Exhibit 12 40 Weeks Ended October 7, October 1, (In thousands of dollars) 1995 1994 Earnings: Pretax income $ 77,612 $ 87,066 Fixed charges, net 164,560 96,832 Total earnings $242,172 $183,898 Fixed charges: Interest expense $135,046 $ 75,413 Portion of rental charges deemed to be interest 29,239 21,169 Capitalized interest 664 254 Total fixed charges $164,949 $ 96,836 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 1.47 1.90 "Earnings" consists of income before income taxes and fixed charges excluding capitalized interest. Capitalized interest amortized during the respective periods is added back to earnings. "Fixed charges, net" consists of interest expense, an estimated amount of rental expense which is deemed to be representative of the interest factor and amortization of capitalized interest. The pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges is omitted as it is not applicable.