EX-12 13 dex12.htm COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

Exhibit 12

THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(unaudited)

(in millions)

 

     2008     2007    2006     2005     2004

Earnings:

           

Income before income taxes

   $ 1,238.7     $ 1,222.4    $ 1,335.1     $ 1,344.1     $ 1,098.6

Fixed charges

     184.8       204.1      56.9       7.9       9.7

Other adjustments

     (4.6 )     1.2      (7.2 )     (2.3 )     —  
                                     

Total earnings (a)

   $ 1,418.9     $ 1,427.7    $ 1,384.8     $ 1,349.7     $ 1,108.3
                                     

Fixed charges:

           

Interest expense

   $ 171.2     $ 189.0    $ 55.2     $ 6.2     $ 8.1

Other adjustments

     13.6       15.1      1.7       1.7       1.6
                                     

Total fixed charges (b)

   $ 184.8     $ 204.1    $ 56.9     $ 7.9     $ 9.7
                                     

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (a/b)

     7.7       7.0      24.3       170.8       114.3
                                     

For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings have been calculated by adding income before income taxes, fixed charges, and distributions from equity method investments, and then subtracting income from equity method investments. Fixed charges consist of interest expense and an estimated interest portion of rental expenses and income tax contingencies. Substantially all of our debt was incurred in connection with our Spin-off from First Data on September 29, 2006, resulting in earnings to fixed charges being lower subsequent to the Spin-off. Debt balances have remained relatively consistent since the Spin-off.