<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT APRIL 30, 2000 AND THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2000 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> JUL-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-2000
<CASH> 48,461
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 871,783
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 754,822
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 2,127,267
<PP&E> 1,748,660
<DEPRECIATION> 951,155
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 4,798,425
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,650,562
<BONDS> 1,290,889
0
2,053
<COMMON> 45,333
<OTHER-SE> 1,437,277
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 4,798,425
<SALES> 4,118,807
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 4,118,807
<CGS> 3,270,295
<TOTAL-COSTS> 3,270,295
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 131,704
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 82,053
<INCOME-PRETAX> 267,394
<INCOME-TAX> 115,984
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 151,410
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> (2,777)
<NET-INCOME> 148,633
<EPS-BASIC> 3.25
<EPS-DILUTED> 3.22
</TABLE>