ANADARKO PETROLEUM CORP
S-3, 1999-04-13
CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
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<PAGE>   1
 
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 12, 1999
 
                                                    REGISTRATION NO.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                             ---------------------
                                    FORM S-3
 
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                             ---------------------
                         Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
                      DELAWARE                                             76-0146568
            (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION                                (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
          OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                            IDENTIFICATION NO.)
               17001 NORTHCHASE DRIVE                                     SUZANNE SUTER
              HOUSTON, TEXAS 77060-2141                              17001 NORTHCHASE DRIVE
                   (281) 875-1101                                   HOUSTON, TEXAS 77060-2141
 (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,                     (281) 875-1101
   INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL       (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE
                 EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                                          NUMBER,
                                                           INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
</TABLE>
 
                             ---------------------
                                   Copies to:
 
                             Deanna L. Kirkpatrick
                             Davis Polk & Wardwell
                              450 Lexington Avenue
                            New York, New York 10017
                                Edward S. Davis
                           Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP
                             One Battery Park Plaza
                            New York, New York 10004
 
                             ---------------------
        Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the Public:
     From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
     If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box.   [ ]
 
     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box.   [X]
 
     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering.  [ ]
 
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  [ ]
 
     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  [ ]
                             ---------------------
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     PROPOSED MAXIMUM     PROPOSED MAXIMUM
             TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                AMOUNT TO BE       OFFERING PRICE         AGGREGATE          AMOUNT OF
          SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED              REGISTERED(1)       PER UNIT(2)         OFFERING PRICE    REGISTRATION FEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>               <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Debt Securities.................................
Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value................
Depositary Shares representing Preferred
  Stock.........................................  $1,000,000,000           100%            $1,000,000,000       $278,000
Common Stock, $0.10 par value, and Rights
  attached thereto..............................
Warrants........................................
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1)  Such amount in U.S. dollars or the equivalent thereof in foreign currencies
     as shall result in an aggregate initial public offering price for all
     securities of $1,000,000,000.
 
(2)  Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
                             ---------------------
 
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES, AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
 
                     SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, APRIL 12, 1999
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                                [ANADARKO LOGO]
 
                                 $1,000,000,000
 
                                DEBT SECURITIES
                                PREFERRED STOCK
                               DEPOSITARY SHARES
                                  COMMON STOCK
                                    WARRANTS
 
                            ------------------------
 
     We will provide specific terms of these securities in supplements to this
prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplement carefully before
you invest.
 
                            ------------------------
 
     Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
 
                            ------------------------
 
              This prospectus is dated                     , 1999
<PAGE>   3
 
                             ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
 
     This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission utilizing a "shelf " registration process.
Under this shelf process, we may sell any combination of the securities
described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar
amount of $1,000,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general
description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we
will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information
about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update
or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this
prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional
information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information
About Anadarko".
 
                         ANADARKO PETROLEUM CORPORATION
 
     Anadarko is one of the world's largest independent oil and gas exploration
and production companies with 935.1 million energy equivalent barrels of proved
reserves as of December 31, 1998.
 
     Anadarko's reserve mix shifted in 1998, primarily due to recent discoveries
in the Gulf of Mexico's sub-salt trend and continued development activity
onshore in the U.S., which resulted in a significant increase in natural gas
reserves. As of year-end 1998, natural gas reserves accounted for 47% of
Anadarko's total proved reserves compared to 41% at year-end 1997.
 
     About 74% of Anadarko's total proved reserves are located in the U.S.,
primarily in the mid-continent (Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas) area, offshore in
the Gulf of Mexico and in Alaska. During 1998, 97% of Anadarko's production was
located in the U.S. Anadarko also owns and operates gas gathering systems in its
U.S. core producing areas.
 
     Overseas, Anadarko is developing crude oil reserves in Algeria's Sahara
Desert and has commenced oil production. At year-end 1998, Anadarko had 245
million barrels of proved crude oil reserves in Algeria, which accounts for 26%
of Anadarko's total proved reserves. First oil production from the Hassi Berkine
South Field began in May 1998. Development of other commercial fields in Algeria
is underway and production is expected to increase substantially over the next
several years. Anadarko also participates in other international exploration
projects in Eritrea, the North Atlantic Margin and Tunisia.
 
               WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANADARKO
 
     We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the
SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York and
Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information
on the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available to the public
at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov.
 
     The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the
information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important
information to you by referring you to those documents. The information
incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus.
Information filed after the date of this prospectus with the SEC will update and
supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed
below and any future filings made with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14,
or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until our offering is completed:
 
          (a) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998;
 
          (b) The description of our common stock set forth in the registration
     statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on October 5, 1998; and,
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
          (c) The description of our Series C Junior Participating Preferred
     Stock, set forth in the registration statement on Form 8-A dated October
     30, 1998.
 
     You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing to or
telephoning us at the following address:
 
                              Corporate Secretary
                         Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
                              17001 Northchase Dr.
                               Houston, TX 77060
                                 (281) 875-1101
 
     You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
provided in this prospectus or the prospectus supplement. We have authorized no
one to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of
these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not
assume that the information in this prospectus or the prospectus supplement is
accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the document.
 
 RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND
                           PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
 
     The following table sets forth Anadarko's consolidated ratios of earnings
to fixed charges and earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends for the periods shown:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                      --------------------------------
                                                      1994   1995   1996   1997   1998
                                                      ----   ----   ----   ----   ----
<S>                                                   <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Fixed Charges.......................................  2.11   1.24   3.34   3.04   0.05
Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock
  Dividends.........................................  2.11   1.24   3.34   3.04   0.05
</TABLE>
 
     Anadarko issued preferred stock in May 1998. No shares of preferred stock
were outstanding during any of the periods prior to May 1998.
 
     As a result of Anadarko's net loss in 1998, Anadarko's earnings did not
cover fixed charges by $90 million and did not cover combined fixed charges and
preferred stock dividends by $101 million in 1998. The ratios were computed by
dividing earnings by either fixed charges or combined fixed charges and
preferred stock dividends. For this purpose, earnings include income before
income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges include interest and amortization
of debt expenses and the estimated interest component of rentals.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     We will use the net proceeds we receive from the sale of the securities
offered by this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement for
general corporate purposes, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable
prospectus supplement. General corporate purposes may include additions to
working capital, capital expenditures, repayment of debt or the financing of
possible acquisitions.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
     The following description sets forth the general terms and provisions that
could apply to the debt securities. Each prospectus supplement will state the
particular terms that actually will apply to the debt securities included in the
supplement.
 
     The debt securities will be either our senior debt securities or our
subordinated securities. We have issued to date an aggregate of $1.1 billion of
senior securities. We do not have any subordinated securities outstanding at
this time.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
     In addition to the following summary, you should refer to the applicable
provisions of the following documents for more detailed information:
 
     - the senior indenture, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(j)
       to the Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1997, and
 
     - the subordinated indenture, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
       4(c) to Registration Statement No. 333-30927, filed with the SEC on July
       7, 1997.
 
     Neither indenture limits the aggregate principal amount of debt securities
that we may issue under that indenture. The debt securities may be issued in one
or more series as we may authorize at various times. All debt securities will be
unsecured. The senior securities will have the same rank as all of our other
unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated securities will be
subordinated to senior indebtedness as described in the "Subordinated
Securities" section on page 10. The prospectus supplement relating to the
particular series of debt securities being offered will specify the amounts,
prices and terms of those debt securities. These terms may include:
 
     - whether the debt securities are senior securities or subordinated
       securities;
 
     - the title and the limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt
       securities;
 
     - the dates on which the debt securities will mature;
 
     - any annual rates (which may be fixed or variable), or the method of
       determining any rates, at which the debt securities will bear interest;
 
     - the dates from which interest shall accrue and the dates on which
       interest will be payable;
 
     - the currencies in which the debt securities are denominated and principal
       and interest may be payable;
 
     - any redemption or sinking fund terms;
 
     - any event of default or covenant with respect to the debt securities of a
       particular series, if not set forth in this prospectus;
 
     - whether the debt securities are to be issued, in whole or in part, in the
       form of one or more global securities and the depositary for the global
       securities;
 
     - whether the subordinated securities are convertible into Anadarko common
       stock; and,
 
     - any other terms of the series, which will not conflict with the terms of
       the applicable indenture.
 
     We may issue debt securities of any series at various times and we may
reopen any series for further issuances from time to time without notice to
existing holders.
 
     We will issue the debt securities in fully registered form without coupons.
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will
issue debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars in denominations of $1,000 or
multiples of $1,000 for debt securities.
 
     We will describe special Federal income tax and other considerations
relating to debt securities denominated in foreign currencies or units of two or
more foreign currencies in the applicable prospectus supplement.
 
     Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the
covenants contained in the indentures and the debt securities will not provide
special protection to holders of debt securities if we enter into a highly
leveraged transaction, recapitalization or restructuring.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
EXCHANGE, REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER
 
     Debt securities of any series that are not global securities will be
exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series and of like aggregate
principal amount and tenor in different authorized denominations. In addition,
you may present debt securities for registration of transfer, together with a
duly executed form of transfer, at the office of the security registrar or at
the office of any transfer agent designated by us for that purpose with respect
to any series of debt securities and referred to in the applicable prospectus
supplement. No service charge is required for any transfer or exchange of debt
securities but we may require payment of any taxes and other governmental
charges. The security registrar or the transfer agent will effect the transfer
or exchange upon being satisfied with the documents of title and identity of the
person making the request. We have appointed the applicable trustee as security
registrar for the applicable indenture. We may at any time designate additional
transfer agents with respect to any series of debt securities.
 
     In the event of any redemption in part, we will not be required to:
 
     - issue, register the transfer of or exchange debt securities of any series
       during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the
       mailing of notice of redemption of debt securities of that series to be
       redeemed and ending at the close of business on the mailing date;
 
     - register the transfer of or exchange any debt security, or portion
       thereof, called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any
       registered security being redeemed in part.
 
     For a discussion of restriction on the exchange, registration and transfer
of global securities, see "Global Securities."
 
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS
 
     Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement,
payment of principal, any premium and any interest on debt securities will be
made at the office of the paying agents that we designate at various times.
However, at our option, we may make interest payments by check mailed to the
address, as it appears in the security register, of the person entitled to the
payments. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement,
we will make payment of any installment of interest on debt securities to the
person in whose name that registered security is registered at the close of
business on the regular record date for such interest.
 
     Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the
Corporate Trust Office of the trustee in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of
New York, will be designated as our sole paying agent for payments with respect
to debt securities that are issued solely as debt securities.
 
GLOBAL SECURITIES
 
     The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the
form of one or more global certificates that we will deposit with a depositary
identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless and until it is
exchanged in whole or in part for the individual debt securities it represents,
a global security may not be transferred except as a whole:
 
     - by the applicable depositary to a nominee of the depositary,
 
     - by any nominee to the depositary itself or another nominee, or
 
     - by the depositary or any nominee to a successor depositary or any nominee
       of the successor.
 
     We will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement with
respect to a series of debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We anticipate that the following provisions will generally apply to depositary
arrangements.
 
     When we issue a global security in registered form, the depositary for the
global security or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and
transfer system, the respective principal
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
amounts of the individual debt securities represented by that global security to
the accounts of persons that have accounts with the depositary ("participants").
Those accounts will be designated by the dealers, underwriters or agents with
respect to the underlying debt securities or by us if those debt securities are
offered and sold directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global
security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests
through participants. For interests of participants, ownership of beneficial
interests in the global security will be shown on records maintained by the
applicable depositary or its nominee. For interests of persons other than
participants, that ownership information will be shown on the records of
participants. Transfer of that ownership will be effected only through those
records. The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. These limits and laws
may impair our ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.
 
     As long as the depositary for a global security, or its nominee, is the
registered owner of that global security, the depositary or nominee will be
considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the
global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture. Except as
provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security:
 
     - will not be entitled to have any of the underlying debt securities
       registered in their names,
 
     - will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of any of
       the underlying debt securities in definitive form, and
 
     - will not be considered the owners or holders under the indenture relating
       to those debt securities.
 
     Payments of principal of, any premium on and any interest on individual
debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a
depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee as the
registered owner of the global security representing such debt securities.
Neither we, the trustee for the debt securities, any paying agent nor the
registrar for the debt securities will be responsible for any aspect of the
records relating to or payments made by the depositary or any participants on
account of beneficial interests in the global security.
 
     We expect that the depositary or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment
of principal, any premium or interest relating to a global security representing
any series of debt securities, immediately will credit participants' accounts
with the payments. Those payments will be credited in amounts proportional to
the respective beneficial interests of the participants in the principal amount
of the global security as shown on the records of the depositary or its nominee.
We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests
in the global security held through those participants will be governed by
standing instructions and customary practices. This is now the case with
securities held for the accounts of customers registered in "street name." Those
payments will be the sole responsibility of those participants.
 
     If the depositary for a series of debt securities is at any time unwilling,
unable or ineligible to continue as depositary and we do not appoint a successor
depositary within 90 days, we will issue individual debt securities of that
series in exchange for the global security or securities representing that
series. In addition, we may at any time in our sole discretion determine not to
have any debt securities of a series represented by one or more global
securities. In that event, we will issue individual debt securities of that
series in exchange for the global security or securities. Further, if we
specify, an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security may, on terms
acceptable to us, the trustee and the applicable depositary, receive individual
debt securities of that series in exchange for those beneficial interests. The
foregoing is subject to any limitations described in the applicable prospectus
supplement. In any such instance, the owner of the beneficial interest will be
entitled to physical delivery of individual debt securities equal in principal
amount to the beneficial interest and to have the debt securities registered in
its name. Those individual debt securities will be issued in any authorized
denominations.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURES
 
     Under each indenture our rights and obligations and the rights of the
holders may be modified with the consent of the holders of at least a majority
in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of each series
affected by the modification. None of the following modifications, however, is
effective against any holder without the consent of the holders of all of the
affected outstanding debt securities:
 
     - changing the maturity, installment or interest rate of any of the debt
       securities;
 
     - reduce the principal amount of (or premium, if any) or interest on any
       debt security;
 
     - reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount security
       payable upon acceleration of maturity;
 
     - changing the conversion or subordination provisions of the subordinated
       indenture in a manner adverse to the holders;
 
     - change the place or currency of payment of (or premium, if any) or
       interest on any debt security;
 
     - reducing the percentage required for modifications or waivers of
       compliance with the indentures;
 
     - impair the right of a holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any
       payment on or with respect to any debt security; or
 
     - with some exceptions, modifying the provisions for the waiver of
       covenants and defaults and any of the foregoing provisions.
 
     Any actions we or the trustee may take toward adding to our covenants,
adding events of default or establishing the structure or terms of the debt
securities as permitted by the indentures will not require the approval of any
holder of debt securities. In addition, we or the trustee may cure ambiguities
or inconsistencies in the indentures or make other provisions without the
approval of any holder as long as no holder's interests are materially and
adversely affected.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT, NOTICE AND WAIVER
 
     "Event of default" when used in an indenture, will mean any of the
following in relation to a series of debt securities:
 
     - failure to pay interest on any debt security for 60 days after the
       interest becomes due;
 
     - failure to pay the principal or any premium on any debt security when
       due;
 
     - failure to deposit any sinking fund payment for 60 days after such
       payment becomes due;
 
     - failure to perform or breach of any other covenant or warranty in the
       indenture that continues for 90 days after our being given notice from
       the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
       outstanding debt securities of the series;
 
     - default in the payment when due of other indebtedness in an aggregate
       principal amount in excess of $10,000,000, causing such indebtedness to
       become due prior to its stated maturity, and such default is not cured
       within 30 days after notice from the trustee or the holders of at least
       5% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series;
 
     - a creditor commences involuntary bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
       proceedings against us and we are unable to obtain a stay or dismissal of
       that proceeding within 90 days;
 
     - we voluntarily seek relief under bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws
       or we consent to a court entering an order for relief against us under
       those laws; or
 
     - any other event of default provided for debt securities of that series.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
     If any event of default relating to outstanding debt securities of any
series occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of at least
25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may
declare the principal of all of the outstanding debt securities of such series
to be due and immediately payable.
 
     The indentures provide that the holders of at least a majority in principal
amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may direct the time,
method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with
respect to the debt securities of that series. The trustee may act in any way
that is consistent with those directions and may decline to act if any of the
directions is contrary to law or to the indentures or would involve the trustee
in personal liability.
 
     The indentures provide that the holders of at least a majority in principal
amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the
holders of all of the outstanding debt securities of the series waive any past
default (and its consequences) under the indentures relating to the series,
except a default (a) in the payment of the principal of or any premium on or
interest on any of the debt securities of the series, or (b) with respect to a
covenant or provision of such indentures which, under the terms of such
indentures, cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holders of
all of the outstanding debt securities of the series affected.
 
     The indentures contain provisions entitling the trustee, subject to the
duty of the trustee during an event of default to act with the required standard
of care, to be indemnified by the holders of the debt securities of the relevant
series before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the indentures at
the request of those holders.
 
     The indentures require the trustee to, within 90 days after the occurrence
of a default known to it with respect to any series of outstanding debt
securities, give the holders of that series notice of the default if uncured and
unwaived. However, the trustee may withhold this notice if it in good faith
determines that the withholding of this notice is in the interest of those
holders. However, the trustee may not withhold this notice in the case of a
default in payment of principal, premium, interest or sinking fund installment
with respect to any debt securities of the series. The above notice shall not be
given until at least 60 days after the occurrence of a default in the
performance or a breach of a covenant or warranty in the applicable indenture
other than a covenant to make payment. The term "default" for the purpose of
this provision means any event that is, or after notice or lapse of time, or
both, would become, an event of default with respect to the debt securities of
that series.
 
     Each indenture requires us to file annually with the trustee a certificate,
executed by one of our officers, indicating whether the officer has knowledge of
any default under the indenture.
 
REPLACEMENT OF SECURITIES
 
     We will replace any mutilated debt security at the expense of the holder
upon surrender of the mutilated debt security to the appropriate trustee. We
will replace debt securities that are destroyed, stolen or lost at the expense
of the holder upon delivery to the appropriate trustee of evidence of the
destruction, loss or theft of the debt securities satisfactory to us and to the
trustee. In the case of a destroyed, lost or stolen debt security, an indemnity
satisfactory to the appropriate trustee and us may be required at the expense of
the holder of the debt security before a replacement debt security will be
issued.
 
DEFEASANCE
 
     The indentures contain a provision that permits us to elect to defease and
be discharged from all of our obligations (subject to limited exceptions) with
respect to any series of debt securities then outstanding provided the following
conditions have been satisfied:
 
     - Anadarko has deposited in trust with the trustee (a) money, (b) U.S.
       government obligations, or (c) a combination thereof in an amount
       sufficient to pay and discharge the (i) principal,
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
       premium and interest of the outstanding debt securities of any issue and
       (ii) sinking fund payments, if any;
 
     - no event of default has occurred or is continuing with respect to the
       securities of any series being defeased;
 
     - defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a
       default under any agreement to which we are a party; and,
 
     - Anadarko has delivered to the trustee an officer's certificate and
       opinion of counsel that all conditions precedent relating to the
       defeasance have been complied with.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
     The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
 
SENIOR SECURITIES LIMITATIONS ON LIENS
 
     Neither we nor any domestic subsidiary of ours will issue, assume or
guarantee any debt secured by a mortgage, lien, pledge or other encumbrance upon
real or personal property of ours or of any of our domestic subsidiaries that is
located in the continental U.S. without providing that the senior securities
will be secured equally and ratably or prior to the debt. However, this
provision shall not apply to the following:
 
     - Mortgages existing on the date of the senior indenture;
 
     - Mortgages existing at the time a corporation becomes a domestic
       subsidiary of ours or at the time it is merged into or consolidated with
       us or a domestic subsidiary of ours;
 
     - Mortgages in favor of Anadarko or any domestic subsidiary of ours;
 
     - Mortgages on property (a) existing at the time of the property's
       acquisition, (b) to secure payment of all or part of the property's
       purchase price, or (c) to secure debt incurred prior to, at the time of
       or within 180 days after the acquisition, the completion of construction
       or the commencement of full operation of the property or for the purpose
       of financing all or part of the property's purchase price;
 
     - Mortgages in favor of the United States of America, any state, any other
       country or any political subdivision required by contract or statute;
 
     - Mortgages on property to secure all or part of the cost of construction,
       development or repair, alteration or improvement of the property not
       later than one year after the completion of or the placing into operation
       the property;
 
     - Mortgages on minerals or geothermal resources in place, or on related
       leasehold or other property interests which are incurred to finance
       development, production or acquisition costs;
 
     - Mortgages on equipment used or usable for drilling, servicing or
       operation of oil, gas, coal or other mineral properties or of geothermal
       properties;
 
     - Mortgages required by any contract or statute in order to permit us or a
       subsidiary of ours to perform any contract or subcontract made with or at
       the request of the U S., any state or any department, agency or
       instrumentality of either; or
 
     - Any extension, renewal or replacement of any mortgage referred to in the
       preceding items or of any debt secured by those mortgages as long as the
       extension, renewal or replacement will be limited to substantially the
       same property (plus improvements) which secured the mortgage.
 
     Notwithstanding anything mentioned above, we and any one or more of our
domestic subsidiaries may issue, assume or guarantee debt secured by mortgages
that would otherwise be subject to the
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
foregoing restrictions in an aggregate principal amount which, together with the
aggregate outstanding principal amount of all other debt of ours and our
domestic subsidiaries that would otherwise be subject to the foregoing
restrictions, does not at any one time exceed 10% of the aggregate amount of
assets of Anadarko and its domestic subsidiaries after deducting therefrom all
current liabilities, unamortized debt discount, expense and other like
intangibles as calculated on our consolidated balance sheet as of a date within
150 days prior to the date of determination.
 
     The following types of transactions, among others, shall not be deemed to
create debt secured by mortgages: (1) the sale or other transfer of oil, gas or
other minerals in place for a period of time until, or in an amount such that,
the transferee will realize from the sale or transfer a specified amount
(however determined) of money or such minerals, or the sale or other transfer of
any other interest in property of the character commonly referred to as an oil
payment or a production payment, and (2) the sale or transfer by Anadarko or a
domestic subsidiary of properties to a partnership, joint venture or other
entity in which we or our domestic subsidiary would retain partial ownership of
the properties.
 
THE TRUSTEE
 
     Harris Trust and Savings Bank is trustee under the senior indenture. The
trustee or its affiliates have other customary banking relationships with us and
our affiliates.
 
SUBORDINATED SECURITIES
 
     Under the subordinated indenture, payment of the principal, interest and
any premium on the subordinated securities will generally be subordinated in
right of payment to the prior payment in full of all of our senior indebtedness.
 
     "Senior indebtedness" is defined as the principal of, any premium and
accrued and unpaid interest on the following items, whether outstanding on or
created, incurred or assumed after the date of execution of the subordinated
indenture:
 
     - our indebtedness for money borrowed (other than the subordinated
       securities);
 
     - guarantees by us of indebtedness for money borrowed of any other person;
       and,
 
     - indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other instruments
       of indebtedness for the payment of which we are responsible or liable, by
       guarantees or otherwise.
 
     Senior indebtedness shall also be deemed to include modifications,
renewals, extensions and refundings of any of the types of indebtedness,
liability, obligations or guarantee listed above, unless the relevant instrument
provides that such indebtedness, liability, obligation or guarantee, or such
modification, renewal, extension or refunding, is not senior in right of payment
to the subordinated securities.
 
     No payment by us on account of principal of, any premium or interest on the
subordinated securities except for sinking fund payments as described below may
be made if:
 
     - any default or event of default with respect to any senior indebtedness
       occurs and is continuing, or
 
     - any judicial proceeding is pending with respect to any default in payment
       of senior indebtedness.
 
     Sinking fund payments may be made during a suspension of principal or
interest payments on subordinated debt provided the sinking fund payments are
made by securities redeemed or acquired prior to the default or by means of
conversion of the securities.
 
     In the event that any subordinated security is declared due and payable
before its specified date, or upon any payment or distribution of assets by us
to creditors upon our dissolution, winding up,
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
liquidation or reorganization, all principal of, any premium and interest due or
to become due on all senior indebtedness must be paid in full before the holders
of subordinated securities are entitled to receive or take any payment. Subject
to the payment in full of all senior indebtedness, the holders of the
subordinated securities are to be subrogated to the rights of the holders of
senior indebtedness to receive payments or distribution of our assets applicable
to senior indebtedness until the subordinated securities are paid in full.
 
     By reason of this subordination, in the event of insolvency, our creditors
who are holders of senior indebtedness, as well as some of our general
creditors, may recover more, ratably, than the holders of the subordinated
securities.
 
     The subordinated indenture will not limit the amount of senior indebtedness
or debt securities which may be issued by us or any of our subsidiaries.
 
CONVERSION RIGHTS
 
     The prospectus supplement will provide if a series of subordinated
securities is convertible into Anadarko stock and the initial conversion price
per share at which the securities may be converted.
 
     If a convertible subordinated security has not been redeemed, the holder of
the convertible security may convert the security, or any portion of the
principal amount in integral multiples of $1,000, at the conversion price in
effect at the time of conversion into shares of Anadarko stock. Conversion
rights shall expire at the close of business on the date specified in the
prospectus supplement for a series of convertible subordinated securities.
Conversion rights expire at the close of business on the redemption date in the
case of any convertible subordinated securities called for redemption.
 
     In order to exercise the conversion privilege, the person entitled to
convert the convertible subordinated security must surrender to Anadarko, at any
office or agency of Anadarko maintained for that purpose, the security with a
written notice of the election to convert the security, and if less than the
entire principal amount of the security is being converted, the amount of
security to be converted. In addition, if the convertible subordinated security
is converted during the period between a record date for the payment of interest
and the related interest payment date the person entitled to convert the
subordinated security must pay to Anadarko an amount equal to the interest
payable on the principal amount being converted.
 
     No interest on converted subordinated securities will be paid by Anadarko
on any interest payment date after the date of conversion except for those
securities surrendered during the period between a record date for the payment
of interest and the related interest payment date.
 
     Convertible subordinated securities shall be deemed to have been converted
immediately prior to the close of business on the day of surrender of the
security. No fractional shares of stock will be issued upon conversion, but an
adjustment in cash will be made based on the market price at the close of
business on the date of conversion.
 
     The conversion price will be subject to adjustment in the event of:
 
     - payment of stock dividends or other distributions on Anadarko stock;
 
     - issuance of rights or warrants to all Anadarko stockholders entitling
       them to subscribe for or purchase Anadarko stock at a price less than the
       market price of Anadarko stock;
 
     - the subdivision of Anadarko stock into a greater or lesser number of
       shares of stock;
 
     - the distribution to all stockholders of evidences of indebtedness or
       assets of Anadarko, excluding stock dividends or other distributions and
       rights or warrants; or,
 
     - the reclassification of Anadarko stock into other securities.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
Anadarko may also decrease the conversion price as it considers necessary in
order that any event treated for Federal income tax purposes as a dividend of
stock or stock rights will not be taxable to the holders of Anadarko stock.
 
     Anadarko will pay any and all transfer taxes that may be payable in respect
of the issue or delivery of shares of stock on conversion of the securities.
Anadarko is not required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any
transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares in a name other than that
of the holder of the security to be converted and no issue and delivery shall be
made unless and until the person requesting the issue has paid the amount of any
such tax or established to the satisfaction of Anadarko that such tax has been
paid.
 
     After the occurrence of:
 
     - consolidation with or merger of Anadarko into any other corporation;
 
     - any merger of another corporation into Anadarko; or
 
     - any sale or transfer of substantially all of the assets of Anadarko
 
which results in any reclassification, change or conversion of the stock, the
holders of any convertible subordinated securities will be entitled to receive
on conversion the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities, cash
or other property receivable upon such event by a holder of Anadarko stock
immediately prior to the occurrence of the event.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Our Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize the board of directors of
Anadarko, without further stockholder action, to provide for the issuance of up
to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, in one or more series, and to fix the
designations, terms, and relative rights and preferences, including the dividend
rate, voting rights, conversion rights, redemption and sinking fund provisions
and liquidation values of each of these series. We may amend from time to time
our restated articles to increase the number of authorized shares of preferred
stock. Any amendment like this would require the approval of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares. As of the date of this prospectus, we have
200,000 shares of 5.46% Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock outstanding.
 
     The particular terms of any series of preferred stock being offered by us
under this shelf registration will be described in the prospectus supplement
relating to that series of preferred stock. Those terms may include:
 
     - the title and liquidation preference per share of the preferred stock and
       the number of shares offered;
 
     - the purchase price of the preferred stock;
 
     - the dividend rate (or method of calculation), the dates on which
       dividends will be paid and the date from which dividends will begin to
       accumulate;
 
     - any redemption or sinking fund provisions of the preferred stock;
 
     - any conversion provisions of the preferred stock;
 
     - the voting rights, if any, of the preferred stock; and,
 
     - any additional dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund and other
       rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions of the
       preferred stock.
 
     If the terms of any series of preferred stock being offered differ from the
terms set forth in this prospectus, those terms will also be disclosed in the
prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock. You should
also refer to the certificate of designation establishing a particular series of
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
preferred stock that will be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware and the SEC in connection with any offering of preferred stock.
 
     The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable.
 
DIVIDEND RIGHTS
 
     The preferred stock will be preferred over the common stock as to payment
of dividends. Before any dividends or distributions (other than dividends or
distributions payable in common stock) on the common stock shall be declared and
set apart for payment or paid, the holders of shares of each series of preferred
stock will be entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by the
board of directors of Anadarko. We will pay those dividends either in cash,
shares of common stock or preferred stock or otherwise, at the rate and on the
date or dates set forth in the prospectus supplement. With respect to each
series of preferred stock, the dividends on each share of the series will be
cumulative from the date of issue of the share unless some other date is set
forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. Accruals of dividends
will not bear interest.
 
RIGHTS UPON LIQUIDATION
 
     The preferred stock will be preferred over the common stock as to asset
distributions so that the holders of each series of preferred stock will be
entitled to be paid, upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution
or winding up and before any distribution is made to the holders of common
stock, the amount set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. However, in
this case the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to any other or
further payment. If upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up our net
assets are insufficient to permit the payment in full of the respective amounts
to which the holders of all outstanding preferred stock are entitled, our entire
remaining net assets will be distributed among the holders of each series of
preferred stock in amounts proportional to the full amounts to which the holders
of each series are entitled.
 
REDEMPTION
 
     All shares of any series of preferred stock will be redeemable to the
extent set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. All shares
of any series of preferred stock will be convertible into shares of common stock
or into shares of any other series of preferred stock to the extent set forth in
the applicable prospectus supplement.
 
PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS
 
     On October 30, 1998, we entered into a rights agreement with The Chase
Manhattan Bank, as rights agent, providing for a dividend of one preferred stock
purchase right for each outstanding share of our common stock. We issued the
dividend to stockholders of record on November 10, 1998, and holders of shares
of common stock issued since that date are issued rights with their shares. The
rights trade automatically with shares of common stock and become exercisable
only under the circumstances described below. The rights are designed to protect
the interests of Anadarko and our stockholders against coercive takeover
tactics. The purpose of the rights is to encourage potential acquirers to
negotiate with the board of directors of Anadarko prior to attempting a takeover
and to provide the board with leverage in negotiating on behalf of all
stockholders the terms of any proposed takeover. The rights may have
anti-takeover effects. The rights should not, however, interfere with any merger
or other business combination approved by the board of directors of Anadarko.
 
     Until a right is exercised, the right will not entitle the holder to
additional rights as an Anadarko stockholder, including, without limitation, the
right to vote or to receive dividends. Upon becoming exercisable, each right
will entitle its holder to purchase from us one one-thousandth of a share of
Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $175 per
right, subject to adjustment. In general, the rights will not be exercisable
until the earlier of (a) any time that we learn that a person or group or an
affiliate or associate of the person or group has acquired, or has obtained
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our outstanding
common stock, unless provisions preventing accidental triggering of the rights
apply and (b) the close of business on the date, if any, designated by the board
of directors of Anadarko following the commencement of, or first public
disclosure of an intent to commence, a tender or exchange offer for 15% or more
of our outstanding common stock. Below we refer to the earlier of those dates as
the "distribution date" and the person or group acquiring at least 15% of our
common stock as an "acquiring person." In the event that we are acquired in a
merger or other business combination, or 50% or more of our consolidated assets
or earning power are sold after a person becomes an acquiring person, each right
will entitle its holder to purchase, for the purchase price, that number of
common shares of the corporation which at the time of the transaction would have
a market value of twice the right exercise price.
 
     Any rights that are at any time beneficially owned by an acquiring person,
or any associate or affiliate of the acquiring person, will be null and void and
nontransferable, and any holder of such right, including any purported
transferee or subsequent holder, will be unable to exercise or transfer the
right.
 
     The rights will expire at the close of business on November 10, 2008,
unless redeemed before that time. At any time prior to the earlier of (a) the
time a person or group becomes an acquiring person and (b) the expiration date,
the board of directors of Anadarko may redeem the rights in whole, but not in
part, at a price of $.01 per right. This amount is subject to adjustment as
provided in the rights agreement.
 
     The preceding summary is not complete and is not intended to give full
effect to provisions of statutory or common law. You should refer to the
applicable provisions of the rights agreement and the form of right certificate,
which are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Form 8-A, filed with
the SEC on October 30, 1998.
 
PROVISIONS OF ANADARKO'S RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
 
     In the event of a proposed merger or tender offer, proxy contest or other
attempt to gain control of us which is not approved by the board of directors of
Anadarko, it would be possible for the board of directors of Anadarko to
authorize the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock with voting
rights or other rights and preferences which would impede the success of the
proposed merger, tender offer, proxy contest or other attempt to gain control of
us. This authority may be limited by applicable law, the restated articles and
the applicable rules of the stock exchanges upon which the common stock is
listed. The consent of the holders of common stock would not be required for any
issuance of preferred stock like this.
 
     The restated articles also provide that the board of directors of Anadarko
is classified into three classes and that some provisions of the restated
articles may be amended only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least
80% of the voting power of our then outstanding voting stock.
 
                        DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
     We may, at our option, elect to offer fractional shares of preferred stock,
rather than full shares of preferred stock. If we exercise this option, we will
issue to the public receipts for depositary shares, and each of these depositary
shares will represent a fraction (to be set forth in the applicable prospectus
supplement) of a share of a particular series of preferred stock.
 
     The shares of any series of preferred stock underlying the depositary
shares will be deposited under a deposit agreement between us and a bank or
trust company selected by us. The depositary will have its principal office in
the United States and a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.
Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share
will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a share of
preferred stock underlying that depositary share, to all the rights and
preferences of the preferred stock underlying that depositary share. Those
rights include dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
     The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued
pursuant to the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to
those persons purchasing the fractional shares of preferred stock underlying the
depositary shares, in accordance with the terms of the offering. Copies of the
forms of deposit agreement and depositary receipt will be filed as exhibits to
the registration statement. The following summary of the deposit agreement, the
depositary shares and the depositary receipts is not complete. You should refer
to the forms of the deposit agreement and depositary receipts that will be filed
with the SEC in connection with the offering of the specific depositary shares.
 
     Pending the preparation of definitive engraved depositary receipts, the
depositary may, upon our written order, issue temporary depositary receipts
substantially identical to the definitive depositary receipts but not in
definitive form. These temporary depositary receipts entitle their holders to
all the rights of definitive depositary receipts which are to be prepared
without unreasonable delay. Temporary depositary receipts will then be
exchangeable for definitive depositary receipts at our expense.
 
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
 
     The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash
distributions received with respect to the preferred stock to the record holders
of depositary shares relating to the preferred stock in proportion to the number
of depositary shares owned by those holders.
 
     If there is a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will
distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary shares
that are entitled to receive the distribution, unless the depositary determines
that it is not feasible to make the distribution. If this occurs, the depositary
may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from
the sale to the applicable holders.
 
REDEMPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
     If a series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares is subject
to redemption, the depositary shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received
by the depositary resulting from the redemption, in whole or in part, of that
series of preferred stock held by the depositary. The redemption price per
depositary share will be equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption
price per share payable with respect to that series of the preferred stock.
Whenever we redeem shares of preferred stock that are held by the depositary,
the depositary will redeem, as of the same redemption date, the number of
depositary shares representing the shares of preferred stock so redeemed. If
fewer than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares
to be redeemed will be selected by lot or pro rata as may be determined by the
depositary.
 
VOTING THE PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preferred
stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained
in the notice to the record holders of the depositary shares underlying the
preferred stock. Each record holder of the depositary shares on the record date
(which will be the same date as the record date for the preferred stock) will be
entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights
pertaining to the amount of the preferred stock represented by such holder's
depositary shares. The depositary will then try, as far as practicable, to vote
the number of shares of preferred stock underlying those depositary shares in
accordance with such instructions, and we will agree to take all actions which
may be deemed necessary by the depositary to enable the depositary to do so. The
depositary will not vote the shares of preferred stock to the extent it does not
receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares underlying
the preferred stock.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE DEPOSITARY AGREEMENT
 
     The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any
provision of the deposit agreement may at any time be amended by agreement
between us and the depositary. However, any amendment which materially and
adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary shares will not be
effective unless the amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a
majority of the depositary shares then outstanding. The deposit agreement may be
terminated by us or by the depositary only if (a) all outstanding depositary
shares have been redeemed or (b) there has been a final distribution of the
underlying preferred stock in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or
winding up and the preferred stock has been distributed to the holders of
depositary receipts.
 
CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY
 
     We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising
solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will also pay
charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the
preferred stock and any redemption of the preferred stock. Holders of depositary
receipts will pay other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and
those other charges, including a fee for the withdrawal of shares of preferred
stock upon surrender of depositary receipts, as are expressly provided in the
deposit agreement to be for their accounts.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
     The depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts all reports
and communications from us that we deliver to the depositary and that we are
required to furnish to the holders of the preferred stock.
 
     Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if either of us is prevented
or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond our control in performing our
respective obligations under the deposit agreement. Our obligations and those of
the depositary will be limited to performance in good faith of our respective
duties under the deposit agreement. Neither we nor they will be obligated to
prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or
preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the
depositary may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or upon
information provided by persons presenting preferred stock for deposit, holders
of depositary receipts or other persons believed to be competent and on
documents believed to be genuine.
 
RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF DEPOSITARY
 
     The depositary may resign at any time by delivering notice to us of its
election to resign. We may remove the depositary at any time. Any resignation or
removal will take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its
acceptance of the appointment. The successor depositary must be appointed within
60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a
bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and
having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
 
     As of the date of this prospectus, we are authorized to issue up to
200,000,000 shares of common stock. As of March 31, 1999, we had 122,551,004
shares of common stock issued and had reserved 10,058,064 additional shares of
common stock for issuance under our various stock and compensation incentive
plans.
 
     The following summary is not complete and is not intended to give full
effect to provisions of statutory or common law. You should refer to the
applicable provisions of the following documents:
 
     - the restated certificate of incorporation, which are incorporated by
       reference to Exhibit 19(a)(i) to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
       September 30, 1986; and,
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
     - the by-laws, as amended, which are incorporated by reference to Exhibit
       3(b) to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     The holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as and
if declared by the board of directors of Anadarko, out of funds legally
available for their payment subject to the rights of holders of preferred stock.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
     The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all
matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.
 
RIGHTS UPON LIQUIDATION
 
     In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, the holders of common stock will be entitled to share equally in any
of our assets available for distribution after the payment in full of all debts
and distributions and after the holders of all series of outstanding preferred
stock have received their liquidation preferences in full.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
     The outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
The holders of common stock are not entitled to preemptive or redemption rights.
Shares of common stock are not convertible into shares of any other class of
capital stock. ChaseMellon Shareholder Services LLC, New York, New York, is the
transfer agent and registrar for the common stock.
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS
 
     We may issue securities warrants for the purchase of debt securities,
preferred stock or common stock. Securities warrants may be issued independently
or together with debt securities, preferred stock or common stock and may be
attached to or separate from any offered securities. Each series of securities
warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into
between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The securities warrant
agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the securities warrants
and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or
with any registered holders of securities warrants or beneficial owners of
securities warrants. In addition to this summary, you should refer to the
securities warrant agreement, including the forms of securities warrant
certificate representing the securities warrants, relating to the specific
securities warrants being offered for the complete terms of the securities
warrant agreement and the securities warrants. That securities warrant
agreement, together with the terms of securities warrant certificate and
securities warrants, will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering
of the specific securities warrants.
 
     The particular terms of any issue of securities warrants will be described
in the prospectus supplement relating to the issue. Those terms may include:
 
     - the designation, aggregate principal amount, currencies, denominations
       and terms of the series of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of
       securities warrants to purchase debt securities and the price at which
       the debt securities may be purchased upon exercise;
 
     - the designation, number of shares, stated value and terms (including,
       without limitation, liquidation, dividend, conversion and voting rights)
       of the series of preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of securities
       warrants to purchase shares of preferred stock and the price at which
       such number of shares of preferred stock of such series may be purchased
       upon such exercise;
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
     - the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon the exercise of
       securities warrants to purchase shares of common stock and the price at
       which such number of shares of common stock may be purchased upon such
       exercise;
 
     - the date on which the right to exercise the securities warrants will
       commence and the date on which the right will expire;
 
     - United States Federal income tax consequences applicable to the
       securities warrants; and,
 
     - any other terms of the securities warrant.
 
     Securities warrants for the purchase of preferred stock and common stock
will be offered and exercisable for U.S. dollars only. Securities warrants will
be issued in registered form only. The exercise price for securities warrants
will be subject to adjustment in accordance with the applicable prospectus
supplement.
 
     Each securities warrant will entitle its holder to purchase the principal
amount of debt securities or the number of shares of preferred stock or common
stock at the exercise price set forth in, or calculable as set forth in, the
applicable prospectus supplement. The exercise price may be adjusted upon the
occurrence of events as set forth in the prospectus supplement. After the close
of business on the expiration date, unexercised securities warrants will become
void. We will specify the place or places where, and the manner in which,
securities warrants may be exercised in the applicable prospectus supplement.
 
     Prior to the exercise of any securities warrants to purchase debt
securities, preferred stock or common stock, holders of the securities warrants
will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities, preferred
stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise, including:
 
     - in the case of securities warrants for the purchase of debt securities,
       the right to receive payments of principal of, any premium or interest on
       the debt securities purchasable upon exercise or to enforce covenants in
       the applicable indenture; or,
 
     - in the case of securities warrants for the purchase of preferred stock or
       common stock, the right to vote or to receive any payments of dividends
       on the preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     We may sell the debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common
stock or securities warrants (together referred to as the "offered securities")
(a) through underwriters or dealers; (b) directly to one or a limited number of
institutional purchasers; or, (c) through agents. This prospectus or the
applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the offering of any
offered securities, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or
agents, the price of the offered securities and the net proceeds to us from such
sale, any underwriting commissions or other items constituting underwriters'
compensation.
 
     If underwriters are used in the sale, the offered securities will be
acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time
to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a
fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale.
The offered securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting
syndicates represented by managing underwriters or directly by one or more
investment banking firms or others, as designated. Unless otherwise set forth in
the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters or
agents to purchase the offered securities will be subject to conditions
precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the offered
securities if any are purchased. Any initial public offering price and any
underwriting commissions or other items constituting underwriters' compensation
may be changed from time to time.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
     If a dealer is utilized in the sale of any offered securities, we will sell
those offered securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell
the offered securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the
dealer at the time of resale.
 
     We may sell offered securities directly to one or more institutional
purchasers, or through agents at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed,
or at varying prices determined at time of sale. Unless otherwise indicated in
the prospectus supplement, any agent will be acting on a best effort basis for
the period of its appointment.
 
     If an applicable prospectus supplement indicates, we will authorize agents,
underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by specified institutions to purchase
offered securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the
prospectus supplement under delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and
delivery on a specified date in the future. These contracts will be subject only
to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus
supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of the
contracts.
 
     Under agreements entered into with us, agents and underwriters who
participate in the distribution of the offered securities may be entitled to
indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribution with respect to payments
which the agents or underwriters may be required to make. Agents and
underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform
services for us in the ordinary course of business.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the offered securities will be passed upon for us by Davis
Polk & Wardwell, New York, New York, and for any underwriters, dealers or agents
by Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP, New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements of Anadarko and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1998 incorporated by reference in the registration statement
have been incorporated herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP,
independent certified public accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and
upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
                                    PART  II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     The estimated expenses which will be paid by the Company are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
SEC Registration Fee........................................  $278,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses................................   110,000
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses..................................    15,000
Legal Fees and Expenses.....................................    50,000
Printing and Engraving......................................    75,000
Fees and Expenses of Trustees and Counsel...................    60,000
Rating Agency Fees..........................................   125,000
Miscellaneous...............................................    10,000
                                                              --------
          TOTAL.............................................  $723,000
                                                              ========
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides for
indemnification of officers and directors under certain conditions.
 
     Article IX of the By-Laws of the Company provides for indemnification of
officers and directors to the fullest extent which may be provided by a by-law
under applicable law.
 
     The Company maintains insurance for officers and directors of the
Registrant against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, under insurance policies, the premiums of which are paid
by the Company. The effect of these is to indemnify any officer or director of
the Registrant against expenses, judgments, attorney's fees and other amounts
paid in settlements incurred by an officer or director upon a determination that
such person acted in good faith.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
 
     Exhibits not incorporated by reference to a prior filing are designated by
an asterisk (*) and are filed herewith; all exhibits not so designated are
incorporated by reference to a prior filing as indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<C>          <S>
      (1) -- (a) Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the Debt
               Securities (originally filed as Exhibit 1(a) to Form S-3
                 filed on March 18, 1998, Registration No. 333-48157).
             (b) Form of Distribution Agreement (originally filed as
               Exhibit 1(c) to Form S-3 filed on October 22, 1993,
                 Registration No. 33-50717).
             (c) Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the Equity
               Securities (originally filed as Exhibit 1(d) to Form S-3,
                 filed on March 18, 1998, Registration No. 333-48157).
      (4) -- (a) Senior Indenture (originally filed as Exhibit 4(j) to
               Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, File No.
                 1-8968).
             (b) Form of Senior Debt Security (included in Article Two of
                 Exhibit 4(a)).
             (c) Form of Subordinated Indenture (originally filed as
               Exhibit 4(c) to Form S-3 filed on July 7, 1997,
                 Registration No. 333-30927).
             (d) Form of Subordinated Debt Security (included in Article
                 Two of Exhibit 4(c)).
             (e) Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company,
               dated August 28, 1986 (originally filed as Exhibit
                 19(a)(i) to Form 10-Q for quarter ended September 30,
                 1986, File No. 1-8968).
             (f) Rights Agreement, dated as of October 29, 1998 between
               the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank (originally filed
                 as Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-A, dated October 30, 1998, File
                 No. 1-8968).
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   22
<TABLE>
<C>          <S>
      (5) -- Opinion of Counsel to the Company.*
     (12) -- (a) Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.*
             (b) Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed
                 Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends, (originally filed
                 as Exhibit 12 to Form 10-K for year ended December 31,
                 1998. File No. 1-8968.)
     (23) -- (a) Consent of Counsel to the Company (included in Exhibit
                 5).
             (b) Consent of KPMG LLP.*
     (24) -- Powers of Attorney.*
     (25) -- (a) Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the
                 Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, on Form T-1 of
                 Harris Trust and Savings Bank.*
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
 * Filed herewith
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
     made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
             (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
        Securities Act of 1933;
 
             (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
        the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
        post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
        aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
        in the registration statement; and
 
             (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
        of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement
        or any material change to such information in the registration
        statement;
 
     Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if
     the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by
     those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished
     to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)
     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference
     in the registration statement.
 
          (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
     to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
     therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
     to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.
 
     (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the registration
statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to any charter provision, by-law, contract, arrangement,
statute, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of
the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   23
 
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against
the registrant by such director, officer or controlling person in connection
with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion
of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification
by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the
purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under Subsection
(a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and
regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   24
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY
AUTHORIZED IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON, AND STATE OF TEXAS, ON THE 12TH DAY OF APRIL,
1999.
 
                                          ANADARKO PETROLEUM CORPORATION
 
                                          By        ROBERT J. ALLISON, JR.*
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                  Robert J. Allison, Jr.,
                                              Chairman of the Board, President
                                                and Chief Executive Officer
 
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES INDICATED ON THE 12TH DAY OF APRIL, 1999:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            SIGNATURE                                       TITLE
<C>    <C>                                                    <S>                                <C>
  (I)  PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER:*
 
                     ROBERT J. ALLISON, JR.                   Chairman of the Board, President
       ---------------------------------------------------      and Chief
                     Robert J. Allison, Jr.                     Executive Officer
 
 (II)  PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER:*
 
                         MICHAEL E. ROSE                      Senior Vice President,
       ---------------------------------------------------      Finance and Chief
                         Michael E. Rose                        Financial Officer
 
(III)  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER:*
 
                         JAMES R. LARSON                      Vice President and Controller
       ---------------------------------------------------
                         James R. Larson
 
 (IV)  DIRECTORS:*
 
                     ROBERT J. ALLISON, JR.
       ---------------------------------------------------
                     Robert J. Allison, Jr.
 
                        CONRAD P. ALBERT
       ---------------------------------------------------
                        Conrad P. Albert
 
                          LARRY BARCUS
       ---------------------------------------------------
                          Larry Barcus
 
                          RONALD BROWN
       ---------------------------------------------------
                          Ronald Brown
 
                         JAMES L. BRYAN
       ---------------------------------------------------
                         James L. Bryan
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   25
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            SIGNATURE
<C>    <C>                                                    <S>                                <C>
 
                       JOHN R. BUTLER, JR.
       ---------------------------------------------------
                       John R. Butler, Jr.
 
                         JOHN R. GORDON
       ---------------------------------------------------
                         John R. Gordon
 
                          JOHN N. SEITZ
       ---------------------------------------------------
                          John N. Seitz
</TABLE>
 
* Signed on behalf of the registrant and each of these persons:
 
 By            SUZANNE SUTER
     ---------------------------------
     (Suzanne Suter, Attorney-in-Fact)
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   26
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
    NO.                              DESCRIPTION
  -------                            -----------
<C>          <S>
      (1) -- (a) Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the Debt
                 Securities (originally filed as Exhibit 1(a) to Form S-3
                 filed on March 18, 1998, Registration No. 333-48157).
             (b) Form of Distribution Agreement (originally filed as
                 Exhibit 1(c) to Form S-3 filed on October 22, 1993,
                 Registration No. 33-50717).
             (c) Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the Equity
                 Securities (originally filed as Exhibit 1(d) to Form S-3,
                 filed on March 18, 1998, Registration No. 333-48157).
      (4) -- (a) Senior Indenture (originally filed as Exhibit 4(j) to
                 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, File No.
                 1-8968).
             (b) Form of Senior Debt Security (included in Article Two of
                 Exhibit 4(a)).
             (c) Form of Subordinated Indenture (originally filed as
                 Exhibit 4(c) to Form S-3 filed on July 7, 1997,
                 Registration No. 333-30927).
             (d) Form of Subordinated Debt Security (included in Article
                 Two of Exhibit 4(c)).
             (e) Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company,
                 dated August 28, 1986 (originally filed as Exhibit
                 19(a)(i) to Form 10-Q for quarter ended September 30,
                 1986, File No. 1-8968).
             (f) Rights Agreement, dated as of October 29, 1998 between
                 the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank (originally filed
                 as Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-A, dated October 30, 1998, File
                 No. 1-8968).
      (5) -- Opinion of Counsel to the Company.*
     (12) -- (a) Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.*
             (b) Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed
                 Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends, (originally filed
                 as Exhibit 12 to Form 10-K for year ended December 31,
                 1998. File No. 1-8968.)
     (23) -- (a) Consent of Counsel to the Company (included in Exhibit
                 5).
             (b) Consent of KPMG LLP.*
     (24) -- Powers of Attorney.*
     (25) -- (a) Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the
                 Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, on Form T-1 of
                 Harris Trust and Savings Bank.*
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
 * Filed herewith

<PAGE>   1

                                                                       EXHIBIT 5


                       [DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL LETTERHEAD]


                                 April 12, 1999


Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
17001 Northchase Drive
Houston, Texas 77060

Dear Sirs:

     We have acted as special counsel to Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (the 
"Company") in connection with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 
being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities 
Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the contemplated issuance by the 
Company from time to time of up to $1,000,000,000 aggregate initial offering 
price of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Warrants 
(collectively, the "Securities"). The senior Debt Securities (the "Senior Debt 
Securities") are to be issued pursuant to the Indenture dated as of September 
1, 1997, as supplemented, between the Company and Harris Trust and Savings 
Bank, as trustee, a copy of which has been filed as an Exhibit to the 
Registration Statement (the "Senior Indenture"). The subordinated Debt 
Securities (the "Subordinated Debt Securities") are to be issued pursuant to a 
Subordinated Indenture, the form of which has been filed as an Exhibit to the 
Registration Statement (the "Subordinated Indenture" and together with the 
Senior Indenture, the "Indentures").

     We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to 
our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of public 
officials and other instruments as we have deemed necessary for the purpose of 
rendering this opinion.

<PAGE>   2

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation              -2-                April 12, 1999



     On the basis of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

               (1) the Senior Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and
          delivered by the Company and is a valid and binding agreement of the
          Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms except as (a) the
          enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
          reorganization, fraudulent transfer, moratorium or similar laws now
          or hereinafter in effect relating to or affecting the enforcement
          of creditors' rights generally and (b) the availability of equitable
          remedies may be limited by equitable principles of general 
          applicability (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at
          law or in equity);

               (2) when the Subordinated Indenture and any supplemental
          indenture to be entered into in connection with the issuance of Senior
          Debt Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities have been duly
          authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the trustee, the
          specific terms of a particular Senior Debt Security or Subordinated
          Debt Security, as the case may be, have been duly authorized and
          established in accordance with the applicable Indenture, and such
          Senior Debt Security or Subordinated Debt Security, as the case may
          be, has been duly authorized, executed, authenticated, issued and
          delivered in accordance with the applicable Indenture and the
          applicable underwriting or other agreement, such Senior Debt Security
          or Subordinated Debt Security will constitute a valid and binding
          obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms,
          except as (a) the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy,
          insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, moratorium or similar
          laws now or hereinafter in effect relating to or affecting the
          enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (b) the availability of
          equitable remedies may be limited by equitable principles of general
          applicability (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law
          or in equity);

               (3) the shares of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the
          Company (the "Common Stock"), and the shares of Preferred Stock, par
          value $1.00 per share, of the Company (the "Preferred Stock"), when
          such shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be,
          have been duly authorized, issued and delivered against payment
          therefor in accordance with the applicable

<PAGE>   3

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation                 -3-                April 12, 1999


          underwriting or other agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid 
          and non-assessable; and

               (4) when any warrant agreement (each a "Warrant Agreement") to 
          be entered into in connection with the issuance of warrants of the
          Company (the "Warrants") has been duly authorized, executed and
          delivered by the Company and the warrant agent (the "Warrant Agent")
          and such Warrants have been duly authorized by the Company,
          countersigned by the Warrant Agent and issued and delivered in
          accordance with the applicable underwriting or other agreement, such
          Warrants will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company,
          enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as (a) the
          enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
          reorganization, fraudulent transfer, moratorium or similar laws now or
          hereinafter in effect relating to or affecting the enforcement of
          creditors' rights generally and (b) the availability of equitable
          remedies may be limited by equitable principles of general
          applicability (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law
          or in equity);

     In connection with our opinions expressed above, we have assumed that, at 
or prior to the time of the delivery of any such Security, the Registration 
Statement has been declared effective, that the authorization of the Securities 
will be applicable to such Security, will not have been modified or rescinded 
and there will not have occurred any change in law affecting the validity or 
enforceability of such Security. We have also assumed that none of the terms 
of any Security to be established subsequent to the date hereof nor the 
issuance and delivery of such Security, nor the compliance by the Company with 
the terms of such Security, will violate any applicable law or will result in a 
violation of any provision of any instrument or agreement then binding upon the 
Company, or any restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having 
jurisdiction over the Company.

     We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and the foregoing 
opinion is limited to the laws of the State of New York, the federal laws of 
the United States of America and the General Corporation Law of the State of 
Delaware.

     We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the 
Registration Statement of the Company relating to the Securities and to the 
reference to our name in the Prospectus contained therein.


                                             Very truly yours,


                                             /s/ Davis Polk & Wardwell

<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 12(a)


                         ANADARKO PETROLEUM CORPORATION
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPUTATION OF
                      RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                                        
                       FIVE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998

                                          Years Ended December 31
                           -----------------------------------------------------
thousands                    1998       1997        1996        1995       1994
                           -------    --------    --------    -------    -------
Gross Income               $(7,388)   $205,318    $196,763    $65,624    $90,794
Rentals                     12,477       8,266       4,234      2,457      2,814
                           -------    --------    --------    -------    -------
Earnings                     5,089     213,584     200,997     68,081     93,608
                           =======    ========    ========    =======    =======
Gross Interest Expense      82,415      62,095      55,986     52,557     41,635
Rentals                     12,477       8,266       4,234      2,457      2,814
                           -------    --------    --------    -------    -------
Fixed Charges              $94,892    $ 70,361    $ 60,220    $55,014    $44,449
                           =======    ========    ========    =======    =======
Ratio of Earnings
  to Fixed Charges            0.05        3.04        3.34       1.24       2.11
                              ====        ====        ====       ====       ====

The ratios of earnings to fixed charges were computed by dividing earnings by 
fixed charges. As a result of the Company's net loss in 1998, the Company's 
earnings did not cover fixed charges by $89,803,000 in 1998. For this purpose, 
earnings include income before income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges 
include interest and amortization of debt expenses and the estimated interest 
component of rentals.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(b)


                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

The Board of Directors
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation:

We consent to the use of our reports incorporated herein by reference and to the
reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.



KPMG LLP

Houston, Texas
April 12, 1999

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Officer and/or 
Director of ANADARKO PETROLEUM CORPORATION (the "Company"), a Delaware 
corporation, does hereby constitute and appoint ROBERT J. ALLISON, JR., SUZANNE 
SUTER and MICHAEL E. ROSE and each of them his true and lawful attorney and 
agent to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all instruments 
which, with the advice of Counsel, said attorney and agent may deem necessary 
or advisable to enable the Company to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, 
and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission, in connection with the filing under said Act of the Form S-3 
Registration Statement registering equity and debt securities, including 
specifically, but without limitation thereof, to sign his name as an Officer 
and/or Director of the Company, to the Form S-3 Registration Statement filed 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and to any instrument or document 
filed as a part of, or in connection with, said S-3 Registration Statement or 
amendment thereto; and the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm all that 
said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have subscribed these presents this 
12th day of April, 1999.

   /s/ ROBERT J. ALLISON, JR.              /s/ JAMES L. BRYAN
- --------------------------------       ----------------------------
       Robert J. Allison, Jr.                  James L. Bryan

   /s/ CONRAD P. ALBERT                    /s/ JOHN R. BUTLER, JR.
- --------------------------------       ----------------------------
       Conrad P. Albert                        John R. Butler, Jr.

   /s/ LARRY BARCUS                        /s/ JOHN R. GORDON  
- --------------------------------       ----------------------------
       Larry Barcus                            John R. Gordon

   /s/ RONALD BROWN                        /s/ JOHN N. SEITZ 
- --------------------------------       ----------------------------
       Ronald Brown                            John N. Seitz

   /s/ MICHAEL E. ROSE                     /s/ J.R. LARSON
- --------------------------------       ----------------------------
       Michael E. Rose                         J.R. Larson   

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 25(a)


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1

                            Statement of Eligibility
                      Under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
                  of a Corporation Designated to Act as Trustee

                Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility
                of a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) ______



                          HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK
                                (Name of Trustee)


       Illinois                                         36-1194448
(State of Incorporation)                    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


                111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

                               Mark F. McLaughlin
                         Harris Trust and Savings Bank,
                 88 Pine Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10005
                  (212) 701-7602 phone (212) 701-7664 facsimile
           (Name, address and telephone number for agent for service)



                         Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
                                    (Obligor)


       Delaware                                           76-0146568
(State of Incorporation)                    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


                             17001 Northchase Drive
                                Houston, TX 77060
                    (Address of principal executive offices)


                             Senior Debt Securities
                         (Title of indenture securities)



<PAGE>   2







1.      GENERAL INFORMATION.  Furnish the following information as to the 
        Trustee:

        (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which
            it is subject.

                  Commissioner of Banks and Trust Companies, State of Illinois,
                  Springfield, Illinois; Chicago Clearing House Association, 164
                  West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois; Federal Deposit
                  Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.; The Board of
                  Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington, D.C.

        (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

                  Harris Trust and Savings Bank is authorized to exercise
                  corporate trust powers.

2.      AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR. If the Obligor is an affiliate of the
        Trustee, describe each such affiliation.

                  The Obligor is not an affiliate of the Trustee.

3. through 15.

                  NO RESPONSE NECESSARY

16.      LIST OF EXHIBITS.

         1.   A copy of the articles of association of the Trustee as now in
              effect which includes the authority of the trustee to commence
              business and to exercise corporate trust powers.

              A copy of the Certificate of Merger dated April 1, 1972 between
              Harris Trust and Savings Bank, HTS Bank and Harris Bankcorp, Inc.
              which constitutes the articles of association of the Trustee as
              now in effect and includes the authority of the Trustee to
              commence business and to exercise corporate trust powers was filed
              in connection with the Registration Statement of Louisville Gas
              and Electric Company, File No. 2-44295, and is incorporated herein
              by reference.

         2.   A copy of the existing by-laws of the Trustee.

              A copy of the existing by-laws of the Trustee was filed in
              connection with the Registration Statement of Commercial Federal
              Corporation, File No. 333-20711, and is incorporated herein by
              reference.

         3.   The consents of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

                  (included as Exhibit A on page 2 of this statement)

         4.   A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published
              pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or
              examining authority.

                  (included as Exhibit B on page 3 of this statement)

                                        1


<PAGE>   3








                                    SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the Trustee,
HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Illinois, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in
the City of Chicago, and State of Illinois, on the24th day of March, 1999.

HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK


By:      /s/ MARK F. MCLAUGHLIN     
   ---------------------------------------
         Mark F. McLaughlin
         Vice President

EXHIBIT A

The consents of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as the Trustee herein named, hereby consents that
reports of examinations of said trustee by Federal and State authorities may be
furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon
request therefor.

HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK


By:      /s/ MARK F. MCLAUGHLIN     
   ---------------------------------------
         Mark F. McLaughlin
         Vice President
















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<PAGE>   4



EXHIBIT B

Attached is a true and correct copy of the statement of condition of Harris
Trust and Savings Bank as of December 31, 1998, as published in accordance with
a call made by the State Banking Authority and by the Federal Reserve Bank of
the Seventh Reserve District.

                               [HARRIS BANK LOGO]
                          Harris Trust and Savings Bank
                             111 West Monroe Street
                             Chicago, Illinois 60603

of Chicago, Illinois, And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries, at the close of
business on December 31, 1998, a state banking institution organized and
operating under the banking laws of this State and a member of the Federal
Reserve System. Published in accordance with a call made by the Commissioner of
Banks and Trust Companies of the State of Illinois and by the Federal Reserve
Bank of this District.

                         Bank's Transit Number 71000288

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                          THOUSANDS
                                             ASSETS                                      OF DOLLARS

<S>                                                                             <C>           <C>
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
              Non-interest bearing balances and currency and coin ............                 $ 1,435,233
              Interest bearing balances ......................................                 $    98,929
Securities:
a.  Held-to-maturity securities ..............................................                 $         0
b.  Available-for-sale securities ............................................                 $ 5,295,498
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell .......                 $   151,575
Loans and lease financing receivables:
              Loans and leases, net of unearned income .......................   $ 9,320,939
              LESS:  Allowance for loan and lease losses .....................   $   108,280
                                                                                 -----------
              Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve
              (item 4.a minus 4.b) ...........................................                 $ 9,212,659
Assets held in trading accounts ..............................................                 $   252,881
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) .....................                 $   271,540
Other real estate owned ......................................................                 $       366
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies ..........                 $        57
Customer's liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding .................                 $    30,829
Intangible assets ............................................................                 $   257,627
Other assets .................................................................                 $ 1,093,599
                                                                                               -----------
TOTAL ASSETS                                                                                   $18,100,793
                                                                                               ===========
</TABLE>

                                        3


<PAGE>   5



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                           LIABILITIES
<S>                                                                                              <C>          <C>
Deposits:
     In domestic offices .....................................................................                $10,270,499
              Non-interest bearing ...........................................................   $ 3,410,568
              Interest bearing ...............................................................   $ 6,859,931
     In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBF's ..........................                $   935,609
              Non-interest bearing ...........................................................   $    69,215
              Interest bearing ...............................................................   $   866,394
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase in domestic offices
of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBF's:
Federal funds purchased & securities sold under agreements to repurchase .....................                $ 3,642,049
Trading Liabilities ..........................................................................                    131,909
Other borrowed money: 
a.  With remaining maturity of one year or less ..............................................                $ 1,107,125
b.  With remaining maturity of more than one year ............................................                $         0
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding .....................................                $    30,829
Subordinated notes and debentures ............................................................                $   225,000
Other liabilities ............................................................................                $   424,376
                                                                                                              -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES ............................................................................                $16,767,396
                                                                                                              ===========

                                         EQUITY CAPITAL
Common stock .................................................................................                $   100,000
Surplus ......................................................................................                $   608,116
a.  Undivided profits and capital reserves ...................................................                $   593,973
b.  Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities ...................                $    31,308
                                                                                                              -----------

TOTAL EQUITY CAPITAL .........................................................................                $ 1,333,397
                                                                                                              ===========

Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital ..........................                $18,100,793
                                                                                                              ===========
</TABLE>

         I, Pamela Piarowski, Vice President of the above-named bank, do hereby
declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in conformance with the
instructions issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and
is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

                                PAMELA PIAROWSKI
                                     1/27/99

         We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report
of Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and, to the best of our
knowledge and belief, has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the
Commissioner of Banks and Trust Companies of the State of Illinois and is true
and correct.

                  EDWARD W. LYMAN,
                  ALAN G. McNALLY,
                  RICHARD E. TERRY

                                                                      Directors.

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