Note Q – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We utilize derivative financial instruments to primarily manage exposure to certain risks related to our ongoing operations. The primary risks managed through the use of derivative financial instruments include interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk. While certain of our derivative financial instruments are designated as hedging instruments, we also enter into derivative financial instruments that are designed to hedge a risk, but are not designated as hedging instruments and therefore do not qualify for hedge accounting. These derivative financial instruments are adjusted to current fair value through earnings at the end of each period.

Interest Rate Risk Management – We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes. Our objective is to manage the impact of interest rate changes on cash flows and the market value of our borrowings. We utilize a mix of debt maturities along with both fixed-rate and variable-rate debt to manage changes in interest rates. In addition, we enter into interest rate swaps to further manage our exposure to interest rate variations related to our borrowings and to lower our overall borrowing costs.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk Management – We conduct business in several major international currencies and are, therefore, subject to risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange rates. We enter into various contracts that change in value as foreign currency exchange rates change to manage this exposure. Such contracts limit exposure to both favorable and unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars also subjects us to exposure related to fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates; however, derivative financial instruments are not used to manage this risk.

Commodity Price Risk Management – We are exposed to changes in the price of certain commodities, including steel, natural gas, copper, zinc, aluminum and other raw materials, and our utility requirements. Our objective is to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with forecasted purchases and sales of these commodities to allow management to focus its attention on business operations. Accordingly, we enter into derivative financial instruments to manage the associated price risk.

We are exposed to counterparty credit risk on all of our derivative financial instruments. Accordingly, we have established and maintain strict counterparty credit guidelines. We have credit support agreements in place with certain counterparties to limit our credit exposure. These agreements require either party to post cash collateral if its cumulative market position exceeds a predefined liability threshold. Amounts posted to the margin accounts accrue interest at market rates and are required to be refunded in the period in which the cumulative market position falls below the required threshold. Our net position with these counterparties fell below the predefined threshold in fiscal 2025, fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023. We do not have significant exposure to any one counterparty and management believes the risk of loss is remote and, in any event, would not be material.

Refer to “Note R – Fair Value Measurements” for additional information regarding the accounting treatment for our derivative financial instruments, as well as how fair value is determined.

Cash Flow Hedges

We enter into derivative financial instruments to hedge our exposure to changes in cash flows attributable to interest rate and commodity price fluctuations associated with certain forecasted transactions. These derivative financial instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the effective portion of the gain or loss on each of these derivative financial instruments is reported as a component of OCI and reclassified into earnings in the same line associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative financial instrument is recognized in earnings immediately.

The estimated net amount of the gains recognized in AOCI at May 31, 2025, expected to be reclassified into net earnings within the succeeding twelve months is $849 (net of tax of $248). This amount was computed using the fair value of the cash flow hedges at May 31, 2025, and will change before actual reclassification from OCI to net earnings during fiscal 2026.

Net Investment Hedges

At May 31, 2025, we designated our Euro-denominated debt held in the U.S. with an initial notional amount of €91,700 ($99,479) as a non-derivative net investment hedge of our foreign operations in Portugal. The full principal amount is considered fully effective. We did not reclassify any gains or losses related to the net investment hedge from AOCI into earnings during any of the fiscal years presented. The foreign currency gain (loss) recognized in OCI for the non-derivative instruments designated as net investment hedges during fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024 was $4,572 and $1,676, respectively. There was no foreign currency gain (loss) recognized in OCI for the non-derivative instruments designated as net investment hedges during fiscal 2023.

Economic (Non-designated) Hedges

We enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to manage our foreign currency exchange rate exposure related to inter-company and financing transactions that do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting treatment. We also enter into certain commodity contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, these derivative financial instruments are adjusted to current market value at the end of each period through earnings.