<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND> This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
R.R. Donnelley and Sons Company and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 56,263
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 813,067
<ALLOWANCES> 17,296
<INVENTORY> 209,667
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,221,204
<PP&E> 4,595,331
<DEPRECIATION> 2,927,759
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 3,996,245
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,310,537
<BONDS> 753,955
0
0
<COMMON> 308,462
<OTHER-SE> 853,180
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 3,996,245
<SALES> 2,731,775
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 2,731,775
<CGS> 2,221,122
<TOTAL-COSTS> 2,523,987
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (6,859)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 4,039
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 47,101
<INCOME-PRETAX> 167,546
<INCOME-TAX> 64,505
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 103,041
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 103,041
<EPS-BASIC> .84
<EPS-DILUTED> .84
</TABLE>