SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
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Section 240.14a-12
PECO ENERGY COMPANY
________________________________________________
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T. D. CUTLER; G. M. PFEIL (PECO ENERGY);
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<PAGE>
[LOGO] PECO ENERGY COMPANY
NOTICE OF 1998 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENT
<PAGE>
CORBIN A. McNEILL, JR.
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
[LOGO] PECO ENERGY
-----------------------------------
PECO Energy Company
2301 Market Street
PO Box 8699
Philadelphia, PA 19101-8699
March 2, 1998
Dear Shareholder,
You are cordially invited to attend our Annual Meeting of
Shareholders at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, April 8, 1998, at the
Valley Forge Convention Center, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
We will review PECO Energy Company's 1997 performance
and answer your questions. Enclosed with this Proxy
Statement are your voting card and the 1997 Annual Report.
You will note that this proxy statement is in a different
format from prior years. We have attempted to both simplify
the format and develop the text in "plain English" rather than
in the traditional legal tone. We hope you like the new format
and welcome your comments.
I want to acknowledge the responses that I have received
from shareholders to my letter explaining the Board's action
in January reducing the Company's dividend. I know that this
will be a topic of discussion at the Annual Meeting. We will
be prepared to explain the circumstances that dictated this
decision and to respond to your questions related to this action.
Sincerely,
[CORBIN A. MCNEILL, JR.]
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE FILL IN,
SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY MAIL THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
<PAGE>
KATHERINE K. COMBS
Deputy General Counsel
and Corporate Secretary
[LOGO] PECO ENERGY
-----------------------------------
PECO Energy Company
2301 Market Street
PO Box 8699
Philadelphia, PA 19101-8699
March 2, 1998
NOTICE OF THE 1998
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
We will hold the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of PECO Energy Company on
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1998, at 9:30 AM, at the Valley Forge Convention Center,
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the meeting is to consider and
take action on the following:
1. Election of five directors: Susan W. Catherwood, G. Fred DiBona, Jr.,
R. Keith Elliott, John M. Palms, Ph.D. and Joseph F. Paquette, Jr.,
each for a term of three years;
2. Ratification of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. as PECO Energy's independent
accountants for 1998;
3. A shareholder proposal relating to attorneys as director candidates,
if properly presented at the meeting.
4. A shareholder proposal relating to the use of mixed oxide fuel in
nuclear reactors, if properly presented at the meeting.
5. Transact any other business that properly comes before the meeting.
Shareholders of record as of February 20, 1998 will be entitled to vote at
the meeting.
This Proxy Statement, voting instructions and Annual Report to Shareholders
are being distributed on or about March 2, 1998.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY
CARD IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED. To ensure that your vote is counted, you
should allow enough time for the postal service to deliver your proxy before
the meeting.
By Order of the
Board of Directors
[KATHERINE K. COMBS]
<PAGE>
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Questions and Answers .................................................... 1
Proposals to be Voted Upon ............................................... 3
Election of Directors................................................ 3
Ratification of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. as PECO Energy's
Independent Accountants for 1998.................................. 3
Shareholder Proposal Relating To Attorneys as Director Candidates.... 4
Shareholder Proposal Relating To Use Of Mixed Oxide Fuel In
Nuclear Reactors.................................................. 5
Beneficial Ownership Table................................................ 7
Board of Directors........................................................ 8
Board Committees..................................................... 12
Board Compensation................................................... 13
Report of the Compensation Committee...................................... 14
Performance Graph......................................................... 18
Summary Compensation Table................................................ 19
Option Grant Table........................................................ 20
Option Exercise and Year-End Value Table.................................. 21
Retirement Plans.......................................................... 22
Other Information......................................................... 23
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For directions to the Annual Meeting, please refer to the inside back cover.
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<PAGE>
Q U E S T I O N S A N D A N S W E R S
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Q: WHAT AM I VOTING ON?
A: o Election of five directors (Susan W. Catherwood; G. Fred
DiBona, Jr.; R. Keith Elliott; John M. Palms, Ph.D.; and Joseph F.
Paquette, Jr.);
o Ratification of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. as PECO Energy's
independent public accountants for 1998;
o A shareholder proposal relating to attorneys as directors, if
presented at the meeting;
o A shareholder proposal relating to the use of mixed oxide fuel in
nuclear reactors, if presented at the meeting.
(See pages 3 through 6 for more information.)
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Q: WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?
A: Shareholders of PECO Energy Company as of the close of business on February
20, 1998 (the record date) are entitled to vote at the 1998 Annual Meeting.
Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote.
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Q: HOW DO I VOTE?
A: Sign and date each proxy card that you receive and return it in the prepaid
envelope. If you return your signed proxy to us before the Annual Meeting, we
will vote your shares as you direct. You can specify on your proxy whether
your shares should be voted for all, some or none of the nominees for
director. You can also specify whether you approve, disapprove or abstain
from the other three proposals.
If you do not mark any selections, your proxy card will be voted in favor of
the election of directors and Proposal 1, and against the shareholder
proposals, Proposals 2 and 3. You have the right to revoke your proxy any time
before the meeting by 1) notifying the Corporate Secretary, 2) voting in
person or 3) returning a later-dated proxy.
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Q: CAN I VOTE MY SHARES BY TELEPHONE OR ELECTRONICALLY?
A: If you are a registered stockholder (that is, if you hold your stock in
your own name), you may vote by telephone or electronically through the
Internet, by following the instructions included on your proxy card.
If your shares are held in "street name," you will need to contact your broker
or other nominee to determine whether you will be able to vote by telephone or
electronically.
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Q: WHO WILL COUNT THE VOTE?
A: Representatives of First Chicago Trust Company of New York and the
Company's Office of the Corporate Secretary will tabulate the votes and serve
as judges of election.
1
<PAGE>
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Q: WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM?
A: As of the record date, 222,546,562 shares of PECO Energy Company common
stock were issued and outstanding. A majority of the outstanding shares,
present or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum for transacting business
at the Annual Meeting. If you submit a properly executed proxy card, you
will be considered part of the quorum. Proxies marked as abstaining
(including proxies containing broker non-votes) on any matter to be acted upon
by shareholders will be treated as present at the Annual Meeting for purposes
of a quorum, but will not be counted as votes cast on such matters.
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Q: WHAT VOTE IS NEEDED FOR THESE PROPOSALS TO BE ADOPTED?
A: The affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person or by
proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for the adoption
of each proposal. For the election of directors, abstentions and votes
"withheld" will be considered votes against the directors. For all other
proposals, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as "votes"
cast on such matters.
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Q: WHO CONDUCTS THE PROXY SOLICITATION AND HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
A: The Company is soliciting your proxy for the Annual Meeting and will bear
the entire cost of the solicitation of proxies. The Company has engaged
Morrow & Co., Inc. to assist in the distribution of proxy materials and
solicitation of proxies for a fee of $15,000, plus out-of-pocket expenses.
Proxies may be solicited through the mail and personally by telephone or
telegram by directors, officers and regular employees of PECO Energy Company
without additional compensation for such services. The Company will
reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for
their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding solicitation material
to the beneficial owners of common stock.
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Q: HOW DOES A SHAREHOLDER NOMINATE SOMEONE TO BE A DIRECTOR OF PECO ENERGY
COMPANY?
A: You may recommend any person as a nominee for director of PECO Energy
Company by writing to M. Walter D'Alessio, Chairman of the Corporate
Governance Committee, c/o PECO Energy Company, 2301 Market Street, P.O. Box
8699, Philadelphia, PA 19101-8699. Your recommendation must include a
notarized statement indicating the nominee's willingness to serve, if elected,
and certain information required under the Bylaws, including the nominee's
principal occupations or employment over the past five years. The Corporate
Governance Committee has the sole discretion to determine whom it will
recommend, and the Board has the sole discretion to make the final selection
of nominees. You cannot nominate a candidate from the floor of the Annual
Meeting unless you have submitted notice and the information required by
the Bylaws to the Corporate Secretary and it is received no later than
March 25, 1998.
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Q: WHEN ARE THE 1999 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS DUE?
A: In order to be considered, you must submit proposals for next year's Annual
Meeting in writing to Katherine K. Combs, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate
Secretary, PECO Energy Company, 2301 Market Street, P.O. Box 8699,
Philadelphia, PA 19101-8699. Under the Company's Bylaws, no proposal can be
considered at the 1999 Annual Meeting unless it is received by the Corporate
Secretary before the close of business on November 3, 1998 and meets the other
requirements of the rules of the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission relating to shareholder proposals.
2
<PAGE>
P R O P O S A L S T O B E V O T E D U P O N
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors consists of 13 members, divided into three classes.(1)
The three-year terms of each class are staggered so that the term of one class
expires at each Annual Meeting. The terms of the five Class II directors will
expire at the 1998 Annual Meeting.
The Corporate Governance Committee has recommended and the Board of Directors
nominates the following Class II directors for re-election: Susan W.
Catherwood; G. Fred DiBona, Jr.; R. Keith Elliott; John M. Palms, Ph.D.;
and Joseph F. Paquette, Jr. Each has consented to serve a three-year term.
(See pages 8 through 11 for more information.)
If any director is unable to stand for re-election, the Board may reduce the
number of directors, or designate a substitute. In that case, shares
represented by proxies may be voted for a substitute director. We do not
anticipate that any nominee will be unavailable or unable to serve.
THE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND A VOTE
"FOR" THESE DIRECTORS.
PROPOSAL 1
RATIFICATION OF COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. AS PECO ENERGY'S INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS FOR 1998
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. (C&L) have been our independent public accountants
for many years. The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors believe that
C&L's long-term knowledge of PECO Energy Company is invaluable, especially as
the Company transitions to competition. Representatives of C&L working on
Company matters are periodically changed, providing PECO Energy with new
expertise and experience. Representatives of C&L have direct access to
members of the Audit Committee and regularly attend their meetings.
Representatives of C&L will attend the Annual Meeting to answer appropriate
questions and make a statement if they desire.
In 1997, the Audit Committee reviewed the C&L Audit Plan for 1998 and proposed
fees and concluded that the scope of audit was appropriate and the proposed
fees were reasonable.
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND A VOTE "FOR" COOPERS
& LYBRAND L.L.P. AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS FOR 1998.
(1) A resolution adopted by the Board of Directors in 1973 provides that
directors will offer their resignation from the Board of Directors prior to
the next Annual Meeting following their 70th birthday. Class I Directors
Richard G. Gilmore and Joseph J. McLaughlin are now 70 and pursuant to this
resolution, have offered their resignation effective March 31, 1998.
Following his retirement as Chairman of Conrail, James A. Hagen also offered
his resignation effective March 31, 1998. At the February 1998 Board of
Directors meeting, Rosemarie B. Greco was elected as a Class I director by the
Board of Directors.
3
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 2
ATTORNEYS AS DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
Richard Ash, 1612 Latimer Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 has informed the
Company that he intends to present the following proposal at the meeting:
"Resolved that PECO Energy Company (PECO) adopt the following policy: That no
lawyer shall be selected for the PECO slate of endorsed candidates for
director who either directly or indirectly derives any compensation from any
law firm that provides legal services to PECO.
SHAREHOLDER'S STATEMENT OF SUPPORT
Board Members have the duty of undivided loyalty to PECO. There is an ample
pool of candidates qualified to serve on PECO's Board without conflicts of
interest. Lawyer Board Members that derive compensation from the providing of
legal services to PECO raise questions of conflict of interest including:
1. Can such a director be a vigorous advocate of policies designed to
reduce legal expenses by using internal legal staff to the fullest
extent possible, settling cases instead of litigation, choosing the
most cost effective law firms and strictly monitoring activities
and billing when external counsel must be used?
2. Can such a director be relied on to prudently limit top management's
salaries, stock options and other perquisites, when offending top
management by such limitation could result in an end to income
derived from providing legal services to PECO?
PECO has a history of lawyer directors whose law firms provide legal services
to PECO. The proponent of this resolution has asked the PECO Board and its
Chairman to stop this practice at a number of recent annual meetings without
success. PECO shareholders should vote for this resolution."
The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote "AGAINST" Proposal 2.
This proposal seeks to impose what the Board believes to be an arbitrary and
unnecessary policy relating to director selection. An identical proposal was
submitted to shareholders at the prior four Annual Meetings of Shareholders
and was overwhelmingly defeated, with only 13.3%, 12.4%, 13.9% and 12.0%,
respectively, of the vote cast in favor. The Corporate Governance Committee
of the Board selects as nominees only those persons whom the Committee
believes are well qualified to serve as directors. It weighs, on a
case-by-case basis, the potential contribution it believes a potential nominee
will make to PECO Energy. This "case-by-case" approach is consistent with the
approach adopted by the New York Stock Exchange.
The Board has a policy that a director shall not enter into transactions with
the Company without first disclosing the individual transaction and obtaining
advance approval by the Board of Directors. The Board believes that it is in
the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to maintain the ability
to utilize the business services of individual Board members.
The Board believes, as a general matter, that any proposal which, like this
proposal, seeks to impose rigid eligibility requirements for director
nominations is not in the best interests of shareholders because such
requirements restrict, rather than enhance, the Company's ability to identify
the most qualified persons to serve as directors.
The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote "AGAINST" Proposal 2.
4
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 3
USE OF MIXED OXIDE FUEL IN NUCLEAR REACTORS
Betty Schroeder, of 5349 W. Bar X Street, Tucson, AZ 85713 and Robert F.
Sutton, of 4026 School House Lane, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 have informed
the Company that they intend to present the following proposal at the meeting:
"REFUSE PLUTONIUM FUEL FOR REACTORS
Whereas:
The Department of Energy plans to dispose of surplus weapons plutonium by
immobilization in ceramics and possibly as plutonium/uranium oxide (MOX) fuel
for commercial reactors (to prevent diversion to bomb making and environmental
dispersal);
PECO Energy Company has expressed interest to use MOX fuel;
We believe the public opposes using weapons plutonium fuel because it would:
(1) violate the barrier between nuclear power and nuclear weapons; (2) still
be weapons-usable, so would require heavy security in transit and at reactors;
(3) be more costly to fabricate the fuel and to operate the reactors; (4) be
too dangerous because it would be more hazardous to control during fissioning
in reactors, increasing operating risks and component aging; (5) generate
great quantities of radioactive waste, exacerbating the already critical,
unresolved problems of radioactive waste storage; (6) spread plutonium more
widely than if immobilized directly; and (7) increase the likelihood of
locking the U.S. into a deadly plutonium economy;
During fissioning of MOX fuel, nearly as much new plutonium would be generated
as it initially contained (virtually no net loss of plutonium would result),
and, additionally, huge amounts of other radioactive wastes would be
generated; and
PECO's above-industry-average violations, fines and safety problems make
Limerick 1, 2 or Peach Bottom 2, 3 poor choices to use the more risky MOX
fuel. Electric utility deregulation is causing most utilities to cut costs.
This added pressure to try to make nuclear electricity cost-competitive
further reduces public confidence that PECO could maintain safety and
security, especially if the more risky weapons plutonium fuel were used;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the shareholders request the Company to
establish a firm policy to refuse to use MOX fuel.
Supporting Statement:
Weapons plutonium cannot be used directly as fuel, but must undergo
complicated and dangerous processing, creating additional radioactive waste.
No fabrication facility exists in the U.S. It could be years before MOX fuel
could be produced, extending plutonium accessibility for diversion or theft.
During these delays, economic or technical conditions may close candidate
reactors.
European experience using MOX fuel is only from reprocessed commercial reactor
wastes, not the experimental weapons plutonium. European public support for
MOX fuel is declining. European reprocessing corporations are the driving
force of MOX fuel promotion, and falsely claim that the U.S. must use MOX
fuel to win Russia's cooperation with surplus plutonium disposition. Rather,
the U.S. should lead in developing the most effective way to immobilize
weapons plutonium directly, and assist all others in this choice.
5
<PAGE>
Radiation health scientist Dr. John Gofman warns of public health
risks for cancer and genetic damage from radiation (see:
>http://www.ratical.com/radiation/CNR/> The safety of hundreds of future
generations depends upon the careful isolation of plutonium from the
biosphere. Use of weapons plutonium in commercial reactors would create a
dangerous precedent. For economic, safety, environmental, and security
reasons, we urge your supporting vote for this proposal."
The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote "AGAINST" Proposal 3.
This proposal seeks to prevent the Company from even considering participation
in a federal program in which the Company could obtain a low-cost source of
fuel. Such a program is personally supported by the President of the United
States, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Academy of
Science.
Nuclear reactors in the United States use uranium oxide as fuel. Nuclear
reactors can also use a blend of plutonium oxide and uranium oxide, also known
as mixed oxide (MOX) as fuel. The process involves blending small amounts of
plutonium oxide into the uranium oxide. MOX fuel has been in existence for
decades and is widely used in Europe, although obtaining plutonium from excess
weapons is a recent concept resulting from nuclear disarmament.
As a result of nuclear disarmament, there was concern about what to do with
surplus weapons-usable plutonium. In an effort to reduce the danger of
existing stockpiles of plutonium, the National Academy of Science recommended
to the President of the United States a program to reduce the stockpiles.
Based on the National Academy of Science report, the DOE began evaluating the
feasibility of using MOX in United States commercial nuclear reactors. After
several years of study, hearings, public input, and a substantial record, the
DOE adopted a two-part program for disposing of plutonium: (1) immobilization,
which involves encasing surplus plutonium in glass or ceramic material for
disposal; and (2) MOX fuel, which involves blending small amounts of plutonium
into uranium oxide for use in commercial nuclear power plants. Many of the
concerns raised in the proposal have been examined extensively by the DOE and
were taken into account in adopting this program. In addition, the Company's
nuclear plants are recognized by both the United States Nuclear Regulatory
Commission and the nuclear industry as among the best in the industry. As a
result, the Company believes that Limerick and Peach Bottom are excellent
choices for potential use of MOX fuel.
PECO Energy supports the United States government's efforts to reduce global
stockpiles of weapons-usable material that could present a threat to national
and international security. In addition, PECO Energy may be able to benefit
by substantially reducing its cost of fuel. In a Company letter to the DOE,
PECO Energy publicly indicated a potential willingness to participate in a
program supporting the non-proliferation goal. The Company, however, made it
clear to the DOE that PECO Energy will not use MOX fuel unless the Company is
guaranteed a net economic benefit. Furthermore, the Company will not use MOX
fuel unless it is convinced that safety, environmental and security matters
are adequately addressed.
This proposal, however, would unfairly prevent the Company from even
considering participation in such a program.
The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote "AGAINST" Proposal 3.
6
<PAGE>
B E N E F I C I A L O W N E R S H I P
This table indicates how much common stock the directors and officers owned as
of December 31, 1997.
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AGGREGATE NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER
SHARES BENEFICIALLY PECO STOCK OF SHARES AND
NAME OWNED (A) DEFERRED DEFERRED STOCK
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Susan W. Catherwood, Director 12,359 4,638 16,997
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Daniel L. Cooper, Director 227 421 648
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M. Walter D'Alessio, Director 12,083 6,598 18,681
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G. Fred DiBona, Jr., Director 500 (B) 736 1,236
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James W. Durham, Officer 142,820 0 142,820
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R. Keith Elliott, Director 500 736 1,236
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Richard H. Glanton, Director 5,817 (B) 2,601 8,418
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Rosemarie B. Greco, Director (E) 0 0 0
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Kenneth G. Lawrence, Officer 71,315 0 71,315
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John Madara, Officer 89,053 0 89,053
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Kinnaird R. McKee, Director 7,363 (C) 6,437 13,800
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Corbin A. McNeill, Jr.,
Director and Officer 357,366 (B) 0 357,366
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John M. Palms, Ph.D., Director 10,558 4,458 15,016
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Joseph F. Paquette, Jr.,
Director 271,433 (B) 361 271,794
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Ronald Rubin, Director 12,359 (B) 6,553 18,912
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Dickinson M. Smith, Officer 189,703 0 189,703
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Robert Subin, Director 6,437 2,113 8,550
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Directors and Officers
as a group (37) 2,344,981 (D) 35,652 2,380,633
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NOTE A--The shares shown include 2,225,453 shares of Common Stock which may be
acquired within 60 days upon the exercise of stock options granted under the
Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan.
NOTE B--Does not include an aggregate of 489,093 shares of Common Stock held
under PECO Energy Company's Service Annuity Plan. Messrs. DiBona, Glanton,
McNeill, Paquette and Rubin are members of the Executive Committee which
monitors the investment policy and performance of the investments under the
Plan.
NOTE C--In addition, Admiral McKee owns 600 shares of 9% Cumulative Monthly
Preferred Securities (MIPS).
NOTE D--Beneficial ownership represents 1.05 percent of the shares of Common
Stock outstanding.
NOTE E--Ms. Greco was elected to the Board on February 23, 1998 and was not a
member as of December 31, 1997.
7
<PAGE>
B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
[PHOTO: CORBIN A. McNEILL, JR.]
[PHOTO: SUSAN W. CATHERWOOD*]
[PHOTO: DANIEL L. COOPER]
[PHOTO: M. WALTER D'ALESSIO]
CORBIN A. McNEILL, JR. Director since 1990
Mr. McNeill, age 58, is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
PECO Energy Company. He was elected Executive Vice President, Nuclear in
1988, President and Chief Operating Officer in 1990, Chief Executive Officer
in 1995 and Chairman in 1997. Before joining the Company in 1988, he was
Senior Vice President, Nuclear of Public Service Electric and Gas Company.
SUSAN W. CATHERWOOD* Director since 1988
Ms. Catherwood, age 54, is Chairman of the Trustee Board, University of
Pennsylvania Medical Center and Health System and Vice Chairman of the Board
of the University of Pennsylvania. She was formerly Chairman of the Board of
Overseers of the University of Pennsylvania Museum. Ms. Catherwood is also a
director of the Glenmede Corporation, the Glenmede Trust Company, the Glenmede
Trust Company of New Jersey and the Pew Charitable Trusts.
DANIEL L. COOPER Director since 1997
Admiral Cooper, age 62, is the former Vice President and General Manager,
Nuclear Services Division of Gilbert/Commonwealth, Inc. He is also Chairman
of the Advisory Board of Applied Research Laboratory, Penn State University.
He retired from the Navy in 1991 as Assistant Chief of Naval Operations
(Undersea Warfare). His career included service as Commander, Submarine
Force, of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet and Director of Navy Program Planning. He
is also director and Vice Chairman of the Board of USAA insurance company.
M. WALTER D'ALESSIO Director since 1983
Mr. D'Alessio, age 64, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Legg Mason
Real Estate Services, commercial mortgage banking and pension fund advisors.
He is also a director of the Philadelphia Beltline Railroad, Independence Blue
Cross and the Brandywine Real Estate Investment Trust.
*Nominee for election
8
<PAGE>
B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
[PHOTO: G. FRED DiBONA, JR.*]
[PHOTO: R. KEITH ELLIOTT*]
[PHOTO: RICHARD H. GLANTON]
G. FRED DiBONA, JR.* Director since 1997
Mr. DiBona, age 47, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence
Blue Cross, a health insurance organization. He also serves as Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Health Plan East, a
subsidiary of Independence Blue Cross. He is past chairman of the national
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. He is also a director of Tasty Baking
Company and Philadelphia Suburban Corporation.
R. KEITH ELLIOTT* Director since 1997
Mr. Elliott, age 56, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hercules
Incorporated, which produces chemicals and related products. Before joining
Hercules, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Engelhard Corporation. He is also a director of Hercules Incorporated and
Wilmington Trust Company.
RICHARD H. GLANTON(1) Director since 1991
Mr. Glanton, age 51, is a partner of the law firm of Reed Smith Shaw & McClay,
L.L.P. and serves as General Counsel of Lincoln University. He is also a
director of General Accident Insurance Company of North America, Philadelphia
Suburban Corporation, Philadelphia Suburban Water Company, Wackenhut
Corrections Corporation and former president and director of the Barnes
Foundation.
*Nominee for election
(1) Richard H. Glanton is a partner of the law firm of Reed Smith Shaw &
McClay, which provided legal services to the Company during 1997. Under the
Board's conflict of interest policy, the Board specifically reviewed the
proposal to engage Mr. Glanton's partner to perform particular legal services
and concluded that the representation was in the best interest of the Company.
9
<PAGE>
B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
[PHOTO: ROSEMARIE B. GRECO]
[PHOTO: KINNAIRD R. McKEE]
[PHOTO: JOHN M. PALMS*]
ROSEMARIE B. GRECO Director since 1998
Ms. Greco, age 51, is the former President of CoreStates Financial Corporation
and Chief Executive Officer, a director and President of CoreStates Bank, N.A.
Previously, she served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity
Bank and Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Officer of First
Fidelity Bancorporation. She is also a director of Sun Company, General
Accident Insurance Company USA and The Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment
Trust.
KINNAIRD R. McKEE Director since 1989
Admiral McKee, age 68, retired from the Navy as Director, U.S. Navy Nuclear
Propulsion in 1988. His career included service as Director of Naval Warfare,
Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet, Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy
and Commander Submarine Forces Mediterranean. He is also a director of
Entergy Corporation.
JOHN M. PALMS, Ph.D.* Director since 1990
Dr. Palms, age 62, is President of the University of South Carolina and
Professor of Physics. He previously served as President of Georgia State
University and was the Charles Howard Chandler Professor of Physics and Vice
President for Academic Affairs of Emory University. He is also director of
Fortis, Inc., Policy Management Systems Corporation, Chairman of the Board of
Trustees of the Institute for Defense Analysis and a member of the Advisory
Council for the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations.
*Nominee for election
10
<PAGE>
B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
[PHOTO: JOSEPH F. PAQUETTE, JR.*]
[PHOTO: RONALD RUBIN]
[PHOTO: ROBERT SUBIN]
JOSEPH F. PAQUETTE, JR.* Director since 1988
Mr. Paquette, age 63, retired as Chairman of the Board in 1997 and currently
serves as Chairman of the Executive Committee. During his career with the
Company, he held the positions of President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Operating Officer. Prior to 1988, he was President of CMS Energy Corporation
in Michigan and President and Chief Operating Officer of its principle
subsidiary, Consumers Power Company. He is also a director of Associated
Electric & Gas Insurance Services Limited, AAA Mid-Atlantic Inc. and Keystone
Insurance Companies.
RONALD RUBIN Director since 1988
Mr. Rubin, age 66, is Chief Executive Officer of The Pennsylvania Real Estate
Investment Trust, a real estate management and development company. In 1997,
the Rubin Organization, Inc. was acquired by the Pennsylvania Real Estate
Investment Trust. He is a former director of Continental Bank and Midlantic
Bank.
ROBERT SUBIN Director since 1994
Mr. Subin, age 59, is Senior Vice President - Global Sourcing & Engineering
for Campbell Soup Company. During his career at Campbell Soup Company, he has
held the positions of Senior Vice President - Finance, President of the Bakery
and Confectionery Division, President of the International Specialty Foods
Division, and President of the Campbell Europe/America Division.
*Nominee for election
11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
B O A R D C O M M I T T E E S
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP ROSTER
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE PUBLIC
NAME BOARD AUDIT COMPENSATION GOVERNANCE EXECUTIVE FINANCE NUCLEAR AFFAIRS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
C. A. McNeill, Jr. X* X X*
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S. W. Catherwood X X* X
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D. L. Cooper X X
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M. W. D'Alessio X X X* X X
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G. F. DiBona, Jr. X X X X
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R. K. Elliott X X X*
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R. H. Glanton X X X X
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R. B. Greco(1) X
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
K. R. McKee X X X X
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J. M. Palms X X X X*
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J. F. Paquette, Jr. X X* X X
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R. Rubin X X X X
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R. Subin X X* X
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. of Meetings
in 1997 11 4 2 4 5 6 11 8
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
*chairperson
Audit: Reviews auditing, accounting, financial reporting and internal
control functions. Also reviews officers' and directors' expenses,
corporate code of conduct and environmental and legal compliance matters.
This committee recommends the independent public accountants and approves
the scope of the annual audit by the independent accountants and internal
auditors. All members of this committee are non-employee directors. The
committee meets outside of the presence of management for portions of its
meetings with both the independent accountants and the internal auditors.
Compensation: Reviews the executives' compensation and administers and
oversees the employee benefit plans and programs. The committee makes
compensation decisions, which are reviewed by the full Board, regarding the
positions of Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Senior Vice
President, Vice President and Corporate Secretary. The committee utilizes
the services of an independent compensation consultant who reports directly
to the committee. All members are non-employee directors.
Corporate Governance: Considers and recommends nominees for election as
directors. Reviews and makes recommendations on Board and committee
structure, membership, functions, compensation and effectiveness. Oversees
management succession planning and development programs on behalf of the
Board. Establishes the job description and performance criteria of the
Chief Executive Officer and performs an initial evaluation of the CEO's
performance for the Board. All members are non-employee directors.
(1)Ms. Greco was elected to the Board on February 23, 1998 and she will not
be assigned to any committees until April 8, 1998.
12
<PAGE>
Executive: Acts on behalf of the Board during intervals between meetings.
If any member of the committee feels that a matter should be addressed by
the Board rather than the committee, it is then submitted to the Board.
This committee currently has responsibility of overseeing the management of
the Service Annuity Fund. In 1998, this responsibility will be transferred
to the Finance Committee.
Finance: Reviews and makes recommendations to the Board concerning
significant financial matters and business opportunities. Beginning in
1998, this committee will serve as the fiduciary of the Company's qualified
pension and savings plans, establishing the investment policy and reviewing
the transactions and performance of the investment managers. All members
are non-employee directors.
Nuclear: Oversees nuclear operations of the Company for safety, reliability
and quality and effectiveness of management and management systems. The
committee engages the services of an independent consultant to assist it in
performing its functions.
Public Affairs: Advises management on matters of legislative, regulatory
and public policy.
Each director attended more than seventy-five percent of the meetings of
the Board and the meetings of committees of which he or she was a member,
except Mr. Cooper who became a member of the Board on June 23, 1997.
BOARD COMPENSATION
Employee directors receive no compensation, other than their normal salary,
for serving on the Board or its committees.
The Company's total compensation target for directors who are not officers
of the Company is the lowest 25th percentile of the general industry
average. Directors are paid in cash and deferred stock units as set forth
below, and are reimbursed expenses, if any, for attendance at meetings:
$21,000 Annual Board retainer
$ 1,000 Meeting Fee
$ 2,000 Annual retainer for Chairmanship of Audit, Executive, Nuclear and
Special Committees
$ 1,000 Annual retainer for Chairmanship of Compensation, Corporate
Governance and Finance Committees
715 Deferred stock units
Directors are required to own at least 3,000 shares of PECO Energy Company
common stock or stock units within three years after their election to the
Board.
Effective January 1997, the Company terminated all future retirement
benefit accruals and stock option grants for non-employee directors.
Accrued benefits under the previous retirement plan have been replaced with
a one-time grant of deferred stock units equal to the January 1997 value of
all accrued benefits. The anticipated value of future benefits under the
previous retirement plan have been replaced with annual grants of 715
deferred stock units. Each deferred stock unit is the right to receive one
share of PECO Energy Company stock at retirement. Prior to retirement,
deferred stock units accrue dividend equivalents for each year the director
serves on the Board. Upon retirement, the director can receive the
accumulated shares in a lump sum or spread the distribution over a period
of up to ten years.
Directors may elect to receive all or a portion of their compensation in
stock or to defer receiving it until retirement, death or until they no
longer serve as director. Deferred compensation is placed in an unfunded
account and credited with interest, equal to the amount that would have
been earned had the compensation been invested in one or more of eight
designated mutual funds. The deferred amounts and accrued interest are
unfunded obligations of the Company and cannot be distributed to the
director (except to meet a financial hardship) until he or she reaches 65,
retires or is no longer a director.
In 1997, non-employee directors, including the three directors who have
resigned, received $573,500 as a group. At its February 9, 1998 meeting,
the Corporate Governance Committee reviewed the overall level of director
compensation and found no changes were warranted.
13
<PAGE>
R E P O R T O F T H E C O M P E N S A T I O N C O M M I T T E E
WHAT IS OUR COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY?
The objectives of PECO Energy's Executive Compensation Program are to motivate
and reward senior management for achieving high levels of operational
excellence and shareholder returns. As a result of deregulation of the
utility industry, the Company is directing its focus to compensating
executives competitively across utility and general industry sectors. This
philosophy reflects a commitment to attract and retain key executives, ensure
positive business performance and continued growth in shareholder value.
The Compensation Committee, composed of non-employee directors, has the
responsibility of administering executive compensation programs, policies and
practices.
There are three parts to PECO Energy's Executive Compensation Program:
o Base Salary;
o Annual Bonuses; and
o Long-Term Incentives.
These three parts balance short-term, mid-term and long-term business
objectives and align executive financial rewards with those of the Company's
shareholders.
Annual incentives are awarded for the successful achievement of the Company's
financial and operational goals established at the beginning of each year.
Long-term incentives are granted in the form of stock options and restricted
stock. These awards tie the executives' financial rewards directly to
increased shareholder value.
WHAT FACTORS DO WE CONSIDER IN DETERMINING OVERALL COMPENSATION?
Compensation levels for the Company's executives are reviewed each year by a
nationally recognized, independent consulting firm. A survey of large,
general industry companies, adjusted for PECO Energy Company's size, including
the majority of companies in the "Fortune 500," is prepared and presented to
the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee uses this information,
along with individual performance and the Company's overall financial
condition, to make decisions on each executive's overall compensation.
HOW DO WE DETERMINE BASE SALARY?
Base salaries for the Company's executives are determined by individual
performance and by comparisons to the salaries of executives in comparable
positions found in the utility and general industry sectors. The goal for the
Base Salary component is to pay competitively with comparable markets to
attract and retain key executives. Executive salaries are targeted to
correspond to approximately the median (50th percentile) salaries of the
companies identified and surveyed.
14
<PAGE>
MR. MCNEILL'S 1997 BASE SALARY: In 1997, Mr. McNeill was named Chairman of the
Board, in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer and President. The
Committee determined Mr. McNeill's base salary as Chairman, CEO and President
by considering:
o an analysis of competitive CEO compensation in general industry and
utility companies;
o input from outside consulting firms, which review competitive data
and estimate a competitive level of base pay;
o performance achieved against financial goals in 1996;
o the implementation of PECO Energy's strategic plans.
OTHER NAMED EXECUTIVES' 1997 BASE SALARY: The base pay for the other Named
Executive Officers listed in the table on page 19 was determined by their
individual performance and by considering comparable compensation data from
the industry surveys referred to above.
HOW ARE ANNUAL BONUSES DETERMINED?
Under the PECO Energy Company Management Incentive Compensation Plan (MICP),
annual bonuses are paid to executives based on a combination of the
achievement of pre-determined corporate and business unit-specific goals and
individual performance. The objective of the MICP is to tie executive
bonuses to achievement of key goals of the Company and the executive's
particular business unit.
Corporate and business unit goals are established each year and are based on
critical business factors necessary to achieve a balance of short-term,
mid-term and long-term strategic business objectives. These goals are
incorporated into a number of factors designed to measure corporate and
business unit performance. These key performance factors are Financial,
Customer, Internal, and Innovation measures, which are described below.
1997 BONUS PAYOUT LEVEL: The Committee approved the 1997 MICP pool at 86% of
the target level. For 1997, the corporate performance for each measure was
as follows:
o Financial : Earnings Per Share, Cash Flow
o Customer : Customer Satisfaction
o Internal : Employee Commitment, Diversity
o Innovation : Implementation of Strategic Architecture
For 1997, these goals accounted for 100% of the corporate performance factor
for Messrs. McNeill and Paquette. The other Named Executive Officers listed
in the table on page 19 are measured on a combination of corporate and
business unit specific goals, as listed in the following table:
EXECUTIVE FACTORS WEIGHTING (%)
--------- ------- -------------
Mr. McNeill Corporate 100%
Mr. Paquette
Messrs. Smith, Lawrence Corporate 65%
and Madara Business Unit 35%
Mr. Durham Corporate 75%
Business Unit 25%
15
<PAGE>
MR. MCNEILL'S 1997 BONUS: In evaluating Mr. McNeill's performance, the
Committee considered the goals that were achieved in the MICP, including cash
flow, customer satisfaction, employee commitment, female diversity and the
achievement of the targets under the development of a long-term strategic
plan. However, these positive results were reduced by under-performance of
the earnings-per-share goal. In arriving at Mr. McNeill's bonus, the
Committee factored in his leadership in repositioning the Company for the
future, including: 1) the establishment of a new corporate vision and
strategic architecture; 2) the implementation of the strategic architecture
through several new business initiatives, including the formation of
EnergyOne, the negotiation of contracts for the provision of nuclear
operations and management assistance at the Millstone and Clinton nuclear
generating stations, the formation of AmerGen with British Energy; and 3) the
achievement of a proposed settlement among major constituent parties in the
Company's restructuring proceeding.
A final 1997 MICP payout to Mr. McNeill of $330,200 was approved by the
Committee.
OTHER NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS' 1997 BONUSES: The final 1997 MICP payouts as
approved by the Committee for the other four Named Executive Officers and Mr.
Paquette were an aggregate of $639,061 for the group and were determined in
accordance with the MICP and each individual's performance.
HOW IS COMPENSATION USED TO FOCUS MANAGEMENT ON LONG-TERM VALUE CREATION?
In 1997, the shareholders approved an amended Long-Term Incentive Plan.
The amended Plan awards performance-based grants and provides the Company
flexibility in its executive compensation practices in anticipation of a
competitive, deregulated business environment. For 1998, the Plan is divided
into two segments: mid-term and long-term incentives.
Mid-term incentives are awarded to retain key executives engaged in
repositioning the Company. Awards are determined upon the successful
completion of strategic goals designed to achieve long-term business success
and increased shareholder value. Depending upon the Company's progress each
year, the Committee may award restricted stock with prohibitions on sale or
transfer until the restrictions lapse. In 1999, the Committee will evaluate
the Company's performance during 1998 to determine the amount of restricted
stock to award. The award of restricted stock replaces the Dividend
Equivalents.
MR. MCNEILL'S AND THE OTHER NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS' DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT
AWARDS: Based on the Company's Total Shareholder Return over the three-year
period 1995-97 relative to the fifty largest utilities, Mr. McNeill had the
opportunity to earn up to $390,375 in dividend equivalents and the other
Named Executive Officers had the opportunity to earn in the aggregate up to
$947,455 in dividend equivalents. Based on the Company's actual results,
Mr. McNeill and the other Named Executive Officers received no awards under
this plan.
Long-term incentives are granted in the form of Stock Options. The purpose of
Stock Options is to align compensation directly to increases in shareholder
value. Individuals receiving options are given the right to buy a fixed
number of shares of Company stock, at a fixed price (the closing price of the
Company's common stock on the date of grant) during a specified period of
time. In order to be able to exercise the Stock Options, the stock price must
rise to a level previously determined by the Compensation Committee.
16
<PAGE>
STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
PECO Energy is committed to strengthening the alignment of its executives'
financial interests with those of its shareholders. Officers of the Company
are required to own the following levels of stock:
STOCK
POSITION OWNERSHIP LEVELS
-------- ----------------
Chairman, CEO and President 4 times salary
Senior Vice Presidents 2 times salary
Other Officers 1 times salary
Officers must meet the required levels of stock ownership by February 2002 or
five years from their election as an officer of the Company, whichever is
later.
CAN WE DEDUCT EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION UNDER SECTION 162(m) OF THE INTERNAL
REVENUE CODE?
Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company may not deduct
certain executive compensation in excess of $1.0 million per year. The
Compensation Committee reviewed the Company's current compensation plans and
practices and concluded that it was entitled to deduct executive compensation
under Section 162(m).
ARE THE COMPANIES USED IN THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMPARISON AND IN THE
SHAREHOLDER RETURN COMPARISON THE SAME?
The shareholder return comparison companies are those included in the Dow
Jones Utility Average. For 1997, the companies used for executive pay
comparisons are major electric utilities. Seventy percent of the companies in
the Dow Jones Utility Average (excluding PECO Energy) are used for executive
compensation and performance compensation purposes.
WHAT WAS THE COMPANY'S CUMULATIVE SHAREHOLDER RETURN?
As noted on the graph shown on page 18, an investment of $100 in the Company's
Common Stock on December 31, 1992 would have grown in value to $127.17
assuming reinvestment of dividends, at December 31, 1997. For the five-year
period ending December 31, 1997, the total cumulative return for holders of
the Company's Common Stock amounted to approximately 27%, or the equivalent of
4.93% per year compounded. That return was below the comparable Dow Jones
Utility Average and both indices were substantially below the return of the
Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Robert Subin, Chairman
G. Fred DiBona, Jr.
John M. Palms, Ph.D.
Ronald Rubin
17
<PAGE>
P E R F O R M A N C E G R A P H
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE RETURN
The performance chart below illustrates a five-year comparison of cumulative
total returns based on an initial investment of $100 in PECO Energy Company
Common Stock as compared with the S&P 500 Stock Index and the Dow Jones
Utility Average for the period 1993 through 1997.
[ID: GRAPHIC, PERFORMANCE GRAPH]
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE RETURN
1993-1997
DOLLARS DOLLARS
$300 $300
$250 ID: LINE GRAPH SHOWING $250
$200 PECO ENERGY (as solid rule) $200
$150 S&P 500 (as dashes) $150
$100 DJ UTILITIES (as dot leaders) $100
$ 50 $ 50
$ 0 $ 0
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PECO Energy Company $100.00 121.56 104.40 136.42 122.15 127.17
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Stock Index $100.00 110.08 111.53 153.45 188.68 251.64
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dow Jones Utility Average $100.00 109.63 92.87 122.57 133.72 164.47
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assumptions:
1. $100 invested on December 31, 1992 in PECO Energy Company Common Stock,
S&P 500 Stock Index and Dow Jones Utility Average.
2. All dividends are reinvested.
18
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S U M M A R Y C O M P E N S A T I O N T A B L E
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term Compensation
---------------------------------
Annual Compensation Awards Payouts
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term
Restricted Incentive
Stock Plan All Other
Name and Award(s) Options Payouts Compensation
Principal Position Year Salary ($) Bonus ($) Other ($) ($) (#) ($) ($)(A)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Corbin A. McNeill, Jr. 1997 551,112 330,200 0 0 50,000 0 3,200
Chairman of the Board, 1996 505,440 218,868 0 0 50,000 0 1,500
President and Chief 1995 444,986 272,675 0 0 50,000 153,300 1,500
Executive Officer
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dickinson M. Smith 1997 340,372 139,933 0 0 20,000 0 3,200
President, 1996 322,273 103,664 0 0 20,000 0 1,500
PECO Nuclear and 1995 264,495 117,335 0 0 20,000 76,650 1,500
Chief Nuclear Officer
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph F. Paquette, Jr. 1997 269,512 198,100 0 0 50,000 0 211,367(B)
Chairman of the Board 1996 528,006 285,480 0 0 50,000 0 1,500
(Retired July 1, 1997) 1995 497,614 400,119 0 0 50,000 219,000 1,500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James W. Durham 1997 294,639 111,733 0 0 20,000 0 3,200
Senior Vice President 1996 289,966 92,695 0 0 20,000 0 1,500
and General Counsel 1995 273,992 119,591 0 0 20,000 76,650 1,500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenneth G. Lawrence 1997 255,126 107,142 0 0 20,000 0 3,200
Senior Vice President, 1996 233,294 92,695 0 0 20,000 0 1,500
Local Distribution 1995 209,874 114,807 0 0 20,000 58,425 1,500
Company
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John M. Madara 1997 220,332 83,153 0 0 20,000 0 3,200
Senior Vice President, 1996 192,047 75,412 0 0 20,000 0 1,500
Power Generation Group 1995 181,244 97,287 0 0 20,000 58,425 1,500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(A) Amounts shown represent matching contributions by the Company under the
PECO Energy Company Employee Savings Plan.
(B) Also includes the dollar value of banked vacation/leave which,
prior to 1998, each employee received upon retirement.
19
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
O P T I O N G R A N T S I N 1 9 9 7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grant Date
Individual Grants (A) Value
----------------------- -----------
Number of % of Total
Securities Options Grant Date
Underlying Granted to Exercise or Present
Options Employees Base Price Expiration Value
Name Granted (#) in 1997 ($/SH) Date ($)(B)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Corbin A. McNeill, Jr. 50,000 5.7 $22.25 02/23/07 $148,305
Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief
Executive Officer
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dickinson M. Smith.
President, 20,000 2.3 22.25 02/23/07 59,322
PECO Nuclear and
Chief Nuclear Officer
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph F. Paquette, Jr. 50,000 5.7 22.25 07/01/97 148,305
Chairman of the Board
(Retired July 1, 1997)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James W. Durham 20,000 2.3 22.25 02/23/07 59,322
Senior Vice President
and General Counsel
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenneth G. Lawrence 20,000 2.3 22.25 02/23/07 59,322
Senior Vice President,
Local Distribution Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John M. Madara 20,000 2.3 22.25 02/23/07 59,322
Senior Vice President,
Power Generation Group
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(A) Such options became exercisable in full on February 24, 1998, one year
after the date of grant.
(B) Values indicated are an estimate based on the Black-Scholes option
pricing model. Although executives risk forfeiting these options under
certain circumstances, these risks are not factored into the calculated
values. The actual value realized will be determined by the excess of the
stock price over the exercise price on the date the option is exercised.
There is no certainty that the actual value realized will be at or near
the value estimated by the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Assumptions used for the Black-Scholes model are as of December 31, 1997
and are as follows:
Risk-free interest rate 6.39%
Volatility .195
Dividend yield 6.20%
Time of exercise 10 years
20
<PAGE>
O P T I O N E X E R C I S E S
A N D Y E A R - E N D V A L U E
This table shows the number and value of stock options (exercised and
unexercised) for the Named Executive Officers during 1997. Value is
determined using the market value of the Company's common stock at the
year-end price of $25.25 per share, minus the value of the common stock at the
exercise price. All options whose exercise price exceeds the market value are
valued at zero.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Securities Value of
Underlying Unexercised
Unexercised In-the-Money
Options at Options at
12/31/97 12/31/97
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares
Acquired (#) ($)
on Value Exercisable Exercisable
Name Exercise (#) Realized ($) Unexercisable Unexercisable
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Corbin A. McNeill, Jr. 0 0 E 298,500 E $339,500
Chairman of the Board, U 50,000 U 100,000
President and Chief
Executive Officer
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dickinson M. Smith 0 0 E 164,753 E 263,525
President, U 20,000 U 40,000
PECO Nuclear and
Chief Nuclear Officer
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph F. Paquette, Jr. 0 0 E 240,000 E 0
Chairman of the Board U 0 U 0
(Retired July 1, 1997)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James W. Durham 0 0 E 110,000 E 0
Senior Vice President U 20,000 U 40,000
and General Counsel
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenneth G. Lawrence 0 0 E 48,000 E 0
Senior Vice President U 20,000 U 40,000
Local Distribution
Company
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John M. Madera 0 0 E 68,000 E 0
Senior Vice President U 20,000 U 40,000
Power Generation Group
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
21
<PAGE>
R E T I R E M E N T P L A N S
The following table shows the estimated annual retirement benefit payable on a
straight-life annuity basis to participating employees, including officers, in
the earnings and year of service classifications indicated, under the
Company's non-contributory retirement plans. The amounts shown in the table
are not subject to any deduction for Social Security or other offset amounts.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pension Plan Table
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual
Compensation Years of Service
for Highest
Consecutive --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years 10 Years 15 Years 20 Years 25 Years 30 Years 35 Years 40 Years
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 100,000 $ 19,474 $ 26,712 $ 33,949 $ 41,186 $ 48,423 $ 56,660 $ 62,897
200,000 39,974 54,962 69,949 84,936 99,923 114,910 129,897
300,000 60,474 83,212 105,949 128,686 151,423 174,160 196,897
400,000 80,974 111,462 141,949 172,436 202,923 233,410 263,897
500,000 101,474 139,712 177,949 216,186 254,423 292,660 330,897
600,000 121,974 167,962 213,949 259,936 305,923 351,910 397,897
700,000 142,474 196,212 249,949 303,686 357,423 411,160 464,897
800,000 162,974 224,462 285,949 347,436 408,923 470,410 531,897
900,000 183,474 252,712 321,949 391,186 460,423 529,660 598,897
1,000,000 203,974 280,962 357,949 434,936 511,923 588,910 665,897
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Covered compensation includes salary and bonus which is disclosed in the
Summary Compensation Table on page 19 for the Named Executive Officers. The
calculation of retirement benefits under the plans is based upon average
earnings for the highest consecutive five-year period.
Messrs. McNeill, Smith, Durham, Lawrence and Madara have 30, 20, 18, 28 and
30 credited years of service, respectively, under the Company's pension
program. Mr. Smith and Mr. Durham are each being granted one year of
additional service, for purposes of calculating their benefits under the
Company's pension program, for each year of service up to a maximum of 10
additional years.
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, limits the annual benefits
which may be paid from a tax-qualified retirement plan. As permitted by the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Company has supplemental
plans which authorize the payment out of general funds of the Company of any
benefits calculated under provisions of the applicable retirement plan which
may be above these limits.
22
<PAGE>
O T H E R I N F O R M A T I O N
CHANGE-OF-CONTROL AGREEMENTS: The Company has entered into change-of-control
agreements with most of its executive officers, including the individuals
named in the Summary Compensation Table. The purpose of the agreements is to
assure the objective judgment, and to retain the loyalties, of key executives
when the Company is faced with a potential change of control by providing for
a continuation of compensation (salary and bonus), health and other benefits
for a maximum period of three years.
In addition, the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan provides that if there is
a change of control, restrictions on participant stock options and restricted
stock grants lapse. The Company has also entered into two trust agreements to
provide for the payment of retirement benefits and deferred compensation
benefits of directors and officers that include provisions requiring full
funding in the event of a change of control.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE: The federal
securities laws require the Company's directors and executive officers to file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and
reports of changes in ownership of any securities of the Company.
To the Company's knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such
reports furnished to the company and written representations that no other
reports were required during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, all of
the Company's directors and executive officers made the required filings.
DISCRETIONARY VOTING AUTHORITY: A shareholder submitted a proposal to adopt a
policy on graffiti removal. The proposal was submitted too late for inclusion
in the proxy statement and it was excluded under the rules of the Securities
and Exchange Commission. In the event such proposal were to properly come
before the 1998 Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the individuals serving
as proxies to vote against the proposal. The Board of Directors knows of no
other matters to be presented for action at the meeting. As to any other
matters that may properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of the
individuals serving as proxies to vote on such matters in accordance with
their best judgment. Your signed proxy card gives authority to M. Walter
D'Alessio, R. Rubin and J. Barry Mitchell to vote on such matters.
23
<PAGE>
VALLEY FORGE CONVENTION CENTER DIRECTIONS
BY CAR: FROM PHILADELPHIA: Take the Schuylkill Expressway to Exit 25 (Mall
Boulevard). Bear right at first light onto Mall Boulevard. Turn right at
next light onto North Gulph Road and proceed approximately 1-1/2 miles to the
fourth traffic light at First Avenue. The Valley Forge Convention Plaza sign
is on the right.
FROM PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE: Take Turnpike Exit 24 (Valley Forge).Take first
exit immediately after toll (Exit 25--Valley Forge) to North Gulph Road and
proceed approximately 1-1/2 miles to the fourth traffic light at First Avenue.
The Valley Forge Convention Plaza sign is on the right.
FROM ROUTE 202: Take Pottstown Exit (422 West) to first exit (Bridgeport--Route
23 East) and proceed east on Route 23 (Valley Forge Road). Turn right at
first light onto Moore Road. Turn right at next light onto First Avenue.
Proceed to next light and turn right onto North Gulph Road. The Valley Forge
Convention Plaza sign is on the right.
FROM ROUTE 422 EAST: Take King of Prussia Industrial Park Exit to light and
turn left onto North Gulph Road. The Valley Forge Convention Plaza sign will
be on the right, after the turn.
BY BUS: SEPTA (215-580-7800): Route 125 bus departs daily from Center City
Philadelphia at both 16th Street and JFK Boulevard and at the 29th Street side
of 30th Street Station. The bus stops at the Sheraton Plaza Hotel.
ENTRANCE LOCATION
Shareholders should use entrance 'C' to the Valley Forge Convention Center.
This entrance is located on the northwest corner of the Sheraton Plaza Hotel
and is handicap accessible.
[ID -- AREA MAP OF VALLEY FORGE CONVENTION CENTER]
<PAGE>
APPENDIX OF
GRAPHIC AND IMAGE MATERIAL
OMITTED FROM ELECTRONIC FORMAT DOCUMENT
PURSUANT TO RULE 304 OF REGULATION S-T
X-20.1 EXHIBIT 20.1 -- FORM OF PROXY
PECO ENERGY COMPANY
1998 COMMON STOCK PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON APRIL 8, 1998, AT 9:30 A.M.
ON THE CONCOUSE LEVEL OF THE VALLEY FORGE CENTER, 1200 FIRST AVENUE,
KING OF PRUSSIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
M. Walter D'Alessio, Ronald Rubin and J. Barry Mitchell, or any of them,
with power of substitution are hereby appointed proxies to vote as
specified all shares of Common Stock which the Shareholder(s) named on the
reverse side is entitled to vote at the above Annual Meeting or at any
adjournment thereof, and in their discretion to vote upon all other matters
as may properly be brought before the Meeting.
First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Custodian under the Dividend
Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, and PECO Energy Company, as Custodian
for the 401(k) Employee Savings Plan, are hereby authorized to execute a
proxy with identical instructions for any shares of Common Stock held for
the benefit of the Shareholder(s) named on the reverse side.
Nominees for election to the Board of Directors for Class II terms expiring
in 2001 are:
1. Susan W. Catherwood, 2. G. Fred DiBona, 3. R. Keith Elliott,
4. John M. Palms, Ph.D. and 5. Joseph F. Paquette, Jr.
Please sign and date on the reverse side and mail promptly in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope or otherwise to P.O. Box 8678, Edison, New Jersey,
08818-9166.
SEE REVERSE SIDE
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
PECO ENERGY
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
April 8, 1998
9:30 a.m.
Valley Forge Convention Center
1200 First Avenue
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Please sign, date and return your proxy in the enclosed
envelope. Thank you for your prompt reply.
<PAGE>
X PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE. 9172
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, FOR PROPOSAL 1 AND AGAINST PROPOSALS 2 AND 3.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
FOR WITHHELD
Election of Directors (see reverse) For, except vote withheld from the
following nominee(s):
- ----------------------------------------------------
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
1. Appointment of Independent Accountants
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
2. Shareholder Proposal
3. Shareholder Proposal
SPECIAL ACTION Comments
Discontinue Annual Report mailing for this account.
Will Attend Annual Meeting
SIGNATURE(S) _____________________________________ DATE ____________
NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each
sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or
guardian, give full title as such
FOLD AND DETACH HERE ONLY IF YOU ARE RETURNING YOUR PROXY CARD BY MAIL
Dear Shareholder:
PECO Energy encourages you to take advantage of new and convenient ways by
which you can vote your shares. You can vote your shares electronically
through the internet or the telephone. This eliminates the need to return
the proxy card.
To vote your shares electronically you must use the control number printed
in the box above, just below the perforation. The series of numbers that
appear in the box above is your personal code to access the system.
1. To vote on the internet:
. Log on the internet and go to the web site http://www.vote-by-net.com
2. To vote over the telephone:
. On a touch-tone telephone call 1-800-OK2-VOTE (1-800-652-8683)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Your electronic vote authorizes the named proxies in the same manner as if
you marked, signed, dated and returned the proxy card.
Your vote is important. Thank you for voting.
EX-20.2 EXHIBIT 20.2 -- REMINDER CARD
A REMINDER
PECO ENERGY COMPANY ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS -- APRIL 8, 1998
We previously sent to you proxy material concerning our upcoming
Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
According to our latest records, we have not yet received your
proxy. Whether your holdings are large or small, receiving your signed
proxy as soon as possible before the Meeting will be helpful and will
aid us in avoiding further expense and delay.
The time before the Meeting is short. Due to the possibility of a
delay in the mail, please sign, date and return the enclosed duplicate
proxy immediately, even if your original proxy was mailed.
We appreciate your cooperation.
K. K. COMBS,
Deputy General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
PLEASE REMEMBER
TO SIGN AND DATE YOUR PROXY
