Exhibit 12 COMPUTATIONS OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Three months ended December 31 (Dollars in thousands) 1998 1997 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before taxes $95,128 $176,265 Add fixed charges: Interest expense 8,737 10,747 Interest factor on rent 3,577 2,891 -------------------------------- Total fixed charges $12,314 $13,638 -------------------------------- Earnings before fixed charges and taxes on income $107,442 $189,903 ================================ Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 8.73 13.9