WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

  
              



     Exhibit 27
                             Financial Data 

The schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 1996 and the
Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the six months ended September
30, 1996 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.

<ARTICLE>                                    5
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                     148,979,000
<SECURITIES>                                 9,985,000
<RECEIVABLES>                               98,059,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                10,506,000
<INVENTORY>                                100,422,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                           361,735,000
<PP&E>                                     187,668,000
<DEPRECIATION>                              57,360,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             764,888,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       70,523,000
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                    61,295,000
<OTHER-SE>                                 576,517,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               764,888,000
<SALES>                                    207,524,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           207,524,000
<CGS>                                      119,615,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                              119,615,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                            61,502,000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             425,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             44,213,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                12,854,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                         31,359,000
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                31,359,000
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .26
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .26