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EXHIBIT 12
ORIUS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
Three months ended
March 31, 2000 1999
------------------- ------- Years Ended
Pro Pro -------------------------------------------------------
Forma (1) Actual Forma (1) 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
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Pre tax income $ 5,728 $ 4,850 $12,903 $15,033 $12,266 $4,168 $1,107 $24
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Fixed Charges
Interest expense 15,775 14,610 64,772 11,149 450 178 139 108
Estimated amount of rent expense
deemed to represent the Interest factor 638 638 1,352 1,352 136 138 120 61
Amortized finance costs 997 997 2,215 755 -- -- -- --
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Total fixed charges 17,410 16,245 68,339 13,256 586 316 259 169
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Earnings plus fixed charges $23,138 $21,095 $81,242 $28,289 $12,852 $4,484 $1,366 $193
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Earnings to Fixed Charges 1.33 1.30 1.19 2.13 21.93 14.19 5.27 1.14
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(1) The pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges is based upon the
application of pro forma adjustments to the historical financial statements of
LISN, Orius and Acquired Businesses. Pro forma adjustments have been made to
reflect the sale of the notes and the application of the net proceeds which were
used to refinance portions of existing indebtedness. In addition, adjustments
to reflect the application of purchase accounting to Acquired Businesses and the
elimination of certain non recurring expenses have been reflected.