EX-12 2 exhibit12.txt EXHIBIT 12 Exhibit 12 TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC. RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES For the Three Months ended March 31, 2001 (Dollars In Thousands) EARNINGS: Income from Continuing Operations before income taxes $ 69,805 Add (Deduct): Earnings on Equity Method (6,965) Distributions from Minority Subsidiaries 3,620 ------------- 66,460 Add fixed charges: Consolidated interest expense 35,161 Interest Portion (1/3) of Consolidated Rent Expense 4,447 ------------- $ 106,068 ============= FIXED CHARGES: Consolidated interest expense $ 35,161 Interest Portion (1/3) of Consolidated Rent Expense 4,447 ------------- $ 39,608 ============= RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES 2.68 ============= Tax-Effected Redeemable Preferred Dividends $ 17 Fixed Charges 39,608 ------------- Fixed Charges and Redeemable Preferred Dividends $ 39,625 ============= RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND REDEEMABLE PREFERRED DIVIDENDS 2.68 ============= Tax-Effected Preferred Dividends $ 212 Fixed Charges 39,608 ------------- Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends $ 39,820 ============= RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS 2.66 =============