STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Calculations of the basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

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

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
(in thousands, except share data)	February 28, 2021		February 29, 2020		February 28, 2021		February 29, 2020
Earnings from continuing operations	$	66,233	$	63,596	$	130,144	$	146,351
Basic earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	120,345,432		118,919,455		120,052,459		118,644,823
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.55	$	0.53	$	1.08	$	1.23
Diluted earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	120,345,432		118,919,455		120,052,459		118,644,823
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	1,406,427		1,487,801		1,619,735		1,658,436
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	121,751,859		120,407,256		121,672,194		120,303,259
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.54	$	0.53	$	1.07	$	1.22