<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S UNAUDITED NOVEMBER 30, 2000 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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> MAY-31-2001
<PERIOD-END> NOV-30-2000
<CASH> 15,169
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 34,989
<ALLOWANCES> 3,488
<INVENTORY> 269,477
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 369,630
<PP&E> 2,079,408
<DEPRECIATION> 823,805
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,840,941
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 147,813
<BONDS> 634,838
200,000
0
<COMMON> 25,067
<OTHER-SE> 698,722
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,840,941
<SALES> 665,744
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 665,744
<CGS> 548,070
<TOTAL-COSTS> 548,070
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 365
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 18,310
<INCOME-PRETAX> 58,035
<INCOME-TAX> 18,864
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 35,596
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 35,596
<EPS-BASIC> 1.69
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.61
</TABLE>