EXHIBIT 12 GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (Dollars in millions) Three months ended March 31, 1996 GE except GECS "Earnings" <F1> $2,011 Less: Equity in undistributed earnings of General Electric Capital Services, Inc. <F2> (424) Plus: Interest and other financial charges included in expense 143 One-third of rental expense <F3> 44 ------ Adjusted "earnings" $1,774 ====== Fixed Charges: Interest and other financial charges $143 Interest capitalized 3 One-third of rental expense <F3> 44 ------ Total fixed charges $190 ====== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 9.34 ====== General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates "Earnings" <F1> $2,378 Plus: Interest and other financial charges included in expense 1,884 One-third of rental expense <F3> 85 ------ Adjusted "earnings" $4,347 ====== Fixed Charges: Interest and other financial charges $1,884 Interest capitalized 9 One-third of rental expense <F3> 85 ------ Total fixed charges $1,978 ====== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 2.20 ====== <FN> <F1> Earnings before income taxes and minority interest. <F2> Earnings after income taxes, net of dividends. <F3> Considered to be representative of interest factor in rental expense.