<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This Financial Data Schedule contains summary financial information extracted
from the Company's balance sheet and statement of income and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1995
<CASH>                                            4963
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  428,797
<ALLOWANCES>                                    58,632
<INVENTORY>                                     34,097
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               403,713
<PP&E>                                       1,356,767
<DEPRECIATION>                                 288,410
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,946,404
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          398,291
<BONDS>                                      1,013,423
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                     20,112
<COMMON>                                           449
<OTHER-SE>                                     372,577
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,946,404
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,842,701
<CGS>                                                2
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                1,542,912
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               122,193
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             109,100
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 87,084
<INCOME-TAX>                                    15,772
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             71,312
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    71,312
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.53
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.51