Verizon Communications (VZ) 10-Q 2011 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, 2011
Earnings:
Income before provision for income taxes	$	12,285
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated businesses		(347	)
Dividends from unconsolidated businesses		449
Interest expense (1)		2,124
Portion of rent expense representing interest		607
Amortization of capitalized interest		115
Earnings, as adjusted	$	15,233
Fixed Charges:
Interest expense (1)	$	2,124
Portion of rent expense representing interest		607
Capitalized interest		341
Fixed Charges	$	3,072
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		4.96

⁽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.