Exhibit 12.1 Computation of Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (In thousands, except for ratio data)
Six months ended Year ended December 31, March 31, -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2002 2003 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Income before income taxes $193,684 $233,685 $300,035 $347,028 $436,290 $215,996 $250,206 Add fixed charges: Gross interest expense 21,330 25,111 28,823 20,159 17,758 8,898 10,074 Amortization of debt discount - - - - - - 5 Estimated interest component of rental expense (1) 24,033 26,180 27,664 28,990 33,200 15,777 17,178 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total fixed charges 45,363 51,291 56,487 49,149 50,958 24,675 27,257 Total adjusted earnings $239,047 $284,976 $356,522 $396,177 $487,248 $240,671 $277,463 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 5.27 5.56 6.31 8.06 9.56 9.75 10.18 --------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Interest component estimated to be 1/3 of rental expense.