Note B – Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories include related purchasing, storage and handling costs. Inventory cost has been determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method stated at the lower of cost or market value for domestic inventories and the weighted average cost method stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value for Mexico and Brazil inventories. The Company’s policy is not to write up inventory in excess of replacement cost. Due to price changes on the Company’s merchandise purchases, primarily driven by fluctuating freight costs, the Company’s LIFO credit reserve balance decreased to $3.0 million at May 10, 2025, from $19.0 million at August 31, 2024. Increases to the Company’s LIFO credit reserve balance are recorded as a non-cash charge to cost of sales and decreases are recorded as a non-cash benefit to cost of sales.