<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Form 10-Q
for period ending May 31, 1996 and is qualifed in its entirety by reference to
such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-31-1996
<CASH>                                               0
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  607,274
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    818,159
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,510,304
<PP&E>                                       1,461,598
<DEPRECIATION>                                 780,906
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,554,417
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        1,190,038
<BONDS>                                        523,300
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                      2,454
<COMMON>                                       434,386
<OTHER-SE>                                     364,105
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,554,417
<SALES>                                      6,930,402
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             7,025,162
<CGS>                                        6,568,927
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                6,613,048
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              44,731
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                141,548
<INCOME-TAX>                                    23,637
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            113,952
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   113,952
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0