RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

Published on May 14, 1999



EXHIBIT 12

EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(Dollars in millions)

YEAR THREE MONTHS SIX MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
1998 1998 1999
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Earnings:
Income before income taxes $ 2,002.3 481.9 998.6
Fixed charges 218.2 61.5 122.8
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Earnings, as defined $ 2,220.5 543.4 1,121.4
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Fixed charges:
Interest expense $ 161.4 47.3 94.4
One-third of all rents 56.8 14.2 28.4
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Total fixed charges $ 218.2 61.5 122.8
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 10.2x 8.8x 9.1x
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