1 EXHIBIT 12 ORIUS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Six months ended June 30, 2000 1999 ------------------- ------- Years Ended Pro Pro ------------------------------------------------------- Forma (1) Actual Forma (1) 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 ------------------- --------- ------------------------------------------------------- Pre tax income $17,330 $17,589 $12,903 $15,033 $12,266 $4,168 $1,107 $24 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ Fixed Charges Interest expense 32,574 31,251 64,772 11,149 450 178 139 108 Estimated amount of rent expense deemed to represent the Interest factor 1,236 1,236 1,352 1,352 136 138 120 61 Amortized finance costs 1,525 1,525 2,215 755 -- -- -- -- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ Total fixed charges 35,335 34,012 68,339 13,256 586 316 259 169 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ Earnings plus fixed charges $52,665 $51,601 $81,242 $28,289 $12,852 $4,484 $1,366 $193 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ====== ====== ====== Earnings to Fixed Charges 1.49 1.52 1.19 2.13 21.93 14.19 5.27 1.14 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ====== ====== ====== (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.