STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May 31, 2023

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)	2023		2022		2023		2022
Net earnings	$	233,971	$	312,429	$	675,594	$	928,632
Average basic shares outstanding	117,066,623		121,247,105		117,192,710		121,277,553
Effect of dilutive securities	1,331,276		1,552,764		1,554,374		1,649,738
Average diluted shares outstanding	118,397,899		122,799,869		118,747,084		122,927,291
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	2.00	$	2.58	$	5.76	$	7.66
Diluted	$	1.98	$	2.54	$	5.69	$	7.55