PAGE 3 FMC Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for March 31, 1999 Exhibit 12 Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges -------------------------------------------------- (In millions, except ratio data) -------------------------------- Three Months Ended March 31, ------------------------ 1999 1998 ---- ---- Earnings: Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $40.8 $36.2 Minority interests 0.6 0.9 Undistributed earnings of affiliates 0.5 (2.8) Interest expense and amortization of debt discount, fees and expenses 30.2 26.7 Amortization of capitalized interest 0.7 1.5 Interest included in rental expense 4.0 3.6 ----- ----- Total earnings $76.8 $66.1 ===== ===== Fixed charges: Interest expense and amortization of debt discount, fees and expenses $30.2 $26.7 Interest capitalized as part of fixed assets 0.7 1.5 Interest included in rental expense 4.0 3.6 ----- ----- Total fixed charges $34.9 $31.8 ===== ===== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 2.2x 2.1x ==== ====