<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> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 48,792
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 945,175
<ALLOWANCES> 18,744
<INVENTORY> 220,951
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,265,012
<PP&E> 4,636,366
<DEPRECIATION> 2,993,549
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 4,001,203
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,270,966
<BONDS> 753,093
0
0
<COMMON> 308,462
<OTHER-SE> 886,346
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 4,001,203
<SALES> 4,164,775
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 4,164,775
<CGS> 3,347,607
<TOTAL-COSTS> 3,800,063
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 22,841
<LOSS-PROVISION> 6,073
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 69,912
<INCOME-PRETAX> 317,641
<INCOME-TAX> 122,292
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 195,349
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 195,349
<EPS-BASIC> 1.60
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.59
</TABLE>