EXHIBIT 12 EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 (Dollars in millions) Earnings: Income before income taxes <F1> $1,053.2 Fixed charges 155.6 -------- Earnings, as defined $1,208.8 ======== Fixed charges: Interest expense $ 126.0 One-third of all rents 29.6 -------- Total fixed charges $ 155.6 ======== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 7.8x ======== <F1> Represents income before income taxes and minority interests in the income of consolidated subsidiaries with fixed charges.