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EXHIBIT 12
H. J. HEINZ COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
First Quarter
Ended Fiscal Years Ended
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May 3, April 28, April 29, April 30, May 1,
August 2, 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
2000 (53 Weeks) (52 Weeks) (52 Weeks) (52 Weeks) (52 Weeks)
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Fixed Charges:
Interest expense*.......................... $ 81,474 $ 271,597 $ 260,743 $ 260,401 $ 277,818 $ 279,368
Capitalized interest....................... -- -- -- 1,542 2,688 1,007
Interest component of rental expense....... 7,080 32,274 29,926 30,828 27,382 26,728
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Total fixed charges...................... $ 88,554 $ 303,871 $ 290,669 $ 292,771 $ 307,888 $ 307,103
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Earnings:
Income before income taxes................. $309,405 $1,463,676 $ 835,131 $1,254,981 $ 479,064 $1,023,661
Add: Interest expense*..................... 81,474 271,597 260,743 260,401 277,818 279,368
Add: Interest component of rental
expense.................................. 7,080 32,274 29,926 30,828 27,382 26,728
Add: Amortization of capitalized
interest................................. 668 2,799 3,050 3,525 3,454 3,399
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Earnings as adjusted..................... $398,627 $1,770,346 $1,128,850 $1,549,735 $ 787,718 $1,333,156
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges......... 4.50 5.83 3.88 5.29 2.56 4.34
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* Interest expense includes amortization of debt expense and any discount or
premium relating to indebtedness.