<ARTICLE> 5 <LEGEND> (This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Form 10-Q and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements). </LEGEND> <PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS <FISCAL-YEAR-END> Aug-31-1999 <PERIOD-END> Nov-30-1998 <CASH> 64,942,243 <SECURITIES> 11,356,571 <RECEIVABLES> 51,029,547<F1> <ALLOWANCES> 0 <INVENTORY> 85,836,120 <CURRENT-ASSETS> 225,681,905 <PP&E> 60,063,618<F2> <DEPRECIATION> 0 <TOTAL-ASSETS> 301,151,158 <CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 49,800,203 <BONDS> 0 <PREFERRED-MANDATORY> 0 <PREFERRED> 0 <COMMON> 686,873 <OTHER-SE> 250,279,969 <TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 301,151,158 <SALES> 123,549,961 <TOTAL-REVENUES> 123,549,961 <CGS> 53,168,436 <TOTAL-COSTS> 53,168,436 <OTHER-EXPENSES> 52,935,816 <LOSS-PROVISION> 0 <INTEREST-EXPENSE> 8,888 <INCOME-PRETAX> 18,716,748 <INCOME-TAX> 6,962,740 <INCOME-CONTINUING> 11,754,008 <DISCONTINUED> 0 <EXTRAORDINARY> 0 <CHANGES> 0 <NET-INCOME> 11,754,008 <EPS-PRIMARY> 0.16 <EPS-DILUTED> 0.16 <FN> F1 - Net of allowance. F2 - Net of accumulated depreciation. </FN>