EX-12.1 3 a2136442zex-12_1.htm EX 12.1
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 12.1


QWEST CORPORATION
CALCULATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

 
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle effect   $ 1,274   $ 1,420   $ 1,758   $ 2,435   $ 2,833   $ 2,203   $ 2,831  
Add fixed charges     490     478     642     633     588     588     443  
Add amortization of capitalized interest     10     10     13     14     15     12     12  
Less interest capitalized     (8 )   (10 )   (12 )   (23 )   (44 )   (49 )   (27 )
  Earnings available for fixed charges     1,766     1,898     2,401     3,059     3,392     2,754     3,259  

Interest expense, including amortization of premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs

 

 

439

 

 

424

 

 

573

 

 

541

 

 

465

 

 

458

 

 

359

 
Interest capitalized     8     10     12     23     44     49     27  
Interest factor on rentals     43     44     57     69     79     81     57  
  Fixed charges   $ 490   $ 478   $ 642   $ 633   $ 588   $ 588   $ 443  
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges     3.6     4.0     3.7     4.8     5.8     4.7     7.4  

        Until May 1, 2004, Qwest Corporation provided wireless services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Qwest Wireless LLC ("Qwest Wireless"). On May 1, 2004, we transferred ownership of Qwest Wireless to an affiliate. As a consequence, we no longer have wireless operations, and the results of operations and the financial position of Qwest Wireless have been reclassified in our consolidated financial statements to be included in discontinued operations. Amounts shown in this schedule have also been revised to conform to the current presentation of our consolidated financial statements.




QuickLinks

QWEST CORPORATION CALCULATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)