ATLANTIC RICHFIELD CO /DE
10-K405, 1998-03-03
PETROLEUM REFINING
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<PAGE>
 
                                     1997
 
                               ---------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                   FORM 10-K
 
Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 [No Fee Required]
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997      Commission file number 1--1196
 
                                [LOGO OF ARCO]
 
                          ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
               Delaware                              23-0371610
    (State or other jurisdiction of      (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
    incorporation or organization)
 
515 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, California       90071
    (Address of principal executive offices)         (Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (213) 486-3511

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Name of each exchange
                Title of each class                  on which registered
                -------------------            -------------------------------
      <S>                                      <C>
      Common Stock ($2.50 par value)           New York Stock Exchange
                                               Pacific Exchange, Inc.
                                               Elektronische Borse Schweiz EBS
                                               London Stock Exchange
      $3.00 Cumulative Convertible             New York Stock Exchange
       Preference Stock ($1 par value)         Pacific Exchange, Inc.
      $2.80 Cumulative Convertible             New York Stock Exchange
       Preference Stock ($1 par value)         Pacific Exchange, Inc.
      Twenty year 10 7/8% Debentures 
       Due July 15, 2005                       New York Stock Exchange
      Thirty year 9 7/8% Debentures Due 
       March 1, 2016                           New York Stock Exchange
      Twenty-five year 9 1/8% Deben-
       tures Due March 1, 2011                 New York Stock Exchange
</TABLE>
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  X . No   .
                                                   ---    ---
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to
this Form 10-K. X
 
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
registrant on December 31, 1997, based on the closing price on the New York
Stock Exchange composite tape on that date, was $26,135,000,809.
 
Number of shares of Common Stock, $2.50 par value, outstanding as of December
31, 1997: 320,369,895.
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement, which will be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31,
1997 are incorporated by reference under Part III.
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                                     PART I
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   ITEM                                                                    PAGE
   ----                                                                    ----
 <C>       <S>                                                             <C>
 1. and 2. Business and Properties.......................................    1
               Corporate History and Organization........................    1
               Recent Developments.......................................    1
               Financial Information about Industry Segments.............    2
               Worldwide Exploration and Production Operations...........    2
               Refining and Marketing....................................    7
               Chemicals.................................................    8
               Other Operations..........................................    9
               Capital Program...........................................    9
               Patents...................................................    9
               Competition...............................................    9
               Human Resources...........................................   10
               Research and Development..................................   10
               Environmental Matters.....................................   10
     3.    Legal Proceedings.............................................   13
     4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders...........   15
 
                               ----------------
 
           Executive Officers of the Registrant..........................   16
           Description of Capital Stock..................................   19

                                    PART II

     5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
            Matters......................................................   22
     6.    Selected Financial Data.......................................   22
     7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
            and Results of Operations....................................   23
     8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data...................   56
     9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
            and Financial Disclosure.....................................   58

                                    PART III

    10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant............   58
    11.    Executive Compensation........................................   58
    12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
            Management...................................................   58
    13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions................   58

                                    PART IV

    14.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form
            8-K..........................................................   58
</TABLE>
 
                                      (i)
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART I
 
ITEMS 1. AND 2. BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
 
                      CORPORATE HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION
 
  Atlantic Richfield Company ("ARCO" or the "Company") was incorporated in
1870 under the laws of Pennsylvania as The Atlantic Refining Company. Atlantic
Petroleum Storage Company, a predecessor to The Atlantic Refining Company,
began operations in 1866. The Company's principal executive offices are at 515
South Flower Street, Los Angeles, California 90071 (Telephone (213) 486-3511).
ARCO's present name was adopted subsequent to the merger of Richfield Oil
Corporation into The Atlantic Refining Company in 1966. In 1969, Sinclair Oil
Corporation was merged into ARCO. In 1977, The Anaconda Company was merged
into a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARCO and, on December 31, 1981, that
subsidiary was merged into ARCO. On May 7, 1985, ARCO was reincorporated in
the State of Delaware. Unless indicated otherwise, the terms "ARCO" or the
"Company" as used herein refer to Atlantic Richfield Company or Atlantic
Richfield Company and one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries.
 
  ARCO, including its subsidiaries, constitutes one of the largest integrated
enterprises in the petroleum industry. ARCO's exploration and production
("E&P") segment includes the worldwide exploration, development, production
and transportation of petroleum, which includes petroleum liquids (crude oil,
condensate and natural gas liquids ("NGLs")) and natural gas, and the purchase
and sale of petroleum liquids and natural gas. The Company's investment in
LUKOIL Common Stock is included in the E&P segment as well. ARCO's refining
and marketing ("R&M") segment includes the refining and transportation of
petroleum and petroleum products and the marketing of petroleum products on
the U.S. West Coast. The Company's equity investment in Zhenhai Refining and
Chemical Company ("Zhenhai") is also included in the R&M segment. ARCO's
chemicals segment includes the worldwide manufacture and sale of chemical
products.
 
  ARCO's corporate structure consists of wholly-owned and majority-owned
subsidiaries and various divisions or units of the parent company, ARCO, that
have been delineated or defined for various operational reasons. Many of the
wholly-owned subsidiaries are formed to conduct ARCO's numerous international
operations. The principal majority-owned subsidiaries are Vastar Resources,
Inc. ("Vastar") and ARCO Chemical Company ("ARCO Chemical"). Vastar was formed
in September 1993, and in July 1994 sold under 20% of its common stock to the
public; ARCO currently owns 82.2% of Vastar. Vastar is the primary vehicle
through which ARCO conducts natural gas and, to a lesser extent oil,
exploration, production and marketing in the Lower 48 States (the "Lower 48").
ARCO Chemical was formed in July 1987, and it sold just under 20% of its
common stock to the public in October 1987; ARCO currently owns 82.3% of ARCO
Chemical, through which ARCO conducts its chemicals operations. ARCO's
principal subsidiaries are Vastar, ARCO Alaska, Inc. (a wholly-owned
subsidiary through which ARCO conducts its Alaska operations) ARCO
Transportation Alaska, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary through which ARCO
holds its interest in the Trans Alaska Pipeline System ("TAPS")), and ARCO
Chemical.
 
  The information included or incorporated by reference in this report is
provided solely for the benefit of ARCO shareholders. Such information is not
provided for the benefit of the shareholders of Vastar, ARCO Chemical,
Lyondell Petrochemical Company ("Lyondell"), LUKOIL, or Zhenhai and should not
be relied upon by those shareholders or by anyone considering an investment in
those companies. This report does not reflect information that could be
considered material to an investment in Vastar, ARCO Chemical, Lyondell,
LUKOIL or Zhenhai. For information concerning those companies, reference
should be made to their publicly available reports.
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
  In April 1997, ARCO announced its intent to divest its worldwide coal
business, which has coal mining operations in the United States and Australia.
The coal business no longer is considered a core part of the Company's
business. On February 27, 1998, ARCO announced that it has entered into
exclusive final discussions with Alliance Coal Corporation, an affiliate of
The Beacon Group, for the sale of the U.S. assets. No final decision regarding
the Australian assets has been made. See "Other Operations" on page 9.
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
  In September 1997, ARCO disposed of its remaining interest in Lyondell,
which operates petrochemical processing and petroleum refining businesses.
ARCO settled the outstanding principal amount of $988 million of its 9%
Exchangeable Notes due September 15, 1997 with substantially all of its 39.9
million shares of Lyondell Common Stock. ARCO sold its remaining shares in a
privately negotiated transaction in late September. See Note 23 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements on page 51.
 
                 FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
 
  Reference is made to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on
page 40 for segment information concerning sales and other operating revenues,
earnings, total assets and additional information for certain operations of
the Company.
 
                WORLDWIDE EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OPERATIONS
 
 General
 
  ARCO conducts its worldwide oil and gas exploration and production
operations primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Indonesia,
China, Algeria, Tunisia, Dubai and Qatar, and has additional interests in
producing fields in Kazakhstan and Turkey. Exploration and planned
developments are underway in other countries, including Venezuela and Ecuador.
 
 Reserves
 
  Estimated net quantities of ARCO's proved oil and gas reserves at December
31, 1997 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  PETROLEUM LIQUIDS           NATURAL GAS
                                  (MILLION BARRELS)       (BILLION CUBIC FEET)
                               ------------------------ ------------------------
                               U.S.(a) INTERNATIONAL(b) U.S.(c) INTERNATIONAL(d)
                               ------- ---------------- ------- ----------------
<S>                            <C>     <C>              <C>     <C>
Proved reserves...............  2,131        568         4,988       3,484
Proved developed reserves.....  1,821        211         4,467       1,653
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Includes 129 million barrels ("MMB") proved and 96 MMB developed
    attributable to Vastar.
(b) Includes 48 MMB proved and 7 MMB developed attributable to the equity
    interest in the LUKARCO joint venture.
(c) Includes 2,379 billion cubic feet ("BCF") proved and 1,954 BCF developed
    attributable to Vastar.
(d) Includes 67 BCF proved and 10 BCF developed attributable to the equity
    interest in the LUKARCO joint venture.
 
  Reference is made to Supplemental Information, Oil and Gas Producing
Activities, beginning on page 52, for additional information concerning oil
and gas producing activities and estimates of proved oil and gas reserves.
 
 Production
 
  Net quantities of petroleum liquids and natural gas produced by ARCO were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NATURAL GAS
                                       PETROLEUM LIQUIDS    (MILLION CUBIC FEET
                                       (BARRELS PER DAY)         PER DAY)
                                     --------------------- ---------------------
YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31,                         U.S.(A) INTERNATIONAL U.S.(B) INTERNATIONAL
- ------------                         ------- ------------- ------- -------------
<S>                                  <C>     <C>           <C>     <C>
 1997............................... 557,900    82,600      1,066       844
 1996............................... 564,500    66,100      1,044       730
 1995............................... 583,100    66,800        999       557
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Includes 50,700, 48,800, and 45,300 barrels per day produced by Vastar in
    1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.
(b) Includes 882, 872, and 810 million cubic feet per day ("MMCFD") produced
    by Vastar in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
  Average sales prices and average production costs per unit of petroleum
liquids and natural gas were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          --------------------------------------------------------------
                                  1997                 1996                 1995
                          -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                           U.S.  INTERNATIONAL  U.S.  INTERNATIONAL  U.S.  INTERNATIONAL
                          ------ ------------- ------ ------------- ------ -------------
<S>                       <C>    <C>           <C>    <C>           <C>    <C>
Average sales price
 (including transfers)
 per barrel of petroleum
 liquids produced.......  $15.63    $18.20     $16.07    $19.02     $12.17    $15.96
Average lifting cost per
 equivalent barrel of
 production.............    3.85      4.07       3.86      4.14       3.73      3.98
Average sales price per
 thousand cubic feet 
 ("MCF") of natural gas 
  produced..............    2.04      2.64       1.80      2.54       1.35      2.56
</TABLE>
 
 Delivery Commitments
 
  ARCO has various long-term natural gas sales contracts covering the majority
of its production in Indonesia, the United Kingdom North Sea, and China,
substantially all of which are reservoir specific. While annual delivery
requirements may vary under these contracts, delivery obligations under the
agreements are essentially limited to producible reserves from specific
fields.
 
  In the Lower 48, Vastar has various long-term natural gas sales contracts.
In connection with the formation of Southern Company Energy Marketing L.P.
("SCEM"), a strategic alliance limited partnership with the Southern Company,
Vastar has entered into a gas purchase and sale agreement for a primary term
expiring December 31, 2007, under which Vastar has contracted to sell, and
SCEM is obligated to purchase, substantially all of the gas produced and owned
or controlled by Vastar at market-based prices. Excluded from this contract is
gas which Vastar is committed to deliver under certain longer-term gas
marketing contracts with cogeneration facilities pursuant to which Vastar
delivered an average of 81 MMCFD in 1997. These contracts have an average
contract term of approximately 19 years, of which an average of 12 years
remain. In 1997, the average price of gas sold under these contracts was
approximately $2.54 per MCF. There have been no instances in the last three
years in which Vastar was unable to meet any significant natural gas delivery
commitment.
 
 Exploration and Drilling Activity
 
  The following table shows the number of wells drilled to completion by the
Company:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                         -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                 1997                  1996                  1995
                         --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
                         U.S.(A) INTERNATIONAL U.S.(B) INTERNATIONAL U.S.(C) INTERNATIONAL
                         ------- ------------- ------- ------------- ------- -------------
<S>                      <C>     <C>           <C>     <C>           <C>     <C>
Net productive
 exploratory wells
 drilled................    33          3         28          2         17          8
Net dry exploratory
 wells drilled..........    27         10         48          7         37         13
Net productive
 development wells
 drilled................   563         23        332         23        315         12
Net dry development
 wells drilled..........    37         --         33         --         30         --
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Includes 18, 15, 162, and 27 wells, respectively, drilled by Vastar.
(b) Includes 17, 29, 156, and 25 wells, respectively, drilled by Vastar.
(c) Includes 15, 26, 133, and 23 wells, respectively, drilled by Vastar.
 
  The Company's current activities, as of December 31, 1997, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             U.S. INTERNATIONAL
                                                             ---- -------------
<S>                                                          <C>  <C>
Gross wells in process of drilling (including wells
 temporarily suspended).....................................  62        11
Net wells in process of drilling (including wells
 temporarily suspended).....................................  47         7
Waterflood projects in process..............................   3        --
Enhanced oil recovery operations............................  12         1
</TABLE>
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  The following table shows the approximate number of productive wells at
December 31, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     OIL                      GAS
                         --------------------------- ---------------------
                         U.S.(a)(b) INTERNATIONAL(c) U.S.(d) INTERNATIONAL
                         ---------- ---------------- ------- -------------
<S>                      <C>        <C>              <C>     <C>
Total gross productive
 wells..................   11,628         591         3,623       255
Total net productive
 wells..................    5,849         246         1,705        76
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Includes approximately 1,566 gross and 308 net multiple completions for
    ARCO, of which there are 280 gross and 136 net multiple completions for
    Vastar.
(b) Includes approximately 1,414 gross and 703 net wells, respectively,
    attributable to Vastar.
(c) Includes approximately 89 gross and 36 net multiple completions.
(d) Includes approximately 2,790 gross and 1,364 net wells, respectively,
    attributable to Vastar.
 
  As of December 31, 1997, the Company's holdings of petroleum rights acreage
(including options and exploration rights) were as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DEVELOPED   UNDEVELOPED
                                                         ACREAGE      ACREAGE
                                                       ----------- -------------
                                                        NET  GROSS  NET   GROSS
                                                       ----- ----- ------ ------
<S>                                                    <C>   <C>   <C>    <C>
U.S.
  Alaska..............................................   194   315    732  1,189
  Lower 48(a)......................................... 1,659 3,123  2,840  5,304
                                                       ----- ----- ------ ------
    Total U.S......................................... 1,853 3,438  3,572  6,493
International.........................................   149   399 36,656 61,109
                                                       ----- ----- ------ ------
    Total............................................. 2,002 3,837 40,228 67,602
                                                       ===== ===== ====== ======
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Includes 1,328 net developed acreage, 2,144 gross developed acreage, 2,506
    net undeveloped acreage and 3,831 gross undeveloped acreage, respectively,
    held by Vastar.
 
 Alaska
 
  Approximately 59% of ARCO's worldwide petroleum liquids production came from
ARCO's interests in Alaska, primarily in the Prudhoe Bay, Kuparuk River and
the Greater Point McIntyre Area fields on the North Slope of Alaska. ARCO's
net liquids production from Alaska in 1997 decreased 4% to 377,200 barrels per
day. ARCO's interests in Alaska included net proved reserves of 1,848 million
barrels of oil equivalent at December 31, 1997.
 
  ARCO operates the eastern half of the Prudhoe Bay field and has a 21.87%
working interest in the oil rim production from the field and a 42.56% working
interest in the gas cap production. ARCO's net petroleum liquids production
from the Prudhoe Bay field averaged 198,500 barrels per day in 1997, compared
to 210,800 barrels per day in 1996.
 
  ARCO is the sole operator of the Kuparuk River field and holds a 55.2%
working interest in the field. Its share of production from the field was
128,200 net barrels per day of petroleum liquids during 1997, compared to
130,500 net barrels per day during 1996. The Kuparuk Large Scale Enhanced Oil
Recovery project, which began operations in September 1996, added 7,500 net
barrels of oil to daily gross production in 1997, and is expected to add
35,000 to 40,000 barrels of oil to daily gross production by 1999. NGLs,
obtained from the Prudhoe Bay field, are injected into existing wells in the
Kuparuk River field in order to recover additional barrels of oil and offset
natural field decline. ARCO estimates that this project will result in an
additional 200 million gross barrels (97 million net barrels to ARCO) of
incremental oil from the Kuparuk River field.
 
  ARCO has established working interests in four of five Greater Point
McIntyre Area fields as follows: 30.1% in Point McIntyre, 40.0% in Lisburne,
and 50.0% in both West Beach and North Prudhoe Bay State. Additionally, ARCO
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
has a working interest in the Niakuk field, which is currently being
negotiated among the owners of that field. All five of the fields are
processed through the Lisburne Production Center, which ARCO operates. During
1997, liquids processed through the Lisburne Production Center averaged
201,900 gross barrels per day, or 50,200 net barrels per day.
 
  In 1997, the Company started several projects and had several successes that
it believes will stop the decline in production after 1999. The Prudhoe Bay
Miscible Injectant Expansion ("MIX") project was approved by ARCO and its
partners. This $160 million expansion of the gas handling facilities is
expected to add 50 million gross barrels of petroleum liquids and 20 thousand
net barrels of petroleum liquids per day to the field when it becomes
operational, targeted for 1999. The Alpine field was approved for development.
In late December 1997, ARCO began commercial production from West Sak, a heavy
oil accumulation. Commercial development of West Sak has become feasible
because of lower costs, new drilling technologies and a production facility
sharing arrangement with the Kuparuk production facility. The first phase of
West Sak development has resulted in proved gross reserves of 50 million
barrels of oil (25 net to ARCO). ARCO also had success drilling in a number of
satellite accumulations, including the Tarn field.
 
  All of ARCO's petroleum liquids shipped from the North Slope fields are
transported to market through TAPS, an 800-mile pipeline system used to
transport petroleum liquids from the North Slope of Alaska to the port of
Valdez in south central Alaska. ARCO has a 22.3% weighted average undivided
ownership interest in TAPS. ARCO also owns approximately 22% of the stock of
Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, which constructed and now operates TAPS for
the owners. ARCO's undivided interest in TAPS is proportionately consolidated
for financial reporting purposes. TAPS 1997 throughput averaged approximately
1,335,000 barrels per day. From Valdez the liquids are shipped to West Coast
locations by ARCO's ocean-going tankers.
 
 Lower 48
 
  During 1997, ARCO's consolidated Lower 48 operations had net production of
385 BCF of natural gas (including consumption) and 66 MMB of petroleum liquids
as compared to 380 BCF and 63 MMB in 1996, respectively. Exploration,
development and purchases (net of sales) replaced 141% of 1997 production on a
barrel-of-oil-equivalent ("BOE") basis.
 
  The primary vehicle for ARCO's Lower 48 exploration and production
operations is Vastar, of which ARCO owns 82.2%. Vastar, headquartered in
Houston, Texas, is engaged in the exploration for and the development,
production and marketing of natural gas and petroleum liquids in selected
major producing basins in the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf Coast, the San Juan
Basin/Rockies and the Midcontinent areas. For additional information about
Vastar, a copy of Vastar's 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders and 1997 Annual
Report on Form 10-K can be obtained by writing to Manager, Investor Relations,
Vastar Resources, Inc., 15375 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77079. Vastar's
telephone number is (281) 584-6000.
 
  ARCO's other Lower 48 operations accounted for reserves at December 31, 1997
of 589 MMBOE, of which 84% were petroleum liquids. In 1997 net production from
ARCO's other Lower 48 interests was 57 MMB of oil equivalent, up slightly from
54 MMB in 1996.
 
 International
 
  ARCO's international operations include both exploration and production.
ARCO's 1997 international production of petroleum liquids averaged 82,600
barrels per day, and came primarily from Indonesia, the North Sea and Algeria.
Natural gas production averaged 844 MMCFD. Natural gas production from the
North Sea accounted for 46%, the Java Sea accounted for 37% and the South
China Sea accounted for 17% of ARCO's 1997 international natural gas
production.
 
  ARCO's net proved reserves from international interests at December 31, 1997
were 1,148 MMBOE.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  Natural gas production from ARCO's Yacheng 13 field, situated in the South
China Sea, began on January 1, 1996. With net production to ARCO of 142 MMCFD
during 1997, the Yacheng 13 field contributed 64% of the increase in ARCO's
international natural gas production for 1997.
 
  In 1996, ARCO signed an agreement with Sonatrach, the Algerian state oil
company, to undertake a major enhanced oil recovery ("EOR") project in the
Rhourde El Baguel oil field. The agreement provides for ARCO to make an
investment of over $1.3 billion in the project, of which over $400 million was
spent during 1997. Under the production sharing contract, ARCO will receive up
to 49% of the project's annual production. ARCO believes its EOR efforts
should yield over 500 million incremental barrels of crude oil equivalent over
the 25-year life of the project and increase production rates to a peak of
125,000 barrels per day within the next five years. ARCO began receiving
production on July 1, 1996, and received 17,100 net barrels per day during
1997.
 
  Exploration activities by an ARCO-operated consortium in which ARCO holds a
27.5% interest led to the discovery of an oil field called Al-Rayyan, in the
Arabian Gulf offshore Qatar, from which production commenced in late 1996.
Delineation and appraisal of the discovery were completed in 1997. ARCO, along
with its co-venturers, is currently negotiating with the governments of Qatar
and Dubai a contractual framework for the supply of natural gas to Dubai from
the huge Qatar North field, which is located in close proximity to the Al-
Rayyan field.
 
  In the United Kingdom North Sea, ARCO added 100 million barrels of oil-
equivalent reserves for the Shearwater, Elgin, and Franklin gas condensate
fields for 1997. Production is expected to begin in 2000.
 
  In early 1997, ARCO finalized a joint venture with LUKOIL, one of Russia's
largest oil companies, to pursue exploration and production projects in the
Commonwealth of Independent States ("CIS"). The joint venture entity, LUKARCO,
is owned 54% by LUKOIL and 46% by ARCO. LUKARCO may invest up to $5 billion in
various projects over the next 18 years. ARCO has agreed to provide most of
the financing to LUKARCO only for those projects approved by ARCO. In April
1997, LUKARCO acquired a 5% interest in the joint venture operating the Tengiz
oil field in the Republic of Kazakhstan. A second investment is an interest in
the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, a multi-party $2 billion project to construct
a 900-mile pipeline from the Tengiz oil field in Kazakhstan to the Black Sea
via Russia. LUKARCO holds a 12.5% interest, which obligates LUKARCO to fund
25% of the construction costs. This project is in the final stages of
acquiring necessary governmental approvals. In addition to the joint venture
participation, ARCO owns approximately 8% of LUKOIL's total equity.
 
  In Tunisia, ARCO purchased a 50% interest in the offshore Ashtart oil field,
adding 24 million barrels of oil to its proved reserves in 1997. The Ashtart
field is adjacent to ARCO's exploration block.
 
  ARCO announced the Tangguh liquefied natural gas ("LNG") project located in
eastern Indonesia. The reserves for the project are located primarily on the
Wiriagar and Berau blocks, in which ARCO has an 80% and 40% interest,
respectively. Pertamina, the Indonesian state oil company, which already
operates two of the world's largest LNG plants, will market the LNG produced
from the Tangguh project. Plans for development include a two-train LNG
production facility.
 
  In Venezuela, ARCO and its partners submitted successful bids for contracts
on four blocks, Kaki, Maulpa, LL-652 and La Vela, in which ARCO has a 56%,
56%, 20% and 50% interest, respectively. ARCO and its partners expect to
produce more than 800 million gross barrels from these projects over the next
20 years, which will require over $2 billion in additional investment. Future
development of these blocks will require approvals by the Government of
Venezuela and PDVSA, the state oil company.
 
  The Hamaca Project, a joint venture to produce and upgrade extra-heavy crude
oil production from Venezuela's Orinoco Belt, received final governmental
approval during 1997. Still remaining to be completed are certain agreements
among the joint venture partners for construction and operation of the
production and upgrading module. Oil produced from the Hamaca region will be
transported via pipeline to an upgrading plant for processing.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                            REFINING AND MARKETING
 
  ARCO operates two U.S. petroleum refineries on the West Coast, the Los
Angeles Refinery in Carson, California and the Cherry Point Refinery near
Ferndale, Washington. Both of these refineries are accessible to major supply
sources and major markets through ocean-going tankers, pipelines and other
transportation facilities.
 
  The combined annual average operable crude distillation capacities of these
two refineries, as measured pursuant to the standards of the American
Petroleum Institute, are shown in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         ANNUAL AVERAGE OPERABLE
                                                           CRUDE DISTILLATION
                                                                CAPACITY
                                                            (BARRELS PER DAY)
                                                         -----------------------
                                                          1997    1996    1995
                                                         ------- ------- -------
<S>                                                      <C>     <C>     <C>
Los Angeles Refinery.................................... 260,000 260,000 237,000
Cherry Point Refinery................................... 202,000 200,500 185,000
                                                         ------- ------- -------
  Total................................................. 462,000 460,500 422,000
                                                         ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
  ARCO's crude oil refinery runs and petroleum products manufactured at its
refining facilities were as follows:
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        ------------------------
                                                          1997    1996    1995
                                                        -------  ------- -------
                                                         (EQUIVALENT BARRELS PER
                                                                  DAY)
<S>                                                      <C>     <C>     <C>
Crude oil refinery runs................................. 452,200 452,700 438,800
                                                         ======= ======= =======
Petroleum products manufactured:
  Gasoline.............................................. 224,200 214,800 217,400
  Jet fuels............................................. 106,700 105,700 101,300
  Distillate fuels......................................  73,100  66,000  70,700
  Other (a).............................................  85,300 100,500  82,700
                                                         ------- ------- -------
    Total (b)........................................... 489,300 487,000 472,100
                                                         ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Includes chemical products, NGLs, petroleum coke (green and calcined) and
    feedstocks, sulfur, middle-of-barrel specialties and changes in unfinished
    stocks.
(b) Total manufactured petroleum products volumes exceed total crude oil runs
    as a result of the expansion of petroleum product through rearrangement of
    molecular structure and refinery blending of oxygenates.
 
  In connection with its refining operations, ARCO produces calcined coke and
operates electric cogeneration facilities.
 
  ARCO markets gasoline and other refined petroleum products to both consumers
and resellers. Gasoline is marketed under the ARCO(R) trademark through
independent dealers and distributors and directly to motorists at branded
retail outlets located in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
ARCO also sells gasoline to unbranded resellers. NGLs are sold directly to
end-use customers including the Watson Cogeneration Facility, which is 51%
owned by ARCO, and are also marketed through distributors. Jet fuels are sold
directly to airlines and the United States Department of Defense. Calcined
coke is sold to U.S. and international industrial consumers. Cargo and bulk
sales of petroleum products are also made to commercial and industrial
consumers, and certain products are marketed through other channels.
 
  During 1997 ARCO expanded its retail gasoline sites within its marketing
region, and expanded the marketing region to include western Canada. In
Southern California the Company integrated more than 200 former Thrifty
gasoline stations into its network through a long-term lease arrangement. ARCO
also initiated the purchase of over 30 retail outlets in Vancouver, which was
completed in early 1998. The Company currently has over 1,700 branded retail
outlets, which included franchisee and Company-operated am/pm(R) convenience
stores and SMOGPROS(R) Service Centers, and traditional service stations.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
  Total refined petroleum product sales, which include insignificant sales to
ARCO Chemical, for the periods indicated, were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        ------------------------
                                                          1997    1996     1995
                                                        -------- ------- -------
                                                         (EQUIVALENT BARRELS PER
                                                                  DAY)
<S>                                                      <C>     <C>     <C>
Petroleum product sales:
  Gasoline.............................................. 281,900 266,400 256,800
  Jet fuels............................................. 117,300 117,000 106,200
  Distillate fuels......................................  76,600  69,000  69,100
  Other(a)..............................................  68,000  80,700  61,800
                                                         ------- ------- -------
  Total................................................. 543,800 533,100 493,900
                                                         ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Includes heavy fuel oils, NGLs, calcined and green coke.
 
  Total petroleum product sales differ from total petroleum products
manufactured due to the consumption of some products as refinery fuel, the
exchange of products with other companies, change in inventory levels, and the
purchase and resale of products not manufactured by ARCO.
 
  The R&M segment also operates 8 ocean-going U.S. oil tankers which transport
crude oil and petroleum products from the Valdez terminal or the Gulf Coast to
the West Coast.
 
  The Company's equity investment in Zhenhai Refining and Chemical Company is
also included in the R&M segment.
 
                                   CHEMICALS
 
  The Company's chemicals operation consists of the businesses owned by ARCO
Chemical. ARCO currently owns 80,000,001 shares of common stock of ARCO
Chemical, which represent 82.3% of the outstanding shares.
 
  ARCO Chemical is an international manufacturer and marketer of chemicals
used in a broad range of consumer products. ARCO Chemical's core product is
propylene oxide ("PO"), which it produces through two distinct technologies
based on indirect oxidation (peroxidation) processes that yield co-products.
One process yields tertiary butyl alcohol ("TBA") as the co-product; the other
process yields styrene monomer ("SM") as the co-product. The two technologies
are mutually exclusive such that either a dedicated PO/TBA plant or a
dedicated PO/SM plant must be built. ARCO Chemical also manufactures numerous
derivatives of PO and TBA. Key PO derivatives are polyols and propylene
glycols ("PG"); methyl tertiary butyl ether ("MTBE"), an oxygenate, is the
principal derivative of TBA.
 
  In 1995, the Company began selling toluene diisocyanate ("TDI") obtained
under long-term supply agreements with Rhone-Poulenc. With the 1996
acquisition of TDI production facilities from Olin Corporation, the Company
also manufactures TDI. TDI and polyols are combined in the manufacture of
polyurethanes.
 
  ARCO Chemical's principal chemical facilities are located in: Bayport,
Texas; Channelview, Texas; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Fos-sur-Mer, France;
Lake Charles, Louisiana and a joint venture in Chiba, Japan. ARCO Chemical
also owns a majority equity interest in a second PO/SM plant at Channelview,
Texas. The other equity investors in the plant each take a portion of the SM
output of the plant through long-term processing agreements. In 1997, ARCO
Chemical entered into an engineering and construction contract for a new PO/SM
plant in Rotterdam; the plant is scheduled for completion in 2000. Expansion
of the Channelview, Texas PO/SM capacity is expected to be completed in early
1998.
 
  The following table shows ARCO Chemical's worldwide production capacity (in
millions of pounds per year, except where otherwise noted) for PO, SM and
certain key derivatives:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         PRODUCT                          U.S.                                  INTERNATIONAL
         -------                         ------                                 -------------
         <S>                             <C>                                    <C>
         PO                               2,335                                     1,395
         Polyols                            740                                       610
         PG                                 565                                       345
         TDI                                250                                        --
         SM                               2,570                                       830
         MTBE--Bbls/day                  30,000                                    28,500
</TABLE>
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  Capacities shown are the production capacities that, as of December 31,
1997, ARCO Chemical believes it can obtain based upon plant design and subject
to certain onstream factors, product mix and other variable factors.
Capacities shown include the full capacity of joint-venture facilities. Plants
can and have exceeded these capacities for extended periods of time.
 
  In addition to raw material purchase agreements and product sales or
processing agreements with unrelated third parties, ARCO Chemical has entered
into a long-term sales agreement with ARCO providing for delivery of fixed
quantities of MTBE. Heightened public awareness about MTBE has resulted in
certain state and federal initiatives that either seek to rescind the
oxygenate requirement for reformulated gasoline in California or restrict the
use of MTBE. Restrictions on the use of MTBE in California, if adopted, could
affect ARCO Chemical's MTBE sales in California.
 
  For additional information about ARCO Chemical, a copy of ARCO Chemical's
1997 Annual Report to Stockholders and 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K can be
obtained by writing to Manager, Investor Relations, ARCO Chemical Company,
3801 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 19073-2387. ARCO
Chemical's telephone number is (610) 359-2000.
 
                               OTHER OPERATIONS
 
  Historical results of ARCO's former equity interest in the operations of
Lyondell for the three years ended December 31, 1997 are reflected in the
Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 23 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements on page 51.
 
  ARCO has interests in nine surface and underground coal mines in the western
United States and in northeastern Australia. In the United States, ARCO owns
and operates two mines in Wyoming's Powder River Basin, Black Thunder and Coal
Creek, and West Elk, in western Colorado. ARCO also has a 65% interest in
Canyon Fuel Company, a limited liability company that owns three mines--SUFCO,
Skyline and Soldier Creek--located in Utah's Uinta Basin. In Queensland,
Australia, ARCO has interests in three mines: Curragh, Gordonstone and Blair
Athol. Reference is made to Supplemental Information, Coal Operations on page
55 for further information concerning reserves and shipments of coal.
 
  In the Lower 48, ARCO manages facilities for transportation and terminalling
of petroleum liquids, refined petroleum products, petrochemicals and natural
gas.
 
                                CAPITAL PROGRAM
 
  The Company's capital expenditures for additions to fixed assets (including
dry hole costs) totaled approximately $3.0 billion in 1997. The capital
program for additions to fixed assets is budgeted at $3.8 billion for 1998.
The levels of future capital expenditures may be affected by business
conditions in the industry, particularly possible changes in prices of and
demand for crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products. Changes in the tax
laws, the imposition of and changes in federal and state clean air and clean
fuel requirements, and other changes in environmental rules and regulations
may also affect future capital expenditures.
 
                                    PATENTS
 
  ARCO owns numerous patents, many of which are available for license to the
petroleum industry, and is itself a licensee under certain patents which are
available generally to the industry. The Company's operations are not
dependent upon any particular patent or patents or upon any exclusive patent
rights.
 
                                  COMPETITION
 
  The petroleum industry is competitive in all its phases, including
manufacturing, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and
petrochemicals. Methods of competition for new sources of supply include
finding and developing such sources and competition in bidding for leases
which may contain such sources and the acquisition of
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
producing properties. Competitive factors in manufacturing, distribution and
marketing include price, methods and reliability of delivery, product quality,
new product development and, with respect to consumer products, advertising
and sales promotion.
 
  Crude oil and natural gas supplies are currently abundant relative to demand
in the worldwide markets for those commodities. Market prices are typically
volatile as a result of uncertainties caused by world events. ARCO's emphasis
on the cost-efficient exploration and development of petroleum resources and
on innovative marketing strategies make the Company well situated to compete
in this environment.
 
  In the refining and marketing segment of the industry, refining operations
that yield a higher proportion of high-margin products and marketing
operations that put a premium on high volume and innovation are of primary
importance.
 
  The U.S. coal mines primarily serve competitive U.S. markets, where the
availability of specific transportation arrangements, primarily rail
transportation, are often a key element in competition because transportation
costs are a significant component of the delivered price of coal. Almost all
of the Company's U.S. coal customers are electric utilities. The Company's
Australian mines are export-oriented, largely to Japan, and face worldwide
competition from Canadian, Indonesian, South African, U.S. and other
Australian producers.
 
  Key competitive factors in the chemicals markets include research and
development, product price, quality, reliability of supply, technical support,
customer service and potential substitute materials.
 
  The Company ranked as the sixth largest U.S.-based oil company on the basis
of revenues in the most recent Fortune 500 list of U.S. industrial companies.
 
                                HUMAN RESOURCES
 
  As of December 31, 1997, ARCO had approximately 24,000 full-time equivalent
employees, of whom approximately 11% were represented by collective bargaining
agents.
 
                           RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
  ARCO engages in research for new and improved products and methods for
operating its businesses principally at two facilities located at Newtown
Square, Pennsylvania and Plano, Texas. Total research and development expenses
were $120 million, $106 million and $104 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
 
                             ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
 Site Remediation
 
  The Company is subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and
regulations, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act of 1980, as amended ("CERCLA" or "Superfund"), and the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 and the Resource
Conservation Recovery Act of 1976 ("RCRA"). These regulations require the
Company to remove or mitigate the effects on the environment of the disposal
or release of certain chemical, mineral and petroleum substances at various
sites, to perform certain restoration work on these sites and to pay damages
for loss of use and non-use values. The Company is currently participating in
environmental assessments and cleanups under these laws at federal Superfund
and state-managed sites, as well as other clean-up sites, including service
stations, refineries, terminals, chemical facilities, third party landfills,
former nuclear processing facilities, sites associated with discontinued
operations and sites that were formerly owned by ARCO. The Company may in the
future be involved in additional environmental assessments and cleanups,
including the restoration of natural resources and damages for loss of use and
non-use values. The ultimate amount of the future costs associated with such
environmental assessments and cleanups is indeterminable due to
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
such unknown factors as the nature and/or extent of contaminants at many
sites, the timing, extent and method of the remedial actions which may be
required and the determination of the Company's liability in proportion to
other responsible parties. In addition, environmental loss contingencies
include claims for personal injuries allegedly caused by exposure to toxic
materials manufactured or used by ARCO. The Company continues to estimate the
amount of these costs in periodically establishing reserves based on progress
made in determining the magnitude of remediation costs, experience gained from
sites on which remediation has been completed, the timing, extent and method
of remedial actions required by the applicable governmental authorities and an
evaluation of the amount of the Company's liability considered in light of the
liability and financial wherewithal of the other responsible parties. As the
scope of the Company's obligation becomes more clearly defined, there may be
changes in these estimated costs, which might result in future charges against
the Company's earnings.
 
  The Company's environmental remediation reserve of $767 million at December
31, 1997 covers federal Superfund and state-managed sites as well as other
clean-up sites, including service stations, refineries, terminals, chemical
facilities, third-party landfills, former nuclear processing facilities, sites
associated with discontinued operations and sites formerly owned by ARCO. The
Company has been named a potentially responsible party ("PRP") for 133 sites.
The number of PRP sites in and of itself does not represent a relevant measure
of liability, because the nature and extent of environmental concerns vary
from site to site and the Company's share of responsibility varies from sole
responsibility to very little responsibility. The Company reviews all of the
PRP sites along with other sites as to which no claims have been asserted, in
estimating the amount of accrual. The Company's future remediation costs for
these sites could exceed the amount reserved by as much as $500 million.
 
  Approximately 58% of the reserve relates to sites associated with the
Company's discontinued operations, primarily mining activities in the states
of Montana, Utah and New Mexico. Another significant component relates to
currently and formerly owned chemical, nuclear processing, and refining and
marketing facilities, and other sites that received wastes from these
facilities. The Company is also the subject of certain material legal
proceedings described below under the caption "Material Environmental
Litigation." The remainder relates to sites with reserves ranging from
$1 million to $10 million per site. No one site represents more than 10% of
the total reserve. Substantially all amounts reserved are expected to be paid
out over the next five to six years.
 
 Clean Air
 
  The Federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (the "1990 Clean Air Act
Amendments") and various state and local laws and regulations impose certain
air quality requirements. Among other things, the 1990 Clean Air Act
Amendments effectively require the manufacture and sale of reformulated and
oxygenated gasolines in areas not meeting specified air quality standards. The
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") wintertime oxygenate gasoline program
became effective in the fall of 1993. The EPA reformulated gasoline
requirements became effective January 1, 1995 for the nine U.S. cities,
including Los Angeles and San Diego, and other areas with the worst ozone
pollution. The specifications for reformulated gasoline of the California Air
Resources Board ("CARB"), which are stricter than the EPA requirements, became
effective for retail sales on and after June 1, 1996. To comply with the EPA
air quality requirements and CARB standards, in 1995 ARCO completed major
modifications at its Los Angeles Refinery. The Company does not anticipate any
material adverse effect upon its consolidated financial position as a result
of compliance with such environmental laws and regulations.
 
  In 1993 the South Coast Air Quality Management District ("AQMD"), which sets
air quality standards for a five-county area of southern California, including
Los Angeles County, adopted regulations requiring phased reductions of certain
pollutants. By 2003 the Los Angeles Refinery and the Wilmington calciner will
be required to achieve cumulative reductions from 1992 levels of oxides of
nitrogen (NOx) of 63% and oxides of sulfur (SOx) of 83%. As part of the
regulations, AQMD created a Regional Clean Air Incentives Market ("RECLAIM")
program under which regulated firms can earn credits for achieving emission
reductions below targeted levels. Those credits may then be bought and sold.
The Los Angeles Refinery plans to achieve the requisite levels of emission
reductions by a combination of reductions and acquisitions of credits,
substantial amounts of which have already been purchased. The AQMD is
currently considering modifications to the RECLAIM program, but nothing has
yet been finalized.
 
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
 Environment-Related Expenditures
 
  For the past three years, the Company's environment-related expenditures
have been comprised of both capital expenditures and operating expenses.
Environment-related capital expenditures include the cost of projects to
reduce and/or eliminate pollution and contamination in the future and the cost
of modifications to the Company's manufacturing facilities necessary to comply
with the aforementioned federal, state and local air quality laws and
regulations. Environment-related operating costs include both costs to
eliminate, control or dispose of, pollutants, as well as costs to remediate
previously contaminated sites. Sites are remediated using a variety of
techniques, including on-site stabilization, bioremediation, soil removal,
pump and treat and other methods as deemed appropriate for each specific site.
 
  For the past three years, the Company's environment-related capital
expenditures have averaged approximately $153 million per year. The Company
anticipates environment-related capital expenditures of approximately
$300 million and $200 million for 1997 and 1998, respectively. For the past
three years, the Company's operating expenses for the remediation of
previously contaminated properties either compelled or likely to be compelled
in the foreseeable future by government or third parties have averaged
approximately $125 million per year. Cash payments for site remediation have
averaged $118 million per year over the same period. The Company's operating
expenses also include ongoing costs of controlling or disposing of pollutants.
For the past three years, the Company estimates that its operating expenses
related to these ongoing costs have averaged approximately $220 million per
year.
 
  In addition to the reserve for environmental remediation costs, the Company
has also accrued, as of December 31, 1997, $1 billion for the estimated cost,
net of salvage value, of dismantling facilities as required by contract,
regulation or law, and the estimated costs of restoration and reclamation of
land associated with such facilities.
 
 Material Environmental Litigation
 
  Pursuant to the authority provided under Superfund, the State of Montana has
asserted claims against ARCO for compensation for damage to natural resources
up to the maximum amount allowed by 42 United States Code (S)9607. These
alleged damages, arising out of ARCO's or its predecessors' alleged
activities, include restoration and compensable damages, assessment costs, and
prejudgment interest. On December 12, 1983, a lawsuit, styled Montana v. ARCO,
ex rel. (Case No. CV-83-317-HLN-PGH), was filed in the United States District
Court for the District of Montana. The State's claim, as of January 1, 1997,
was for damages of $764 million for alleged injuries to natural resources
resulting from mining and mineral processing operations. ARCO is contesting
this demand. In addition, on January 21, 1997, the court granted the
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation ("Tribes")
a limited form of intervention in Montana v. ARCO. The Tribes, as alleged
trustees, have asserted claims against ARCO for alleged injury to and loss of
natural resources located in the Clark Fork River Basin in southwest Montana.
On March 3, 1997, trial commenced and is continuing. The United States
Department of Interior also has stated an intention to make a claim for
natural resource damages in the Clark Fork River Basin.
 
  On June 23, 1989, the EPA filed a CERCLA cost-recovery action against ARCO
(amended October 15, 1992), styled U.S. v. ARCO, et al. (Case No. CV-89-039-
BU-PGH), in the United States District Court for the District of Montana, for
oversight costs at several of the Upper Clark Fork River Basin Superfund
sites. Litigation is proceeding on the EPA's claims (in the approximate amount
of $80 million) and ARCO's counterclaims against various federal agencies. In
the counterclaims, ARCO seeks contributions from the federal agencies for
remediation costs and for any natural resource damage liability ARCO might
incur in Montana v. ARCO.
 
  ARCO and its subsidiary, Atlantic Richfield Hanford Company ("ARHCO"), and
several other companies who have served as government contractors at the
Hanford Nuclear Reservation in south central Washington State are named as
defendants in a consolidated complaint in the United States District Court for
the Eastern District of Washington, titled In re Hanford Nuclear Reservation
Litigation (CY-91-3015-AAM). In October 1994, the Department of Energy
determined that the government will indemnify ARCO and ARHCO for any judgment
or settlement in the action pursuant to the contract between ARHCO and the
Atomic Energy Commission and the provisions of the Price-Anderson Act. On
April 4, 1997, ARCO was served with a new complaint making allegations similar
to those already pending in the litigation, filed by six individual Native
Americans in the United States District Court for the Western District of
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
Washington, purportedly on behalf of classes of Native Americans living near
the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. The DOE has indicated that it will indemnify
ARCO and ARHCO with respect to this new action as well. This action has been
transferred to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Washington.
 
  Following the March 1989 EXXON VALDEZ oil spill, numerous lawsuits seeking
compensatory and punitive damages and injunctions were filed by the State of
Alaska, the United States, and private plaintiffs against Exxon, Alyeska, and
Alyeska's owner companies (including ARCO Transportation Alaska, Inc.).
Alyeska and its owner companies have settled the civil damage claims by
federal and state governments and the lawsuits by private plaintiffs. Certain
issues relating to liability for the spill remain unresolved between the Exxon
companies, on the one hand, and Alyeska and its owner companies, on the other
hand.
 
  On November 21, 1990, ARCO filed a complaint in Los Angeles County Superior
Court, Atlantic Richfield Company v. AETNA Casualty and Surety Company of
America, et al. (Case No. BC 015575), seeking recovery under numerous
insurance policies in effect at times during past years for certain
environmental expenses incurred by ARCO. The claims arise from the activities
of ARCO and its predecessor companies, including The Anaconda Company, at
sites and locations throughout the United States. ARCO has settled with most
of the insurance company defendants.
 
 Conclusion
 
  Environmental concerns, including the minimization and prevention of
environmental contamination from ongoing operations, and the cost-effective
remediations of existing contaminated sites, continue to be vital factors in
the Company's future planning. See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements on page 45, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
THE COMPANY
 
  On June 7, 1989, the City of New York, the New York City Housing Authority,
and the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation brought suit in the
Supreme Court of the State of New York for the County of New York (Case No.
14365/89) against six alleged former lead pigment manufacturers or their
successors (including ARCO as successor to International Smelting and Refining
Company ("IS&R"), a former subsidiary of The Anaconda Company), and the Lead
Industries Association ("LIA"), a trade association. Plaintiffs seek to
recover damages in excess of $50 million including (i) past and future costs
of abating lead-based paint from housing owned by New York City and the New
York City Housing Authority; (ii) other costs associated with dealing with the
presence of lead-based paint in that housing and privately-owned housing; and
(iii) any amounts paid by the City or the Housing Authority to tenants because
of injuries caused by the ingestion of lead-based paint. Plaintiffs also seek
punitive damages and attorney fees. As a result of various court rulings, the
plaintiffs' only remaining claims are for fraud and restitution and indemnity.
 
  On January 24, 1996, ARCO (as successor to IS&R) was added as a defendant to
a class action suit pending in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York, German, et al. v. Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corp., et al. (Case No. 93 Civ 6941), by plaintiff intervenors Naquan and
Naiya Thomas, minors, and their mother and guardian Kaii Henry. The complaint
in intervention names as defendants, in addition to ARCO, eight alleged former
processors of lead pigment and lead paint, the LIA, the City of New York and
its Housing Authority, and the owner of the building where plaintiffs reside.
Plaintiffs seek on behalf of themselves, and a purported class of children
under seven and pregnant women residing in dwellings in the City of New York
containing or presumed to contain lead paint, injunctive relief from all
defendants including orders to abate lead paint and to contribute to court-
administered funds to pay for abatement and medical monitoring and treatment.
The complaint alleges causes of action against the lead pigment defendants and
the LIA for negligence, strict product liability, fraud and misrepresentation,
breach of express and implied warranty, nuisance, conspiracy, concert of
action, and enterprise and market share liability. The City of New York, its
Housing Authority, and the owner of the building where plaintiffs reside have
filed cross-claims against ARCO, the other alleged former processors of lead
pigment and paint, and the LIA seeking indemnification against or contribution
toward any liability they (cross-claimants) may have to plaintiffs.
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
  On August 25, 1992, ARCO (as successor to IS&R) was added as a defendant to
a purported class action suit pending in the Court of Common Pleas in Cuyahoga
County (Cleveland), Ohio, Jackson, et al. v. The Glidden Company, et al. (Case
No. 236835), which seeks on behalf of the three named plaintiffs, and all
other persons similarly situated in the state of Ohio, money damages for
injuries allegedly suffered from exposure to lead paint, punitive damages, and
an order requiring defendants to remove and abate all lead paint applied to
any building in Ohio. The suit names as defendants, in addition to ARCO, the
LIA and 16 companies alleged to have participated in the manufacture and sale
of lead pigments and paints and includes causes of action for strict product
liability, negligence, breach of warranty, fraud, nuisance, restitution,
negligent infliction of emotional distress, and enterprise, market share and
alternative liability.
 
  In addition, the Company is a defendant in several lawsuits brought by
individuals that allege injury from exposure to lead paint. Such cases, in the
aggregate, are not material to the financial condition of the Company.
 
  In 1993, natural gas royalty owners filed an action in Zapata County, Texas
titled Stanley Marshall, et al. v. ARCO (Case No. 3217). The plaintiffs
claimed breach of lease, breach of Texas Railroad Commission rules and
regulations, conversion, and fraud. On September 8, 1997, a jury found in
favor of the plaintiffs and on January 20, 1998 the trial court entered
Judgment on the verdict awarding $69.2 million in damages, comprised of $3.8
million in actual damages, $50 million in exemplary damages, $13.4 million in
attorney's fees and $1.9 million in pre-judgment interest. ARCO has appealed
this judgment to the Court of Appeals for the Fourth District of Texas in San
Antonio.
 
  On March 29, 1994, Siemens Solar Industries ("Siemens") filed a complaint in
the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the County of New York, titled
Siemens Solar Industries v. Atlantic Richfield Company (Case No. 94-109092).
Siemens' complaint alleged breach of contract and misrepresentation in
connection with the February 1990 sale by ARCO to Siemens of the stock of ARCO
Solar, Inc. Siemens sought damages in the amount of the purchase price,
operating losses incurred after the sale, prejudgment interest, and punitive
damages. ARCO denied the allegations of the complaint. On December 8, 1997,
the court granted ARCO's motion for summary judgment, and dismissed the
complaint. Siemens has filed a notice of appeal from this decision.
 
  On April 13, 1995, a lawsuit was filed in United States District Court for
the Central District of California titled ARCO, et al. v. UNOCAL (Case No. 95-
2379-KMW-JRx). ARCO and five other refiners sought a declaration that UNOCAL's
U.S. Patent No. 5,288,393 ("the '393 patent") is invalid and unenforceable.
The '393 patent purports to cover a substantial portion of the reformulated
gasoline compositions that were required by the State of California when the
Phase II regulations of the California Air Resources Board ("CARB") went into
effect in March 1996. In the same lawsuit, UNOCAL filed a claim for
infringement of the '393 patent against ARCO and the five other refiners. On
July 15, 1997, the first phase of trial commenced and on October 14, 1997, the
jury found in UNOCAL's favor on the issues of whether ARCO and the other
refiners had infringed the '393 patent and whether that patent is valid. The
jury also found that ARCO had produced approximately 149 million gallons of
infringing gasoline during the first five months of production. On November 3,
1997, the jury found that each refiner owed UNOCAL $.0575 for each gallon of
gasoline which infringed on UNOCAL's patent. The court has instructed the
parties to establish a method for updating, through the date of judgment, the
volumes of infringing gallons. The inequitable conduct phase was tried in
December 1997 without a jury. To date, no decision on that phase has been
rendered by the court. The last phase, in which UNOCAL seeks $2.6 million in
attorneys fees, will be tried without a jury in March 1998. Final judgment is
expected to be entered in May or June 1998, after which an appeal to the Court
of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is available.
 
  On June 7, 1996, the case of Aguilar, et al. v. Atlantic Richfield, et al.
(Case No. 700810) was brought in the Superior Court of California for the
County of San Diego against ARCO and eight other refiner-marketers of CARB
reformulated gasoline. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants conspired to
restrict the supply, and thereby to raise the price, of CARB gasoline in
violation of California state antitrust and unfair competition law. The
plaintiffs seek to recover treble damages, restitution, attorneys fees, and
injunctive relief. The court has certified a class of California residents who
bought CARB gasoline after March 1, 1996 other than for resale. On October 17,
1997, the court granted the defendants' motion for summary judgment. On
January 23, 1998, the court granted the plaintiffs' motion for a new trial. On
January 23, 1998, the case of Gilley v. Atlantic Richfield, et al., [Case No.
CV UU132BTM (RBB)] was filed in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of California. The case, which is brought on behalf of a
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
purported class of wholesale purchasers of CARB gasoline including lessee and
contract gasoline dealers, claims violations of federal antitrust laws based
upon factual allegations that are essentially the same as those contained in
the Aguilar complaint.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  As discussed under the caption "Environmental Matters," ARCO is currently
participating in environmental assessments and cleanups at numerous operating
and non-operating sites under Superfund and comparable state laws, RCRA, and
other state and local laws and regulations, and pursuant to third party
indemnification requests, and is the subject of material legal proceedings
relating to certain of these sites. See "Environmental Matters--Material
Environmental Litigation." Set forth below is a description, in accordance
with SEC rules, of certain fines and penalties imposed by governmental
agencies in respect of environmental rules and regulations.
 
  Certain substances are present in the soil and ground water at the site of a
plant, formerly owned by ARCO Chemical and located in Monaca, Pennsylvania
(Beaver Valley). In October 1997, ARCO Chemical, Beazer East, Inc. and the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ("PADEP") entered into a
second consent agreement that acknowledged the completion of remedial
investigations pursuant to the work plan performed under the 1994 consent
agreement relating to the Beaver Valley site. The second consent agreement
also conditionally approved the proposed remediation methods at the Beaver
Valley site. Final approval of the remediation methods is subject to PADEP's
approval of risk assessment studies to be submitted by ARCO Chemical. Under
the second consent agreement, the monetary penalties contained in the 1994
consent agreement will be imposed only if ARCO Chemical fails to meet the
deadlines for submitting the risk assessment studies to PADEP. Following the
1996 sale of the Beaver Valley plant assets to NOVA Chemicals Inc. ("NOVA"),
NOVA agreed to assume ownership of certain portions of the Beaver Valley
land, which was temporarily leased to NOVA until ARCO Chemical finalized the
second consent agreement. Title to the leased land was transferred to NOVA in
November 1997. ARCO Chemical will retain responsibility for the remediation of
the land as required by the second consent agreement.
 
  In addition to the matters reported herein, from time to time, certain of
ARCO's operating divisions and subsidiaries receive notices from federal,
state or local governmental entities of alleged violations of environmental
laws and regulations pertaining to, among other things, the disposal, emission
and storage of chemical and petroleum substances, including hazardous wastes.
Such alleged violations may become the subject of enforcement actions or other
legal proceedings and may involve monetary sanctions of $100,000 or more
(exclusive of interest and costs).
 
OTHER LITIGATION
 
  The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in numerous suits in which
they are not covered by insurance which involve smaller amounts than the
matters described above. Although the legal responsibility and financial
impact in respect to such litigation cannot be ascertained, it is not
anticipated that these suits will result in the payment by the Company or its
subsidiaries of monetary damages which in the aggregate would be material in
relation to the net assets of the Company and its subsidiaries.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
  No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 1997.
 
                               ----------------
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                      EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
  Set forth below are the executive officers of Registrant as of February 27,
1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 NAME, AGE AND PRESENT
 POSITION WITH ATLANTIC                  BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING PAST
       RICHFIELD                  FIVE YEARS AND PERIOD SERVED AS OFFICER(a)(b)
 ----------------------           ---------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>
Mike R. Bowlin, 55        Mr. Bowlin has been Chairman of the Board of ARCO since July
 Chairman of the Board    1995, Chief Executive Officer since July 1994, and a director
 and Chief Executive      since June 1992. He served as President (June 1993-January
 Officer                  1998), an Executive Vice President (June 1992-May 1993) and a
                          Senior Vice President of ARCO (August 1985-June 1992), Presi-
                          dent of ARCO International Oil and Gas Company (November
                          1987-June 1992), President of ARCO Coal Company (August 1985-
                          July 1987), a Senior Vice President of International Oil and
                          Gas Acquisitions (July 1987-November 1987), a Vice President
                          of ARCO (October 1984-July 1985) and a Vice President of ARCO
                          Oil and Gas Company (April 1981-December 1984). He has been
                          an officer of the Company since 1984.

William E. Wade, Jr., 55  Mr. Wade has been President of ARCO since January 1998 and a
 President and Director   director since June 1993. He served as an Executive Vice
                          President (June 1993-January 1998) and a Senior Vice Presi-
                          dent of ARCO (May 1987-May 1993), President of ARCO Oil and
                          Gas Company (October 1990-May 1993), President of ARCO Alas-
                          ka, Inc. (July 1987-July 1990), a Vice President of ARCO
                          (1985-1987) and a Vice President of ARCO Exploration Company
                          (1981-1985). He has been an officer of the Company since
                          1985. He also serves as a Director of Vastar.

Anthony G. Fernandes, 52  Mr. Fernandes has been an Executive Vice President of ARCO
 Executive Vice           and a director since September 1994. He served as a Senior
 President and Director   Vice President of ARCO and President of ARCO Coal Company
                          (September 1990-September 1994), Vice President and Control-
                          ler of ARCO (July 1987-July 1990), a Vice President of ARCO
                          Oil and Gas Company (January 1985-July 1987) and a Vice Pres-
                          ident of Anaconda Minerals (May 1981-January 1985). He has
                          been an officer of the Company since 1987. He also serves as
                          Chairman of the Board of ARCO Chemical.

Marie L. Knowles, 51      Mrs. Knowles has been an Executive Vice President and the
 Executive Vice           Chief Financial Officer of ARCO and a director since July
 President, Chief         1996. She served as a Senior Vice President of ARCO and Pres-
 Financial Officer and    ident of ARCO Transportation Company (June 1993- July 1996),
 Director                 Vice President and Controller of ARCO (July 1990-May 1993),
                          Vice President of Finance, Control and Planning of ARCO In-
                          ternational Oil and Gas Company (July 1988-July 1990), and
                          Assistant Treasurer of Banking of ARCO (October 1986-July
                          1988). She has been an officer of the Company since 1990. She
                          also serves as a Director of ARCO Chemical and Vastar.

J. Kenneth Thompson, 46   Mr. Thompson has been an Executive Vice President of ARCO
 Executive Vice           since January 1998. He was a Senior Vice President of ARCO
 President                and President of ARCO Alaska, Inc. (June 1994-January 1998).
                          He was a Vice President of ARCO and a Vice President of ARCO
                          Exploration and Production Technology (June 1993-June 1994)
                          and a Senior Vice President, Western District of ARCO Oil and
                          Gas Company (January 1990-June 1993). He has been an officer
                          of the Company since 1993.

Michael E. Wiley, 47      Mr. Wiley has been an Executive Vice President of ARCO since
 Executive Vice           March 1997 and a director since June 1997. He served as Chief
 President and Director   Executive Officer of Vastar (January 1994-March 1997) and
                          President (September 1993-March 1997). Prior to the formation
                          of Vastar, he was Senior Vice President of ARCO (June 1993-
                          June 1994), President of ARCO Oil and Gas Company (June-Octo-
                          ber 1993) and Vice President of ARCO and Manager of ARCO Ex-
                          ploration and Production Technology (1991-1993). He has been
                          an officer of the Company since 1997. He also serves as
                          Chairman of the Board of Vastar.
</TABLE>
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     NAME, AGE AND PRESENT                     BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING PAST
 POSITION WITH ATLANTIC RICHFIELD        FIVE YEARS AND PERIOD SERVED AS OFFICER(a)(b)      
 ---------------------------------       ---------------------------------------------
 <S>                         <C>
 H. L. Bilhartz, 51                      Mr. Bilhartz has been a Senior Vice President of ARCO since
  Senior Vice President                  July 1990 and President of ARCO Exploration and Production
                                         Technology since June 1994. He served as President of ARCO
                                         Alaska, Inc. (July 1990-May 1994), a Vice President of ARCO
                                         (June 1987-July 1990), President of ARCO Coal Company (July
                                         1987-July 1990), Vice President and Managing Director for
                                         ARCO British Limited and ARCO Netherlands in London (1985-
                                         1987), Vice President of Finance, Control and Planning of
                                         ARCO International Oil and Gas Company (1984-1985) and Vice
                                         President and District Manager for ARCO Oil and Gas Company
                                         (1983-1984). He has been an officer of the Company since
                                         1987.
                                    
 John B. Cheatham IV, 50                 Mr. Cheatham has been a Senior Vice President of ARCO since
  Senior Vice President                  December 1995. He was President of ARCO International Oil and
                                         Gas Company (December 1995-January 1998), Senior Vice Presi-
                                         dent, Operations and New Business Development (November 1993-
                                         November 1995) and Senior Vice President, New Business Ven-
                                         tures (November 1992-November 1993) of ARCO International Oil
                                         and Gas Company, and Senior Vice President, Eastern District
                                         (August 1991-November 1992) and Vice President, Southeastern
                                         District (November 1989-August 1991) of ARCO Oil and Gas Com-
                                         pany. He has been an officer of the Company since 1995.
                                    
 Terry G. Dallas, 47                     Mr. Dallas has been a Senior Vice President of ARCO since
  Senior Vice President                  November 1996 and Treasurer since January 1994. He was a Vice
  and Treasurer                          President of ARCO (June 1993-November 1996), the Vice
                                         President, Corporate Planning (June 1993-January 1994), and
                                         Assistant Treasurer, Corporate Finance of ARCO (1990-1993)
                                         and Manager, Finance, Control and Planning, ARCO British,
                                         Ltd. (1988-1990). He has been an officer of the Company since
                                         1993. He also serves as a Director of Vastar.
                                    
 Mark L. Hazelwood, 47                   Mr. Hazelwood has been a Senior Vice President of External
  Senior Vice President                  Affairs of ARCO since July 1997. He served as President of
                                         ARCO Alaska Transportation, Inc. (September 1996-July 1997),
                                         President of ARCO Pipe Line Company (1994-March 1996), Senior
                                         Vice President of Marketing of ARCO Oil and Gas Company
                                         (1991-1994), and Vice President and General Tax Officer of
                                         ARCO (August 1988-March 1991). He has been an officer of the
                                         Company since 1997.
                                    
 John H. Kelly, 43                       Mr. Kelly has been a Senior Vice President, Human Resources
  Senior Vice President                  of ARCO since January 1997. He was Vice President, Corporate
                                         Units Human Resources of ARCO (June 1993-January 1997) and
                                         Vice President, Human Resources of ARCO Oil and Gas Company
                                         (July 1991-June 1993). He has been an officer of the Company
                                         since 1993.
                                    
 Stephen R. Mut, 47                      Mr. Mut has been a Senior Vice President of ARCO since Sep-
  Senior Vice President                  tember 1994. He was President of ARCO Global Energy Ventures
                                         (August 1996-January 1998), President of ARCO Coal Company
                                         (September 1994-August 1996) and Senior Vice President of Op-
                                         erations of ARCO International Oil and Gas Company (1991-
                                         1994). He has been an officer of the Company since 1994. He
                                         also serves as a Director of ARCO Chemical.
                                    
 John M. Slater, 54                      Mr. Slater has been a Senior Vice President of ARCO since
  Senior Vice President                  July 1997 and President of ARCO Coal Company since August
                                         1997. He previously worked for BP Coal for 19 years. His most
                                         recent positions for BP were Chief Executive Officer BP Coal
                                         and Chairman, Kaltim Prima Coal.
</TABLE>                            
 
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     NAME, AGE AND PRESENT                      BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING PAST 
 POSITION WITH ATLANTIC RICHFIELD        FIVE YEARS AND PERIOD SERVED AS OFFICER(a)(b)   
 --------------------------------        ---------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>
Roger E. Truitt, 52                      Mr. Truitt has been a Senior Vice President of ARCO and
 Senior Vice President                   President of ARCO Products Company since November 1997. He
                                         was Senior Vice President, Asia Region, ARCO International
                                         Oil and Gas Company (November 1994-November 1997), a Senior
                                         Vice President of ARCO Products Company (January 1994-
                                         November 1994) and a Vice President of ARCO International Oil
                                         and Gas Company (December 1991-December 1993). He has been an
                                         officer of the Company since 1997.
                          
Donald R. Voelte, Jr., 45                Mr. Voelte has been a Senior Vice President of ARCO since
 Senior Vice President                   April 1997. He previously worked for the Mobil Corporation
                                         for 22 years. His most recent position was President of Mobil
                                         Oil Company's New Exploration and Producing Ventures (1994-
                                         April 1997). He has been an officer of the Company since
                                         1997.
                          
Bruce G. Whitmore, 53                    Mr. Whitmore has been the Senior Vice President, General
 Senior Vice President,                  Counsel and Corporate Secretary of ARCO since December 1994.
 General Counsel and                     He served as Vice President and General Counsel of ARCO Chem-
 Corporate Secretary                     ical Company (October 1990-December 1994) and as Associate
                                         General Counsel, Finance and Corporate Affairs of ARCO (June
                                         1986-September 1990). He has been an officer of the Company
                                         since 1994.
                          
Allan L. Comstock, 54                    Mr. Comstock has been a Vice President and Controller of ARCO
 Vice President and                      since June 1993. He was a Vice President of ARCO Chemical
 Controller                              Company (October 1989-June 1993) and General Auditor of ARCO
                                         (November 1985-October 1989). He has been an officer of the
                                         Company since 1993.
</TABLE>
- --------
 
(a) Division names used in the descriptions of business experience of
    executive officers of the Company are the names which were in effect at
    the time such officers held such positions. In some instances, divisions
    have been combined or reorganized and, accordingly, activities thereof are
    presently conducted under different division names.
 
(b) The By-Laws of the Company provide that each officer shall hold office
    until the officer's successor is elected or appointed and qualified or
    until the officer's death, resignation or removal by the Board of
    Directors.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
  The following description of the Company's capital stock is included in
order to facilitate incorporation by reference of such description in filings
by the Company under the federal securities laws.
 
  Certain statements under this heading are summaries of provisions of the
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of ARCO, dated June 27, 1994, and do not
purport to be complete. The summaries make use of certain terms defined in the
Certificate of Incorporation and are qualified in their entirety by reference
thereto.
 
  The term "$3.00 Preference Stock" refers to the Company's $3.00 Cumulative
Convertible Preference Stock, par value $1 per share. The term "$2.80
Preference Stock" refers to the Company's $2.80 Cumulative Convertible
Preference Stock, par value $1 per share. The term "Preferred Stock" refers to
the Company's Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share; this class of
Preferred Stock was authorized by stockholders on May 3, 1993. The term
"Common Stock" refers to the Company's Common Stock, par value $2.50 per
share.
 
  The following is a summary of the capital stock of ARCO as of December 31,
1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         SHARES      SHARES
                                                       AUTHORIZED  OUTSTANDING
                                                       ----------- -----------
      <S>                                              <C>         <C>
      $3.00 Preference Stock..........................      78,089      55,941
      $2.80 Preference Stock..........................     833,776     615,653
      Preferred Stock.................................  75,000,000          --
      Common Stock.................................... 600,000,000 320,369,895*
</TABLE>
- --------
*  Excludes treasury stock.
 
  Certain Open Market Stock Purchases. Pursuant to the 1985 Executive Long-
Term Incentive Plan, as amended through July 28, 1997 (the "LTIP"), officers
and key employees are eligible to receive shares of Common Stock upon
exercises of stock options, surrender of dividend share credits, and upon
grants of Restricted Stock. Pursuant to the compensation program for outside
directors, effective January 1, 1998, outside directors are eligible to
receive shares of Common Stock upon grants of Restricted Stock, including
Restricted Stock granted in lieu of some or all of their cash compensation for
serving as directors and in connection with the termination of the Outside
Directors Retirement Plan. Pursuant to the Company's Capital Accumulation
Plans, employees are eligible to receive Common Stock in satisfaction of
employer and employee contributions thereunder. ARCO may satisfy these
obligations by issuing new shares of Common Stock. From time to time ARCO may
also purchase Common Stock on the open market and contribute it to treasury to
provide for current and future obligations to deliver Common Stock under each
of these plans; in addition, ARCO may purchase Common Stock on the open market
and contribute it to treasury in satisfaction of its obligations upon
conversion of the $3.00 Preference Stock and the $2.80 Preference Stock.
 
  Power of Board to Determine Terms of Preferred Stock. Under the Certificate
of Incorporation, as amended following approval by stockholders on May 3,
1993, the Board is authorized to issue, at any time or from time to time, one
or more series of Preferred Stock at its discretion. In addition, the Board
has the power to determine all designations, powers, preferences and the
rights of such stock and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions,
including but not limited to: (i) the designation of series and numbers of
shares; (ii) the dividend rights, if any; (iii) the rights upon liquidation or
distribution of the assets of the Company, if any; (iv) the conversion or
exchange rights, if any; (v) the redemption provisions, if any; and (vi) the
voting rights, if any. No shares of Preferred Stock have been issued.
 
  So long as the Preference Stocks are outstanding, and only for that period
of time, the rights of the Preferred Stock are subordinate to the rights of
the holders of Preference Stocks.
 
  Dividend Rights. Holders of $3.00 Preference Stock and holders of $2.80
Preference Stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the annual
rate of $3.00 per share and $2.80 per share, respectively, payable quarterly,
before cash dividends are paid on the Preferred Stock, if any, and the Common
Stock. Shares of $3.00 Preference Stock and shares of $2.80 Preference Stock
rank on a parity as to dividends. After provision for payment in full of
cumulative dividends on the outstanding $3.00 Preference and $2.80 Preference
Stocks, and the payment in full of cumulative
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
dividends on the outstanding Preferred Stock, if any, dividends may be paid on
the Common Stock as the Board of Directors may deem advisable, within the
limits and from the sources permitted by law.
 
  Conversion Rights. Each share of $3.00 Preference Stock is convertible, at
the option of the holder, into 13.6 shares of Common Stock of the Company at
any time, and each share of $2.80 Preference Stock is convertible, at the
option of the holder, into 4.8 shares of Common Stock of the Company at any
time. These conversion rates are subject to adjustment as set forth in the
Certificate of Incorporation. Shares of Preferred Stock would be convertible,
if at all, on such terms as were designated by the Board of Directors.
 
  Voting Rights. The holders of $3.00 Preference Stock are entitled to sixteen
votes per share; holders of $2.80 Preference Stock are entitled to four votes
per share; and holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share.
Holders of $3.00 Preference and $2.80 Preference Stocks are entitled to vote
cumulatively for directors; holders of Common Stock have no cumulative voting
rights. The $3.00 Preference, $2.80 Preference and Common Stocks vote together
as one class, except as provided by law and except as to certain matters which
require a vote by the holders of $3.00 Preference Stock or by the holders of
$2.80 Preference Stock as a separate class as set forth below.
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation provides that if the Company shall be in
default with respect to dividends on the $3.00 Preference Stock in an amount
equal to six quarterly dividends, the number of directors of the Company shall
be increased by two at the first annual meeting thereafter, and at such
meeting and at each subsequent annual meeting until all dividends on the $3.00
Preference Stock shall have been paid in full, the holders of the $3.00
Preference Stock shall have the right, voting as a class, to elect such two
additional directors. The Certificate of Incorporation contains identical
provisions with respect to the $2.80 Preference Stock.
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company shall not,
without the assent of the holders of two-thirds of the then outstanding shares
of $3.00 Preference Stock, (a) change any of the terms of the $3.00 Preference
Stock in any material respect adverse to the holders, or (b) authorize any
prior ranking stock; and that the Company shall not, without the assent of the
holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of $3.00 Preference
Stock, (1) authorize any additional $3.00 Preference Stock or stock on a
parity with it; (2) sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of the
property or business of the Company; or (3) become a party to a merger or
consolidation unless the surviving or resulting corporation will have
immediately after such merger or consolidation no stock either authorized or
outstanding (except such stock of the Company as may have been authorized or
outstanding immediately before such merger or consolidation of such stock of
the surviving or resulting corporation as may be issued upon conversion
thereof or in exchange therefor) ranking as to dividends or assets prior to or
on a parity with the $3.00 Preference Stock or the stock of the surviving or
resulting corporation issued upon conversion thereof or in exchange therefor.
The Certificate of Incorporation contains identical provisions with respect to
the $2.80 Preference Stock.
 
  The holders of Preferred Stock, if any, would have such voting rights, if
any, as were designated by the Board.
 
  Redemption Provisions. The $3.00 Preference Stock is redeemable at the
option of the Company as a whole or in part at any time on at least thirty
days' notice at $82 per share plus accrued dividends to the redemption date.
The $2.80 Preference Stock is redeemable at the option of the Company as a
whole or in part at any time on at least thirty days' notice at $70 per share
plus accrued dividends to the redemption date. The holders of Preferred Stock,
if any, would have such redemption provisions, if any, as were designated by
the Board.
 
  Liquidation Rights. In the event of liquidation of the Company, the holders
of $3.00 Preference Stock and holders of $2.80 Preference Stock will be
entitled to receive, before any payment to holders of Common Stock, $80 per
share and $70 per share, respectively, together in each case with accrued and
unpaid dividends. Shares of $3.00 Preference Stock and shares of $2.80
Preference Stock will rank on a parity as to assets of the Company upon its
liquidation. Subject to the rights of creditors and the holders of $3.00
Preference Stock and $2.80 Preference Stock, the holders of Common Stock are
entitled pro rata to the assets of the Company upon its liquidation. The
holders of Preferred Stock, if any, would have such liquidation rights, if
any, as were designated by the Board.
 
  Preemptive Rights. No holders of shares of capital stock of the Company have
or will have any preemptive rights to acquire any securities of the Company.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
  Liability to Assessment. The shares of Common Stock are fully paid and non-
assessable.
 
  Prohibition of Greenmail. Article VII of the Certificate of Incorporation
provides in general that any direct or indirect purchase by the Company of any
of its voting stock (or rights to acquire voting stock) known to be
beneficially owned by any person or group which holds more than 3% of a class
of its voting stock and which has owned the securities being purchased for
less than two years must be approved by the affirmative vote of at least 66
2/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the voting stock. Such
approval shall not be required with respect to any purchase by the Company of
such securities made (i) at or below fair market value (based on average New
York Stock Exchange closing prices over the preceding 90 days) or (ii) as part
of a Company tender offer or exchange offer made on the same terms to all
holders of such securities and complying with the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 or (iii) in a Public Transaction (as defined).
 
  Rights to Purchase Common Stock. On July 24, 1995, the Board of Directors of
the Company declared a dividend of one common share purchase right (a "Right")
for each outstanding share of Common Stock, par value $2.50 per share (the
"Common Shares"), of the Company. The dividend was paid on August 18, 1995 to
the stockholders of record on that date. Each Right entitled the registered
holder to purchase from the Company one Common Share at a price of $400.00 per
share (the "Purchase Price"), subject to adjustment. The description and terms
of the Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement between the Company and
First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent.
 
  The Rights will be evidenced by and will be transferred with the Common
Share certificates until the Distribution Date. The Distribution Date is
defined as the earlier to occur of (i) 10 days following a public announcement
that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has acquired
beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding Common Shares (an
"Acquiring Person") or (ii) 10 business days following the commencement of, or
announcement of an intention to make, a tender or exchange offer, the
consummation of which would result in a person or group becoming an Acquiring
Person. As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, separate
certificates evidencing the Rights will be issued.
 
  The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date. The Rights will
expire on August 18, 2005 unless redeemed prior to that date by the Company.
The Purchase Price payable, and the number of Common Shares or other
securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the Rights are subject to
adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution.
 
  In the event that any person becomes an Acquiring Person, each holder of a
Right, other than Rights beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person and its
affiliates and associates (which will thereafter be void), will have the right
to receive, upon exercise of each Right, that number of Common Shares having a
market value of two times the Purchase Price. If, after the Distribution Date,
the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination with, or 50%
or more of its consolidated assets or earning power are sold to, the Acquiring
Person, each holder of a Right will have the right to receive, upon exercise
of each Right, that number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company
with a market value of two times the Purchase Price.
 
  At any time after an Acquiring Person crosses the 15% threshold and prior to
the acquisition by such person of 50% or more of the outstanding Common
Shares, the Board of Directors of the Company may exchange the Rights (other
than Rights owned by the Acquiring Person), in whole or in part, at an
exchange ratio of one Common Share per Right.
 
  The Board of Directors of the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but
not in part, at a price of $.01 per Right prior to the acquisition by an
Acquiring Person of 15% or more of the outstanding Common Shares. The terms of
the Rights may be amended by the Board of Directors of the Company without the
consent of the holders of the Rights, except that after any person becomes an
Acquiring Person no such amendment may adversely affect the interests of the
other holders of the Rights.
 
  A copy of the Rights Agreement is filed as an exhibit hereto. This summary
description of the Rights is qualified in its entirety by reference thereto.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM  5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1997                                   1996
                         ------------------------------------  -----------------------------------
                           4TH      3RD        2ND      1ST      4TH      3RD      2ND      1ST
                         -------  -------   --------- -------  -------  -------- -------- --------
<S>                      <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Common Stock:
 Market price per share
   High................. $87 1/4  $86 15/16 $75 5/8   $69 3/8  $71 1/4  $64      $61 1/2  $59 15/16
   Low.................. $74      $67 3/8   $63 11/16 $62 3/16 $63 3/8  $57 3/16 $56 1/4  $53 3/4
 Cash dividends per
  share................. $0.7125  $0.7125   $0.7125   $0.6875  $0.6875  $0.6875  $0.6875  $0.6875
$3.00 Cumulative Con-
 vertible Preference
 Stock:
 Market price per share
   High................. $1,040   $ --      $977 1/2  $864 1/2 $873     $822 3/4 $822     $778 3/8
   Low.................. $1,040   $ --      $930      $864 1/2 $873     $794     $812 5/8 $748 1/2
 Cash dividends per
  share................. $0.75    $0.75     $0.75     $0.75    $0.75    $0.75    $0.75    $0.75
$2.80 Cumulative Con-
 vertible Preference
 Stock:
 Market price per share
   High................. $408     $408      $361 3/4  $330     $337 1/2 $305 1/8 $290 1/2 $283 5/8
   Low.................. $362 1/2 $331 3/16 $307      $300     $303 5/8 $277     $270 1/2 $260
 Cash dividends per
  share................. $0.70    $0.70     $0.70     $0.70    $0.70    $0.70    $0.70    $0.70
</TABLE>
 
  Prices in the foregoing table are from the New York Stock Exchange composite
tape. On February 27, 1998 the high price per share was $77 3/4 and the low
price per share was $75 3/4.
 
  As of December 31, 1997, the approximate number of holders of record of
Common Stock of ARCO was 85,100. The principal markets in which ARCO's Common
Stock is traded are listed on the cover page.
 
  The quarterly dividend rate for Common Stock was increased to $0.7125 per
share effective June 13, 1997. On January 26, 1998, a dividend of $0.7125 per
share was declared on Common Stock, payable on March 13, 1998 to stockholders
of record on February 13, 1998. Future cash dividends will depend on earnings,
financial conditions and other factors; however, the Company presently expects
that dividends will continue to be paid.
 
ITEM  6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following table sets forth selected financial information for ARCO:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                        1997(1) 1996(1) 1995(2) 1994(3) 1993(4)
                                        ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
                                          (MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Sales and other operating revenues..... $18,684 $18,592 $15,819 $15,035 $17,189
Net income.............................   1,771   1,663   1,376     919     269
Earned per share-basic (5).............    5.51    5.17    4.27    2.85     .83
Earned per share-diluted (5)...........    5.41    5.09    4.22    2.81     .82
Cash dividends per common share (5)....   2.825    2.75    2.80    2.75    2.75
Total assets...........................  25,322  25,715  23,999  24,563  23,894
Long-term debt and capital lease
 obligations...........................   4,414   5,593   6,708   7,198   7,089
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) See Notes 3 and 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements regarding
    unusual items and an extraordinary item on page 41.
(2) Dividends include a $0.05 per share redemption payment for Common Stock
    purchase rights.
(3) Includes after-tax gain of $273 million from issuance of stock by Vastar
    Resources, Inc. and a $210 million after-tax charge for the costs
    associated with the elimination of approximately 2,400 positions company
    wide.
(4) Includes charges of $404 million after tax related to the writedown for
    sale or other disposition of oil and gas properties and excess office
    space, and the costs associated with the elimination of approximately
    1,300 positions.
(5) Restated for the effect of 100% stock dividend issued June 13, 1997.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO


ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
 
[PHOTO APPEARS HERE]

Operating
     Review
 



ARCO had a number of operating achievements in 1997, including the discovery and
certification of a major natural gas field in Indonesia. These achievements also
included increases in production, a 164% reserves replacement and growth in
earnings. ARCO's overriding goals are to increase global oil and natural gas
production and reserves and the profitability and market share of its downstream
refining and marketing segment.

     The Operating Review that follows explains the major changes in Exploration
and Production, Refining and Marketing, and Chemicals as related to prices,
production volumes, sales, and expenses for the years 1997 and 1996. Other
operations, including Lower 48 pipelines, aluminum, coal and ARCO's divested
interest in Lyondell Petrochemical Company (Lyondell), are also examined.

     The consolidated results of these operations are examined in relation to
the Consolidated Statement of Income on page 28.

 
                                      23                                   
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO


Results of Segment Operations
- -----------------------------

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

Exploration and Production

Millions                                               1997    1996     1995
                                                      -----------------------
<S>                                                   <C>     <C>      <C>
Net income                                            $1,347  $1,329   $ 784
Special items (benefit)                                   --      (7)    (23)
                                                      -----------------------
Operating results                                     $1,347  $1,322   $ 761
                                                      ======================= 
</TABLE>

     Higher natural gas prices and continued growth in international natural gas
volumes contributed to improved operating results. These factors were partially
offset by higher operating and depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A)
expenses associated with increased production. Exploration expense was also
higher in 1997. In 1996, higher crude oil and natural gas prices, growth in
natural gas volumes and lower exploration expenses combined to benefit earnings.
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 
Natural Gas Production
<S>                                               <C>      <C>      <C>
Million cubic feet/day-net                           1997     1996     1995
                                                  --------------------------
U.S., including Vastar                              1,066    1,044      999
International                 
  United Kingdom                                      368      330      265
  Indonesia                                           314      311      270
  China                                               142       69       --
  Other                                                20       20       22
                                                  --------------------------
Total International                                   844      730      557
 
</TABLE>

     International natural gas production increased 16% in 1997, reflecting
increased production from the Yacheng 13 field in the South China Sea and from
fields in the United Kingdom.

Average Natural Gas Sales Prices (per thousand cubic feet)

                           [BAR GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

                   U.S., including Vastar              International
                         $1.00                             $1.00    
     97                  $2.04                             $2.64    
     96                  $1.80                             $2.54    
     95                  $1.35                             $2.56     

     In 1996, international natural gas production increased as a result of the
startup of the Yacheng 13 field and higher production volumes in the U.K. and
Indonesia. A full year of production from the Gawain field contributed to the
increase in U.K. natural gas sales. Production from Indonesian natural gas
fields grew as a result of greater contract takes by purchasers.

Petroleum Liquids Production

Barrels/day-net                                    1997     1996     1995
                                                 --------------------------- 
Prudhoe Bay                                       198,500  210,800  226,600
Kuparuk River                                     128,200  130,500  140,700
Greater Point McIntyre                             50,500   51,400   46,300
Lower 48, including Vastar                        180,700  171,800  169,500
International                                      82,600   66,100   66,800
                                                 --------------------------- 
Total                                             640,500  630,600  649,900
                                                 ===========================

     In 1997, increased petroleum liquids production in the Lower 48 partially
offset a net decrease in production from Alaskan fields, primarily Prudhoe Bay.
ARCO's goal is to increase production modestly in the Lower 48 and stabilize
production in Alaska after 1999. In late 1997, ARCO started production from the
West Sak field in Alaska and started development of the Tarn and Alpine fields
and other satellite discoveries. West Sak and the satellite discoveries will
help stabilize production in Alaska. The 1997 decline in Alaska production was
4% compared with a 5% decline in 1996.

                             [PHOTO APPEARS HERE]

                                      24
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO


Average Petroleum Liquids Sales Prices (per barrel)

                           [BAR GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

                                U.S. including Vastar            International
                                      $10.00                        $10.00   
     97                               $15.63                        $18.20   
     96                               $16.07                        $19.02   
     95                               $12.17                        $15.96    


     The 25% increase in international petroleum liquids production reflected
increased contributions from Algeria and Qatar along with new production from
interests in Tunisia and Kazakhstan. These volumes were partially offset by a
natural field decline in Indonesia. The overall increase in petroleum liquids
production offset the decline in average petroleum liquids prices.

     In 1996, production from the Greater Point McIntyre fields increased but
was more than offset by production declines in the Prudhoe Bay and Kuparuk River
fields.


 
Refining and Marketing

  Millions                                          1997    1996    1995
                                                 ------------------------
  Net income                                      $  325  $  287  $  200
  Special items charge                                38      12      23
                                                 ------------------------
  Operating results                               $  363  $  299  $  223
                                                 ========================


     Improved operating results for ARCO's refining and marketing operations in
1997 reflected higher margins and sales volumes. The 6% increase in gasoline
sales volumes was partially attributable to the integration of over 200 former
Thrifty gasoline stations into ARCO's retailing network. Increased sales volumes
more than offset the higher operating and selling expenses related to those
stations.

     ARCO's goal is to increase the profitability and market share of its
refining and marketing operations. A major cost reduction program was initiated
in 1997 and starting in 1998, the company began operating gasoline stations in
Vancouver, British Columbia.

     In 1996, higher refined product prices and sales volumes were partially
offset by the impact of higher crude oil prices, higher prices and volumes of
purchased refined products and increased operating costs associated with
maintenance turnarounds and charges for environmental and other remediation.

     The 1997 special items charges primarily included an organizational
restructuring to achieve greater operating efficiencies. The 1996 special items
included a charge related to environmental and other remediation. The 1995
special items charges related to terminating certain contractual agreements and
future environmental remediation.


Petroleum Products Sales

  Thousand barrels/day                                  1997    1996    1995
                                                     ------------------------
  Gasoline                                             281.9   266.4   256.8
  Jet                                                  117.3   117.0   106.2
  Distillate                                            76.6    69.0    69.1
  Other                                                 68.0    80.7    61.8
                                                     ------------------------
  Total                                                543.8   533.1   493.9
                                                     ========================

     ARCO increased its refining capacity as a result of modifications and
debottlenecking projects completed in 1996 that were necessary to make
reformulated gasolines. The volume increase in other sales in 1996 reflected the
sale of intermediate products, produced in larger quantity as a result of
turnarounds which limited gasoline production. To support its growing market
volumes, refined products were purchased from third parties to supplement ARCO's
refinery production in both 1997 and 1996.

                             [PHOTO APPEARS HERE]

                                      25                                  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO


Chemicals

  Millions                                                1997   1996   1995
                                                         --------------------
  ARCO Chemical            
    Net income (reported)                                $ 111  $ 348  $ 508
    ARCO's share*                                        $ 128  $ 320  $ 460


* Reflects ARCO's share of ARCO Chemical net income after segment adjustments,
  primarily for interest expense and minority interest.



     ARCO Chemical Company's (ARCO Chemical) reported earnings for 1997 included
an after-tax charge of $116 million for its organizational restructuring and
asset review programs. The operating earnings decline reflected lower product
margins and higher scheduled plant turnaround costs. ARCO Chemical's selling,
general and administrative expenses decreased in 1997, compared to 1996, as it
began to realize some of the initial benefits of its restructuring program.

     Volumes for core products (propylene oxide (PO),  PO derivatives and
isocyanates) increased by 16%, compared to 1996. The increase reflected higher
volumes of PO derivatives, which benefited from improved demand and temporary
industry supply shortages of certain products. Core product sales also included
higher toluene di-isocyanate (TDI) volumes due to the December 1996 Olin
acquisition.

     In 1996, ARCO Chemical's earnings declined primarily as a result of lower
styrene monomer (SM) margins. SM sale prices fell more than raw material costs,
because production from increased industry capacity depressed SM market prices.

                             [PHOTO APPEARS HERE]

     In 1997, ARCO Chemical continued to move forward with its plans to build a
worldscale PO/SM plant in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and expand its existing
PO/SM capacity in Channelview, Texas.

 
Other Operations

  Millions                                               1997   1996   1995
                                                        --------------------
  Net income                                            $ 257  $ 200  $ 394
  Special items charge                                     17      6     10
                                                        --------------------
  Operating results                                     $ 274  $ 206  $ 404
                                                        ====================


     Results from ARCO's other operations included the earnings from Lower 48
pipeline, coal and aluminum operations as well as ARCO's equity in the earnings
of Lyondell. Following the settlement of ARCO's 9% Exchangeable Notes with
Lyondell stock in September 1997, ARCO no longer holds an interest in Lyondell.

     The increase in 1997 earnings and the decrease in 1996 earnings primarily
reflected fluctuations in earnings from ARCO's 49.9% interest in Lyondell. In
1997, ARCO earned $119 million from its equity interest in Lyondell, compared to
$53 million and $194 million in 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     The 1997 special items primarily included restructuring charges for coal
and Lower 48 pipeline operations. The 1996 special items included a net after-
tax charge for the writedown of ARCO's interest in the Point Arguello Pipeline,
partially offset by a gain on a pipeline sale. The 1995 special items included a
charge related to coal operations for the impact on deferred taxes of an
Australian tax rate increase.

     In April 1997, ARCO announced its intent to divest its worldwide coal
business which has coal mining operations in the United States and Australia.
The coal business is no longer considered part of the company's core growth
agenda. The manner of disposition is currently under study.

                                        26
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO


Unallocated Items

  Millions                                             1997     1996    1995
                                                    --------------------------
  Unallocated benefit (expense)                     $  (156)  $  (27)  $  38
  Interest                                             (303)    (446)   (500)
  Gain on disposition of Lyondell
     common stock                                       291       --      --
  Extraordinary loss on extinguishment of
     debt                                              (118)      --      --
                                                    --------  ------   ------
  Total                                             $  (286)  $(473)   $(462)
                                                    ========  ======   ======


     The increase in the unallocated net expense in 1997 primarily resulted from
charges of $184 million after tax for future environmental remediation and
reclamation. These charges related both to current operations and natural
resource damage liabilities in the state of Montana associated with previously
discontinued mining operations, as well as the adoption of a new environmental
accounting standard. Interest revenue was also lower in 1997. The increase in
unallocated expense in 1997 was partially offset by tax benefits related to
affiliate stock transactions.

     In September 1997, all of ARCO's 9% Exchangeable Notes due September 15,
1997 with an outstanding principal amount of $988 million were settled with
Lyondell common stock owned by ARCO. ARCO then sold its remaining Lyondell
shares in a privately negotiated transaction in late September. ARCO realized an
aggregate pretax gain of $633 million, or $291 million after tax, on the two
transactions.

     The company incurred a loss of $192 million before tax, or $118 million
after tax, on early retirement of long-term debt during 1997. The early
retirements will result in a pretax reduction in interest expense of
approximately $100 million in 1998.

     In 1996 and 1995, the company received insurance settlements related to
certain past environmental expenses. The benefits from those settlements were
greater in 1995. In addition, the recording of final charges for previously
reported personnel reductions, and less interest income from short-term
investments resulted in an after-tax expense in 1996, compared to a net benefit
in 1995.




Impact of the Year 2000 Issue

                             [PHOTO APPEARS HERE]

The Year 2000 issue arises from computer programs having been written using
two digits rather than four to designate the year. Date-sensitive computer
software may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year
2000, resulting in system failures or miscalculations, causing operational
disruptions.

     ARCO will spend approximately $20 million to avoid potential Year 2000
problems. Plans call for accounting, inventory, revenue, and financial system
modifications to be completed by the first quarter of 1999, with the bulk of
this work completed by the end of 1998.

                                      27                                 
<PAGE>

                                                                            ARCO

Consolidated Statement of Income
- --------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                    December 31,
Millions, except per share amounts                        1997     1996     1995
                                                      --------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>      <C>      <C>
REVENUES
Sales and other operating revenues                     $18,684  $18,592  $15,819
Other revenues                                             588      577      920
                                                      --------------------------
Total revenues                                          19,272   19,169   16,739
                                                      ==========================

EXPENSES
Trade purchases                                          7,881    7,949    6,116
Operating expenses                                       4,372    3,953    3,790
Selling, general and administrative expenses             1,083    1,018    1,029
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                 1,746    1,633    1,641
Exploration expenses (including undeveloped
 leasehold amortization)                                   508      413      523
Taxes other than income taxes                              766      800      717
Interest                                                   422      668      750
Unusual items                                              250       26       --
                                                      --------------------------
Total expenses                                          17,028   16,460   14,566
                                                      ==========================

Income before gain on investee stock transaction         2,244    2,709    2,173
Gain on disposition of Lyondell Petrochemical
 Company stock                                             633       --       --
                                                      --------------------------
Income before income taxes, minority interest and
 extraordinary item                                      2,877    2,709    2,173
Provision for taxes on income                              920      941      687
Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries               68      105      110
                                                      --------------------------
Net income before extraordinary item                     1,889    1,663    1,376
Extraordinary loss on extinguishment of debt, net of
 income taxes of $74 million                               118       --       --
                                                      --------------------------
Net income                                             $ 1,771  $ 1,663  $ 1,376
                                                      ==========================
Net income per share:
 Basic                                                 $  5.51  $  5.17  $  4.27
 Diluted                                               $  5.41  $  5.09  $  4.22
Weighted average equivalent shares outstanding:
 Basic                                                   321.2    321.7    321.7
 Diluted                                                 327.4    326.5    326.5

See Notes on pages 38 through 51.
</TABLE>

Results of Consolidated Operations
- ----------------------------------

ARCO's earnings continued to grow in 1997. The earnings increase primarily
reflected higher natural gas prices and volumes, lower interest expense, and
higher refined product margins. Partially offsetting factors were higher DD&A
and exploration expenses, as well as lower earnings from ARCO Chemical.

     In 1996, operating results benefited from higher crude oil and natural
gas prices, increased natural gas volumes, higher refining and marketing
volumes, and lower exploration and interest expense. These combined benefits
were partially offset by lower earnings from ARCO's chemical interests.

                                      28
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

Earnings from Consolidated Operations

 Millions                                         1997     1996    1995
                                                -------------------------
 Net income                                     $1,771   $1,663  $1,376
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Special items (benefit) charge                    (65)       -     (45)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Operating results                              $1,706   $1,663  $1,331
                                                =========================
                                 
- -------------------------        
Special items after tax          
- -------------------------        
 Millions                                         1997     1996     1995
                                                -------------------------- 
 Gain on disposition of Lyondell
   Petrochemical Company                        
   stock                                        $ (291)  $    -   $    -
 Tax-related benefits                             (248)       -        -
 Insurance settlements                               -      (47)     (82)
 Environmental charges                             184       19       30
 Restructuring charges                             141       19        -
 Loss on debt redemptions                          118        -        -
 Other, net                                         31        9        7
                                                -------------------------- 
 Total (benefit) charge                         $  (65)  $    -   $  (45)
                                                ========================== 

Revenues

     The 1997 exploration and production revenues reflected higher natural gas
production volumes and prices, partially offset by decreased natural gas
marketing activity. Effective September 1, 1997, Vastar Resources, Inc. (Vastar)
contributed certain of its natural gas marketing operations to a joint venture
with the Southern Company. As a result of the transfer of those operations, the
natural gas marketing sales and purchases volumes for 1997 were lower compared
to the same period in 1996. The natural gas marketing sales will significantly
decrease in future years as the result of Vastar's joint venture, which is
accounted for on the equity method.

Sales and Other Operating Revenues

  Millions                                         1997      1996      1995
                                                -----------------------------
  Exploration and production                    $ 9,548   $ 9,353   $ 8,376
  Refining and marketing                          6,856     6,939     5,555
  Chemicals                                       3,995     3,955     4,282
  Other operations                                  832       977     1,012
  Intersegment eliminations                      (2,547)   (2,632)   (3,406)
                                                -----------------------------
  Total                                         $18,684   $18,592   $15,819
                                                =============================

     In 1996, exploration and production revenues reflected higher crude oil and
natural gas prices, increased natural gas marketing activity and higher natural
gas production volumes. These increases were partially offset by decreased crude
oil trading activity.

     The majority of the increase in natural gas marketing and production
volumes was generated by Vastar, where natural gas revenues increased from
$1.3 billion in 1995 to $2.5 billion in 1996. The remainder of the increase came
from production in China, the U.K. and Indonesia.

Natural Gas Trade Sales and Purchases Volumes

  Million cubic feet/day                             1997     1996     1995
                                                   -------------------------
  Sales
    Marketing                                       1,804    2,049    1,231
    Production                                      1,910    1,774    1,556
                                                   --------------------------
  Total trade sales                                 3,714    3,823    2,787
  Marketing purchases                               1,865    2,132    1,312
 
     In 1997, increased refining and marketing sales volumes were more than
offset by the expiration near the end of 1996 of a crude-oil-for-refined-product
exchange agreement.

     In 1997, increased net chemicals volumes were substantially offset by lower
average sales prices. Increased chemicals volumes reflected higher PO
derivatives volumes, which benefited from improved demand and temporary industry
supply shortages for certain products. Contributing to the lower chemicals
prices were the effects of a stronger U.S. dollar, stronger competition in PO
derivatives and TDI markets, the expiration of most of ARCO Chemical's long-term
fixed-fee methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) contracts and excess SM industry
capacity.

     In 1997, revenues from other operations declined primarily as the result of
lower coal sales volumes.

     In 1996, increased refining and marketing sales revenues reflected higher
refined products prices and volumes. Decreased chemicals sales revenues
reflected a decline in chemical products prices and volumes.

Other Revenues

     Other revenues declined in 1996 primarily because of lower earnings from
ARCO's equity interest in

                                      29                                  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

Lyondell and lower benefits from insurance settlements and a lower average
balance of short-term investments.

Expenses

    ARCO's 1997 trade purchases were lower primarily as a result of decreased
natural gas marketing activity, partially offset by increased purchases of
refined products. Natural gas purchases will significantly decrease in future
years as a result of Vastar's joint venture with the Southern Company. In 1996,
trade purchases were higher as a result of increased natural gas marketing
activity and increased third-party purchases of refined products. Prices for
purchased volumes of natural gas, crude oil and refined products were also
higher in 1996.

    In 1997, operating expenses included charges of $300 million before tax for
future environmental remediation and reclamation. These charges related both to
current operations and to natural resource damage liabilities in the state of
Montana associated with previously discontinued mining operations, as well as
the adoption of a new environmental accounting standard. In addition, higher
operating costs included costs associated with increased production from Rhourde
El Baguel in Algeria and other new field production and scheduled plant
turnaround maintenance expenses at ARCO Chemical.

    ARCO's 1996 operating expenses included higher oil and gas lease operating
and other support costs for new international operations, partially offset by
lower operating costs in Alaska. In addition, refining and marketing and coal
operating expenses were higher in 1996. The refining and marketing expenses were
associated with maintenance turnarounds, marketing improvements and charges for
environmental and other remediation. The coal expenses were associated with
increased production volumes and maintenance.

    The higher depreciation, depletion and amortization in 1997 reflected new
crude oil and natural gas production from international operations.

    In 1997, ARCO's international exploration operations incurred increased
geological and geophysical expense and dry hole costs. In 1996, the lower
exploration expense primarily reflected lower dry hole costs in ARCO's
international exploration and production operations.

    The lower taxes other than income taxes in 1997 primarily result from the
impact of lower crude oil prices and volumes on U.S. production taxes. In 1996,
the higher taxes other than income taxes primarily reflected the impact of
higher crude oil prices on U.S. production taxes and the impact of higher crude
oil prices and production volumes in the U.K.

    The reversal of reserves for tax-related interest which resulted from the
partial resolution of certain federal and state income tax audits and reduction
in long-term debt resulted in a decline in interest expense in 1997. In 1996,
the decline in interest expense reflected lower average long-term debt balances
outstanding during the year, compared to prior years.

    Unusual items in 1997 were organizational restructuring charges primarily
for ARCO Chemical, ARCO's refining and marketing operations and corporate
headquarters. The charge for the ARCO Chemical organizational restructuring and
other ARCO Chemical management actions was $175 million before tax. See Note 3
to Consolidated Financial Statements regarding unusual items. In 1996, unusual
items were final charges for previously reported personnel reductions, the
majority of which were reported as unusual items in 1994.

Income Taxes

    The company's effective tax rate was 32.0% in 1997, compared to 34.7% in
1996 and 31.6% in 1995. The lower effective tax rate in 1997 primarily reflected
the net effect of affiliate stock transactions.

    The higher effective tax rate in 1996 primarily reflected a decrease in the
benefit from the dividends received tax deduction and the absence of a 1995
foreign deferred asset valuation allowance benefit.

                                      30
<PAGE>

                                                                            ARCO

Consolidated Balance Sheet
- --------------------------
 
                                                                   December 31,
Millions                                                     1997          1996
                                                          ---------------------
ASSETS                                                              

Current assets:                                                     
 Cash and cash equivalents                                $   533      $ 1,460
 Short-term investments                                       222          784
 Accounts receivable                                        1,588        1,936
 Inventories                                                1,004          995
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets                    229          258
                                                          ---------------------
 Total current assets                                       3,576        5,433
                                                          ---------------------

Investments and long-term receivables:                              
 Investments accounted for on the equity method             1,194        1,174
 Other investments and long-term receivables                1,872        1,188
                                                          ---------------------
                                                            3,066        2,362
Net property, plant and equipment                          16,998       16,195
Deferred charges and other assets                           1,682        1,725
                                                          ---------------------
Total assets                                              $25,322      $25,715
                                                          =====================

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                

Current liabilities:                                                
 Notes payable                                            $ 1,599      $ 1,157
 Accounts payable                                           1,292        1,443
 Long-term debt due within one year                           188        1,102
 Taxes payable                                                390          438
 Other                                                      1,276        1,163
                                                          ---------------------
 Total current liabilities                                  4,745        5,303
                                                          ---------------------

Long-term debt                                              4,414        5,593
Deferred income taxes                                       3,083        2,884
Other deferred liabilities and credits                      3,621        3,450
Minority interest                                             779          684
                                                          ---------------------
Total liabilities                                          16,642       17,914
                                                          ---------------------

Stockholders' equity:                                               
 Preference stocks                                              1            1
 Common stock, $2.50 par value;                                     
   shares issued 322,719,890 (1997), 161,086,174 (1996)             
   shares outstanding 320,369,895 (1997), 161,082,043               
   (1996)                                                     807          403
 Capital in excess of par value of stock                      640          628
 Retained earnings                                          7,054        6,592
 Treasury stock                                              (170)          (1)
 Equity adjustments                                           348          178
                                                          ---------------------
Total stockholders' equity                                  8,680        7,801
                                                          ---------------------

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                $25,322      $25,715
                                                          =====================

See Notes on pages 38 through 51.

                                      31
<PAGE>

                                                                            ARCO

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
- ------------------------------------
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                      December 31,
Millions                                                      1997            1996            1995
                                                           ---------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>             <C>             <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                                             

 Net income                                                $ 1,771         $ 1,663         $ 1,376
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash                                  
  provided by operating activities:                                               
   Depreciation, depletion and amortization                  1,746           1,633           1,641
   Dry hole expense and undeveloped leasehold                                     
    amortization                                               235             209             317
   Gain on disposition of Lyondell Petrochemical                                  
    Company stock                                             (291)              -               -
   Extraordinary loss on extinguishment of debt                118               -               -
   Income from equity investments                             (150)            (74)           (243)
   Dividends from equity investments                           102              77              89
   Cash payments (greater) less than noncash                                      
    provisions                                                 247            (220)           (183)
   Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries                68             105             110
   Net gain on asset sales                                     (59)            (41)            (16)
   Deferred income taxes                                        91              11              26
   Changes in working capital accounts                        (158)            121            (204)
   Other                                                         2             (79)              6
                                                           ---------------------------------------
 Net cash provided by operating activities                   3,722           3,405           2,919
                                                           ---------------------------------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                                                

 Additions to fixed assets, including dry hole costs        (2,985)         (2,141)         (1,699)
 Net cash provided by short-term investments                   558             778           1,500
 Acquisition of businesses                                       -            (576)              -
 Investment in/advances to LUKARCO                            (227)              -               -
 Investment in LUKOIL and Zhenhai securities                     -            (218)           (252)
 Proceeds from asset sales                                     197             208              66
 Investments and long-term receivables                        (204)           (515)            (73)
 Other                                                          56              85             (92)
                                                           ---------------------------------------
 Net cash used by investing activities                      (2,605)         (2,379)           (550)
                                                           ---------------------------------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                                                

 Repayments of long-term debt                               (1,741)           (861)         (1,138)
 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                      413             680             178
 Net cash provided (used) by notes payable                     466             (79)           (293)
 Dividends paid                                               (908)           (887)           (902)
 Treasury stock purchases                                     (256)            (57)            (39)
 Other                                                          (4)            100             (31)
                                                           ---------------------------------------
 Net cash used by financing activities                      (2,030)         (1,104)         (2,225)
                                                           ---------------------------------------
 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                       (14)              1              (1)
                                                           ----------------------------------------
 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents         (927)            (77)            143
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year              1,460           1,537           1,394
                                                           ----------------------------------------
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                  $   533         $ 1,460         $ 1,537
                                                           =======================================
</TABLE>

See Notes on pages 38 through 51.

                                      32
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

Analysis of Cash Flows and Financial Condition
- ----------------------------------------------

1997 Cash Inflows - (millions)
- -----------------------------

                           [PIE CHART APPEARS HERE]

Operations                      $3,722
Short-term debt                 $  466
Short-term investments          $  558
Long-term debt                  $  413
Other                           $  253

Driven by investment opportunities to achieve ARCO's growth goals, ARCO's 1998
capital spending program includes $3.8 billion for additions to fixed assets,
compared to $3.0 billion in 1997. Future capital expenditures remain subject to
business conditions affecting the industry, as well as changes in environmental
rules and regulations and the tax laws.

    Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $755 million at
year-end 1997, short-term borrowings were $1.6 billion and long-term debt due
within one year was $188 million.

    In 1997, the company used approximately $1.7 billion in cash for repayment
of long-term debt. Approximately $1 billion of that total was used for the early
retirement of debt. By retiring this high-coupon debt, the company will have
better opportunities to adjust its debt portfolio using a combination of short-
and long-term debt and floating rate as well as fixed rate debt as ARCO
continues to invest in its businesses.

1998 Adds to Fixed Assets - (millions)
- -------------------------------------

[PIE CHART APPEARS HERE]

International Exploration 
 & Production                   $1,260
Vastar                          $  660
Alaska                          $  515
Other Lower 48                  $  160
Refining & Marketing            $  600
ARCO Chemical                   $  565
Other                           $   20

1997 Cash Outflows - (millions)
- ------------------------------

[PIE CHART APPEARS HERE]

Adds to fixed assets            $2,985
Long-term debt                  $1,741
Dividends                       $  908
Other                           $  691

    Primarily as a result of the long-term debt redemptions in July 1997 and the
increased use of short-term borrowing, the company is in a working capital
deficit position of approximately $1.2 billion at December 31, 1997. It is
expected that future cash requirements for working capital, capital
expenditures, dividends and debt repayments will come from cash generated from
operating activities, existing cash balances, and future financings.

    At December 31, 1997, ARCO had unused committed bank credit facilities
totaling $3.1 billion and ARCO Chemical had an unused bank credit facility
totaling $500 million. Vastar had an unused revolving credit facility of $1.1
billion.

    In September 1997, ARCO exchanged substantially all of its 39.9 million
shares of Lyondell stock in full payment of the $988 million principal amount of
9% Exchangeable Notes due September 15, 1997.

    Effective June 13, 1997, ARCO declared a 2-for-1 stock split in the form of
a 100% stock dividend and a 4% increase in the quarterly dividend. 

Environmental Matters

    ARCO is subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and
regulations that require the company to remove or mitigate the effect on the
environment of the disposal or release of certain chemical, mineral and
petroleum substances at various sites. ARCO is currently participating in
environmental assessments and cleanups at numerous sites under these

                                      33
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

laws and may in the future be involved in additional environmental assessments
and cleanups.

Environmental Reserves

Millions                     1997         1996         1995
                            -------------------------------
Beginning balance           $ 577        $ 658        $ 670
Charges                       300           49          101
Payments                     (110)        (130)        (113)
                            -------------------------------
Ending balance              $ 767        $ 577        $ 658
                            ===============================
 
    The amount accrued represents the estimated undiscounted costs that ARCO
will incur to complete the remediation of sites with known contamination. In
view of the uncertainties associated with estimating these costs (such as
differences of opinion between ARCO and various regulatory agencies with respect
to the appropriate method for remediating contaminated sites, uncertainty as to
the extent of contamination at various sites, and uncertainty regarding ARCO's
ultimate share of costs at various sites), it is possible that actual costs
could exceed the amount accrued by as much as $500 million. See Notes 4 and 13
to Consolidated Financial Statements regarding environmental matters.

    In addition to the provision for environmental remediation costs, $1 billion
has been accrued for the estimated cost, net of salvage value, of dismantling
facilities as required by contract, regulation or law, and for the estimated
costs of restoration and reclamation of land associated with such facilities.


Market-Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management
- ------------------------------------------------

The following discussion of the company's risk-management activities includes
"forward-looking statements" that involve risk and uncertainties. Actual results
could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

    This analysis presents the hypothetical loss in earnings, cash flows or fair
value of the financial instruments, derivative instruments, and derivative-
commodity instruments which are held by the company at December 31, 1997 and are
sensitive to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity
prices.

    To minimize the effects of interest rate and foreign currency fluctuations,
ARCO enters into the following transactions using derivatives: 1) foreign
currency forward, option and swap contracts; 2) interest rate swaps; and 3)
financial futures contracts and over-the-counter Treasury options which are
limited to investment portfolio hedging, alteration of portfolio duration and
changing asset mix. ARCO and its subsidiaries also engage in hedging strategies
involving forward and futures contracts, swaps and options covering part of its
natural gas and crude oil production to minimize the effects of commodity price
fluctuations. 

     The company uses simple, non-leveraged derivative instruments that are
placed with major institutions whose creditworthiness is continually monitored.
Risk management strategies are reviewed and approved by senior management before
being implemented. Policy controls limit the maximum amount of positions that
can be taken in any given instrument.

    In the normal course of business, the company also faces risks that are
either nonfinancial or nonquantifiable. Such risks principally include country
risk, credit risk and legal risk and are not represented in the following
analyses.

Interest Rate Risk

    The fair value of the company's cash and short-term investment portfolio at
December 31, 1997, approximated carrying value due to its short-term duration.
Market risk was estimated as the potential decrease in fair value resulting from
a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates for

                                      34
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

the issues contained in the investment portfolio and was not materially
different from the year-end carrying value.

    At December 31, 1997, the fair value of notes payable approximated carrying
value due to its short-term maturities. Market risk was estimated as the
potential increase in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% decrease in
the company's weighted average short-term borrowing rate at December 31, 1997,
and was not materially different from the year-end carrying value.

    The fair value of the company's long-term debt, including current
maturities, was estimated to be $5.4 billion at December 31, 1997, and exceeded
the carrying value by $798 million. Market risk was estimated as the potential
increase in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% decrease in the
company's weighted average long-term borrowing rate at December 31, 1997, or
$185 million.

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

    The company has bought foreign currency contracts (principally involving
European currencies and Australian dollars) to hedge anticipated foreign
currency commitments and future cash flows from overseas operations with varying
maturities ranging from 1998 to 2000.

    The hypothetical loss in cash flows of the combined foreign-exchange
positions at year end is estimated to be $17 million. A hypothetical adverse
change of 10% in year-end exchange rates (a weakening of the U.S. dollar), is
assumed. The future cash flows were translated to U.S. dollars by using the
hypothetical exchange rate and the cash value of the currency contract,
multiplied by the difference between the hypothetical and strike exchange rates
to the contract amount.

    At December 31, 1997, approximately $1 billion of financial instruments,
primarily short-term debt, were denominated in foreign currencies.  Assuming a 
hypothetical adverse change of 10% in year-end exchange rates (a weakening of 
the U.S. dollar), the fair value of those instruments would increase by $80 
million. 

Commodity Price Risk

    From time to time, the company uses various hedging arrangements,
predominantly natural gas swaps and crude oil futures and options, to manage the
company's exposure to price risk from its natural gas and petroleum liquids
production. These hedging arrangements have the effect of locking in for
specified periods (at predetermined prices or ranges of prices) the prices the
company will receive for the volumes to which the hedge relates. As a result,
while these hedging arrangements are structured to reduce the company's exposure
to decreases in price associated with the hedging community, they also limit the
benefit the company might otherwise have received from any price increases
associated with the hedged commodity.

    At December 31, 1997, ARCO had entered into a series of crude oil futures
and options contracts and a series of forward natural gas contracts. Based on
year-end forward prices ARCO had a net deferred loss of $5 million on those
contracts. The hypothetical incremental loss in earnings for the combined
commodity positions at year end is estimated to be $14 million, assuming an
increase in crude oil and natural gas year-end forward prices of 10%.

    To calculate the hypothetical loss, the relevant parameters of the commodity
contracts are the type of commodity and the delivery price. The hypothetical
loss on the commodity contracts was estimated by calculating the cash value of
the contracts as the difference between the hypothetical and contract delivery
prices, then multiplying it by the contract amount.

Equity Price Risk

    Other investments at December 31, 1997, included marketable equity
securities which are recorded at a fair value of $1.4 billion, including net
unrealized gains of $979 million. Those securities have exposure to price risk.
The estimated potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10%
decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges is $140 million.

                                      35                                  
<PAGE>

                                                                            ARCO

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
- ---------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Common Stock    Preference    Capital in     Treasury Stock          Equity     Retained
Millions                         Shares  Dollars    Stock     Excess of Par   Shares   Dollars*     Adjustments   Earnings    Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>     <C>      <C>         <C>             <C>      <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>
Balance January 1, 1995           160.8     $402     $    1            $647      0.1   $    (5)       $(109)        $5,342   $6,278
Net income                                                                                                           1,376    1,376
Common stock dividends                                                                                                (900)    (900)
Preference stock dividends                                                                                              (2)      (2)
Common stock issued                 0.1       --                         --                                                      --
Treasury stock purchases                                                         0.3       (39)                                 (39)
Treasury stock issued                                                   (15)    (0.3)       39                                   24
Unrealized gain on securities                                                                            27                      27
Foreign currency translation                                                                             34                      34
Minimum pension liability                                                                               (40)                    (40)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance December 31, 1995         160.9     $402     $    1            $632      0.1   $    (5)       $ (88)        $5,816   $6,758
====================================================================================================================================
Net income                                                                                                           1,663    1,663
Common stock dividends                                                                                                (885)    (885)
Preference stock dividends                                                                                              (2)      (2)
Common stock issued                 0.2        1                         12                                                      13
Treasury stock purchases                                                         0.5       (57)                                 (57)
Treasury stock issued                                                   (16)    (0.5)       61                                   45
Unrealized gain on securities                                                                           236                     236
Foreign currency translation                                                                             (2)                     (2)
Minimum pension liability                                                                                32                      32
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance December 31, 1996         161.1     $403     $    1            $628      0.1   $    (1)       $ 178         $6,592   $7,801
====================================================================================================================================
Net income                                                                                                           1,771    1,771
Common stock dividends                                                                                                (906)    (906)
Preference stock dividends                                                                                              (2)      (2)
100% stock dividend               161.3      403                                                                      (403)      --
Common stock issued                 0.3        1                          8                                                       9
Treasury stock purchases                                                         3.5      (256)                                (256)
Treasury stock issued                                                     4     (1.3)       87                                   91
Unrealized gain on securities                                                                           381                     381
Foreign currency translation                                                                           (185)                   (185)
Minimum pension liability                                                                               (26)                    (26)
Other                                                                                                                    2        2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance December 31, 1997         322.7     $807     $    1            $640      2.3   $  (170)       $ 348         $7,054   $8,680
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
*At cost
See Notes on pages 38 through 51.


Devaluation of the Indonesian Rupiah
- ------------------------------------

The company's exploration and production operations in Indonesia are likely to
be affected by the recent devaluation in that country's currency. While the
company's natural gas sales are made in U.S. dollars, ARCO customers may lower
their contract takes, resulting in lower revenues and net income in 1998. In
addition, customers may have difficulty making payments on natural gas
purchases, which are made in U.S. dollars. Substantially all of the Indonesian
natural gas sales projected for 1998 are covered by standby letters of credit,
which are due to be renewed, issued by two Indonesian state banks.

    ARCO Chemical's Asia Pacific revenues and assets, including Indonesia, were
not material to ARCO's consolidated financial condition or results of operations
in 1997.

                                      36
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

Safe Harbor*
- -----------

From time to time ARCO's management may wish to make forward-looking statements
to more fully inform existing and potential security holders regarding various
matters. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as estimate,
project, predict or expect, that convey the uncertainty of future events or
outcomes.

Price, Political, Economic and Regulatory Instability

    Volatility in prices and margins affects all of the company's businesses.
Volatility is caused by a number of factors, including changes in market supply
and demand balances and fluctuations in political, regulatory and economic
climates throughout the world.

    The ability to operate ARCO's businesses is dependent on the politics and
regulations in the U.S. and in the particular geographic regions where the
company operates. The ability to negotiate and implement specific projects in a
timely and favorable manner may be impacted by political considerations
unrelated to or beyond the control of the company.

Exploration and Production

    Projections as to the level of future earnings are based on assumptions as
to the future prices of crude oil and natural gas. Any substantial or extended
decline in actual prices could have a material adverse effect on ARCO's
financial position, results of operations and on the quantities of crude oil and
natural gas reserves that may be economically produced.

    Projecting future rates of oil and gas production is inherently imprecise.
Production rates of oil and gas reservoirs generally decline. Future production
rates can be affected by price volatility and the company's ability to replace
depleting reservoirs. There can be no assurances as to the level or timing of
success, if any, that the company will have in acquiring or finding and
developing economically recoverable reserves.

Refining and Marketing

    Overall profitability of the company's refining and marketing operations
depends heavily on the margin between the price of crude oil and/or purchased
products and the sales price of products produced and/or purchased. Volumes
produced and margins historically have been volatile and are impacted by market
demand, regulatory changes (particularly environmental regulations regarding
gasoline), the price of crude oil, and the ability of regional refiners and the
company to provide a sufficient supply of refined products.

Chemicals

    Results of chemical operations typically are cyclical and depend heavily on
the margin between the price of raw materials and sales prices of products
produced. They are also influenced by changes in the cost of raw materials, the
availability of substitutes and changes in the industry capacity and in the
supply/demand balance.

Operating Hazards

    Operations are subject to various hazards common to the industry, including
explosions, fires, uncontrollable spills, and damage from severe weather
conditions.


*The company desires to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions contained
in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21B of the Exchange Act and is
including this statement in order to do so.

                                      37
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------------------------------------------

Note 1 Accounting Policies

     ARCO's accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting
principles, including the "successful efforts" method of accounting for oil and
gas producing activities.

Principles of Consolidation

     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all
subsidiaries, ventures and partnerships in which a controlling interest is held,
including ARCO Chemical Company and Vastar Resources, Inc., of which ARCO owned
82.3% and 82.2% of the outstanding shares, respectively, at December 31, 1997.
ARCO also consolidates its interests in undivided interest pipeline companies
and in oil and gas and coal mining joint ventures. ARCO uses the equity method
of accounting for companies where its ownership is between 20% and 50% and for
other ventures and partnerships in which an effective controlling interest is
not held.

Cash Equivalents

     Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments, such as time
deposits, certificates of deposit and marketable securities other than equity
securities, maturing within three months of purchase. Cash equivalents are
stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

Oil and Gas Unproved Property Costs

     Unproved property costs are capitalized and amortized on a composite basis,
considering past success experience and average property life. In general, costs
of properties surrendered or otherwise disposed of are charged to accumulated
amortization. Costs of successful properties are transferred to developed
properties.

Fixed Assets

     Fixed assets are recorded at cost and are written off on either the unit-
of-production or straight-line method based on the expected lives of individual
assets or groups of assets.

     Upon disposal of assets depreciated on an individual basis, residual cost
less salvage value is included in current income. Upon disposal of assets
depreciated on a group basis, unless unusual in nature or amount, residual cost
less salvage value is charged against accumulated depreciation.

Dismantlement, Restoration and Reclamation Costs

     The estimated costs, net of salvage value, of dismantling facilities or
projects with limited lives or that are required to be dismantled by contract,
regulation or law, and the estimated costs of restoration and reclamation
associated with oil and gas and mining operations are accrued during production
and classified as a long-term liability. Such costs are taken into account in
determining the cost of production in all operations, except oil and gas
production, in which case such costs are considered in determining depreciation,
depletion and amortization.

Environmental Remediation

     Environmental remediation costs are accrued as operating expenses based on
the estimated timing and extent of remedial actions required by applicable
governmental authorities and the amount of ARCO's liability in consideration of
the liability and financial wherewithal of other responsible parties. Estimated
liabilities are not discounted to present value.

Stock-based Compensation

     Employee stock options are accounted for under the intrinsic value method
prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25.

Derivative Instruments

     The company uses a variety of derivative instruments, both financial and
commodity based, to minimize the effects of commodity price, interest rate and
foreign currency fluctuations. The company does not hold or issue derivative
instruments for trading purposes and is not a party to leveraged instruments.
All derivative instruments are off-balance sheet instruments; however, net
receivable or payable positions related to derivative instruments are carried on
the balance sheet. The nature of the transaction underlying a risk management
strategy, primarily whether or not the instrument qualifies as a hedge,
determines which accounting method is used.

                                      38
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

     The conditions that must be met for a derivative instrument to qualify
as a hedge are: (1) the item to be hedged exposes the company to price or
interest rate risk; (2) the derivative reduces the risk exposure and is
designated as a hedge at the time the derivative contract is entered into; and
(3) at the inception of the hedge and throughout the hedge period there is a
high correlation between changes in market value of the derivative instrument
and fair value of the underlying items being hedged.

     Deferral accounting is used for the following types of transactions (if the
instrument qualifies as a hedge): future crude oil and natural gas production,
fixed-price crude oil and natural gas purchase and sale commitments, U.S.
dollar-denominated debt issued by a foreign subsidiary, debt denominated in a
foreign currency or anticipated foreign currency commitments. Under the deferral
method, gains and losses are deferred and included in other assets or accrued
liabilities until the designated underlying item is recognized in income.
Recognized gains and losses under the deferral method are recorded in sales and
other operating revenues, other revenues or trade purchases depending on the
underlying item associated with the derivative instrument. Instruments typically
used in these transactions are crude oil and natural gas swap and price collar
contracts and some foreign currency swap, forward and option contracts.

     The accrual method of accounting is used for interest rate swap agreements
entered into by the company which convert the interest rate on variable-rate
debt to a fixed rate. Under the accrual method, each net payment or receipt due
or owed under the derivative instrument is recognized in income during the
period to which the payment or receipt relates. Amounts to be paid or received
under these agreements are recognized as an adjustment to interest expense. The
related amounts payable to, or receivable from, the counterparties are included
in other accrued liabilities.

     The fair value method of accounting is used for any derivative instrument
that does not qualify as a hedge. The fair value method, whereby gains and
losses associated with changes in fair value of a derivative instrument are
recognized currently in income or stockholders' equity, is used for the
following derivative instruments: foreign currency forward and option contracts
associated with anticipated future cash flows related to overseas operations and
foreign currency swap contracts associated with foreign-denominated intercompany
debt with maturities exceeding one year. Presently, changes in fair value of all
transactions accounted for under this method are recognized currently in income
and reported as other revenues.

     Under each method of accounting used by the company the cash flows related
to any recognized gains or losses associated with derivative instruments are
reported as cash flows from operations.

     If a derivative instrument designated as a hedge is terminated prior to
expected maturity, gains or losses are deferred and included in income when the
underlying hedged item is recognized in income.

     When the designated item associated with a derivative instrument matures,
is sold, extinguished or terminated, gains or losses are recognized as part of
the gain or loss on sale or settlement of the underlying item. When a derivative
instrument is associated with an anticipated transaction that is no longer
expected to occur, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized immediately
in income.

Earnings per Share

     Basic earnings per share is based on the average number of common shares
outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share includes certain
outstanding options and all convertible or potentially issuable securities. All
historical earnings per share have been restated to give effect to the 100%
stock dividend effective June 13, 1997.

Use of Estimates

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

     Certain previously reported amounts have been restated to conform to
classifications adopted in 1997.

                                      39                                  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------------------------------------------


Note 2 Segment Information


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                               1997
                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millions                                     Exploration    Refining &                            Unallocated
                                            & Production     Marketing    Chemicals   All Other         Items    Totals
                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>
Sales and other operating revenue:
  U.S.                                           $ 7,918        $6,853       $2,446      $  521        $    3   $17,741
  International                                    1,630             3        1,549         293            15     3,490
Intersegment revenues                             (2,171)          (17)        (263)        (81)          (15)   (2,547)
                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                              7,377         6,839        3,732         733             3    18,684
Income (loss) from equity affiliates                   5             8           (2)        139             -       150
Interest revenue                                      12             3            2           4           104       125
Interest expense                                       -             -            -           -           422       422
Depreciation, depletion and amortization           1,184           226          229          70            37     1,746
Income tax expense (benefit)                         653           161           70          56           (20)      920
Net income (loss)                                  1,347           325          128         257          (286)    1,771
Investment in equity affiliates                      336            98           47         713             -     1,194
Property, plant and equipment (net):
  U.S.                                             6,734         2,714        1,774         881           153    12,256
  International                                    3,496             -          760         486             -     4,742
Additions to fixed assets                          2,276           330          263         113             3     2,985
Segment assets                                    13,269         3,561        4,116       2,742         1,634    25,322

<CAPTION> 
                                                                               1996
                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>
Sales and other operating revenue:
  U.S.                                           $ 7,966        $6,934       $2,363      $  594        $    -   $17,857
  International                                    1,387             5        1,592         362            21     3,367
Intersegment revenues                             (2,311)          (28)        (180)        (92)          (21)   (2,632)
                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                              7,042         6,911        3,775         864             -    18,592
Income (loss) from equity affiliates                  13             -           (1)         62             -        74
Interest revenue                                       1             1            2           3           186       193
Interest expense                                       -             -            -           -           668       668
Depreciation, depletion and amortization           1,061           227          222         107            16     1,633
Income tax expense (benefit)                         767           150          136          68          (180)      941
Net income (loss)                                  1,329           287          320         200          (473)    1,663
Investment in equity affiliates                       94             -           54       1,026             -     1,174
Property, plant and equipment (net):
  U.S.                                             6,434         2,621        1,723         858           194    11,830
  International                                    2,866             -          899         600             -     4,365
Additions to fixed assets                          1,684           121          244          84             8     2,141
Segment assets                                    11,838         3,380        4,394       3,168         2,935    25,715
 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                               1995
                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>
Sales and other operating revenue:
  U.S.                                           $ 7,207        $5,555       $2,505      $  604        $    3   $15,874
  International                                    1,169             -        1,777         378            27     3,351
Intersegment revenues                             (2,908)         (195)        (195)        (81)          (27)   (3,406)
                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                              5,468         5,360        4,087         901             3    15,819
Income (loss) from equity affiliates                  14             -           14         215             -       243
Interest revenue                                       4             -            3           2           203       212
Interest expense                                       -             -            -           -           750       750
Depreciation, depletion and amortization           1,063           219          233         105            21     1,641
Income tax expense (benefit)                         422           121          230          92          (178)      687
Net income (loss)                                    784           200          460         394          (462)    1,376
Investment in equity affiliates                       95             -           75         541             -       711
Property, plant and equipment (net):
  U.S.                                             6,472         2,729        1,346         857           200    11,604
  International                                    2,215             -          947         589             -     3,751
Additions to fixed assets                          1,190           212          195          90            12     1,699
Segment assets                                    10,468         3,165        4,135       2,645         3,586    23,999
</TABLE>

                                      40
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

     Segment information has been prepared in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.131, "Disclosure about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information." ARCO has three reportable segments:
exploration and production (E&P), refining and marketing (R&M) and chemicals.
The segments were determined based upon types of products produced/sold by each
segment. Segment performance is evaluated based upon net income, excluding
interest expense and minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries.

     The E&P segment is an aggregation of several business units engaged in one
or more of the following: the worldwide exploration, development and production
of petroleum, including petroleum liquids (crude oil, condensate and natural gas
liquids) and natural gas; the purchase and sale of petroleum liquids and natural
gas; and the transportation via pipeline of petroleum liquids within the State
of Alaska. The company's investment in the LUKARCO joint venture and LUKOIL
common stock are included in the E&P segment as well.

     The R&M segment comprises the refining of crude oil, primarily from the
North Slope of Alaska; the marketing of petroleum products, primarily in the
West Coast region of the U.S.; and the transportation of petroleum and petroleum
products via ocean-going tankers, primarily between Alaska and the West Coast.
The company's equity investment in Zhenhai Refining and Chemical Company is
included in the R&M segment as well. The chemicals segment comprises the
worldwide manufacture and sale of chemical products, including propylene oxide
and derivatives, toluene di-isocyanate, styrene monomer and methyl tertiary
butyl ether.

     Revenue from other operating segments is attributable to the following: the
mining and sale of coal in the western U.S. and Australia; the pipeline
transportation and storage of petroleum and petroleum products in the 48
contiguous United States; the processing and marketing of aluminum sheet. The
company's equity interest in Lyondell Petrochemical Company is included with
other operating segment information until September 1997 when ARCO disposed of
its interest.

     Intersegment sales were made at prices approximating current market value.


Note 3 Unusual Items

     During 1997, the company recorded pretax charges of $250 million for
several restructuring actions. ARCO Chemical Company announced a charge of
$175 million consisting of $75 million of personnel-related costs, $23 million
of exit costs, and $77 million related to the review of certain assets including
$52 million of valuation adjustments. In a separate action, ARCO accrued an
additional $75 million in personnel-related costs, related to organizational
restructuring, primarily in refining and marketing operations and corporate
headquarters. The following table summarizes the personnel-related costs of both
actions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
($ Millions)                                                  Funded          Unfunded
                                         Short-term        Long-Term         Long-term
Terminations                               Benefits/(a)/    Benefits/(b)/     Benefits/(c)/    Total
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>    
1,200                                          $133               $5               $12          $150
</TABLE> 

(a) Severance and ancillary benefits
(b) Net increase in pension benefits to be paid from assets of qualified pension
    plans.
(c) Net increase in non-qualified pension benefits and other postretirement
    benefits to be paid from Company funds.

     As of December 31, 1997, approximately 480 employees have been terminated
and approximately $14 million of short-term benefits have been paid. Payments do
not correlate with the number of terminations because certain short-term
benefits may be deferred.

Note 4 Accounting Changes

     Effective January 1, 1997, the company adopted Statement of Position (SOP)
96-1, "Environmental Remediation Liabilities." The provisions include standards
affecting the measurement, recognition and disclosure of environmental
remediation liabilities. The effect of initially applying the provisions of SOP
96-1 in 1997 was a decrease in the company's net income of $30 million, or $0.09
per share (basic and diluted).

Note 5 Extraordinary Item

     During 1997, ARCO retired debt with a face value of $756 million prior to
maturity. The debt repurchases resulted in an extraordinary charge of
$118 million against net income, after tax of $74 million.

     The impact of the extraordinary item on basic and diluted earnings per
share was as follows:
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 
Millions                                                         Basic   Diluted
                                                   -------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>       <C>       <C> 
Income before extraordinary item                     $ 1,889   $  5.88   $  5.77
Extraordinary loss                                      (118)    (0.37)    (0.36)
                                                   -------------------------------
Net income                                           $ 1,771   $  5.51   $  5.41
                                                   ===============================
</TABLE>

                                      41
<PAGE> 
                                                                            ARCO
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------------------------------------------

Note 6 Inventories

     Inventories are recorded when purchased, produced or manufactured and are
stated at the lower of cost or market. In 1997, approximately 83% of
inventories, excluding materials and supplies, were determined by the last-in,
first-out (LIFO) method. Materials and supplies and other non-LIFO inventories
are determined predominantly on an average cost basis.

     Total inventories at December 31 comprised the following:

 
Millions                                                 1997     1996
                                                     ------------------
Crude oil and petroleum products                      $   247  $   204
Chemical products                                         439      488
Other products                                             43       48
Materials and supplies                                    275      255
                                                     ------------------
Total                                                 $ 1,004  $   995
                                                     ==================

     The excess of the current cost of inventories over book value was
approximately $271 million and $293 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.

Note 7 Investments

     At December 31, 1997 and 1996, investments in debt securities were
primarily composed of U.S. Treasury securities and corporate debt instruments.
Maturities generally ranged from two days to 22 months. These investments were
principally included in short-term investments. ARCO's investments in LUKOIL
common stock and Zhenhai Refining and Chemical Company convertible bonds were
included in other investments and long-term receivables. At December 31, 1997
and 1996, all investments were classified as available-for-sale and investments
were reported at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses, net of
tax, reported in a separate component of stockholders' equity.

     The following summarizes investments at December 31:
 
Millions                                                 1997        1996
                                                     ----------------------
Aggregate fair value                                  $ 1,897     $ 2,311
Gross unrealized holding losses                             1           3
Gross unrealized holding gains                           (985)       (365)
                                                     ----------------------
Amortized cost                                        $   913     $ 1,949
                                                     ======================

     Investment activity for the years ended December 31 was as follows:


Millions                                                 1997        1996
                                                     ----------------------
Gross purchases                                       $ 6,902     $ 7,799
Gross sales                                             1,753       2,371
Gross maturities                                        6,111       5,920

     Gross realized gains and losses were insignificant and were determined by
the specific identification method.

Note 8 Fixed Assets

     Property, plant and equipment at December 31 was as follows:
 
                                             1997              1996
                                    ----------------------------------
Millions                              Gross      Net    Gross      Net
                                    ----------------------------------
Exploration and production          $25,145  $10,230  $23,238  $ 9,300
Refining and marketing                5,017    2,714    4,743    2,621
Chemicals                             4,149    2,534    4,152    2,622
Other operations                      2,117    1,367    2,197    1,458
Unallocated                             358      153      407      194
                                    ----------------------------------
Total                               $36,786  $16,998  $34,737  $16,195
                                    ==================================
 
     Expenses for maintenance and repairs for 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $506
million, $497 million and $475 million, respectively.

Note 9 Short-term Borrowings and Bank Credit Facilities

     Notes payable consist primarily of commercial paper issued to a variety of
financial investors and institutions and any amounts outstanding under ARCO or
ARCO Chemical credit facilities. The weighted average interest rate on notes
payable outstanding at December 31, 1997 and 1996, was 6.7% and 5.7%,
respectively.

     In 1997, ARCO and certain wholly owned subsidiaries had committed bank
credit facilities of approximately $3.1 billion. At December 31, 1997, there
were no borrowings under these committed facilities.

     ARCO Chemical maintains its own credit facility, not guaranteed by ARCO,
under which it may borrow up to $500 million. At December 31, 1997, there were
no borrowings against this credit facility.

     At December 31, 1997, ARCO had unused letters of credit totaling
approximately $480 million.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

Note 10 Long-term Debt

     Long-term debt at December 31 comprised the following:

Millions                                                         1997    1996
                                                              -----------------
8 1/4%, due in 2022                                             $  245  $  250
8 1/2%, due in 2012                                                178     178
8 3/4%, due in 2032                                                159     198
9% exchangeable notes, due in 1997                                   -     988
9%, due in 2021                                                    209     286
9%, due in 2031                                                     97     136
9 1/8%, due in 2011                                                253     300
9 1/8%, due in 2031                                                155     345
9 7/8%, due in 2016                                                181     450
10 1/4%, due in 2000                                                 -     250
10 7/8%, due in 2005                                               410     500
Medium-Term Notes -- A Series, 8.70%/(a)/                          182     197
Medium-Term Notes -- B Series, 8.34%/(a)/                          250     250
ARCO Tresop Notes, 5.06%/(a)/                                      163     224
Variable rate, due in 2031, 3.80%/(a)/                             265     265
Variable rate, due in 2032 6.66%/(a)/                              108       -
ARCO Chemical:
  9.375%, due in 2005                                              100     100
  9.8%, due in 2020                                                224     224
  9.9%, due in 2000                                                200     200
  10.25%, due in 2010                                              100     100
  French bank loans, 7.2%/(a)/                                      33      55
  Dutch bank loans                                                 149     173
Vastar:
  Commercial paper, 6.2%/(a)/                                      373     554
  6.95%, due in 2006                                                75      75
  6.96%, due in 2007                                                75       -
  8 3/4%, due in 2005                                              149     149
Other                                                              269     248
                                                              -----------------
Total, including debt due within one year                        4,602   6,695
Less debt due within one year                                      188   1,102
                                                              -----------------
Long-term debt                                                  $4,414  $5,593
                                                              =================

(a) Weighted average of interest rates at December 31, 1997.

     Maturities for the five years subsequent to December 31, 1997, are as
follows:

Millions      1998    1999    2000   2001    2002
             -------------------------------------
Maturities    $188    $143    $219    $66    $584

     In 1996, Vastar established a $1.1 billion Commercial Paper Program for
issuance of unsecured notes with maturities of up to 270 days from the date of
issue. Vastar has agreed to maintain credit lines sufficient to support payment
on the notes.

     In 1996, Vastar consolidated existing unsecured revolving credit agreements
into a single facility. As of December 31, 1997, commitments under this
facility, as amended to date, totaled $1.1 billion. The commitment expires March
31, 2002. During 1997, no debt was outstanding under this facility. The credit
facility is not guaranteed by ARCO. The agreement contains covenants, the most
restrictive of which require Vastar to maintain certain financial ratios and
minimum levels of tangible stockholders' equity and restrict encumbrance of
assets.

     ARCO periodically enters into interest rate swap agreements with the
objective of managing interest rate risk by converting the interest rate on
variable-rate debt to a fixed rate. The fixed rate is accrued and charged to
interest expense through the term of the interest rate swap agreement. All
interest rate swaps are intended to be held until maturity. At December 31,
1997, ARCO Chemical had outstanding interest rate swaps on one loan of
300 million Dutch guilders (approximately $149 million) due in 2002. The swaps
mature when the related debt becomes due. The swaps effectively change the
loan's floating interest rate to a fixed rate of 4.8%.

     At December 31, 1997 and 1996, approximately $180 million and $230 million,
respectively, of long-term debt was denominated in foreign currencies.

     No material amounts of long-term debt are collateralized by ARCO assets.

Note 11 Interest

     Interest for the years ended December 31 comprised the following:

 
Millions                                  1997    1996    1995
                                       ------------------------ 
Long-term debt                           $ 491   $ 579   $ 637
Short-term debt                             95      83      90
Other /(a)/                               (117)     28      72
                                       ------------------------ 
                                           469     690     799
Capitalized interest                       (47)    (22)    (49)
                                       ------------------------ 
Total interest expense                   $ 422   $ 668   $ 750
                                       ========================
Total interest paid in cash              $ 469   $ 675   $ 780
                                       ========================
Interest income                          $ 125   $ 193   $ 212
                                       ========================

(a) Includes $145 million reversal from partial tax audit settlements in 1997.

                                      43
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------------------------------------------

Note 12 Financial Instruments and Fair Value

     ARCO does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

     ARCO enters into various types of foreign currency forward, option and swap
contracts. Foreign currency forward and option contracts are used to minimize
foreign exchange exposures associated with U.S. dollar-denominated debt issued
by a foreign subsidiary, anticipated foreign currency commitments and
anticipated future cash flows related to overseas operations. Foreign currency
swap contracts are used to minimize foreign exchange exposures related to
foreign-denominated intercompany debt with maturities exceeding one year.

     At December 31, 1997, the notional amounts of foreign currency contracts
outstanding (principally involving European currencies and Australian dollars)
were approximately $613 million, with various maturities ranging from 1998 to
2000. At December 31, 1996, the notional amounts of foreign currency contracts
outstanding were approximately $804 million.

     Gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts covering
anticipatory cash flows are recognized currently as other income or expense.
Gains and losses on foreign currency swaps associated with intercompany debt are
recognized currently in income and offset foreign exchange gains and losses on
the underlying intercompany loans. Gains and losses on other foreign currency
contracts are generally deferred and offset the transactions being hedged.

     ARCO periodically enters into interest rate swaps to manage interest rate
risk. Interest rate swaps are used in conjunction with debt (see Note 10).

     ARCO also uses various hedging arrangements to manage the exposure to price
risk for future natural gas and crude oil transactions. Gains and losses
resulting from these transactions are deferred and included in other assets or
accrued liabilities until realized in sales and other operating revenues as the
physical production required by the contracts is delivered. During 1997, Vastar
entered into a series of natural gas swap and price collar agreements which at
December 31, 1997, covered 201 million cubic feet per day of its 1998 natural
gas production. These swap agreements will serve as hedges which secure prices
on these volumes at an average price of $2.13 per thousand cubic feet for 1998
(on a Henry Hub basis).

     At December 31, the carrying value and estimated fair value of ARCO's
financial instruments are shown as assets (liabilities) in the table below:

                                        1997                 1996
                             ------------------------------------------
Millions                       Carrying      Fair   Carrying      Fair
                                  Value     Value      Value     Value
                             ------------------------------------------
Non-derivatives:
  Short-term investments        $   222   $   222    $   784   $   784
  Equity method investments       1,194     1,204      1,174     1,779
  Other investments and    
   long-term receivables          1,872     1,872      1,188     1,188
  Notes payable                  (1,599)   (1,599)    (1,157)   (1,157)
  Long-term debt, including
   current maturities            (4,602)   (5,400)    (6,695)   (7,213)
Derivatives:
  Foreign currency forwards     $    (1)  $    (1)   $   (14)  $   (14)
  Foreign currency options            4         4          6         6
  Foreign currency swaps              3         2         (4)       (4)
  Interest rate swaps on debt        --        --         (1)       (3)
  Oil & gas price swaps              (7)       (7)       (21)      (21)
  Commodity futures                   2         2         (6)       (6)
 
     All derivative instruments are off-balance-sheet instruments; however, net
receivable or payable positions related to derivative instruments are carried on
the balance sheet.

     Short-term investments are carried at fair value. The fair value of notes
payable approximates carrying value due to its short-term maturities. Equity
method investments and other investments and long-term receivables were valued
at quoted market prices if available. For unquoted investment securities, the
reported fair value was estimated on the basis of financial and other
information. The fair value of ARCO's long-term debt was estimated based on the
quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates
offered to ARCO for debt of the same remaining maturities. The fair value of
foreign currency contracts and interest rate swaps represented the amount to be
exchanged if the existing contracts had been settled at year end and was
estimated based on market quotes.

     ARCO is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the
counterparties. ARCO does not generally require collateral or other security to
support these financial instruments. The counterparties to these instruments are
major institutions deemed creditworthy by ARCO; ARCO does not anticipate
nonperformance by the counterparties.

                                      44
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

Note 13 Other Commitments and Contingencies

     ARCO has commitments, including those related to the acquisition,
construction and development of facilities, all made in the normal course of
business.

     Following the March 1989 EXXON VALDEZ oil spill, numerous lawsuits seeking
compensatory and punitive damages and injunctions were filed by the State of
Alaska, the United States and private plaintiffs against Exxon, Alyeska Pipeline
Service Company (Alyeska) and Alyeska's owner companies (including ARCO, which
owns approximately 22%). Alyeska and its owner companies have settled the civil
damage claims by federal and state governments and the lawsuits by private
plaintiffs. Certain issues relating to the liability for the spill remain
unresolved between the Exxon companies, on the one hand, and Alyeska and its
other owner companies.

     ARCO and former producers of lead pigments have been named as defendants in
cases filed by a municipal housing authority, two purported classes and several
individuals seeking damages and injunctive relief as a consequence of the
presence of lead-based paint in certain housing units. ARCO is also the subject
of or party to other pending or threatened legal actions.

     The State of Montana is seeking recovery from ARCO of $764 million based on
alleged injuries to natural resources resulting from mining and mineral
processing businesses formerly operated by Anaconda, ARCO's predecessor in
Montana. ARCO is contesting this demand.

     ARCO is subject to other loss contingencies pursuant to federal, state and
local environmental laws and regulations. These require ARCO to remove or
mitigate the effects on the environment of the disposal or release of certain
chemical, mineral and petroleum substances at various sites, perform certain
restoration work on these sites and to pay damages for loss of use and non-use
values. ARCO is currently participating in environmental assessments and
cleanups under these laws at federal Superfund and state-managed sites, as well
as other clean-up sites. ARCO may in the future be involved in additional
environmental assessments and cleanups, including restoration of natural
resources and damages for loss of use and non-use values. The amount of future
costs will depend on such unknown factors as the nature and extent of
contamination, the timing, extent and method of remedial actions which may be
required and the determination of ARCO's liability in proportion to other
responsible parties. Environmental loss contingencies include claims for
personal injuries allegedly caused by exposure to toxic materials manufactured
or used by ARCO.

     ARCO continues to estimate the amount of these costs in periodically
establishing reserves based on progress made in determining the magnitude of
remediation costs, experience gained from sites on which remediation has been
completed, the timing and extent of remedial actions required by the applicable
governmental authorities and an evaluation of the amount of ARCO's liability
considered in light of the liability and financial wherewithal of the other
responsible parties. At December 31, 1997, the environmental remediation accrual
was $767 million. As the scope of ARCO's obligations becomes more clearly
defined, there may be changes in these estimated costs, which might result in
future charges against ARCO's earnings.

     ARCO's environmental remediation accrual covers federal Superfund and 
state-managed sites as well as other clean-up sites, including service stations,
refineries, terminals, chemical facilities, third-party landfills, former
nuclear processing facilities, sites associated with discontinued operations and
sites formerly owned by ARCO. ARCO has been named a potentially responsible
party (PRP) for 133 sites. The number of PRP sites in and of itself is not a
relevant measure of liability because the nature and extent of environmental
concerns varies by site and ARCO's share of responsibility varies from sole
responsibility to very little responsibility. ARCO reviews all PRP sites, along
with other sites as to which no claims have been asserted, in estimating the
amount of the accrual. ARCO's future costs at these sites could exceed the
amount accrued by as much as $500 million.

     Approximately 58% of the reserve related to sites associated with ARCO's
discontinued operations, primarily mining activities in the states of Montana,
Utah and New Mexico. Another significant component related to currently and
formerly owned chemical, nuclear processing, and refining and marketing
facilities, and other sites which received wastes from these facilities. The
remainder related to other sites with reserves ranging from $1 million to
$10 million per site. No one site represents more than 10% of the total accrual.
Substantially all amounts accrued are expected to be paid out over the next five
to six years.

     Claims for recovery of remediation costs already incurred and to be
incurred in the future have been filed against various third parties. Many of
these claims have been resolved. ARCO has neither recorded any asset nor reduced
any liability in connection with unresolved claims.

     Although any ultimate liability arising from any of the matters described
herein could result in significant expenses or judgments that, if aggregated and
assumed to occur within a single fiscal year, would be material to ARCO's
results of operations, the likelihood of such occurrence is considered remote.
On the basis of management's best assessment of the ultimate amount and timing
of these events, such expenses or judgments are not expected to have a material
adverse effect on ARCO's consolidated financial statements.

                                      45
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------------------------------------------

     The operations and consolidated financial position of ARCO continue to be
affected by domestic and foreign political developments as well as legislation,
regulations and litigation pertaining to restrictions on production, imports and
exports, tax increases, environmental regulations, cancellation of contract
rights and expropriation of property. Both the likelihood of such occurrences
and their overall effect on ARCO vary greatly and are not predictable.

     These uncertainties are part of a number of items that ARCO has taken and
will continue to take into account in periodically establishing reserves.

Note 14 Taxes

     The income tax provision for the years ended December 31 comprised the
following:

Millions                                           1997      1996      1995
                                                ---------------------------
Federal:
  Current                                       $   614   $   662   $   497
  Deferred                                          129        (9)       42
                                                ---------------------------
                                                    743       653       539
Foreign:
  Current                                           117       155       108
  Deferred                                          (35)       24       (40)
                                                ---------------------------
                                                     82       179        68
State:
  Current                                            98       113        56
  Deferred                                           (3)       (4)       24
                                                ---------------------------
                                                     95       109        80
                                                ---------------------------
Total provision for taxes on income               $ 920   $   941   $   687
                                                ===========================
Total income taxes paid in cash                   $ 831   $   930   $   785
                                                =========================== 

     A deferred tax expense of $242 million and $144 million was recorded in
1997 and 1996, respectively, related to unrealized investment gains included in
stockholders' equity.

     Major components of the net deferred tax liability at December 31 were as
follows:

Millions                                                     1997      1996
                                                        ----------------------
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                $  (3,713) $  (3,741)
Other                                                        (878)      (510)
                                                        ----------------------
Total deferred tax liabilities                             (4,591)    (4,251)
                                                        ----------------------
Dismantlement and environmental                               604        518
Postretirement benefits                                       321        330
Foreign excess tax basis/loss carryforwards                   279        299
Other                                                         431        350
                                                        ----------------------
Total deferred tax assets                                   1,635      1,497
                                                        ----------------------
Valuation allowance                                          (127)      (130)
                                                        ----------------------
Net deferred income tax liability                       $  (3,083) $  (2,884)
                                                        ======================

     The valuation allowance was $113 million at December 31, 1995.

     Taxes other than income taxes for the years ended December 31 comprised the
following:

Millions                                           1997      1996      1995
                                                 ---------------------------
Property                                         $  189   $   178   $   180
Production/severance                                397       445       343
Other                                               180       177       194
                                                 ---------------------------
Total                                             $ 766   $   800   $   717
                                                 =========================== 

     ARCO has foreign loss carryforwards of $490 million which begin expiring in
1998.

     The domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes and
minority interest, and a reconciliation of income tax expense with tax at the
effective federal statutory rate for the years ended December 31 were as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1997                       1996                     1995
                                                       ------------------------   ------------------------  -----------------------
Millions                                               Amount   % Pretax Income   Amount   % Pretax Income  Amount  % Pretax Income
                                                       ------------------------   ------------------------  -----------------------
<S>                                                    <C>      <C>               <C>      <C>              <C>      <C>
Income before income taxes:
  Domestic                                             $2,582           89.7      $2,279         84.1        $1,896       87.3
  Foreign                                                 295           10.3         430         15.9           277       12.7
                                                       ------------------------   ------------------------  -----------------------
Total                                                  $2,877          100.0      $2,709        100.0        $2,173      100.0
                                                       ========================   ========================  =======================
Tax at 35%                                             $1,007           35.0      $  948         35.0        $  761       35.0
Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:                                                                            
  Dividend exclusion                                      (33)          (1.1)        (15)        (0.6)          (54)      (2.5)
  Taxes on foreign income in excess of statutory rate      32            1.1          41          1.5            46        2.1
  Affiliate stock transactions                           (109)          (3.8)         --           --            --         --
  Disposition of equity investment                         90            3.1          --           --            --         --
  Foreign deferred tax asset valuation                     --             --          28          1.0           (30)      (1.4)
  State income taxes (net of federal effect)               62            2.2          71          2.6            52        2.4
  Tax credits                                            (106)          (3.7)        (95)        (3.5)          (81)      (3.7)
  Other                                                   (23)          (0.8)        (37)        (1.3)           (7)      (0.3)
                                                       ------------------------   ------------------------  -----------------------
Provision for taxes on income                          $  920           32.0      $  941         34.7        $  687       31.6
                                                       ========================   ========================  ======================= 

</TABLE>

                                      46
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

 
Note 15 Retirement Plans

     The following table sets forth the plans' funded status and amounts
recognized in the balance sheet at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   1997                            1996
                                                                      ------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                                      Assets Exceed    Accumulated    Assets Exceed    Accumulated
                                                                       Accumulated       Benefits      Accumulated       Benefits
Millions                                                                 Benefits     Exceed Assets      Benefits     Exceed Assets
                                                                      ------------------------------  ------------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Actuarial present value of benefits:
  Vested benefits                                                         $(2,285)          $(249)        $(2,131)          $(213)
  Non-vested benefits                                                         (37)             (4)            (31)             (1)
                                                                      ------------------------------  ------------------------------
  Accumulated benefits                                                     (2,322)           (253)         (2,162)           (214)
  Effect of future projected salary increases                                (254)            (31)           (359)            (78)
                                                                      ------------------------------  ------------------------------
  Projected benefit obligation (PBO)                                       (2,576)           (284)         (2,521)           (292)
Plan assets at fair value, primarily stocks and bonds                       3,100               1           2,895               2
                                                                      ------------------------------  ------------------------------
PBO(greater) less than plan assets                                            524            (283)            374            (290)
Unrecognized net loss                                                          76             115             178             123
Prior service cost not yet recognized in net periodic pension cost            129              20             136              22
Remaining unrecognized (asset) obligation from transition                    (234)              5            (263)              7
Adjustment for minimum liability                                                -            (110)              -             (76)
                                                                      ------------------------------  ------------------------------
Prepaid pension asset (liability) recognized in the balance sheet         $   495           $(253)        $   425           $(214)
                                                                      ==============================  ==============================
</TABLE>

     ARCO and its subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans to provide
pension benefits to substantially all employees. The benefits are based on years
of service and the employee's compensation, primarily during the last three
years of service. ARCO's funding policy is to make annual contributions as
required by applicable regulations. ARCO accrues pension costs based on an
actuarial valuation for each plan and funds the plan through contributions to
trust funds that are kept apart from company funds.

     The assumptions used as of December 31 in determining the pension cost and
pension liability were as follows:

Percent                                             1997    1996    1995
                                                   ---------------------- 
Discount rate                                        7.0    7.25     7.0
Rate of salary progression                           4.0     5.0     5.0
Long-term rate of return         
  on assets                                         10.5    10.5    10.5
 
     Pension costs related to ARCO-sponsored plans, on a pretax basis, for the
years ended December 31 were as follows:
 
Millions                                            1997    1996    1995
                                                   ---------------------- 
Service cost-benefits earned
  during the period                                $  73   $  79   $  62
Interest cost on PBO                                 196     198     195
Actual (return) loss on plan assets                 (427)   (454)   (517)
Net amortization and deferral                        130     190     272
                                                   ---------------------- 
Net pension (income) cost                          $ (28)  $  13   $  12
                                                   ======================  

Note 16 Other Postretirement Benefits

     ARCO and its subsidiaries sponsor defined postretirement benefit plans
which provide other postretirement benefits to substantially all employees who
retire with ARCO having rendered the required years of service, and to their
spouses and eligible dependents. Health care benefits are provided primarily
through comprehensive indemnity plans or health maintenance organizations
(HMOs), as chosen by the employee. Beginning January 1, 1997, ARCO paid for the
cost of the benchmark HMO with employees responsible for the differential cost,
if any, of their selected option. Previously, ARCO paid approximately 80% of the
cost of a comprehensive indemnity plan. This change resulted in an unrecognized
prior service benefit. Life insurance benefits are based primarily on the
employee's final compensation and are partially paid for by retiree
contributions, which vary based upon coverage chosen by the retiree. ARCO has
the right to modify the plans at any time.

     ARCO's current policy is to fund the cost of postretirement health care and
life insurance plans on a pay-as-you-go basis.

     The significant assumptions used in determining postretirement benefit cost
and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) were as follows:
 
Percent                                             1997    1996    1995
                                                   ----------------------
Discount rate                                        7.0    7.25     7.0
Rate of salary progression                           4.0     5.0     5.0

                                      47
<PAGE>
 

                                                                            ARCO


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------------------------------------------

     ARCO accrues postretirement benefit costs based on actuarial calculations
for each plan. Net postretirement benefit costs for the years ended December 31
included the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1997                              1996                                1995
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                               Health        Life                Health        Life                Health          Life            
Millions                        Care       Insurance    Total     Care      Insurance    Total      Care        Insurance    Total
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
<S>                           <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>          <C>
Service cost-benefits
 earned during the period       $  8        $   3      $ 11      $   7       $   3       $  10      $   8         $   2     $  10
Interest cost on APBO             30           13        43         32          13          45         49            13        62
Net amortization                 (15)           -       (15)       (13)          -         (13)         -            (1)       (1)
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Net postretirement benefit                                                                                               
 cost                           $ 23        $  16      $ 39      $  26       $  16       $  42      $  57         $  14     $  71
                             ======================================================================================================
</TABLE> 

     The weighted average annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost
of covered benefits (i.e., health care trend rate) for the health plans is 9%
for 1995 and 1996, 7% for 1997 to 2001, and 5% thereafter. The effect of a one-
percentage-point increase in the assumed trend rate would increase the APBO as
of December 31, 1997, by approximately $52 million, and the aggregate of the
service and interest cost components of net annual postretirement benefit cost
by approximately $5 million.

     The plans' combined postretirement benefit liability at December 31 was as
follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                              1997                             1996
                                                                   -----------------------------------------------------------
Millions                                                           Health     Life    Total          Health    Life     Total
                                                                    Care   Insurance                  Care   Insurance
                                                                   -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>       <C>      <C>            <C>       <C>     <C> 
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO):                                                       
 Retirees                                                          $(345)    $(156)   $(501)         $(370)    $(153)  $(523)
 Employees fully eligible                                            (18)       (7)     (25)           (16)       (7)    (23)
 Other active participants                                           (98)      (31)    (129)           (88)      (33)   (121)
                                                                   -----------------------------------------------------------
 Total APBO                                                         (461)     (194)    (655)          (474)     (193)   (667)
Unrecognized prior service (benefit) cost                           (217)        2     (215)          (233)        2    (231)
Unrecognized net (gain) loss                                          46       (14)      32             65       (13)     52
                                                                   -----------------------------------------------------------
Accrued postretirement benefit cost recognized                                                              
 in the balance sheet                                              $(632)    $(206)   $(838)         $(642)    $(204)  $(846)
                                                                   ===========================================================
</TABLE>

Note 17 Lease Commitments

     Capital lease obligations are recorded at the present value of future
rental payments. The related assets are amortized on a straight-line basis.

     At December 31, 1997, future minimum rental payments due under leases were
as follows:

                                                   Capital     Operating
Millions                                            Leases        Leases
                                                  ---------------------- 
1998                                              $      3      $    249
1999                                                     3           209
2000                                                     3           178
2001                                                     3           120
2002                                                     3           103
Later years                                             67           632
                                                  ---------------------- 
Total minimum lease payments                            82      $  1,491
                                                                ========
Imputed interest (rates ranging from                             
  9.75% to 12%)                                         56         
                                                  ---------
Present value of minimum lease                                   
  payments included in long-term debt             $     26         
                                                  ====================== 

     Minimum future rental income under noncancellable subleases at December 31,
1997, amounted to $63 million.

     Operating lease net rental expense for the years ended December 31 was as
follows:

Millions                                 1997         1996          1995
                                        --------------------------------
Minimum rentals                         $ 257        $ 215        $  225
Contingent rentals                          1            2            10
Sublease rental income                    (11)         (11)          (12)
                                        --------------------------------
Net rental expense                      $ 247        $ 206        $  223
                                        ================================

     No restrictions on dividends or on additional debt or lease financing exist
under ARCO's lease commitments. Under certain conditions, options exist to
purchase certain leased properties.

                                      48
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

Note 18 Stock Options

     Options to purchase shares of ARCO's common stock have been granted to
executives, outside directors and key employees. The exercise price of each
option is equal to the fair market value of common stock at the date of grant.
These options become exercisable in varying installments and expire 10 years
after the date of grant. Options granted prior to 1997 vest over two years in
equal installments. Options granted in 1997 vest equally over three years.
Transactions during 1997, 1996 and 1995 were as follows (restated to give effect
to June 13, 1997 100% stock dividend):

                                                       Weighted Average
                                                         Exercise Price
                                       -----------------------------------
Balance, January 1, 1995                   7,147,484            $ 52.13
Granted                                      973,196              54.50
Exercised                                   (442,172)             43.66
Cancelled                                     (2,236)             52.11
                                       -----------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1995                 7,676,272            $ 52.92
                                       ===================================
Granted                                    1,101,834              56.61
Exercised                                 (1,110,326)             46.15
Cancelled                                    (34,358)             58.47
                                       -----------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1996                 7,633,422            $ 54.41
                                       ===================================
Granted                                    1,414,048              64.47
Exercised                                 (1,022,100)             52.21
Cancelled                                    (18,224)             61.18
                                       -----------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1997                 8,007,146            $ 56.45
                                       ===================================
 
     A summary of ARCO's fixed stock options as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, was as follows:
 
                                        1997           1996        1995
                                 ----------------------------------------
Shares available for option        6,605,106      8,672,714   7,166,892
Options exercisable                6,064,856      6,067,976   6,149,752
Weighted average exercise
  price of options exercisable      $  54.58       $  54.01    $  52.89
Weighted average fair value
  of options granted during
  the year                          $  14.27       $  25.90    $  28.63
Used to calculate fair value:
  Risk-free interest rate               6.38%          6.00%       7.36%
  Expected life (years)                   10             10          10
  Expected volatility                  18.17%         14.42%      17.33%
  Expected dividends                    4.29%          0.00%       0.00%
 
     At December 31, 1997, exercise prices for options outstanding ranged from
$39.50 to $85.875 and the weighted average remaining contractual life was
5.92 years.

     ARCO applies APB 25 in accounting for its fixed stock options. Accordingly,
no compensation cost has been recognized for options granted. The pro forma
impact to net income and earnings per share from calculating compensation
expense consistent with the fair value method under SFAS No. 123 was less than
1% for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.

     Beginning in 1997, ARCO awards contingent performance-based restricted
stock to executives and key employees. The number of shares of restricted stock
ultimately issued depends on the attainment of certain performance criteria over
a specified evaluation period. Restricted stock ultimately issued is subject to
a two-year restriction on transferring.

     During 1997, 326,688 shares of contingent performance-based restricted
stock were awarded at a weighted-average price of $64.06, net of forfeitures and
retirements, with varying evaluation periods. During 1997, 62,422 shares of
restricted stock were issued, net of forfeitures, at a weighted-average price of
$63.63. During 1997, $23 million was recognized as expense for performance-based
restricted stock.

     Holders of options granted prior to 1997 accrue dividend share credits
(DSCs) on all shares under option. The amount of DSCs accrued is determined
based upon the quarterly dividend rate and fair market value of ARCO common
stock as of each quarterly record date. Upon exercise of options, holders
receive additional shares of common stock equal to DSCs accumulated. DSC
activity during 1997 was as follows:

 
Accrued                                                       2,039,102
Paid out                                                       (396,250)
Cancelled                                                          (287)
                                                           ---------------
Balance, December 31, 1997                                    1,642,565
                                                           ===============

     During 1997, $35 million was recognized as expense for DSCs.

Note 19 Stockholders' Equity

     Detail of capital stock as of December 31 was as follows:

                                                1997               1996
                                         ----------------------------------
$3.00 Cumulative convertible
  preference stock, par $1:
   Shares authorized                            78,089             78,089
   Shares issued and outstanding                55,941             60,759
   Aggregate value in liquidation
    - (thousands)                            $   4,475           $  4,861
$2.80 Cumulative convertible
  preference stock, par $1:
   Shares authorized                           833,776            833,776
   Shares issued and outstanding               615,653            673,855
   Aggregate value in liquidation
    - (thousands)                            $  43,096           $ 47,170
Common stock, par $2.50:
   Shares authorized                       600,000,000        600,000,000
   Shares issued                           322,719,890        161,086,174
   Shares outstanding                      320,369,895        161,082,043
   Shares held in treasury                   2,349,995              4,131
 

                                      49                                  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------------------------------------------

     Changes in preference stocks were due to conversions. The $3.00 cumulative
convertible preference stock is convertible into 13.6 shares of common stock.
The $2.80 cumulative convertible preference stock is convertible into 4.8 shares
of common stock. Common stock is subordinate to the preference stocks for
dividends and assets. The $3.00 and $2.80 preference stocks may be redeemed at
the option of ARCO for $82 and $70 per share, respectively. ARCO has authorized
75,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par, of which none were issued or
outstanding at December 31, 1997.

     At December 31, 1997, shares of ARCO's authorized and common stock were
reserved as follows:
 
Conversions:
  $3.00 Preference stock                                      760,797
  $2.80 Preference stock                                    2,955,134
Stock option plans                                         16,254,817
Employee benefit plans                                      9,974,482
                                                        ---------------
Total                                                      29,945,230
                                                        ===============

     Under ARCO's incentive compensation plans, awards of ARCO's common stock
may be made to officers, outside directors and key employees.

     Stockholders' equity adjustments at December 31, 1997 and 1996 were as
follows:
 
Millions                                             1997        1996
                                                -----------------------
Unrealized gain on investments                    $   606     $   225
Foreign currency adjustments                         (204)        (19)
Pension liability adjustment                          (54)        (28)
                                                -----------------------
Total                                             $   348     $   178
                                                =======================
 
Note 20 Supplemental Cash Flow Information

     The following is supplemental cash flow information for the years ended
December 31:

Millions                                   1997      1996       1995
                                      ---------------------------------
Short-term investments:
  Gross sales and maturities            $ 1,784   $ 3,335     $ 4,216
  Gross purchases                        (1,226)   (2,557)     (2,716)
                                      ---------------------------------
Net cash provided                       $   558   $   778     $ 1,500
                                      =================================
Notes payable:
  Gross proceeds                        $ 9,866   $ 5,806     $ 8,058
  Gross repayments                       (9,400)   (5,885)     (8,351)
                                      ---------------------------------
Net cash provided (used)                $   466   $   (79)    $  (293)
                                      =================================
Gross noncash provisions
  charged to income                     $   714   $   295     $   444
Reserve reversal from partial
  tax audit settlements                    (145)        -           -
Cash payments of previously
  accrued items                            (322)     (515)       (627)
                                      ---------------------------------
Cash payments (greater)
  less than noncash provisions          $   247   $  (220)    $  (183)
                                      =================================
Changes in working capital --
  increase (decrease) to cash:
    Accounts receivable                 $   332   $  (235)    $  (239)
    Inventories                             (19)      (96)        (75)
    Accounts payable                       (147)      279         159
    Other working capital                  (324)      173         (49)
                                      ---------------------------------
                                        $  (158)  $   121     $  (204)
                                      =================================

Note 21 Foreign Currency Transactions

     Foreign currency transactions resulted in net losses of $39 million, $17
million and $15 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.


Note 22 Earnings Per Share

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 
                                                       1997                         1996                        1995
                                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Millions, except per share amounts)     Income    Shares   Per Share   Income  Shares   Per Share  Income  Shares  Per Share
                                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>     <C>      <C>        <C>     <C>     <C> 
Net income                              $ 1,771                         $1,663                      $1,376
Less: Preference stock dividends             (2)                            (2)                         (2)
                                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income available to common
  stockholders -- basic EPS               1,769     321.2     $  5.51    1,661   321.7       $5.17   1,374   321.7      $4.27
Effect of dilutive securities:
Contingently issuable shares
  (primarily options)                                 2.3                          0.6                         0.1
$3.00 Convertible preference stock                    0.8                          0.9                         1.0
$2.80 Convertible preference stock            2       3.1                    2     3.3                   2     3.7
                                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income available to common
  stockholders and assumed
  conversions -- diluted EPS            $ 1,771     327.4     $  5.41   $1,663   326.5       $5.09  $1,376   326.5      $4.22
                                      ==========================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                      50
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO


 
Note 23 Lyondell Petrochemical Company

     Lyondell is engaged in the manufacture and marketing of basic commodity
chemicals, including ethylene, propylene, methanol and polymers, and, through
its approximately 90% interest in LYONDELL-CITGO Refining Company Ltd., the
refining and marketing of petroleum products, primarily in the southwestern
United States.

     In September 1997, all of ARCO's 9% Exchangeable Notes due September 15,
1997 with an outstanding principal amount of $988 million were settled with
Lyondell common stock owned by ARCO. All remaining Lyondell shares were sold by
ARCO in a privately negotiated transaction in late September. ARCO realized an
aggregate pretax gain of $633 million, or approximately $291 million after tax,
on the two transactions.

     Summarized financial information for Lyondell was as follows:

                              Nine months ended    Year ended
                                  September 30,    December 31,
                             -----------------------------------
Millions                                   1997    1996    1995
                             -----------------------------------
Revenues/(a)/                            $2,343  $5,052  $4,936
Operating income                            378     278     706
Income before income taxes                  371     196     618
Net income                               $  235  $  126  $  389
                             ===================================
ARCO's equity in net
  income of Lyondell                     $  119  $   53  $  194
                             ===================================
Cash dividends received
  from Lyondell                          $   27  $   36  $   36
                             ===================================
At December 31:
  Current assets                                 $  831  $  678
  Noncurrent assets                               2,445   1,928
  Current liabilities                               771     750
  Long-term debt                                  1,194     807
  Other liabilities                                 271     210
  Minority interest                                 609     459
  Stockholders' equity/(b)/                         431     380

/(a)/Includes $229, $318 and $325 of sales to ARCO in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
     respectively, which approximated 3%, 4% and 5% of ARCO's purchases in
     those years.
/(b)/ARCO's investment in Lyondell comprised 49.9% of Lyondell's stockholders'
     equity plus $72 of dividends received in excess of basis of investment.

Note 24 Research and Development

     Expenditures for research and development totaled $120 million, $106
million and $104 million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.


Note 25 Unaudited Quarterly Results

 
Millions, except per share amounts                     1997            1996 
                                                 -----------------------------
Sales and other operating revenues
Quarter ended:                                                             
  March 31                                          $ 5,044         $ 4,156
  June 30                                             4,587           4,559
  September 30                                        4,553           4,748
  December 31                                         4,500           5,129
                                                 -----------------------------
Total                                               $18,684         $18,592
                                                 =============================
Income before income taxes, minority
  interest and extraordinary item
Quarter ended:                                                             
  March 31                                          $   740         $   620
  June 30                                               770             720
  September 30                                          890             791
  December 31                                           477             578
                                                 -----------------------------
Total                                               $ 2,877         $ 2,709
                                                 =============================
Net income                                                                 
Quarter ended:                                                             
  March 31                                          $   483         $   370
  June 30                                               390/(a)/        434
  September 30                                          516/(b)/        479
  December 31                                           382/(c)/        380
                                                 -----------------------------
Total                                               $ 1,771         $ 1,663
                                                 =============================
Earned per share--basic                                                    
Quarter ended:                                                             
  March 31                                          $  1.50         $  1.15
  June 30                                           $  1.21         $  1.35
  September 30                                      $  1.61         $  1.49
  December 31                                       $  1.19         $  1.18

(a)  See Note 5 to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b)  Includes $291 gain on disposition of Lyondell stock (Note 23).
(c)  See Note 3 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      51
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

Supplemental Information (Unaudited)
- -------------------------------------

Oil and Gas Producing Activities

     The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) defines proved oil and gas
reserves as those estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas, and natural
gas liquids which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable
certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing
economic and operating conditions. Proved developed oil and gas reserves are
reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with
existing equipment and operating methods.

     Petroleum reserves are estimated by ARCO engineers. The estimates include
reserves in which ARCO holds an economic interest under production-sharing and
other types of operating agreements with foreign governments.

     Reserves attributable to certain oil and gas discoveries were not
considered proved as of December 31, 1997 due to geological, technical or
economic uncertainties. Proved reserves do not include amounts that may result
from extensions of currently proved areas or from application of enhanced
recovery processes not yet determined to be commercial in specific reservoirs.
Proved reserves also do not include any reserves attributable to ARCO's 8%
interest in LUKOIL, a Russian oil company. Natural gas liquids comprise 14% of
petroleum liquid proved reserves.

     ARCO has no long-term supply contracts to purchase petroleum liquids or
natural gas from foreign governments.

     The changes in proved reserves for the years ended December 31 were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Petroleum Liquids (million barrels)
                             -------------------------------------------------------
                                     Consolidated                                
                                ---------------------------     Other                             
                              U.S.   International   Total   Reserves/1/   Worldwide   
                           ---------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                          <C>     <C>             <C>     <C>           <C>         
Reserves at
 January 1, 1995             2,246        222        2,468             -       2,468   
Revisions                       76          2           78             -          78   
Improved recovery               15          -           15             -          15   
Purchases                       16          1           17             -          17   
Extensions and discoveries      33          5           38             -          38   
Production                    (213)       (24)        (237)            -        (237)  
Consumed                         -          -            -             -           -   
Sales                          (10)         -          (10)            -         (10)  
                           ----------------------------------------------------------
Reserves at                                                                            
 December 31, 1995           2,163        206        2,369             -       2,369   
                           ==========================================================
Revisions                       60          4           64             -          64   
Improved recovery                5          -            5             -           5   
Purchases                       16        218          234             -         234   
Extensions and discoveries      76          5           81             -          81   
Production                    (207)       (24)        (231)            -        (231)  
Consumed                         -          -            -             -           -   
Sales                           (1)         -           (1)            -          (1)  
                           ----------------------------------------------------------
Reserves at                                                                            
 December 31, 1996           2,112        409        2,521             -       2,521   
                           ==========================================================
Revisions                      115         60          175             -         175   
Improved recovery               10          -           10             -          10   
Purchases                       10         25           35            49          84   
Extensions and discoveries      89         55          144             -         144   
Production                    (204)       (29)        (233)           (1)       (234)  
Consumed                         -          -            -             -           -   
Sales                           (1)         -           (1)            -          (1)  
                           ----------------------------------------------------------
Reserves at                                                                            
 December 31, 1997           2,131        520        2,651            48       2,699   
                           ==========================================================
Proved developed reserves:                                                             
 At January 1, 1995          1,915         87        2,002             -       2,002   
 At December 31, 1995        1,896         92        1,988             -       1,988   
 At December 31, 1996        1,828        150        1,978             -       1,978   
 At December 31, 1997        1,821        204        2,025             7       2,032   

<CAPTION>
                                        Natural Gas (billion cubic feet)
                           -----------------------------------------------------------
                                     Consolidated                    
                           --------------------------------     Other                        
                              U.S.   International   Total   Reserves/1/   Worldwide   
                           ---------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                          <C>     <C>             <C>     <C>           <C>         
Reserves at
 January 1, 1995             4,615        3,493      8,108        -            8,108      
Revisions                      184            7        191        -              191      
Improved recovery                8            -          8        -                8      
Purchases                       78           89        167        -              167      
Extensions and discoveries     252          302        554        -              554      
Production                    (365)        (203)      (568)       -             (568)     
Consumed                       (93)          (5)       (98)       -              (98)     
Sales                          (13)           -        (13)       -              (13)     
                           ----------------------------------------------------------
Reserves at                                                                               
 December 31, 1995           4,666        3,683      8,349        -            8,349     
                           ==========================================================
Revisions                      103          (94)         9        -                9     
Improved recovery               14            -         14        -               14      
Purchases                      114            -        114        -              114     
Extensions and discoveries     343           30        373        -              373     
Production                    (382)        (267)      (649)       -             (649)     
Consumed                       (78)          (5)       (83)       -              (83)     
Sales                           (4)           -         (4)       -               (4)     
                           ----------------------------------------------------------
Reserves at                                                                               
 December 31, 1996           4,776        3,347      8,123        -            8,123     
                           ==========================================================
Revisions                      187           17        204        -              204     
Improved recovery               28            3         31        -               31     
Purchases                      165           16        181       67              248     
Extensions and discoveries     308          352        660        -              660     
Production                    (389)        (308)      (697)       -             (697)     
Consumed                       (79)         (10)       (89)       -              (89)     
Sales                           (8)           -         (8)       -               (8)     
                           ----------------------------------------------------------
Reserves at                                                                               
 December 31, 1997           4,988        3,417      8,405       67            8,472     
                           ==========================================================
Proved developed reserves:                                                                
 At January 1, 1995          4,301        1,142      5,443        -            5,443     
 At December 31, 1995        4,294        1,806      6,100        -            6,100     
 At December 31, 1996        4,310        1,780      6,090        -            6,090     
 At December 31, 1997        4,467        1,643      6,110       10            6,120      
</TABLE> 

/1/Comprises reserves attributable to ARCO's ownership interest in equity
affiliates

                                      52
<PAGE>
                                                                            ARCO

 Supplemental Information (Unaudited)
- -------------------------------------

     Included in ARCO's reserves are 100% of the reserves of Vastar, a
consolidated subsidiary of which ARCO owned 82.2% at December 31, 1997. Vastar's
reserves comprised 6% and 48% of U.S. petroleum liquids and natural gas
reserves, respectively, at December 31, 1997.

     During 1997, net reserve additions, including a purchase by LUKARCO, an
equity affiliate, replaced 164% of worldwide oil-equivalent production. During
the three-year period 1995-1997, ARCO's net reserve additions replaced 127% of
worldwide oil-equivalent production. Significant changes in 1997 related to the
classification as proved of the previously discovered Shearwater gas condensate
field in the U.K. North Sea, the acquisition (by LUKARCO) of an interest in the
Tengiz field in Kazakhstan, and the extension of the estimated life of the
Kuparuk River field in Alaska.

     Natural gas from the North Slope of Alaska, other than that used in
providing fuel in North Slope operations or sold to others on the North Slope,
is not presently economically marketable.

     ARCO is actively evaluating various technical options for commercializing
North Slope gas. Among the options being studied are the construction of gas
transportation and liquefied natural gas (LNG) manufacturing facilities and the
development of a gas-to-liquids conversion process. ARCO is also working with
the State of Alaska to enhance the fiscal and regulatory climate for the
ultimate commercialization of North Slope gas resources. Significant technical
uncertainties and existing market conditions still preclude gas from such
potential projects being included in ARCO's reserves.

     ARCO reports reserve estimates to various federal government agencies and
commissions. These estimates may cover various regions of crude oil and natural
gas classifications within the United States and may be subject to mandated
definitions. There have been no reports since the beginning of the last fiscal
year of total ARCO reserve estimates furnished to federal government agencies or
commissions which vary from those reported to the SEC.

     The aggregate amounts of capitalized costs relating to oil and gas
producing activities and the related accumulated depreciation, depletion and
amortization as of December 31 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                1997                             1996                            1995
                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Millions                         U.S.    International    Total     U.S.    International    Total     U.S.   International   Total
                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>         <C>            <C>       <C>       <C>            <C>       <C>      <C>          <C>     
Proved properties               $ 15,845      $ 6,026    $ 21,871  $ 15,004      $ 5,245    $ 20,249  $ 14,355   $ 4,304    $ 18,659
Unproved properties                  365          447         812       257          297         554       182       236         418
                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  16,210        6,473      22,683    15,261        5,542      20,803    14,537     4,540      19,077
Accumulated depreciation,                                                                                                           
 depletion and amortization       10,559        2,959      13,518     9,924        2,668      12,592     9,257     2,302      11,559
                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net capitalized costs              5,651        3,514       9,165     5,337        2,874       8,211     5,280     2,238       7,518
                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net capitalized costs of equity                                                                                                     
 affiliates*                           -           55          55         -            -           -         -         -           -
                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                           $  5,651      $ 3,569    $  9,220  $  5,337      $ 2,874    $  8,211  $  5,280   $ 2,238    $  7,518
                             =======================================================================================================
</TABLE> 

     Costs, both capitalized and expensed, incurred in oil and gas producing
activities during the three years ended December 31 are set forth below.
Property acquisition costs represent costs incurred to purchase or lease oil and
gas properties. Exploration costs include costs of geological and geophysical
activity and drilling exploratory wells. Development costs include costs of
drilling and equipping development wells and construction of production
facilities to extract, treat and store oil and gas.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1997                             1996                              1995
                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Millions                         U.S.    International    Total     U.S.    International    Total     U.S.   International   Total
                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>         <C>            <C>       <C>       <C>            <C>       <C>      <C>          <C>     
Property acquisition costs:
 Proved properties              $    92      $  224      $   316   $    82      $  275      $   357   $    56    $   34      $    90
 Unproved properties                100           8          108        98          11          109        24        15           39
Exploration costs                   328         332          660       277         213          490       212       309          521
Development costs                   692         794        1,486       481         482          963       389       328          717
                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenditures                1,212       1,358        2,570       938         981        1,919       681       686        1,367
                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs incurred of equity
 affiliates*                          -         109          109         -           -            -         -         -            -
                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                           $ 1,212      $1,467      $ 2,679   $   938      $  981      $ 1,919   $   681    $  686      $ 1,367
                             =======================================================================================================
</TABLE> 
*ARCO's share

                                      53
<PAGE>

                                                                            ARCO

      Results of operations from oil and gas producing activities (including
operating overhead) for the three years ended December 31 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1997                            1996                             1995
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Millions                            U.S.   International    Total    U.S.   International  Total    U.S.   International   Total
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
<S>                                <C>     <C>             <C>      <C>     <C>            <C>     <C>     <C>             <C>
Revenues:
 Sales                             $1,974      $1,349      $3,323   $1,892     $1,140      $3,032  $1,460     $  920       $2,380
 Transfers                          2,074           -       2,074    2,199          -       2,199   1,679          -        1,679
 Other                                 42          45          87       47         45          92      83         44          127
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                    4,090       1,394       5,484    4,138      1,185       5,323   3,222        964        4,186
Production costs                      615         286         901      587        234         821     648        204          852
Production taxes                      420          43         463      457         50         507     373         28          401
Exploration expenses                  263         245         508      238        175         413     212        311          523
Depreciation, depletion and                                                                                             
 amortization                         681         429       1,110      691        305         996     713        264          977
Other operating expenses              258         247         505      277        227         504     218        188          406
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
Results before income taxes         1,853         144       1,997    1,888        194       2,082   1,058        (31)       1,027
Income tax expense                    609          11         620      628        109         737     332          7          339
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
Results of operations from oil
 and gas producing activities       1,244         133       1,377    1,260         85       1,345     726        (38)         688
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
Results from equity affiliates*         -          (6)         (6)       -          -           -       -          -            -
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
Total                              $1,244      $  127      $1,371   $1,260     $   85      $1,345  $  726     $  (38)      $  688
                                  ================================================================================================
</TABLE>

     The difference between the above results of operations and the amounts
reported for exploration and production segment net income in Note 2 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements is primarily marketing-related activities,
minority interest adjustments, the exclusions of gains on property sales and
unusual items related to the oil and gas operations.

     The standardized measure of discounted estimated future net cash flows
related to proved oil and gas reserves at December 31 was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1997                            1996                             1995
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Billions                            U.S.   International    Total    U.S.   International  Total    U.S.   International   Total
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
<S>                               <C>     <C>             <C>      <C>     <C>            <C>     <C>     <C>             <C>
Future cash inflows                $36.7       $16.6        $53.3   $48.8       $17.8      $66.6   $32.5       $12.1       $44.6
Future development and                                                                                                  
 production costs                   15.0         7.1         22.1    14.2         7.3       21.5    13.2         4.4        17.6
Future income tax expense            7.3         3.5         10.8    12.0         3.2       15.2     6.5         2.5         9.0
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
Future net cash flows               14.4         6.0         20.4    22.6         7.3       29.9    12.8         5.2        18.0
10% annual discount                  6.5         2.8          9.3    10.3         3.6       13.9     5.7         2.4         8.1
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
Standardized measure of discounted
 future net cash flows               7.9         3.2         11.1    12.3         3.7       16.0     7.1         2.8         9.9
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
Standardized measure of discounted
 future net cash flows of equity
  affiliates*                          -         0.1          0.1       -           -          -       -           -           -
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
Total                              $ 7.9       $ 3.3        $11.2   $12.3       $ 3.7      $16.0   $ 7.1       $ 2.8       $ 9.9
                                  ================================================================================================  
</TABLE>


*ARCO's share

                                      54
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            ARCO

 Supplemental Information (Unaudited)
- -------------------------------------


     Primary changes in the standardized measure of discounted estimated future
net cash flows for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
Billions                                           1997      1996      1995
                                                ----------------------------
<S>                                             <C>       <C>       <C>
Sales and transfers of oil and gas,
  net of production costs                       $  (4.0)  $  (3.9)  $  (2.9)
Extensions, discoveries and improved
  recovery, less related costs                      0.9       1.2       0.7
Revisions of estimates of reserves
  proved in prior years:
    Quantity estimates                              0.7       0.5       0.4
    Net changes in price and
     production costs                              (8.4)      8.4       1.8
Purchases/sales                                     0.5       1.0       0.1
Other                                              (0.7)     (0.4)     (0.4)
Accretion of discount                               2.4       1.5       1.3
Development costs incurred
  during the period                                 1.5       1.0       0.7
Net change in income taxes                          2.3      (3.2)     (0.7)
                                                ----------------------------
Net change                                      $  (4.8)  $   6.1   $   1.0
                                                ============================
</TABLE> 

     Estimated future cash inflows are computed by applying year-end prices of
oil and gas to year-end quantities of proved reserves. Future price changes are
considered only to the extent provided by contractual arrangements. Estimated
future development and production costs are determined by estimating the
expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved oil and gas
reserves at the end of the year, based on year-end costs and assuming
continuation of existing economic conditions. Estimated future income tax
expense is calculated by applying year-end statutory tax rates (adjusted for
permanent differences and tax credits) to estimated future pretax net cash flows
related to proved oil and gas reserves, less the tax basis of the properties
involved.

     These estimates are furnished and calculated in accordance with
requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the SEC. Estimates
of future net cash flows presented do not represent management's assessment of
future profitability or future cash flows to ARCO. Management's investment and
operating decisions are based on reserve estimates that include proved reserves
prescribed by the SEC as well as probable reserves, and on different price and
cost assumptions from those used here.

     It should be recognized that applying current costs and prices and a 10%
standard discount rate does not convey absolute value. The discounted amounts
arrived at are only one measure of the value of proved reserves.

Coal Operations

     Supplemental operating statistics for the coal operations of ARCO for the
three years ended December 31 were as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 
                                                   1997      1996      1995
                                               ------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>       <C>       <C> 
Coal shipments -- thousand tons:
 U.S.                                            46,939    51,615    45,853
 Canyon Fuel*                                     6,286         -         -
 International                                    8,837    10,851    11,772
                                               ------------------------------ 
Total                                            62,062    62,466    57,625
                                               ============================== 
Coal reserves -- million tons
recoverable:
 U.S.                                             1,154     1,201     1,265
 Canyon Fuel*                                       169       175         -
 International                                      192       198       216
                                               ------------------------------ 
Total                                             1,515     1,574     1,481
                                               ============================== 
Average market price per ton:
 U.S.                                           $  7.33   $  7.58   $  8.38
 Canyon Fuel*                                   $ 25.50   $     -   $     -
 International                                  $ 33.14   $ 33.37   $ 32.09
 Composite price                                $ 13.50   $ 12.06   $ 13.22
</TABLE> 

*ARCO's share of domestic equity affiliate

                                      55
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
  INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 SCHEDULE
   NO.                                                                         PAGE
   ---                                                                         ----
 <C>      <S>                                                                 <C>
          Independent Accountants' Report....................................   57
          Financial Statements:
               Consolidated Statement of Income..............................   28
               Consolidated Balance Sheet....................................   31
               Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows..........................   32
               Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity.....   36
               Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements....................   38 
               Supplemental Information......................................   52
          Supporting Financial Statement Schedule Covered by the
           Foregoing Independent Accountants' Report:
    II         Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.............................   65
</TABLE>
 
  Schedules other than those listed above have been omitted since they are
either not required, are not applicable, or the required information is shown
in the financial statements or related notes.
 
  Financial statements with respect to unconsolidated subsidiaries and 50%
owned companies are omitted per Rule 3-09(a) of Regulation S-X.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
                        INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Atlantic Richfield Company
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Atlantic
Richfield Company as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997 and
the related financial statement schedule. These financial statements and
financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above (appearing on
pages 28, 31, 32, 36 and 38 through 51) present fairly, in all material
respects, the consolidated financial position of Atlantic Richfield Company as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the consolidated results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. In
addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above
(appearing on page 65), when considered in relation to the basic financial
statement taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the
information required to be included therein.
 
                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Los Angeles, California
February 12, 1998
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
ITEM  9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
  None
 
                                   PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  Information regarding executive officers of the Company is included in Part
I. For the other information called for by Items 10, 11, 12 and 13, reference
is made to the Registrant's definitive proxy statement for its Annual Meeting
of Stockholders, to be held on May 4, 1998, which will be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1997,
and which is incorporated herein by reference, except for the material
included under the captions "Committee Report on Executive Compensation" and
"Performance Graph."
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
(a) THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE FILED AS PART OF THIS REPORT:
 
     1 and 2.   Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules: These
                documents are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial
                Statements and Financial Statement Schedule.
 
     3. Exhibits:
 
     3.1        Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Atlantic Richfield
                Company ("ARCO") as of June 27, 1994, filed with the Securi-
                ties and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") as Exhibit 3
                to ARCO's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
                June 30, 1994, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein
                by reference.
 
     3.2        By-Laws of ARCO as amended through January 23, 1989, filed
                with the Commission as Exhibit 3.2 to ARCO's report on Form
                10-K for the year 1993, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated
                herein by reference.
 
     4.1        Rights Agreement dated as of July 24, 1995 between ARCO and
                First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent,
                filed with the Commission as Exhibit 4 to ARCO's report on
                Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1995, under
                File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
     4.2        Indenture dated as of May 15, 1985 between ARCO and The Chase
                Manhattan Bank, N.A., filed as Exhibit 4.4 to ARCO's report on
                Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1985, under
                File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
     4.3        Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1992, between ARCO and The
                Bank of New York, filed with the Commission on January 6, 1992
                as Exhibit 4.3 to ARCO's Registration Statement on Form S-3
                (No. 33-44925) and incorporated herein by reference.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
     4.4        Instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt
                which is not registered under the Securities Exchange Act of
                1934 are not filed because the total amount of securities 
                authorized under any such instrument does not exceed 10% of the
                consolidated total assets of the Company. The Company agrees
                to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Commission
                upon request.
 
    10.1(a)*    Atlantic Richfield Company Supplementary Executive Retirement
                Plan, as adopted by the Board of Directors of ARCO on March
                26, 1990 and effective as of October 1, 1990, filed with the
                Commission as Exhibit 10.2 to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for
                the year 1990, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein
                by reference.
 
    10.1(b)*    Amendment No. 1 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Supplemen-
                tary Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of March 22,
                1993, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10 to ARCO's report
                on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1993, 
                under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
    10.1(c)*    Amendment No. 2 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Supplemen-
                tary Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of February 28,
                1994, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.1(c) to ARCO's
                report on Form 10-K for the year 1995, under File No. 1-1196
                and incorporated herein by reference.
 
    10.1(d)*    Amendment No. 3 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Supplemen-
                tary Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of August 1,
                1997, filed herewith.
 
    10.2(a)*    Atlantic Richfield Company Executive Deferral Plan, as adopted
                by the Board of Directors of the Company on March 26, 1990 and
                effective as of October 1, 1990, filed with the Commission as
                Exhibit 10.3 to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1990,
                under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
    10.2(b)*    Amendment No. 1 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive
                Deferral Plan, effective as of July 27, 1992, filed with the
                Commission as Exhibit 10.2(b) to ARCO's report on Form 10-K
                for the year 1992, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated
                herein by reference.
 
    10.2(c)*    Amendment No. 2 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive
                Deferral Plan, effective as of February 28, 1994, filed with
                the Commission as Exhibit 10.2(c) to ARCO's report on Form 
                10-K for the year 1995, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated
                herein by reference.
 
    10.2(d)*    Amendment No. 3 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive
                Deferral Plan, effective as of January 1, 1997, filed here-
                with.
 
    10.3(a)*    Atlantic Richfield Company Executive Supplementary Savings
                Plan II, as amended, restated and effective as of July 1,
                1988, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.6(b) to ARCO's
                report on Form 10-K for the year 1988, under File No. 1-1196
                and incorporated herein by reference.
 
    10.3(b)*    Amendment No. 1 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive
                Supplementary Savings Plan II, as amended and effective as of
                January 1, 1989, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.6(b)
                to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1989, under File
                No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
    10.3(c)*    Amendment No. 2 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive
                Supplementary Savings Plan II, as amended and effective as of
                July 1, 1994, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.4(c) to
                ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1994, under File No.
                1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
    10.3(d)*    Amendment No. 3 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive
                Supplementary Savings Plan II, as amended and effective as of
                August 5, 1996, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.4(d)
                to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1996, under File
                No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
    10.4*       Atlantic Richfield Company Policy on Financial Counseling and
                Individual Income Tax Service, as revised and effective 
                January 1, 1997, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.5 to 
                ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1996, under File No. 
                1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
    10.5(a)*    Annual Incentive Plan, as adopted by the Board of Directors of
                ARCO on November 26, 1984, and effective as of that date, as
                amended through February 28, 1994, filed with the Commission
                as Exhibit 10.6 to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year
                1994, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by refer-
                ence.
 
    10.5(b)*    Amendment No. 3 to the Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of
                January 1, 1995, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.6(b)
                to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1995, under File
                No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
    10.5(c)*    Amendment No. 4 to the Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of
                February 24, 1997, filed herewith.
 
    10.6*       Atlantic Richfield Company's 1985 Executive Long-Term Incen-
                tive Plan, as adopted by the Board of Directors of ARCO on May
                28, 1985, and effective as of that date, as amended through
                July 28, 1997, filed herewith.
 
    10.7*       Atlantic Richfield Company Executive Life Insurance Plan--Sum-
                mary Plan Description, effective as of June 28, 1990, filed
                with the Commission as Exhibit 10.8 to ARCO's report on Form
                10-K for the year 1993, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated
                herein by reference.
 
    10.8(a)*    Atlantic Richfield Company Executive Long-Term Disability
                Plan--Summary Plan Description, effective as of January 1,
                1994, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.9 to ARCO's re-
                port on Form 10-K for the year 1993, under File No. 1-1196 and
                incorporated herein by reference.
 
    10.8(b)*    Amendment No. 1 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive
                Long-Term Disability Plan, effective as of February 28, 1994,
                filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.9(b) to ARCO's report
                on Form 10-K for the year 1995, under File No. 1-1196 and in-
                corporated herein by reference.
 
    10.9        Form of Indemnity Agreement adopted by the Board of Directors
                of ARCO on January 26, 1987 and executed in February 1987 by
                ARCO and each of its directors and officers, included in Ex-
                hibit A to the 1987 Proxy Statement, filed with the Commission
                under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
    10.10(a)*   Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors effective as of Decem-
                ber 17, 1990, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.14 to
                ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1990, under File No.
                1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
    10.10(b)*   Amendment No. 1 to the Stock Option Plan for Outside
                Directors, effective as of June 22, 1992, filed with the
                Commission as Exhibit 10.13(b) to ARCO's report on Form 10-K
                for the year 1992, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated
                herein by reference.
 
    10.10(c)*   Amendment No. 2 to the Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors
                amended effective as of April 1, 1997, filed herewith.
 
    10.10(d)*   Amendment No. 3 to the Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors
                amended effective as of April 1, 1997, filed herewith.
 
    10.11(a)*   Deferral Plan for Outside Directors, effective as of October
                1, 1990, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.13(a) to
                ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1995, under File No.
                1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
    10.11(b)*   Amendment No. 1 to the Deferral Plan for Outside Directors,
                effective as of July 27, 1992, filed with the Commission as
                Exhibit 10.13(b) to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year
                1995, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by
                reference.
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
    10.11(c)*   Amendment No. 2 to the Deferral Plan for Outside Directors
                effective as of July 22, 1996, filed herewith.
 
    10.12*      Special Incentive Plan, as adopted by the Board of Directors
                of ARCO on February 28, 1994, and as effective on that date,
                is included in Appendix C to the Company's 1994 Proxy
                Statement filed with the Commission under File No. 1-1196 and
                incorporated herein by reference.
 
    10.13*      1997 Restricted Stock Plan For Outside Directors effective as
                of January 1, 1997, filed herewith.
 
    21          Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
 
    23          Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
    24          Power of Attorney.
 
    27          Financial Data Schedule.
 
  Copies of exhibits will be furnished upon prepayment of 25 cents per page.
Requests should be addressed to the Corporate Secretary.
- --------
* Management compensatory plans filed as exhibits hereto pursuant to Item
  14(c) of Form 10-K.
 
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K:
 
  The following Current Report on Form 8-K was filed during the quarter ended
December 31, 1997, and thereafter through February 27, 1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       DATE OF REPORT   ITEM NO.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
       --------------   --------    --------------------
<S>                     <C>         <C>
January 25, 1998         5             None
</TABLE>
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following registration
statements of Atlantic Richfield Company; Registration Statement on Form S-8
(No. 333-33151), Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-43830),
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-21558), Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (No. 333-33153), Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-26901),
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-
21160), Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-8
(No. 33-23639), Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-26901), Post-
Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-
21162), Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-8
(No. 33-21553), Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (No. 33-23640), Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-26901),
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-
21552), and Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-33245), of our report
dated February 12, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedule of Atlantic Richfield Company as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997, which report is included in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
 
                                          Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Los Angeles, California
March 2, 1998
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY
THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED.
 
                                          ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY
 
                                          By         *Mike R. Bowlin
                                            ___________________________________
                                                      Mike R. Bowlin
                                                 Chairman of the Board and
                                                  Chief Executive Officer
 
 
February 27, 1998
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             SIGNATURE                           TITLE                    DATE
             ---------                           -----                    ----
<S>                                  <C>                           <C>
          *Mike R. Bowlin            Chairman of the Board and     February 27, 1998
____________________________________  Chief Executive Officer
           Mike R. Bowlin
    Principal executive officer
 
       *William E. Wade, Jr.         President and Director        February 27, 1998
____________________________________
        William E. Wade, Jr.
 
       *Anthony G. Fernandes         Executive Vice President and  February 27, 1998
____________________________________  Director
        Anthony G. Fernandes
 
         *Marie L. Knowles           Executive Vice President,     February 27, 1998
____________________________________  Chief Financial Officer and
          Marie L. Knowles            Director
    Principal financial officer
 
         *Michael E. Wiley           Executive Vice President and  February 27, 1998
____________________________________  Director
          Michael E. Wiley
</TABLE>
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             SIGNATURE                           TITLE                    DATE
             ---------                           -----                    ----
<S>                                  <C>                           <C>
          *Frank D. Boren            Director                      February 27, 1998
____________________________________
           Frank D. Boren

 
            *John Gavin              Director                      February 27, 1998
____________________________________
             John Gavin

 
          *Hanna H. Gray             Director                      February 27, 1998
____________________________________
           Hanna H. Gray

 
            *Kent Kresa              Director                      February 27, 1998
____________________________________
             Kent Kresa

 
       *David T. McLaughlin          Director                      February 27, 1998
____________________________________
        David T. McLaughlin
 
 
        *John B. Slaughter           Director                      February 27, 1998
____________________________________
         John B. Slaughter

 
          *Gary L. Tooker            Director                      February 27, 1998
____________________________________
           Gary L. Tooker

 
           *Henry Wendt              Director                      February 27, 1998
____________________________________
            Henry Wendt

 
        *Allan L. Comstock           Vice President and            February 27, 1998
____________________________________  Controller
         Allan L. Comstock
    Principal accounting officer
</TABLE>
 
   
*By:  /s/ Bruce G. Whitmore
     --------------------------
       Bruce G. Whitmore
       (Attorney-in-Fact)
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE II
 
            ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                 SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
                             (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         (COLUMN A)          (COLUMN B)    (COLUMN C)    (COLUMN D) (COLUMN E)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           ADDITIONS
                                        ----------------
                             BALANCE AT CHARGED CHARGED  DEDUCTIONS BALANCE AT
                             BEGINNING    TO    TO OTHER    FROM     CLOSE OF
        DESCRIPTION          OF PERIOD  INCOME  ACCOUNTS  RESERVES    PERIOD
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>        <C>     <C>      <C>        <C>
YEAR 1997
Amounts deducted from
 applicable assets:
  Accounts receivable.......    $ 20       --     --          5(a)    $   15
  Affiliated companies
   accounted for on the
   equity method............       8       --     --         --            8
Reserves included in other
 deferred liabilities and
 credits and other current
 liabilities:
  Dismantlement, restoration
   and reclamation..........     950       84     --         26        1,008
  Reduction in force........      --      174      18        21          171
  Insurance ................     169       20     --         31          158
  Environmental remediation.     577      300     --        110          767
  Other.....................     221       16     (18)       60          158

YEAR 1996
Amounts deducted from
 applicable assets:
  Accounts receivable.......    $ 16        4      --        --       $   20
  Affiliated companies
   accounted for on the
   equity method............       8       --      --        --            8
Reserves included in other
 deferred liabilities and
 credits and other current
 liabilities:
  Dismantlement, restoration
   and reclamation..........     882       75      --         7          950
  Reduction in force........      75       --      --        75           --
  Insurance ................     201       15      --        47          169
  Environmental remediation.     658       49      --       130          577
  Other.....................     201       31      --        11          221

YEAR 1995
Amounts deducted from
 applicable assets:
  Accounts receivable.......    $ 15        5      --         4(a)    $   16
  Affiliated companies
   accounted for on the
   equity method............       8       --      --        --            8
  Other investments and
   long-term receivables....      50       --      --        50           --
Reserves included in other
 deferred liabilities and
 credits and other current
 liabilities:
  Dismantlement, restoration
   and reclamation..........     848       65      --        31          882
  Reduction in force........     177       --      --       102           75
  Insurance ................     202       47      --        48          201
  Environmental remediation.     670      101      --       113          658
  Other.....................     249       15      --        63          201
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Write-off for uncollectible accounts, net of recoveries.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
EXHIBIT                           DESCRIPTION
 
  3.1      Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Atlantic Richfield Company
           ("ARCO") as of June 27, 1994, filed with the Securities and Exchange
           Commission (the "Commission") as Exhibit 3 to ARCO's report on Form
           10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1994, under File No. 1-
           1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
  3.2      By-Laws of ARCO as amended through January 23, 1989, filed with the
           Commission as Exhibit 3.2 to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year
           1993, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
  4.1      Rights Agreement dated as of July 24, 1995 between ARCO and First
           Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent, filed with the
           Commission as Exhibit 4 to ARCO's report on Form 10-Q for the
           quarterly period ended June 30, 1995, under File No. 1-1196 and
           incorporated herein by reference.
 
  4.2      Indenture dated as of May 15, 1985 between ARCO and The Chase Manhat-
           tan Bank, N.A., filed as Exhibit 4.4 to ARCO's report on Form 10-Q
           for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1985, under File No. 1-1196
           and incorporated herein by reference.
 
  4.3      Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1992, between ARCO and The Bank of
           New York, filed with the Commission on January 6, 1992 as Exhibit 4.3
           to ARCO's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-44925) and
           incorporated herein by reference.
 
  4.4      Instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt which is
           not registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are not
           filed because the total amount of securities authorized under any
           such instrument does not exceed 10% of the consolidated total assets
           of the Company. The Company agrees to furnish a copy of any such
           instrument to the Commission upon request.
 
 10.1(a)*  Atlantic Richfield Company Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan,
           as adopted by the Board of Directors of ARCO on March 26, 1990 and
           effective as of October 1, 1990, filed with the Commission as
           Exhibit 10.2 to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1990, under
           File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
           
 10.1(b)*  Amendment No. 1 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Supplementary 
           Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of March 22, 1993, filed with
           the Commission as Exhibit 10 to ARCO's report on Form 10-Q for the
           quarterly period ended June 30, 1993, under File No. 1-1196 and
           incorporated herein by reference.
 
 10.1(c)*  Amendment No. 2 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Supplementary
           Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of February 28, 1994, filed
           with the Commission as Exhibit 10.1(c) to ARCO's report on Form 10-K
           for the year 1995, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by
           reference.
 
 10.1(d)*  Amendment No. 3 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Supplementary
           Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of August 1, 1997, filed
           herewith.
 
 10.2(a)*  Atlantic Richfield Company Executive Deferral Plan, as adopted by the
           Board of Directors of the Company on March 26, 1990 and effective as
           of October 1, 1990, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.3 to
           ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1990, under File No. 1-1196
           and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 10.2(b)*  Amendment No. 1 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive Deferral
           Plan, effective as of July 27, 1992, filed with the Commission as
           Exhibit 10.2(b) to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1992,
           under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
           
<PAGE>
 
EXHIBIT                           DESCRIPTION
 
 10.2(c)*  Amendment No. 2 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive Deferral
           Plan, effective as of February 28, 1994, filed with the Commission
           as Exhibit 10.2(c) to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1995,
           under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 10.2(d)*  Amendment No. 3 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive Deferral
           Plan, effective as of January 1, 1997, filed herewith.
        
 10.3(a)*  Atlantic Richfield Company Executive Supplementary Savings Plan II,
           as amended, restated and effective as of July 1, 1988, filed with
           the Commission as Exhibit 10.6(b) to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for
           the year 1988, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by
           reference.
 
 10.3(b)*  Amendment No. 1 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive
           Supplementary Savings Plan II, as amended and effective as of
           January 1, 1989, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.6(b) to
           ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1989, under File No. 1-1196
           and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 10.3(c)*  Amendment No. 2 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive
           Supplementary Savings Plan II, as amended and effective as of July
           1, 1994, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.4(c) to ARCO's
           report on Form 10-K for the year 1994, under File No. 1-1196 and
           incorporated herein by reference.
 
 10.3(d)*  Amendment No. 3 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive
           Supplementary Savings Plan II, as amended and effective as of
           August 5, 1996, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.4(d) to
           ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1996, under File No. 1-1196
           and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 10.4*     Atlantic Richfield Company Policy on Financial Counseling and
           Individual Income Tax Service, as revised and effective January 1,
           1997, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.5 to ARCO's report on
           Form 10-K for the year 1996, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated
           herein by reference.
 
 10.5(a)*  Annual Incentive Plan, as adopted by the Board of Directors of ARCO
           on November 26, 1984, and effective as of that date, as amended
           through February 28, 1994, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.6
           to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1994, under File No. 1-
           1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 10.5(b)*  Amendment No. 3 to the Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of
           January 1, 1995, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.6(b) to
           ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1995, under File No. 1-1196
           and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 10.5(c)*  Amendment No. 4 to the Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of
           February 24, 1997, filed herewith.
          
 10.6*     Atlantic Richfield Company's 1985 Executive Long-Term Incentive
           Plan, as adopted by the Board of Directors of ARCO on May 28, 1985,
           and effective as of that date, as amended through July 28, 1997,
           filed herewith.
 
 10.7*     Atlantic Richfield Company Executive Life Insurance Plan--Summary
           Plan Description, effective as of June 28, 1990, filed with the
           Commission as Exhibit 10.8 to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the
           year 1993, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by
           reference.
 
 10.8(a)*  Atlantic Richfield Company Executive Long-Term Disability Plan--Sum-
           mary Plan Description, effective as of January 1, 1994, filed with
           the Commission as Exhibit 10.9 to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the
           year 1993, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by
           reference.
 
 10.8(b)*  Amendment No. 1 to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive Long-
           Term Disability Plan, effective as of February 28, 1994, filed with
           the Commission as Exhibit 10.9(b) to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for
           the year 1995, under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by
           reference.
           
<PAGE>
 
EXHIBIT                           DESCRIPTION
 
 
 10.9       Form of Indemnity Agreement adopted by the Board of Directors of
            ARCO on January 26, 1987 and executed in February 1987 by ARCO and
            each of its directors and officers, included in Exhibit A to the
            1987 Proxy Statement, filed with the Commission under File No. 1-
            1196 and incor-porated herein by reference.
 
 
 10.10(a)*  Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors effective as of December 17,
            1990, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.14 to ARCO's
            report on Form 10-K for the year 1990, under File No. 1-1196 and
            incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
 10.10(b)*  Amendment No. 1 to the Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors,
            effec-tive as of June 22, 1992, filed with the Commission as
            Exhibit 10.13(b) to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1992,
            under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 

 10.10(c)*  Amendment No. 2 to the Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors
            amended effective as of April 1, 1997, filed herewith.
 

 10.10(d)*  Amendment No. 3 to the Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors
            amended effective as of April 1, 1997, filed herewith.
 

 10.11(a)*  Deferral Plan for Outside Directors, effective as of October 1,
            1990, filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.13(a) to ARCO's
            report on Form 10-K for the year 1995, under File No. 1-1196 and
            incorporated herein by reference.
 

 10.11(b)*  Amendment No. 1 to the Deferral Plan for Outside Directors,
            effective as of July 27, 1992, filed with the Commission as Exhibit
            10.13(b) to ARCO's report on Form 10-K for the year 1995, under
            File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein by reference.
 

 10.11(c)*  Amendment No. 2 to the Deferral Plan for Outside Directors
            effective as of July 22, 1996, filed herewith.
 
 10.12*     Special Incentive Plan, as adopted by the Board of Directors of
            ARCO on February 28, 1994, and as effective on that date, is
            included in Appendix C to the Company's 1994 Proxy Statement filed
            with the Com-mission under File No. 1-1196 and incorporated herein
            by reference.
 
 10.13*     1997 Restricted Stock Plan For Outside Directors effective as of 
            January 1, 1997, filed herewith.
 
 21         Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
 
 23         Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
 24         Power of Attorney.
 
 27         Financial Data Schedule.
- -------
* Management compensatory plans filed as exhibits hereto pursuant to Item
  14(c) of Form 10-K.

<PAGE>
 
                                AMENDMENT NO. 3
                                      TO
                          ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY
                    SUPPLEMENTARY EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

                          --------------------------

Pursuant to the power of amendment reserved therein, the following amendment is
hereby made to the Atlantic Richfield Company Supplementary Executive Retirement
Plan (the "Plan") effective as of August 1, 1997.

Article IX, Section 6 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

"SECTION 6.  CHANGE OF CONTROL

6.1          Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control as defined in the
Supplemental Executive Benefit Plans Trust Agreement between Atlantic Richfield
Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as amended through August 1,
1997, and incorporated herein by reference, notwithstanding any other provision
of this Plan, the following provisions shall apply:

      (a)    The Plan shall be terminated with respect to all Participants who
were employed on or after October 1, 1990 and who either are in receipt of an
annuity or who are entitled to a benefit, a portion of which is attributable to
the Supplemental Benefit calculated under Article II of the Plan.

      (b)    Benefits of Participants described in Subparagraph (a) shall be
treated as follows:

             (1)   With respect to any Participant or Beneficiary in receipt of
an annuity form of payment, such annuity shall be converted to an actuarially
equivalent Lump Sum

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
in accordance with actuarial factors established by the Independent Plan
Administrator, with verification by an independent actuary.

           (2) With respect to any Participant who is not in receipt of an
annuity and a portion of whose benefit is attributable to the Supplemental
Benefit calculated under Article II of the Plan, the total accrued benefit under
the Plan as of the date of the Change of Control shall be calculated by the
Independent Plan Administrator and the Participant shall be fully entitled to
such accrued benefit.

           (3) The Actuarially Equivalent Lump Sum value of the accrued benefit
calculated by the Independent Plan Administrator under the preceding
subparagraph shall also be calculated by the Independent Plan Administrator,
using the actuarial factors established under Subparagraph (a), with
verification by an independent actuary, with respect to Participants:

                (i) Who were employed by the Company on the date of the Change
of Control or were employed by the Company on or after October 1, 1990; and

                (ii) Who have yet to commence a distribution.

     (c) Participants and Beneficiaries described under Subparagraph (a) shall
be permitted to elect disposition of the benefit, in accordance with procedures
established by the Independent Plan Administrator, as follows:

         (1) Single payment of the Lump Sum value calculated under Subparagraph
(b) in cash as soon as possible following the Change of Control;

         (2) Transfer of assets from the Plan equaling the Lump Sum value
calculated under Subparagraph (b) to the Atlantic Richfield Executive Deferral
Plan as soon as possible following the Change of Control, under which such
amount shall be 

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
maintained as a new deferral account, payable in accordance with an election
made pursuant to procedures established by the Independent Plan Administrator
under the Atlantic Richfield Executive Deferral Plan.


     (d) The Independent Plan Administrator appointed pursuant to the Trust
Agreement described above shall assume full responsibility of the Plan
Administrator under Article VII of the Plan, subject to any approvals,
concurrences or authority reserved to the Advisory and Claims Committee
established under the Trust Agreement described above. "


     Executed this 15th day of September, 1997.


ATTEST:                                ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY



                                
/s/ Armineh Simonian                   By:    /s/ JOHN H. KELLY         
- --------------------                          ---------------------------
                                              John H. Kelly             
                                              Senior Vice President     
                                              Human Resources            

                                      -3-

<PAGE>
 
                                AMENDMENT NO. 3
                                       TO
                           ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY
                            EXECUTIVE DEFERRAL PLAN

                           --------------------------

  Pursuant to the power of amendment reserved therein, the following amendment
is hereby made to the Atlantic Richfield Company Executive Deferral Plan (the
"Plan") effective as of January 1, 1997, except as otherwise indicated.

1.   Article I, Section 1.1 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

     "1.1  This Plan is intended to provide the opportunity for eligible
     Employees to accumulate supplemental funds through the deferral of portions
     of their Salary, Awards and Executive Supplementary Savings Plan benefits
     for retirement or special needs prior to retirement."

2.   Article I, Section 3.1 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

     "3.1  Account means a separate bookkeeping account maintained by the
     Company for each Employee and which measures and determines the amounts to
     be paid to the Employee under the Plan for each component of Deferred
     Compensation. Separate subaccounts will be established for separate
     components of Deferred Compensation, as applicable, deferred by an
     Employee."

3.   Effective December 1, 1995, Article I, Section 3.3 of the Plan is amended
     to read as follows:

     "3.3  Awards means cash awards made under the Atlantic Richfield Company
     Annual Incentive Plan, the Atlantic Richfield Company Special Incentive
     Plan or the ARCO Investment Management Company Annual Bonus Plan." 
<PAGE>
 
4.   Article I, Section 3.9 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

     "3.9  Deferral Commitment means a promise made by an Employee to defer
     compensation pursuant to Article III for which a Participation Agreement
     has been submitted by the Employee to the Company."

5.   Article I, Section 3.11 of the Plan is deleted and Sections 3.12 through
     3.32 are redesignated as Sections 3.11 through 3.31.

6.   Article II, Section 1 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

     "SECTION 1.  ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

     1.1    ELIGIBILITY. Eligibility to make a Deferral Commitment shall be
     limited to Employees who (a) (i) are eligible to receive an Award and (ii)
     either are classified in the executive Payroll Grade Structure of the
     Company, or are Grades 007, 008, 009 or 0010 in the regular Payroll Grade
     Structure of the Company, (b) are a Participant in the Executive
     Supplementary Savings Plan or (c) have been designated as eligible by a
     specific resolution of the Administrative Committee upon recommendation of
     the Vice President, Human Resources of the Company."

7.   Article II, Section 2 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

     "SECTION 2. BASIC FORMS OF DEFERRAL

     2.1    A Participant may elect to defer the following forms of compensation
     in a Participation Agreement:

        (a)  SALARY DEFERRAL.  Commencing with Salary earned during pay periods
     ending on and after October 1, 1990, a Participant may elect to defer
     Salary earned during a Deferral Period, subject to any limitations,
     conditions or 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     restrictions, such as minimum or maximum amounts that may be deferred, as
     are prescribed by the Administrative Committee in advance of the Deferral
     Period.

        (b)  AWARD DEFERRAL.  A Participant may elect to defer Awards to be paid
     by the Company during a Deferral Period, subject to any limitations,
     conditions or restrictions, such as minimum or maximum amounts that may be
     deferred, as are prescribed by the Administrative Committee in advance of
     the Deferral Period.

        (c)  ESSP BENEFIT DEFERRAL. A Participant may elect to defer the ESSP
     Benefit earned during the Deferral Period, subject to any limitations,
     conditions or restrictions, such as minimum or maximum amounts that may be
     deferred, as are prescribed by the Administrative Committee in advance of
     the Deferral Period.

        (d)  CAP PLAN MAKE-UP DEFERRAL.  Any amount of Salary that the
     Participant elected to contribute to defer into the CAP Plan during each
     Deferral Period and which was not permitted due to legal restrictions,
     other than the limitation on the amount of deferrals under Section 402(g)
     of the Code, precluding such deferrals to the CAP Plan shall be deferred
     under this Plan to the extent that such contributions or deferrals would
     have received the Matching Company Contribution under the CAP Plan, as
     applicable. To the extent that such amounts are deferred into this Plan
     during the Deferral Period, the Company will contribute an additional
     amount to this Plan based upon the Matching Company Contribution formula
     then in effect under the CAP Plan, as applicable."

8.   Article II, Section 4 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     "4.1    Except as otherwise permitted for accelerated Deferred
     Compensation, as defined in Section 7.1(b) of this Article, Deferral
     Commitments shall be subject to the following limitations:

          (a)  A Participant may not defer more than fifty percent (50%) of the
     Participant's Salary, except that the limit shall be seventy-five percent
     (75%) of the Participant's Salary payable during the first Plan Year, which
     commences on the Effective Date and ends on December 31, 1990 and during
     the Plan Year commencing on January 1, 1991.

          (b)  The minimum amount that may be deferred for the Deferral Period
     relating to a Deferral Commitment, shall be established by the
     Administrative Committee in advance of the Deferral Period and shall be
     allocable among the forms of Deferred Compensation described in Article II,
     Section 2.1(a) thru (c)."

9.   Article III, Section 1 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

     "SECTION 1. ACCOUNTS

     1.1    For record-keeping purposes only, an Account shall be maintained for
     each Participant."

10.  Article III, Section 3 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

     "SECTION 3.  INTEREST RATE

     3.1  (a)  Except with respect to payments made pursuant to Article IV,
     Section 4.1(b)(i), a Participant's Account shall be credited as of each
     Valuation Date during each Plan Year at the interest rate previously
     announced by the Company to be applicable for the Plan Year, compounded
     annually. Interest shall be credited as of each Valuation Date from the
     dates when deferred amounts are credited to Accounts based on the balance
     of each Account.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  Guaranteed Interest Rate. In no event will the Interest Rate
     applicable to a Participant's Account during the Participant's lifetime and
     Transferred Accounts from the Atlantic Richfield Annual Incentive Plan be
     less than the Citibank Base Rate and in no event will the Interest Rate
     applicable to Transferred Accounts from the Atlantic Richfield Executive
     Supplementary Savings Plan be less than the Money Market Rate of interest
     under the Savings Plan for the period of time commencing on the date of
     transfer and ending on the date the Accounts are paid."

11.  Article IV, Section 1 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

     "SECTION 1.  PLAN BENEFIT

     1.1    If a Participant has a Termination of Employment for any reason the
     Company shall pay a Plan benefit equal to the Participant's Account
     balance, as determined below:

          (a)  A Participant's Account shall be credited with the rate of
     interest previously determined under Article III, Section 3.1(a) or (b),
     and communicated in advance of each Deferral Period, to be applicable for
     each Plan Year that the Account has been maintained.

          (b)  The Interest Rates provided under Section 1.1(a) of this Article,
     shall be payable until the Participant's Account is distributed in full."

12.  Article IV, Section 2, Paragraph 2.1 of the Plan is amended to read as
     follows:

     "2.1    Retirement Distributions shall be paid at the time and in the form
     of benefit elected by the Participant for the total Deferred Compensation
     (Salary, Awards and ESSP), at the time of the Deferral Commitment
     establishing such 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     deferral, on the Participation Agreement. A Participant's election shall be
     irrevocable, except as follows:

          (a)  Once each Plan year prior to a Plan Year previously designated by
     the Administrative Committee and communicated to Participants, at a time
     and on a form prescribed by the Administrative Committee, each Participant
     may change the time and/or form of the Retirement Distribution of the total
     Deferred Compensation in the Participant's Account. Effective as of the
     plan year previously designated by the Administrative Committee under the
     preceding sentence, the election by the Participant on file on such date
     shall govern the time and form of the retirement distribution for all
     amounts in the Participant's account, whether attributable to deferrals
     before or after such date.

          (b)  A Participant may request, by application to the Administrative
     Committee, approval of a change of the prior election at any time prior to
     retirement or commencement of benefits, or in the case of installment
     payments, following commencement of payments, (i) without any reduction in,
     or imposition of any penalty on, the Participant's Account, provided that
     the Administrative Committee determines, upon application of the
     Participant, that the Participant has experienced a Financial Hardship
     justifying the request for a change of election; or (ii) the Administrative
     Committee, in its sole discretion, determines that it is appropriate to
     grant the Participant's request.

          (c)  Absent an election by the Participant of the form and/or
     commencement date of the Retirement Distribution, payment will be made in a
     lump sum immediately following the Participant's date of retirement."

13.  Article IV, Section 4 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  "SECTION 4. SURVIVOR BENEFITS

  4.1  (a)  Prior to Change of Control the following provisions shall apply:

            (i)   Death After Age 65.  If the Participant dies on or after
                  ------------------
     attaining age 65 the Survivor Benefits shall be equal to the Participant's
     Account balance, payable in the form previously elected by the Participant.

            (ii)  Death Prior to Termination of Employment and Prior to Age 65.
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
     If the Participant dies prior to attaining age 65 and prior to Termination
     of Employment, the Survivor Benefit shall be paid in monthly installments
     and shall be the greater of (i) forty percent (40%) of the Participant's
     total Deferral Commitment, or (ii) the actual Account balance of the
     Participant, assuming a payout for the number of years between the
     Participant's death and the year the Participant would have attained age
     65, increased by the applicable Interest Rate credited on unpaid Account
     balances of deceased Participants during each year of the payment period to
     the survivor.

            (iii) Death After Termination of Employment and Prior to Age 65.
                  ----------------------------------------------------------
     If the Participant dies after Termination of Employment and prior to age
     65, the Participant's Account balance, if any, shall be paid by
     continuation of the form of benefit which was payable to the Participant
     for the remaining payments which would have been made to the Participant if
     the Participant had lived, increased by the applicable Interest Rate
     credited on unpaid Account balances of deceased Participants during each
     year of the payment period to the survivor.

            (iv)  Special Rule.  If the Participant dies before age 65, the
                  ------------
     Survivor Benefit will be paid in monthly installments until the Participant
     would have attained age 65; provided, however, that if payment is made
     pursuant to Section 4.1(a)(ii) of this Article, and the number of years
     between the Participant's death and the year the Participant would have
     attained age 65 is 

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
     less than the period of installments elected by the Participant to be
     payable upon retirement, then the Survivor Benefit will be paid in
     accordance with the Participant's retirement election of installments to be
     payable upon retirement.

          (b) Following Change of Control the following provisions shall apply:

              (i)  If a Participant dies following a Change of Control the
     Survivor Benefit shall be equal to the Participant's Account balance,
     payable in a lump sum to the Participant's Beneficiary."

14.  Article IV, Section 5 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

     "SECTION 5. IN-SERVICE DISTRIBUTIONS

     5.1       A Participant may elect to receive an In-Service Distribution
     from the Participant Account subject to the following restrictions:

          (a)  TIMING OF ELECTION. The election to take an In-Service
     Distribution from an Account must be made at the same time the Participant
     makes the annual Deferral Commitment.

          (b)  AMOUNT OF WITHDRAWAL. The amount which a Participant can elect to
     receive as an In-Service Distribution with respect to an Account shall be
     such portions of the Participant's Account balance, as prescribed by the
     Administrative Committee in advance of the Deferral Period. If a previously
     elected amount exceeds the Account balance when an In-Service Distribution
     is to be made, only the Account balance will be paid.

          (c)  TIMING AND FORM OF IN-SERVICE DISTRIBUTION. The In-Service
     Distribution shall commence at the time and in the form elected by the
     Participant on the Participant Agreement at the time of the Deferral
     Commitment; 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     provided, however, that if the Participant terminates employment without a
     right to commence a retirement allowance under the Retirement Plan, the In-
     Service Distribution election will be canceled and distribution will be
     made pursuant to Section 3 of this Article, and provided, further, that if
     the Participant terminates employment with a right to commence a retirement
     allowance, the In-Service Distribution election will be canceled and
     distribution will be made pursuant to Section 2 of this Article. In no
     event shall an In-Service Distribution be made prior to seven years
     following the start of the Deferral Period.

          (d)  Amounts paid to a Participant pursuant to this section shall be
     treated as distributions from the Participant's Account."

15.  Sections 7 through 11 of Article IV of the Plan, with the effective date of
     Section 11 being August 1, 1997, are amended to read as follows:

     "SECTION 7.  DISABILITY

     7.1    If a Participant suffers a Disability under the provisions of the
     Atlantic Richfield Executive Long-Term Disability Plan, the Participant's
     Deferral Commitments will cease except for any Awards or ESSP Benefits
     which may be payable thereafter. Distribution of the Deferred Compensation
     will not be made due to the Disability. The Participant's Account will be
     distributed in accordance with the method which the Participant had elected
     for payment of retirement benefits with respect to such Deferred
     Compensation if and when the Participant retires following his Disability.
     Absent a retirement election by the Participant, payment will be made in a
     lump sum upon Termination of Employment.

     SECTION 8.  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT DUE TO SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

     8.1    If a Participant terminates employment involuntarily in conjunction
     with a sale of assets or a reorganization (including termination due to a
     specific job elimination) the Participant's Account will be distributed in
     accordance with
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
     the method which the Participant had elected for payment of retirement
     benefits with payment commencing on the earliest date the Participant would
     have become eligible to commence receiving the retirement benefit. During
     the period between the Participant's termination and the commencement of
     payments, interest will be credited to the Participant's Account each year
     at the applicable rate of interest. Absent a retirement election by the
     Participant, payment will be made in a lump sum upon Termination of
     Employment.

     SECTION 9.  VALUATION AND SETTLEMENT

     9.1    The date on which a lump sum is paid or the date on which
     installment payments commence shall be the "Settlement Date." The
     Settlement Date shall be no more than thirty (30) days after the last day
     of the month in which the Participant or his Beneficiary becomes entitled
     to payments on account of retirement, other Termination of Employment or
     death, unless the Participant elects to defer commencement of payments
     following retirement to a later date in the Participation Agreement. The
     Settlement Date for an In-Service Distribution or delayed payments
     following retirement shall be the month which the Participant elects for
     commencement of such payments in the election form for designation of form
     of payment. The amount of a lump sum and the initial amount of installment
     payments shall be based on the value of the Participant's Account as of the
     Valuation Date at the end of the immediately preceding month before the
     Settlement Date. For example, the Valuation Date at the end of December
     shall be used to determine lump sum or the initial amount of installment
     payments which will be made in the following January.

     SECTION 10.  SMALL BENEFIT

     10.1    Notwithstanding any election made by the Participant, the
     Administrative Committee, in its sole discretion, may pay any benefit in
     the form of a lump sum payment to the Participant or any Beneficiary, if
     the lump sum amount of the Account balance which remains in the Account
     following a

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
     distribution for any reason, or which is payable to the Participant or
     Beneficiary when payments to such Participant or Beneficiary would
     otherwise commence is less than $2,000.

     SECTION 11.  CHANGE OF CONTROL

     11.1  (a)  Subject to the provisions of Section 11.1(b) hereof, upon a
     Change of Control as defined in the Supplemental Executive Benefit Plans
     Trust Agreement between Atlantic Richfield Company and the State Street
     Bank and Trust Company, as amended through August 1, 1997, and incorporated
     herein by reference and notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary
     in this Plan, the following provisions shall apply:

                (i)   The Independent Plan Administrator appointed under the
     Trust Agreement shall assume all responsibilities relating to
     Administration under Article VI of the Plan with the exception that the
     disposition of any claim for benefits by a Participant or Beneficiary,
     following an initial determination by the Independent Plan Administrator,
     shall be the sole responsibility of the Advisory and Claims Committee
     established under the Trust Agreement, described above.

                (ii)  No individual may commence participation following the
     Change of Control.

                (iii) No deferrals relating to previously elected Deferral
     Commitments may be made following the Change of Control, except that any
     Salary or Executive Supplementary Savings Plan amounts earned through the
     date of the Change of Control during the relevant Plan year shall be
     credited in accordance with the prior deferral election.

                (iv)  Any amounts determined by the Independent Plan
     Administrator to be transferable to this Plan from the Atlantic Richfield
     Company
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
     Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan pursuant to an eligible
     Participant's election under such plan following a Change of Control shall
     be accepted by the Independent Plan Administrator and credited to the
     affected Participant's Deferral Account.

          (b)  Time and form of distribution of Deferred Compensation Accounts
     following a Change of Control:

               (i)    Following a Change of Control, any prior elections with
     respect to the form of payment of any Deferred Compensation Accounts shall
     be canceled and the Participant will be given the option to elect, in
     accordance with procedures established by the Independent Plan
     Administrator, including the time and manner of election, distribution of
     the Participant's Deferred Compensation Account in one of the following
     forms. Absent such election within the time period determined by the
     Independent Plan Administrator, the Deferred Compensation Account will be
     distributed to the Participant in a single payment:

                      (1)  Single payment, constituting all or a portion
     (selected in percentages and/or amounts prescribed by the Independent Plan
     Administrator) of the Account, as elected by the Participant. If a portion
     of the Account is distributed, the remainder will be distributed under one
     of the following installment methods, as elected by the Participant:

                      (2)  Five annual installments

                      (3)  Ten annual installments

                      (4)  Fifteen annual installments

                      (5)  Twenty annual installments

               (ii)   Following a Change of Control, any prior elections with
     respect to the time of payment of any Deferred Compensation shall be
     canceled

                                      12

<PAGE>
 
     and the Participant will be given the option to elect, in accordance with
     procedures established by the Independent Plan Administrator, described
     above, distribution of the entire Deferred Compensation Account elected
     under Subparagraph (ii), at one the following times:

                      (1)  A single payment will be distributed to the
     Participant as soon as possible following the Change of Control;

                      (2)  The Participant may elect commencement of any of the
     installment schedules elected under Subparagraph (i) above in the January
     immediately following the Change of Control or any succeeding January,
     provided that in no event may distributions continue after the end of the
     20th calendar year following a Change of Control."

16.  Article V of the Plan is amendment to read as follows:

                                   "ARTICLE V
                           DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY
                                        
     Section 1.  Designation of Beneficiary

     1.1    Each Participant shall have the right to designate a Beneficiary or
     Beneficiaries to receive Participant's interest in Participant's Account
     upon Participant death.  Such designation shall be made on a form
     prescribed by and delivered to the Company.  The Participant shall have the
     right to change or revoke any such designation from time to time by filing
     a new designation or notice of revocation with the Company, and no notice
     to any Beneficiary nor consent by any Beneficiary shall be required to
     effect any such change or revocation.

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 2.  FAILURE TO DESIGNATE BENEFICIARY

     2.1    If a Participant shall fail to designate a Beneficiary before
     Participant's death, or if no designated Beneficiary survives the
     Participant, the Administrative Committee shall direct the Company to pay
     the balance in Participant's Account in a lump sum to the executor or
     administrator for Participant's estate."

Executed This 15th day of September, 1997.


ATTEST:                                ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY

                                                              
BY: /s/ Armineh Simonian               BY:  /s/ John H. Kelly 
   ------------------------                ------------------------
                                           JOHN H. KELLY
                                           Senior Vice President
                                           Human Resources

                                      14

<PAGE>
 
                                AMENDMENT NO. 4
                                       TO
                           ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY
                             ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN

                          ---------------------------

Pursuant to authority contained in resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors
on February 24, 1997, the following amendment is hereby made to the Atlantic
Richfield Company Annual Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), effective February 24,
1997, unless otherwise indicated.

1.  Sections 1 and 2 of the Plan are amended to read as follows:

    "Section 1.  Purpose

                 The purpose of the Plan is to provide annual cash Awards to
    those executives who make substantial contributions to the success of the
    Company by their ability, industry and exceptional performance. It is
    intended that the Plan will thereby enable the Company to attract and
    motivate management employees of high caliber and potential.

    SECTION 2.   DEFINITIONS

                 As used herein, the following terms shall have the following 
    meanings:

            (a)  "Adjusted Net Income" means after-tax income as adjusted to
    exclude non-routine or "special" items.

            (b)  "Average Reserve Replacement Cost Per BOE" means the weighted
    average of a Corporation's Reserve Replacement Cost Per BOE during the
    immediately three preceding fiscal years, except that the Comparison Group
    Average Reserve Replacement Cost Per BOE will lag the Company's cost by one
    year (e.g., for the Performance Year 1996, the Comparison Group cost will be
    based on the average of the years 1993, 1994 and 1995). For purposes of this
    definition, weighted average is calculated by dividing the sum of the costs
    incurred during the immediately three preceding years by the sum of the
    Changes in Proved Reserves, excluding the effect of sales, during the
    immediately three preceding years.

            (c)  "Average Reserve Replacement Ratio" means the weighted average
    of a Corporation's Reserve Replacement Ratio during the immediately three
    preceding fiscal years, except that the Comparison Group Average Reserve
    Replacement Ratio will lag the Company's ratio by one year (e.g., for the
    Performance Year 1996, the Comparison Group Ratio will be based on the
<PAGE>
 
    average of the years 1993, 1994 and 1995). For purposes of this definition,
    weighted average is calculated by dividing the sum of the Changes in Proved
    Reserves during the immediately three preceding years by the barrels of oil
    equivalent produced or consumed during the immediately three preceding
    years.

              (d) "Average Return on Shareholders' Equity" or "Average ROSE"
    means the simple average of a Corporation's Return on Shareholders' Equity
    during the immediately three preceding fiscal years.

              (e) "Average Shareholders' Equity" means, for a Corporation, the
    average of shareholders' equity at the end of the year in question and at
    the end of the immediately preceding fiscal year.

              (f) "Award" means an annual award to a participant pursuant to
    Section 6 of the Plan.

              (g) "Award Multiple" means the multiplier applicable to the
    Company's rank for each Performance Criterion, as described in Subsection
    5(a)(2) of the Plan.

              (h) "Awards Fund" means the aggregate amount of money determined
    by the Committee to be available for Awards under the Plan for a Performance
    Year pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan.

              (i) "Base Salary" means the annualized regular biweekly wages of a
    Participant, effective as of December 31 of the year immediately preceding
    the Performance Year to which the Award relates, paid by the Company for the
    Participant's personal service, excluding all extra pay such as overtime,
    premiums, bonuses and other allowances.

              (j) "Board" means the Board of Directors of Atlantic Richfield
    Company.

              (k) "Changes in Proved Reserves" means the sum of the number of
    barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) added to and/or subtracted from a
    Corporation's and its Equity Affiliates' reserves from the following sources
    (6 Mcf = 1BOE):

                  .  Revisions of Estimates
                  .  Improved Recovery        
                  .  Extensions and Discoveries
                  .  Purchases                
                  .  Sales                     

              (l) "Committee" means the Organization and Compensation Committee
    of the Board of Directors of the Company.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
              (m)  "Company" means Atlantic Richfield Company, its successors
     and assigns, and its Subsidiaries.

              (n)  "Comparison Corporations" or "Comparison Group" means Amoco
     Corporation, Chevron Corporation, Exxon Corporation, Mobil Corporation,
     Occidental Corporation, Phillips Petroleum Company, Texaco Inc. and Unocal
     Corporation.

              (o)  "Corporation" means the Company or any Comparison Corporation
     and its Subsidiaries.

              (p)  "Equity Affiliate" means any entity accounted for under the
     equity or proportional consolidation method in a Corporation's financial
     statements.

              (q)  "Employee" means an employee of the Company.

              (r)  "Participant" means, with respect to a Performance Year, an
     Employee who has been granted an Award under the Plan for such Performance
     Year.

              (s)  "Performance Criteria" or "Performance Criterion", as the
     context applies, means the Adjusted Net Income, Average Reserve Replacement
     Ratio and Average ROSE, measured pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan in
     calculating the Awards Fund.

              (t)  "Performance Year" means the calendar year immediately
     preceding the year in which Awards are granted.

              (u)  "Plan" means the Annual Incentive Plan as set forth herein
     and as may be amended from time to time.

              (v)  "Reserve Replacement Cost Per BOE" means the costs (both
     capitalized and expensed) incurred in the acquisition, exploration and
     development of petroleum liquids and natural gas reserves by a Corporation
     and its Equity Affiliates divided by the Changes in Proved Reserves of
     petroleum liquids and natural gas, excluding the effect of sales.

              (w)  "Reserve Replacement Ratio" means the percentage computed by
     dividing the Changes in Proved Reserves of petroleum liquids and natural
     gas during the year in question (before production) by a Corporation's and
     its Equity Affiliates' reported total number of barrels of oil equivalent
     (BOE) of petroleum liquids and natural gas produced and consumed during
     that year. (6 Mcf = 1BOE).

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
              (x)  "Return on Shareholders' Equity" or "ROSE" means, for a
     Corporation, the percentage computed by dividing Adjusted Net Income by
     Average Shareholders' Equity.

              (y)  "Salary Grade" means the classification assigned to an
     Employee by Atlantic Richfield Company.

              (z)  "Subsidiary" means any corporation, the majority of the
     voting stock of which, or any partnership or joint venture, the majority of
     the profits interest or capital interest of which, is owned directly or
     indirectly by the Company or a Corporation, as applicable.

              (aa) "Total Award Multiple" means the sum of each of the three
     Award Multiples applicable to the Company's ranking on each Performance
     Criterion multiplied by its one-third weight.

2.   Subsection 3(b) of the Plan is deleted and Subsection 3(c) is amended and
     redesignated as Subsection 3(b) to read as follows:

              "(b) No member of the Committee shall be personally liable by
     reason of any contract or other instrument executed by such member, or on
     such member's behalf, in such member's capacity as a member of the
     Committee or for any mistake of judgment made in good faith, and the
     Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Committee, and
     each other officer, employee or director of the Company to whom any duty or
     power relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan has been
     delegated, against any cost or expense (including counsel fees) or
     liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the
     approval of the Committee) arising out of any act or omission in connection
     with the Plan unless arising out of such person's own fraud or bad faith."

3.   Subsections 4(a) and (c) of the Plan are amended to read as follows:

              "(a) An Employee who has served as an officer or in another key
     position at any time during a Performance Year is eligible for selection by
     the Committee to receive an Award with respect to that Performance Year. No
     member of the Committee may be selected to receive an Award under the
     Plan."
 
              "(c) The Committee may make an Award to an Employee (or the
     Employee's beneficiary or estate) who has terminated service with the
     Company prior to the end of a Performance Year, if the Committee determines
     that such Employee has made an outstanding contribution to the Company
     during the Performance Year."

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
4.   Section 5 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

     "SECTION 5. DETERMINATION OF AWARDS FUND

         (a)     PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

                 (1)    PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

                        As soon as possible following the close of each
     Performance Year, the Committee shall calculate the following comparisons
     of the Company with the Comparison Group and rank the Company accordingly:

                        (i)   Compare the percentage change in Adjusted Net
     Income from the prior year.

                        (ii)  Compare Average Reserve Replacement Ratio.

                        (iii) Compare Average ROSE.

                 (2)    RANKING OF PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND CALCULATION OF FUND

                        (i)   Subject to adjustments described under Subsections
     5(a)(2)(ii), (iii) and (iv), each Performance Criterion is weighted one-
     third, with Award Multiples relating to the Company's rank for each measure
     as follows:
          
           -------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Award
               RANK                                    MULTIPLE
           -------------------------------------------------------
                 1                                       2.0
                 2                                       2.0
                 3                                       1.5
                 4                                       1.0
                 5                                       1.0
                 6                                       1.0
                 7                                       0.5
                 8                                        0
                 9                                        0
           -------------------------------------------------------

                        (ii)  The Total Award Multiple calculated under
     Subsection 5(a)(2)(i) may be superseded, in the sole discretion of the
     Committee, by a special adjustment in the following circumstances:

      ------------------------------------------------------------------
           COMPANY RANKING
            ON ALL THREE                             TOTAL AWARD
        PERFORMANCE CRITERIA                          MULTIPLE  
      ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                 1                                Not to Exceed 3.0
               1 or 2                             Not to Exceed 2.5
      ------------------------------------------------------------------ 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
               (iii)     The Award Multiple relating to the Average Reserve
     Replacement Ratio measure shall be adjusted as follows:

                         (1)   For Average Reserve Replacement Cost Per BOE:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            ------------------------------------------------------------------------    
                  Average Reserve                                                       
                 Replacement Cost Per                          Adjustment               
                        BOE                                    Multiplier               
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------    
                 <S>                                           <C>                      
           (less than)$4.00/BOE                                  1.25                    
                      $4.00-5.00/BOE                             1.00                    
        (greater than)$5.00/BOE                                  0.75                    
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------    
</TABLE>                                                                     

                         (2)   If the Company's Average Reserve Replacement
     Ratio is less than 90 percent, the Award Multiple for this Performance
     Criterion cannot exceed 1.0, regardless of actual ranking.

                         (3)   If the Company's Average Reserve Replacement
     Ratio is greater than 120 percent, the Award Multiple for this Performance
     Criterion cannot be less than 1.5, regardless of actual ranking.

                  (iv)   The Committee may, in its sole discretion, increase by
     up to 0.5 the Award Multiple relating to each Performance Criterion for a
     Performance Year in which the Committee determines there has been a
     substantial improvement in such Performance Criterion on an absolute basis.

          (b) SALARY GRADE TARGET AWARD PERCENTAGES

              Each Salary Grade among the Employees has a target award which
     shall be the percentage of Base Salary representing the 50th percentile of
     annual incentive awards payable by the Comparison Group, as derived
     annually from market data.

          (c) ADJUSTMENT OF SALARY GRADE TARGET AWARD PERCENTAGES

              The target award percentage determined under Subsection 5(b) to be
     applicable to a Salary Grade shall be adjusted by multiplying such target 
     award percentage by the total award multiple. Each Salary Grade fund shall
     be determined by multiplying the adjusted target percentage by the Base
     Salary of each Employee in that Salary Grade.

          (d) AWARDS FUND

              Subject to any adjustments pursuant to Subsection 5(e), the total
     fund available for the grant of individual Awards under the Plan shall be
     the sum of each of the Salary Grade funds determined under Subsection 5(c).

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
          (e) AWARDS FUND LIMITATION

              In no event may the aggregate dollar amount of Awards granted for
     a Performance Year exceed two percent of the Company's Adjusted Net Income
     for such Performance Year. to the extent that the determination of Awards
     under Subsections 5(a), (b) and (c) would result in an amount exceeding two
     percent of the Company's Adjusted Net Income, each individual Award shall
     be reduced proportionately, with the result that the total Awards Fund
     shall be an amount equal to two percent of Adjusted Net Income.

          (f) INDIVIDUAL AWARD ADJUSTMENTS

              In addition to any adjustments resulting from the application of
     Subsections 5(a), (c) and/or (e), the Award of a Participant may be
     increased or decreased from the amount determined under Subsection 5(c), as
     determined to be appropriate by the Committee based on the individual,
     group or business unit goals and accomplishments or any other criteria
     deemed relevant by the Committee. the amount of any reduction may be
     reallocated to other individuals within the same Salary Grade.

          (g) BASIS FOR CALCULATIONS

              All calculations described in this Section 5 shall be based on the
     audited financial statements of each of the Comparison Corporations, to the
     extent these are publicly available, or on the income statement and balance
     sheet and dividend payments as reported to stockholders, or otherwise
     publicly available."

5.   Subsection 6(b) of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

         "(b) Prior to the commencement of each Performance Year, prospective
     Participants shall be afforded the right to elect irrevocably to defer all
     or a portion of the payment of their Awards for the Performance Year
     pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Atlantic Richfield Executive
     Deferral Plan."

6.   Subsection 8(a) of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

         "(a) the company intends to establish a grantor trust to aid in
     accumulating the amounts necessary to pay any amount awarded to a
     participant for a performance year, or an award deferred pursuant to
     section 6 or any interest credited thereon.  all awards, and any interest
     credited thereon, shall be paid from the general funds of the company to
     the extent not paid from the grantor trust. under no circumstances shall a
     participant or other person have any interest whatsoever in any particular
     property or assets of the company as a result of this plan or an award made
     thereunder."

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
7.   Section 10 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

     "Section 10. Effective Date

                  The effective date of the Plan is November 26, 1984."

 
Executed this 2nd day of October, 1997


ATTEST                                      ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY

    
BY: /s/ Donna McGugan                       BY: /s/ John H. Kelly         
   --------------------------                  ---------------------------
                                                John H. Kelly
                                                Senior Vice President
                                                Human Resources

                                       8

<PAGE>
 
ARCO [LOGO APPEARS HERE]

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1985 EXECUTIVE LONG-TERM 
INCENTIVE PLAN

AS AMENDED THROUGH
JULY 28, 1997
<PAGE>
 
                                     ARCO
                    1985 EXECUTIVE LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                              -----------------  
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                           NO.
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>  
ARTICLE I.           GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Section  1           Purposes of the Plan.............................    1
  Section  2           Definitions......................................    1
  Section  3           Administration of the Plan.......................    8
 
ARTICLE II.          STOCK OPTIONS
  Section  1           Grant of Stock Options...........................    9
  Section  2           Terms and Conditions of Stock Options............    9
 
ARTICLE III.         RESTRICTED STOCK
  Section  1           Grant of Contingent Restricted Stock.............   12
  Section  2           Grant of Restricted Stock........................   12
  Section  3           Grant of Performance-Based Restricted Stock......   12
  Section  4           Waiver of Restrictions...........................   14
  Section  5           Termination of Employment........................   14
 
ARTICLE IV.          PERFORMANCE-BASED DIVIDEND SHARE CREDITS
  Section  1           Cancellation of Credits Upon Exercise, Expiration
                       or Surrender of Stock Option.....................   16
  Section  2           Performance-Based Criterion for Dividend
                       Share Credits....................................   16
  Section  3           Calculation For Payment..........................   17
  Section  4           Prospective Dividend Share Credits...............   17
 
ARTICLE V.           MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
  Section  1           Option and Restricted Stock Limits...............   18
  Section  2           Adjustment in Terms of Award.....................   18
  Section  3           Governmental Regulations.........................   19
  Section  4           No Guaranty of Employment........................   19
  Section  5           Relation to Benefit Plans........................   19
  Section  6           Assignment or Transfer...........................   20
  Section  7           Rights as Shareholder............................   20
  Section  8           Withholding Taxes................................   20
  Section  9           Amendment and Discontinuance of the Plan.........   21
  Section 10           Effective Date...................................   22
  Section 11           Term of Plan.....................................   22
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE I
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
                                        
SECTION 1.  PURPOSES OF THE PLAN

          The purposes of the Plan are to provide a select group of management
and other key employees with a specific incentive to work for the long-range
growth and success of the Company and to enable the Company to attract, retain
and motivate employees of superior capability.


SECTION 2.  DEFINITIONS

          As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

          (a) "Anticipatory Change of Control" means (i) the execution of an
agreement or a written document which, if the subject thereof were consummated,
would result in a Change of Control; (ii) a public announcement by any Person,
including ARCO, of an intent to take an action(s) which, if consummated, would
result in a Change of Control; or (iii) the delivery of a signed, written
statement to the Trustee of the Change of Control Trust and ARCO's Independent
Auditor by the Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel of ARCO that an
Anticipatory Change of Control is in effect, provided that, with respect to any
of the above three circumstances, the Anticipatory Change of Control shall not
be effective until approved by either the Board or the Executive Committee of
the Board.

          (b) "ARCO" means Atlantic Richfield Company, its successors and
assigns.

          (c) "Base Salary" means the annualized regular biweekly wages of an
Eligible Employee.

          (d) "Board" means the Board of Directors of ARCO.

          (e) "Change of Control" means:

              (i) Consummation/1/ of a reorganization, merger or consolidation
or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of ARCO

- -----------------------
/1/   In the case of the vesting of Restricted Stock and Performance-Based
Restricted Stock under Article III, Section 4(c) and the vesting of Stock
Options under Article II, Section 2(f), "approval by the shareholders of the
Company" shall be substituted for "consummation" and the exceptions under clause
(1) thru (3) shall not apply.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
(a "Business Combination"), unless, in each case, following such Business
Combination:

                  (1) All or substantially all of the individuals and entities
who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the then outstanding shares of
common stock (the "Outstanding Common Stock") of ARCO and the combined voting
power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in
the election of directors (the "Outstanding Voting Securities") of ARCO
immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or
indirectly, more than 60 percent of, respectively, the then Outstanding Common
Stock and the combined voting power of the then Outstanding Voting Securities
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of
the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without
limitation, a corporation which, as a result of such transaction, owns ARCO or
all or substantially all of ARCO's assets either directly or through one or more
subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership,
immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Outstanding Common Stock
and Outstanding Voting Securities, as the case may be;

                  (2) No Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such
Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of ARCO or
such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns,
directly or indirectly, 25 percent or more of, respectively, the then
Outstanding Common Stock of such corporation resulting from such Business
Combination or the combined voting power of the then Outstanding Voting
Securities of such corporation, except to the extent that such ownership existed
immediately prior to the Business Combination; and

                  (3) At least a majority of the members of the board of
directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were
members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial
agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business
Combination; or

              (ii) The acquisition by any Person of beneficial ownership (within
the meaning of Rule 13d-3 or Rule 13d-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of
25 percent/2/ or more of either (A) the Outstanding Common Stock of ARCO or (B)
the Outstanding Voting Securities of ARCO; provided, however, that for purposes
of this Subsection (ii), the following shall not constitute a Change of Control:
(aa) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) 

- ------------------------------
/2/   This percentage shall be 40% in the case of  the Vesting of Prospective
Dividend Share Credits under Article IV, Section 4 of the Plan and the Pro Rata
Payment of Contingent Restricted Stock under Article III, Section b(v) of the
Plan.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
sponsored or maintained by ARCO or any corporation controlled by ARCO; (bb) any
acquisition by ARCO or any increase in beneficial ownership resulting solely
from an acquisition by ARCO; (cc) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to
a Business Combination which complies with clauses (1), (2) and (3) of
Subsection (i); or (dd) any acquisition directly from ARCO pursuant to a
transaction (other than a Business Combination) approved by the Board after July
28, 1997; and provided, further, that in any event, without regard to the manner
in which the level of ownership is attained, the ownership by any Person of 40
percent or more of the Outstanding Common Stock of ARCO or Outstanding Voting
Securities of ARCO shall constitute a Change of Control; or

               (iii) Individuals who, as of July 28, 1997, constitute the Board
(the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority
of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director
subsequent to such date whose election, or nomination for election by ARCO's
stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors
then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such
individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, except that any such individual
whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened
election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other
actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a
Person shall not be considered an Incumbent Director/3/; or

               (iv) Approval by the stockholders of ARCO of a complete
liquidation or dissolution of ARCO.

          (f) "Change of Control Trust" means the trust established by ARCO to
provide for the payment of any benefits, in whatever form is required, under the
Plan on and after a Change of Control.

          (g) "Committee" means the Organization and Compensation Committee of
the Board.

          (h) "Common Stock" means the common stock of ARCO having a par value
of $2.50 per share.

          (i) "Company" means ARCO and its Subsidiaries.

- -------------------
/3/   This provision shall not apply in the case of the Vesting of Prospective
Dividend Share Credits under Article IV, Section 4 of the Plan and the Pro Rata
Payment of Contingent Restricted Stock under Article III, Section b(v) of the
Plan.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
          (j)  "Comparison Group" means Amoco Corporation, Chevron Corporation,
Exxon Corporation, Mobil Corporation, Occidental Corporation, Phillips Petroleum
Company, Texaco, Inc. and Unocal Corporation.

          (k)  "Compensation Subcommittee" or "Subcommittee" means the members
of the Committee who qualify as outside directors under Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and as "Non-Employee Directors" within the
meaning of Section 16 of the 1934 Exchange Act, as amended, and are empowered to
establish, and certify to the attainment of, performance criteria prescribed
under the Plan.

          (l)  "Contingent Restricted Stock" means a contingent grant of shares
of Performance-Based Restricted Stock under the terms and conditions set forth
in Article III, Section 1, that has no indicia of ownership of Common Stock,
that is granted at the commencement of a Performance Period and will be
converted to an actual award of Performance-Based Restricted Stock, if any,
pursuant to the Performance-Based Restricted Stock Payment Schedule.

          (m)  "Dividend Rights" means, as of any date, (i) the total number of
shares of Common Stock subject to all outstanding and unexercised Stock Options
held by an optionee pursuant to the Plan, and (ii) the total number of Dividend
Share Credits credited to an optionee on such date.

          (n) "Dividend Share Credits" means, with respect to a Stock Option
granted prior to February 24, 1997, the total number of credits allocated to an
optionee on any date. The number of Dividend Share Credits credited as of any
record date for cash dividends declared on Common Stock shall be the aggregate
number derived by (i) multiplying the dividend rate declared per share of Common
Stock by the number of Dividend Rights held by an optionee as of the dividend
record date, and then (ii) dividing the resulting figure by the Fair Market
Value of a share of Common Stock on such record date. Dividend Share Credits
attributable to exercised, expired or surrendered Stock Options shall be
canceled upon such exercise, expiration or surrender and their treatment shall
be as provided in Article IV of the Plan.

          (o) "Eligible Employee" means a member of a select group of management
or other key employee of the Company who, in the opinion of the Committee, is in
a position to contribute significantly to long-term profit and growth
objectives; provided, however, that no member of the Committee nor any person
owning stock possessing more than ten percent of the total combined voting power
of all classes of stock of ARCO shall be an Eligible Employee.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
          (p) "Employment" means continuous employment with the Company.

          (q) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

          (r) "Fair Market Value" of a share of Common Stock means the mean
between the highest and lowest sales prices, or the closing sales price of a
share of Common Stock, whichever is higher, on the date in question as reported
on the composite tape for issues listed on the New York Stock Exchange. If no
transaction was reported on the composite tape in the Common Stock on such date,
the prices used shall be the prices reported on the nearest day preceding the
date in question. If the Common Stock should not then be listed or admitted to
trading on such Exchange, Fair Market Value shall be the mean between the
closing bid and asked prices on the date in question as furnished by any member
firm of the New York Stock Exchange selected from time to time by the Committee
for that purpose.

          (s)  "Performance Period" means the period of time established by the
Subcommittee at the time of a grant of Contingent Restricted Stock over which
the Company's Performance Ranking will be determined.

          (t) "Performance Ranking" means the ranking of the Company in Total
Shareholder Return as measured against the Comparison Group over the applicable
Performance Period.

          (u) "Performance-Based Restricted Stock" means restricted Common Stock
which is granted by the Compensation Subcommittee following its determination of
the Company's Performance Ranking in relation to a grant of Contingent
Restricted Stock and calculation of the payment pursuant to the Performance-
Based Restricted Stock Payment Schedule. Such Performance-Based Restricted Stock
shall be non-transferable and non-assignable during the applicable Restriction
Period and may be forfeited if there is a termination of Employment during the
Restriction Period for reasons specified in the Plan.

          (v) "Performance-Based Restricted Stock Payment Schedule" means the
schedule which is used to calculate the amount of Performance-Based Restricted
Stock available to pay Eligible Employees as determined by multiplication of the
amount of a grant of Contingent Restricted Stock by the Award Multiple relating
to the Company's Performance Ranking as follows:

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
               (i) General Calculation:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                ----------------------------------------------
                   COMPANY PERFORMANCE             AWARD
                         RANKING                  MULTIPLE
                ----------------------------------------------
                        <S>                       <C> 
                            1                       3.0                                    
                            2                       2.5                                    
                            3                       2.0                                    
                            4                       1.5                                    
                            5                       1.0                                    
                            6                       0.5                                    
                            7                         0                                    
                            8                         0                                    
                            9                         0                                     
                ----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

               (ii) Special Adjustments:

                    (1) If one or more companies in the Comparison Group is
within one percentage point of the Company's TSR, the Company's TSR rank Award
Multiple shall be the average of the Company's Award Multiple and the Award
Multiple that would be applicable to such other companies.

                    (2) If the Company's TSR is within one percentage point of
the average of the Comparison Group, weighted for market capitalization, the
Award Multiple shall be the greater of the Company's TSR rank Award Multiple or
1.0. The Subcommittee retains discretion to lower the Award Multiple.

          (w) "Person" means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership,
governmental body, entity or group and shall include any person within the
meaning of (S)13(d)(3) or (S)14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.

          (x) "Plan" means this 1985 Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan,
including any amendments hereof and rules and regulations hereunder.

          (y) "Prospective Dividend Share Credits" means the amount of Dividend
Share Credits which would be earned with respect to a Stock Option during the
period commencing on the date of a Change of Control and concluding on the
expiration date of the term of the Stock Option, assuming (i) no exercise of the
Option; (ii) a fixed Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock, and (iii) a
fixed dividend, on such Common Stock.  Both Fair Market Value and the dividend
rate shall be determined as of the record date of the quarterly dividend on such
Common Stock immediately preceding the Change of Control.

          (z) "Restriction Period" means the period specified by the
Subcommittee at the time of grant of Restricted Stock during which the
restriction and forfeitability conditions described under Section 2 of Article
III apply.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
          (aa) "Restricted Stock" means Common Stock awarded under the Plan
which is subject to certain forfeiture and transferability restrictions as
provided in the Plan, in regulations of the Committee promulgated thereunder,
and in the agreement evidencing the grant of such Restricted Stock.

          (bb) "Salary Grade Level" means the classification assigned to an
Eligible Employee, based on salary and grade ranking, by Atlantic Richfield
Company.

          (cc) "Special Plan Administrator" means the entity designated in the
Change of Control Trust as having full Administrative powers under Article I,
Section 3 of the Plan on and after a Change of Control, including, but not
limited to, all interpretive and decision powers reserved to the Committee or
the Subcommittee prior to a Change of Control.

          (dd) "Stock Options" means options to purchase Common Stock under the
terms and conditions set forth in Article II of the Plan.  Such options shall
not be "Incentive Stock Options" as defined in Section 422(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          (ee) "Subsidiary" means any corporation, the majority of the voting
stock of which, or any partnership or joint venture, the majority of the profits
interest or capital interest of which, is owned directly or indirectly by ARCO
or a member of the Comparison Group, as applicable.

          (ff) "Target Investment Value" means one-half of the Total Investment
Value.

          (gg) "Total Investment Value" means, with respect to each Salary Grade
Level, that value which represents the 50th percentile of long-term compensation
payable by the Comparison Group, determined annually based on an analysis of
market data.

          (hh) "Total Shareholder Return" or "TSR" means the sum of the
dividends and appreciation or depreciation of the price of a share of Common
Stock over the established measurement period. The beginning and ending stock
price, as applicable, used to calculate the Total Shareholder Return shall be
the average of the closing price on the ten trading days prior to the last
trading day of the calendar year, on the last trading day of the calendar year,
and on the ten trading days following the last trading day of the calendar year.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

          (a) Prior to a Change of Control, the Plan shall be administered by
the Committee or, where specified herein, by the Subcommittee. The Committee or
Subcommittee, as applicable, is authorized to interpret the Plan, to adopt such
rules and regulations as may from time to time be deemed necessary for the
effective operation of the Plan, and to act upon all matters relating to the
granting of awards under the Plan. Any determination, interpretation,
construction or other action made or taken pursuant to the provisions of the
Plan by or on behalf of the Committee or Subcommittee, as applicable, shall be
final, binding and conclusive for all purposes and upon all persons including,
without limitation, the Company, the Company's shareholders and Eligible
Employees and their respective successors in interest.

          (b) On and after a Change of Control the Plan shall be administered by
the Special Plan Administrator which shall have all powers of the Committee and
Subcommittee described under Subsection 3(a).

          (c) No member of the Committee, Subcommittee or the Special Plan
Administrator, as applicable, shall be personally liable by reason of any
contract or other instrument executed by such member, or on such member's
behalf, in such member's capacity as a member of the Committee or Subcommittee
nor for any mistake of judgment made in good faith, and the Company shall
indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Committee or Subcommittee, as
applicable, and each other officer, employee or director of the Company to whom
any duty or power relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan
has been delegated, against any cost or expense (including counsel fees) or
liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the approval of
the Committee or Subcommittee) arising out of any act or omission in connection
with the Plan unless arising out of such person's own fraud or bad faith.

          (d) Subject to the terms and limitations of Subsection 1(a) of Article
II and Section 1 of Article III of the Plan, the Committee, Subcommittee or
Special Plan Administrator, as applicable, may at the time of the annual grants,
make adjustments within the Total Investment Value applicable to all Eligible
Employees provided that any reallocation resulting from changes in individual
grants may be made only to Eligible Employees in the same Salary Grade Level as
the affected individuals, so that the Total Investment Value by Salary Grade
Level may not be exceeded.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE II

                                 STOCK OPTIONS
                                        
SECTION 1.  GRANT OF STOCK OPTIONS

          (a) REGULAR GRANTS. The Committee may make an annual grant of Stock
Options to Eligible Employees in an aggregate amount equal to the Target
Investment Value (i.e., one-half of the Total Investment Value), subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and on such other terms and
conditions as are not inconsistent with the purposes and provisions of the Plan,
provided, that, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may, at the time of the
annual grant, adjust such aggregate amount from zero to three times the Target
Investment Value.

          (b) SPECIAL GRANTS. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may make
grants of Stock Options in amounts determined to be appropriate by the Committee
to:

              (i) Employees of the Company who are not regular Eligible
Employees, either at the same time as the regular, annual grant of Stock Options
or at other times, and

              (ii) Eligible Employees at times other than the time of the
regular, annual grant of Stock Options due to special circumstances, such as
commencement of Employment or special achievement.

          The Committee may, by resolution, delegate to the Chairman of the
Board the power to make special grants of Stock Options at times other than the
regular, annual grants. Any such grants of Stock Options by the Chairman of the
Board will be based upon the recommendations of the Senior Vice President, Human
Resources and shall be reported to (or, if necessary, ratified by) the
Subcommittee at its next meeting.


SECTION 2. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK OPTIONS

          All Stock Options granted under the Plan shall be subject to the
following terms and conditions:

          (a) OPTION PRICE. The option price per share with respect to each
Stock Option shall be fixed by the Committee, but shall not be less than the
Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date the Stock Option is granted.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
          (b) PERIOD OF OPTION. A Stock Option shall expire and all rights
thereunder shall end at the expiration of such period (not exceeding ten years)
after the date the Stock Option is granted as shall be fixed by the Committee at
the time it grants the Stock Option.

          (c) EXERCISE OF OPTION. Stock Options may be exercised during the
remaining term of the options in accordance with the following schedule, subject
to the provisions of Subsection 2(d) of this Article II:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     ----------------------------------------------
            CONTINUOUS                PORTION OF 
       EMPLOYMENT FOLLOWING             GRANT    
              GRANT                   EXERCISABLE   
     ----------------------------------------------
         <S>                            <C>  
             1 year                      33-1/3%                                         
             2 years                     66-2/3%                                         
             3 years                        100%                                         
     ----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

          (d) TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

              (i) If an optionee's Employment is terminated prior to entitlement
to exercise all or a portion of a grant of Stock Options, the optionee will be
immediately entitled to exercise all of his or her outstanding Stock Options
during the remainder of the term of the Stock Options, if the optionee's
termination is due to (1) total and permanent disability, (2) termination, other
than for cause, with a right to an immediate allowance under a retirement plan
of the Company, or (3) involuntary termination, other than for cause.

              (ii) If an optionee's Employment is terminated for cause,
regardless of retirement eligibility, or the optionee voluntarily terminates
Employment without a right to an immediate retirement allowance under a
retirement plan of the Company, any outstanding Stock Options which the optionee
is not entitled to exercise shall be canceled and, except as may be provided
under Subsection 2(d)(iii) of this Article II, the optionee will be permitted to
exercise any Stock Options which the optionee is entitled to exercise
immediately prior to his or her date of termination of Employment only during
the 60 calendar days following such Employment termination date.

              (iii) The Committee, in its sole discretion, may increase the
portion of a grant of Stock Options which an optionee who terminates Employment
under Subsection 2(d)(ii) of this Article II is entitled to exercise and/or the
post-termination of Employment period during which some or all of his or her
Stock Options may be exercised, provided that in no event may the amount of
exercisable Stock Options exceed the amount of the original grant nor may the
post-termination of Employment exercise period of such an optionee be longer
than 24 months following termination of Employment. The Committee may, by
resolution, delegate 

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
this power to the Chairman of the Board of the Company, whose decisions shall be
based upon the recommendations of the Senior Vice President, Human Resources and
shall be reported to the Committee at its next meeting.

          (e) DEATH. If an optionee dies prior to entitlement to exercise all or
a portion of a grant of Stock Options, the designated beneficiary of the
optionee or, absent a beneficiary designation, the executor or administrator of
his or her estate, will be entitled, commencing on the optionee's date of death,
to exercise all of the optionee's outstanding Stock Options during the remainder
of the period applicable to such Stock Options under Subsection 2(b) of this
Article II.

          (f) CHANGE OF CONTROL. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, a
Participant shall be entitled to exercise any outstanding Stock Options which
are not otherwise exercisable immediately preceding such a Change of Control.

          (g) PAYMENT FOR SHARES. Every share purchased through the exercise of
a Stock Option shall be paid for in full, in cash, within ten business days
following the time of exercise or, unless the Stock Option expressly provides
otherwise, at the time of exercise in shares of Common Stock valued at their
Fair Market Value on the date on which such Stock Option is exercised, or in a
combination of cash and such shares.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE III

                                RESTRICTED STOCK
                                        
SECTION 1. GRANT OF CONTINGENT RESTRICTED STOCK

          The Subcommittee may make an annual grant of Contingent Restricted
Stock to Eligible Employees in an amount of contingent shares equal to the
quotient of the Target Investment Value divided by the Fair Market Value of a
share of Common Stock on the date of grant.


SECTION 2. GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK

          The Subcommittee may grant Restricted Stock under the Plan to Eligible
Employees, and shall, in each case, determine the number of shares of Restricted
Stock to be granted and the terms or duration of the restrictions to be imposed
upon those shares.


SECTION 3. GRANT OF PERFORMANCE-BASED RESTRICTED STOCK

          (a) The Subcommittee may grant Performance-Based Restricted Stock
under the Plan to Eligible Employees who have been granted Contingent Restricted
Stock and the Subcommittee shall in each case determine the number of shares to
be granted in accordance with the Performance-Based Restricted Stock Payment
Schedule.

          (b)  RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO PERFORMANCE-BASED RESTRICTED STOCK.

               (i) Subject to the provisions of Subsections 3(b)(iii) and (iv)
of this Article III, shares of Performance-Based Restricted Stock shall become
vested 24 months following the date of grant, if the Participant remains in
Employment during this period.

               (ii) During the period in which Performance-Based Restricted
Stock is not vested, such stock shall be non-transferable and may not be pledged
or otherwise encumbered.

               (iii) If a grantee's Employment is terminated within 24 months
following the grant of Performance-Based Restricted Stock due to (1) total and
permanent disability; (2) involuntary termination, other than for cause; (3)
termination, other than for cause, with a right to an immediate retirement

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
allowance under a retirement plan of the Company; or (4) death, such stock shall
be deemed vested on the day the grantee's employment is terminated.

               (iv) If a grantee terminates Employment within 24 months
following the grant of Performance-Based Restricted Stock due to a reason other
than described under Subsection 3(b)(iii) of this Article III, all stock
pursuant to such grant will be forfeited unless the Subcommittee accelerates the
vesting of all or a portion of such stock upon its determination that such
vesting is in the best interest of the Company. The Subcommittee may, by
resolution, delegate this power to the Chairman of the Board, whose decisions
will be based upon the recommendations of the Senior Vice President, Human
Resources and shall be reported to the Subcommittee at its next meeting.

               (v) (1)  If a Change of Control occurs following any grant
of Contingent Restricted Stock, any actual award of Performance-Based Restricted
Stock to which the grantee would otherwise be entitled in respect of such
Contingent Restricted Stock, based on the Company's Performance Ranking for the
year of the Performance Period on the date of the Change of Control under the
applicable Restricted Stock Payment Schedule, shall be satisfied by the grant of
shares of Common Stock.  The number of shares shall be determined by multiplying
the Contingent Restricted Stock by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
number of completed months (or fraction thereof) in the Performance Period as of
the date of the Change of Control and the denominator of which is the number of
months in such Performance Period.

                  (2) If a Change of Control under Article I, Section 2(e)(i),
other than by reason of the application of Footnote 1, occurs, and a grantee of
Contingent Restricted Stock is terminated by the Company prior to a Person
attaining an ownership level of 40 percent or more of the Outstanding Shares of
Stock of the Company or the corporation resulting from a Business Combination,
as defined in Article I, Section 2(e)(i), any actual award of Performance-Based
Restricted Stock to which the grantee would otherwise be entitled, based on the
Company's performance ranking as of the earlier of (A) the end of the
Performance Period, or (B) the occurrence of a Change of Control by reason of
the application of Footnote 1 to such subsection, shall be multiplied by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of completed months (or fraction
thereof) of the Performance Period as of the grantee's date of termination and
the denominator of which is the number of months in such Performance Period,
with payment to be made in shares of Common Stock.

          (c) No grant of Performance-Based Restricted Stock may be made to a
"Covered Employee", as defined in proposed Treasury Regulations Section
1.162(m), unless the Subcommittee has certified in writing that the performance

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
criteria set forth in the Performance-Based Restricted Stock Payment Schedule
have been attained.


SECTION 4.  WAIVER OF RESTRICTIONS

          (a) Restrictions upon vesting and transferability of Restricted Stock
may be permitted to lapse as originally provided by the Subcommittee at the time
of grant, as provided in the Plan or otherwise as the Subcommittee may determine
in its sole discretion.

          (b) Restrictions upon vesting and transferability of Performance-Based
Restricted Stock shall lapse as provided in Section 3 of this Article III.

          (c) All shares of Restricted Stock and Performance-Based Restricted
Stock shall be deemed vested upon the occurrence of a Change of Control.


SECTION 5.  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

          (a) If a grantee of Contingent Restricted Stock commences Employment
following the beginning of a Performance Period, or terminates Employment prior
to the end of a Performance Period, as the case may be, except as provided
below, any actual award of Performance-Based Restricted Stock to which the
grantee would otherwise be entitled under the applicable Restricted Stock
Payment Schedule, shall be multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is
the number of months employed during the Performance Period and the denominator
of which is the number of months in such Performance Period, provided that in no
event may an award of Performance-Based Restricted Stock be made unless the
grantee has been in Employment for at least six months during the Performance
Period.

          (b) If, prior to the end of a Performance Period, a grantee of
Contingent Restricted Stock terminates Employment due to (i) total and permanent
disability; (ii) involuntary termination, other than for cause; or (iii)
termination, other than for cause, with a right to an immediate retirement
allowance under a retirement plan of the Company, the grantee shall be paid the
value determined under Subsection 5(a) of this Article III as of the date of the
grantee's termination, with payment to be made in shares of Common Stock at the
end of the Performance Period.

          (c) If, prior to the end of a Performance Period, a grantee of
Contingent Restricted Stock terminates Employment due to death, the designated

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
beneficiary of the grantee or, absent a beneficiary designation, his or her
estate, shall be paid the value determined under Subsection 5(a) of this Article
III, in cash, based on the Company's Performance Ranking for the year of the
Performance Period which ends closest to the grantee's death, with payment to be
made in shares of Common Stock as soon as practicable following  the end of such
year of the Performance Period.

          (d) If, prior to the end of a Performance Period, a grantee of
Contingent Restricted Stock terminates Employment for cause, regardless of
retirement eligibility, or voluntarily terminates Employment, other than with a
right to an immediate retirement allowance under a retirement plan of the
Company, all such Contingent Restricted Stock held by the grantee shall be
canceled.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE IV
                    PERFORMANCE-BASED DIVIDEND SHARE CREDITS
                                        
SECTION 1.  CANCELLATION OF CREDITS UPON EXERCISE, EXPIRATION OR SURRENDER OF
            STOCK OPTION

          Dividend Share Credits shall be credited as provided in Article 1,
Subsection 2(n) of the Plan.  Upon exercise of any Stock Option, in whole or in
part, the credited Dividend Share Credits attributable to the exercised Stock
Options shall be canceled.  Upon expiration of any Stock Option at the end of
its original maximum term, the credited Dividend Share Credits attributable to
the expired Stock Options shall be canceled.  An optionee may elect to surrender
for cancellation exercisable Stock Options in whole or in part.  Upon surrender
and cancellation of any such Stock Options, the Dividend Share Credits
attributable to the surrendered Stock Options shall also be canceled.

          The shares of Common Stock underlying Stock Options exercised,
surrendered or expired pursuant to this Section shall be referred to as the
"affected shares" for purposes of the application of the performance criterion
set forth in Section 2 of this Article IV.  For purposes of the application of
such criterion, the date of exercise, surrender or expiration shall be referred
to as the "determination date."


SECTION 2.  PERFORMANCE-BASED CRITERION FOR DIVIDEND SHARE CREDITS

          Upon the exercise, expiration or surrender of any Stock Option, the
Committee shall apply the following performance-based criterion to the Dividend
Share Credits allocable to the affected shares:

          In order for the performance criterion to be attained, the aggregate
          Fair Market Value of the canceled Dividend Share Credits must exceed
          the aggregate option price of the affected shares less their aggregate
          Fair Market Value on the determination date.

          The criterion shall be applied independently to each grant in the
event of the exercise, cancellation or surrender of Stock Options attributable
to multiple grants on the same date.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
SECTION 3.  CALCULATION FOR PAYMENT

          If the performance criterion set forth in Section 2 of this Article IV
is attained, a payment in shares of Common Stock shall be made to the optionee,
which shall have a value equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common
Stock multiplied by the total number of any canceled Dividend Share Credits,
less the amount by which the aggregate option price of the affected shares
exceeds the aggregate Fair Market Value of underlying shares related to such
Stock Options on the determination date.  The optionee may elect to receive a
cash payment in respect of such shares, in which case the shares of Common Stock
otherwise payable to the optionee shall be sold by the Company, at no cost to
the optionee, and the equivalent cash payment shall be made to the optionee.

          No payment may be made to a "Covered Employee", as defined in proposed
Treasury Regulations Section 1.162(m), unless the Subcommittee has certified in
writing that the performance criterion set forth in Section 2 of this Article IV
has been attained.


SECTION 4.  PROSPECTIVE DIVIDEND SHARE CREDITS

          (a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Prospective
Dividend Share Credits allocable to an optionee, as of the date of the Change of
Control,  shall be credited to the account of the optionee, as described in
Subsection (b), and no further Dividend Share Credits shall accrue with respect
to such optionee.

          (b) As of the date of a Change of Control, the Dividend Share Credits
that would be earned under each outstanding Stock Option for the remaining term
of the Stock Option shall be calculated, assuming no further exercises of the
Stock Option and using the dividend rate and the Fair Market Value of a Share of
Common Stock as of the most recent dividend record date relating to Common
Stock.  The resulting number of Dividend Share Credits shall be added to the
Dividend Share Credits held in the Participant's account as of the date of the
Change of Control and all such Dividend Share Credits shall be treated as
credited under Article I, Subsection 2(n) of the Plan, and the Participant shall
be entitled to payment in shares of Common Stock of the number of Dividend Share
Credits relating to an exercise of Stock Options in accordance with Article IV
of the Plan.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE V
                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
                                        
SECTION 1.  OPTION AND RESTRICTED STOCK LIMITS

          (a) The number of shares of Common Stock upon which Stock Options may
be granted or which may be the subject of a grant of Restricted Stock or
Performance-Based Restricted Stock during a calendar year shall be eight-tenths
of one percent (0.8%) of the total issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock
as of December 31 of the immediately preceding calendar year.  Any shares of
Common Stock available for grant that are not made the subject of a grant during
a calendar year, or portion thereof, will be available for grant in any
subsequent year, or portion thereof, until the end of the term of the Plan.  The
number of available shares described in the preceding sentences is subject to
adjustment as provided in Section 2 of this Article V.  The shares shall be made
available from authorized Common Stock, issued or unissued, or from Common Stock
issued and held in the treasury of the Company as shall be determined by the
Committee.  Shares of Common Stock subject to Stock Options, shares of
Restricted Stock and shares of Performance-Based Restricted Stock that are
canceled pursuant to Subsection 2(d) of Article II, Section 2 of Article III or
Section 5 of Article III of the Plan may be reallocated under the Plan.

          (b) No individual may be granted more than 500,000 shares of
Restricted Stock, Performance-Based Restricted Stock and/or Stock Options,
regardless of the combination, in any calendar year.


SECTION 2.  ADJUSTMENT IN TERMS OF AWARD

          In the event of a reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock
dividend, distribution of assets other than pursuant to a normal cash dividend,
combination of shares, merger, consolidation, rights offering, split-up, split-
off, spin-off or any other change in the corporate structure or shares of the
Company (other than a Change of Control), the Committee may, in its discretion,
after consultation with the Chairman of the Board and the President of ARCO,
make appropriate adjustments to reflect such event in respect of (a) the
limitation in Section 1 of this Article V on the maximum number of shares of
Common Stock upon which Stock Options may be granted or which may be the subject
of a grant of Restricted Stock or Performance-Based Restricted Stock, (b) the
number of shares of Common Stock covered by, and the exercise price per share
applicable to, outstanding Stock Options, (c) the number of shares of Common
Stock covered by outstanding awards of Restricted Stock or Performance-Based
Restricted Stock, and (d) the number of outstanding Dividend Share Credits
allocated to optionees' accounts.  In the event 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
that the Committee, after consultation with the Chairman of the Board and the
President of ARCO, determines that, because of a change (other than a Change of
Control) in the Company's business, operations, corporate structure, capital
structure, assets or manner in which it conducts business, which it deems to be
extraordinary and material, the terms of awards theretofore made are no longer
suitable to the objectives which the Committee sought to achieve when it made
such awards, it may modify the terms of any or all of such awards in such manner
as it may decide is advisable; provided, however, that no award may be modified
in a manner which would be inconsistent with the intent of Subsection 1(b) or
Section 9 of this Article V, or which would result in an increase in the shares
of Performance-Based Restricted Stock.


SECTION 3.  GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS

          The Plan and the grant and exercise of Stock Options, the crediting
and payment of Dividend Share Credits and the award of Contingent Restricted
Stock, Restricted Stock and Performance-Based Restricted Stock hereunder, shall
be subject to all applicable rules and regulations of governmental or other
authorities.


SECTION 4.  NO GUARANTY OF EMPLOYMENT

          The grant of a Stock Option, credit of a Dividend Share Credit, or
award of Contingent Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock or Performance-Based
Restricted Stock under the Plan shall not confer upon a recipient any right to
continue in the employ of the Company nor shall it interfere with or restrict in
any way the right of the Company to discharge an Eligible Employee at any time
for any reason, with or without good cause.


SECTION 5.  RELATION TO BENEFIT PLANS

          Stock Options, Dividend Share Credits, Contingent Restricted Stock,
Restricted Stock and Performance-Based Restricted Stock will not be considered
as compensation for the purpose of any other benefit plans maintained by the
Company.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
SECTION 6.  ASSIGNMENT OR TRANSFER

          No Stock Option, Dividend Share Credit or share of Contingent
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock or Performance-Based Restricted Stock shall
be assignable or transferable by an Eligible Employee otherwise than by will or
the laws of descent and distribution.


SECTION 7.  RIGHTS AS SHAREHOLDER

          (a) An Eligible Employee under the Plan shall have no rights of a
holder of Common Stock by virtue of an award of Stock Option or Contingent
Restricted Stock hereunder, unless and until certificates for shares of Common
Stock, Restricted Stock or Performance-Based Restricted Stock are issued to him
or her pursuant to the Plan.

          (b) Dividend Share Credits shall not be considered as dividends on
Common Stock for any purpose.

          (c) An Eligible Employee who has received an award of Restricted Stock
or Performance-Based Restricted Stock shall have the right to vote such stock.
All dividends paid with respect to Restricted Stock or Performance-Based
Restricted Stock shall be reinvested in additional shares of Restricted Stock,
subject to the same restrictions, including the date on which such restrictions
lapse, as the shares of Restricted Stock or Performance-Based Restricted Stock
with respect to which the dividends are paid.  Stock received with respect to an
award of Restricted Stock or Performance-Based Restricted Stock pursuant to a
stock split, stock dividend or other change in the capitalization of the Company
will be held subject to the same restrictions on transferability that are
applicable to such shares of Restricted Stock or Performance-Based Restricted
Stock.


SECTION 8.  WITHHOLDING TAXES

          (a) The Company shall have the right to withhold from salary or
otherwise or to cause the employee (or the executor or administrator of his or
her estate or his or her distributee) to make payment of any federal, state,
local or foreign taxes required to be withheld with respect to any exercise of a
Stock Option, stock or cash settlement of a Dividend Share Credit, or award or
vesting or deemed vesting of Restricted Stock or Performance-Based Restricted
Stock.

          (b) In the case of an exercise of Stock Options, the payment in
respect of Dividend Share Credits allocable to the affected shares, or the
vesting or deemed vesting of Restricted Stock or Performance-Based Restricted
Stock, an 

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
Eligible Employee may elect to have the withholding obligation satisfied by
having the Company withhold shares of Common Stock received upon an exercise of
Stock Option's, the payment in respect of Dividend Share Credits allocable to
the affected shares or the vesting or deemed vesting of Restricted Stock or
Performance-Based Restricted Stock, as the case may be.


SECTION 9.  AMENDMENT AND DISCONTINUANCE OF THE PLAN

          The Board may amend or discontinue the Plan as it shall from time to
time consider desirable, provided that:

          (a) Except as provided under Subsection (c) hereof, no amendment
shall, without further approval by the holders of a majority of the shares which
are represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the subject at a
meeting of shareholders of ARCO, change the terms of the Plan so as to increase
the maximum number of shares upon which Stock Options may be granted or which
may be issued upon a grant of Restricted Stock or Performance-Based Restricted
Stock or the payment of Dividend Share Credits from the amounts described in
Subsections 1(a) and (b) of this Article V, reduce the minimum Stock Option
price, or extend the maximum Stock Option period.

          (b) Except as provided under Subsection (c) hereof, no amendment,
discontinuance or termination shall deprive persons who hold shares of
Contingent Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock or Performance-Based Restricted
Stock, or who are entitled to exercise Stock Options, or to receive a settlement
of Dividend Share Credits pursuant to the terms and provisions of the Plan, of
their rights with respect thereto.

          (c) No amendment may be made during the period of an Anticipatory
Change of Control, except that the Board may amend the Plan during such a period
as it may deem necessary, upon advice of counsel, to further the interest of the
Company, its shareholders and the Plan participants regarding any legal
requirements that may be applicable to a Change of Control, including, without
limitation, satisfaction of any requirements relating to accomplishing "Pooling"
treatment under applicable accounting rules, and any Securities Exchange Act
rules or tax rules.

          (d) The Plan may not be amended or terminated on or after a Change of
Control until all Outstanding Stock Options have been exercised or expired and
all payments of Contingent Restricted Stock under the Plan have been made.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
SECTION 10. EFFECTIVE DATE

          The effective date of the Plan is May 28, 1985.


SECTION 11. TERM OF PLAN

          No Stock Options or Contingent Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock or
Performance-Based Restricted Stock may be granted after February 24, 2007.

                                       22

<PAGE>
 
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
                                       TO
                           ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY
                    STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS

                          ---------------------------
                
Pursuant to the authority contained in resolutions adopted by Board of Directors
on March 24, 1997, the Atlantic Richfield Company Stock Option Plan For Outside
Directors (the "Plan") is hereby amended effective as of April 1, 1997.

Section 5.7 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

"5.7 Dividend Share Credits.  Dividend Share Credits shall be credited as
     ----------------------                                              
     provided in Paragraph 2.6 of the Plan.  Upon exercise of any Stock Option,
     in whole or in part, a payment in shares of Common Stock shall be made to
     the optionee in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of
     Common Stock multiplied by the total number of Dividend Share Credits
     attributable to the shares of Common Stock as to which the Stock Option was
     exercised on such date.  Upon expiration of any Stock Option at the end of
     its original maximum term or upon an optionee's election to surrender for
     cancellation, to the extent then exercisable, Stock Options held by the
     optionee, a payment in shares of Common Stock shall be made to the optionee
     in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock
     multiplied by the total number of Dividend Share Credits attributable to
     the shares of Common Stock relating to the expired or canceled Stock
     Option, less the amount by which the aggregate option price of the shares
     subject to such expired or canceled options exceeds the Fair Market Value
     of such shares on such date.

     In any circumstance in which an optionee is due payment with respect to
     Dividend Share Credits as described in the preceding paragraph, the
     optionee may elect to receive a cash payment in respect of such shares, in
     which case the shares of Common Stock otherwise payable to the optionee
     shall be sold by the Company, 
<PAGE>
 
     at no cost to the optionee, and the equivalent cash payment shall be made
     to the optionee."

Executed This 26th day of March, 1997.

ATTEST:                                ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY

             
BY: /s/ Roberta F. Spohn               BY: /s/ JOHN H. KELLY
   ---------------------------------      ---------------------------------
                                            JOHN H. KELLY
                                            Senior Vice President
                                            Human Resources

                                       2

<PAGE>
 
                                AMENDMENT NO. 3
                                       TO
                           ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY
                    STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS

                             ---------------------

Pursuant to the authority contained in resolutions adopted by Board of Directors
on March 24, 1997, the Atlantic Richfield Company Stock Option Plan For Outside
Directors (the "Plan") is hereby amended effective as of April 1, 1997.

1.   Section 2.6 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

          "2.6  "Dividend Share Credits"  means, with respect to a Stock Option
     granted prior to February 24, 1997, the number of units to be recorded as
     credited to an Outside Director, as of the record date established by the
     Board of Directors of the Company for each cash dividend declared on issued
     and outstanding shares of Common Stock, with respect to the Dividend Rights
     held by an Outside Director on such record date.  The number of units
     constituting each Dividend Share Credit shall be the aggregate number
     derived by (i) multiplying the dividend rate declared per share of Common
     Stock by the number of Dividend Rights held by an Outside Director as of
     the dividend record date, and then (ii) dividing the resulting figure by
     the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on such record date."

2.   Section 4 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

     "Grant of Stock Options
      ----------------------

     There is hereby granted to each Outside Director, effective on the date
     of the adoption of this Plan, a Stock Option to purchase 1,000 shares of
     Common Stock and, further, effective February 24, 1997, there is hereby
     granted to each person who becomes an Outside Director in the future,
     effective on the later of the date 
<PAGE>
 
     such person becomes an Outside Director or the date which is 185 days after
     such Outside Director's last sale of ARCO Common Stock, whichever date is
     later, a Stock Option to purchase 2,500 shares of Common Stock, such Stock
     Options being subject to the terms, conditions, purposes and provisions of
     the Plan. No Stock Options may be granted under the Plan after December 31,
     2000."

Executed This 2nd day of October, 1997.

ATTEST:                                ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY

                      
BY: /s/ Donna McDugan                  BY: /s/ JOHN H. KELLY 
   ---------------------------------      ---------------------------------
                                           JOHN H. KELLY
                                           Senior Vice President
                                           Human Resources

                                       2

<PAGE>
 
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
                                      TO
                          ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY
                      DEFERRAL PLAN FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS

                          ---------------------------

    Pursuant to the power of amendment reserved therein, the following amendment
is hereby made to the Atlantic Richfield Company Deferral Plan For Outside
Directors (the "Plan") effective as of July 22, 1996, except as otherwise
indicated.

1.  Article I, Section 3.1 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

    "3.1 Account means a separate bookkeeping account maintained by the Company
    for each Participant and which measures and determines the amounts to be
    paid to the Participant under the Plan for each component of Deferred
    Compensation. Separate subaccounts will be established for separate
    components of Deferred Compensation, as applicable, deferred by a
    Participant."

2.  Article I, Section 3.9 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

    "3.9  Deferral Commitment means a promise made by a Participant to defer
    compensation pursuant to Article II for which a Participation Agreement has
    been submitted by the Participant to the Company."

3.  Article I, Section 3.11 of the Plan is deleted and Sections 3.12 through
    3.29 are redesignated as Sections 3.11 through 3.28.

4.  Article II, Section 2 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

    "SECTION 2.  BASIC FORMS OF DEFERRAL

    2.1  A Participant may elect to defer the following forms of compensation 
    in a Participation Agreement:
<PAGE>
 
         (a)  BOARD RETAINER AND BOARD MEETING FEES DEFERRAL UNIT.  Commencing 
    with Board Retainer and Board Meeting Fees earned on and after October 1,
    1990, a Participant may elect to defer such amounts earned during a Deferral
    Period, subject to any limitations, conditions or restrictions, such as
    minimum or maximum amounts that may be deferred, as are prescribed by the
    Administrative Committee in advance of the Deferral Period.

         (b)  BOARD COMMITTEE RETAINER AND BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING FEES 
    DEFERRAL UNIT. Commencing with Committee Retainer and Committee Meeting Fees
    earned on and after October 1, 1990, Participant may elect to defer such
    amounts during a Deferral Period, subject to any limitations, conditions or
    restrictions, such as minimum or maximum amounts that may be deferred, as
    are prescribed by the Administrative Committee in advance of the Deferral
    Period."

5.  Article III, Section 3 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

    "SECTION 3.  INTEREST RATE

    3.1 The Accounts shall be credited as of each Valuation Date with interest,
    based on the rates specified hereafter, compounded annually as follows: As
    of each Valuation Date during each Plan Year at the Interest Rate previously
    announced by the Company to be applicable for the Plan Year. The Interest
    Rate for the first Plan Year shall be 125% of the rolling average Ten-Year
    Treasury Note Rate. Interest shall be credited as of each Valuation Date
    from the dates when deferred amounts are credited to Accounts based on the
    balance of each Account."

6.  Article IV, Section 1 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

    "SECTION 1.  PLAN BENEFIT

    1.1 If a Participant has a Termination of Service for any reason the Company
    shall pay a Plan benefit equal to the Participant's Account balance, as
    determined below:

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
         (a)  A Participant's Account shall be credited with the rate of 
    interest previously determined under Article III, Section 3.1, and
    communicated in advance of each Deferral Period, to be applicable for each
    Plan Year that the Account has been maintained.

         (b)  The Interest Rate provided under Section 1.1(a) of this Article, 
    shall be payable until the Participant's Account is distributed in full."

7.  Article IV, Section 2 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

    "SECTION 2.  FORM AND TIME OF RETIREMENT DISTRIBUTION

    2.1 Retirement Distributions shall be paid at the time and in the form of
    benefit elected by the Participant for the total Deferred Compensation under
    Article II, Section II, at the time of the Deferral Commitment, on the
    Participation Agreement. A Participant's election shall be irrevocable,
    except that a Participant may request, by application to the Administrative
    Committee, approval of a change of the prior election at any time prior to
    retirement or commencement of benefits, or in the case of installment
    payments, following commencement of payments, (i) without any reduction in,
    or imposition of any penalty on, the Participant's Account, provided that
    the Administrative Committee determines, upon application of the
    Participant, that the Participant has experienced a Financial Hardship
    justifying the request for a change of election; or (ii) the Administrative
    Committee, in its sole discretion, determines that it is appropriate to
    grant the Participant's request. Absent an election by the Participant of
    the form and/or commencement date of the Retirement Distribution, payment
    will be made in a lump sum immediately following the Participant's date of
    retirement."

8.  Article IV, Section 4 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

    "SECTION 4. SURVIVOR BENEFITS

    4.1  (a)  Prior to Change of Control the following provisions shall apply:

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
              (i)  Death Prior to Termination of Service.  If the Participant 
                   -------------------------------------
    dies prior to Termination of Service, the Survivor Benefit shall be paid to
    the Participant's Beneficiary in a Lump Sum or in monthly installments, as
    elected by the Participant, and shall be the sum of the Participant's
    Account balance plus one hundred percent (100%) of the Participant's
    unfulfilled Deferral Commitment, if any.

              (ii) Death After Termination of Service.  If the Participant dies 
                   ----------------------------------
    after Termination of Service, the Participant's Account balance, if any,
    shall be paid to the Participant's Beneficiary by continuation of the form
    of benefit which was payable to the Participant for the remaining payments
    which would have been made to the Participant if the Participant had lived,
    increased by the applicable Interest Rate credited on unpaid Account
    balances of deceased Participants during each year of the payment period to
    the Beneficiary.

         (b)  If a Participant dies following a Change of Control the Survivor 
    Benefit shall be equal to the Participant's Account balance, payable in a
    lump sum to the Participant's Beneficiary."

9.  Article IV, Section 5 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

    "SECTION 5. IN-SERVICE DISTRIBUTIONS

    5.1  A Participant may elect to receive an In-Service Distribution from 
    his or her Account subject to the following restrictions:

         (a)  TIMING OF ELECTION. The election to take an In-Service 
    Distribution from an Account must be made at the same time the Participant
    makes the annual Deferral Commitment.

         (b)  AMOUNT OF DISTRIBUTION. The amount which a Participant can elect 
    to receive as an In-Service Distribution with respect to an Account shall be
    such 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
    portions of the Participant's Account balance, as prescribed by the
    Administrative Committee in advance of the Deferral Period. If a previously
    elected amount exceeds the Account balance when an In-Service Distribution
    is to be made, only the Account balance will be paid.

         (c)  TIMING AND FORM OF IN-SERVICE DISTRIBUTION. The In-Service 
    Distribution shall commence at the time and in the form elected by the
    Participant on the Participant Agreement at the time of the Deferral
    Commitment; provided, however, that if the Participant terminates service,
    the In-Service Distribution election will be canceled and distribution will
    be made pursuant to Section 3 of this Article, and provided, further, that
    if the Participant commences retirement, the In-Service Distribution
    election will be canceled and distribution will be made pursuant to Section
    2 of this Article. In no event shall an In-Service Distribution be made
    prior to seven years following the start of the Deferral Period.

         (d)  Amounts paid to a Participant pursuant to this section shall be 
    treated as distributions from the Participant's Account."

10. Sections 7 through 9 of Article IV, with Section 9 being effective August
    1, 1997, of the Plan are amended to read as follows:

    "SECTION 7. VALUATION AND SETTLEMENT

    7.1 The date on which a lump sum is paid or the date on which installment
    payments commence shall be the "Settlement Date." The Settlement Date shall
    be no more than thirty (30) days after the last day of the month in which
    the Participant or his Beneficiary becomes entitled to payments on account
    of retirement, other Termination of Employment or death, unless the
    Participant elects to defer commencement of payments following retirement to
    a later date in the Participation Agreement. The Settlement Date for an In-
    Service Distribution or delayed payments following retirement shall be the
    month which the 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
    Participant elects for commencement of such payments in the election form
    for designation of form of payment. The amount of a lump sum and the initial
    amount of installment payments shall be based on the value of the
    Participant's Account as of the Valuation Date at the end of the immediately
    preceding month before the Settlement Date. For example, the Valuation Date
    at the end of December shall be used to determine a lump sum or the initial
    amount of installment payments which will be made in the following January.

    SECTION 8.  SMALL BENEFIT

    8.1  Notwithstanding any election made by the Participant, the 
    Administrative Committee, in its sole discretion, may pay any benefit in the
    form of a lump sum payment to the Participant or any Beneficiary, if the
    lump sum amount of the Account balance which remains in the Account
    following a distribution for any reason, or which is payable to the
    Participant or Beneficiary when payments to such Participant or Beneficiary
    would otherwise commence is less than $2,000.

    SECTION 9.  CHANGE OF CONTROL

    9.1 (a) Subject to the provisions of Section 9.1(b) hereof, upon a Change of
    Control as defined in the Trust Agreement For Outside Directors Benefit
    Plans between Atlantic Richfield Company and the State Street Bank and Trust
    Company, as amended through August 1, 1997, and incorporated herein by
    reference and notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary in this
    Plan, the following provisions shall apply:

              (i)  The Independent Plan Administrator appointed under the Trust 
    Agreement shall assume all responsibilities relating to Administration under
    Article VI of the Plan with the exception that the disposition of any claim
    for benefits by a Participant or Beneficiary, following an initial
    determination by the Independent Plan Administrator, shall be the sole
    responsibility of the Advisory and Claims Committee established under the
    Trust Agreement, described above.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
              (ii)   No individual may commence participation following the 
    Change of Control.

              (iii)  No deferrals relating to previously elected Deferral 
    Commitments may be made following the Change of Control, except that any
    amounts earned through the date of the Change of Control during the relevant
    Plan year shall be credited in accordance with the prior deferral election.

              (iv)   Any amounts determined by the Independent Plan
    Administrator to be transferable to this Plan from the Atlantic Richfield
    Retirement Plan for Outside Directors pursuant to an eligible Participant's
    election under such plan following a Change of Control shall be accepted by
    the Independent Plan Administrator and credited to the affected
    Participant's Deferral Account.

        (b)   Time and form of distribution of Deferred Compensation Accounts 
    following a Change of Control:

              (i)  Following a Change of Control, any prior elections with 
    respect to the form of payment of any Deferred Compensation Accounts shall
    be canceled and the Participant will be given the option to elect, in
    accordance with procedures established by the Independent Plan
    Administrator, including the time and manner of election, the form of
    distribution of the Participant's entire Deferred Compensation Account in
    one of the following forms. Absent such election within the time period
    determined by the Independent Plan Administrator, the Deferred Compensation
    Account will be distributed to the Participant in a single payment:

                   (1)  Single payment, constituting all or a portion of the 
    Account, as elected by the Participant. If a portion of the Account is
    distributed, the remainder will be distributed under one of the installment
    methods.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                   (2)  Five annual installments

                   (3)  Ten annual installments

                   (4)  Fifteen annual installments

              (ii) Following a Change of Control, any prior elections with 
    respect to the time of payment of any Deferred Compensation shall be
    canceled and the Participant will be given the option to elect, in
    accordance with procedures established by the Independent Plan
    Administrator, described above, distribution of the entire Deferred
    Compensation Account elected under Subparagraph (ii), at one the following
    times:

                   (1)  A single payment will be distributed to the Participant 
    as soon as possible following the Change of Control;

                   (2)  The Participant may elect commencement of any of the 
    installment schedules elected under Subparagraph (i) above in the January
    immediately following the Change of Control or any succeeding January,
    provided that in no event may distributions continue after the end of the
    20th calendar year following a Change of Control."

11. Article V of the Plan is amendment to read as follows:


                                  "ARTICLE V
                          DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY
                                        
    Section 1.  Designation of Beneficiary

     1.1  Each Participant shall have the right to designate a Beneficiary or
     Beneficiaries to receive Participant's interest in Participant's Account
     upon Participant death.  Such designation shall be made on a form
     prescribed by and delivered to the Company.  The Participant shall have the
     right to change or revoke any such designation from time to time by filing
     a new designation or notice 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     of revocation with the Company, and no notice to any Beneficiary nor
     consent by any Beneficiary shall be required to effect any such change or
     revocation.

     SECTION 2.  FAILURE TO DESIGNATE BENEFICIARY

     2.1  If a Participant shall fail to designate a Beneficiary before
     Participant's death, or if no designated Beneficiary survives the
     Participant, the Administrative Committee shall direct the Company to pay
     the balance in Participant's Account in a lump sum to the executor or
     administrator for Participant's estate."

Executed This 15th day of September, 1997.
               

ATTEST:                                 ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY



BY:  /s/ Armineh Simonian               BY: /s/ John H. Kelly
   -------------------------               -------------------------------
    ARMINEH SIMONIAN                        JOHN H. KELLY
                                            Senior Vice President
                                            Human Resources

                                       9

<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF ARCO APPEARS HERE]

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1997 Restricted Stock Plan For Outside Directors

Effective January 1, 1997
<PAGE>
 
                          ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY
               1997 RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS
                                        


To record the adoption of the Atlantic Richfield Company 1997 Restricted Stock
Plan for Outside Directors, effective January 1, 1997, the undersigned, being
duly authorized to act on behalf of Atlantic Richfield Company has executed this
plan document at Los Angeles, California on the 11th day of June, 1997.



ATTEST:                                     ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY



                                       
BY: /s/ ARMINEH SIMONIAN                    BY: /s/ JOHN H. KELLY
    -------------------------                   ---------------------------
                                                JOHN H. KELLY
                                                Senior Vice President
                                                Human Resources
<PAGE>
 
                          ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY
               1997 RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                               -----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     PAGE NO.
                                                                     -------
<S>            <C>                                                   <C>
SECTION 1.     PURPOSE OF THE PLAN....................................  1
SECTION 2.     DEFINITIONS............................................  1
SECTION 3.     ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.............................  2
SECTION 4.     GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK..............................  2
SECTION 5.     TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK...............  3
SECTION 6.     COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN...........................  4
SECTION 7.     ADJUSTMENTS............................................  4
SECTION 8.     GENERAL PROVISIONS.....................................  4
SECTION 9.     AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION  OF THE PLAN......  5
SECTION 10.    EFFECTIVE DATE.........................................  5
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                          ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY
               1997 RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS
                                        
     The Restricted Stock Plan for Outside Directors of Atlantic Richfield
Company, a Delaware corporation, is set forth as follows:

I.   PURPOSES OF THE PLAN

     The purposes of this Plan are to provide nonemployee members of the Board
of Directors with a specific incentive to work for the long-range growth and
success of ARCO, to enable such members to acquire stock ownership and further
alignment with the goal of increasing the value of such stock, and to facilitate
the attraction and retention of directors of superior capability.

II.  DEFINITIONS

     As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

2.1        "ARCO" shall mean Atlantic Richfield Company.

2.2        "Board" means the Board of Directors of ARCO.

2.3        "Administrative Committee" shall mean the Outside Director Restricted
Stock Plan Committee which is comprised of a Committee consisting of employees
of the Company who are members of the Board and are appointed by the Chairman of
the Board with the concurrence of the Corporate Governance Committee.  The
Committee is authorized to administer the Plan.

2.4        "Change of Control" shall mean Change of Control as defined in the
Atlantic Richfield Trust Agreement For Outside Directors Benefit Plans between
Atlantic Richfield Company and the State Street Bank and Trust Company,
effective as of July 1, 1994.

2.5        "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock of ARCO having a par value
of $2.50 per share.

2.6        "Fair Market Value" of a share of Common Stock shall be the mean
between the highest and lowest sales prices, or the closing sales price of a
share of Common Stock, whichever is higher, on the date in question as reported
on the composite tape for issues listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
2.7        "Normal Retirement Age" means the normal retirement age for Outside
Directors established by the Board of Directors.

2.8        "Outside Director" means a member of the Board of Directors of ARCO
that is not an employee of ARCO.

2.9        "Plan" shall mean this Restricted Stock Plan for Outside Directors,
including any amendments hereof and rules and regulations hereunder.

2.10       "Restricted Stock" shall mean Common Stock awarded under this Plan,
which is subject to certain forfeiture and transferability restrictions as
provided in the Plan, in regulations of the Administrative Committee promulgated
thereunder, and in the agreement evidencing the grant of such Restricted Stock.

III. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

     The Plan shall be administered by the Administrative Committee, which is
authorized to determine the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be
issued under the Plan and the source of such shares, to adopt rules regarding
the time and form of distributions and elections related thereto and to delegate
any responsibility to one or more employees of the Company. The Administrative
Committee shall act upon all matters relating to the interpretation and
construction of the Plan. Any interpretation, construction or any other action
made or taken pursuant to the provisions of the Plan by the Administrative
Committee shall be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes and upon all
persons including the Company, its Outside Directors and their respective
successors in interest.

IV.  GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK

     A.    Effective January 1, 1997, there shall be a grant of shares of
Restricted Stock representing the converted value of the accrued benefit of each
Outside Director who was an active participant in the Atlantic Richfield Company
Retirement Plan for Outside Directors as of December 31, 1996, and who elected
such conversion effective January 1, 1997.

     B.    Effective March 31, 1997, there shall be a grant of shares of
Restricted Stock representing the converted value of the account balance of each
Outside Director who was an active Participant in the Atlantic Richfield Company
Deferral Plan For Outside Directors as of March 31, 1997 and who elected such
conversion effective March 31, 1997.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     C.    After January 1, 1997, there shall be an additional annual grant of
shares of Restricted Stock representing the percentage of applicable director
and Committee Chairman retainer fees elected by the Outside Director in advance
of each calendar year pursuant to procedures adopted by the Administrative
Committee.

     D.    Dividends earned on any grant of Restricted Stock under Subparagraphs
A, B and C shall be reinvested in additional shares of Restricted Stock on the
date such dividends are earned and such additional shares of Restricted Stock
shall be subject to the terms and conditions generally applicable to Restricted
Stock under the Plan.

V.   TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK

     All Restricted Stock granted or issued under the Plan shall be subject to
the following terms and conditions:

     A.    The Administrative Committee shall grant Restricted Stock under the
Plan to Outside Directors and the Administrative Committee shall in each case
determine the number of shares of Restricted Stock to be awarded, consistent
with the provisions of Article IV of the Plan.

     B.    Each share of Restricted Stock shall become nonforfeitable upon the
earlier of (i) retirement at Normal Retirement Age, (ii) Change of Control,
(iii) death, (iv) disability, or (v) termination prior to Normal Retirement Age
with the consent of a majority of the remaining members of the Board, provided
that failure to be nominated for re-election or to be re-elected after standing
for re-election shall constitute termination with such consent. If the Outside
Director terminates membership on the Board prior to Normal Retirement Age for
any reason other than Change of Control, death, disability or termination with
the consent of the majority of the remaining members of the Board, the shares of
Restricted Stock in the Outside Director's account shall be forfeited.

     C.    For the period during which shares of Restricted Stock are subject to
forfeiture under Subparagraph B hereof or are being held for later distribution
pursuant to a deferral election under Subparagraph D hereof, such shares shall
be nontransferable and nonassignable and may not be pledged or otherwise
encumbered by the Outside Director.

     D.    Each Outside Director shall be permitted to elect a distribution
subsequent to Normal Retirement Age subject to any time, form and other
procedures regarding such election as are prescribed by the Administrative
Committee, in which case the Restricted Stock shall continue to be
nontransferable and nonassignable prior to the end of the deferral period.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
      E.   Dividends accruing on shares of Restricted Stock shall be reinvested
in shares of Restricted Stock and be subject to the terms and conditions of the
Plan.

VI.   COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN

      The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the
Plan shall not in the aggregate exceed 75,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to
the adjustments under Paragraph VII. Common Stock issued under the Plan shall be
Common Stock which is treasury stock. Shares of Common Stock subject to
forfeited Restricted Stock may again become available for the grant of
Restricted Stock under this Plan.

VII.  ADJUSTMENTS

      If the class of shares then subject to the Plan is changed into or
exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or securities, as the result
of any one or more reorganizations, recapitalizations, stock splits, reverse
stock splits, stock dividends or similar events, an adjustment shall be made in
the number and/or type of shares or securities for which Restricted Stock has
been or may thereafter be granted under this Plan.

VIII. GENERAL PROVISIONS

      A.   Each member of the Administrative Committee may rely upon information
reported to him or her by officers or employees of ARCO with delegated
responsibilities and shall not be liable for any act of commission or omission
of others or, except in circumstances involving his or her own bad faith, for
any act taken or omitted by himself or herself.

      B.   The grant of shares of Restricted Stock under the Plan shall not
constitute an assurance of service on the Board, such service being subject to
election by the stockholders.

      C.   The Plan and the grant of Restricted Stock hereunder shall be subject
to all applicable rules and regulations of governmental and other authorities.

      D.   Shares of Common Stock received with respect to an award of
Restricted Stock pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend or other change in
the capitalization of the Company will be held subject to the same restrictions
on transferability that are applicable to such shares of Restricted Stock.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
IX.  AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

     The Board of Directors of ARCO may suspend, terminate or amend the Plan.
No amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan shall deprive Outside
Directors to any Restricted Stock granted under the Plan on or before such date.

X.   EFFECTIVE DATE

     The effective date of the Plan is January 1, 1997.

                                       5

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 21
 
                         SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 PERCENTAGE OF
                                                                    VOTING
                                                                  SECURITIES
                                                                   OWNED BY
                                                     ORGANIZED     IMMEDIATE
                 NAME OF COMPANY                   UNDER LAWS OF    PARENT
                 ---------------                   ------------- -------------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>
Atlantic Richfield Company (Registrant)...........   Delaware
Subsidiaries of Registrant in consolidated
 financial statements, as of December 31, 1997:
  ARCO Alaska, Inc................................   Delaware        100.0
  ARCO Chemical Company...........................   Delaware         82.3
  ARCO Transportation Alaska, Inc. ...............   Delaware        100.0
  Vastar Resources, Inc. .........................   Delaware         82.2
</TABLE>
 
  The subsidiaries whose names are not listed above, if considered in the
aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not constitute a significant
subsidiary.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 23
 
                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following registration
statements of Atlantic Richfield Company; Registration Statement on Form S-8
(No. 333-33151), Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-43830),
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-21558), Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (No. 333-33153), Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-26901),
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-
21160), Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-8
(No. 33-23639), Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-26901), Post-
Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-
21162), Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-8
(No. 33-21553), Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (No. 33-23640), Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-26901),
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-
21552), and Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-33245), of our report
dated February 12, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedule of Atlantic Richfield Company as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997, which report is included in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
 
                                          Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Los Angeles, California
March 2, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints 
Marie L. Knowles, Anthony G. Fernandes, William E. Wade, Jr., Michael E. Wiley, 
Bruce G. Whitmore, Terry G. Dallas and Allan L. Comstock, and each of them, his 
or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of 
substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place 
and stead, in any and all capacities, in connection with the issuance of any 
securities authorized by the Board of Directors of Atlantic Richfield Company 
(the "Company") or by the Executive Committee thereof pursuant to due 
authorization by such Board for issuance by the Company, (1) to execute and 
file, or cause to be filed, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 
"Commission"), (A) Registration Statements and any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) thereto and to file, or cause to be filed, all 
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith as required by the 
Commission in connection with such registration under the Securities Act of 
1933, as amended, and (B) any report or other document required to be filed by 
the Company with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, (2) to execute and file, or cause to be filed, any application for 
registration or exemption therefrom, any report or any other document required 
to be filed by the Company under the Blue Sky or securities laws of any of the 
United States, and to furnish any other information required in connection 
therewith, (3) to execute and file, or cause to be filed, any application for 
registration or exemption therefrom under the securities laws of any 
jurisdiction outside the United States, including any reports or other documents
required to be filed subsequent to the issuance of such securities, and (4) to 
execute and file, or cause to be filed, any application for listing such 
securities on the New York Stock Exchange, the Pacific Stock Exchange, the 
London Stock Exchange or any other securities exchange in any other jurisdiction
where any such securities are proposed to be sold, granting to such 
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do 
and perform each and every act required to be done as he or she might or could 
do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact 
and agents, and each of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue of 
this power of attorney.  Each person whose signature appears below may at any 
time revoke this power of attorney as to himself or herself only by an 
instrument in writing specifying that this power of attorney is revoked as to 
him or her as of the date of execution of such instrument or at a subsequent 
specified date.  This power of attorney shall be revoked automatically with 
respect to any person whose signature appears below effective on the date he or 
she ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors or an officer of the 
Company.  Any revocation hereof shall not void or otherwise affect any acts 
performed by any attorney-in-fact and agent named herein pursuant to this power 
of attorney prior to the effective date of such revocation.

Dated as of January 25, 1998.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
             Signature                                   Title
             ---------                                   -----
<S>                                              <C> 
/s/  Mike R. Bowlin                               Chairman of the Board,
- -----------------------------                    Chief Executive Officer
     Mike R. Bowlin                                  
Principal executive officer   
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

        Signature                                    Title
        ---------                                    -----
<S>                                       <C> 
/s/ Marie L. Knowles                       Executive Vice President,
- ------------------------------              Chief Financial Officer
    Marie L. Knowles                              and Director
  Principal financial officer



/s/ Anthony G. Fernandes                   Executive Vice President
- -----------------------------                    and Director
    Anthony G. Fernandes



/s/ William E. Wade, Jr.                           President
- -----------------------------                    and Director
    William E. Wade, Jr.



/s/ Michael E. Wiley                       Executive Vice President
- -----------------------------                     and Director
    Michael E. Wiley



/s/ Frank D. Boren                                  Director
- -----------------------------
    Frank D. Boren



/s/ John Gavin                                      Director
- -----------------------------
    John Gavin



/s/ Hanna H. Gray                                   Director
- -----------------------------
    Hanna H. Gray



/s/ Kent Kresa                                      Director
- -----------------------------
    Kent Kresa
</TABLE> 
                                       2

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
           Signature                                  Title
           ---------                                  -----
<S>                                                <C> 

/s/ David T. McLaughlin
- --------------------------------                     Director    
    David T. McLaughlin



/s/ John B. Slaughter
- --------------------------------                     Director   
    John B. Slaughter



/s/ Gary L. Tooker
- --------------------------------                     Director   
    Gary L. Tooker


/s/ Henry Wendt
- --------------------------------                     Director
    Henry Wendt

/s/ Allan L. Comstock
- --------------------------------                 Vice President and   
    Allan L. Comstock                               Controller
Principal accounting officer
</TABLE> 

                                       3

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                             533
<SECURITIES>                                       222
<RECEIVABLES>                                    1,588
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      1,004
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 3,576
<PP&E>                                          36,786
<DEPRECIATION>                                  19,788
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  25,322
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            4,745
<BONDS>                                          4,414
                                0
                                          1
<COMMON>                                           807
<OTHER-SE>                                       7,873
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    25,322
<SALES>                                         18,684
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                19,272
<CGS>                                           14,765
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   15,273
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   250
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 422
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  2,877
<INCOME-TAX>                                       920
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              1,889
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                    118
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,771
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     5.51
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     5.41
        

</TABLE>


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