PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
103 East Main Street
Bridgeport, West Virginia 26330
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
July 14, 2000
To the Stockholders of
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of Petroleum Development Corporation (the "Company") will be held at the
office of the Company at 103 East Main Street, Bridgeport, West Virginia
26330, on July 14, 2000 at 10:00 A.M., West Virginia time, for the following
purposes, all as more fully described in the accompanying Proxy Statement:
(1) To elect three directors to serve a term of three years
or until their successors shall be elected and shall qualify;
(2) To ratify and approve the selection of independent
public accountants for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on
May 26, 2000 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled
to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. The presence in person or
by proxy of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the
Company's Common Stock is required to constitute a quorum.
EACH STOCKHOLDER IS CORDIALLY INVITED TO BE PRESENT AND
TO VOTE AT THIS MEETING IN PERSON. STOCKHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXPECT TO ATTEND ARE
REQUESTED TO SIGN AND DATE THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT
PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTPAID ENVELOPE.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
James N. Ryan
Chairman
Bridgeport, West Virginia
June 1, 2000
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
July 14, 2000
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by
the Board of Directors of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of Petroleum Development Corporation (the "Company") to be held
on July 14, 2000, notice of which is attached, and at any adjournment
thereof.
Any stockholder giving the accompanying proxy has the power to revoke it
prior to its exercise by filing with the Secretary of the Company a written
notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. Giving
the accompanying proxy will not affect your right to vote in person should
you find it convenient to attend the Annual Meeting. Shares represented by
proxy will be voted by the proxy holders in accordance with your
instructions unless you revoke your proxy or attend the meeting and elect
to vote in person. This Proxy Statement and the proxy were first mailed to
stockholders on June 1, 2000. The mailing address of the principal
executive offices of the Company is Petroleum Development Corporation, P.O.
Box 26, Bridgeport, West Virginia 26330.
The Annual Report to Stockholders for 1999, containing certified financial
and other information about the Company, accompanies this Proxy Statement.
VOTING SECURITIES
The outstanding voting securities of the Company as of March 31, 2000,
consisted of 15,982,376 shares of $0.01 par value common stock ("Common
Stock"). Stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 26, 2000
are entitled to vote. Each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each
share of Common Stock held of record on this date. Stockholders are not
permitted to cumulate their votes for the election of directors.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted in the number of shares
present in person or represented by proxy for purposes of determining
whether a quorum is present.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's By-Laws provide that the directors of the Company shall be
divided into three classes and that, at each annual meeting of stockholders
of the Company, successors to the class of directors whose term expires at
the annual meeting will be elected for a three-year term. The classes are
staggered so that the term of one class expires each year. Mr. Morgan, Mr.
Nestor and Mr. Williams are members of the class whose term expires in 2000;
and Mr. D'Annunizio and Mr. Ryan are members of the class whose term expires
in 2001; and Mr. Rettinger and Mr. Swoveland are members of the class whose
term expires in 2002. There is no family relationship between any director
or executive officer and any other director or executive officer of the
Company. There are no arrangements or understandings between any director
or officer and any other person pursuant to which such person was selected
as an officer. Votes pursuant to the enclosed proxy will be cast, unless
authority is withheld, for the election of the three persons named under
"Nominees for Terms Expiring 2003" below, each of whom are members of the
present Board and each of whom are expected to be able to serve on the Board
to be elected at this meeting. If any of such persons is unwilling or
unable to act in such capacity, an event which is not now anticipated, the
enclosed proxy will be voted for such person or persons as the Board of
Directors may designate. During 1999, the Board of Directors held six
meetings. No director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of all
meetings of the Board and the committees, if any, upon which such director
served.
Vote Required
A plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy,
is required for the election of directors. Abstentions and broker non-votes
will not be considered as votes cast with respect to the election of
directors, and therefore any abstentions or broker non-votes will not affect
the election of the candidates receiving a majority of the votes cast.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND A VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 1
DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
NOMINEES FOR TERMS EXPIRING 2003
The following persons, each of whom are currently serving as directors,
have been nominated to serve as directors:
<TABLE>
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Name and Principal Year First
Occupation Past Five Years Elected
and Other Directorships Age Director
STEVEN R. WILLIAMS has served as President and director
of the Company since March 1983. Prior to joining the
Company, Mr. Williams was employed by Exxon as an engineer
from 1973 until 1979. A 1981 graduate of the Stanford
Graduate School of Business, Mr. Williams was employed
by Texas Oil and Gas Company as a financial analyst from
1981 until July 1982, when he joined Exco Enterprises as
Manager of Operations, and served in that capacity until
he joined the Company. 49 1983
ROGER J. MORGAN a director and Secretary of the Company
since 1969, has been a member of the law firm of Young,
Morgan & Cann, Clarksburg, West Virginia, for more that
the past five years. Mr. Morgan is not active in the
day-to-day business of the Company, but his law firm
provides legal services to the Company. 73 1969
DONALD B. NESTOR a director since March, 2000 is a
Cerftified Public Accountant and a Partner in the CPA
firm of Toothman Rice, P.L.L.C. Mr. Nestor is past
president of the West Virginia Society of Certified
Public Accountants and the West Virginia Board of
Accountancy. He heads his firm's oil and gas industry
services group and its' Buckhannon, WV office. His firm
provides advice to the Company on certain tax matters
from time to time. 51 2000
CONTINUING DIRECTORS TERMS EXPIRING IN 2001
JAMES N. RYAN served as President of the Company from
1969 to 1983 and has served as director of the Company
since 1969. Mr. Ryan was elected Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company in March 1983. Mr.
Ryan focuses on capital formation through the Company's
drilling partnerships. 68 1969
VINCENT F. D'ANNUNZIO a director since February 1989,
has for the past five years served as President of
Beverage Distributors, Inc., located in Clarksburg,
West Virginia. 47 1989
CONTINUING DIRECTORS TERMS EXPIRING IN 2002
DALE G. RETTINGER joined the Company in 1980 and has
served as Executive Vice President and Treasurer of
the Company since July 1983. Additionally, Mr.
Rettinger has served as President of PDC Securities
Incorporated since 1981 and was appointed Chief Financial
Officer of the Company in 1997. Previously, Mr.
Rettinger was a partner with KPMG Main Hurdman,
Certified Public Accountants, and served in that capacity
from 1976 until he joined the Company. 55 1985
JEFFREY C. SWOVELAND a director since March 1991, has been
employed by Equitable Resources, an oil and gas production,
marketing and distribution company since 1994 and presently
serves as Vice President and Treasurer. Mr. Swoveland
previously served as Vice President and a lending officer
with Mellon Bank, N.A. from July 1989 until 1994. 44 1991
</TABLE>
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Company has three standing committees of the Board of Directors: the
Executive Committee; the Audit Committee; and the Stock Option and Executive
Compensation Committee. The Executive Committee is comprised of Messrs.
Ryan, Williams, and Rettinger. The Audit Committee is comprised of Messrs.
D'Annunzio, Nestor, and Swoveland. The Stock Option and Executive
Compensation Committee is comprised of Messrs. D'Annunzio and Swoveland.
The Company does not have a formal Nominating Committee, the full Board of
Directors handles these responsibilities.
The functions performed by the Executive Committee include handling
important Board of Directors matters that arise between Board of Directors
meetings, serving as a liaison between the Board of Directors and senior
management on important matters requiring Board of Directors attention and
recommending to the Board of Directors nominations for election of new and
existing members of the Board of Directors.
The Audit Committee is comprised entirely of outside Directors of the
Company. The functions performed by the Audit Committee include
recommending the selection of independent accountants, reviewing with the
Company's independent accountants the results of audits performed by them
and overseeing and reviewing monthly and quarterly unaudited financial
statements. These reviews include the adequacy of cash flow and the status
of credit arrangements of the Company. The Board of Directors has adopted
the Charter of the Audit Committee attached to this Proxy as Exhibit A.
The Stock Option and Executive Compensation Committee is comprised
entirely of outside Directors of the Company. The functions performed by
this committee include recommending to the Board of Directors compensation
levels of senior management and directing and recommending levels of
corporate stock options and other benefit plans of the Company. In this
regard, the committee monitors trends to ensure the Company's compensation
levels are competitive in the oil and natural gas industry.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The members of the Stock Option and Executive Committee are Messrs.
D'Annunzio and Swoveland. There are no Stock Option and Executive Committee
interlocks.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
The Company's By-Laws provide that the Company shall indemnify any
director, officer, employee, or other agent of the Company who is or was a
party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any proceeding (other than
an action by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its
favor) by reason of the fact that such person is or was an agent of the
Company against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts
actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such proceeding, if that
person acted in good faith and in a manner that person reasonably believed
to be in the best interest of the Company, and in the case of a criminal
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct of that person
was unlawful.
The Company has entered into separate indemnification agreements with each
of its directors and officers whereby the Company has agreed to indemnify
the director or officer against all expenses, including attorneys' fees, and
other amounts reasonably incurred by the officer or director in connection
with any threatened, pending or completed civil, criminal, administrative
or investigative action or proceeding to which such person is party by
reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer, as the case may
be, of the Company, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, the person
had no reasonable cause to believe such conduct to be unlawful. The
agreements provide for the advancement of expenses and that the Company has
the right to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of the director or
officer against any liability or liabilities asserted against him, whether
or not the Company would have the power to indemnify the person against such
liability under any provision of the agreement. The Company has agreed to
indemnify such person against expenses actually and reasonably incurred in
connection with any action in which the person has been successful on the
merits or otherwise. Indemnification must also be provided by the Company
(unless ordered otherwise by a court) only as authorized in the specific
case upon a determination that the indemnification of the person is
appropriate because he has met the applicable standard of conduct described
in the agreement made by (i) the Board of Directors, by a majority vote of
a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or
proceeding, (ii) by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iii)
the shareholders of the Company.
Director Compensation
Each non-salaried employee director and outside director of the Company
is paid an annual fee of $20,000. Each inside director is paid an annual
fee of $10,000.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth in summary form the compensation received
during each of the Company's last three fiscal years by the Chief Executive
Officer and by each other executive officer of the Company whose salary and
bonus exceeded $100,000 in 1999 (the "Named Executives").
<TABLE>
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Summary Compensation Table
Annual Compensation Long Term Compensation
Other Securities
Annual underlying All Other
Name and Compen- Options Compen-
Principal Position Year Salary($) Bonus (1)($) sation($)(2) (#)(3) sation($)(4)
James N. Ryan 1999 178,200 470,436 10,000 12,157
Chairman and Chief 1998 175,425 355,473 10,000 10,860
Executive Officer 1997 170,760 210,120 10,000 108,000 10,335
Steven R. Williams 1999 139,800 470,436 10,000 12,157
President 1998 137,025 355,473 10,000 10,838
and Director 1997 132,360 210,120 10,000 108,000 10,200
Dale G. Rettinger 1999 139,800 470,436 10,000 12,157
Executive Vice President, 1998 137,025 355,473 10,000 10,838
Treasurer, and Director 1997 132,360 210,120 10,000 108,000 10,200
</TABLE>
(1) In 1994, the Board of Directors approved a deferred compensation
arrangement for the Named Executives. See "Employment and Other
Agreements and Arrangements." Under the arrangements, each Named
Executive may choose to defer any portion of his bonus compensation
until retirement or separation from the Company. Included are deferred
bonuses the Named Executives voluntarily deferred $130,000 each in 1999
and 1998 and $110,000 each in 1997. In 1999, 1998 and 1997, $30,000 of
the deferred bonus compensation of Messrs. Williams and Rettinger was
utilized to pay the premiums of split-dollar life insurance policies for
Messrs. Williams and Rettinger.
(2) The respective Named Executives receive fees as directors of the Company
in the amount of $10,000 per year.
(3) In 1997, the Company granted each Named Executive options to purchase
108,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.125 per share,
the fair market value of such shares of Common Stock at the date of
grant. The options may be exercised provided that the grantee is
employed with the Company on the exercise date. Such options expire on
July 15, 2007.
(4) This amount includes contributions made by the Company under the
Company's Employee Profit Sharing Plan and 401(k) plan. In 1999, 1998
and 1997 the Company contributed $47,000, $17,000 and $15,500,
respectively, to the Employee Profit Sharing Plan. Of these
contributions, each of the Named Executives was credited $2,157 in 1999,
$911 in 1998, and $952 in 1997. The Company provided a matching of
401(k) contribution based upon varying rates of the Named Executives'
respective contributions. Of the total Company matching contribution
of $217,400, $202,600 and $171,300 in 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Named
Executives were credited with matching contributions of $10,000, $10,000
and $10,000 respectively in 1999; $9,957, $9,927 and $9,927,
respectively in 1998; and $9,383, $9,248, and $9,248, respectively in
1997.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee is composed of two outside directors. The
committee's responsibility is to develop the Company's compensation policy
to enable the Company to hire, retain and motivate high performing
employees. The committee also administers the Company's Savings and
Protection Plan (the "401(k) Plan"), various Employee Stock Option Plans,
and the Company's Profit Sharing Plan. The committee reviews the
performance and compensation of the
Chief Executive Officer, and the two executive officers of the Company.
Final approval of all contracts with company executives is reserved to the
full Board of Directors.
Compensation paid to the CEO, Mr. Ryan, and to the executive officers
of the Company is based on several factors, including the terms of their
employment contracts, the earnings of the Company, the evaluation of the
Board of the performance of the employees, as well as compensation paid to
similarly situated employees with other similar firms.
As CEO, Mr. Ryan received a salary of $178,200 in 1999, which reflected
cost of living increases from his salary in 1998. Also during 1999 Mr. Ryan
earned a cash bonus of $470,436 based on Company earnings. Both the salary
increase and the bonus were based on provisions in Mr. Ryan's employment
contract.
The Company also contributed $10,000 in 1999 to Mr. Ryan's 401(k)
account in accordance with the plan's matching provisions to all
participating employees.
The compensation of the two executive officers of the Company is also
comprised of a salary and a performance based bonus. Salaries of both were
increased by a cost of living adjustment and bonuses were paid based on the
Company's earnings, both as provided in the executive's employment
agreements. Both executives also received a share of Company matching
contributions to the Company 401(k) plan.
During 1999 the Company reviewed the employment contracts of the CEO and
the executive officers of the Company, and determined that no changes were
required. The Compensation Committee believes the Company has made
substantial progress over the past several years despite adverse industry
and economic conditions, and that the progress is attributable in large
measure to the efforts of the CEO and the executive officers.
Compensation Committee
Vincent F. D'Annunzio, Chair
Jeffrey C. Swoveland
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year
and Fiscal Year-End Option Values
The following table provides certain information with respect to options
exercised during 1999 by the persons named in the summary compensation under
the Company's stock option plans. The table also represents information as
to the number of options outstanding as of December 31, 1999 with respect
to options granted pursuant to the Company's Employee Stock Option Plans.
No options were granted in the last fiscal year.
<TABLE>
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Number Value of Unexercised
of Shares Value Number of Unexercised Options In-The-Money Options
Exercised Realized ($) at Year-end at Year-End(1)($)
Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
James N. Ryan 77,233 168,947 288,334 - 505,425 -
Steven R. Williams 74,900 163,844 285,000 - 495,750 -
Dale G. Rettinger 74,900 163,844 285,000 - 495,750 -
</TABLE>
(1) On December 31, 1999, the closing sales price of the Common Stock was
$3.8125 per share.
Employment and Other Agreements and Arrangements
The Company has entered into employment agreements with each of the Named
Executives, each of which has a term that has been extended to December 31,
2003. Pursuant to the respective terms of the employment agreements, each
of the Named Executives is entitled to receive the basic annual salary set
forth therein that is subject to increase, but not decrease (unless dire
economic circumstances as declared by the Board of Directors requires a
reduction for all senior executive employees of the Company), as the Board
of Directors may determine to reflect changes in the cost of living, the
financial success of the Company and the performance of such Named
Executive. For 1999, the basic salary has been set by the Board of
Directors under the respective agreements as $178,200 for Mr. Ryan, $139,800
for Mr. Williams and $138,800 for Mr. Rettinger. Each Named Executive is
also entitled to be paid an annual bonus equal to 2.5% of the Company's net
pre-tax earnings for any year in which the Company's net pre-tax earnings
exceed $300,000. The Company has been required to establish a deferred
compensation plan, described below, for the Named Executives and to fund
such plan with an annual contribution of $30,000 commencing in 1994, subject
to adjustment for inflation. Commencing January 1, 2004, each of the three
executive officers will vest and be entitled to receive an annual payment
equal to $60,000 for Mr. Ryan and $40,000 for Mr. Rettinger and Mr. Williams
per year upon retirement from the company and continuing for 10 years
payable on July 1st of each year.
In the event of a change in control of the Company, each Named Executive
has the right within six months after such change of control to elect to
terminate his employment under his employment agreement and receive
severance compensation equal to the sum of his basic salary plus an amount
equal to the average bonus paid to him over the preceding three years as
provided in the agreement multiplied by the remaining years of the
employment agreement, provided, however, that the minimum severance
compensation must not be less than the amount equal to three years of basic
compensation plus an amount equal to three times the average bonus paid to
such person over the preceding three-year period.
Each employment agreement also provides that if the Company obtains the
right to sell working interests in any drilling program, the Named Executive
is entitled to participate as an investor in such oil and gas drilling
project subject to the prior approval by the Board of Directors of the terms
of any such participation.
Each employment agreement contains a standard non-disclosure covenant.
Each employment agreement also provides that the Named Executive is
prohibited during the term of his employment and for a period of one year
following his termination from engaging in any business that is competitive
with the Company's oil and gas drilling business in West Virginia, unless
his termination results from a change of control of the Company. During any
period for which the non-competition provision prohibits the officer from
pursuing activities that would compete with the Company's business as
provided in the agreement following termination of the agreement, the
Company is required to pay the officer his basic salary and bonus as
provided in the agreement.
In the event of termination under the terms of the agreement, the Company
will be required to loan to the officer funds equal to the exercise price
of all options held by the Named Executive under the Company's stock option
plans, which loan, if made, must be repaid within nine months and will bear
interest at the prime rate then in effect.
Each employment agreement may be terminated for cause for willful
misfeasance or malfeasance, disregard of the Named Executive's duties or
negligence related to the performance of his duties, if so determined by a
court of competent jurisdiction. Also, the Company may terminate the
employment agreement without cause, in which case the Company must either
(i) reassign the Named Executive to a comparable executive position or
designate him as a consultant for the remaining term of his agreement (ii)
pay him liquidated damages in an amount equal to his then basic salary for
the remaining term of the employment agreement, with a minimum payment equal
to twelve months of basic salary.
The Company has entered into stock redemption agreements with each of the
Named Executives. The agreements require the Company to maintain life
insurance policies on each of them in the amount of $1 million. At the
election of the Named Executive's estate or heirs made within one year of
such person's death, the Company must utilize the proceeds from such
insurance policies to purchase from his estate or heirs all or a portion of
his shares of the Company's Common Stock owned by him, including shares
subject to outstanding stock options or warrants owned by such Named
Executive at the time of his death, up to an aggregate sale price of $1
million. The purchase price for such shares of Common Stock will be based
upon the average closing asked price for the Company's Common Stock as
quoted by Nasdaq during a specified period. The Company is not required to
purchase any shares in excess of the amount provided by such insurance
policies. If the Named Executive's estate or heirs elect not to sell any
or all of the shares to the Company, the estate or heirs will be precluded
from selling the shares to anyone for a period of two years after the date
of the person's death, except that the shares may be transferred into the
names of the decedent's heirs and beneficiaries and the stock sold pursuant
to Rule 144 under the Securities Act. If the Named Executive terminates his
employment with the Company or disposes of all of all or substantially all
of his shares of Common Stock in the Company, the Named Executive has the
right to purchase his respective insurance policy for a price equal to the
cash surrender value of the policy as of the date of such event. If the
Named Executive fails to purchase the policy within ninety days after such
event, the Company may cancel all policies covering the life of the Name
Executive. The stock redemption agreements will terminate upon bankruptcy
or cessation of business by the Company.
Mr. Ryan, Mr. Williams and Mr. Rettinger are also the participants in the
Company's deferred bonus compensation plan. Under this plan, the Company's
Board of Directors must declare a year-end bonus for each participant, the
receipt of which is automatically deferred pursuant to the plan, unless
prior to the beginning of a particular year, the participant enters into a
voluntary bonus compensation agreement under which he irrevocably elects to
receive his year-end bonus as cash compensation, payable as soon as
practicable following the end of the year. The amount of the participant's
year-end bonus is a minimum of $30,000 or such greater amount as may be
declared by the Board of Directors. The participant also has the right to
elect to defer receipt of his other bonus compensation under this plan. Any
bonus compensation deferred under this plan will not be paid until such
participant's retirement, or upon termination of employment, disability or
death or upon hardship, as provided in the plan. A trustee selected by the
Board of Directors maintains accounts for each participant under the plan.
The Company has reserved the right to terminate the deferred bonus
compensation plan, in whole or in part, at any time and without liability
for such termination or discontinuance.
Stock Option Plans
Under the Company's incentive stock option plans, options to purchase
shares of Common Stock of the Company may be granted to certain officers and
key employees of the Company, which options are intended to qualify as
incentive stock options under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
Under the plan adopted in 1999, the Company granted options for an aggregate
of 145,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of 100% of the fair
market value per share of the Company's Common Stock on the date of grant.
The options may be exercised six months after the date of grant. Options
will expire ten years from the date of grant if not exercised. A
dissolution or liquidation of the Company or a merger or consolidation in
which the Company is not the surviving corporation will cause each
outstanding option to terminate, provided that each optionee, in such event,
will have the right immediately prior to said dissolution or liquidation or
merger or consolidation to exercise his option in whole or in part without
regard to any installment vesting provisions with respect to such options.
Key-Man Life Insurance
The Company maintains key-man life insurance policies on the lives of
Messrs. Ryan, Williams and Rettinger in the amounts of $5.0 million, $1.0
million, and $1.0 million, respectively. The Company is the beneficiary of
each policy.
Employee 401k and Profit Sharing Plan
In 1987, the Company established a retirement plan qualified under
Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan is funded by employee
contributions and a company matching contribution. Administrative costs of
the plan are borne by the Company. The employees choose from four
investment programs and, therefore, the amount of an individual's plan
assets depends on the amount of their contributions and the performance by
their chosen investments.
In 1992, the Company began a Profit Sharing Retirement plan to supplement
the 401(k) Plan. Contributions are dependent on corporate profitability and
are at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company
filed and qualified the plan with the Internal Revenue Service.
Stockholder Performance Graph
The following graph illustrates the performance of Petroleum Development
Corporation common stock over a five year period compared to the performance
of the S&P 500 Index and a peer group index. The peer group index consists
of 133 Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Companies. The table includes the
cumulative shareholder return assuming the reinvestment of dividends.
Petroleum Development Corporation
Stock Performance Graph
500.0
400.0
300.0
200.0
100.0
0.0
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12/31/94 12/31/95 12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98 12/31/99
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Petroleum
Development
Corporation 100.0 136.84 352.63 442.11 257.89 321.05
Industry Index 100.0 109.98 146.24 148.22 118.73 145.03
Broad Market
Index 100.0 137.58 169.17 225.61 290.09 351.13
NASDAQ 100.0 129.71 161.18 197.16 278.08 490.46
</TABLE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding ownership of
the Company's Common Stock as of March 31, 2000 by (a) each person known by
the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock; (b) each director of the Company; (c) each Named Executive;
(d) all directors and executive officers as a group.
<TABLE>
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Beneficial Ownership
(1)
Name and Address Number Percent
Fidelity Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,573,800 9.9
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
James N. Ryan(2)(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 986,320 6.1
103 East Main Street
Bridgeport, WV 26330
Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906,700 5.7
1299 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Steven R. Williams(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 590,576 3.7
103 East Main Street
Bridgeport, WV 26330
Dale G. Rettinger(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 527,850 3.3
103 East Main Street
Bridgeport, WV 26330
Roger J. Morgan(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82,500 *
Vincent F. D'Annunzio(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43,600 *
Jeffrey C. Swoveland(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18,094 *
All directors and executive officers as a
group (6 persons)(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,248,940 13.6
</TABLE>
* Less than 1%
(1) Includes shares over which the person currently holds or shares voting
or investment power. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to
this table, the persons named in this table have sole voting and
investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned.
(2) Includes 219,738 shares owned jointly with Mr. Ryan's wife, 379,750
shares owned by Mr. Ryan's wife and 64,258 shares owned by Mr. Ryan's
wife as guardian for their minor grandchildren. The balance of the
shares are owned solely by Mr. Ryan.
(3) Includes options to purchase 178,000 shares that such person can
currently exercise or that will become exercisable within 60 days.
(4) Includes options to purchase 47,500 shares that Mr. Morgan can currently
exercise or that will become exercisable within 60 days.
(5) Includes options to purchase 13,600 shares that Mr. D'Annunzio can
currently exercise or that will become exercisable within 60 days.
(6) Includes options to purchase 3,550 shares that Mr. Swoveland can
currently exercise or that will become exercisable within 60 days.
(7) Includes options to purchase 598,650 shares that such persons can
currently exercise or that will become exercisable within 60 days.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's officers and
directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a Company's equity
securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, directors and holders of more
than 10% of the Common Stock are required by regulations promulgated by the
Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act to furnish the Company with copies
of all Section 16(a) forms they file. The Company assists officers and
directors, and will assist beneficial owners, if any, of more than 10% of
the Common Stock, in complying with the reporting requirements of Section
16(a) of the Exchange Act.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it,
the Company believes that since January 1, 1999, all Section 16(a) filing
requirements applicable to its directors, officers and greater than 10%
beneficial owners were met.
PROPOSAL #1
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
At the Meeting, the Stockholders of the Company will be asked to ratify
the Board of Directors' selection of KPMG LLP as the Company's certified
public accountants for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000. KPMG LLP
conducted the audit for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999. A
representative of KPMG LLP will be present at the Meeting, will have an
opportunity to make statements if he so desires, and will be available to
respond to appropriate questions.
Vote Required
A majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, in person or by
proxy, is required for the ratification of the Board of Directors' selection
of independent accountants. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be
considered as votes cast with respect to the ratification of the Board of
Directors' selection of independent accountants.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND A VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL #2
OTHER BUSINESS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, management of the Company is not
aware of any matters to be brought before the Annual Meeting other than the
matters set forth in this Proxy Statement. However, if other matters
properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention of the proxy holders
named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote in accordance with their
discretion on such matters pursuant to such proxy.
General
The enclosed Proxy is solicited by the Company's Board of Directors. The
Company expects to solicit proxies primarily by mail, but solicitation may
also be made personally, by telephone or by telegraph, by regularly employed
officers and employees of the Company who will receive no extra compensation
for doing so.
The Company will request brokers and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries to forward proxy soliciting material to, and obtain instructions
from, the beneficial owners of shares held by record by such persons and
will reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. The Company will bear all
costs of proxy solicitation.
Stockholder Proposals for 2001 Annual Meeting
Stockholder proposals must be received by the Company at its principal
executive office on or prior to March 1, 2001 in order to be included in the
Company's proxy statement for the 2001 annual meeting of stockholders.
By Order Of The Board of Directors
James N. Ryan
Chairman
Dated: June 1, 2000
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO ANY PERSON WHO IS A RECORD OR
BENEFICIAL HOLDER OF COMMON STOCK OF THE COMPANY, ON WRITTEN REQUEST OF SUCH
PERSON, A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 INCLUDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
THERETO, WHICH THE COMPANY FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION. COPIES MAY BE OBTAINED BY WRITING TO CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT, PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, P.O. BOX 26, BRIDGEPORT, WEST
VIRGINIA 26330.
Exhibit A
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Charter of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
I. Audit Committee Purpose
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors to
assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities.
The Audit Committee's primary duties and responsibilities are to:
- Monitor the integrity of the Company's financial reporting
process and systems of internal controls regarding finance,
accounting, and legal compliance.
- Monitor the independence and performance of the Company's
independent auditors.
- Provide an avenue of communication among the independent
auditors, management and the Board of Directors.
The Audit Committee has the authority to conduct any investigation
appropriate to fulfilling its responsibilities, and it has direct
access to the independent auditors as well as anyone in the
organization. The Audit Committee has the ability to retain, at
the Company's expense, special legal, accounting, or other
consultants or experts it deems necessary in the performance of
its duties.
II. Audit Committee Composition and Meetings
Audit Committee members shall meet the requirements of the NASDAQ
Exchange. The Audit Committee shall be comprised of three or more
directors as determined by the Board, each of whom shall be
independent nonexecutive directors, free from any relationship
that would interfere with the exercise of his or her independent
judgment. All members of the Committee shall have a basic
understanding of finance and accounting and be able to read and
understand fundamental financial statements, and at least one
member of the Committee shall have accounting or related
financial management expertise.
Audit Committee members shall be appointed by the Board on
recommendation of the Board of Directors. If an audit committee
Chair is not designated or present, the members of the Committee
may designate a Chair by majority vote of the Committee membership.
The Committee shall meet at least two times annually, or more
frequently as circumstances dictate. The Audit Committee Chair
shall prepare and/or approve an agenda in advance of each meeting.
The Committee should meet privately in executive session at least
annually with management, the independent auditors, and as a
committee to discuss any matters that the Committee or each of
these groups believe should be discussed.
Ill. Audit Committee Responsibilities and Duties
Review Procedures
1. Review and reassess the adequacy of this Charter at least
annually. Submit the charter to the Board of Directors for
approval and have the document published at least every three
years in accordance with SEC regulations.
2. Review the Company's annual audited financial statements.
Review should include discussion with management and
independent auditors of significant issues regarding
accounting principles, practices, and judgments.
3. In consultation with the management and the independent
auditors, consider the integrity of the Company's financial
reporting processes and controls. Discuss significant
financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken
to monitor, control, and report such exposures. Review
significant findings prepared by the independent auditors
together with management's responses.
4. Review with financial management the company's quarterly
financial results. Discuss any significant changes to the
Company's accounting principles and any items required to be
communicated by the independent auditors in accordance with
SAS 61 (see item 9). The Chair of the Committee may
represent the entire Audit Committee for purposes of this
review.
Independent Auditors
5. The independent auditors are ultimately accountable to the
Audit Committee-and the Board of Directors. The Audit
Committee shall review the independence and performance of
the auditors and annually recommend to the Board of
Directors the appointment of the independent auditors or
approve any discharge of auditors when circumstances warrant.
6. Approve the fees and other significant compensation to be
paid to the independent auditors.
7. On an annual basis, the Committee should review and discuss
with the independent auditors all significant relationships
they have with the Company that could impair the auditors'
independence.
8. Review the independent auditors audit plan - discuss scope,
staffing, reliance upon management, and general audit
approach.
9. Discuss the results of the audit with the independent
auditors. Discuss certain matters required to be communicated
to audit committees in accordance with AICPA SAS 61.
10. Consider the independent auditors' judgments about the
quality and appropriateness of the Company's accounting
principles as applied in its financial reporting.
Legal Compliance
11. On at least an annual basis, review with the Company's
counsel, any legal matters that could have a significant
impact on the organization's financial statements, the
Company's compliance with applicable laws and regulations,
and inquiries received from regulators or governmental
agencies.
Other Audit Committee Responsibilities
12. Annually prepare a report to shareholders as required by the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
13. Perform any other activities consistent with this Charter,
the Company's by-laws, and governing law, as the Committee
or the Board deems necessary or appropriate.
14. Maintain minutes of meetings and periodically report to the
Board of Directors on significant results of the foregoing
activities.
ADOPTED MARCH 21, 2000
