EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2020

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were as follows: 

	Year Ended August 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Earnings from continuing operations	$	278,302	$	198,779	$	135,237
Basic earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	118,921,854		117,834,558		116,822,583
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	2.34	$	1.69	$	1.16
Diluted earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	118,921,854		117,834,558		116,822,583
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	1,387,767		1,290,070		1,323,265
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	120,309,621		119,124,628		118,145,848
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	2.31	$	1.67	$	1.14