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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant / /
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to ss. 240.14a-11(c) or ss. 240.14a-12
PHILADELPHIA SUBURBAN CORPORATION
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/ No fee required
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (as set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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5) Total fee paid:
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/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
___________________________________________________________________________
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
___________________________________________________________________________
3) Filing Party:
___________________________________________________________________________
4) Date Filed:
___________________________________________________________________________
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PHILADELPHIA SUBURBAN CORPORATION
762 W. Lancaster Avenue
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010
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Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
To Be Held May 15, 2000
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TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
PHILADELPHIA SUBURBAN CORPORATION:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
PHILADELPHIA SUBURBAN CORPORATION will be held at the Springfield Country Club,
400 West Sproul Road, Springfield, Pennsylvania 19064, at 10:00 A.M., local
time, on Monday, May 15, 2000, for the following purposes:
1. To elect four directors to the class of directors for terms expiring
at the 2003 Annual Meeting;
2. To approve an amendment to Philadelphia Suburban Corporation's
Articles of Incorporation reducing the required vote of the Board of
Directors on corporate actions requiring the vote of the shareholders
from three-quarters of the entire Board to a majority of the entire
Board in order for the action to be approved by the minimum required
vote of the shareholders; and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 27, 2000 will
be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and at any
adjournments thereof.
By order of the Board of Directors,
PATRICIA M. MYCEK
Secretary
April 10, 2000
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THEY PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, SHAREHOLDERS ARE
URGED TO COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED,
WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
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PHILADELPHIA SUBURBAN CORPORATION
762 W. Lancaster Avenue
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010
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PROXY STATEMENT
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This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation
of proxies by the Board of Directors of Philadelphia Suburban Corporation (the
"Company") to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held Monday,
May 15, 2000, and at any adjournments thereof. This proxy statement and the
enclosed proxy are being mailed to shareholders on or about April 10, 2000.
The cost of soliciting proxies will be paid by the Company, which has
arranged for reimbursement, at the rate suggested by the New York Stock
Exchange, of brokerage houses, nominees, custodians and fiduciaries for the
forwarding of proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares held of record.
In addition, the Company has retained the firm of Corporate Investor
Communications, Inc., to assist in the solicitation of proxies from (i) brokers,
bank nominees and other institutional holders, and (ii) individual holders of
record. The fee to Corporate Investor Communications, Inc. for normal proxy
solicitation is $4,000 plus expenses, which will be paid by the Company.
Directors, officers and regular employees of the Company may also solicit
proxies, although no additional compensation will be paid by the Company for
such efforts.
The Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1999,
including financial statements and other information with respect to the Company
and its subsidiaries, is being mailed with this proxy statement by combined
first class bulk mailing to shareholders of record as of March 27, 2000.
Additional copies of the Annual Report may be obtained by writing to the
Company.
KPMG LLP, the Company's independent certified public accountants, has
been selected by the Board of Directors to continue in such capacity for the
current year. Representatives of that firm are expected to be present at the
meeting and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
PURPOSE OF THE MEETING
As the meeting is the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the shareholders
of the Company will be requested to elect four directors to hold office as
provided by law and the Company's Bylaws and approve an amendment to the
Company's Articles of Incorporation as described in Proposal No. 2.
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VOTING AT THE MEETING
Holders of shares of the Company's Common Stock of record at the close
of business on March 27, 2000 are entitled to vote at the meeting. As of that
date, there were 40,965,701 shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to
be voted at the meeting. Each shareholder entitled to vote shall have the right
to one vote on each matter presented at the meeting for each share of Common
Stock outstanding in such shareholder's name.
The holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote, present in
person or represented by proxy at the meeting, constitute a quorum. Directors
are to be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the meeting. The
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by those shareholders present
in person or represented by proxy at the meeting is required to approve Proposal
No. 2 or to take action with respect to any other matter that may properly be
brought before the meeting. Shares cannot be voted at the meeting unless the
holder of record is present in person or by proxy. The enclosed proxy card is a
means by which a shareholder may authorize the voting of his or her shares at
the meeting if they are unable to attend in person. The shares of Common Stock
represented by each properly executed proxy card will be voted at the meeting in
accordance with each shareholder's direction. Shareholders are urged to specify
their choices by marking the appropriate boxes on the enclosed proxy card; if no
choice has been specified, the shares will be voted as recommended by the Board
of Directors. If any other matters are properly presented to the meeting for
action, the proxy holders will vote the proxies (which confer discretionary
authority to vote on such matters) in accordance with their best judgment.
With regard to the election of directors, votes may be cast in favor or
withheld; votes that are withheld will be excluded entirely from the vote and
will have no effect, other than for purposes of determining the presence of a
quorum. Abstentions may be specified for Proposal No. 2, but not for the
election of directors. Abstentions will be considered present and entitled to
vote at the meeting, but will not be considered a vote cast for Proposal No. 2
and, therefore, will have no effect on the vote on such Proposal. Brokers that
are member firms of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and who hold shares in
street name for customers, but have not received instructions from a beneficial
owner, have the authority under the rules of the NYSE to vote those shares with
respect to the election of directors, but not with respect to Proposal No. 2.
Proxies received from brokers with respect to shares held in street name, even
if such shares are not voted by brokers, will be considered present and entitled
to vote at the meeting, but will not be considered a vote cast on Proposal No. 2
and, therefore, will have no effect on such Proposal.
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Execution of the accompanying proxy will not affect a shareholder's
right to attend the meeting and vote in person. Any shareholder giving a proxy
has the right to revoke it by giving written notice of revocation to the
Secretary of the Company at any time before the proxy is voted by executing a
proxy bearing a later date, which is voted at the meeting, or by attending the
meeting and voting in person.
Your proxy vote is important. Accordingly, you are asked to complete,
sign and return the accompanying proxy card regardless of whether or not you
plan to attend the meeting.
(Proposal No. 1)
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Voting on Proposal No. 1
The Board of Directors is divided into three classes. One class is
elected each year to hold office for a three-year term and until successors of
such class are duly elected and qualified, except in the event of death,
resignation or removal. The Company is required by its Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws to maintain the size of its classes of directors as nearly equal in
number as possible.
The Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee held discussions
with each of the directors in the class of directors with terms expiring at the
2000 Annual Meeting regarding their nomination for re-election. Mr. Harvey J.
Wilson, a director in the class of directors with terms expiring at the 2000
Annual Meeting, has indicated that, after 18 years of service to the Board and
due to other business commitments, he would not stand for re-election. Mr. John
E. Palmer, who was elected to the Board of Directors (in accordance with the
terms of the 1998 merger agreement between the Company and Consumers Water
Company that was approved by the shareholders at the November 16, 1998 Special
Meeting of Shareholders) with his term to expire at the 2000 Annual Meeting,
agreed that he would serve as a director for an additional year. Mr. John F.
McCaughan and Mr. Alan R. Hirsig, whose terms also expire at the 2000 Annual
Meeting, both agreed to stand for re-election for a full term at the Annual
Meeting. After a thorough review of the existing board members and other
candidates, and in line with the requirements of the Articles of Incorporation
to maintain the size of the classes of directors as nearly equal as possible,
the Corporate Governance Committee recommended and the full Board approved (i)
the nomination of Mr. Alan
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R. Hirsig and Mr. John F. McCaughan, whose terms are to expire at the 2000
Annual Meeting, for election to the class of directors to be elected at the 2000
Annual Meeting; (ii) the nomination of Mr. Richard H. Glanton, whose term was to
expire at the 2001 Annual Meeting, for election to the class of directors to be
elected at the 2000 Annual Meeting; (iii) the nomination of Mr. Richard L.
Smoot, whose term was to expire at the 2001 Annual Meeting, for election to the
class of directors to be elected at the 2000 Annual Meeting; (iv) elected Mr.
Palmer effective as of the Annual Meeting to the class of directors with terms
expiring at the 2001 Annual Meeting; and (v) effective as of the Annual Meeting
and election of directors as set forth herein, reduced the size of the Board of
Directors from twelve to eleven and reduced the size of the class of directors
with terms expiring at the 2001 Annual Meeting from four to three.
Therefore, four directors, Messrs. Glanton, Hirsig, McCaughan, and
Smoot are to be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting
and seven directors will continue to serve until either the 2001 or 2002 Annual
Meetings depending on the period remaining in their terms. At the meeting,
proxies in the accompanying form, properly executed, will be voted for the
election of the four nominees listed below, unless authority to do so has been
withheld in the manner specified in the instructions on the proxy card.
Discretionary authority is reserved to cast votes for the election of a
substitute should any nominee be unable or unwilling to serve as a director.
Each nominee has stated his willingness to serve and the Company believes that
all nominees will be available to serve.
The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the
election of Messrs. Glanton, Hirsig, McCaughan and Smoot as directors. For
detailed information on each nominee, see pages 6 and 7.
General Information Regarding the
Board of Directors and its Committees
The Board of Directors held six meetings in 1999. The Company's Bylaws
provide that the Board of Directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of the
whole Board, may designate an Executive Committee and one or more other
committees, with each such committee to consist of two or more directors. The
Board of Directors annually elects from its members the Executive, Audit,
Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits, Corporate Governance, and Pension
Committees.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The Company's Bylaws provide that the Executive
Committee shall have and exercise all of the authority of the Board in the
management of the business and affairs of the Company, with certain exceptions.
The Executive Committee is intended to serve in the event that action by the
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Board of Directors is necessary or desirable between regular meetings of the
Board, or at a time when convening a meeting of the entire Board is not
practical, and to make recommendations to the entire Board with respect to
various matters. The Executive Committee met three times in 1999. The Executive
Committee currently has five members, and the Chairman of the Company serves as
Chairman of the Executive Committee.
AUDIT COMMITTEE. The Audit Committee is composed of three directors who
are not officers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Committee meets
periodically with the Company's financial officers and independent certified
public accountants to review the scope of auditing procedures and the policies
relating to the Company's accounting procedures and controls. The Committee also
provides general oversight with respect to the accounting principles employed in
the Company's financial reporting. The Audit Committee has concurrent authority
with the Board of Directors to select, evaluate and, where appropriate, replace
the Company's independent auditors. The Audit Committee held two meetings in
1999.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE. The Executive
Compensation and Employee Benefits Committee is composed of three members of the
Board who are not officers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The
Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Committee has the power to
administer the Company's 1988 Stock Option Plan and to administer and make
awards of stock options, dividend equivalents and restricted stock under the
Company's 1994 Equity Compensation Plan. In addition, the Executive Compensation
and Employee Benefits Committee reviews the recommendations of the Company's
Chief Executive Officer as to appropriate compensation of the Company's officers
(other than the Chief Executive Officer) and key personnel and recommends to the
Board the compensation of such officers and the Company's Chief Executive
Officer for the ensuing year. The Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits
Committee held three meetings in 1999.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE. The Corporate Governance Committee is
responsible for identifying qualified nominees for directors and developing and
periodically reviewing the Corporate Governance Guidelines by which the Board of
Directors is organized and executes its responsibilities. The Corporate
Governance Committee has three members and held one meeting during 1999. It is
the present policy of the Corporate Governance Committee to consider nominees
who are recommended by shareholders as additional members of the Board or to
fill vacancies on the Board. Shareholders desiring to submit the names of, and
any pertinent data with respect to, such nominees should send this information
in writing to the Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee in care of the
Company. See "Requirements for Advance Notification of Nominations."
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PENSION COMMITTEE. The Pension Committee serves as the Plan
Administrator for the Company's qualified benefit plans. The Committee reviews
and recommends to the Board any actions to be taken by the Board in the
discharge of the Board's fiduciary responsibilities under the Company's
qualified benefit plans and meets periodically with the Company's financial,
legal, actuarial, and investment advisors. The Committee consists of four
members and met two times in 1999.
The current members of the Committees of the Board of Directors are as
follows:
Executive Compensation
Executive and Employee Benefits Audit
Committee Committee Committee
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Nicholas DeBenedictis* John F. McCaughan* Richard L. Smoot*
G. Fred DiBona, Jr. G. Fred DiBona, Jr. Harvey J. Wilson
John F. McCaughan Alan R. Hirsig John E. Menario
Richard L. Smoot
Richard H. Glanton, Esq.
Pension Corporate Governance
Committee Committee
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Richard H. Glanton, Esq.* G. Fred DiBona, Jr.*
Mary C. Carroll Nicholas DeBenedictis
Nicholas DeBenedictis Mary C. Carroll
John E. Palmer
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*Chairman
Requirements for Advance Notification of Nominations
Nominations for election of directors may be made at the Annual Meeting
by any shareholder entitled to vote for the election of directors, provided that
written notice (the "Notice") of the shareholder's intent to nominate a director
at the meeting is filed with the Secretary of the Company prior to the Annual
Meeting in accordance with provisions of the Company's Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
Section 4.13 of the Company's Bylaws requires the Notice to be received
by the Secretary of the Company not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days
prior to any meeting of the shareholders called for the election of directors,
with certain exceptions. These notice requirements do not apply to nominations
for which proxies are solicited under applicable regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The Notice must contain or be accompanied by
the following information:
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(1) the name and residence of the shareholder who intends to make
the nomination;
(2) a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of
voting stock and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting
to nominate the person or persons specified in the Notice;
(3) such information regarding each nominee as would have been
required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the
SEC's proxy rules had each nominee been nominated, or intended to be
nominated, by the management or the Board of Directors of the Company;
(4) a description of all arrangements or understandings among the
shareholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming
such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations
are to be made by the shareholder; and
(5) the consent of each nominee to serve as a director of the
Company if so elected.
Pursuant to the above requirements, appropriate Notices in respect of
nominations for directors must be received by the Secretary of the Company no
later than May 1, 2000.
Information Regarding Nominees and Directors
For each of the four nominees for election as directors at the 2000
Annual Meeting and the seven directors in the classes of directors whose terms
of office are to expire either at the 2001 Annual Meeting or the 2002 Annual
Meeting as set forth herein, there follows information as to the positions and
offices with the Company held by each, the principal occupation of each during
the past five years, and certain directorships of public companies and other
organizations held by each.
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NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AT ANNUAL MEETING
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Richard H. Glanton, Esq. Mr. Glanton has been a partner in the law firm of Reed
Philadelphia, PA Smith Shaw & McClay in Philadelphia since 1987. Mr.
Director since 1995 Glanton is a director of CGU Corporation of North
America, PECO Energy Company, Wackenhut Corrections
Corporation, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors
Bureau, and Chairman of the Board of Philadelphia
Television Network, Inc. Age: 53
Alan R. Hirsig ........ Mr. Hirsig retired as President and Chief Executive
Haverford, PA Officer of ARCO Chemical Company in 1998, a position
Director since 1997 he held since 1991. From 1984 to 1990, Mr. Hirsig was
President of ARCO Chemical European Operations. Mr.
Hirsig is a director of Celanese, A.G., Checkpoint
Systems, Inc. and Hercules, Inc., as well as a trustee
of Bryn Mawr College, the YMCA of Philadelphia and
Vicinity, the Rosenbach Museum and Library and the
Curtis Institute of Music. Age: 60.
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NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AT ANNUAL MEETING
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John F. McCaughan ..... In 1998, Mr. McCaughan retired as President of the
Doylestown, PA BetzDearborn, Inc. Foundation, having served in that
Director since 1984 capacity since 1995. From 1995 to 1996, Mr. McCaughan
was Chairman of Betz Laboratories, Inc., which
provides engineered chemical treatment of water,
wastewater and process systems. Mr. McCaughan was
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Betz
Laboratories from 1982 to 1994. He is also a director
of Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, Petroferm, Inc.
and numerous charitable organizations. Age: 64.
Richard L. Smoot ..... Mr. Smoot has served as President and Chief Executive
Radnor, PA Officer of PNC Bank in Philadelphia and Southern New
Director since 1997 Jersey, and its predecessor, Provident National Bank,
since 1991. Prior to becoming President, he served as
Executive Vice President responsible for Operations
and Data Processing for PNC Bank Corp. Before joining
PNC Bank in 1987, Mr. Smoot spent 10 years as First
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Mr. Smoot is a
director of P.H. Glatfelter Company and Southco Inc.
He also serves as Chairman of the Settlement Music
School, and as Director of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Age: 59.
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DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE WITH TERMS EXPIRING IN 2001
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Michel Avenas.......... Mr. Avenas has served as President of Vivendi North
New York, NY America, a subsidiary of, and holding company for,
Director since 1999 certain of the U.S. investments of, Vivendi (formerly
Compagnie Generale des Eaux) since 1997. Prior to this
position, he served as Assistant to the Chairman of
Vivendi, a French conglomerate, which provides various
municipal services such as water and wastewater
treatment, from 1991 to 1997. Age: 44
John E. Palmer, Jr..... Mr. Palmer is Chairman of the Board of Down-East
Portland, ME Concepts, Inc., a manufacturer and wholesaler of
Director since 1999 stationery and handcrafted gifts. Age: 63.
Robert O. Viets........ Mr. Viets retired in December 1999 as President and
Peoria, IL Chief Executive Officer of CILCORP Inc., a holding
Director since 1999 company for energy services businesses. He is
President of ROV Consultants, LLC and provides
consulting services to the AES Corporation, a global
power company. Mr. Viets is also a director of RLI
Corp, a property and casualty insurance company, and
of Lincoln Office Supply, Inc., a privately-owned
steelcase distributor operating in three states. Age:
56
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DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE WITH TERMS EXPIRING IN 2002
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Nicholas DeBenedictis... Mr. DeBenedictis has served as Chairman of the Company
Ardmore, PA since May 20, 1993. Mr. DeBenedictis also continues to
Director since 1992 serve as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and
President, the positions he has held since joining the
Company in July 1992. He also serves as Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company's principal
subsidiaries, Philadelphia Suburban Water Company and
Consumers Water Company. Between April 1989 and June
1992, he served as Senior Vice President for Corporate
Affairs of PECO Energy Company. From December 1986 to
April 1989, he served as President of the Greater
Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and from 1983 to 1986
he served as the Secretary of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Resources. Mr.
DeBenedictis is a director of Provident Mutual Life
Insurance Company, PNC (East) Advisory Board, P.H.
Glatfelter Company and Met-Pro Corporation. He also
serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater
Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Pennsylvania
Business Roundtable and is a member of the Board of
Trustees of Drexel University. Age: 54.
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DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE WITH TERMS EXPIRING IN 2002
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G. Fred DiBona, Jr. .... Mr. DiBona has served since 1990 as President and
Bryn Mawr, PA Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross,
Director since 1993 the Delaware Valley region's largest health insurer.
He also serves as Chairman of Independence Blue Cross'
subsidiaries and affiliates. Between 1987 and 1990,
Mr. DiBona served as President and Chief Executive
Officer for Pennsylvania Blue Shield's holding
company, Keystone Ventures, Inc. Mr. DiBona is also a
director of Independence Blue Cross and its
subsidiaries, Magellan Health Services, Inc., PECO
Energy Company, Tasty Baking Company, CorCell, Inc.,
Eclipsys Corporation, MedMax, Inc. and various civic
and charitable organizations. Age: 49.
Mary C. Carroll ....... Ms. Carroll is a consultant, a community volunteer and
Bryn Mawr, PA an advisor to nonprofit corporations, businesses and
Director since 1981 government agencies. Presently, she serves as Chair of
the National Parks Mid-Atlantic Council. She is Vice
Chair of Ft. Mifflin on the Delaware and is a founder,
director or trustee of various civic and charitable
organizations, including the Metropolitan YMCA, the
Urban Affairs Coalition, Philadelphia Hospitality,
Inc., International House, and Preservation Action.
Age: 59.
John E. Menario........ Mr. Menario serves as Special Assistant to the
Portland, ME President of Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc., a
Director since 1999 multi-bank holding company, since 1996. He served as
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer of Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc.,
from 1990 to 1996. Age: 64
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OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth certain information as of January 31,
2000 with respect to shares of Common Stock of the Company beneficially owned by
each director, nominee for director and executive officer and by all directors,
nominees and executive officers of the Company as a group. This information has
been provided by each of the directors and officers at the request of the
Company. Beneficial ownership of securities as shown below has been determined
in accordance with applicable guidelines issued by the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") and includes the possession, directly or indirectly, through
any formal or informal arrangement, either individually or in a group, of voting
power (which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such
security) and/or investment power (which includes the power to dispose of, or to
direct the disposition of, such security).
Shared
voting
Sole voting and/or Total and
and/or sole shared percent
investment investment of class
Beneficial Owner power power(1) outstanding(2)
- ---------------- ----------- ----------- --------------
Michel Avenas(3) 2,543 - 2,543
Mary C. Carroll 3,667 1,043(4) 4,710
Morrison Coulter 52,798 16,009(5) 68,807
Nicholas DeBenedictis 294,549 63,491(6) 358,040
G. Fred DiBona, Jr. 3,600 - 3,600
Richard H. Glanton, Esq. 2,197 167 2,364
Alan R. Hirsig 3,866 - 3,866
John F. McCaughan 7,999 - 7,999
John E. Menario 2,800 1,338(7) 4,138
John E. Palmer, Jr. 7,816 - 7,816
Richard R. Riegler 48,997 3,263 52,260
David P. Smeltzer 21,650 5,918 27,568
Richard L. Smoot(8) 1,800 - 1,800
Roy H. Stahl 48,999 35,129 84,128
Robert O. Viets 12,105 - 12,105
Harvey J. Wilson 15,000 - 15,000
All directors
and executive officers
as a group (16 persons) 530,386(9) 126,358(10) 656,744(1.6%)
- ----------
(1) Under the Company's Thrift Plan, participants do not have any present voting
power with respect to shares allocated to their accounts. Such shares have
been included in this column.
(2) Percentages for each person or group are based on the aggregate of the
shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 1, 2000 (40,997,701 shares)
and all shares issuable to such person or group upon the exercise of
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outstanding stock options exercisable within 60 days of that date.
Percentage ownership of less than 1% of the class then outstanding as of
March 1, 2000 has not been shown.
(3) As President of Vivendi North America, Mr. Avenas oversees Vivendi's
interests in the United States. Consequently, he may be deemed to share
voting power for the shares held by Vivendi.
(4) The shareholdings indicated are owned of record by Mrs. Carroll's
husband. Mrs. Carroll disclaims beneficial ownership as to such shares.
(5) The shareholdings indicated include 3,150 shares owned of record by Mr.
Coulter's wife. Mr. Coulter disclaims beneficial ownership as to such
shares.
(6) The shareholdings indicated include 897 shares owned of record by Mr.
DeBenedictis' wife and 9,053 shares owned of record by Mr. DeBenedictis'
son. Mr. DeBenedictis disclaims beneficial ownership as to such shares.
(7) The shareholdings indicated include 50 shares held by Mr. Menario's wife.
Mr. Menario disclaims beneficial ownership as to such shares.
(8) The shareholdings indicated do not include approximately 455,786 shares as
to which PNC Bank, National Association, or its affiliates have sole voting
power as trustee of the Philadelphia Suburban Corporation Thrift Plan and
Philadelphia Suburban Water Company Personal Savings Plan for Local 473
Employees. Mr. Smoot is the President and Chief Executive Officer of PNC
Bank in Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. Mr. Smoot disclaims
beneficial ownership of such shares.
(9) The shareholdings indicated include 392,488 shares exercisable under the
1988 Stock Option Plan and the 1994 Equity Compensation Plan on or before
April 1, 2000.
(10) The shareholdings indicated include 102,211 shares (i) held in joint
ownership with spouses, (ii) held as custodian for minor children or (iii)
owned by family members.
The following table sets forth certain information as of March 27,
2000, except as otherwise indicated, with respect to the ownership of shares of
Common Stock of the Company by certain beneficial owners of 5% or more of the
Company's total outstanding shares.
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Percent of
Amount and Nature Outstanding
Beneficial Owner of Beneficial Ownership Shares
- ---------------- ----------------------------- -----------
Vivendi Sole voting and 16.9%
42 Avenue dispositive power over
de Friedland 75380 6,918,088 shares (1)
Paris, Cedex 08 France
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(1) Based on the Form 4 of Vivendi dated October 7, 1999.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE
Overall Objectives
Philadelphia Suburban Corporation's executive compensation program is
designed to motivate its senior executives to achieve the Company's goals of
providing its customers with high quality, cost-effective, reliable water
services and providing the Company's shareholders with a market-based return on
their investment.
Toward that end, the program:
* Provides compensation levels that are competitive with those provided
by companies with which the Company may compete for executive talent.
* Motivates key senior executives to achieve strategic business
initiatives and rewards them for their achievement.
* Creates a strong link between stockholder and financial performance
and the compensation of the Company's senior executives.
In administering the executive compensation program, the Executive
Compensation and Employee Benefits Committee (the "Committee") attempts to
strike an appropriate balance among the above-mentioned objectives, each of
which is discussed in greater detail below.
At present, the executive compensation program is comprised of three
components: base salary, annual cash incentive opportunities and equity
incentive opportunities. In determining the relative weighting of compensation
components and the target level of compensation for the Company's executives,
the Committee considers compensation programs of a peer group of companies.
15
<PAGE>
Because of the limited number of investor-owned water utilities from which
comparable compensation data is available, the Committee utilizes survey data
from a composite market ("Composite Market") compiled by a nationally recognized
compensation consulting firm in assessing the competitiveness of the components
of the Company's compensation program. The Composite Market for the base salary
and annual cash incentive elements of the program consists of 50% water
utilities, 25% other utilities and 25% general industrial businesses. There are
thirteen water utilities in the Composite Market, ten of which are included in
the Edward Jones Water Utility Industry Index that has been used for the stock
performance chart contained herein. Competitive compensation levels are targeted
at the median of the third quartile range of compensation levels in the
Composite Market, except for equity incentives, which are targeted at the 50th
percentile of the compensation consulting firm's data base of general industrial
organizations, including utilities, that have long-term incentive programs.
Compensation Components
Base Salary
To ensure that its pay levels are competitive, the Company, with the
assistance of its compensation consultant, regularly compares its executive
compensation levels with those of other companies and sets its salary structure
in line with competitive data from the Composite Market. Individual salaries are
considered for adjustment annually and any adjustments are based on general
movement in external salary levels, individual performance, and changes in
individual duties and responsibilities.
Cash Incentive Awards
The annual cash incentive plan is based on target incentive awards for
each executive, which are stated as a percentage of their base salaries. Annual
incentive awards for executive officers are calculated by a formula that
multiplies the executive's target incentive percentage times a Company rating
factor based on the Company's overall financial performance and an individual
rating factor based on the executive's performance against established
objectives. These factors can range from 0% to 125% for the Company rating
factor and 0% to 150% for the individual rating factor. Each of these
percentages are correlated with defined objectives and approved by the Committee
each year. Regardless of the Company's financial performance, the Committee
retains the authority to determine the final Company rating factor, and the
actual payment and amount of any bonus is always subject to the discretion of
the Committee.
16
<PAGE>
Equity Incentives
As part of its review of the total compensation package for the
Company's officers, the Committee, with the assistance of a
nationally-recognized compensation consulting firm, reviewed the Company's
equity incentive compensation program. Given the importance of dividends to a
utility investor, the consultant recommended using a combination of stock
options with dividend equivalents to best link executive long-term incentives to
corporate performance and shareholder interests.
Under the terms of the Company's 1994 Equity Compensation Plan, which
was approved by the shareholders at the 1994 Annual Meeting, the Committee and
the Board of Directors may grant stock options, dividend equivalents and
restricted stock to officers, directors and key employees, and stock options to
key consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries who are in a position to
contribute materially to the successful operation of the business of the
Company. The purpose of the Plan is to help align executive compensation with
shareholder interests by providing the participants with a long-term equity
interest in the Company. The Plan also provides a means through which the
Company can attract and retain employees of significant abilities.
Summary of Actions Taken by the Committee
Salary Increase
Under the Company's salary program, the base salary budget is based on
salary levels for comparable positions in the Composite Market. The projected
overall annual increase is based on annual salary budget increase data reported
by published surveys. Under these guidelines, actual salary increases are
determined based on a combination of an assessment of the individual's
performance and the individual's salary compared to the market. In the case of
executive officers named in this Proxy Statement, the determination of salary
levels is made by the Committee, subject to approval by the Board of Directors.
Mr. DeBenedictis' salary for 1999 was consistent with the target level
for the CEO position within the Composite Market. Mr. DeBenedictis' salary for
2000, which was approved by the Board of Directors on February 1 and effective
on April 1, 2000, is consistent with published salary survey information on
salary levels and projected annual salary increases for 2000 and is based on the
Committee's favorable assessment of his and the Company's performance.
17
<PAGE>
Annual Incentive Award
At its January 31, 2000 meeting, the Committee determined the annual
cash incentive awards to be made to the participants in the annual incentive
plan. The awards were based on the Company's performance compared to its
financial goal for 1999 as well as the participants' achievement of their
individual objectives. The incentive awards to the Company's officers were
approved by the Board of Directors on February 1, 2000. Mr. DeBenedictis' annual
incentive compensation for 1999 was based on the Company's earnings and the
Committee's assessment of Mr. DeBenedictis' individual performance. Mr.
DeBenedictis' achievements in 1999 included increasing revenues and net income
to record levels, reducing controllable operating expenses and interest costs
below budget, increasing customer growth through acquisitions, integrating the
Consumers organization and implementing other management initiatives intended to
control costs, enhance customer satisfaction and increase the dividend. It was
the Committee's assessment that Mr. DeBenedictis met all his objectives and well
exceeded his objectives on earnings, growth and acquisitions.
Equity Incentives
At its March 6, 2000 meeting, the Committee approved the grant of
incentive stock options and dividend equivalents under the Company's 1994 Equity
Compensation Plan to its executive officers at the fair market value on the date
of grant for such stock options of $18.3438. The options are exercisable in
installments of one-third each year starting on the first anniversary of the
date of grant and expire at the end of 10 years from the date of grant. The
dividend equivalents will accumulate dividends over a period of four years. Mr.
DeBenedictis received a grant of 40,000 options and dividend equivalents on
March 6, 2000 at the grant price stated above. At its meeting, the Committee
also approved management's recommendation to reduce the performance period for
the dividend equivalents granted in 1998 and 1999 by one year based on the
Company's performance against the 1999 measurement criteria established by the
Committee for this purpose at its March 1, 1999 meeting. The measurement
criteria involve targets for earnings per share, dividends, total return to
shareholders over a five-year period and customer growth.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally precludes the
deduction for federal income tax purposes of more than $1 million in
compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and the other officers named in
the Summary Compensation Table in any one year, subject to certain specified
exceptions. Given the nature of the stock option grants and the level of other
compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and the other executive
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, the deduction limitation is
18
<PAGE>
presently inapplicable to the Company. The Committee will address this
limitation if and when it becomes applicable to the Company's compensation
program.
Respectfully submitted,
John F. McCaughan
G. Fred DiBona, Jr.
Alan R. Hirsig
The foregoing report of the Executive Compensation and Employee
Benefits Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general
statement incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any filing under
the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the
extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by reference,
and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
19
<PAGE>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following Summary Compensation Table shows compensation paid by the
Company for services rendered during the years 1999, 1998 and 1997 for the
Company's Chief Executive Officer and the other four most highly compensated
executive officers of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long Term Compensation
---------------------------------------
Annual Compensation Awards Payouts
---------------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------
Securities
Other Under- All Other
Annual Restricted lying LTIP Compen-
Name and Compen- Stock Options/ Payouts sation
Principal Position Year Salary ($)(1) Bonus($)(2) sation($)(3) Award(s)($)(4) SAR's (#)(5) ($) ($)(6)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
N. DeBenedictis 1999 295,048 258,750 4,800 - 40,000 - 153,439
CEO 1998 282,296 267,188 4,800 436,250 40,000 - 113,910
1997 268,902 245,775 4,750 - 40,000 - 116,691
M. Coulter 1999 155,641 65,950 4,669 - 12,000 - 24,508
President - PSW 1998 144,581 57,156 4,155 - 8,000 - 21,593
1997 137,852 53,999 3,604 - 8,000 - 21,167
R. Stahl 1999 170,594 60,861 4,800 - 8,000 - 23,378
Sr. V.P. & Gen. Cnsl. 1998 167,921 66,151 4,863 - 8,000 - 19,442
1997 162,625 51,132 4,351 - 8,000 - 19,182
D. Smeltzer 1999 130,516 45,619 3,915 - 6,000 - 12,524
Sr. V.P. - Finance 1998 106,626 32,604 3,199 - 4,000 - 9,451
1997 102,032 33,521 3,060 - 4,000 - 9,240
R. Riegler 1999 158,049 49,797 4,741 - 8,000 - 23,148
Sr. V.P.-Eng. & 1998 155,084 54,252 4,491 - 8,000 - 19,734
Environ. Aff. 1997 149,837 54,306 4,495 - 8,000 - 19,493
</TABLE>
(1) Salary deferred at the discretion of the executive and contributed to the
Company's Thrift Plan or Executive Deferral Plan is included in this column.
(2) Includes cash bonuses for services rendered during the specified year,
regardless of when paid.
(3) Company matching contributions under the Company's Thrift Plan and Executive
Deferral Plan are included in this column.
(4) Mr. DeBenedictis was awarded a grant of 15,000 shares of restricted stock on
March 2, 1998 and 5,000 shares of restricted stock on May 21, 1998 under the
Company's 1994 Equity Compensation Plan. The fair market value of the shares
awarded on March 2, 1998 was $22.3125 per share and the fair market value of the
shares awarded on May 21, 1998 was $20.3125 per share based on the closing
prices on the New York Stock Exchange on those dates. One-third of the
restricted stock under each grant will be released to Mr. DeBenedictis each year
on the anniversary of each grant and he is entitled to receive the dividends on
the restricted shares pending their release. At year-end 1999, the value of the
13,334 shares still subject to restrictions was $275,847 based on the closing
price for the stock on December 31, 1999 of $20.6875.
(5) Option award numbers have been restated to reflect the December 1997 4-for-3
stock split in the form of a stock distribution.
(6) Includes: (a) the dollar value, on a term loan approach, of the benefit of
the whole-life portion of the premiums for a split dollar life insurance policy
on Mr. DeBenedictis maintained by the Company, projected on an actuarial basis
($13,283); (b) Company payments on behalf of Mr. DeBenedictis to cover the
premium attributable to the term life insurance portion of the split dollar life
insurance policy ($1,521); (c) the amounts accrued for the named executive's
accounts in 1999 in connection with the dividend equivalent awards made from
1995 through 1999 (Messrs. DeBenedictis $112,000, Coulter $22,400, Stahl
$22,400, Smeltzer $12,260 and Riegler $22,400); (d) the value of group term life
insurance maintained by the Company on the named executives (Messrs.
DeBenedictis $1,497, Coulter $2,108, Stahl $533, Smeltzer $264 and Riegler
$748); and (e) earnings in 1999 on amounts deferred under the Company's
Executive Deferral Plan (DeBenedictis $25,138 and Stahl $445). The Company will
be reimbursed for the amount of the premiums paid under the split dollar program
for Mr. DeBenedictis upon his death or repaid such premiums by Mr. DeBenedictis
if he leaves the Company.
20
<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE STOCK PERFORMANCE
The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on the
Common Stock of the Company for the last five years with the weighted average
cumulative total return of a peer group of companies and the cumulative total
return on the S&P 500 over the same period, assuming a $100 investment on
January 1, 1994 and the reinvestment of all dividends. In the past, the Company
has used the Edward Jones Water Utility Industry Index for its peer group
comparison. Since five of the twelve companies in this Index have seen
significant increases in their stock price in 1999 as a result of their
announcement that they have entered into definitive agreements to be acquired or
merged with other companies and since, after such acquisitions, their stock will
not be publicly-traded, the Company has adopted the Dow Jones Utility Index to
be used for future peer group comparisons. The Edward Jones Water Utility
Industry Index and the Dow Jones Utility Index are both presented in the graph
below this year for comparison purposes. The Edward Jones Water Utility Industry
Index consists of the following companies: American Water Works Company, Inc.;
American States Water Company; Aquarion Company; California Water Service
Company; Connecticut Water Service Company; Dominguez Services Corporation;
E'town Corporation; Middlesex Water Company; Philadelphia Suburban Corporation;
SJW Corporation; Southwest Water Company; and United Water Resources, Inc. The
Dow Jones Utility Index consists of the following companies: American Electric
Power; Consolidated Energy, Inc.; PECO Energy Company; Texas Utilities Company;
Columbia Energy Group; Edison International; Public Service Enterprise Group
Incorporated; Unicom Corporation; Dominion Resources; Enron Corporation; Reliant
Energy, Incorporated; Williams Companies, Inc.; Duke Energy Corporation; PG&E
Corporation; and The Southern Company
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN AMONG PSC, S&P 500,
DOW JONES UTILITY AND EDWARD JONES WATER UTILITY INDUSTRY AVERAGE
S&P 500 E Jones Dow Jones
Composite PSC Water Utilities
--------- ------ ------ ---------
1994 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
1995 137.55 121.76 121.60 123.20
1996 169.12 183.49 146.88 127.96
1997 225.52 282.41 201.67 150.27
1998 289.97 389.25 252.37 171.10
1999 350.98 280.96 250.02 154.96
The foregoing comparative stock performance graph shall not be deemed
incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference
this proxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the
extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by reference,
and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
21
<PAGE>
STOCK OPTION GRANTS IN 1999
The following table sets forth information concerning individual grants
of stock options under the Company's 1994 Equity Compensation Plan during 1999
to each executive officer identified in the Summary Compensation Table who
received options during the period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
Grant Date
Individual Grants Value
-------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
% of
Number of Total
Securities Options/SAR's Exercise
Underlying Granted to or Base Grant Date
Options/SAR's Employees Price Expiration Present
Name Granted (#) (1) in Fiscal Year ($/Sh)(2) Date Value ($) (3)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DeBenedictis 40,000 13.2% 21.4063 3/01/2009 214,000
Coulter 12,000 4.0% 21.4063 3/01/2009 64,200
Stahl 8,000 2.6% 21.4063 3/01/2009 42,800
Smeltzer 6,000 2.0% 21.4063 3/01/2009 32,100
Riegler 8,000 2.6% 21.4063 3/01/2009 42,800
</TABLE>
(1) The options listed in this column are qualified stock options granted at an
exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock on
the date of grant under the Company's 1994 Equity Compensation Plan. Grants
become exercisable in installments of one-third per year commencing on the first
anniversary of the grant date. An equal number of dividend equivalents, with a
four year accumulation period, were awarded to the named individuals under the
1994 Equity Compensation Plan. The accrued value of the dividend equivalent
awards for 1995 through 1999 is shown on the Summary Compensation Table.
(2) The exercise price for options granted is equal to the mean of the high and
low sale prices of the Company's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange
composite tape on the date the option is granted.
(3) The values in this column were determined using Black-Scholes Option Pricing
Model. The actual value of stock options, if any, that may be realized will
depend on the difference between the exercise price and the market price on the
date of exercise. The estimated values under the Black-Scholes model are based
on assumptions as to such variables as interest rates, stock price volatility
and dividend yield. The key assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model
valuation of the stock options are (i) an assumed dividend yield of 3.2%, (ii) a
risk free rate of return of 5.4%, (iii) volatility of 20.9%, (iv) an exercise
date of 10 years from the date of grant, and (v) no reduction in values to
reflect non-transferability or other restrictions on the options. These
assumptions are not a forecast of future dividend yield, stock performance or
volatility.
22
<PAGE>
Stock Option Exercises in 1999 and Value of Options at Year-End 1999
The following table sets forth information concerning the number of
stock options exercised under the Company's 1988 Stock Option Plan and the 1994
Equity Compensation Plan during 1999 by each executive officer listed below and
the number and value of unexercised options as of December 31, 1999, indicating
in each case the number and value of those options that were exercisable and
unexercisable as of that date.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
Number of Securities Value of Unexercised
Underlying Unexercised In-the-Money
Options/SAR's at Options/SAR's at
Shares Fiscal Year-End (#) Fiscal Year-End ($)(1)
Acquired Value ------------------------------------------------------------------
Name on Exercise(#) Realized($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DeBenedictis 0 0 219,097 80,000 2,325,253 73,124
Coulter 10,000 142,188 30,999 20,001 280,093 14,627
Stahl 0 0 40,999 16,001 400,718 14,627
Smeltzer 0 0 14,799 10,001 131,884 7,317
Riegler 7,372 115,976 20,298 16,001 154,884 14,627
</TABLE>
(1) Based on the average of the high and low price on the New York Stock
Exchange-Composite Transactions of the Company's Common Stock on December 31,
1999 ($20.6875).
23
<PAGE>
CERTAIN COMPENSATION PLANS
Retirement Plan
The Retirement Plan for Employees of the Company (the "Retirement
Plan") is a defined benefit pension plan. In general, participants are eligible
for normal pension benefits upon retirement at age 65 and are eligible for early
retirement benefits upon retirement at age 55 with ten years of credited
service. Under the terms of the Retirement Plan, a participant becomes fully
vested in his or her accrued pension benefit after five years of credited
service. Benefits payable to employees under the Retirement Plan are based upon
"final average compensation", which is defined as the average cash compensation
through the five highest consecutive years of the last ten full years preceding
retirement.
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended,
("ERISA") imposes maximum limitations on the annual amount of pension benefits
that may be paid under, and the amount of compensation that may be taken into
account in calculating benefits under, a qualified, funded defined benefit
pension plan such as the Retirement Plan. The Retirement Plan complies with
these ERISA limitations. Effective December 1, 1989, the Board of Directors
adopted an Excess Benefits Plan for Salaried Employees (the "Excess Plan"). The
Excess Plan is a nonqualified, unfunded pension benefit plan that is intended to
provide an additional pension benefit to participants in the Retirement Plan and
their beneficiaries whose benefits under the Retirement Plan are adversely
affected by these ERISA limitations. The benefit under the Excess Plan is equal
to the difference between (i) the amount of the benefit the participant would
have been entitled to under the Retirement Plan absent such ERISA limitations,
and (ii) the amount of the benefit actually payable under the Retirement Plan.
The following tabulation shows the estimated annual pension payable
pursuant to the Retirement Plan and the Excess Plan to employees, including
employees who are directors or officers of the Company, upon retirement after
selected periods of service. This table is provided for illustrative purposes
only and does not reflect pension benefits presently due under the Retirement
Plan or Excess Plan.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PENSION TABLE
Average Salary
During Five
Years Preceding Estimated Annual Pension Based on Service of
Retirement 15 Years 20 Years 25 Years 30 Years 35 Years
- --------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$100,000 $ 24,800 $ 33,000 $ 41,300 $ 43,800 $ 46,300
125,000 31,500 42,000 52,500 55,700 58,800
150,000 38,300 51,000 63,800 67,500 71,300
175,000 45,000 60,000 75,000 79,400 83,800
200,000 51,800 69,000 86,300 91,300 96,300
225,000 58,500 78,000 97,500 103,200 108,800
250,000 65,300 87,000 108,800 115,000 121,300
300,000 78,800 105,000 131,300 138,800 146,300
350,000 92,300 123,000 153,800 162,500 171,300
400,000 105,800 141,000 176,300 186,300 196,300
450,000 119,300 159,000 198,800 210,000 221,300
500,000 132,800 177,000 221,300 233,800 246,300
</TABLE>
The Company's contributions to the Retirement Plan are computed on the
basis of straight life annuities. The following executive officers listed in
Summary Compensation Table have the indicated number of completed years of
service under the Retirement Plan, and would, upon retirement at age 65 on March
31, 2000, be entitled to a pension based on the remuneration level listed in the
following table:
Completed
Covered Years of
Name Remuneration Credited Service
---- ------------ ----------------
Nicholas DeBenedictis $493,741 8
Morrison Coulter $181,583 39
Roy H. Stahl $220,572 18
Richard R. Riegler $196,710 30
David P. Smeltzer $131,675 13
24
<PAGE>
A Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan or SERP has been established
for Mr. DeBenedictis. This Plan, which is nonqualified and unfunded, was
approved by the Board of Directors in 1992 and is intended to provide Mr.
DeBenedictis with a total retirement benefit, in combination with the Retirement
Plan and Excess Plan, that is commensurate with the retirement benefits for the
chief executive officers of other companies. Under the terms of the SERP, Mr.
DeBenedictis will be eligible to receive a benefit at normal retirement equal to
the difference between (i) the benefit to which he would otherwise be entitled
under the Retirement Plan assuming he had 25 years of service and absent the
ERISA limitations referred to above, and (ii) the benefit payable to him under
the Retirement Plan and the Excess Plan. Under the terms of Mr. DeBenedictis'
SERP, if his employment is terminated for any reason prior to age 65, he is
entitled to receive a supplemental retirement benefit equal to the difference
between (i) the benefit to which he would otherwise be entitled under the
Retirement Plan assuming he was credited with two years of service for each of
his first seven years of credited service and (ii) the benefit payable to him
under the Retirement Plan and the Excess Plan. If Mr. DeBenedictis retires from
the Company at age 65, the SERP is projected to provide an annual benefit of
$128,060.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change of Control
Arrangements
Under the terms of Mr. DeBenedictis' employment arrangement, if his
employment is terminated by the Company for any reason other than his
disability, death or for cause, he will be entitled to receive a severance
payment equal to twelve months of his base compensation paid in twelve equal
monthly installments without offset. In the event that the employment of any of
the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table set forth above
is terminated, actually or constructively, within two years following a change
of control of the Company, the executive officers will be entitled to certain
payments under agreements with the Company and its primary subsidiary,
Philadelphia Suburban Water Company. Under the terms of these agreements, the
Chief Executive Officer will be entitled to two and one-half times his average
annual base cash compensation and the other executive officers will be entitled
to two times their average annual base cash compensation, plus continuation of
their normal fringe benefits for a period of three years for the Chief Executive
Officer and two years for the other executive officers. The agreement with the
Chief Executive Officer also provides that, in exchange for a non-competition
agreement, he will be entitled to receive one-half of his average annual base
cash compensation and the transfer to him of a split dollar life insurance
policy maintained by the Company on his life. Under the terms of the 1994 Equity
Compensation Plan approved by the shareholders, outstanding stock options will
become immediately exercisable, accrued dividend equivalents will become
immediately payable and the restrictions on restricted stock grants shall
immediately lapse upon certain change of control events.
Compensation of Directors
Directors who are full-time employees of the Company do not receive a
retainer or fees for service on the Board of Directors or Committees of the
Board. Members of the Board of Directors who are not full-time employees of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries ("Non-employee Directors") receive an annual
retainer fee of $12,000, plus an annual grant of 400 shares of the Company's
Common Stock. Directors also receive a fee of $1,000 for attendance at each
meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company, including Committee meetings.
In addition, each Committee Chairman who is a Non-employee Director receives an
annual retainer fee of $2,500. All directors are reimbursed for reasonable
expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board or Committee meetings.
25
<PAGE>
Certain Transactions
Richard H. Glanton, a director, is a partner in the law firm of Reed
Smith Shaw & McClay, which firm has provided legal services to the Company in
1999.
(Proposal No. 2)
PROPOSAL TO AMEND SECTION 5.05(a)
OF THE COMPANY'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
Proposal
The Philadelphia Suburban Corporation Board of Directors proposes and
recommends to the shareholders an amendment to Section 5.05(a) of the Company's
Articles of Incorporation reducing the required vote of the Board of Directors
on corporate actions requiring the vote of the shareholders from three-quarters
of the entire Board to a majority of the entire Board in order for the action to
be approved by the minimum required vote of the shareholders.
The text of the proposed amended Section 5.05(a) of the Company's Articles of
Incorporation is set forth in Annex A to this Proxy Statement.
Purposes and Effects
Under the terms of Section 5.05 of the Company's Articles of
Incorporation, any corporate action, other than the election of directors,
requiring the vote of the shareholders could only be authorized upon receiving
at least three-quarters of the vote which all voting shareholders, voting as a
single class, are entitled to cast on such action (and, in addition, the
affirmative vote of the number or proportion of shares of any class or any
series of any class of shares of the Company, if any, as shall at the time be
required by the express terms of any such class or series of shares of the
Company), unless the corporate action was approved by three-quarters of the
entire Board of Directors. Corporate actions, other than the election of
directors, requiring the vote of the shareholders could be authorized upon
receiving the minimum shareholder vote required for the authorization of such
action by statute (after taking into account the express terms of any class or
any series of any class of shares of the Company with respect to such vote) only
if such corporate action was recommended by a vote of three-quarters of the
entire Board of Directors. The Board of Directors believes that this provision
of the Articles of Incorporation may be unduly restrictive and has approved an
amendment to Section 5.05(a) of the Articles of Incorporation to reduce the
required vote by the Board of Directors on a corporate action requiring the vote
of the shareholders, other than the election of directors, from three-quarters
of the entire Board to a majority of the entire Board in order for such
corporate action to then be able to be authorized by the minimum shareholder
vote required for the authorization of such action by statute.
26
<PAGE>
Vote Required for Approval
Approval of the Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation requires the
affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast by the holders of the
Company's Common Stock. The holders of the Company's Common Stock are entitled
to one vote on all matters properly brought before the Annual Meeting for each
share to the Company's Common Stock held by such persons. Votes may be cast in
person at the Annual Meeting or by proxy. A properly executed proxy marked
"ABSTAIN", although counted for purposes of determining whether there is a
quorum, will not be counted for purposes of determining the aggregate number of
votes cast. Similarly, broker non-votes will also be counted for purposes of
determining whether there is a quorum, but will not be counted for purposes of
determining the aggregate number of votes cast. Accordingly, abstentions and
broker non-votes will have no effect on the approval of the Amendment to the
Articles of Incorporation.
The Philadelphia Suburban Corporation Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR
approval of the Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation.
SHAREHOLDER SUGGESTIONS AND PROPOSALS FOR 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
Consideration of certain matters is required at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, such as the election of directors. In addition, pursuant to
applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, shareholders
may present resolutions, which are proper subjects for inclusion in the proxy
statement and for consideration at the Annual Meeting, by submitting their
proposals to the Company on a timely basis. In order to be included for the 2001
Annual Meeting, resolutions must be received by December 8, 2000.
The Company receives many shareholder suggestions which are not in the
form of resolutions. All are given careful consideration. We welcome and
encourage your comments and suggestions. Your correspondence should be addressed
as follows:
Patricia M. Mycek
Secretary
Philadelphia Suburban Corporation
762 W. Lancaster Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
27
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Company will provide without charge, upon written request, a copy
of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1999. Please direct your
requests to Patricia M. Mycek, Secretary, Philadelphia Suburban Corporation, 762
W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Act")
requires the Company's officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10%
of a registered class of the Company's equity securities (a 10% Shareholder), to
file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Officers, directors and 10% Shareholders are
required by the SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it,
or a written representation from certain reporting persons that no Form 5's were
required for those persons, the Company believes that, during the period January
1, 1999 through December 31, 1999, all filing requirements applicable to its
officers and directors have been complied with, except that Vivendi, and its
wholly-owned subsidiary Vivendi North America were delinquent in reporting
purchases of PSC Common Stock made in March 1999.
28
<PAGE>
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any other matters which may come
before the meeting. However, if any further business should properly come before
the meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote upon such
business in accordance with their judgment.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
PATRICIA M. MYCEK
Secretary
April 10, 2000
29
<PAGE>
Annex A
(The text below shows the effect of the proposed amendment. Deleted text is
shown in brackets and new text is shown in italics.)
Section 5.05. Fundamental and Other Transactions.
(a) Shareholder Authorization of Corporate Action Recommended by
Management. Whenever any corporate action, other than the election of directors,
is to be taken by vote of the Shareholders on recommendation of a vote of
[three-quarters] A MAJORITY of the entire Board of Directors, the proposed
corporate action, including a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in Section
5.06), shall be authorized upon receiving the minimum vote required for the
authorization of such action by statute, after taking into account the express
terms of any class or any series of any class of shares of the Corporation with
respect to such vote.
(b) Shareholder Authorization of Other Corporate Action. Except as
provided in Subsection (a), whenever any corporate action, other than the
election of directors, is to be taken by vote of the shareholder, the proposed
corporate action, including a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in Section
5.06), shall be authorized only upon receiving at least three-quarters of the
vote which all voting shareholders, voting as a single class, are entitled to
cast thereon and, in addition, the affirmative vote of the number or proportion
of shares of any class or any series of any class of shares of the Corporation,
if any, as shall at the time be required by the express terms of any such class
or series of shares of the Corporation.
<PAGE>
4959-PS-00
<PAGE>
PROXY
PHILADELPHIA SUBURBAN CORPORATION
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
PHILADELPHIA SUBURBAN CORPORATION
Proxy for Annual Meeting of Shareholders, May 15, 2000
The undersigned hereby appoints David P. Smeltzer, Roy H. Stahl and
Patricia M. Mycek, or a majority of them or any one of them acting singly in the
absence of the others, with full power of substitution, the proxy or proxies of
the undersigned, to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Philadelphia
Suburban Corporation, to be held at the Springfield Country Club, 400 West
Sproul Road, Springfield, PA 19064, at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, May 15, 2000 and
any adjournments thereof, and, with all powers the undersigned would possess, if
present, to vote all shares of Common Stock of the undersigned in Philadelphia
Suburban Corporation, including any shares held in the Dividend Reinvestment
Plan of Philadelphia Suburban Corporation, as designated on the reverse side.
The proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed
herein by the undersigned. If the proxy is signed, but no vote is specified,
this proxy will be voted: FOR the nominees listed in item 1 on the reverse side;
FOR approval of the Amendment to Section 5.05(a) of the Company's Articles of
Incorporation as set forth in item 2; and in accordance with the proxies' best
judgment upon other matters properly coming before the meeting and any
adjournments thereof.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE PROXY CARD USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
(continued on reverse side)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
^FOLD AND DETACH HERE^
<PAGE>
Please mark your vote as
indicated in this example
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR all nominees for Director
and FOR Proposal 2
1. Election of Directors.
Nominees: Richard H. Glanton, Esq., Alan R. Hirsig, Jr., John F. McCaughan,
Richard L. Smoot.
----------------------------------------
WITHHELD For all nominees except as
FOR FROM written above
ALL NOMINEES ALL NOMINEES
------------- ------------
2. Adoption of an Amendment to the Philadelphia Suburban
Corporation Articles of Incorporation.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
----- ----- -----
3. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
Dated:______________________, 2000
__________________________________
Signature
__________________________________
Signature (if held jointly)
THIS PROXY MUST BE SIGNED EXACTLY
AS NAME APPEARS HEREIN. Executors,
Administrators, Trustees, etc.
should give full title as such. If
the signer is a corporation,
please sign full corporate name by
duly authorized officer.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
^DETACH HERE^
Dear Shareholder:
Enclosed are materials relating to Philadelphia Suburban Corporation's
2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Notice of the Meeting and Proxy
Statement describe the formal business to be transacted at the meeting.
Your vote is important to us. Please complete, sign and return the
attached proxy card in the accompanying postage-paid envelope whether or not you
expect to attend the meeting.
Nicholas DeBenedictis
Chairman & President
