EXHIBIT 12
U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(IN MILLIONS)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
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1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
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Income before taxes................................. $2,520 $2,150 $2,018 $2,001 $1,917
Interest expense (net of amounts capitalized)....... 403 386 374 414 386
Interest factor on rentals ( 1/3)................... 78 56 67 54 60
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Earnings available for fixed charges................ $3,001 $2,592 $2,459 $2,469 $2,363
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Interest expense.................................... $ 430 $ 411 $ 394 $ 445 $ 426
Interest factor on rentals ( 1/3)................... 78 56 67 54 60
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Fixed charges....................................... $ 508 $ 467 $ 461 $ 499 $ 486
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.................. 5.91 5.55 5.33 4.95 4.86
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