EXHIBIT 11.1 McLEODUSA INCORPORATED COMPUTATION OF LOSS PER COMMON SHARE (AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, --------------------- -------------------- 2000 1999 2000 1999 ------ ------ ------ ------ Computation of weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Common shares, Class A, outstanding at the beginning of the period (A).............................. 581.6 451.2 472.8 382.1 Common shares, Class B, outstanding at the beginning of the period (B).............................. --- --- --- --- Weighted average number of shares issued during the period (A).................................... 1.7 6.8 74.5 52.8 -------- ------- -------- -------- Weighted average number of common shares................... 583.3 458.0 547.3 434.9 ======== ======= ======== ======== Net loss before extraordinary charge....................... $ (127.7) $ (58.4) $ (311.9) $ (167.3) Extraordinary charge for early retirement of debt.......... (24.5) --- (24.5) --- -------- ------- -------- -------- Net loss................................................... (152.2) (58.4) (336.4) (167.3) Preferred stock dividend................................... (13.6) (4.1) (40.8) (4.1) -------- ------- -------- -------- Net loss applicable to common shares....................... $ (165.8) $ (62.5) $ (377.2) $ (171.4) ======== ======= ======== ======== Loss per common share: Loss before extraordinary charge........................... $ (0.24) $ (0.14) $ (0.65) $ (0.39) Extraordinary charge....................................... (0.04) --- (0.04) --- -------- ------- -------- -------- Loss per common share...................................... $ (0.28) $ (0.14) $ (0.69) $ (0.39) ======== ======= ======== ======== (A) All shares have been adjusted to give effect to the three-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend effective April 24, 2000. (B) The Class B common stock, $.01 par value per share is convertible on a one- for-one basis at any time at the option of the holder into Class A common stock. As of September 30, 2000, all shares of Class B common stock have been converted into shares of Class A common stock.