EXHIBIT 12 LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges ($ in millions, except for ratios) Three Months Ended March 31, --------------------- 2000 1999 --------- --------- Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Taxes $ (225) $ (126) Interest on Debt, net of Capitalized Interest 50 53 Interest Expense on Portion of Rental Expense 4 3 -------- -------- Earnings Available for Fixed Charges $ (171) $ (70) ======== ======== Interest on Debt $ 117 $ 64 MFS Preferred Dividends Interest Expense Portion of Rental Expense 4 3 -------- -------- Total Fixed Charges $ 121 $ 67 ======== ======== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges - - ======== ======== Deficiency $ (292) $ (137) ======== ======== Fiscal Year Ended ------------------------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 -------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Taxes $ (580) $ (22) $ 70 $ 116 $ (4) Interest on Debt, net of Capitalized Interest 174 133 15 33 52 Interest Expense on Portion of Rental Expense 13 6 - 1 - -------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- Earnings Available for Fixed Charges $ (393) $ 117 $ 85 $ 150 $ 48 ======== ========== =========== ========= ========= Interest on Debt $ 289 $ 147 $ 15 $ 38 $ 72 MFS Preferred Dividends 8 Interest Expense Portion of Rental Expense 13 6 - 1 - -------- ---------- ----------- --------- --------- Total Fixed Charges $ 302 $ 153 $ 15 $ 39 $ 80 ======== ========== =========== ========= ========= Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges - - 5.73 3.87 - ======== ========== =========== ========= ========= Deficiency $ (695) $ (36) $ - $ - $ (32) ======== ========== =========== ========= =========