EXHIBIT 12.1


 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Including Preferred Stock)




                                                          For the Year      For the Twelve Months
                                                     Ended January 31,         Ended October 31,
                                                            2000                  2000
                                                                     
Earnings, as defined:
Net income                                               $ 55,958                $ 81,360
Income taxes                                             $ 17,323                $ 26,263
Fixed charges, as defined below                          $ 46,207                $ 46,593
                                                         --------------------------------
Total earnings, as defined:                              $119,488                $154,216
                                                         ================================
Fixed charges, as defined:
Interest Expense                                         $ 44,957                $ 45,343
Amortization of preferred stock                          $  1,250                $  1,250
                                                         --------------------------------
Total fixed charges, as defined:                         $ 46,207                $ 46,593
                                                         ================================
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges:                          2.59                    3.31
                                                         ================================