<Page> Exhibit 12.1 <Table> <Caption> RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED INTEREST CHARGES FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, --------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Consolidated pretax income from continuing operations 190,687 217,151 263,312 442,299 325,004 Share of distributed income of 50%-or-less-owned affiliates net of equity pick-up (35,222) 71,916 (148,291) (191,860) (65,545) Share of pretax loss of 50%-or-less-owned affiliate with guaranteed debt net of equity pick-up - - (329) 102 217 Amortization of capitalised interest 447 593 758 875 904 Interest 131,325 151,957 120,470 120,370 108,621 Interest portion of rental expense 6,455 5,579 4,218 3,782 2,964 --------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings 293,692 447,196 240,138 375,568 372,165 =============================================================== Interest 131,325 151,957 120,470 120,370 108,621 Interest capitalized during the period 34 1,959 2,392 - 522 Interest portion of rental expense 6,455 5,579 4,218 3,782 2,964 Interest expense relating to guaranteed debt of 50%-or-less-owned affiliate - - - 321 304 --------------------------------------------------------------- 137,814 159,495 127,080 124,473 112,411 =============================================================== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 2.1 times 2.8 times 1.9 times 3.0 times 3.3 times </Table> <Table> <Caption> PRO FORMA TWELVE MONTHS SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, ENDED JUNE 30, ----------------------------- -------------- 2001 2002 2002 Consolidated pretax income from continuing operations 175,256 148,252 60,919 Share of distributed income of 50%-or-less-owned affiliates net of equity pick-up (27,503) (20,858) (11,467) Share of pretax loss of 50%-or-less-owned affiliate with guaranteed debt net of equity pick-up 114 80 183 Amortization of capitalised interest 219 228 913 Interest 57,165 48,539 299,942 Interest portion of rental expense 1,663 1,524 2,825 ----------------------------- -------------- Earnings 206,914 177,765 353,315 ============================= ============== Interest 57,165 48,539 299,942 Interest capitalized during the period - 261 784 Interest portion of rental expense 1,663 1,524 2,825 Interest expense relating to guaranteed debt of 50%-or-less-owned affiliate 123 80 261 ----------------------------- -------------- 58,951 50,404 303,812 ============================= ============== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 3.5 times 3.5 times 1.2 times </Table>