<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
(Replace this text with the legend)
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000914024
<NAME> The Shaw Group Inc.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> U.S. Dollars
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-Mos
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> MAY-31-2000
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1.000
<CASH> 6,240
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 183,035
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 84,361
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 327,520
<PP&E> 138,696
<DEPRECIATION> 42,086
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 485,466
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 141,090
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 189,276
<OTHER-SE> 71,868
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 485,466
<SALES> 498,817
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 498,817
<CGS> 416,796
<TOTAL-COSTS> 416,796
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 4,933
<INCOME-PRETAX> 28,578
<INCOME-TAX> 9,329
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 20,228
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> (320)
<NET-INCOME> 19,908
<EPS-BASIC> 1.39
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.31
</TABLE>