COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS

Published on March 18, 2004

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Exhibit 12.1

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERENCE SHARE DIVIDENDS



FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
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Earnings 623,448 376,998 165,784 127,228 104,241
Add back income taxes (18) (115) 14,262 4,648 (1,525)
Add back fixed charges - interest on Bank Facility 18,252 13,069 7,249 17,167 9,934
- interest on Trust Preferred 7,470 7,605 7,484 7,582 8,288
- other interest expense -- 349 349 349 349
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Earnings before income taxes and fixed charges 649,152 397,906 195,128 156,974 121,287
======= ======= ======= ======= =======

Fixed Charges

Interest Expense - Bank Facility 18,252 13,069 7,249 17,167 9,934
Interest Expense - Trust Preferreds 7,470 7,605 7,484 7,582 8,288
Interest Expense - other (on Rent) 483 483 346 349 349
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Total Interest 26,205 21,157 15,079 25,098 18,571
Preference Share Dividends 18,801 12,184 1,418 -- --
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Total Fixed Charges 45,006 33,341 16,497 25,098 18,571
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 24.77 18.81 12.94 6.25 6.53

Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Charges and Preference Share Dividends 14.42 11.93 11.83 6.25 6.53
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