EXHIBIT 12 STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Nine Months Ended September 30, Fiscal Year Ended ---------------- ----------------------------- 1998 1997 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 ------- ------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ----- ($ in millions, except for ratios) Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Taxes....... $ (100) $ 66 $ 70 $ 116 $ (4) $(33) $ 241 Interest on Debt, Net of Capitalized Interest........ 86 11 15 33 52 77 11 Interest Expense Portion of Rental Expense.............. 5 -- -- 1 -- 1 -- ------- ------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ----- Earnings Available for Fixed Charges....................... $ (9) $ 77 $ 85 $ 150 $ 48 $ 45 $ 252 ======= ======= ===== ===== ==== ==== ===== Interest on Debt............... $ 92 $ 11 $ 15 $ 38 $ 72 $ 86 $ 12 MFS Preferred Dividends...... -- -- -- -- 8 -- -- Interest Expense Portion of Rental Expense.............. 5 -- -- 1 -- 1 -- ------- ------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ----- Total Fixed Charges............ $ 97 $ 11 $ 15 $ 39 $ 80 $ 87 $ 12 ======= ======= ===== ===== ==== ==== ===== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges....................... -- 7.29 5.73 3.87 -- -- 20.94 ======= ======= ===== ===== ==== ==== ===== Deficiency..................... $ (106) $ -- $ -- $ -- $(32) $(42) $ -- ======= ======= ===== ===== ==== ==== =====