EXHIBIT 12.2 FORT HOWARD CORPORATION COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (In thousands, except ratios) For the Years Ended December 31, ------------------ 1996 1995 ---- ---- Earnings: Income before taxes.............................. $214,500 $ 51,866 Interest expense................................. 258,948 309,915 One-fourth of operating lease rental expense..... 2,361 2,168 -------- -------- $475,809 $363,949 ======== ======== Fixed Charges: Interest expense................................. $258,948 $309,915 Capitalized interest............................. 1,487 2,096 One-fourth of operating lease rental expense..... 2,361 2,168 -------- -------- $262,796 $314,179 ======== ======== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (1)............. 1.8 1.2 === === (1) For purposes of these computations, earnings consist of consolidated income before taxes plus fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest) of both consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries. Fixed charges consist of interest on indebtedness (including capitalized interest and amortization of deferred loan costs) plus that portion (deemed to be one-fourth) of operating lease rental expense representative of the interest factor.