EXHIBIT 12
U S WEST, INC.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
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1998 1998 1997 1996
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PRO
FORMA(1) ACTUAL
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Income before taxes.................................................... $ 2,302 $ 2,419 $ 2,429 $ 2,377
Interest expense (net of amounts capitalized).......................... 660 543 405 448
Interest factor on rentals ( 1/3)...................................... 70 70 91 79
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Earnings available for fixed charges................................... $ 3,032 $ 3,032 $ 2,925 $ 2,904
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Interest expense....................................................... $ 685 $ 568 $ 425 $ 479
Interest factor on rentals ( 1/3)...................................... 70 70 91 79
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Fixed charges.......................................................... $ 755 $ 638 $ 516 $ 558
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges..................................... 4.02 4.75 5.67 5.20
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(1) Giving pro forma effect to the refinancing of $3,900 of Dex Indebtedness as
if this transaction had been consummated as of the beginning of the period
presented.