Exhibit 12 THE ST. PAUL COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Computation of Ratios Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 ------------------ ----------------- 2000 1999 2000 1999 ------ ------ ------ ------ (In millions, except ratios) EARNINGS: Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change $331 $172 $1,170 $721 Add: fixed charges 46 56 133 135 ------ ------ ------ ------ Income, as adjusted $377 $228 $1,303 $856 ====== ====== ====== ====== FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS: Interest expense and amortization $32 $29 $88 $75 Dividends on preferred capital securities 8 9 26 28 Rental expense (1) 6 18 19 32 ------ ------ ------ ------ Total fixed charges 46 56 133 135 Preferred stock dividend requirements 4 4 11 12 ------ ------ ------ ------ Total fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements $50 $60 $144 $147 ====== ====== ====== ====== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 8.13 4.07 9.79 6.35 ====== ====== ====== ====== Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements 7.53 3.80 9.03 5.82 ====== ====== ====== ====== (1) Interest portion deemed implicit in total rent expense.