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EXHIBIT 12
H. J. HEINZ COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
Nine Months
Ended Fiscal Years Ended
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January 26, April 28, April 29, April 30, May 1, May 3,
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
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Fixed Charges:
Interest expense*........................... $ 189,705 $ 260,743 $ 260,401 $ 277,818 $ 279,368 $ 212,123
Capitalized interest........................ -- -- 1,542 2,688 1,007 414
Interest component of rental expense........ 19,775 29,926 30,828 27,382 26,728 24,200
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Total fixed charges....................... $ 209,480 $ 290,669 $ 292,771 $ 307,888 $ 307,103 $ 236,737
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Earnings:
Income before income taxes.................. $1,314,778 $ 835,131 $1,254,981 $ 479,064 $1,023,661 $ 938,007
Add: Interest expense*...................... 189,705 260,743 260,401 277,818 279,368 212,123
Add: Interest component of rental expense... 19,775 29,926 30,828 27,382 26,728 24,200
Add: Amortization of capitalized interest... 577 3,050 3,525 3,454 3,399 3,465
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Earnings as adjusted...................... $1,524,835 $1,128,850 $1,549,735 $ 787,718 $1,333,156 $1,177,795
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.......... 7.28 3.88 5.29 2.56 4.34 4.98
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* Interest expense includes amortization of debt expense and any discount or
premium relating to indebtedness.