EXHIBIT 12.1

 

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 

The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods shown has been computed by dividing earnings (income from continuing operations before income taxes, income from equity investees and fixed charges) by fixed charges (interest expense including amortization of debt issuance costs). Interest expense includes the portion of operating rental expense which we believe is representative of the interest component of rental expense.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended December 31,

     1999

   2000

    2001

   2002

   2003

     (Dollars in thousands)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from equity investees

   $ 38,420    $ (79,795 )   $ 61,938    $ 88,593    $ 92,309

Adjustments to Earnings:

                                   

Fixed charges

     16,157      23,097       20,447      12,737      15,927

Distributed income of equity investees:

     1,592      1,777       2,028      2,093      2,198
    

  


 

  

  

Earnings as adjusted

   $ 56,169    $ (54,921 )   $ 84,413    $ 103,423    $ 110,434

Fixed Charges:

                                   

Interest expense (including amortization of debt issuance costs)

   $ 14,399    $ 20,971     $ 18,348    $ 10,483    $ 13,560

Interest relating to rental expense

     1,758      2,126       2,099      2,254      2,367
    

  


 

  

  

Total fixed charges

   $ 16,157    $ 23,097     $ 20,447    $ 12,737    $ 15,927
    

  


 

  

  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     3.48      —(1)       4.13      8.12      6.93

(1) Earnings were not sufficient to cover fixed charges during the year ended December 31, 2000 by $79.8 million; all other periods had sufficient income to cover charges.