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Exhibit 12.1


Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges(1)
(in thousands, except ratios)

 
  Years Ended December 31,
  Three Months Ended March 31,
 
  1997
  1998
  1999
  2000
  2001
  2001
  2002
Income (loss) before taxes   (15,424 ) 21,900   45,606   69,347   161,604   33,087   45,651
Fixed charges:                            
  Interest expense and amortization of original issue discount on all indebtedness   917   630   6,058   7,053   7,304   1,799   1,881
  Preferred stock dividends   696            
  Interest included in rent expense   557   600   632   889   1,120   266   363
Total fixed charges   2,170   1,230   6,690   7,942   8,424   2,065   2,244
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before tax provision and fixed charges   (13,254 ) 23,130   52,296   77,289   170,028   35,152   47,895
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges   n/a   18.8   7.82   9.73   20.18   17.02   21.34
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges was computed by dividing earnings (income before taxes, adjusted for fixed charges) by fixed charges for the periods indicated. Fixed charges include (i) interest expense and amortization of original issue discount on all indebtedness, (ii) preferred stock dividends and (iii) a reasonable approximation of the interest factor deemed to be included in rental expense. Earnings were not sufficient to cover fixed charges for the year ended December 31, 1997 by $13.3 million.



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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges(1) (in thousands, except ratios)