QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 12.1


COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 
  Year Ended December 31,   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
  Historical   Pro forma   Historical   Pro forma  
 
  2004   2005   2006   2007   2008   2008   2008   2009   2009  
 
  (in thousands, except ratio)
 

Earnings:

                                                       

Net income (loss) before income taxes

    (2,875 )   (46,634 )   (8,583 )   (38,153 )   86,709     86,709     82,554     (90,406 )   (90,406 )

Interest expense

    512     841     1,479     25,507     38,185     38,185     28,586     23,558     23,558  

Interest component of rental expense

    6     69     67     99     175     175     102     119     119  
                                       
   

Earnings

    (2,357 )   (45,724 )   (7,037 )   (12,547 )   125,069     125,069     111,242     (66,729 )   (66,729 )
                                       

Fixed charges:

                                                       
 

Interest expense

    512     841     1,479     25,507     38,185     38,185     28,586     23,558     23,558  
 

Interest component of rental expense

    6     69     67     99     175     175     102     119     119  

Pro forma adjustments:

                                                       
 

Incremental interest expense on issuance of notes

                                  15,133                 18,418  
                                       
   

Fixed charges

    518     910     1,546     25,606     38,360     53,493     28,688     23,677     42,095  
                                       

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

    NA     NA     NA     NA     3.26     2.34     3.88     NA     NA  



QuickLinks

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES