<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1996, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                           12942
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                     6473
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     320969
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0<F1>
<PP&E>                                            6997
<DEPRECIATION>                                    4174
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  356643
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0<F1>
<BONDS>                                         115000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                         20
<COMMON>                                            93
<OTHER-SE>                                      178588
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    356643
<SALES>                                         866627
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                866627
<CGS>                                           747529
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   836505
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  (71)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  30193
<INCOME-TAX>                                     11927
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              18266
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     18266
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.20
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.01
<FN>
<F1>The Company presents a condensed balance sheet.
</FN>