EXHIBIT 12.1
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
<Table>
<Caption>
Nine Months
Ended Year Ended December 31,
September 30, -----------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(dollars in thousands)
Fixed Charges:
Interest on debt and capitalized leases $ 35,191 $ 53,853 $ 31,414 $ 16,864 $ 3,986
Interest element of rentals 10,434 13,033 9,169 5,083 1,517
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total $ 45,625 $ 66,886 $ 40,583 $ 21,947 $ 5,503
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Earnings:
Pretax income $ 63,363 $ 65,826 $ 55,689 $ 35,221 $ 6,391
Add: fixed charges 45,625 66,886 40,583 21,947 5,503
Less: capitalized interest 612 352 592 -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total $108,376 $132,360 $ 95,680 $ 57,168 $ 11,894
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 2.38 1.98 2.36 2.60 2.16
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</Table>