Verizon Communications (VZ) 10-Q 2010 Q3 Quarterly report

Exhibit 12

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries

(dollars in millions)	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
Earnings:
Income before provision for income taxes	$	8,588
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated businesses		(395	)
Dividends from unconsolidated businesses		477
Interest expense (1)		1,956
Portion of rent expense representing interest		645
Amortization of capitalized interest		103
Earnings, as adjusted	$	11,374
Fixed Charges:
Interest expense (1)	$	1,956
Portion of rent expense representing interest		645
Capitalized interest		693
Fixed Charges	$	3,294
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		3.45

(1) We classify interest expense recognized on uncertain tax positions as income tax expense and therefore such interest expense is not included in the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.