Exhibit 12 SEARS DC CORP. CALCULATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (thousands) 1998 1997 1996 Income before income taxes $ 160 $ 238 $ 422 Fixed Charges 32,035 47,721 84,453 (i) Earnings available for Fixed Charges 32,195 47,959 84,875 (ii) Fixed Charges 32,035 47,721 84,453 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (i/ii) 1.005 1.005 1.005