EXHIBIT 12 U S WEST, INC. RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Income before taxes................................. $1,902 $2,419 $2,429 $2,377 $2,248 Interest expense (net of amounts capitalized)....... 736 543 405 448 429 Interest factor on rentals ( 1/3)................... 92 70 91 79 83 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Earnings available for fixed charges................ $2,730 $3,032 $2,925 $2,904 $2,760 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Interest expense.................................... $ 763 $ 568 $ 425 $ 479 $ 468 Interest factor on rentals ( 1/3)................... 92 70 91 79 83 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Fixed charges....................................... $ 855 $ 638 $ 516 $ 558 $ 551 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.................. 3.19 4.75 5.67 5.20 5.01 ====== ====== ====== ====== ======