EXHIBIT 12 GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (Dollars in millions) Nine months ended September 30, 1996 ------------------ GE except GECS "Earnings" <F1> $6,965 Less: Equity in undistributed earnings of General Electric Capital Services, Inc. <F2> (1,401) Plus: Interest and other financial charges included in expense 455 One-third of rental expense <F3> 132 ------ Adjusted "earnings" $6,151 ====== Fixed Charges: Interest and other financial charges $455 Interest capitalized 11 One-third of rental expense <F3> 132 ------ Total fixed charges $598 ====== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 10.29 ====== General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates "Earnings" <F1> $8,039 Plus: Interest and other financial charges included in expense 5,743 One-third of rental expense <F3> 261 ------ Adjusted "earnings" $14,043 ====== Fixed Charges: Interest and other financial charges $5,743 Interest capitalized 37 One-third of rental expense <F3> 261 ------ Total fixed charges $6,041 ====== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 2.32 ====== <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.