Exhibit 12
Fleming Companies, Inc.
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
40 Weeks Ended
September 30, October 02,
(In thousands of dollars) 2000 1999
<S> <C> <C>
Earnings:
Pretax loss $(139,230) $(55,200)
Fixed charges, net 151,112 148,841
Total earnings $ 11,882 $ 93,641
Fixed charges:
Interest expense $ 131,659 $127,240
Portion of rental charges
deemed to be interest 19,058 21,251
Capitalized interest 440 428
Total fixed charges $ 151,157 $148,919
Deficiency $ 139,275 $ 55,278
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 0.08 0.63
</TABLE>
"Earnings" consists of income before income taxes and fixed
charges excluding capitalized interest. Capitalized interest
amortized during the respective periods is added back to
earnings.
"Fixed charges, net" consists of interest expense, an estimated
amount of rental expense which is deemed to be representative of
the interest factor and amortization of capitalized interest.
The pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges is omitted, as
it is not applicable.
Under the company's long-term debt agreements, "earnings" and
"fixed charges" are defined differently and amounts and ratios
differ accordingly.
Results excluding strategic plan adjustments and one-time items
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
40 Weeks Ended
September 30, October 02,
(In thousands of dollars) 2000 1999
<S> <C> <C>
Total Earnings 222,354 195,346
Total Fixed Charges 151,157 148,919
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges 1.47 1.31
</TABLE>
