<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AVONDALE INCORPORATED FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
MAY 26, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-25-2000
<PERIOD-END> MAY-26-2000
<CASH> 3,268
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 56,129
<ALLOWANCES> 3,364
<INVENTORY> 107,826
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 169,250
<PP&E> 580,830
<DEPRECIATION> 336,549
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 439,742
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 84,735
<BONDS> 192,700
0
0
<COMMON> 126
<OTHER-SE> 121,114
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 439,742
<SALES> 612,741
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 612,741
<CGS> 496,633
<TOTAL-COSTS> 557,729
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 4,341
<LOSS-PROVISION> 962
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 15,754
<INCOME-PRETAX> 34,917
<INCOME-TAX> 13,195
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 21,722
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 21,722
<EPS-BASIC> 1.71
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.69
</TABLE>