EXHIBIT 12 EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 (Dollars in millions) Earnings: Income before income taxes <F1> $503.0 Fixed charges 69.4 ------ Earnings, as defined $572.4 ====== Fixed charges: Interest expense $ 54.6 One-third of all rents 14.8 ------ Total fixed charges $ 69.4 ====== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 8.2x ====== <F1> Represents income before income taxes and minority interests in the income of consolidated subsidiaries with fixed charges.