<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-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<CASH>                                          17,435
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  458,321
<ALLOWANCES>                                    78,447
<INVENTORY>                                     42,168
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               525,815
<PP&E>                                       1,705,900
<DEPRECIATION>                                 370,707
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,466,528
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          437,678
<BONDS>                                      1,229,930
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           583
<OTHER-SE>                                     639,834
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,466,528
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,147,232
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                1,772,570
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               141,833
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             107,243
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                135,113
<INCOME-TAX>                                    35,242
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             99,871
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    99,871
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.73
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.72