Exhibit 12
CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
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1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
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Income from continuing operations ................ $ 1,631,697 $ 245,516 $ 499,378 $ 368,827 $ 419,711
Income taxes for continuing operations ........... 885,528 236,084 257,378 198,540 216,301
Minority interest expense (income) ............... -- (37) (36) 11 28,753
Capitalized interest ............................. (14,675) (10,803) (9,125) (11,620) (13,184)
Preference security dividend requirements of
subsidiary .................................. (599) (762) (1,304) -- --
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2,501,951 469,998 746,291 555,758 651,581
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Fixed charges, as defined:
Interest ...................................... 488,868 509,773 551,298 708,711 906,023
Capitalized interest .......................... 14,675 10,803 9,125 11,620 13,184
Distribution on trust preferred securities .... 51,219 54,358 55,598 55,545 27,797
Preference security dividend requirements
of subsidiary ............................... 599 762 1,304 -- --
Interest component of rentals charged to
operating expense ........................... 15,680 15,243 15,114 15,822 15,231
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Total fixed charges ........................... 571,041 590,939 632,439 791,698 962,235
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Earnings, as defined ............................. $ 3,072,992 $ 1,060,937 $ 1,378,730 $ 1,347,456 $ 1,613,816
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges ............... 5.38 1.80 2.18 1.70 1.68
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