Exhibit 12
 
                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
    The following table sets forth the Company's ratio of earnings to fixed
charges for periods indicated:



                                           NINE MONTHS            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                              ENDED        -------------------------------------
                                             9/30/97        1996    1995    1994   1993    1992 
                                           -----------     ------  ------  -----  ------  ------
                                                                          
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.....       6.26%         7.47%   8.70%   9.73   9.89%   7.78%


 
    For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
are defined as earnings before income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges
consist of interest expense (including capitalized interest) and the portion of
rental expense that is representative of the interest factor (deemed to be one-
third of minimum operating lease rentals). The earnings to fixed charges
calculation reflects the Company's proportionate share of income, expense and
fixed charges attributable to the Company's investment in majority-owned
unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures.