EXHIBIT 12 PACIFIC BELL AND SUBSIDIARIES COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Dollars in Millions YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 -------------------------------------------------------------- Income Before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Loss and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes $ 54 $ 1,945 $ 1,538 $ 1,692 $ (39) Add: Interest Expense 461 363 410 439 429 1/3 Rental Expense 53 46 28 40 37 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Adjusted Earnings $ 568 $ 2,354 $ 1,976 $ 2,171 $ 427 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== Total Interest Charges $ 518 $ 411 $ 410 $ 439 $ 429 1/3 Rental Expense 53 46 28 40 37 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Adjusted Fixed Charges $ 571 $ 457 $ 438 $ 479 $ 466 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 0.99 5.15 4.51 4.53 0.92