<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S MARCH 31, 1997 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN ITS FORM
10-K AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             APR-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                          79,794
<SECURITIES>                                   461,901
<RECEIVABLES>                                   96,544
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,571
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               248,382
<PP&E>                                         165,660
<DEPRECIATION>                                  49,364
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 844,159
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          204,663
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         1,050
<OTHER-SE>                                     545,162
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   844,159
<SALES>                                        380,894
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               563,210
<CGS>                                           56,569
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  346,186
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                237,074
<INCOME-TAX>                                    73,202
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            163,872
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   163,872
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.53
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.53