STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May 31, 2022

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

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

The calculations of basic and diluted EPS were as follows: 

	Three Months Ended May 31,				Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands, except share and per share data)	2022		2021		2022		2021
Net earnings	$	312,429	$	130,408	$	928,632	$	260,552
Average basic shares outstanding	121,247,105		120,613,652		121,277,553		120,241,579
Effect of dilutive securities	1,552,764		1,580,003		1,649,738		1,610,565
Average diluted shares outstanding	122,799,869		122,193,655		122,927,291		121,852,144
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	2.58	$	1.08	$	7.66	$	2.17
Diluted	$	2.54	$	1.07	$	7.55	$	2.14