Exhibit 12
Fleming Companies, Inc.
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
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16 Weeks Ended
April 17, April 18,
(In thousands of dollars) 1999 1998
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Earnings:
Pretax income (loss) $(31,465) $ 31,375
Fixed charges, net 62,079 62,429
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Total earnings $ 30,614 $ 93,804
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Fixed charges:
Interest expense $ 51,606 $ 51,202
Portion of rental charges
deemed to be interest 10,333 11,095
Capitalized interest - -
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Total fixed charges $ 61,939 $ 62,297
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Deficiency $ 31,325 -
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges .49 1.51
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"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.
Under the company's long-term debt agreements, "earnings" and "fixed
charges" are defined differently and amounts and ratios differ
accordingly.