Exhibit 12


                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES


      The following table sets forth the Company's ratio of earnings to fixed
charges for periods indicated:


                           9 Months
                             Ended             Year Ended December 31,
                           ---------   -----------------------------------------
                            9/30/99    1998     1997     1996     1995     1994
                            -------    ----     ----     ----     ----     ----
Ratio of Earnings to
   Fixed Charges              7.71     5.19     7.47     8.70     9.73     9.89


        For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
earnings are defined as earnings before income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed
charges consist of interest expense (including capitalized interest) and the
portion of rental expense that is representative of the interest factor (deemed
to be one-third of minimum operating lease rentals). The earnings to fixed
charges calculation reflects the Company's proportionate share of income,
expense and fixed charges attributable to the Company's investment in
majority-owned unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures.