EX-12.1 3 v92934a1exv12w1.txt EXHIBIT 12.1 Exhibit 12.1 WESTERN WIRELESS CORPORATION COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (Dollars in thousands)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30, ------------------------------------------------------ -------- 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and cumulative change in accounting principle $(13,359) $(48,121) $ 65,406 $(143,564) $ (92,050) $ 29,513 Adjust for: Minority interests in net loss of consolidated subsidiaries (479) (1,610) (2,058) (18,967) (8,408) (4,043) Equity in net (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax 4,746 14,529 (658) 7,772 (4,219) (645) -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes, cumulative change in accounting principles, minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries and income (loss) from equity investees (9,092) (35,202) 62,690 (154,759) (104,677) 24,825 Add: Fixed Charges 92,227 99,993 152,229 163,353 158,791 76,068 Amortisation of capitalized interest -- -- -- 125 425 306 Deduct Interest capitalized -- -- -- (1,500) (2,100) (150) Minority interest in pre-tax income of subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed charges -- -- 488 (616) (104) 4,810 -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Earnings $ 83,135 $ 64,791 $215,407 $ 6,603 $ 52,335 $105,859 ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ======== Fixed Charges: Interest and financing expense, net $ 92,227 $ 99,993 $152,229 $ 161,853 $ 156,691 $ 75,918 Interest capitalized -- -- -- 1,500 2,100 150 -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Fixed charges $ 92,227 $ 99,993 $152,229 $ 163,353 $ 158,791 $ 76,068 ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ======== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 0.90 0.65 1.42 0.04 0.33 1.39 ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ======== Deficiency of earnings to cover fixed charges $ (9,092) $(35,202) $ -- $(156,750) $(106,456) $ -- ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ========