EXHIBIT 12.1 COMPUTATIONS OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES The following table reflects Silgan Holdings Inc.'s computations of ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated. Three Months ended March 31, ----------------------------- (Dollars in thousands) (unaudited) 1997 1996 --------------- ------------ Income (loss) before income taxes........................ $(13,803) $ 1,143 Add: Interest expense and amortization of debt expense....................................... 19,965 22,573 Rental expense representative of the interest factor................................... 1,148 1,120 -------- ------- Income as adjusted...................................... $ 7,310 $24,836 ======== ======= Fixed charges: Interest expense and amortization of debt expense....................................... $ 19,965 $22,573 Rental expense representative of the interest factor................................... 1,148 1,120 -------- ------- Total fixed charges..................................... $ 21,113 $23,693 ======== ======= Deficiency of earnings available to cover fixed charges.. $ 13,803 -- ======== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges....................... -- 1.05 =======