. . . Exhibit 12.1 Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (in thousands, except ratios) Fiscal Year Ended --------------------------------------------------------------------- October 25, October 26, October 27, October 28, October 31, 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before taxes $ (133,635) $ 84,151 $ 17,802 $ 88,316 $ 2,591 Fixed charges from continuing operations Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and issuance costs on all indebtedness 13,339 11,427 -- 45 459 Interest included in rent 7,579 6,679 5,507 1,381 428 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total fixed charges from continuing operations 20,917 18,106 5,507 1,426 887 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Earnings (loss) before taxes and fixed charges $ (112,718) $ 102,257 $ 23,309 $ 89,742 $ 3,478 =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (1) -- 5.6x 4.2x 62.9x 3.9x Coverage deficiency(2) $ 133,635 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- (1) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges was computed by dividing earnings (loss) from continuing operations before taxes by fixed charges from continuing operations for the periods indicated. Fixed charges from continuing operations include (i) interest expense and amortization of debt discount and issuance costs on all indebtedness, and (ii) one-third of all rental expense, which the Company considers to be a reasonable approximation of the interest factor included in rental expense. (2) Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges. For the year ended October 25, 2003, the Company needed additional earnings of $133.6 million to achieve a ratio of earnings to fixed charges of 1.0x.