known financial institutions becoming less creditworthy or having diminished liquidity, which could expose us to an increased level of counterparty risk. In the event that a counterparty defaults in its obligation under our interest rate swaps and/or foreign currency derivative instruments, we could incur substantial financial losses. However, at the present time, no such losses are deemed probable.

16. 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plan

The Company sponsors the Sally Beauty 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plan (the "401k Plan"), which is a qualified defined contribution plan. The 401k Plan covers employees of the Company who meet certain eligibility requirements and who are not members of a collective bargaining unit. Under the terms of the 401k Plan, employees may contribute a percentage of their annual compensation to the 401k Plan up to certain maximums, as defined by the 401k Plan and by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The Company currently matches a portion of employee contributions to the plan. The Company recognized expense of $4.7 million, $4.0 million and $3.8 million in the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to such employer matching contributions under the plan. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

In addition, pursuant to the 401k Plan, the Company may make profit sharing contributions to the accounts of employees who meet certain eligibility requirements and who are not members of a collective bargaining unit. The Company's profit sharing contributions to the 401k Plan are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. The Company recognized expense of $2.7 million, $2.4 million and $7.1 million in the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to such profit sharing contributions under the plan. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

17. Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and most state jurisdictions as well as in various foreign jurisdictions.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

The provision for income taxes for the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 consists of the following (in thousands):

 
  Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008  

Current:

                   
 

Federal

  $ 69,112   $ 48,335   $ 30,613  
 

Foreign

    4,432     4,276     8,763  
 

State

    11,197     5,507     4,043  
               
   

Total current portion

    84,741     58,118     43,419  
               

Deferred:

                   
 

Federal

    2,896     8,204     2,250  
 

Foreign

    (2,814 )   (1,676 )   346  
 

State

    (703 )   1,051     207  
               
   

Total deferred portion

    (621 )   7,579     2,803  
               
   

Total provision for income tax

  $ 84,120   $ 65,697   $ 46,222  
               

The difference between the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate is summarized below:

 
  Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008  

Statutory tax rate

    35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

    2.9     2.8     2.3  

Effect of foreign operations

    (1.2 )   0.8     (2.1 )

Other, net

    0.2     1.3     2.1  
               
 

Effective tax rate

    36.9 %   39.9 %   37.3 %
               

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

 
  September 30,  
 
  2010   2009  

Deferred tax assets attributable to:

             
 

Share-based compensation expense

  $ 16,471   $ 12,422  
 

Accrued liabilities

    22,829     18,662  
 

Inventory adjustments

    3,303     2,378  
 

Foreign loss carryforwards

    16,675     12,593  
 

Long-term liabilities

        913  
 

Unrecognized tax benefits

    577     1,127  
 

Interest rate swaps

    6,026     5,962  
 

Other

    2,579     1,294  
           
   

Total deferred tax assets

    68,460     55,351  

Valuation allowance

    (16,552 )   (14,640 )
           
   

Total deferred tax assets, net

    51,908     40,711  
           

Deferred tax liabilities attributable to:

             
 

Depreciation and amortization

    70,772     58,759  
           
   

Total deferred tax liabilities

    70,772     58,759  
           
   

Net deferred tax liability

  $ 18,864   $ 18,048  
           

Management believes that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance to account for uncertainties regarding recoverability of certain deferred tax assets, primarily foreign loss carryforwards.

Domestic earnings before provision for income taxes were $215.9 million, $165.1 million and $98.7 million in the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Foreign operations had earnings (losses) before provision for income taxes of $12.0 million, $(0.3) million and $25.1 million in the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Tax reserves are evaluated and adjusted as appropriate, while taking into account the progress of audits by various taxing jurisdictions and other changes in relevant facts and circumstances evident at each balance sheet date. Management does not expect the outcome of tax audits to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

At September 30, 2010, undistributed earnings of the Company's foreign operations are intended to remain permanently invested to finance anticipated future growth and expansion. Accordingly, federal and state income taxes have not been provided on accumulated but undistributed earnings of $76.5 million and $56.4 million as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, as such earnings have been permanently reinvested in the business. The determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings is not practicable.

At September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company had total operating loss carry-forwards of $53.3 million and $40.7 million, of which $46.1 million and $39.3 million are subject to a valuation allowance, respectively. At

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


September 30, 2010, operating loss carry-forwards of $22.6 million expire between 2012 and 2030 and operating loss carry-forwards of $30.7 million have no expiration date. At September 30, 2010, the Company had tax credit carryforwards of $0.8 million, which have no expiration date and of which $0.4 million are subject to a valuation allowance. There were no net tax credit carry-forwards available to the Company at September 30, 2009.

The transactions separating us from Alberto-Culver were intended to qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and a distribution eligible for non-recognition under Sections 355(a) and 361(c) of the Code. In connection with the share distribution of Alberto-Culver common stock in the Separation Transactions, we received: (i) a private letter ruling from the IRS; and (ii) an opinion of Sidley Austin LLP, counsel to Alberto-Culver, in each case, to the effect that the transactions qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code and a distribution eligible for non-recognition under Sections 355(a) and 361(c) of the Code.

Certain internal restructurings also occurred at or immediately prior to the Separation Transactions. As a result of the internal restructurings and Separation Transactions, the Company inherited the federal tax identification number of the old Alberto-Culver parent for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, as the successor entity to Alberto-Culver after the Separation Transactions, the Company relies upon the prior year federal income tax returns of Alberto-Culver, and accounting methods established therein, for certain calculations that affect our current U.S. federal income tax liability.

The Company and Alberto-Culver entered into a tax allocation agreement as part of the Separation Transactions. The agreement provides generally that the Company is responsible for its pre-separation income tax liabilities, calculated on a stand-alone basis, and Alberto-Culver is responsible for the remainder. In the event additional U.S federal income tax liability related to the period prior to the Separation Transactions was determined, the Company will be jointly and severally liable for these taxes, and there can be no assurance that Alberto-Culver would be able to fulfill its indemnification obligations to the Company under the tax allocation agreement if Alberto-Culver was determined to be responsible for these taxes thereunder.

The changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

 
  2010   2009  

Balance at beginning of the fiscal year

  $ 14,378   $ 4,291  

Increases related to prior year tax positions

    1,895     7,379  

Decreases related to prior year tax positions

        (1,482 )

Increases related to current year tax positions

    620     4,722  

Settlements

    (1,131 )    

Lapse of statute

    (2,115 )   (532 )
           

Balance at end of fiscal year

  $ 13,647   $ 14,378  
           

If recognized, these positions would affect the Company's effective tax rate.

The Company classifies and recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $4.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

Because existing tax positions will continue to generate increased liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits over the next 12 months, and the fact that we are routinely under audit by various taxing authorities, it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change during the next 12 months. An estimate of the amount or range of such change cannot be made at this time. However, we do not expect the change, if any, to have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations within the next 12 months.

The IRS has initiated an examination of the Company's consolidated federal income tax returns for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. The IRS had previously audited the Company's consolidated federal income tax returns through the tax year ended September 30, 2006, thus our statute remains open from the year ended September 30, 2007 forward. Our foreign subsidiaries are impacted by various statutes of limitations, which are generally open from 2004 forward. Generally, states' statutes in the United States are open for tax reviews from 2005 forward.

18. Acquisitions

On December 16, 2009, the Company acquired Sinelco, a wholesale distributor of professional beauty products based in Ronse, Belgium, for approximately €25.2 million (approximately $36.6 million). We also assumed €4.0 million (approximately $5.8 million) of pre-acquisition debt, excluding capital lease obligations, of Sinelco in connection with the acquisition. Sinelco serves over 1,500 customers through a product catalog and website and has sales throughout Europe. Goodwill of $5.2 million (which is not deductible for tax purposes) and other intangible assets of $14.0 million were recorded as a result of this acquisition. In addition, during the fiscal year 2010, the Company completed several other individually immaterial acquisitions at an aggregate cost of $9.0 million and recorded additional goodwill in the amount of $5.4 million (the majority of which is not deductible for tax purposes) in connection with such acquisitions. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with all acquisitions completed during the fiscal year 2010 were recorded at fair values at the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 805. We funded these acquisitions with cash from operations and borrowings on our ABL facility. In addition, during the fiscal year 2010, the Company recorded intangible assets subject to amortization in the amount of $24.9 million and intangible assets with indefinite lives in the amount of $0.8 million in connection with certain 2009 acquisitions, including the acquisition of Schoeneman. These amounts were previously reported in Goodwill pending completion of the final valuations of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as discussed in the following paragraph.

On September 30, 2009, the Company acquired Schoeneman at a cost of approximately $71.0 million, subject to certain adjustments. The acquisition of Schoeneman, a 43-store beauty supply chain located in the central northeast United States, was pursuant to a merger agreement between Schoeneman, the former stockholders of Schoeneman and a subsidiary of the Company. The Company currently expects to realize approximately $10 million in present value of future tax savings as a result of anticipated incremental depreciation and amortization tax deductions relating to the assets acquired in this transaction. In the fiscal year 2009, goodwill of approximately $61.0 million (which is deductible for tax purposes) was initially recorded as a result of this acquisition. In addition, during the fiscal year 2009, the Company completed several other individually immaterial acquisitions at an aggregate cost of $11.3 million of which a significant portion was allocated to goodwill (the majority of which is deductible for tax purposes). The purchase prices of certain acquisitions completed during the fiscal year 2009 (including the acquisition of Schoeneman) were initially allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their preliminary estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The final valuations of the assets acquired

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008


and liabilities assumed were completed during the fiscal year 2010. Generally, we funded these acquisitions with cash from operations.

In May of 2008, the Company acquired Pro-Duo, a 40-store beauty supply chain located in Belgium, France and Spain for €19.3 million (approximately $29.8 million) plus incidental acquisition costs capitalized, subject to certain adjustments. We also assumed €3.0 million (approximately $4.7 million) of debt, excluding capital lease obligations, of Pro-Duo in connection with the acquisition. Goodwill of $23.9 million (which is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes) and certain identifiable intangible assets of $11.4 million were recorded as a result of such acquisition. Of this amount, $10.2 million was assigned to registered trade names and $1.2 million to other identifiable intangible assets, which will be amortized over a weighted average life of approximately eight years. In addition, during the fiscal year 2008, the Company completed several other individually immaterial acquisitions at an aggregate cost of $22.9 million of which a significant portion was allocated to intangible assets and goodwill (the majority of which is not deductible for income tax purposes). The purchase prices of these acquisitions have been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The final valuations of the assets and liabilities acquired were completed during the fiscal year 2009. We funded these acquisitions with cash from operations and borrowings on our ABL facility.

These business combinations have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the results of operations of the entities acquired have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since their respective dates of acquisition.

19. Business Segments and Geographic Area Information

The Company's business is organized into two separate segments: (i) Sally Beauty Supply, a domestic and international chain of cash and carry retail stores which offers professional beauty supplies to both salon professionals and retail customers in North America and parts of South America and Europe and (ii) BSG (including its franchise-based business, Armstrong McCall), a full service beauty supply distributor which offers professional brands of beauty products directly to salons through its own sales force and professional only stores (including franchise stores) in generally exclusive geographic territories in North America and parts of Europe.

The accounting policies of both of our business segments are the same as described in the summary of significant accounting policies contained in Note 2. Sales between segments, which were eliminated in consolidation, were not material for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

Business Segments Information

Segment data for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 is as follows (in thousands):

 
  Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008  

Net sales:

                   
 

Sally Beauty Supply

  $ 1,834,631   $ 1,695,652   $ 1,672,897  
 

BSG

    1,081,459     940,948     975,294  
               
   

Total

  $ 2,916,090   $ 2,636,600   $ 2,648,191  
               

Earnings before provision for income taxes:

                   
 

Segment operating profit:

                   
   

Sally Beauty Supply

  $ 320,456   $ 283,872   $ 285,615  
   

BSG

    112,495     91,604     80,927  
               
   

Segment operating profit

    432,951     375,476     366,542  
 

Unallocated expenses(a)

    (79,203 )   (70,022 )   (73,385 )
 

Share-based compensation expense

    (12,818 )   (8,618 )   (10,242 )
 

Interest expense

    (112,982 )   (132,022 )   (159,116 )
               
   

Total

  $ 227,948   $ 164,814   $ 123,799  
               

Identifiable assets:

                   
 

Sally Beauty Supply

  $ 729,380   $ 652,184   $ 696,780  
 

BSG

    808,842     792,879     752,029  
               
   

Sub-total

    1,538,222     1,445,063     1,448,809  
 

Shared services

    51,190     45,669     78,214  
               
   

Total

  $ 1,589,412   $ 1,490,732   $ 1,527,023  
               

Depreciation and amortization:

                   
 

Sally Beauty Supply

  $ 26,426   $ 24,175   $ 23,134  
 

BSG

    20,081     18,735     20,666  
 

Corporate

    4,616     4,156     4,733  
               
   

Total

  $ 51,123   $ 47,066   $ 48,533  
               

Capital expenditures:

                   
 

Sally Beauty Supply

  $ 30,366   $ 23,203   $ 22,094  
 

BSG

    11,252     8,470     18,683  
 

Corporate

    7,084     5,647     4,799  
               
   

Total

  $ 48,702   $ 37,320   $ 45,576  
               
(a)
Unallocated expenses consist of corporate and shared costs.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

Geographic Area Information

Geographic data for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 is as follows (in thousands):

 
  Year Ended September 30,  
 
  2010   2009   2008  

Net sales:(a)

                   
 

United States

  $ 2,402,085   $ 2,202,218   $ 2,170,708  
 

Foreign

    514,005     434,382     477,483  
               
     

Total

  $ 2,916,090   $ 2,636,600   $ 2,648,191  
               

Identifiable assets:

                   
 

United States

  $ 1,133,652   $ 1,105,026   $ 1,098,614  
 

Foreign

    404,570     340,037     350,195  
 

Shared services

    51,190     45,669     78,214  
               
   

Total

  $ 1,589,412   $ 1,490,732   $ 1,527,023  
               
(a)
Net sales are attributable to individual countries based on the location of the customer.

20. Subsequent Events

On October 1, 2010, the Company acquired Aerial Company, Inc. ("Aerial"), an 82-store professional-only beauty supply chain operating in the Midwestern and northwestern United States, for approximately $79.0 million, subject to certain adjustments. This acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the results of operations of Aerial will be included in the Company's consolidated financial statements subsequent to the acquisition date. The acquisition was funded with borrowings under our ABL facility in the amount of $78.0 million and with cash from operations.

In October 2010, the Company also entered into certain foreign currency option agreements, including foreign currency put options with an aggregate notional amount of €4.0 million ($5.5 million, at the November 12, 2010 exchange rate) and foreign currency call options with an aggregate notional amount of €8.1 million ($11.1 million, at the November 12, 2010 exchange rate), to manage the exposure to certain non-Euro currencies resulting from Sinelco's purchases of merchandise from third-party suppliers. These foreign currency options expire ratably through September 15, 2011, are not designated as hedges, and do not meet the hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments (which will be adjusted quarterly) will be recorded in our consolidated statements of earnings.

In November 2010, Sally Holdings entered into a new agreement with lenders to replace its ABL facility with a new $400 million, 5-year credit facility (the "new ABL facility"). The new ABL facility contains restrictions and limitations similar to those contained in the prior ABL facility and, similar to the prior ABL facility, borrowings under the new ABL facility are secured by substantially all of our assets. The terms of the new ABL facility include interest rates at Prime plus 1.25% to 1.75% or LIBOR plus 2.25% to 2.75% and a commitment fee of 0.50% on the unused portion of the facility.

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Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Fiscal Years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008

21. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Certain unaudited quarterly consolidated statement of earnings information for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is summarized below (in thousands, except per share data):

Fiscal Year
  1st
Quarter
  2nd
Quarter
  3rd
Quarter
  4th
Quarter
 

2010:

                         
 

Net sales

  $ 704,851   $ 720,467   $ 742,975   $ 747,797  
 

Gross profit

  $ 333,214   $ 344,284   $ 360,859   $ 366,016  
 

Net earnings

  $ 26,126   $ 34,560   $ 41,116   $ 42,026  
 

Earnings per common share(a)

                         
   

Basic

  $ 0.14   $ 0.19   $ 0.23   $ 0.23  
   

Diluted

  $ 0.14   $ 0.19   $ 0.22   $ 0.23  

2009:

                         
 

Net sales

  $ 645,576   $ 641,511   $ 673,337   $ 676,176  
 

Gross profit

  $ 303,544   $ 302,112   $ 317,845   $ 319,816  
 

Net earnings

  $ 16,059   $ 24,595   $ 31,489   $ 26,974  
 

Earnings per common share(a)

                         
   

Basic

  $ 0.09   $ 0.14   $ 0.17   $ 0.15  
   

Diluted

  $ 0.09   $ 0.13   $ 0.17   $ 0.15  
(a)
The sum of the quarterly earnings per share may not equal the full year amount, as the computations of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each quarter and for the full year are performed independently.

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