EXHIBIT 12 RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AT DECEMBER 31, AT SEPTEMBER 30, ----------------------------------------------------- -------------------- 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1996 1997 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Pre-Tax earnings............................... $ 50,203 $ 55,519 $ 38,479 $ 69,478 $ 82,572 $ 56,635 $ 70,680 Fixed Charges: Interest Expense............................... 754 5,235 5,820 5,638 6,182 4,080 5,287 1/3 of rental payments under operating leases....................................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total Fixed Charges............................ 754 5,235 5,820 5,638 6,182 4,080 5,287 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Ratio.......................................... 66.6x 10.6x 6.6x 12.3x 13.4x 13.9x 13.4x --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- - - For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "Pre-tax earnings" consist of income before income taxes and extraordinary items plus fixed charges. - - For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "Fixed Charges" consist of interest expense incurred, capitalized interest, amortization of debt expense and 1/3 of rental payments under operating leases (an amount estimated to be the interest component of such rentals).