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                                   Form 10-Q
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
                         ____________________________
                                       
             [X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                    OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                                       
                 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1996
                                       
                                      OR
                                       
            [  ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)
                    OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                                       
                    For the transition period from      to
                                       
                         Commission file number 1-707
                                       
                       KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                                       
                                       
            Missouri                              44-0308720
 (State or other jurisdiction of               (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)              Identification No.)
                                       
                                       
                1201 Walnut, Kansas City, Missouri   64106-2124
             (Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
                                       
      Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (816) 556-2200


Indicate  by  check  mark  whether the registrant (1)  has  filed  all  reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange  Act  of
1934  during  the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period  that  the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  (X)  No ( )

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common stock at August  9,
1996 was 61,902,083 shares.





PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(thousands of dollars)
                                                       June 30     December 31
                                                        1996          1995
ASSETS

UTILITY PLANT, at original cost
 Electric                                             $3,417,505    $3,388,538
 Less-accumulated depreciation                         1,194,321     1,156,115
    Net utility plant in service                       2,223,184     2,232,423
 Construction work in progress                            83,961        72,365
 Nuclear fuel, net of amortization of
   $74,136 and $81,452                                    50,120        54,673
    Total                                              2,357,265     2,359,461

REGULATORY ASSET - DEFERRED WOLF CREEK COSTS               4,440         8,880

REGULATORY ASSET - RECOVERABLE TAXES                     123,000       123,000

INVESTMENTS AND NONUTILITY PROPERTY                      190,006       166,751

CURRENT ASSETS
 Cash and cash equivalents                                21,426        28,390
 Customer accounts receivable, net of allowance
  for doubtful accounts of $1,270 and $1,574              47,120        32,830
 Other receivables                                        26,706        31,838
 Fuel inventories, at average cost                        17,947        22,103
 Materials and supplies, at average cost                  46,100        47,175
 Deferred income taxes                                     1,569         5,947
 Other                                                     4,716         5,179
    Total                                                165,584       173,462

DEFERRED CHARGES
 Regulatory assets
   Settlement of fuel contracts                           11,386        13,007
   KCC Wolf Creek carrying costs                           2,736         4,104
   Other                                                  19,749        21,231
 Other deferred charges                                   25,506        12,610
    Total                                                 59,377        50,952

    Total                                             $2,899,672    $2,882,506

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
CAPITALIZATION
 Common stock-authorized 150,000,000 shares
   without par value-61,908,726 shares issued-
   stated value                                         $449,697      $449,697
 Retained earnings                                       451,980       449,966
 Capital stock premium and expense                        (1,714)       (1,725)
         Common stock equity                             899,963       897,938
Cumulative preferred stock                                89,000        89,000
Cumulative redeemable preferred stock                      1,276         1,436
Long-term debt                                           829,136       835,713
     Total                                            $1,819,375    $1,824,087
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 Notes payable to banks                                    8,000             0
 Commercial paper                                         61,000        19,000
 Current maturities of long-term debt                     56,591        73,803
 Accounts payable                                         52,600        52,506
 Accrued taxes                                            36,279        39,726
 Accrued interest                                         16,636        16,906
 Accrued payroll and vacations                            22,763        22,764
 Accrued refueling outage costs                            2,273        13,563
 Other                                                    11,201        11,787
     Total                                               267,343       250,055

DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES
 Deferred income taxes                                   651,365       648,374
 Deferred investment tax credits                          69,221        71,270
 Other                                                    92,368        88,720
    Total                                                812,954       808,364

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

   Total                                              $2,899,672    $2,882,506

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of these statements.



KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Three Months Ended Year to Date Twelve Months Ended June 30 June 30 June 30 1996 1995 1996 1995 1996 1995 (thousands of dollars) ELECTRIC OPERATING REVENUES $ 226,205 $ 205,305 $ 432,829 $ 404,211 $ 914,573 $ 850,080 OPERATING EXPENSES Operation Fuel 36,096 33,045 66,869 67,764 138,476 129,530 Purchased power 12,540 7,586 26,525 14,318 50,990 33,700 Other 45,519 49,039 89,018 93,484 174,133 180,775 Maintenance 19,409 22,500 37,438 43,178 72,699 76,716 Depreciation 24,861 24,215 49,577 48,354 98,448 95,933 Taxes Income 18,927 11,923 32,340 23,540 85,862 71,220 General 23,451 22,681 47,812 46,538 98,095 95,653 Deferred Wolf Creek costs amortization 2,904 3,275 5,808 6,551 11,864 13,102 Total 183,707 174,264 355,387 343,727 730,567 696,629 OPERATING INCOME 42,498 31,041 77,442 60,484 184,006 153,451 OTHER INCOME Allowance for equity funds used during construction 457 505 1,117 740 2,656 1,715 Miscellaneous income 1,948 814 2,689 9,055 2,257 10,473 Miscellaneous deductions (10,928) (4,271) (14,713) (5,944) (19,870) (9,636) Income taxes 8,245 4,110 14,466 3,774 20,951 6,943 Total (278) 1,158 3,559 7,625 5,994 9,495 INCOME BEFORE INTEREST CHARGES 42,220 32,199 81,001 68,109 190,000 162,946 INTEREST CHARGES Long-term debt 13,205 12,890 26,629 25,223 53,590 48,418 Short-term debt 496 471 614 1,091 712 1,525 Miscellaneous 1,386 639 2,492 1,257 4,347 3,066 Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (541) (497) (931) (1,045) (1,849) (1,754) Total 14,546 13,503 28,804 26,526 56,800 51,255 PERIOD RESULTS Net income 27,674 18,696 52,197 41,583 133,200 111,691 Preferred stock dividend requirements 935 1,022 1,892 2,048 3,855 3,863 Earnings available for common stock 26,739 17,674 50,305 39,535 129,345 107,828 Average number of common shares outstanding 61,902 61,902 61,902 61,902 61,902 61,902 Earnings per common share $0.43 $0.29 $0.81 $0.64 $2.09 $1.74 Cash dividends per common share $0.39 $0.38 $0.78 $0.76 $1.56 $1.52 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (thousands of dollars) Year to Date Twelve Months Ended June 30 June 30 1996 1995 1996 1995 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $ 52,197 $ 41,583 $133,200 $111,691 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities: Depreciation 49,577 48,354 98,448 95,933 Amortization of: Nuclear fuel 5,689 7,142 13,226 11,853 Deferred Wolf Creek costs 5,808 6,551 11,864 13,102 Other 2,762 4,065 6,849 8,537 Deferred income taxes (net) 7,369 (5,782) 9,883 10,735 Deferred investment tax credit amortization and reversals (2,049) (9,438) (4,181) (11,610) Deferred merger costs (11,718) 0 (11,718) 0 Allowance for equity funds used during construction (1,117) (740) (2,656) (1,715) Cash flows affected by changes in: Receivables (9,158) 3,592 (30,301) 17,876 Fuel inventories 4,156 (2,744) 1,367 (4,430) Materials and supplies 1,075 (667) (480) (590) Accounts payable 94 (35,164) 14,278 (3,968) Accrued taxes (3,447) 30,335 (18,740) 20,385 Accrued interest (270) 838 3,589 1,288 Wolf Creek refueling outage accrual (11,290) 6,027 (5,874) (5,340) Pension and postretirement benefit obligations 929 651 (3,898) 2,280 Other operating activities 4,642 (3,269) 12,236 (7,745) Net cash from operating activites 95,249 91,334 227,092 258,282 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Utility capital expenditures (52,734) (52,046) (134,758) (114,558) Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (931) (1,045) (1,849) (1,754) Purchases of investments (11,166) (23,098) (44,827) (68,011) Purchases of nonutility property (9,558) 0 (9,558) 0 Other investing activities (3,489) 3,636 1,921 4,868 Net cash used in investing activities (77,878) (72,553) (189,071) (179,455) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Issuance of long-term debt 20,441 82,382 49,114 167,220 Repayment of long-term debt (44,230) (33,419) (44,239) (86,419) Net change in short-term borrowings 50,000 (18,000) 55,000 (48,000) Dividends paid (50,183) (49,101) (100,440) (97,912) Other financing activities (363) 441 2,669 77 Net cash used in financing activities (24,335) (17,697) (37,896) (65,034) NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (6,964) 1,084 125 13,793 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 28,390 20,217 21,301 7,508 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $21,426 $21,301 $21,426 $21,301 CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR: Interest (net of amount capitalized) $28,306 $24,885 $51,621 $47,945 Income taxes $27,588 $13,649 $80,992 $44,226 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS (thousands of dollars) Year to Date Twelve Months Ended June 30 June 30 1996 1995 1996 1995 Beginning balance $449,966 $426,738 $419,220 $405,441 Net income 52,197 41,583 133,200 111,691 502,163 468,321 552,420 517,132 Dividends declared 50,183 49,101 100,440 97,912 Ending balance $451,980 $419,220 $451,980 $419,220 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements In management's opinion, the consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the interim periods presented. These statements and notes should be read in connection with the financial statements and related notes included in our 1995 annual report on Form 10-K. 1. AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER WITH UTILICORP UNITED INC. KCPL and UtiliCorp United Inc. (UtiliCorp) have entered into an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 20, 1996 (The Amended Merger Agreement) to provide a strategic business combination of KCPL and UtiliCorp (the Transaction). Under this agreement, a new KCPL subsidiary (Sub) will be created and merged into UtiliCorp. UtiliCorp will then merge with KCPL to form the combined company. As part of the Transaction, the combined company will change its name to Maxim Energies, Inc. (Maxim). Upon the merger of UtiliCorp and Sub, UtiliCorp shareholders will be entitled to receive one share of KCPL common stock for each share of UtiliCorp common stock. KCPL shareholders will continue to hold their existing shares of KCPL common stock. After the combined company changes its name to Maxim, all outstanding KCPL shares will constitute all of the outstanding shares of Maxim. Based on the capitalization of KCPL and UtiliCorp on the date of The Amended Merger Agreement, KCPL shareholders will hold approximately 57% of the common stock of Maxim and the UtiliCorp shareholders will hold approximately 43%. The Amended Merger Agreement also includes a provision for KCPL to call for redemption, before the completion of the merger of UtiliCorp and Sub, all of its outstanding shares of preferred stock at the applicable redemption prices, together with all dividends accrued and unpaid through the applicable redemption dates. The Transaction is designed to qualify as a pooling of interests for accounting and financial reporting purposes. Under this method, the recorded assets and liabilities of KCPL and UtiliCorp will be carried forward to the consolidated balance sheet of Maxim at their recorded amounts. The income of Maxim will include the combined income of KCPL and UtiliCorp as though the Transaction occurred at the beginning of the accounting period. Prior period financial statements will be combined and presented as those of Maxim. The Transaction will create a diversified energy company serving about 2.5 million customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, China and Jamaica. The business of the combined companies will consist of electric utility operations, gas utility operations and various nonutility enterprises including independent power projects, and gas marketing, gathering and processing operations. See Part II, Item 5 for the pro forma combined condensed financial statements of Maxim. The Special Meeting of KCPL shareholders to consider and vote on the issuance of up to 54 million shares of KCPL common stock to be issued in the mergers is scheduled for August 16, 1996. The number of affirmative votes necessary to complete the Transaction is discussed in Part II - Legal Proceedings. The mergers are also subject to approval by UtiliCorp's shareholders and a number of regulatory authorities. The special meeting of UtiliCorp shareholders is scheduled for August 14, 1996. The regulatory approval process is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 1997. KCPL and UtiliCorp have recommended that the board of directors set the initial annualized dividend rate at $1.85 per common share upon completion of the Transaction. The Amended Merger Agreement includes termination provisions which may require certain payments, up to $58 million, to the other party to the Transaction under certain circumstances, including a payment of $58 million if the Transaction is terminated by a party and within two and one-half years following such termination, the terminating party agrees to consummate or consummates certain business combination transactions with a third party. Through the second quarter of 1996, $12 million of merger-related costs had been deferred by KCPL for post-merger amortization in accordance with future regulatory approval. 2. CONDITIONAL HOSTILE BID BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. Western Resources, Inc. (Western Resources) has delivered an unsolicited proposal to KCPL's Board of Directors (the Western Resources Proposal). In the proposal, Western Resources would acquire all of the outstanding shares of KCPL common stock in a stock-for-stock transaction contingent on their ability to achieve numerous conditions. This proposal calls for an exchange of each share of KCPL common stock for Western Resources common stock valued at $31.00, subject to a "collar" limiting the amount of Western Resources common stock that holders of KCPL common stock would receive to no more than 1.1 shares, and no less than 0.933 shares, of Western Resources common stock for each share of KCPL common stock. After careful consideration of the Western Resources Proposal, it was rejected by KCPL's Board of Directors, who determined that it is not in the best interests of KCPL, its shareholders, employees or customers. The KCPL Board has reaffirmed its approval of the merger with UtiliCorp. In July, Western Resources' commenced its exchange offer for KCPL common stock. Western Resources' proposed exchange offer is still subject to numerous conditions, including the tender of at least 90% of the outstanding shares of KCPL common stock, the availability of pooling of interests accounting, obtaining shareholder and regulatory approvals, and complying with certain laws that may prohibit the proposed transaction. The KCPL Board has recommended that KCPL shareholders reject Western Resources' exchange offer and not tender their shares. Through June 30, about $5 million in costs to defend against this unsolicited proposal, including costs to explain to KCPL shareholders why the Board of Directors rejected this offer, were expensed. 3. MISSOURI STIPULATION AND AGREEMENT During July 1996, KCPL and the Missouri Public Service Commission entered into a stipulation and agreement to implement new pricing structures for our Missouri customers, reduce Missouri annual electric revenues, and increase depreciation and amortization expense. The revenue reduction will take place in two phases. In the first phase, beginning in July 1996, new pricing structures will increase revenues during the summer months to more closely follow our increased costs of generating electricity, but decrease revenues during the winter months. This will result in an overall revenue reduction from commercial and industrial customers of $9 million per year. In addition, depreciation and amortization expense will increase a total of $9 million per year. The second phase, scheduled to take effect between January 1 and May 1, 1997, will reduce Missouri residential, commercial and industrial revenues by an additional $11 million per year. 4. CAPITALIZATION KLT Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of KCPL, amended its long-term revolving line of credit agreement. The agreement was revised to extend the maturity date to 1999 and increase the amount of credit available to $150 million. The other significant terms of the agreement were not changed. As of June 30, 1996, $38 million had been borrowed against this line. Through August 9, 1996, KLT had borrowed an additional $3 million against the line. ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS REGULATION AND COMPETITION As competition develops throughout the electric utility industry, we are positioning Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCPL) to excel in an open market. We're improving the efficiency of KCPL's core utility operations and creating growth through its unregulated subsidiary. As competition presents new opportunities, we will also consider various strategies including partnerships, acquisitions, combinations, additions to or dispositions of service territory, and restructuring wholesale and retail businesses. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the Agreement and Plan of Merger with UtiliCorp United and Note 2 regarding the hostile takeover attempt by Western Resources. Competition in the electric utility industry was accelerated with the National Energy Policy Act of 1992. This gave the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to require electric utilities to provide transmission line access to independent power producers (IPPs) and other utilities (wholesale wheeling). KCPL, already active in the wholesale wheeling market, was one of the first utilities to receive FERC's approval of an open- access tariff for wholesale wheeling transactions. In April 1996, FERC issued an order requiring all owners of transmission facilities to adopt open-access tariffs and participate in wholesale wheeling. KCPL has made the necessary filings to comply with additional terms required by the April order. Certain state commissions are also actively considering an open access requirement for utilities providing retail electric service, under which competing suppliers would gain access to their retail customers (retail wheeling). However, this may be preempted by provisions of the Federal Power Act or by state laws. If allowed, retail wheeling would provide growth opportunities for low-cost producers and risks for higher-cost producers, especially those with large industrial customers. The loss of major customers could result in under-utilized assets and place a costly burden on the remaining customer base or shareholders if an adequate departure fee is not assessed to the lost customer. Although the Missouri and Kansas commissions have not permitted retail wheeling, we believe KCPL is positioned well to compete in an open market with its diverse customer mix and pricing strategies. About 22% of KCPL's retail mwh sales are to industrial customers compared to the utility average of about 35%. KCPL has a flexible rate structure with industrial rates that are competitively priced within our region. In addition, long-term contracts are in place or under negotiation for a large portion of KCPL's industrial sales. Increased competition could also force utilities to change accounting methods. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 71 _ Accounting for Certain Types of Regulation, applies to regulated entities whose rates are designed to recover the costs of providing service. An entity's operations could stop meeting the requirements of FASB 71 for various reasons, including a change in regulation or a change in the competitive environment for a company's regulated services. For those operations no longer meeting the requirements of regulatory accounting, regulatory assets would be written off. In a competitive environment, asset recoverability would be determined using market-based rates which could be lower than traditional cost-based rates. There has not been direct competition for retail electric service in our service territory although there has been competition in the bulk power market and between alternative fuels. KCPL's regulatory assets will be maintained as long as the FASB 71 requirements are met. NONREGULATED OPPORTUNITIES In 1992 we formed KLT Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary to pursue nonregulated, mainly energy-related business ventures designed to supplement the growth from the electric utility operations. We had a total equity investment in KLT of $48 million as of June 30, 1996, and expect that investment to grow to about $165 million within the next five years. KLT's strategy capitalizes on new market opportunities by combining our expertise in energy-related fields with the knowledge of our joint venture partners. KLT has grown steadily since inception. Consolidated assets at June 30, 1996, totaled $179 million. KLT's existing ventures include investments in domestic and international nonregulated power production, energy services, oil and gas reserves, and affordable housing limited partnerships. Within the next five years, we expect total subsidiary assets to exceed $500 million, generated through the $165 million of equity investment, subsidiary retained earnings and borrowings. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS EARNINGS OVERVIEW Earnings Per Share (EPS) For the Periods Ended June 30 1996 1995 Increase Three months ended $0.43 $0.29 48% Six months ended $0.81 $0.64 27% Twelve months ended $2.09 $1.74 20% Compared with 1995 quarter, EPS for the 1996 quarter increased mainly due to improved weather and load growth, which consists of increases in usage per customer as well as the number of customers. The quarter also reflects a $0.05 per share charge incurred to defend against Western Resources' hostile takeover bid (see Note 2 to the Financial Statements, Conditional Hostile Bid By Western Resources, Inc.). The 1995 quarter includes a number of one-time costs totaling about $0.06 per share. Compared with the 1995 periods, EPS for the 1996 six- and twelve-month periods also increased due to the items mentioned above. However, the same 1995 periods include a gain on the sale of railcars of $0.08 per share, which was reduced to $0.05 per share in the third quarter of 1995. MEGAWATT-HOUR (MWH) SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES Sales and revenue data: (revenue change in millions) Periods ended June 30, 1996 versus June 30, 1995 Three Months Six Months Twelve Months Mwh Revenues Mwh Revenues Mwh Revenues Increase (decrease) Retail Sales: Residential 15 % $ 8 13 % $ 14 14 % $ 36 Commercial 11 % 8 8 % 13 7 % 23 Industrial 7 % 3 5 % 4 2 % 6 Other (5)% - (5)% - (6)% - Total Retail 11 % 19 9 % 31 8 % 65 Sales for Resale: Bulk Power Sales 2 % 2 (14)% (2) (9)% (5) Other 21 % - 13 % - 11 % - Total 21 29 60 Other revenues - - 4 Total Operating Revenues $ 21 $ 29 $ 64 Effective in July 1996, we implemented new pricing structures for our Missouri customers. The new pricing structures will increase revenues during the summer months to more closely follow our increased costs of generating electricity, but decrease revenues during the winter months. This will result in an overall revenue reduction from commercial and industrial customers of $9 million per year. In addition, depreciation and amortization expense will increase a total of $9 million per year. The second phase of this stipulation, scheduled to take effect between January 1 and May 1, 1997, will further reduce Missouri residential, commercial and industrial revenues by $11 million per year. During April and May of 1995, the classification of about 600 net commercial customers was changed to industrial to more appropriately reflect their business operations. This change results in the reclassification of about $680,000 (10,300 mwh sales) from commercial to industrial in each subsequent month. Prior periods have not been restated. Continued load growth and more favorable weather boosted retail mwh sales and revenues during all periods. Seasonal revenues also resulted in increased customer accounts receivable versus December 31, 1995. KCPL has long-term sales contracts with certain major industrial customers. These contracts are tailored to meet customers' needs in exchange for their long-term commitment to purchase energy. Long-term contracts are now in place for a large portion of KCPL's industrial sales and more contracts are under negotiation. Overall, these contracts tend to reduce the average mwh price of industrial sales. Although the twelve months ended June 30, 1996, reflects more long-term contracts, the revenue reduction was offset by the customer reclassification discussed above. Bulk power sales vary with system requirements, generating unit and purchased power availability, fuel costs and the requirements of other electric systems. Wolf Creek Generating Station's (Wolf Creek) spring 1996 refueling outage (see Wolf Creek section) contributed to lower bulk power sales during the six and twelve months ended June 30, 1996. A combination of conditions in 1994 allowed KCPL to benefit from record bulk power sales in that year, boosting bulk power sales for the 1995 twelve-month period. Total revenue per mwh sold varies with changes in the mix of mwh sales among customer classifications and the effect of declining price per mwh as usage increases. An automatic fuel adjustment provision is included in only sales for resale tariffs, which apply to less than 1% of revenues. Future mwh sales and revenues per mwh will also be affected by national and local economies, weather and customer conservation efforts. Competition, including alternative sources of energy such as natural gas, cogeneration, IPPs and other electric utilities, may also affect future sales and revenue. FUEL AND PURCHASED POWER Combined fuel and purchased power expenses increased 20%, or $8 million, during the 1996 three-month period compared with the same 1995 period. This is mainly due to a 9% increase in total mwh sales (the total of Retail Sales and Sales for Resale). The 1996 period also reflects additional capacity purchase contracts. These contracts provide a cost-effective alternative to constructing new capacity. Combined fuel and purchased power expenses increased 14%, or $11 million, during the 1996 six-month period compared with the same 1995 period. This increase is due, in part, to a 2% increase in total mwh sales and increased capacity purchases. The 1996 period also reflects increased replacement power expense for Wolf Creek's spring 1996 refueling outage, which began one month early and lasted 19 days longer than planned (see Wolf Creek section). Combined fuel and purchased power expenses increased 16%, or $26 million, during the 1996 twelve-month period compared with the same 1995 period. This increase is partly due to increased capacity purchases and a 3% increase in total mwh sales. In addition, actual replacement power expenses incurred for Wolf Creek's extended 1996 outage were $2 million more than originally accrued. In contrast, the 1995 period reflects Wolf Creek's 1994 record-short outage. Actual replacement power expenses incurred during that outage were about $2 million less than originally accrued. See Wolf Creek section. The 1996 twelve-month period also reflects the effects of a July 1995 fire that forced an outage at LaCygne I, a low-cost, coal-fired generating unit. We replaced the power by increasing the generation at higher-cost, coal-fired units and purchasing power on the wholesale market. Damage to the unit was covered by insurance, but uninsured, incremental fuel and purchased power costs were about $4 million. All 1996 periods reflect increased system average fuel prices. While nuclear fuel costs remain much less than the price of coal, the cost of nuclear fuel increased about 10% during the twelve-month period. Nuclear fuel costs averaged 50% of the price of coal during the current twelve months compared with 44% during the prior twelve-month period. We expect this relationship to steadily increase to around 55% to 60% by 1998 and remain in that range through the year 2000. Coal continues to account for about 75% of generation and nuclear fuel about 25%. The average cost of coal burned decreased from prior periods. Our coal procurement strategies continue to provide coal costs well below the regional average. We expect to maintain coal costs at or below 1995 levels through the year 2000. OTHER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES Combined operations and maintenance expense for the 1996 periods reflect savings realized from Wolf Creek's 1995 and our 1994 voluntary early retirement program. The timing of our normal maintenance program also resulted in changes in maintenance expense between periods. In addition, the 1995 periods reflect several one-time costs totaling about $6 million. These include repairs of the June 1995 storm damage, an extended coal plant maintenance outage and our share of Wolf Creek's voluntary early retirement program costs. We continue to emphasize new technologies, improved methods and cost control. We are changing processes to provide increased efficiencies and improved operations. Through the use of CellNet, a wireless data network, most of our customer meters will be automatically read by the end of 1996. Our CellNet-designed network is the largest existing fixed-point, two-way wireless network in the world. Using this network, we can provide an expanded line of products and services to customers in most of our service area. These types of changes have allowed us to assimilate work performed by those who elected to take part in the early retirement program. OTHER INCOME Miscellaneous Income The six and twelve months ended June 30, 1995, include an $8 million gain from the sale of steel railcars, which were replaced by leased aluminum cars. Aluminum cars are lighter-weight and offer more coal capacity per car, contributing to lower delivered coal prices. The twelve months ended June 30, 1996, includes an adjustment to reduce this gain to $5 million. The adjustment was based on a re-calculation of the cars' net cost. The 1996 twelve-month period also reflects increased interest and dividend income due to subsidiary investments. Miscellaneous Deductions All 1996 periods reflect increased subsidiary operating expenses and the $5 million incurred to defend against Western Resources' hostile takeover offer (see Note 2 to the Financial Statements, Conditional Hostile Bid By Western Resources, Inc.). Income Taxes During the first six months of 1996, we accrued tax credits of $6 million, or one-half, of the total expected 1996 credits related to KLT's affordable housing partnership investments. During the first six months of 1995, we accrued tax credits of $2 million. Accrued tax credits for the twelve months ended June 30, 1996, increased $6 million compared with the same 1995 period. The 1995 six- and twelve-month periods also reflect the 1995 income tax expense related to the gain on the sale of railcars. Non-taxable increases in the cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance contracts also affect the relationship between miscellaneous deductions and income taxes. INTEREST CHARGES Long-term interest expense for the 1996 six- and twelve-month periods increased compared with the same 1995 periods mainly due to increases in subsidiary debt. These borrowings were used to make additional subsidiary investments, including affordable housing limited partnerships. The affordable housing partnerships provide tax benefits that more than offset the related interest expense. Interest expense for the 1996 twelve-month period also reflects slightly higher weighted-average interest rates compared with the same 1995 period. WOLF CREEK Wolf Creek, one of KCPL's principal generating units, represents about 18% of accredited generating capacity. The plant's operating performance has remained strong, contributing about 25% of annual mwh generation while operating, on average, above 80% of capacity over the last three years. It has the lowest fuel cost of any of KCPL's generating units. The Utility Data Institute, an industry database, ranked Wolf Creek as the third-most economical nuclear plant in the nation, based on 1995 production costs per net mwh generated. During 1994, Wolf Creek completed its seventh scheduled refueling and maintenance outage in only 47 days, a plant record. Its eighth scheduled refueling and maintenance outage began in early February 1996 and was completed in April 1996 (64 days). The incremental operating, maintenance and replacement power costs are accrued evenly over the unit's operating cycle, normally 18 months. As actual outage expenses are incurred, the refueling liability and related deferred tax asset are reduced. This outage started one month early when the plant was shut-down after water flow from the cooling lake was restricted by ice buildup on an intake screen. This extended the length of the outage and is the primary reason for the increase in Wolf Creek related replacement power and maintenance expenses for the 1996 six- and twelve-month periods when compared with the same 1995 periods. Currently, no major equipment replacements are expected, but an extended shut-down of Wolf Creek could have a substantial adverse effect on KCPL's business, financial condition and results of operations. Higher replacement power and other costs would be incurred as a result. Although not expected, an unscheduled plant shut-down could be caused by actions of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission reacting to safety concerns at the plant or other similar nuclear units. If a long-term shut-down occurred, the state regulatory commissions could consider reducing rates by excluding the Wolf Creek investment from rate base. Ownership and operation of a nuclear generating unit exposes KCPL to potential retrospective assessments and property losses in excess of insurance coverage. CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND LIQUIDITY As of June 30, 1996, KCPL's liquid resources included cash flows from operations, $98 million of registered but unissued medium-term notes and $243 million of unused bank lines of credit. The unused lines consist of KCPL's short-term bank lines of credit of $131 million and KLT's long-term revolving line of credit of $112 million. KCPL continues to generate positive cash flows from operating activities, although individual components of working capital will vary with normal business cycles and operations including the timing of receipts and payments. The fluctuations in deferred income taxes, investment tax credits and accrued taxes mainly result from the first quarter 1995 settlement of the Internal Revenue Service audit and the timing of the Wolf Creek refueling outage. During the twelve months ended June 30, 1996, KCPL's dividend payout ratio was 75%. We expect day-to-day operations, utility construction requirements and dividends to be met with internally-generated funds. Uncertainties affecting our ability to meet these requirements with internally-generated funds include the effect of inflation on operating expenses, the level of mwh sales, regulatory actions, compliance with future environmental regulations and the availability of generating units. We might incur additional debt and/or issue additional equity to finance growth or take advantage of new opportunities. Through the first six months of 1996, KLT issued about $15 million in long- term debt to finance nonutility investments. KCPL's short-term borrowings increased during this period mainly to repay maturing medium-term notes and make quarterly income tax payments. Debt service requirements will be provided from operations, refinancings and/or short-term debt. PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings. On May 20, 1996, KCPL commenced litigation captioned Kansas City Power & Light Co. v. Western Resources, Inc., et al., C.A. No. 96-0552-CV-W-5 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Western Division (District Court), against Western Resources, Inc. (Western Resources) and Robert L. Rives (Rives). KCPL sought a declaratory judgment that the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among KCPL, KC Merger Sub, Inc., UtiliCorp and KC United Corp., dated as of January 19, 1996, as amended and restated as of May 20, 1996 (Amended Merger Agreement), and the transactions contemplated thereby (collectively, the Transaction) were in accordance with Missouri law and were not void, voidable, nor subject to injunction or rescission based upon any claim that KCPL's directors, officers or agents acted illegally or inequitably in adopting the Amended Merger Agreement. On May 24, 1996, Jack R. Manson (Manson), a shareholder of KCPL, filed a motion to intervene in the above action as a representative of a class consisting of similarly situated KCPL shareholders. On June 7, 1996, this motion to intervene was granted. Manson filed counterclaims against KCPL and each of its directors alleging that KCPL and its directors breached their fiduciary duties; that their actions in adopting the Amended Merger Agreement were illegal and ultra vires; that the adoption of the Amended Merger Agreement illegally deprived KCPL shareholders of voting and appraisal rights under Missouri law; and that the adoption of the Amended Merger Agreement was a disproportionate response to Western Resources' acquisition offer. On June 7, 1996, Western Resources and Rives answered the complaint and asserted two counterclaims against KCPL, alleging that the Amended Merger Agreement was illegal under Missouri law because it did not require approval of two-thirds of all outstanding KCPL shares and did not provide dissenters' rights to KCPL shareholders, and that the directors of KCPL breached their fiduciary duties by adopting the Amended Merger Agreement. On July 25 and 26, 1996, the District Court heard evidence and argument on the issues of the legality of the Amended Merger Agreement and its adoption. On August 2, 1996, the District Court ruled that although the transactions contemplated by the Amended Merger Agreement were legally valid and authorized under Missouri law, their use in conjunction results in a merger between KCPL and UtiliCorp, rendering applicable the Missouri statute requiring approval of certain mergers by two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the merging corporation's stock. As a consequence of the District Court's decision, KCPL shareholders could be entitled to dissenters' rights of appraisal in connection with the UtiliCorp merger. KCPL believes the District Court's conclusion that Missouri law requires the Transaction be approved by two-thirds of KCPL's outstanding shares is erroneous, and KCPL continues to believe the only shareholder vote required in connection with the Transaction is the approval of the issuance of KCPL shares pursuant to the Amended Merger Agreement (Share Issuance) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of KCPL shares voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present, as required by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The District Court indicated on August 5, 1996 that it would consider entering an order that would permit immediate appeal of its August 2, 1996 ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (Court of Appeals), after the Special Meeting of Shareholders (Special Meeting) scheduled for August 16, 1996 is held. Assuming a majority of the KCPL shares voting at the Special Meeting approve the Share Issuance, KCPL intends to seek immediate leave of the District Court to pursue an expedited appeal to the Court of Appeals. There can be no assurance that an appeal will proceed or as to the timing or the outcome thereof. If a majority of the shares voting at the Special Meeting approve the Share Issuance and the District Court permits KCPL's appeal of the District Court's August 2, 1996 ruling to the Court of Appeals, there may be an extended period of time before the Court of Appeals renders a decision. Should the District Court's August 2, 1996 order remain in effect, the vote at the Special Meeting will not be used by KCPL to implement the KCPL/UtiliCorp merger irrespective of the vote obtained. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. The Company held its Annual Meeting on May 22, 1996. The following directors were elected by cumulative voting to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 1997: Abstentions (Withheld Authority) Votes Cast to Vote for All For Directors __________ __________ David L. Bodde 40,265,518 11,344,089 William H. Clark 40,248,956 11,360,651 Robert J. Dineen 40,275,255 11,344,352 Arthur J. Doyle 40,199,659 11,409,948 W. Thomas Grant II 40,252,416 11,357,191 A. Drue Jennings 40,261,653 11,347,954 George E. Nettels, Jr. 40,281,818 11,327,789 Linda Hood Talbott 40,253,368 11,356,239 Robert H. West 40,280,738 11,328,869 The appointment of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. as independent auditors was also ratified by the following vote: For 41,897,989 Against 1,076,139 Abstentions 8,246,887 Item 5. Other Matters AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER WITH UTILICORP UNITED INC. - UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following unaudited pro forma financial information combines the historical consolidated balance sheets and statements of income of Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCPL) and UtiliCorp United Inc. (UtiliCorp), including their respective subsidiaries, after giving effect to the Transaction. Further information concerning The Amended Merger Agreement and proposed merger Transaction is included in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I of this report. The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet at June 30, 1996, gives effect to the Transaction as if it had occurred at June 30, 1996. The unaudited pro forma combined statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 1996, and 1995, give effect to the Transaction as if it had occurred at the beginning of those periods. These statements are prepared on a basis consistent with generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, the statements are prepared on the basis of accounting for the Transaction as a pooling of interests and are based on the assumptions set forth in the notes thereto. The following pro forma financial information has been prepared from, and should be read in connection with, the historical consolidated financial statements and related notes of KCPL and UtiliCorp. The following information is not necessarily indicative of the financial position or operating results that would have occurred had the Transaction been consummated on the date, or at the beginning of the periods, for which the Transaction is being given effect nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial position. MAXIM ENERGIES, INC. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET June 30, 1996 (thousands)
UtiliCorp KCPL Pro Forma (as reported) (as reported) Combined Utility plant in service $ 2,722,991 $ 3,417,505 $6,140,496 Accumulated depreciation 1,046,647 1,194,321 2,240,968 Net utility plant in service 1,676,344 2,223,184 3,899,528 Construction work in progress and nuclear fuel, net 80,193 134,081 214,274 Total utility plant, net 1,756,537 2,357,265 4,113,802 Other property and investments 1,180,457 190,006 1,370,463 Current assets 611,716 165,584 777,300 Deferred charges and other assets 366,352 186,817 553,169 Total assets $ 3,915,062 $ 2,899,672 $6,814,734 Capitalization: Common stock and premium on common stock (Note 1) $ 873,711 $ 449,697 $1,323,408 Retained earnings 128,042 451,980 580,022 Other stockholders' equity (7,735) (1,714) (9,449) Total common equity 994,018 899,963 1,893,981 Preferred and preference stock (Note 4) 25,356 90,276 115,632 Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of partnership 100,000 - 100,000 Long-term debt, net 1,380,495 829,136 2,209,631 Total capitalization 2,499,869 1,819,375 4,319,244 Current liabilities 902,133 267,343 1,169,476 Deferred income taxes 269,082 651,365 920,447 Other deferred liabilities 243,978 161,589 405,567 Total capitalization and liabilities $ 3,915,062 $ 2,899,672 $6,814,734 See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Statements.
MAXIM ENERGIES, INC. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME For the Quarters Ended June 30 (thousands, except per share data)
1996 1995 UtiliCorp KCPL Pro Forma UtiliCorp KCPL Pro Forma Increase (as reported) (as reported) Combined (as reported) (as reported) Combined (decrease) Operating revenues $764,997 $226,205 $991,202 $600,766 $205,305 $806,071 $ 185,131 Operating expenses 729,814 164,780 894,594 565,812 162,341 728,153 166,441 Operating income before income taxes 35,183 61,425 96,608 34,954 42,964 77,918 18,690 Interest charges 37,957 14,546 52,503 33,003 13,503 46,506 5,997 Other income (deductions), net 49,635 (8,523) 41,112 7,911 (2,952) 4,959 36,153 Income before income taxes 46,861 38,356 85,217 9,862 26,509 36,371 48,846 Income taxes 20,540 10,682 31,222 2,627 7,813 10,440 20,782 Net income 26,321 27,674 53,995 7,235 18,696 25,931 28,064 Preference and preferred stock dividend requirements (Note 4) 512 935 1,447 512 1,022 1,534 (87) Earnings available for common shares $ 25,809 $ 26,739 $ 52,548 $ 6,723 $ 17,674 $ 24,397 $ 28,151 Weighted average common shares outstanding (Note 1) - Primary 46,701 61,902 108,603 45,052 61,902 106,954 1,649 - Fully diluted (Note 5) 47,025 61,902 108,927 45,548 61,902 107,450 1,477 Earnings per share - Primary $ 0.55 $ 0.43 $ 0.48 $ 0.15 $ 0.29 $ 0.23 $ 0.25 - Fully diluted (Note 5) $ 0.55 $ 0.43 $ 0.48 $ 0.15 $ 0.29 $ 0.23 $ 0.25 See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Statements.
MAXIM ENERGIES, INC. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME For the Six Months Ended June 30 (thousands, except per share data)
1996 1996 1996 1995 1995 1995 UtiliCorp KCPL Pro Forma UtiliCorp KCPL Pro Forma Increase (as reported) (as reported) Combined (as reported) (as reported) Combined (decrease) Operating revenues $ 1,849,431 $ 432,829 2,282,260 $ 1,327,069 $ 404,211 $1,731,280 $ 550,980 Operating expenses 1,727,333 323,047 2,050,380 1,210,630 320,187 1,530,817 519,563 Operating income before income taxes 122,098 109,782 231,880 116,439 84,024 200,463 31,417 Interest charges 72,873 28,804 101,677 63,885 26,526 90,411 11,266 Other income (deductions), net 62,607 (10,907) 51,700 11,582 3,851 15,433 36,267 Income before income taxes 111,832 70,071 181,903 64,136 61,349 125,485 56,418 Income taxes 48,199 17,874 66,073 24,735 19,766 44,501 21,572 Net income 63,633 52,197 115,830 39,401 41,583 80,984 34,846 Preference and preferred stock dividend requirements (Note 4) 1,025 1,892 2,917 1,025 2,048 3,073 (156) Earnings available for common shares $ 62,608 $ 50,305 $ 112,913 $ 38,376 $ 39,535 $ 77,911 $ 35,002 Weighted average common shares outstanding (Note 1) - Primary 46,467 61,902 108,369 44,928 61,902 106,830 1,539 - Fully diluted (Note 5) 46,796 61,902 108,698 45,426 61,902 107,328 1,370 Earnings per share - Primary $ 1.35 $ 0.81 $ 1.04 $ 0.85 $ 0.64 $ 0.73 $ 0.31 - Fully diluted (Note 5) $ 1.34 $ 0.81 $ 1.04 $ 0.85 $ 0.64 $ 0.73 $ 0.31 See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Statements.
MAXIM ENERGIES, INC. NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. The pro forma combined financial statements are presented as if the companies were combined during all periods included herein. No pro forma adjustments were necessary. 2. The allocation between KCPL and UtiliCorp and their customers of the about $600 million in net estimated cost savings over the ten-year period following the Transaction, less transaction costs, will be subject to regulatory review and approval. Transaction costs, currently estimated to be about $40 million (including fees for financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, consultants, filings and printing), are being deferred for post-merger amortization in accordance with future regulatory approval. As of June 30, 1996, $12 and $9 million in merger-related costs had been deferred by KCPL and UtiliCorp, respectively. The net estimated costs savings and transactions costs do not reflect certain other costs that could be incurred by Maxim, such as increases or decreases in costs caused by the provisions of the employment agreements with Messrs. Jennings and Green, severance agreements with certain executives and the Maxim management incentive compensation plans. The net estimated cost savings, transaction costs and certain other costs have not been reflected in the pro forma combined financial statements because of the inability to predict regulatory treatment or estimate the amount of such costs that would impact any one period. 3. Intercompany transactions (including purchased and exchanged power transactions) between KCPL and UtiliCorp during the periods presented were not material and, accordingly, no pro forma adjustments were made to eliminate the transactions. All financial statement presentation and accounting policy differences are immaterial and have not been adjusted in the pro forma combined financial statements. 4. Prior to the consummation of the Transaction, KCPL and UtiliCorp must redeem their preferred stock outstanding as provided in the Merger Agreement. Because the basis of accounting for the merger is a pooling of interests, the effect of these redemptions is not required to be reflected in the pro forma combined financial statements. The only redemption premium, as of December 31, 1995, is $755,000 applicable to the KCPL preferred stock. The on-going effect of these redemptions is expected to be immaterial. 5. The fully diluted earnings per common share was determined assuming UtiliCorp's outstanding convertible subordinated debentures were converted into UtiliCorp common stock at the beginning of the periods presented. In calculating fully diluted earnings per share, earnings available for common shares were adjusted to eliminate interest expense, net of tax. CONDITIONAL HOSTILE BID BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I of this report. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K. EXHIBITS 27. Financial Data Schedule (for the six months ended June 30, 1996). REPORTS ON FORM 8-K A Report on Form 8-K was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 22, 1996, with attached copy of a press release announcing Kansas City Power & Light Company and UtiliCorp United Inc. had entered into an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger. A Report on Form 8-K was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 28, 1996, with attached copy of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger among Kansas City Power & Light Company, KC Merger Sub, Inc., UtiliCorp United Inc., and KC United Corp., dated as of January 19, 1996, and as amended and restated on May 20, 1996, and forms of an Affiliate Agreement, an Employment Agreement of A. Drue Jennings and an Employment of Agreement of Richard C. Green, Jr. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY Dated: August 13, 1996 /s/Drue Jennings (Drue Jennings) (Chief Executive Officer) Dated: August 13, 1996 /s/Neil Roadman (Neil Roadman) (Principal Accounting Officer)
 

UT 1,000 6-MOS Dec-31-1996 Jun-30-1996 PER-BOOK 2,357,265 190,006 165,584 186,817 0 2,899,672 449,697 (1,714) 451,980 899,963 1,276 89,000 829,136 8,000 0 61,000 56,591 0 0 0 954,706 2,899,672 432,829 32,340 323,047 355,387 77,442 3,559 81,001 28,804 52,197 1,892 50,305 48,284 26,629 95,249 0.81 0.81