EXHIBIT 12 ---------- THE LIMITED, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (Thousands except ratio amounts) Twenty-six Weeks Ended -------------------------------- August 2, August 3, 1997 1996 --------------- -------------- Adjusted Earnings - ----------------- Income before income taxes $97,447 $111,302 Portion of minimum rent ($373,745 in 1997 and $360,223 in 1996) representative of interest 124,582 120,074 Interest on indebtedness 32,819 35,281 Minority Interest 16,279 12,449 --------------- -------------- Total earnings as adjusted $271,127 $279,106 =============== ============== Fixed Charges - ------------- Portion of minimum rent representative of interest $124,582 $120,074 Interest on indebtedness 32,819 35,281 --------------- -------------- Total fixed charges $157,401 $155,355 =============== ============== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 1.72x 1.80x =============== ==============