EXHIBIT 12.1 COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Earnings Before Income Taxes 394,559 282,421 295,188 249,328 266,995 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIXED CHARGES Interest Expense 20,821 20,102 17,231 9,961 7,389 One third rent expense 635 246 307 108 68 Total Fixed Charges 21,456 20,348 17,538 10,069 7,457 Earnings Available for Fixed Charges 416,015 302,769 312,726 259,397 274,452 Ratio 19.39 14.88 17.83 25.76 36.80