QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 12.1

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

	October 31, 2011		October 31, 2010		October 31, 2009		October 31, 2008		October 31, 2007
Earnings:
Add:
Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity income	$	1,032	$	692	$	7	$	815	$	670
Fixed Charges		113		126		120		153		115
Total	$	1,145	$	818	$	127	$	968	$	785
Fixed Charges:
Interest expense		84		94		87		106		86
Estimate of interest within rental expense		27		30		32		30		24
Amortization of capitalized expenses related to indebtedness		2		2		1		17		5
Total		113		126		120		153		115
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		10.13		6.49		1.06		6.33		6.83

QuickLinks

Exhibit 12.1

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges