EXHIBIT 12 ---------- THE LIMITED, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (Thousands except ratio amounts) Thirty-nine Weeks Ended -------------------------------------- November 1, November 2, 1997 1996 ----------------- ----------------- Adjusted Earnings - ----------------- Income before income taxes $236,129 $299,815 Portion of minimum rent ($565,157 in 1997 and $546,176 in 1996) representative of interest 186,502 182,059 Interest on indebtedness 50,744 55,902 Minority Interest 23,910 17,023 ----------------- ----------------- Total earnings as adjusted $497,285 $554,799 ================= ================= Fixed Charges - ------------- Portion of minimum rent representative of interest $186,502 $182,059 Interest on indebtedness 50,744 55,902 ----------------- ----------------- Total fixed charges $237,246 $237,961 ================= ================= Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 2.10x 2.33x ================= =================