EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2021

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,
	2021		2020		2019
Earnings from continuing operations	$	412,865	$	278,302	$	198,779
Basic earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	120,338,357		118,921,854		117,834,558
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	3.43	$	2.34	$	1.69
Diluted earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	120,338,357		118,921,854		117,834,558
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	1,645,140		1,387,767		1,290,070
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	121,983,497		120,309,621		119,124,628
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	3.38	$	2.31	$	1.67