13- PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE STOCK
As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, there were no shares of preference stock outstanding.
The annual sinking fund requirements for 2000 through 2004 are $33 million, $33 million, $13 million, $2 million and $2 million, respectively. Some additional redemptions are permitted at Duke Energy's option.
The call provisions for the outstanding preferred stock specify various
redemption prices not exceeding 104% of par value, plus accumulated dividends to
the redemption date.
During February 1998, Duke Energy purchased approximately two million shares of its preferred stock for $180 million. During December 1997, Duke Energy redeemed approximately three million shares of preferred stock for $203 million. The premiums related to these redemptions were included in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income as Dividends and Premiums on Redemptions of Preferred and Preference Stock for 1997.