Consolidated Balance Sheets August 30, August 31, (in thousands, except per share data) 2003 2002 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,742 $ 6,498 Accounts receivable 43,746 23,782 Merchandise inventories 1,511,316 1,375,584 Prepaid expenses 19,194 11,690 Deferred income taxes 3,996 32,574 Total current assets 1,584,994 1,450,128 Property and equipment Land 525,473 502,302 Buildings and improvements 1,325,759 1,228,604 Equipment 551,465 533,121 Leasehold improvements 125,592 114,317 Construction in progress 44,871 53,786 2,573,160 2,432,130 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization 857,407 770,402 1,715,753 1,661,728 Other assets Cost in excess of net assets acquired, net of accumulated amortization of $32,186 in 2003 and 2002 294,348 305,390 Deferred income taxes 25,543 60,304 Other assets 59,828 241 379,719 365,935 $3,680,466 $3,477,791 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Current liabilities Accounts payable $1,321,905 $1,145,533 Accrued expenses 313,683 344,600 Income taxes payable 39,978 43,438 Total current liabilities 1,675,566 1,533,571 Long-term debt 1,546,845 1,194,517 Other liabilities 84,297 60,576 Commitments and contingencies — — Stockholders’ equity Preferred stock, authorized 1,000 shares; no shares issued — — Common stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 200,000 shares; 100,670 shares issued and  88,708 shares outstanding in 2003 and 109,962 shares issued and 99,268 shares outstanding in 2002 1,007 1,100 Additional paid-in capital 410,962 370,457 Retained earnings 869,739 974,141 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (37,297) (11,603) Treasury stock, at cost (870,653) (644,968) Total stockholders’ equity 373,758 689,127 $3,680,466 $3,477,791 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 32