EXHIBIT 12.1
CANANDAIGUA BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENT OF COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(in thousands of dollars)
For the Three For the Six For the
Months Ended For the Years Ended Months Ended Years Ended
May 31, February 28, February 29, August 31
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1999 1998 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
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Earnings:(a)
Income before provision for income taxes $ 18,077 $ 22,202 $104,430 $ 79,881 $ 79,160 $ 13,630 $ 62,626 $ 7,824
Add fixed charges 23,936 9,573 46,523 35,851 37,074 18,684 27,337 19,919
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Earnings $ 42,013 $ 31,775 $150,953 $115,732 $116,234 $ 32,314 $ 89,963 $ 27,743
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Fixed Charges:
Interest on debt and capitalized leases $ 23,195 $ 8,797 $ 43,537 $ 32,917 $ 34,473 $ 17,447 $ 25,121 $ 18,367
Amortization of direct financing costs 311 545 1,867 2,082 2,112 1,046 1,881 1,287
Amortization of discount on debt 103 93 388 352 112 - - -
Interest element of rentals 327 138 731 500 377 191 335 265
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Total fixed charges $ 23,936 $ 9,573 $ 46,523 $ 35,851 $ 37,074 $ 18,684 $ 27,337 $ 19,919
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 1.8 3.3 3.2 3.2 3.1 1.7 3.3 1.4
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(a) For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" represent income before provision for income taxes plus fixed
charges. "Fixed charges" consist of interest expensed and capitalized,
amortization of debt issuance costs, amortization of discount on debt, and
the portion of rental expense which management believes is representative
of the interest component of lease expense.