EX-12 2 h67490exv12.htm EX-12 EX-12
EXHIBIT 12
 
WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(In Millions, Except Ratios)
(Unaudited)
 
                 
    Six Months
 
    Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Income before income taxes and losses in equity investments(a)
  $ 702     $ 926  
                 
Fixed charges deducted from income:
               
Interest expense
    212       227  
Implicit interest in rents
    19       19  
                 
      231       246  
                 
Earnings available for fixed charges(b)
  $ 933     $ 1,172  
                 
Interest expense
  $ 212     $ 227  
Capitalized interest
    8       8  
Implicit interest in rents
    19       19  
                 
Total fixed charges(b)
  $ 239     $ 254  
                 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(a)
    3.9 x     4.6 x
                 
 
 
(a) Our “Income before income taxes and losses in equity investments” for the six months ended June 30, 2009 has been negatively affected by (i) a pre-tax, non-cash charge of $49 million related to the abandonment of SAP software as our revenue management system; and (ii) a pre-tax charge of $43 million for our January 2009 restructuring. The effect of these non-recurring charges on our “Income before income taxes and losses in equity investments” should be considered when comparing the “Ratio of earnings to fixed charges” for the periods presented.
 
(b) To the extent interest may be assessed by taxing authorities on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts are classified as a component of income tax expense in our Statements of Operations. For purposes of this disclosure, we have elected to exclude interest expense related to income tax matters from our measurements of “Earnings available for fixed charges” and “Total fixed charges” for all periods presented.