MONTEREY RESOURCES INC
S-1/A, 1996-10-22
CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 22, 1996
    
 
   
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-12201
    
================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
 
                             ---------------------
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
    
   
                                       to
    
                                    FORM S-1
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                             ---------------------
                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                               <C>                               <C>
             DELAWARE                            1311                           76-0511993
 (State or other jurisdiction of     (Primary Standard Industrial            (I.R.S. Employer
  incorporation or organization)     Classification Code Number)          Identification Number)
</TABLE>
 
                             ---------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
                5201 TRUXTUN AVENUE                                 R. GRAHAM WHALING
                   SUITE NO. 100                                   5201 TRUXTUN AVENUE
           BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA 93309                              SUITE NO. 100
                  (805) 322-3992                              BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA 93309
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,                   (805) 322-3992
       including area code, of registrant's         (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
           principal executive offices)             number, including area code, of agent for service)
</TABLE>
 
                                   Copies to:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
             G. MICHAEL O'LEARY, ESQ.                            MARC S. ROSENBERG, ESQ.
              ANDREWS & KURTH L.L.P.                             TIMOTHY G. MASSAD, ESQ.
             4200 TEXAS COMMERCE TOWER                           CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE
               HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002                                 825 EIGHTH AVENUE
                  (713) 220-4200                                NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
                                                                     (212) 474-1000
</TABLE>
 
                             ---------------------
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective.
                             ---------------------
 
     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box.  / /
 
     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.  / / ________________
 
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  / / ______________
 
     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  / /
 
   
     The shares of Common Stock are not being registered for the purpose of
sales outside the United States.
    
 
   
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
    
===============================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
***************************************************************************
*                                                                         *
*  INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A  *
*  REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED     *
*  WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT  *
*  BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE        *
*  REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT    *
*  CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY     *
*  NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH  *
*  SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO            *
*  REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH    *
*  STATE.                                                                 *
*                                                                         *
***************************************************************************

 
   
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 22, 1996
    
                                7,900,000 SHARES
 
[MONTEREY RESOURCES,        MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
INC. LOGO]  
                                 COMMON STOCK
                           (PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE)

                             ---------------------
   
     Of the 7,900,000 shares of Common Stock offered, 6,320,000 are being
offered hereby in the United States and 1,580,000 are being offered in a
concurrent international offering outside the United States. The initial public
offering price and the aggregate underwriting discount per share will be
identical for both offerings. See "Underwriting".
    
 
     All of the 7,900,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby are being sold
by the Company, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Santa Fe Energy Resources,
Inc. Upon completion of the offerings, Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc. will own
approximately 85% (83% if the Underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised
in full) of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company.
 
   
     Prior to the offerings, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock of the Company. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering
price per share will be between $13 and $15. For factors to be considered in
determining the initial public offering price, see "Underwriting".
    
 
   
     SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 15 FOR CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO AN
INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK.
    
 
   
     The Common Stock has been approved for listing, subject to notice of
issuance, on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MRC".
    
                             ---------------------

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS
     THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
       COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
       PROSPECTUS.
        ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                             ---------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          INITIAL PUBLIC        UNDERWRITING          PROCEEDS TO
                                          OFFERING PRICE         DISCOUNT(1)          COMPANY(2)
                                       -------------------    ----------------     ----------------
<S>                                    <C>                      <C>                  <C>
Per Share..............................           $                   $                    $
Total(3)...............................           $                   $                    $
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
    liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
   
(2) Before deducting estimated expenses of $3,000,000 payable by the Company.
    
   
(3) The Company has granted the U.S. Underwriters an option for 30 days to
    purchase up to an additional 948,000 shares of Common Stock at the initial
    public offering price per share, less the underwriting discount, solely to
    cover over-allotments. Additionally, the Company has granted the
    International Underwriters a similar option with respect to an additional
    237,000 shares as part of the concurrent international offering. If such
    options are exercised in full, the total initial public offering price,
    underwriting discount and proceeds to Company will be $          ,
    $          , and $          , respectively. See "Underwriting".
    
                             ---------------------
   
     The shares offered hereby are offered severally by the U.S. Underwriters,
as specified herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them and subject to
their right to reject any order in whole or in part. It is expected that
certificates for the shares will be ready for delivery in New York, New York, on
or about November   , 1996, against payment therefor in immediately available
funds.
    
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
                              MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
                                      INCORPORATED
                                                            PETRIE PARKMAN & CO.
                             ---------------------

               The date of this Prospectus is November   , 1996.
<PAGE>   3
 
                           [MAP OF MAJOR PROPERTIES]
 
   
IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERINGS, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK
OFFERED HEREBY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE OR
OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
    
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
   
     The Company has not previously been subject to the informational
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). The
Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the "Registration Statement") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the
shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company offered
hereby. This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of the Registration Statement,
does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement,
certain items of which are contained in exhibits and schedules to the
Registration Statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the
Commission. For further information with respect to the Company and the Common
Stock offered hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement, including
the exhibits and schedules thereto. Statements made in this Prospectus
concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are not
necessarily complete; with respect to each such contract, agreement or other
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, reference is made to
the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved, and each
such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The Registration
Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto filed with the Commission by
the Company may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the regional offices of the Commission located at
7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 or on the Internet at
http://www.sec.gov. Copies of such material can also be obtained upon written
request from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at Judiciary Plaza,
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The
Company's periodic reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the
Company with the Commission can also be inspected at the offices of The New York
Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
    
 
   
     The Company intends to furnish its stockholders with annual reports
containing audited financial statements examined by an independent public
accounting firm for each fiscal year.
    
 
                              CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
   
     As used herein, the following terms have the specific meanings set out:
"Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Monterey
Resources, Inc. (the "Company"). "Bbl" means barrel, "MBbl" means thousand
barrels, "MMBbl" means million barrels, "Mcf" means thousand cubic feet, "MMcf"
means million cubic feet, "Bcf" means billion cubic feet, "BOE" means barrel of
oil equivalent, "MBOE" means thousand barrels of oil equivalent, and "MMBOE"
means million barrels of oil equivalent. Natural gas volumes are converted to
barrels of oil equivalent using the ratio of 6.0 Mcf of natural gas to 1.0
barrel of crude oil. Unless otherwise indicated in this Prospectus, natural gas
volumes are stated at the legal pressure base of the state or area in which the
reserves are located and at 60(o) Fahrenheit. "Finding costs" refers to costs
incurred for development, exploration and acquisition activities which add to
the Company's oil and gas reserves. "Finding costs per BOE" refers to the
finding costs divided by net proved reserve additions from acquisitions,
extensions, discoveries, improved recovery and revisions, on a BOE basis.
"Improved recovery", "enhanced oil recovery" and "EOR" include all methods of
supplementing natural reservoir forces and energy, or otherwise increasing
ultimate recovery from a reservoir, and include waterfloods, thermal techniques
(including cyclic steam, steam flood and in situ combustion operations) and
CO(2) (carbon dioxide) injection. "Heavy oil" or "heavy crude" is low gravity,
high viscosity crude oil. "Working interest" means an operating interest which
gives the owner the right to drill, produce and conduct operating activities on
a property and to a share of production and requires the owner to bear a
proportionate share of related expenses. "Net revenue interest" means the
percentage of production to which the owner of a working interest is entitled.
"Net acres" and "net wells" refer to the sum of the fractional working interests
owned in gross acres and gross wells, respectively. Unless otherwise indicated,
references to "reserves" means net proved reserves and references to "wells"
means gross wells. "EBITDA" is defined as the sum of income before provision for
income taxes, interest, depreciation, depletion, amortization, impairments and
certain non-cash charges including gains or losses realized on the disposition
of properties. In this Prospectus, references to "dollars," "U.S.$" and "$" are
to United States dollars.
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
   
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and historical and pro forma financial statements appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, references to the
assets, operations and performance of the "Company" prior to the closing of the
Offerings (defined herein) refer to the assets, operations and performance of
the Western Division (the "Western Division") of Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.
("SFR"). Unless otherwise indicated, all data in this Prospectus assume the
Underwriters' over-allotment options are not exercised. Certain terms used
herein are defined under "Certain Definitions".
    
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
   
     Monterey Resources, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SFR (the "Company"),
is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the production, development and
acquisition of oil and natural gas in the State of California. As of September
1, 1996 the Company had net proved reserves of approximately 214 MMBOE with a
pre-tax net present value, discounted at 10%, of approximately $750 million,
according to estimates prepared by Ryder Scott Company, independent petroleum
engineers ("Ryder Scott"). In 1995 the Company's operations generated total
revenues of approximately $211 million, EBITDA of approximately $108 million and
net income of approximately $34 million. During the nine months ended September
30, 1996, the Company's average production was approximately 47 MBOE per day,
resulting in a reserve-to-production ratio of 12.5 years.
    
 
   
     The Company was formed in August 1996 to own the properties and conduct the
business of the Western Division of SFR following a determination by SFR's board
of directors to separate SFR's operations into two independent companies. The
SFR board made this determination because SFR's oil and gas operations have
developed, over time, into separate businesses that operate independently and
have diverging capital requirements and risk profiles. In addition, the board
believes that separating SFR's operations into two independent companies will
allow each to more efficiently develop its distinct resource base and pursue
separate business opportunities while providing each with improved access to
capital markets. While the Company will focus its efforts on its California
properties, SFR has advised the Company that SFR intends to focus on developing
and exploiting its properties outside of California and pursuing acquisition and
exploration opportunities in other areas of the United States and abroad. The
Offerings and the other transactions to be effected at or prior to the closing
of the Offerings are the initial phase of the separation of these two
businesses. Immediately after the Offerings are consummated, SFR will own
approximately 85% of the outstanding Common Stock. The second phase of the
separation will involve the distribution of the shares of Common Stock owned by
SFR following the Offerings to the common stockholders of SFR. See
"-- Transactions at Closing" and "-- Relationship Between the Company and
SFR -- Intended Spin Off by SFR".
    
 
   
     The Company owns and operates properties in four major oil producing fields
located in the San Joaquin Valley of California: Midway-Sunset, Kern River,
South Belridge and Coalinga. These fields are among the most prolific oil fields
in the United States, particularly Midway-Sunset, Kern River, and South
Belridge, which are the three largest producing oil fields in the lower 48
states. The Midway-Sunset field accounted for approximately 78% of the Company's
total proved reserves at September 1, 1996 and 74% of its average daily
production for the first nine months of 1996. An additional 18% of the Company's
total proved reserves as of September 1, 1996, and 21% of its average daily
production for the first nine months of 1996 were attributable to the Kern
River, South Belridge and Coalinga fields. The Company initiated production from
the San Joaquin Valley fields in 1905 and nearly all of the reserves in these
fields have been characterized by low gravity and high viscosity or "heavy" oil,
the production of which depends primarily on thermally enhanced recovery
techniques. The Company holds an interest in approximately 16,000 gross acres in
these fields with an average working interest in these properties of
approximately 99%.
    
 
     The Company seeks to accelerate its growth in both production and reserves
through an active development program which concentrates on the use of heat
(typically in the form of steam) to reduce the viscosity and increase the
producibility of its reserve base. During the five years ended December 31,
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
   
1995, the Company spent a total of $176 million (an average of $35 million per
year) on development activities on its properties. Cumulative production from
the Company's properties during the same five-year period exceeded 78 MMBOE
while additions to proved reserves exceeded 97 MMBOE (yielding 19 MMBOE net
additions after production). The table set forth below demonstrates the growth
in the Company's proved reserve base, as estimated by Ryder Scott:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PROVED RESERVES
                                          -------------------------------------------------------
                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                          ---------------------------------------    SEPTEMBER 1,
                                          1991    1992    1993(1)    1994    1995        1996
                                          ----    ----    -------    ----    ----    ------------
    <S>                                   <C>     <C>     <C>        <C>     <C>     <C>
    Crude oil (MMBbls)..................  183     190       184      191     200          212
    Natural gas (BCF)...................   22      19        12       13      12           12
      Total (MMBOE).....................  187     193       186      193     202          214
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The reduction in proved reserves in 1993 primarily reflects the sale of the
    Western Division's interests in certain properties containing estimated
    proved reserves of approximately 5.7 MMBOE.
 
   
Based on reservoir engineering studies prepared by Ryder Scott, the Company
believes that it can continue to make significant additions to proved reserves
on its properties through additional EOR and development projects, and the
Company has developed a large inventory of such projects. The Company
anticipates spending approximately $51 million during 1996 (of which $38 million
has been expended through September 30, 1996) and $68 million during 1997 on
additional development projects on its properties. Because the actual amounts
expended in the future and the results therefrom will be influenced by numerous
factors, including many beyond the Company's control, and due to the inherent
uncertainty of reservoir engineering studies, no assurances can be given as to
the amounts that will be expended or, if expended, that the results therefrom
will be consistent with the Company's prior experience or expectations. See
"Business -- Development Activities".
    
 
                            ORGANIZATION OF MONTEREY
 
   
     The Company is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of SFR. Following the
Offerings, SFR and the purchasers in the Offerings will own 85.2% and 14.8%,
respectively, of the Company's outstanding Common Stock. The Company's structure
prior to and after the Offerings is set forth below:
    

 
       [THE COMPANY'S STRUCTURE PRIOR TO AND AFTER THE OFFERINGS CHART]


 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
                                    STRATEGY
 
     The Company's strategy is to efficiently and consistently increase its
production rates and proved reserves while maximizing total return to
stockholders. The Company intends to achieve its objectives by developing its
existing fields through the deployment of advanced production techniques, by
pursuing reserve acquisition opportunities which are consistent with its
geographic and operational strengths, and by maintaining a dividend policy that
will provide a significant current return to stockholders. Key elements of the
Company's strategy include:
 
   
     ACCELERATED EXPLOITATION PROGRAM. The Company plans to increase its
investment in relatively low-risk development and infill drilling opportunities
in its existing fields in order to maximize production and reserves over the
long-term. During the five years ended December 31, 1995, the Company completed
1,064 well operations (which include development and injection wells, workovers
and recompletions), of which 1,062 were successful. These operations contributed
proved reserve additions of approximately 97 MMBOE at an average finding cost of
$2.32 per BOE. Reserve additions in 1995 totaled approximately 24 MMBOE, more
than 150% of production for the year. The Company expects to complete more than
300 well operations in each of 1996 and 1997 with budgeted capital expenditures
during such years of approximately $51 million and $68 million, respectively.
The Company believes that its sizable project inventory will allow it to
continue to increase its production and reserves over the next several years.
    
 
   
     INCREASED HORIZONTAL DRILLING. The Company has recently begun to utilize
horizontal drilling techniques, which have increased production and ultimate
reserve recovery on its existing properties. The Company drilled six horizontal
wells in the Midway-Sunset field during the first nine months of 1996 which are
currently producing at rates ranging from 80 to 400 Bbls per day (an average of
150 Bbls per day) per well compared to an average of 20 Bbls per day from the
Company's conventional vertical wells, although there can be no assurance that
such rates can be sustained in the future. The Company expects to complete 45
additional horizontal wells by the end of 1997 at an expected capital cost of
approximately $20 million, although the actual number of horizontal wells
drilled could be increased or decreased based upon the results realized from the
horizontal wells completed. While horizontal drilling has only recently been
employed in the Company's operations, the Company believes that this technology
represents a significant opportunity for more cost-effective development,
increased reserves, increased production and total recovery rates from its
properties.
    
 
   
     LOW COST PRODUCER. The Company believes that its finding costs and
producing costs are among the lowest for heavy crude producers in the United
States. Due to the reservoir characteristics of the Company's producing
properties and the extensive development activities conducted to date thereon,
such properties are well suited to low cost development and exploitation
drilling. For example, the Company's average finding cost for the three years
ended December 31, 1995 was $1.97 per BOE. In addition, continuing cost control
efforts have contributed to the reduction of its production and operating costs
from $6.52 per BOE in 1991 to $5.75 per BOE for the first nine months of 1996
(excluding hedging losses of $0.25 per BOE). The Company plans to continue to
pursue operational efficiencies, including facilities upgrades and process
consolidations with adjoining producers, to further reduce both finding and
producing costs.
    
 
   
     FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY. The Company believes that the
consummation of the Offerings and the related transactions will give the Company
significantly more operational and financial flexibility, including the ability
to (i) maintain an appropriate capital structure, (ii) focus its available
financial resources on the development of its producing properties in California
and (iii) pursue selective acquisition opportunities as they arise. On a pro
forma basis, after giving effect to the consummation of the Offerings and the
Transactions, the Company had total indebtedness of $214 million as of September
30, 1996 and a pro forma ratio of EBITDA to interest expense for the first nine
months of 1996 of 6.6 to 1.0.
    
 
   
     SIGNIFICANT DIVIDEND PAYOUT. Following the Offerings, the Company intends
to maintain a dividend policy that will provide a significant return to
stockholders. The Company intends to pay dividends at a rate of $0.60 per share
per annum to the holders of Common Stock (representing a yield of 4.3%
    
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
   
assuming an initial public offering price of $14 per share). However, the actual
amount of future dividends declared and paid, if any, will depend upon the
declaration of same by the Company's board of directors and upon the Company's
financial condition, earnings and funds from operations, the level of its
capital and exploration expenditures, dividend restrictions contained in its
financing agreements, its future business prospects and such other matters as
the directors of the Company may deem relevant.
    
 
   
     APPLICATION OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES. The Company will continue to utilize
its growing technology base, including increasing use of 3-D seismic surveys,
water floods, thermal EOR techniques, new fracturing techniques and reservoir
modeling. The Company believes that 3-D seismic techniques may identify
significant additional reserves and has recently entered into a joint venture
with Chevron U.S.A., Inc. to conduct a 3-D seismic survey of certain properties
in the Midway-Sunset field. The Company has extensive experience with EOR
techniques and has conducted steamflood operations on its properties since the
1960s. The Company has improved its thermal EOR techniques over time and is
currently focusing on efficient reservoir heat management techniques which are
intended to optimize recoveries and minimize fuel costs. The Company believes
that its expertise in utilizing advanced technologies will allow it to identify
and recover additional reserves in its existing properties.
    
 
   
     EXPLOITATION OF FAVORABLE MARKET CONDITIONS. Market conditions for
producers of California heavy crude have improved significantly in recent years.
Based upon statistics developed by the California Energy Commission and the U.S.
Census Bureau, California consumes more energy than any other state in the
United States and its energy consumption is expected to grow through at least
the year 2000 as its population expands. While California's energy consumption
continues to increase, California's aggregate crude supply has decreased
primarily as the result of three factors: (i) declining California crude
production; (ii) reduced oil supplies to California from the Alaskan North Slope
(which provided 40% of the crude oil consumed by refiners in California during
1995) resulting from a decline in production and the initiation of sales to
foreign markets; and (iii) the availability of new transportation systems which
enable San Joaquin producers to sell crude oil outside California. The Company
believes that California's growing energy demand and declining crude oil supply,
together with other market factors, have contributed to the increase in average
posted prices for the Midway-Sunset field (for heavy crude) from $12.08 per Bbl
in 1991 to $15.25 per Bbl for the first nine months of 1996. In addition, the
spread between the West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") posted price (for light
crude) and the Midway-Sunset field posted price (for heavy crude) has declined
from $8.12 per Bbl in 1991 to $4.37 per Bbl for the first nine months of 1996.
There can be no assurances, however, with respect to future Midway-Sunset field
posted prices for crude oil or the future spread between WTI and Midway-Sunset
posted prices.
    
 
   
     REGIONAL EXPERTISE. The Company is one of the largest independent oil
producers in California, based upon a 1995 report of the California Department
of Conservation. The Company intends to continue to focus on this region in
order to capitalize on its geologic, engineering and production expertise
developed through continuous operations in the area since 1905. The Company
believes that such expertise gives it the ability to efficiently develop
additions to proved reserves in the Company's existing portfolio of properties
as well as to identify potential acquisitions.
    
 
                            TRANSACTIONS AT CLOSING
 
     Prior to or concurrently with the consummation of the Offerings, the
following transactions will occur:
 
   
          (a) the Company and SFR will enter into a contribution and conveyance
     agreement (the "Contribution Agreement"), pursuant to which, among other
     things: (i) SFR will contribute to the Company substantially all of the
     assets and properties of the Western Division, subject to the retention by
     SFR of the Production Payment (as defined below) and certain other assets
     (see "Relationship Between the Company and SFR -- Contractual
     Arrangements -- Contribution Agreement"); (ii) SFR will retain a production
     payment (the "Production Payment") in an aggregate amount not to exceed $30
     million, with respect to certain properties in the Midway-Sunset field,
     which Production Payment will be prepayable in whole or in part without
     penalty by the Company at any time or from time to time; (iii) the Company
     will assume all obligations and liabilities of SFR
    
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
   
     associated with or allocated to the assets and properties of the Western
     Division, including $245 million of indebtedness in respect of SFR's 10.23%
     Series E Notes due 1997, 10.27% Series F Notes due 1998 and 10.61% Series G
     Notes due 2005 (the "Series E Notes", "Series F Notes" and "Series G
     Notes", respectively, and the "SFR Senior Notes", collectively); and (iv)
     the Company and SFR will agree that under certain circumstances the Company
     will purchase from SFR the surface rights to approximately 116 surface
     acres in Orange County, California (the "Olinda Property") to be retained
     by SFR, which surface rights are currently held by SFR under a contract for
     sale to a third party;
    
 
   
          (b) the Company will (i) use a portion of the net proceeds of the
     Offerings to repay in full the $70 million aggregate principal amount of
     the Series E Notes and Series F Notes and accrued and unpaid interest
     thereon, and pay a prepayment penalty of approximately $2.5 million thereon
     and (ii) issue $175 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10.61%
     Senior Notes due 2005 (the "Company Senior Notes") to holders of the Series
     G Notes in exchange for the cancellation of such notes, and pay a $1.3
     million consent fee in connection therewith;
    
 
   
          (c) (i) SFR and the Company will enter into a new $75 million
     revolving credit facility with a group of banks (the "New Credit Facility")
     and SFR is expected to borrow approximately $16 million thereunder, and
     (ii) upon consummation of the Offerings, the Company will repay all such
     indebtedness outstanding under the New Credit Facility with a portion of
     the net proceeds of the Offerings; and
    
 
          (d) SFR and the Company will enter into certain intercompany
     agreements regarding corporate services, taxes, indemnification and certain
     other matters as more fully described under "-- Relationship Between the
     Company and SFR".
 
   
     Promptly following the consummation of the Offerings, the Company intends
to prepay the Production Payment in full with funds available under the New
Credit Facility. The transactions described above, excluding the Offerings but
including prepayment of the Production Payment, are referred to herein
collectively as the "Transactions".
    
 
   
     In addition to the Transactions described above, SFR has (a) commenced an
offer to purchase for cash (the "SFR Tender Offer") outstanding shares of its
Convertible Preferred Stock, 7% Series (the "Convertible Preferred Stock"); and
(b) executed a supplemental indenture relating to its $100 million outstanding
principal amount of 11% Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2004 (the "SFR
Debentures") which permits the Transactions and the Spin Off (defined herein) to
be effected (the "SFR Debenture Amendments"). The closing of the SFR Tender
Offer is not a condition to the consummation of the Offerings.
    
 
   
     As of September 30, 1996, and after giving pro forma effect to consummation
of the Offerings and the Transactions, the Company would have had cash of $11
million, total assets of $443 million, total debt outstanding of $214 million
and shareholders' equity of $137 million. See the Pro Forma Financial Statements
of the Company included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
    
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
                                 THE OFFERINGS
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>
Common Stock offered (1)(2):
  U.S. Offering........................  6,320,000 shares
  International Offering...............  1,580,000 shares
          Total........................  7,900,000 shares
Common Stock to be outstanding
  after the Offerings(2)(3)............  53,250,000 shares
Use of Proceeds........................  The net proceeds of the Offerings will be used to
                                         repay certain outstanding indebtedness of the
                                         Company (including indebtedness assumed from SFR
                                         pursuant to the Contribution Agreement) and the
                                         balance, if any, will be used for working capital
                                         purposes. See "Use of Proceeds".
Dividend Policy........................  The Company currently intends to pay to its
                                         stockholders a dividend of $0.15 per quarter ($0.60
                                         annually) per share of Common Stock. The first
                                         dividend (which is anticipated to be approximately
                                         $0.22 per share of Common Stock) is anticipated to
                                         be paid in April 1997 in respect of the Company's
                                         first partial quarter ending December 31, 1996 and
                                         its first full quarter of operations ending March
                                         31, 1997. The determination of the amount of cash
                                         dividends (including the initial quarterly dividend
                                         referred to above), if any, to be declared and paid
                                         will depend upon declaration by the Company's board
                                         of directors and upon the Company's financial
                                         condition, earnings and funds from operations, the
                                         level of its capital and exploration expenditures,
                                         dividend restrictions contained in the New Credit
                                         Facility and the Company Senior Notes, its future
                                         business prospects and such other matters as the
                                         Company's directors deem relevant. See "Dividend
                                         Policy".
Listing................................  The Common Stock has been approved for listing on
                                         the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), subject to
                                         official notice of issuance.
Proposed Stock Symbol..................  "MRC"
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) The offering of 6,320,000 shares of Common Stock initially being offered in
    the United States (the "U.S. Offering") and the offering of 1,580,000 shares
    of Common Stock initially being offered outside of the United States (the
    "International Offering") are collectively referred to herein as the
    "Offerings".
    
 
(2) Assumes the Underwriters' over-allotment options are not exercised. See
    "Underwriting".
 
(3) Does not include 3,500,000 shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the
    Company's incentive compensation plans. See "Management".
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
             SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
    The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, summary
historical financial data for SFR's Western Division and summary pro forma
financial data for the Company. The summary historical balance sheet data as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994 and the summary historical income statement and cash
flow data for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 are
derived from the financial statements of the Western Division of SFR, which have
been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP. The summary historical financial data for
the nine month periods ended September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1996 are
derived from the unaudited financial statements of the Western Division of SFR
and include, in the opinion of management, adjustments (consisting only of
normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial data for
such periods. The summary historical balance sheet data as of December 31, 1991,
1992 and 1993 and the summary historical income statement and cash flow data for
each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1992 have been derived
from the unaudited accounting records of the Western Division of SFR. The
summary pro forma financial data for the Company set forth below are based on
numerous assumptions and include adjustments as explained in the unaudited pro
forma financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Prospectus. All such summary historical and pro forma
financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with such financial
statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein. The following
information should not be deemed indicative of future operating results for the
Company. See also "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations".
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          
                                                                                             WESTERN
                                                                            MONTEREY         DIVISION           MONTEREY
                                         WESTERN DIVISION HISTORICAL     RESOURCES, INC.    HISTORICAL       RESOURCES, INC.
                                      ---------------------------------   PRO FORMA(1)    --------------      PRO FORMA(1)
                                                    YEAR                 ---------------   NINE MONTHS       ---------------
                                                    ENDED                     YEAR            ENDED            NINE MONTHS
                                                DECEMBER 31,                  ENDED       SEPTEMBER 30,           ENDED
                                      ---------------------------------   DECEMBER 31,    --------------      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                      1991   1992   1993   1994   1995        1995        1995     1996           1996
                                      ----   ----   ----   ----   -----  ---------------  ----     -----     ---------------
                                                           (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                   <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>              <C>      <C>       <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Revenues........................... $240   $215   $187   $179   $ 211       $ 211       $159     $ 193          $ 193
                                      ----   ----   ----   ----   -----       -----       ----     -----          -----
  Costs and expenses:
    Production and operating.........  103    105    100     86      85          85         63        76(2)          76(2)
    Exploration, including dry hole
      costs..........................    3      3      2      1       2           2          2         1              1
    Depletion, depreciation and
      amortization...................   40     44     41     32      33          33         24        28             28
    Impairment of oil and gas
      properties(3)..................   --     --     49     --      --          --         --        --             --
    General and administrative.......    6      9      9      8       7           9          5         6              7
    Taxes (other than income)........   13      9      9      9       8           8          7         7              7
    Restructuring charges(4).........   --     --     12      1      --          --         --        --             --
                                      ----   ----   ----   ----   -----       -----       ----     -----          -----
                                       165    170    222    137     135         137        101       118            119
                                      ----   ----   ----   ----   -----       -----       ----     -----          -----
  Income (loss) from operations......   75     45    (35)    42      76          74         58        75             74
    Interest, net(5).................  (27)   (27)   (27)   (26)    (25)        (20)       (19)      (18)           (15)
    Other income (expense)...........    5      1     --     --      (1)         (1)        --        --             --
                                      ----   ----   ----   ----   -----       -----       ----     -----          -----
  Income (loss) before income
    taxes............................   53     19    (62)    16      50          53         39        57             59
    Income taxes.....................  (19)    (6)    27     (4)    (16)        (17)       (13)      (21)           (21)
                                      ----   ----   ----   ----   -----       -----       ----     -----          -----
  Net income (loss).................. $ 34   $ 13   $(35)  $ 12   $  34       $  36       $ 26     $  36          $  38
                                      ====   ====   ====   ====   =====       =====       ====     =====          =====
  Pro forma earnings (loss) per
    common share (in dollars)........                             $0.76       $0.68                $0.79          $0.71
                                                                  =====       =====                =====          =====
  Average shares outstanding
    (millions).......................                              45.3        53.3                 45.3           53.3
CASH FLOW DATA:
  Net cash provided by operating
    activities(6).................... $ 86   $ 59   $ 47   $ 45   $  76         N/A       $ 71     $  62            N/A
  Net cash used in investing
    activities.......................   60     17     18     18      54         N/A         47        41            N/A
  Net cash used in financing
    activities.......................   26     42     29     27      22         N/A         24        21            N/A
  Capital expenditures, including
    acquisitions of producing
    properties.......................   70     20     47     27      54         N/A         47        41            N/A
BALANCE SHEET DATA (at end of period):
  Cash and cash equivalents.......... $ --   $ --   $ --   $ --   $  --         N/A       $ --     $  --          $  11
  Total assets.......................  503    476    387    376     391         N/A        392       424            443
  Total debt.........................  265    263    258    245     245         N/A        245       245            214
  Shareholders' equity...............  121     94     35     32      45         N/A         34        60            137
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
  EBITDA(7).......................... $119   $ 89   $ 55   $ 74   $ 108       $ 106       $ 81     $ 103          $ 102
  Ratio of EBITDA to interest
    expense..........................  4.3    3.2    2.0    2.8     4.2         5.1        4.2       5.3            6.6
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) Pro forma for the consummation of the Offerings and the Transactions as if
    the Offerings and the Transactions had occurred on January 1, 1995, except
    for the balance sheet data which assumes the Offerings and the Transactions
    had occurred on September 30, 1996. See the Pro Forma Condensed Financial
    Statements included herein.
    
 
(2) Includes $3 million attributable to losses incurred under the Company's
    hedging arrangements in respect of natural gas purchased by the Company as
    fuel for thermal EOR operations. All such arrangements terminated on or
    prior to June 30, 1996.
 
(3) Reflects a non-cash charge for the impairment of oil and gas properties. For
    a further description of the impairments recorded in 1993, see Note 2 of the
    Notes to the Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
   
(4) Includes non-recurring charges in 1993 relating to implementation of SFR's
    restructuring program comprised of (i) losses on property dispositions of
    $11 million and (ii) accruals for certain personnel benefits and related
    costs of $1 million. Includes non-recurring charges in 1994 relating to
    SFR's restructuring program of $1 million comprised of severance, benefits
    and relocation expenses.
    
 
   
(5) Net of capitalized interest of $0.3 million, $0.1 million, $0.3 million,
    $0.6 million and $0.7 million in the years 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995,
    respectively, and $0.5 million and $0.9 million in the nine months ended
    September 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Includes interest income of $0.2
    million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million in 1991, 1992 and 1993, respectively.
    
 
   
(6) Net cash provided by operating activities equals the sum of net income and
    non-cash charges less net changes in current and non-current operating
    assets and liabilities.
    
 
   
(7) EBITDA as presented herein is defined as the sum of income before provision
    for income taxes, interest, depreciation, depletion, amortization,
    impairments and certain non-cash charges including gains or losses realized
    on the disposition of properties. EBITDA, as presented herein, is used as a
    measure in the New Credit Facility and the Company Senior Notes and provides
    information regarding the Company's ability to service and incur debt.
    Because the New Credit Facility and the Company Senior Notes contain other
    financial measures, covenants and limitations (including mandatory principal
    repayments), EBITDA does not represent funds available for discretionary
    use. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net
    income, cash flow provided by operating activities or other income or cash
    flow data prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
    principles or as a measure of a company's profitability or liquidity.
    Further, EBITDA, as presented herein, may not be comparable to similarly
    titled measures reported by other companies.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
     The following table sets forth certain summary operating data for the
Company for the periods indicated.
 
                             SUMMARY OPERATING DATA
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               
                                                                                                   WESTERN
                                                                                 MONTEREY          DIVISION        MONTEREY
                                           WESTERN DIVISION HISTORICAL        RESOURCES, INC.     HISTORICAL    RESOURCES, INC.
                                     ---------------------------------------   PRO FORMA(1)     --------------   PRO FORMA(1)
                                                       YEAR                   ---------------    NINE MONTHS    ---------------
                                                      ENDED                        YEAR             ENDED         NINE MONTHS
                                                   DECEMBER 31,                    ENDED        SEPTEMBER 30,        ENDED
                                     ---------------------------------------   DECEMBER 31,     --------------   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                     1991    1992    1993       1994    1995       1995          1995    1996        1996
                                     -----   -----   -----     ------  ------ ---------------   ------   -----  ---------------
<S>                                  <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>    <C>               <C>      <C>    <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Average daily production
  Crude oil and liquids (MBbls/d)...    42      42      43(2)      41      42         42            41      46          46
  Natural gas (MMcf/d)..............     9       7       6(2)       4       5          5             5       4           4
  Total production (MBOE/d).........    43      43      44(2)      42      43         43            42      47          47
Average realized sales prices,
  hedged(3)
  Crude oil and liquids ($/Bbl)..... 15.19   13.67   11.63      11.53   13.50      13.50         13.79   15.08       15.08
  Natural gas ($/Mcf)...............  1.72    1.57    1.59       1.14    0.98       0.98          1.02    1.00        1.00
Average costs and expenses per BOE
  (in dollars)(4)
  Production and operating:
    Steam generation................  1.95    2.41    2.26       2.16    1.98       1.98          1.91    2.48(5)       2.48(5)
    Lease operating.................  4.57    4.24    4.05       3.47    3.50       3.50          3.59    3.52        3.52
                                     -----   -----   -----      -----   -----      -----         -----   -----       -----
      Total.........................  6.52    6.65    6.31       5.63    5.48       5.48          5.50    6.00(5)       6.00(5)
                                     -----   -----   -----      -----   -----      -----         -----   -----       -----
  Exploration, including dry
    holes...........................  0.17    0.17    0.11       0.09    0.15       0.15          0.18    0.09        0.09
  Depletion, depreciation and
    amortization....................  2.55    2.79    2.59       2.09    2.08       2.08          2.06    2.18        2.18
  Impairment of oil and gas
    properties......................    --      --    3.09         --      --         --            --      --          --
  General and administrative........  0.42    0.56    0.58       0.51    0.47       0.60          0.47    0.45        0.55
  Restructuring charges.............    --      --    0.75       0.07      --         --            --      --          --
  Taxes (other than income).........  0.83    0.56    0.53       0.56    0.51       0.51          0.58    0.53        0.53
  Interest expense, net.............  1.73    1.74    1.69       1.68    1.61       1.28          1.63    1.44        1.14
Average finding cost per BOE
  (in dollars) (4)..................  6.05    0.89    3.18       1.04    2.17       2.17           N/A     N/A         N/A
Gross wells drilled.................   137      31     171         79     225        225           198     191         191
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Pro forma for the consummation of the Offerings and the Transactions as if
    the Offerings and the Transactions had occurred on January 1, 1995. See the
    Pro Forma Condensed Financial Statements included herein.
 
(2) Includes production attributable to properties sold in 1993 of 3 MBbls/d of
    crude oil and liquids and 2 MMcf/d of natural gas (3 MBOE/d).
 
(3) From time to time SFR hedges a portion of its oil sales. The Company has
    been allocated a portion of SFR's hedging gains and losses based on its
    hedged light and heavy oil production. See "Management's Discussion and
    Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- General".
 
   
(4) Average finding cost per BOE is calculated by dividing (i) costs incurred in
    development, exploration and acquisition of oil and gas reserves, by (ii)
    net proved reserve additions from acquisitions, extensions, discoveries,
    improved recovery and revisions, on a BOE basis.
    
 
   
(5) Historical and pro forma amounts include a $0.25 per BOE loss on hedging in
    respect of natural gas purchased for thermal EOR operations. Excluding such
    hedging losses, both historical and pro forma steam generation costs for
    1995 would have been $2.23 per BOE and both total historical and pro forma
    operating costs for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 would have been
    $5.75 per BOE. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations -- General".
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
                    SUMMARY OIL AND GAS RESERVE INFORMATION
 
     The following table sets forth summary information with respect to the
Company's estimated proved oil and gas reserves as of each of the dates
indicated. The estimates of proved reserves and present value of estimated
future net cash flows have been prepared by Ryder Scott. See "Risk Factors --
Uncertainties in Estimates of Proved Reserves" and "Business -- Reserves".
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   AS OF DECEMBER 31,                    AS OF
                                      ---------------------------------------------   SEPTEMBER 1,
                                      1991      1992      1993      1994      1995        1996
                                      -----     -----     -----     -----     -----   ------------
<S>                                   <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>
Proved reserves:
  Crude oil and liquids (MMBbls).....   183       190       184       191       200         212
  Natural gas (Bcf)..................    22        19        12        13        12          12
  Total (MMBOE)......................   187       193       186       193       202         214
Proved developed reserves (MMBOE)....   149       157       142       142       159         169
Present value of estimated future net
  cash flows (millions of dollars):
  Before income taxes................   274       383       167       554       654         750
  After income taxes.................   218       275       143       366       426         N/A
Average sales prices at period end:
  Oil ($/Bbl)........................ 10.87     12.21      8.44     12.62     13.78       14.82
  Natural gas ($/Mcf)................  2.21      2.32      1.64      1.07      0.98        1.22
Reserve replacement ratio(1).........    90%      141%       87%      152%      153%        210%
Reserve-to-production ratio
  (in years)(2)......................  11.7      12.2      11.7      12.6      13.0        12.5
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The reserve replacement ratio is a percentage determined on a BOE basis by
    dividing the estimated reserves added during a period from exploitation,
    development and exploration activities, acquisitions of proved reserves and
    revisions of previous estimates, excluding property sales, by the oil and
    gas produced during that period.
 
(2) Reserve-to-production ratio is calculated on a BOE basis by dividing the
    total estimated proved reserves at period-end by the total production during
    the year, annualizing production for periods of less than a full year.
 
                    RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND SFR
GENERAL
 
   
     The Company was incorporated in Delaware in August 1996 and is currently a
wholly owned subsidiary of SFR. Immediately after the closing of the Offerings,
SFR will own 45,350,000 shares of Common Stock, which will represent
approximately 85% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock after the Offerings.
As the owner of such shares, SFR will be in a position to control all matters
affecting the Company.
    
 
INTENDED SPIN OFF BY SFR
 
     SFR has announced that after the Offerings it intends to distribute pro
rata to its common stockholders all of the shares of Common Stock that it owns
by means of a tax-free distribution (the "Spin Off"). SFR's final determination
to proceed with the Spin Off will require a declaration of the Spin Off by SFR's
board of directors. Such a declaration is not expected to be made until certain
conditions, many of which are beyond the control of SFR, are satisfied,
including: (i) receipt by SFR of a favorable ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service as to the tax-free nature of the Spin Off; (ii) approval of the Spin Off
by SFR's stockholders; (iii) the redemption or conversion of all or a
substantial portion of the shares of each outstanding series of SFR preferred
stock; and (iv) the absence of any future change in market or economic
conditions (including developments in the capital markets) or SFR's or the
Company's
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
   
business or financial condition that causes SFR's board to conclude that the
Spin Off is not in the best interests of SFR's stockholders. The Company has
been advised by SFR that it does not expect the Spin Off to occur prior to June
1997. If SFR consummates the Spin Off, the increased number of shares of Common
Stock available in the market may have an adverse effect on the market price of
the Common Stock. The Company has been advised by SFR that as of September 30,
1996, SFR had 41,326 common stockholders of record. See "Relationship Between
the Company and SFR".
    
 
   
     To protect SFR from Federal and state income taxes that would be incurred
by it if the Spin Off were determined to be a taxable event, the Company and SFR
have entered into an agreement (the "Spin Off Tax Indemnity Agreement") pursuant
to which the Company has agreed to indemnify SFR with respect to tax liabilities
resulting primarily from actions taken by the Company at any time during the
one-year period commencing upon the Spin Off (which period is subject to
increase if certain federal tax legislation is approved and is applicable to the
Spin Off). The Company believes that if it is required to make payments pursuant
to such agreement, the amount of such payments would have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition. The actions for which the Company
is required to indemnify SFR pursuant to such agreement are within the Company's
control, and the Company has no intention to take any such actions during such
one-year period. See "Relationship Between the Company and SFR -- Contractual
Arrangements -- Spin Off Tax Indemnity Agreement".
    
 
CERTAIN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND SFR
 
   
     In anticipation of the Offerings, and in view of SFR's intention to
undertake the Spin Off, the Company and SFR intend to enter into the following
agreements: (a) the Contribution Agreement, pursuant to which SFR will convey to
the Company and the Company will assume and succeed to substantially all of the
assets, liabilities and obligations of SFR associated with its Western Division,
including $245 million of indebtedness in respect of the SFR Senior Notes
(including interest thereon from and after October 1, 1996); (b) the Agreement
for the Allocation of Consolidated Federal Income Tax Liability and State and
Local Taxes Among the Members of the Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc. Affiliated
Group (the "Tax Allocation Agreement"), which provides for the allocation of
taxes for periods during which the Company and SFR are included in the same
consolidated group for Federal or state tax purposes, the allocation of
responsibility for the filing of tax returns and certain other related matters;
(c) the Services Agreement, which provides for the continued provision of
certain corporate and administrative services by SFR to the Company; (d) the
Spin Off Tax Indemnity Agreement, which, in addition to providing the
indemnification by the Company of SFR described above, provides that SFR shall
prepare and file all consolidated Federal, combined state and local income or
franchise tax returns required to be filed while the Company is a member of
SFR's consolidated group and specifies that the Company will not be compensated
for the carryback to SFR's affiliated group of any Company tax items realized
after the Company ceases to be a member of SFR's affiliated group; and (e) the
Registration Rights and Indemnification Agreement, pursuant to which (i) SFR may
request, subject to certain limitations, that the Company register for sale
under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws the Common Stock
owned by SFR and (ii) the Company and SFR agree to indemnify each other and
their respective subsidiaries and as well as their respective directors,
officers, employees, agents and representatives for certain costs and
liabilities relating to violations of Federal and state securities laws in
connection with the Offerings, the Spin Off and any registration of shares of
Common Stock owned by SFR. For a more detailed summary of the terms of these
agreements, see "Relationship Between the Company and SFR -- Contractual
Arrangements".
    
 
     The Company's principal executive offices are located at 5201 Truxtun
Avenue, Suite No. 100, Bakersfield, California 93309 and its telephone number is
(805) 322-3992.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     In addition to the other information in this Prospectus, the following
factors should be carefully considered in evaluating the Company and its
business before purchasing the Common Stock offered by this Prospectus.
 
EFFECTS OF CHANGING OIL AND GAS PRICES
 
   
     The Company's profitability is determined in large part by the difference
between the prices received for the oil and natural gas that it produces and the
costs of finding, developing and producing such resources. Prices for oil and
natural gas have been subject to wide fluctuations, which continue to reflect
imbalances in supply and demand as well as other market conditions and the world
political situation as it affects OPEC, the Middle East, the former Soviet Union
and other producing countries. Moreover, the price of oil and natural gas may be
affected by the price and availability of alternative sources of energy, weather
conditions and the general state of the economy. Even relatively modest changes
in oil and natural gas prices may significantly change the Company's revenues,
results of operations, cash flows and proved reserves. Based on operating
results for the first nine months of 1996, the Company estimates that on an
annualized basis a $1.00 per barrel increase (or decrease) in its average crude
oil sales prices would result in a corresponding $17 million increase (or
decrease) in income from operations, a $10 million increase (or decrease) in net
income and a $10 million increase (or decrease) in cash flows from operating
activities. Because the Company is a relatively small producer of natural gas,
it consumes more gas in its EOR operations than it produces. As a result, an
increase in natural gas prices adversely affects the Company's results of
operations. Based on operating results for the first nine months of 1996, the
Company estimates that a $0.10 per Mcf increase (or decrease) in the average
domestic natural gas sales price would result in a $2 million decrease (or
increase) in income from operations, a $1 million decrease (or increase) in net
income and a $1 million decrease (or increase) in cash flows from operating
activities. The foregoing estimates do not give effect to changes in any other
factors, such as the effect of the Company's hedging program or depreciation and
depletion, that would result from a change in oil and natural gas prices.
    
 
   
     For the nine months ended September 30, 1996, approximately 93% of the
Company's oil production consisted of heavy oil. The market for heavy oil
differs substantially from the market for medium and light crude oil due
principally to the higher transportation and refining costs associated with
heavy crude. As a result, the price received for heavy crude oil is generally
lower than the price received for medium and light crudes. Although the average
price of heavy crude has increased, and the average price of lighter grades has
fallen, from 1991 levels, no assurance can be given that the narrowing of the
price differential between heavy and light crudes will continue in the future.
In addition, there is not currently an effective measure by which to hedge the
spread (or basis differential) between the prices paid for lighter grades of
crude oil and prices paid for California heavy crude oil. See "Business --
Current Markets for Oil and Gas".
    
 
NEED TO REPLACE RESERVES
 
     Crude oil and natural gas are depleting assets. Therefore, unless the
Company replaces over the long term the oil and natural gas produced from the
Company's properties, the Company's assets will be depleted over time and its
ability to service and incur debt at constant or declining prices will be
reduced. The Company seeks to replace reserves through exploitation,
development, exploration and acquisition. However, no assurance can be given
that the Company will continue to replace reserves from such activities at
acceptable costs. In addition, exploitation, development and exploration involve
numerous risks, including geological uncertainties or other conditions that may
result in dry holes, the failure to produce oil and gas in commercial quantities
or the inability to fully produce discovered reserves. Therefore, there can be
no assurance that the Company will be able to find and develop or acquire
additional reserves to replace its current and future production.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
GOVERNMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
 
     The Company's activities are subject to various Federal, state and local
laws and regulations covering the discharge of materials into the environment or
otherwise relating to protection of the environment. In particular, the
Company's oil and gas exploration, development, production and EOR operations,
its activities in connection with storage and transportation of liquid
hydrocarbons and its use of facilities for treating, processing, recovering or
otherwise handling hydrocarbons and waste therefrom are subject to stringent
environmental regulation by governmental authorities. Such regulations have
increased the costs of planning, designing, drilling, installing, operating and
abandoning the Company's oil and gas wells and other facilities.
 
   
     The Company has expended significant resources, both financial and
managerial, to comply with environmental regulations and permitting requirements
and anticipates that it will continue to do so in the future. Such compliance
costs in 1995 were $1 million and are expected to be approximately $2 million in
1996. Although the Company believes that its operations and facilities are in
general compliance with applicable environmental regulations, risks of
substantial costs and liabilities are inherent in oil and gas operations, and
there can be no assurance that significant costs and liabilities will not be
incurred by the Company in the future. Furthermore, there can be no assurance
that other developments, such as increasingly strict environmental laws,
regulations and enforcement policies thereunder, and claims for damages to
property, employees, other persons and the environment resulting from the
Company's operations, will not result in substantial costs and liabilities in
the future and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition,
liquidity and results of operations. For a further description of the
environmental regulations to which the Company is subject as well as a
description of certain sites with respect to which the Company will succeed as a
potentially responsible party (as therein defined), see "Business -- Other
Business Matters -- Environmental Regulation".
    
 
UNCERTAINTIES IN ESTIMATES OF PROVED RESERVES
 
     There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating proved reserves,
including many factors beyond the control of the Company. The reserve data set
forth in the Prospectus represent estimates only. Estimating quantities of
proved reserves is inherently imprecise. Such estimates are based upon certain
assumptions about future production levels, future natural gas and crude oil
prices, the timing and amount of development expenditures and future operating
costs made using currently available geologic, engineering and economic data,
some or all of which may prove to be incorrect over time. As a result of changes
in these assumptions that will occur in the future, and based upon further
production history, results of future exploration and development activities,
future natural gas and crude oil prices and other factors, the quantity of
proved reserves may be subject to upward or downward revisions. The reserve
estimates included in this Prospectus were prepared by Ryder Scott. See
"Business -- Reserves".
 
     Actual future net cash flows from production of the Company's reserves will
be affected by factors such as actual production, supply and demand for oil and
natural gas, curtailments or increases in consumption by oil and gas purchasers,
changes in governmental regulations or taxation and the impact of inflation on
costs. The timing of actual future net revenue from proved reserves, and thus
their actual present value, can be affected by the timing of the incurrence of
expenditures in connection with development of oil and gas properties. The 10%
discount factor, which is required by the Commission to be used to calculate
present value for reporting purposes, is not necessarily the most appropriate
discount factor based on interest rates in effect from time to time and risks
associated with the oil and gas industry. Discounted present value, no matter
what discount rate is used, is materially affected by assumptions as to the
amount and timing of future production, which may and often do prove to be
inaccurate.
 
LEVERAGE
 
   
     Upon completion of the Offerings and the application of the net proceeds
therefrom, the Company expects to have total outstanding debt of approximately
$214 million (after giving effect to $30 million to
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
   
be drawn under the New Credit Facility in order to prepay the Production Payment
promptly following the consummation of the Offerings and $8.5 million to be used
after consummation of the Offerings to purchase $8.5 million in notes from SFR
to be secured by the Olinda Property). The Company will have a total of $75
million of borrowing capacity under the New Credit Facility (of which
approximately $43 million will be utilized or committed upon consummation of the
Offerings), which the Company can draw upon to finance development and
exploratory drilling and acquisition costs and prepayment of the Production
Payment. The Company's level of indebtedness has several important effects on
its operations, including (i) a portion of the Company's cash flow from
operations must be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest incurred
under the Company Senior Notes and, to the extent drawn upon, the New Credit
Facility and will not be available for other purposes, (ii) the covenants
contained in the Company Senior Notes and the New Credit Facility require the
Company to meet certain financial tests, and other restrictions limit its
ability to borrow additional funds or to dispose of assets and may affect the
Company's flexibility in planning for, and reacting to, changes in business
conditions and (iii) the Company's ability to obtain additional financing in the
future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general
corporate purposes or other purposes may be impaired. The Company's ability to
meet its debt service obligations and to reduce its total indebtedness will be
dependent upon the Company's future performance, which will be subject to
general economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors
affecting the operations of the Company, many of which are beyond its control.
There can be no assurance that the Company's future performance will not be
adversely affected by such economic conditions and financial, business and other
factors. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources" and Note 1 to the
Company's Financial Statements.
    
 
COMPETITION
 
     The oil and gas industry is highly competitive. The Company encounters
competition from other oil and gas companies in all areas of its operations. The
Company's competitors include major integrated oil and natural gas companies and
numerous independent oil and natural gas companies and drilling and income
programs, as well as state-owned energy companies. Many of these competitors
have financial and other resources substantially in excess of those available to
the Company. See "Business -- Other Business Matters -- Competition".
 
RISKS OF OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS
 
     The oil and gas business involves certain operating hazards such as well
blowouts, cratering, explosions, uncontrollable flows of oil, natural gas or
well fluids, fires, formations with abnormal pressures, pollution, releases of
toxic gas and other environmental hazards and risks, any of which could result
in loss of human life, significant damage to property, environmental pollution,
impairment of the Company's operations and substantial losses to the Company.
The availability of a ready market for the Company's oil and natural gas
production also depends on the proximity of reserves to, and the capacity of,
oil and gas gathering systems, pipelines and trucking or terminal facilities. In
addition, the Company may be liable for environmental damages caused by previous
owners of property purchased and leased by the Company. As a result, substantial
liabilities to third parties or governmental entities may be incurred, the
payment of which could reduce or eliminate the funds available for development,
acquisitions or exploration, or result in the loss of the Company's properties.
In accordance with customary industry practices, the Company maintains insurance
against some, but not all, of such risks. The occurrence of an event not fully
covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on the financial
condition and results of operations of the Company. See "Business -- Other
Business Matters".
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
LACK OF INDEPENDENT OPERATING HISTORY
 
     Prior to the consummation of the Offerings, the business of the Company was
operated as the Western Division of SFR. Accordingly, no financial or operating
history of the Company as an independent entity is available for a potential
investor to evaluate. Following the consummation of the Transactions, the
Company will operate as a stand-alone entity and will no longer benefit from the
direct operational, financial and other support previously provided by SFR to
the Western Division, although the Company and SFR will enter into a services
agreement (terminable by either party on 90 days' notice without cause) pursuant
to which SFR will provide certain corporate and administrative services to the
Company. Upon termination of such services agreement or the elimination of any
services to be provided thereunder, the Company will be responsible for
obtaining such services on its own. If the Company is unable to perform such
services or obtain them on acceptable terms, the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. See
"Relationship Between the Company and SFR -- Contractual Arrangements".
 
CONTROL BY SFR
 
     The Company is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of SFR. Following the
Offerings, SFR will own approximately 85% of the outstanding Common Stock. After
the Offerings, through its ability to elect all directors of the Company, SFR
will control all matters affecting the Company, including any determination with
respect to acquisition or disposition of Company assets, future issuance of
Common Stock or other securities of the Company, the Company's incurrence of
debt and any dividend payable on Common Stock. For a description of SFR's
current intentions with respect to the shares of Common Stock that it owns, see
"-- Intended Spin Off by SFR". The Company has granted SFR certain demand and
piggyback registration rights with respect to the Common Stock owned by SFR. See
"Relationship Between the Company and SFR -- Contractual Arrangements". Although
SFR has announced its intention to distribute its remaining shares to its
stockholders, subject to certain conditions, to the extent SFR maintains a
substantial investment in the Company, SFR will be in a position to control the
policies and affairs of the Company and to determine the outcome of corporate
actions requiring stockholder approval. Conflicts of interest may arise in the
future between the Company and SFR in a number of areas relating to their past
and ongoing relationship, including allocation of capital, dividends, incurrence
of indebtedness, tax matters, financial commitments, registration rights,
administration of benefit plans, service arrangements, potential acquisitions of
businesses or oil and gas properties and other corporate opportunities, the
issuance and sale of capital stock of the Company and the election of directors.
 
     Three of the Company's seven directors are executive officers of SFR and
four of such directors are directors of SFR. Upon consummation of the Offerings,
none of the Company's executive officers will be officers of SFR; however, one
of the Company's seven directors will be a director of SFR and two of the
Company's directors will be executive officers of SFR. It is anticipated that
additional changes to the Company's board of directors will be made following
the Spin Off. See "Risk Factors -- Intended Spin Off by SFR" and
"Management -- Directors and Executive Officers". The Company and SFR have
entered into a number of agreements for the purpose of defining the ongoing
relationship between them. As a result of SFR's ownership interest in the
Company, the terms of such agreements were not, and the terms of any future
amendments to those agreements may not be, the result of arm's length
negotiations. Although SFR has advised the Company that it does not currently
intend to engage in the exploration for natural gas, natural gas liquids and
crude oil or in the hard minerals business in California except through its
ownership of Common Stock of the Company, there are no restrictions, contractual
or otherwise, on SFR's engaging in such activities. Accordingly, if SFR changes
its current strategy, or makes an acquisition, it may compete with the Company.
See "Relationship Between the Company and SFR".
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
     SFR and each director and executive officer of the Company have agreed not
to dispose of any shares of Common Stock for a period of 180 days from the date
of this Prospectus without the consent of the representatives of the
Underwriters. The lockup provisions in these agreements are subject to waiver
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
by the parties to these agreements. After expiration of the lockup period, the
45,350,000 currently outstanding shares of Common Stock, all of which are held
by SFR, will be eligible for resale, subject to the two-year holding requirement
of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or pursuant to the exercise of demand
registration rights. It is SFR's current intent to distribute the shares to its
stockholders as described in "-- Intended Spin Off by SFR" below. In addition,
upon consummation of the Offerings a total of 3,500,000 shares of Common Stock
will be reserved for issuance pursuant to the Company's incentive compensation
plans, of which a total of 74,166 shares of restricted Common Stock and options
to purchase a total of 268,500 shares of Common Stock, the exercise price of
which will be equal to the initial public offering price per share in the
Offerings, will be issued to certain executive officers, key employees and
non-employee directors of the Company. None of such options or restricted shares
to be so issued upon consummation of the Offerings will be exercisable or
transferable prior to the first anniversary of the Spin Off, except under
certain limited circumstances. See "Management -- Executive Compensation".
 
     Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock, and no prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that the future
sales of shares or the availability of shares for sale will have on the market
price for Common Stock prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial
amounts of Common Stock in the public market, or the perception of the
availability of shares for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market
price of the Common Stock and could impair the Company's ability to raise
capital through the sale of its equity securities. See "Relationship Between the
Company and SFR -- Ownership of Common Stock" and "Shares Eligible for Future
Sale".
 
   
BENEFITS OF THE OFFERING TO SFR
    
 
   
     SFR, as the sole existing shareholder, will receive substantial benefits as
a result of the Offerings, including the assumption by Monterey of the SFR
Senior Notes and the use of a portion of the net proceeds received by the
Company (i) to repay the $70 million aggregate principal amount of SFR's Series
E Notes and Series F Notes and accrued and unpaid interest thereon, as well as
the $2.5 million prepayment penalty thereon, and (ii) to retire SFR's expected
borrowing of $16 million under the New Credit Facility. The Company will also
issue $175 million of the Company Senior Notes in exchange for the surrender and
cancellation of $175 million of SFR's Series G Notes.
    
 
INTENDED SPIN OFF BY SFR
 
   
     SFR has announced that after the Offerings it intends to distribute pro
rata to its common stockholders all of the shares of Common Stock that it owns
by means of a tax-free distribution. SFR's final determination to proceed with
the Spin Off will require a declaration of the Spin Off by SFR's board of
directors. Such a declaration is not expected to be made until certain
conditions, many of which are beyond the control of SFR, are satisfied,
including: (i) receipt by SFR of a favorable ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service as to the tax-free nature of the Spin Off; (ii) approval of the Spin Off
by SFR's stockholders; (iii) the redemption or conversion of all or a
substantial portion of the shares of each outstanding series of SFR preferred
stock; and (iv) the absence of any future change in market or economic
conditions (including developments in the capital markets) or SFR's or the
Company's business or financial condition that causes SFR's board to conclude
that the Spin Off is not in the best interests of SFR's stockholders. The
Company has been advised by SFR that it does not expect the Spin Off to occur
prior to June 1997. If SFR consummates the Spin Off, the increased number of
shares of Common Stock available in the market may have an adverse effect on the
market price of the Common Stock. The Company has been advised by SFR that as of
September 30, 1996, SFR had 41,326 common stockholders of record. See
"Relationship Between the Company and SFR". No assurance can be given that the
conditions to the Spin Off will be satisfied or that, in any event, SFR's board
of directors will determine to declare the Spin Off or that SFR will not sell
its shares of Common Stock.
    
 
     To protect SFR from Federal and state income taxes that would be incurred
by it if the Spin Off were determined to be a taxable event, the Company and SFR
have entered into the Spin Off Tax Indemnity Agreement pursuant to which the
Company has agreed to indemnify SFR with respect to tax liabilities resulting
primarily from actions taken by the Company at any time during the one-year
period
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
   
commencing upon the Spin Off, which period is subject to increase if certain
federal tax legislation is enacted and is applicable to the Spin Off. The
Company believes that if it is required to make payments pursuant to such
agreement, the amount of such payments would have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial condition. The actions for which the Company is required
to indemnify SFR pursuant to such agreement are within the Company's control,
and the Company has no intention to take any actions during such one-year period
that would have such an effect. See "Relationship Between the Company and
SFR -- Contractual Arrangements -- Spin Off Tax Indemnity Agreement".
    
 
     It is anticipated that after the Spin Off one director of the Company will
resign and two additional directors who are unaffiliated with the Company and
SFR will be appointed to the Company's board of directors. Such additions, when
completed, will increase the Company's board to eight members, of which only one
will be affiliated with SFR.
 
CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
 
     The Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and the Delaware
General Corporation Law contain provisions that may have the effect of
discouraging unsolicited takeover proposals for the Company that a stockholder
might consider to be in that stockholder's best interest. These provisions,
among other things, restrict the ability of stockholders to take action by
written consent, authorize the board of directors to designate the terms of and
issue new series of preferred stock, limit the personal liability of directors,
require the Company to indemnify directors and officers to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law and impose restrictions on business combinations
with certain interested parties. See "Description of Capital Stock -- Certain
Provisions of the Company's Charter and Bylaws and Delaware Law".
 
ABSENCE OF A PREVIOUS MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK
 
   
     There has been no public market for the Common Stock prior to the
Offerings. Although the Common Stock has been approved for listing, subject to
official notice of issuance, on the NYSE, no assurance can be given that an
active trading market will develop or be sustained after the Offerings, or that
purchasers of the Common Stock will be able to resell their Common Stock at
prices equal to or greater than the initial public offering price. The initial
public offering price will be determined by negotiations between the Company and
the Underwriters and may not be indicative of the prices that may prevail in the
public market. See "Underwriting" for a description of the factors to be
considered in determining the initial public offering price for the Common
Stock.
    
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
   
     The Company depends to a large extent on the services of R. Graham Whaling,
David Kilpatrick and certain other senior management personnel. The loss of the
services of Messrs. Whaling, Kilpatrick or other senior management personnel
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations. The Company does not maintain key man
insurance for the Company's benefit on any of its employees. Although the
Company will enter into a three-year employment agreement with Mr. Whaling and a
two-year employment agreement with Mr. Kilpatrick and certain other senior
management personnel, there can be no assurance that the Company can retain key
management personnel. The Company's success is also dependent upon its ability
to continue to employ and retain skilled technical personnel, and there can be
no assurance that the Company will be able to attract and retain such personnel.
See "Management -- Employment Agreements".
    
 
POSSIBLE IMPAIRMENT OF OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
 
     The Company follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its oil
and gas exploration and production activities. Under this method, costs (both
tangible and intangible) of development wells, as well as the costs of
prospective acreage, are capitalized. The costs of drilling and equipping
exploratory wells which do not result in proved reserves are expensed upon the
determination that the well does not
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
justify commercial development. Other exploratory costs, including geological
and geophysical costs, are expensed as incurred.
 
     The Company periodically reviews individual proved properties to determine
if the carrying value of such properties as reflected in its accounting records
exceeds the estimated undiscounted future net revenues from proved oil and gas
reserves attributable to such properties. Based on this review and the
continuing evaluation of development plans, economics and other factors, if
appropriate, the Company records impairments (additional depletion and
depreciation) pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121
("SFAS No. 121") to the extent that the net book values of its properties exceed
the expected discounted future net revenues. Such impairments constitute a
charge to earnings which does not impact the Company's cash flow from operating
activities. However, such writedowns impact the amount of the Company's
stockholders' equity and, therefore, the ratio of debt to equity. The risk that
the Company will be required to write down the carrying value of its oil and
natural gas properties increases when oil and natural gas prices are depressed.
Although the Company recorded an impairment of $49.1 million in 1993, the
Company has not recorded any impairments associated with SFAS No. 121, which
became effective in the fourth quarter of 1995; however, no assurance can be
given that the Company will not experience impairments in the future.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
     The net proceeds of the Offerings are estimated to be $100 million,
assuming an initial public offering price of $14.00 per share and after
deducting estimated expenses. Such net proceeds will be used for the following
purposes: (i) approximately $72.5 million will be used to repay in full the $70
million principal amount of the Series E Notes and Series F Notes and accrued
and unpaid interest thereon and to pay the prepayment penalty associated
therewith, (ii) approximately $16 million will be used to repay outstanding
indebtedness under the New Credit Facility and (iii) the balance will be used
for general corporate purposes. If the Underwriters' over-allotment options are
exercised, the Company intends to use the net proceeds therefrom to repay any
balance then outstanding under the New Credit Facility and any remaining
proceeds will be used for working capital purposes. For a description of the
interest rate and maturity of the indebtedness to be repaid with the net
proceeds of the Offerings, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital
Resources".
    
 
   
     Promptly following the consummation of the Offerings, the Company intends
to prepay the $30 million Production Payment in full with funds available under
the New Credit Facility.
    
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
   
     The Company currently intends to pay to its stockholders a dividend of
$0.15 per quarter ($0.60 annually) per share of Common Stock. The first dividend
(which is anticipated to be approximately $0.22 per share of Common Stock) is
anticipated to be paid in April of 1997 and will consist of a dividend for the
Company's first partial quarter ended December 31, 1996 and for its first full
quarter of operations ending March 31, 1997.
    
 
     The determination of the amount of cash dividends (including the initial
quarterly dividend referred to above), if any, to be declared and paid will
depend upon declaration by the Company's board of directors and upon the
Company's financial condition, earnings and funds from operations, the level of
its capital and exploration expenditures, dividend restrictions contained in the
New Credit Facility and the Company Senior Notes, its future business prospects
and such other matters that the Company's directors deem relevant. For a
description of certain restrictions on the Company's ability to pay dividends,
see "Description of Capital Stock -- Restrictions on Dividends".
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
                                    DILUTION
 
   
     As of September 30, 1996, the pro forma net tangible book value (total
tangible assets less total liabilities) of the Company, after giving effect to
the consummation of the Transactions as if they had occurred on September 30,
1996, was approximately $36.7 million, or $0.81 per share of Common Stock. After
giving effect to the receipt of $100.4 million of estimated net proceeds from
the Offerings (net of estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and
offering expenses) at an assumed initial public offering price of $14.00 per
share, the pro forma net tangible book value of the Common Stock outstanding at
September 30, 1996 would have been $2.57 per share of Common Stock, representing
an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $1.76 per share to SFR (the
Company's existing stockholder) and an immediate dilution of $11.43 per share to
persons purchasing Common Stock at the assumed initial public offering price.
Dilution is determined by subtracting net tangible book value per share of
Common Stock after giving effect to the Offerings from the amount of cash paid
by a new investor for a share of Common Stock. The following table illustrates
such per share dilution:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                <C>        <C>
    Assumed initial public offering price per share..................             $14.00
      Pro forma net tangible book value per share before the
         Offerings...................................................  $ 0.81
      Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to
         the sale of Common Stock in the Offerings...................  $ 1.76
    Pro forma net tangible book value per share after giving effect
      to the Offerings...............................................             $ 2.57
    Dilution in net tangible book value to the purchasers of Common
      Stock offered hereby...........................................             $11.43
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     The following table sets forth, as of September 30, 1996, the number of
shares of Common Stock owned by SFR and purchased by new investors in the
Offerings, the total consideration paid therefor and the average price per share
paid by SFR and by new investors:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    SHARES OWNED            TOTAL CONSIDERATION         AVERAGE
                               ----------------------     ------------------------     PRICE PER
                                 NUMBER       PERCENT        AMOUNT        PERCENT       SHARE
                               ----------     -------     ------------     -------     ---------
    <S>                        <C>            <C>         <C>              <C>         <C>
    SFR......................  45,350,000       85.2%     $ 36,700,000       26.8%      $  0.81
    New Investors............   7,900,000       14.8       100,400,000       73.2         12.71
              Total(1).......  53,250,000      100.0%     $137,100,000      100.0%      $  2.57
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) The foregoing computations do not include a total of 74,166 restricted
     shares of Common Stock and 268,500 shares of Common Stock reserved for
     issuance pursuant to options that will be granted to management and other
     employees upon completion of the Offerings, at an exercise price per share
     equal to the initial public offering price. See "Management -- Benefit
     Plans". If the foregoing calculations include such restricted shares and
     assume exercise of all such employee options (assuming an initial public
     offering price of $14.00 per share), the pro forma net tangible book value
     per share before the Offerings would be $0.91, the pro forma net tangible
     book value per share after the Offerings would be $2.65 and the dilution
     per share to new investors would be $11.35.
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
   
     The following table sets forth the historical capitalization of the Western
Division as of September 30, 1996, the adjustments thereto to give effect to the
consummation of the Transactions, including the application by the Company of
the net proceeds of the Offerings (assuming an initial public offering price of
$14 per share) as described in "Use of Proceeds", and the pro forma
capitalization of the Company. This table should be read in conjunction with the
Financial Statements and the Pro Forma Financial Statements of the Company and
the Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                       ----------------------------------------------
                                                        WESTERN                          MONTEREY
                                                        DIVISION       PRO FORMA      RESOURCES, INC.
                                                       HISTORICAL     ADJUSTMENTS        PRO FORMA
                                                       ----------     -----------     ---------------
                                                                   (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>             <C>
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS............................     $ --           $  11 (1)          $  11
                                                       =======        ========           ========
SHORT-TERM DEBT
  Current portion of SFR Senior Notes................     $ 35(2)          (35)(3)            --
  Production payment payable.........................       --              -- (4)             --
                                                       -------        --------           --------
                                                            35             (35)               --
                                                       -------        --------           --------
LONG-TERM DEBT
  SFR Senior Notes...................................      210(2)         (210)(3)            --
  Company Senior Notes...............................       --             175 (3)            175
                                                                            30 (4)
                                                                            -- (5)
New Credit Facility..................................       --               9 (6)             39
                                                       -------        --------           --------
                                                           210              (4)               214
                                                       -------        --------           --------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Western Division equity............................       60             (60)(7)            --
                                                                            (2)(6)
  Shareholders' equity...............................       --             139 (7)            137
                                                       -------        --------           --------
                                                            60              77                137
                                                       -------        --------           --------
          TOTAL CAPITALIZATION.......................     $305           $  46              $ 351
                                                       =======        ========           ========

</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Includes the net proceeds from the Offerings reduced by application of a
    portion of such proceeds as described in notes (3), (5) and (6) below.
 
   
(2) Represents a portion of the $245 million of indebtedness of SFR attributable
    to the SFR Senior Notes that is allocated to the Western Division, which is
    to be assumed by the Company at or prior to consummation of the Offerings.
    
 
   
(3) Gives effect to the retirement of $70 million of aggregate principal amount
    of the Series E and Series F Notes to be assumed by the Company at or prior
    to consummation of the Offerings, the exchange (the "Exchange") by the
    Company of the Company Senior Notes for cancellation of the $175 million
    Series G Notes and the payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the Company
    Senior Notes.
    
 
   
(4) Gives effect to (a) the retention by SFR of a $30 million Production Payment
    pursuant to the Contribution Agreement and (b) the prepayment of the
    Production Payment by the Company promptly following the consummation of the
    Offerings with funds borrowed under the New Credit Facility.
    
 
   
(5) Prior to consummation of the Offerings, SFR and the Company will enter into
    the New Credit Facility, and SFR is expected to borrow $16 million under the
    New Credit Facility. Concurrently with the closing of the Offerings, SFR
    will be released as an obligor under the New Credit Facility and the Company
    is expected to use $16 million of the net proceeds from the Offerings to
    repay such borrowing in full.
    
 
   
(6) Gives effect to (i) Monterey's purchase of SFR's $8.5 million in notes
    receivable representing a portion of the purchase price to be received under
    a contract for sale with a third party of the Olinda Property which purchase
    is expected to be funded by Monterrey with borrowings available under the
    New Credit Facility, and (ii) $3.5 million ($2.1 million, net of related
    taxes) of site improvement costs incurred by Monterey pursuant to the
    contract for sale relating to the Olinda Property. See "Relationship Between
    the Company and SFR -- Contractual Arrangements -- Contribution Agreement."
    
 
   
(7) Gives effect to (a) the contribution by SFR of the net assets of the Western
    Division pursuant to the Contribution Agreement (approximately $88 million
    after giving effect to liabilities assumed by SFR and deferred income tax
    effects), (b) the retention by SFR of the $30 million Production Payment
    pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, (c) the assumption by the Company of
    the $16 million liability for amounts outstanding under the New Credit
    Facility as described in note (5) above, (d) the receipt by the Company of
    $100.4 million in net proceeds from the Offerings (consisting of the assumed
    sale of 7.9 million shares at $14.00 per share, net of underwriting
    discounts and $3 million of estimated expenses of the Offerings), (e) the
    payment by the Company of a $2.5 million prepayment penalty ($1.3 million,
    net of related taxes) related to the prepayment of the Series E and F Notes
    referred to in note (3) above and (f) the payment by the Company of a $1
    million consent fee ($1 million, net of related taxes) in connection with
    the Exchange. See the Pro Forma Condensed Financial Statements included
    elsewhere in this Prospectus.
    
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
            SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected
historical financial data for SFR's Western Division and selected pro forma
financial data for the Company. The selected historical balance sheet data as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994 and the selected historical income statement and cash
flow data for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 are
derived from the financial statements of the Western Division of SFR, which have
been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP. The selected historical financial data for
the nine month periods ended September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1996 are
derived from the unaudited financial statements of the Western Division of SFR
and include, in the opinion of management, adjustments (consisting only of
normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial data for
such periods. The selected historical balance sheet data as of December 31,
1991, 1992 and 1993 and the selected historical income statement and cash flow
data for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1992 have been
derived from the unaudited accounting records of the Western Division of SFR.
The selected pro forma financial data for the Company set forth below are based
on numerous assumptions and include adjustments as explained in the unaudited
pro forma financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Prospectus. All such selected historical and pro forma
financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with such financial
statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein. The following
information should not be deemed indicative of future operating results for the
Company. See also "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations".
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   MONTEREY                     
                                                                                  RESOURCES,        WESTERN          MONTEREY      
                                               WESTERN DIVISION HISTORICAL           INC.           DIVISION      RESOURCES, INC.  
                                            ---------------------------------    PRO FORMA(1)      HISTORICAL      PRO FORMA(1)    
                                                                                --------------   --------------   ---------------  
                                                          YEAR                                    NINE MONTHS                      
                                                          ENDED                      YEAR            ENDED          NINE MONTHS
                                                      DECEMBER 31,                  ENDED        SEPTEMBER 30,         ENDED
                                            ---------------------------------    DECEMBER 31,    --------------    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                            1991   1992   1993   1994   1995         1995        1995     1996         1996
                                            ----   ----   ----   ----   -----   --------------   ----     -----   ---------------
                                                                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                         <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>              <C>      <C>     <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Revenues................................  $240   $215   $187   $179   $ 211       $  211       $159     $ 193        $ 193
                                            ----   ----   ----   ----   -----       ------       ----     -----       ------
  Costs and expenses:
    Production and operating..............   103    105    100     86      85           85         63        76(2)         76(2)
    Exploration, including dry hole
      costs...............................     3      3      2      1       2            2          2         1            1
    Depletion, depreciation and
      amortization........................    40     44     41     32      33           33         24        28           28
    Impairment of oil and gas
      properties(3).......................    --     --     49     --      --           --         --        --           --
    General and administrative............     6      9      9      8       7            9          5         6            7
    Taxes (other than income).............    13      9      9      9       8            8          7         7            7
    Restructuring charges(4)..............    --     --     12      1      --           --         --        --           --
                                            ----   ----   ----   ----   -----       ------       ----     -----       ------
                                             165    170    222    137     135          137        101       118          119
                                            ----   ----   ----   ----   -----       ------       ----     -----       ------
  Income (loss) from operations...........    75     45    (35)    42      76           74         58        75           74
    Interest, net(5)......................   (27)   (27)   (27)   (26)    (25)         (20)       (19)      (18)         (15)
    Other income (expense)................     5      1     --     --      (1)          (1)        --        --           --
                                            ----   ----   ----   ----   -----       ------       ----     -----       ------
  Income (loss) before income taxes.......    53     19    (62)    16      50           53         39        57           59
    Income taxes..........................   (19)    (6)    27     (4)    (16)         (17)       (13)      (21)         (21)
                                            ----   ----   ----   ----   -----       ------       ----     -----       ------
  Net income (loss).......................  $ 34   $ 13   $(35)  $ 12   $  34       $   36       $ 26     $  36        $  38
                                            =====  =====  =====  =====  =====       ======       =====    =====        =====     
  Pro forma earnings (loss) per common
    share (in dollars)....................                              $0.76       $ 0.68                $0.79        $0.71
                                                                        =====       ======                =====        =====     
  Average shares outstanding (millions)...                               45.3         53.3                 45.3         53.3
CASH FLOW DATA:
  Net cash provided by operating
    activities............................  $ 86   $ 59   $ 47   $ 45   $  76          N/A       $ 71     $  62          N/A
  Net cash used in investing activities...    60     17     18     18      54          N/A         47        41          N/A
  Net cash used in financing activities...    26     42     29     27      22          N/A         24        21          N/A
  Capital expenditures, including
    acquisitions of producing
    properties............................    70     20     47     27      54          N/A         47        41          N/A
BALANCE SHEET DATA (at end of period):
  Cash and cash equivalents...............  $ --   $ --   $ --   $ --   $  --          N/A       $ --     $  --        $  11
  Total assets............................   503    476    387    376     391          N/A        392       424          443
  Total debt..............................   265    263    258    245     245          N/A        245       245          214
  Shareholders' equity....................   121     94     35     32      45          N/A         34        60          137
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
  EBITDA(6)...............................  $119   $ 89   $ 55   $ 74   $ 108       $  106       $ 81     $ 103        $ 102
  Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense.....   4.3    3.2    2.0    2.8     4.2          5.1        4.2       5.3          6.6
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) Pro forma for the consummation of the Offerings and the Transactions as if
    the Offerings and the Transactions had occurred on January 1, 1995, except
    for the balance sheet data which assumes that the Offerings and the
    Transactions had occurred on September 30, 1996. See the Pro Forma Condensed
    Financial Statements included herein.
    
 
(2) Includes $3 million attributable to losses incurred under the Company's
    hedging arrangements in respect of natural gas purchased by the Company as
    fuel for thermal EOR operations. All such arrangements terminated on or
    prior to June 30, 1996.
 
(3) Reflects a non-cash charge for the impairment of oil and gas properties. For
    a further description of the impairments recorded in 1993, see Note 2 of the
    Notes to the Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
   
(4) Includes non-recurring charges in 1993 relating to implementation of SFR's
    restructuring program comprised of (i) losses on property dispositions of
    $11 million and (ii) accruals for certain personnel benefits and related
    costs of $1 million. Includes non-recurring charges in 1994 relating to
    SFR's restructuring program of $1 million comprised of severance, benefits
    and relocation expenses.
    
 
   
(5) Net of capitalized interest of $0.3 million, $0.1 million, $0.3 million,
    $0.6 million and $0.7 million in the years 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995,
    respectively, and $0.5 million and $0.9 million in the nine months ended
    September 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Includes interest income of $0.2
    million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million in 1991, 1992 and 1993, respectively.
    
 
   
(6) EBITDA as presented herein is defined as the sum of income before provision
    for income taxes, interest, depreciation, depletion, amortization,
    impairments and certain non-cash charges including gains or losses realized
    on the disposition of properties. EBITDA, as presented herein, is used as a
    measure in the Company's New Credit Facility and the Company Senior Notes
    and provides information regarding the Company's ability to service and
    incur debt. Because the New Credit Facility and the Company Senior Notes
    contain other financial measures, covenants and limitations (including
    mandatory principal repayments), EBITDA does not represent funds available
    for discretionary use. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a
    substitute for net income, cash flow provided by operating activities or
    other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with generally
    accepted accounting principles or as a measure of a company's profitability
    or liquidity. Further, EBITDA, as presented herein, may not be comparable to
    similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
    
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
     The following table sets forth certain selected operating data for the
Company for the periods indicated.
 
                            SELECTED OPERATING DATA
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           
                                                                                               WESTERN
                                                                            MONTEREY          DIVISION          MONTEREY
                                      WESTERN DIVISION HISTORICAL        RESOURCES, INC.     HISTORICAL      RESOURCES, INC.
                                 --------------------------------------   PRO FORMA(1)     ---------------    PRO FORMA(1)
                                                  YEAR                   ---------------     NINE MONTHS     ---------------
                                                 ENDED                        YEAR              ENDED          NINE MONTHS
                                              DECEMBER 31,                    ENDED         SEPTEMBER 30,         ENDED
                                 --------------------------------------   DECEMBER 31,     ---------------    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                  1991    1992   1993     1994    1995        1995          1995     1996         1996
                                 ------  ------  -----   ------  ------  ---------------   ------    -----   ---------------
<S>                              <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>               <C>       <C>     <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Average daily production
  Crude oil and liquids
    (MBbls/d)..................      42      42     43(2)     41     42          42            41       46           46
  Natural gas (MMcf/d).........       9       7      6(2)      4      5           5             5        4            4
  Total production (MBOE/d)....      43      43     44(2)     42     43          43            42       47           47
Average realized sales prices,
  hedged(3)
  Crude oil and liquids
    ($/Bbl)....................   15.19   13.67  11.63    11.53   13.50       13.50         13.79    15.08        15.08
  Natural gas ($/Mcf)..........    1.72    1.57   1.59     1.14    0.98        0.98          1.02     1.00         1.00
Average costs and expenses per
  BOE(in dollars)(4)
  Production and operating:
    Steam generation...........    1.95    2.41   2.26     2.16    1.98        1.98          1.91     2.48(5)      2.48(5)
    Lease operating............    4.57    4.24   4.05     3.47    3.50        3.50          3.59     3.52         3.52
                                  -----   -----  -----    -----   -----       -----         -----    -----        -----
        Total..................    6.52    6.65   6.31     5.63    5.48        5.48          5.50     6.00(5)      6.00(5)
                                  -----   -----  -----    -----   -----       -----         -----    -----        -----
  Exploration, including dry
    holes......................    0.17    0.17   0.11     0.09    0.15        0.15          0.18     0.09         0.09
  Depletion, depreciation and
    amortization...............    2.55    2.79   2.59     2.09    2.08        2.08          2.06     2.18         2.18
  Impairment of oil and gas
    properties.................      --      --   3.09       --      --          --            --       --           --
  General and administrative...    0.42    0.56   0.58     0.51    0.47        0.60          0.47     0.45         0.55
  Restructuring charges........      --      --   0.75     0.07      --          --            --       --
  Taxes (other than income)....    0.83    0.56   0.53     0.56    0.51        0.51          0.58     0.53         0.53
  Interest expense, net........    1.73    1.74   1.69     1.68    1.61        1.28          1.63     1.44         1.14
  Average production costs
    (including related
    production, severance and
    ad valorem taxes) per BOE
    (in dollars)...............    7.28    7.13   6.76     6.12    5.92        5.92          6.00     6.46(5)      6.46(5)
Average finding cost per BOE
  (in dollars)(4)..............    6.05    0.89   3.18     1.04    2.17        2.17           N/A      N/A          N/A
Gross wells drilled............     137      31    171       79     225         225           198      191          191
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Pro forma for the consummation of the Offerings and the Transactions as if
    the Offerings and Transactions had occurred on January 1, 1995. See the Pro
    Forma Condensed Financial Statements included herein.
 
(2) Includes production attributable to properties sold in 1993 of 3 MBbls/d of
    crude oil and liquids and 2 MMcf/d of natural gas (3 MBOE/d).
 
(3) From time to time SFR hedges a portion of its oil sales. The Company has
    been allocated a portion of SFR's hedging gains and losses based on its
    hedged light and heavy oil production. See "Management's Discussion and
    Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- General".
 
   
(4) Average finding cost per BOE is calculated by dividing (i) costs incurred in
    development, exploration and acquisition of oil and gas reserves, by (ii)
    net proved reserve additions from acquisitions, extensions, discoveries,
    improved recovery and revisions, on a BOE basis.
    
 
   
(5) Historical and pro forma amounts include a $0.25 per BOE loss on hedging in
    respect of natural gas purchased for thermal EOR operations. Excluding such
    hedging losses, both historical and pro forma steam generation costs would
    have been $2.23 per BOE and both total historical and pro forma operating
    costs would have been $5.75 per BOE. See "Management's Discussion and
    Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- General".
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The discussion presented herein relates to the Western Division of SFR. Due
to the fact that the Company will be an independent entity after the Offerings,
certain items may differ from those presented below and the results of the
Western Division may not necessarily be indicative of future results of the
Company. See also the discussion below under "-- Intercompany Agreements".
    
 
     As an independent oil and gas producer, the Company's results of operations
are dependent upon the difference between the prices received for oil and gas
and the costs of finding and producing such resources. The Company produces most
of its oil and gas from long-lived fields in the San Joaquin Valley of
California utilizing various EOR methods. The market price of heavy (i.e., low
gravity, high viscosity) and sour (i.e., high sulfur content) crude oils
produced in these fields is lower than sweeter, light (i.e., low sulfur and low
viscosity) crude oils, reflecting higher transportation and refining costs. In
addition, the lifting costs of heavy crude oils are generally higher than the
lifting costs of light crude oils. As a result, even relatively modest changes
in crude oil prices may significantly affect the Company's revenues, results of
operations, cash flows and proved reserves. In addition, prolonged periods of
high or low oil prices may have a material effect on the Company's financial
condition and results of operations.
 
   
     The average sales price of the Company's crude oil and liquids (unhedged)
for 1995 was $13.50 per barrel, or approximately 81% of the average posted price
of $16.76 per barrel for WTI crude oil (an industry posted price generally
indicative of prices for sweeter light crude oil). During the nine months ended
September 30, 1996, the Company's average sales price for the Company's crude
oil was $15.33 per barrel, approximately 78% of the average posted price for WTI
during such period. For the period from January 1, 1991 to September 30, 1996,
the average sales price for the Company's crude oil was approximately 71% of the
average posted price for WTI during such period.
    
 
   
     Crude oil prices are subject to significant changes in response to
fluctuations in the domestic and world supply and demand and other market
conditions, as well as the world political situation as it relates to OPEC, the
Middle East and various producing countries. Since the beginning of 1994, the
average sales price (unhedged) received by the Company ranged from a low of
$8.80 per barrel for the first quarter of 1994 to a high of $15.79 per barrel in
the second quarter of 1996. Based on operating results for the first nine months
of 1996, the Company estimates that on an annualized basis a $1.00 per barrel
increase or decrease in its average crude oil sales price would result in a
corresponding $17 million change in income from operations and a $10 million
change in cash flow from operating activities. The foregoing estimates do not
give effect to changes in any other factors, such as the effect of hedging or
depreciation and depletion, that would result from a change in oil prices.
    
 
   
     The price of natural gas fluctuates due to supply and demand, which may be
affected by weather conditions, the level of natural gas in storage and other
economic factors. Increases in the price of natural gas adversely impact the
Company's results of operations because the natural gas consumed in the
Company's EOR operations exceeds the amount of natural gas produced by the
Company. Based on operating results for the first nine months of 1996, the
Company estimates that on an annualized basis a $0.10 per Mcf increase (or
decrease) in the average domestic natural gas sales price would result in a $2
million decrease (or increase) in income from operations and a $1 million
decrease (or increase) in cash flow from operating activities. The foregoing
estimates do not give effect to changes in any other factors, such as depletion
and depreciation, that would result from a change in natural gas prices.
    
 
     In February 1996 the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") of the United States
Department of the Interior (which oversees the Company's leases of Federal
lands) agreed, effective as of June 1, 1996, to reduce the royalties payable on
any Federal lease that produces crude oil with a weighted average gravity of
less than 20 degrees API. The reduced royalty rates are based upon the weighted
average API gravity of the heavy oil produced from the subject Federal leases
and are as low as 3.9%, compared to 12.5% before the reduction. The reduced
royalty rates continue in effect for 12-month periods, after which the
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
operator can establish a new reduced rate for continued heavy oil production by
submitting an application. As a result of this program, the Company's royalty
rate on its Federal leases has been reduced from 12.5% to an average of 4.8%,
resulting in a net increase in the production attributable to the Company's net
revenue interests in such leases of approximately 1.6 MBbls per day. During the
period that such royalty reduction is in effect, the Company (and other working
interests owners, if any) will bear all of the thermal EOR costs to produce the
heavy oil from such properties. The royalty reduction will be terminated upon
the first to occur of (i) the determination by the BLM that the WTI average oil
price (as adjusted for inflation) has remained above $24 per barrel for six
consecutive months and (ii) such time after September 10, 1999, as the Secretary
of the Interior determines that the heavy oil royalty rate reduction has not
produced the intended results (i.e., to reduce the loss of otherwise recoverable
reserves).
 
   
     From time to time SFR hedges a portion of its oil sales to provide a
certain minimum level of cash flow from its sales of oil. While the hedges are
generally intended to reduce SFR's exposure to declines in market price, SFR's
gain from increases in market price may be limited. SFR uses various financial
instruments whereby monthly settlements are based on differences between the
prices specified in the instruments and the settlement prices of certain futures
contracts quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange ("NYMEX") or certain other
indices. Generally, in instances where the applicable settlement price is less
than the price specified in the contract, SFR receives a settlement based on the
difference; in instances where the applicable settlement price is higher than
the specified price, SFR pays an amount based on the difference. The instruments
utilized by SFR differ from futures contracts in that there is no contractual
obligation which requires or allows for the future delivery of the product.
Gains or losses on hedging activities are recognized in oil and gas revenues in
the period in which the hedged production is sold. SFR's hedging program in 1995
and 1996 has been to hedge the price of its light oil production. In certain
months when a favorable price could be obtained, heavy oil quantities (i.e.,
quantities in excess of light oil production) were hedged. The allocation of
hedging gains and losses to the Western Division during this period has been
calculated on the basis of its light oil production and its heavy oil hedges as
determined above. During the first nine months of 1996, the Company's share of
SFR's net loss on crude oil hedges was $3 million. The Company does not expect
to hedge a substantial portion of its oil production.
    
 
   
     In addition to crude oil sales hedges, during the first six months of 1996
SFR hedged 20 MMcf per day of the natural gas purchased for use in the Company's
steam generation operations. Such hedges, which terminated at the end of the
second quarter, resulted in a $3 million increase in the Company's production
and operating costs in the first nine months of 1996. While the Company has no
natural gas hedges currently in place, the Company's management may determine
that such arrangements are appropriate in the future in order to reduce the
Company's exposure to increases in gas prices.
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table reflects certain components of the Company's revenues
(expressed in millions of dollars) and expenses (expressed in dollars per BOE)
for the periods indicated:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              NINE MONTHS
                                                                                 ENDED
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                  -----------------------    --------------
                                                  1993     1994     1995     1995     1996
                                                  -----    -----    -----    -----    -----
<S>                                               <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
REVENUE DATA:
Crude oil and liquids:
  Average realized sales prices ($/Bbl)
     Unhedged...................................  11.63    11.53    13.50    13.75    15.33
     Hedged.....................................  11.63    11.53    13.50    13.79    15.08
  Sales volumes (MBbls/d).......................     43       41       42       41       46
  Revenues ($ Millions)
     Sales......................................    180      173      206      155      194
     Hedging....................................     --       --       --       --       (3)
     Net profits payments.......................     --       --       (1)      --       (1)
                                                  -----    -----    -----    -----    -----
          Total.................................    180      173      205      155      190
                                                  =====    =====    =====    =====    =====
Natural Gas:
  Average realized sales prices ($/Mcf).........   1.59     1.14     0.98     1.02     1.00
  Sales volumes (MMcf/d)........................      6        4        5        5        4
  Revenues ($ Millions).........................      4        2        2        1        1
EXPENSE DATA ($/BOE):
Production and operating expenses:
  Steam generation..............................   2.26     2.16     1.98     1.91     2.48(1)
  Lease operating...............................   4.05     3.47     3.50     3.59     3.52
          Total.................................   6.31     5.63     5.48     5.50     6.00(1)
Exploration, including dry holes................   0.11     0.09     0.15     0.18     0.09
Depletion, depreciation and amortization........   2.59     2.09     2.08     2.06     2.18
Impairment of oil and gas properties............   3.09       --       --       --       --
General and administrative......................   0.58     0.51     0.47     0.47     0.45
Taxes (other than income).......................   0.53     0.56     0.51     0.58     0.53
Restructuring changes...........................   0.75     0.07       --       --       --
Interest, net...................................   1.69     1.68     1.61     1.63     1.44
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) Includes $0.25 per BOE loss on hedging, see "-- General". The hedging
    transactions which generated these losses expired on June 30, 1996.
    Excluding such hedging losses, historical steam generation costs would have
    been $2.23 per BOE and historical total production costs would have been
    $5.75 per BOE.
    
 
   
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996, COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 1995
    
 
   
     OPERATING REVENUES. Revenues for the first nine months of 1996 of $193
million were 21% higher than the $159 million reported in the first nine months
of 1995. The increase primarily reflects the effects of increased crude oil
sales prices ($18 million) and sales volumes ($21 million). The increase in
crude and liquids volumes in 1996 primarily reflects the success of the
Company's well operations in the Midway-Sunset field and the drilling of new
wells in the Kern River field. Crude oil and liquids revenues for the first nine
months of 1996 include a $3 million loss on hedging. Effective June 1, 1996, the
Department of the Interior instituted a royalty reduction program for heavy
crude producers, which reduces from 12.5% to an average 4.8% the royalties the
Company is required to pay on production from its Federal leases. See
"-- General". Such royalty reduction program resulted in a $2.8 million increase
in revenues
    
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
 
   
and a $0.7 million increase in production and operating costs for the period
June 1 to September 30, 1996.
    
 
   
     OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES. Costs and expenses totaled $118 million in
the first nine months of 1996, an increase of 17% compared to $101 million in
the first nine months of 1995. Production and operating costs for the first nine
months of 1996 were $13 million higher than in the same period in 1995 primarily
because of higher steam generation costs principally due to higher volumes and
higher prices paid for natural gas used in the steam generation process. In
addition, steam generation costs for 1996 include $3 million in expenses related
to hedges of natural gas purchased. See "-- General". The increase in DD&A in
the first nine months of 1996 primarily reflects higher capital expenditures in
recent periods which have resulted in a higher rate per BOE produced.
    
 
   
     INCOME TAX. Income taxes in the first nine months of 1996 were $21 million,
an increase of 62% compared to $13 million in the same period of 1995 and
primarily reflect higher pre-tax income. The Company's effective tax rate in the
first nine months of 1996 of 36% is up from 32% in the same period in 1995,
primarily reflecting a reduction in the amount of EOR credits generated (due to
a reduction in expenditures qualifying for EOR credits) relative to the level of
pre-tax income.
    
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
     OPERATING REVENUES. Revenues for 1995 of $211 million were 18% higher than
the $179 million reported in 1994. The increase primarily reflects the effects
of increased sales prices ($30 million) and increased sales volumes ($2
million).
 
     OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES. Costs and expenses totaled $135 million in
1995, a decrease of 1% compared to $137 million in 1994. Exploration costs for
1995 include $1 million related to the drilling of two dry exploratory wells.
Costs and expenses for 1994 included $1 million in restructuring costs related
to SFR's 1993 corporate restructuring program. Although other 1995 costs showed
no significant change from the 1994 levels, steam generation costs and general
and administrative costs declined $0.18 per BOE and $0.03 per BOE, respectively.
 
     INCOME TAX. Income taxes in 1995 were $16 million, an increase of 240%
compared to $5 million in 1994 and primarily reflect higher pre-tax income. The
Company's effective tax rate in 1995 of 32% was up from 29% in 1994, primarily
reflecting the amount of EOR credits generated relative to the level of pre-tax
income.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
   
     OPERATING REVENUES. Revenues for 1994 of $179 million were 4% lower than
the $187 million reported in 1993. Revenues for 1993 included crude oil and
liquids revenues of $13 million (2.5 MBbls per day) and natural gas revenues of
$2 million (2.3 MMcf per day) attributable to certain producing properties which
were sold to Vintage Petroleum, Inc. ("Vintage") in the fourth quarter of 1993.
Crude oil and liquids revenues from other properties increased $6 million
primarily reflecting the effects of increased sales volumes.
    
 
   
     OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES. Costs and expenses totaled $137 million in
1994, a decrease of 38% compared to $222 million in 1993. Costs and expenses in
1993 included impairments of oil and gas properties of $49 million with regard
to two properties in the LA Basin and restructuring charges of $12 million. The
restructuring charges were incurred in the fourth quarter of 1993 as a result of
the adoption by SFR of a corporate restructuring program which included, among
other things, (i) the concentration of capital spending in SFR's core operating
areas (one of which is the San Joaquin Valley of California); (ii) the
disposition of non-core assets; and (iii) an evaluation of SFR's cost
structures. As a result of the program, certain of the Company's producing
properties were sold to Vintage Petroleum, Inc. ("Vintage") and the Company's
salaried work force was reduced. In implementing the corporate restructuring
program, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $11.9 million in 1993,
comprised of losses on property dispositions of $11.3 million and accruals for
certain personnel benefits and related
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
   
costs of $0.6 million. Also, costs and expenses in 1993 included $9 million of
production and operating costs, $4 million in DD&A and $0.4 million of taxes
(other than income) related to certain producing properties sold to Vintage in
the fourth quarter of 1993. The remainder of the decrease in DD&A was primarily
attributable to the effect of the impairments taken in 1993. General and
administrative expense was lower in 1994, primarily reflecting the effect of the
1993 corporate restructuring program.
    
 
     INCOME TAX. Income taxes in 1994 were $5 million, compared to a $27 million
benefit in 1993 attributable to the net loss of $62 million incurred in that
year. The Company's effective tax rate in 1994 was 29%.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
   
     The Company's cash flow from operating activities is a function of the
volumes of oil and gas produced from the Company's properties and the sales
prices received therefor. Since crude oil and natural gas are depleting assets,
unless the Company replaces the oil and gas produced from its properties, the
Company's assets will be depleted over time and its ability to incur debt at
constant or declining prices will be reduced. The Company increased its proved
reserves (net of production and sales) by approximately 12% from December 31,
1991 to September 1, 1996; however, no assurances can be given that similar
increases will occur in the future. Historically, the Company has generally
funded development and exploration expenditures and working capital requirements
from cash provided by operating activities; however, the future levels of
operating cash flows, which are significantly affected by oil and gas prices,
may limit the cash available for future exploration, development and acquisition
activities. Net cash provided by operating activities and net proceeds from
sales of properties totaled $62 million in the first nine months of 1996; net
cash used for capital expenditures and producing property acquisitions in such
period totaled $41 million. The Company intends to continue to meet its short
and long-term liquidity needs with cash provided by operating activities,
supplemented from time to time with borrowings under the New Credit Facility
and, if necessary, debt and equity financing.
    
 
   
     The Company expects to increase its capital expenditures from an average of
$35 million per year over the five year period ended December 31, 1995 to
approximately $51 million and $68 million in 1996 and 1997, respectively.
However, the actual amount expended by the Company in 1996 and 1997 will be
based upon numerous factors, the majority of which are outside its control,
including, without limitation, prevailing oil and natural gas prices and the
outlook therefor and the availability of funds. Through September 30, 1996, the
Company had expended approximately $38 million of its 1996 budgeted amount. The
Company intends to fund such future capital expenditures with cash provided by
operating activities and borrowings under the New Credit Facility.
    
 
   
     As described in this Prospectus under the caption "Prospectus
Summary -- Transactions at Closing", concurrently with the consummation of the
Offerings the Company will issue the Company Senior Notes in exchange for
cancellation of certain SFR Senior Notes. The Company Senior Notes will be in
the original principal amount of $175 million, bear interest at 10.61% per
annum, will be due and payable in full in 2005 and will require that the Company
prepay, without premium, $25 million of the principal amount each year from 1999
through 2004. The Note Agreement pursuant to which the Company Senior Notes will
be issued contains covenants which, among other things, restrict the Company's
ability to incur or maintain additional indebtedness and to pay cash dividends
unless certain conditions are satisfied. The restriction on indebtedness will
permit the Company to maintain indebtedness only to the extent that the
Company's total debt outstanding at such time does not exceed 300% of the
Company's EBITDA less Restricted Payments (as defined in the Note Agreement) for
the most recent four consecutive quarters then ended. On a pro forma basis,
after giving effect to the Offerings and the Transactions, as of September 30,
1996, the Company would have had additional debt capacity of approximately $170
million under such restriction. In addition, the Note Agreement requires that
the Company maintain net worth through December 31, 1998 of not less than $115
million, increasing each year thereafter by 20% of net income generated
thereafter. At September 30, 1996 on a pro forma basis after giving effect to
the Offerings and the Transactions, the Company's net worth would have been
approximately $137 million.
    
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
   
     At or prior to the closing of the Offerings the Company will also enter
into the New Credit Facility with The Chase Manhattan Bank ("Chase"), as both
agent (the "Agent") and lender. Chase has the right to syndicate the New Credit
Facility to a group of lenders (together with Chase, the "Lenders"), but has
not, to date, identified any such group to the Company. The credit agreement for
the New Credit Facility (the "Credit Agreement") will permit the Company to
obtain revolving credit loans (the "Loans") and the issuance of letters of
credit ("Letters of Credit") in an aggregate amount not to exceed $75 million
(with a sublimit of $15 million for Letters of Credit) at any time outstanding
(the "Commitment"). The obligations of the Company under the Credit Agreement
will be unsecured. All outstanding Loans are due and payable on the date that is
four years from the date the Credit Agreement becomes effective. At the
Company's option, each Loan will bear interest at (i) the higher of the federal
funds effective rate plus one-half of 1% or Chase's prime rate or (ii) the rate
at which eurodollar deposits for one, two, three or six months (as selected by
the Company) are offered by the Agent in the interbank eurodollar market in the
amount of such Loan (the "Eurodollar Rate"). An additional margin ranging from
one-half of 1% to 1% shall be added to the Eurodollar Rate depending upon the
ratio of (i) total indebtedness of the Company to (ii) EBITDA of the Company for
the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended minus dividends paid
during such four fiscal quarters (the "Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio"). The
Company will also pay to the Lenders a fee on the unused portion of the
Commitment ranging from 0.20% to 0.35% and a fee for the issuance of Letters of
Credit ranging from 0.50% to 1.00%, in each case based on the Debt to Adjusted
EBITDA Ratio. In addition, Chase, as the issuer of each Letter of Credit, will
receive an additional issuance fee equal to the greater of 1/8 of 1% of the face
amount of each Letter of Credit or $800.00. The Credit Agreement will contain
covenants similar to those contained in the Note Agreement, which, among other
things, restrict the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness and to
pay cash dividends unless certain conditions are satisfied. The restriction on
indebtedness will permit the Company to incur additional debt only if the
Company's total debt outstanding at such time would not exceed 300% of the
Company's EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for the most recent four
consecutive quarters most recently ended. In addition, the Credit Agreement will
require that the Company maintain a ratio of EBITDA (as defined in the Credit
Agreement) to interest expense of at least 3.0 times. At September 30, 1996, on
a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Offerings and the Transactions, the
Company's ratio of EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to interest
expense was approximately 6.6.
    
 
     To the extent that the Company is restricted from incurring additional
indebtedness under the Note Agreement or the New Credit Facility, the cash
available for use in its operations may be reduced.
 
   
     Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, SFR will retain the Production
Payment upon consummation of the Offerings. The Company's $30 million obligation
under the Production Payment represents in the aggregate approximately 20% of
1995 net sales proceeds from the Midway-Sunset field. Annual amortization of the
Production Payment represents 7% of 1995 net sales proceeds from the Midway-
Sunset field. It is anticipated, however, that the Production Payment will be
repaid promptly after the closing of the Offerings with borrowings under the New
Credit Facility.
    
 
   
     The $19 million increase in accounts receivable and $12 million increase in
accounts payable from December 31, 1995 to September 30, 1996 were primarily due
to higher crude oil prices and certain transactions in the third quarter of 1996
which involved back-to-back purchases and sales of crude oil.
    
 
DIVIDENDS
 
   
     The Company currently intends to pay to its stockholders a quarterly
dividend of $0.15 per share of Common Stock ($0.60 annually). The first dividend
is anticipated to be paid in April 1997 and will consist of a prorated dividend
(estimated to be $0.22) in respect of the Company's first partial quarter ending
December 31, 1996 and for its first full quarter of operations ending March 31,
1997. Although the Company currently intends to pay quarterly dividends, the
determination of the amount of future cash dividends, if any, to be declared and
paid will depend upon declaration by the Company's board of directors and upon
the Company's financial condition, earnings and funds from operations, the level
of its
    
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
capital and exploration expenditures, dividend restrictions contained in the New
Credit Facility and the Company Senior Notes, future business prospects and such
other matters as the Company's directors deem relevant. For a description of
certain restrictions on the Company's ability to pay dividends, see "Description
of Capital Stock -- Common Stock -- Dividends".
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
   
     Almost all phases of the Company's oil and gas operations are subject to
stringent environmental regulation by governmental authorities. Such regulation
has increased the costs of planning, designing, drilling, installing, operating
and abandoning oil and gas wells and other facilities. The Company has expended
significant financial and managerial resources to comply with such regulations.
These efforts include both an employee responsible for environmental compliance
and paid consultants who have evaluated known sites for which the Company may
face environmental liability and who monitor the Company's properties and waste
handling and disposal practices. All oilfield wastes are disposed of at
facilities authorized to accept such wastes. The Company's cost of compliance
with environmental regulations was $1.1 million in 1993, $0.6 million in 1994,
$1.0 million in 1995 and $1.5 million for the first nine months of 1996.
Although the Company believes its operations and facilities are in general
compliance with applicable environmental regulations, risks of substantial costs
and liabilities are inherent in oil and gas operations. It is possible that
other developments, such as increasingly strict environmental laws, regulations
and enforcement policies or claims for damages to property, employees, other
persons and the environment resulting from the Company's operations, could
result in significant costs and liabilities in the future. As it has done in the
past, the Company intends to fund its cost of environmental compliance from
operating cash flows.
    
 
INTERCOMPANY AGREEMENTS
 
     As an operating division of SFR, the Western Division has been able to
utilize the administrative services and personnel of SFR's corporate offices,
including the services and personnel of SFR's data processing, accounting, tax
and legal departments. Prior to the closing of the Offerings, the Company and
SFR intend to enter into the Services Agreement pursuant to which SFR will, upon
the Company's request, continue to perform such administrative services in
return for reimbursement by the Company of SFR's costs incurred therefor.
Payments to SFR under the Services Agreement are expected to diminish as the
Company assumes full responsibility during 1997 for each of the services covered
by the Services Agreement. The Company anticipates that its general and
administrative costs will increase over 1995 levels to approximately $9 million
in 1997 as it assumes full responsibility for each of these services and
functions. Such increase is expected to include costs related to additional
salaries and benefits, investor reporting and communications, annual costs of
computer hardware and telecommunications systems, annual computer software
licenses and maintenance, separate insurance and other costs.
 
     The net income generated by the Western Division has historically been
included in SFR's consolidated Federal and state returns. Although SFR's Federal
and state income tax liability has typically been substantially lower than the
Western Division's liability would have been had it not been included in SFR's
consolidated returns, the amounts reflected in the Company's Financial
Statements have been prepared as if the Western Division had been an independent
taxpayer. Pursuant to the Tax Allocation Agreement, the Company will agree with
SFR that from and after the closing of the Offerings and continuing for so long
as the Company is included in SFR's consolidated group, the Company will pay to
SFR an amount approximating the Federal, state and local tax liability it would
have paid if the Company were not included in SFR's consolidated group. If the
Spin Off is effected or the Company otherwise ceases to be a member of SFR's
affiliated group, the Company will file separate Federal and state tax returns.
 
     During 1995, SFR elected for Federal income tax purposes to capitalize,
rather than expense, the intangible drilling costs attributable to the Western
Division's operations (which aggregated $22 million during 1995), which costs
are deductible ratably over the next 60 months. As a result of that election,
the net taxable income attributable to the operations of the Western Division is
higher than it would have
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
 
been had such costs been expensed. SFR has advised the Company that, so long as
the Company remains a member of SFR's affiliated group, SFR intends to continue
to elect to capitalize intangible drilling costs attributable to the Company's
operations. That election will result in higher net taxable income generated by
the Company's operations and, therefore, a larger payment to SFR under the Tax
Allocation Agreement than would have been generated and paid had such costs been
expensed, although the Company's net taxable income and payments for future
periods will be reduced by a similar amount to the extent that capitalized costs
are deducted during such periods. After the Company ceases to be a member of
SFR's affiliated group, the Company intends to elect to expense similar costs
thereafter incurred.
 
     In addition to the Services Agreement and Tax Allocation Agreement, at or
prior to the closing of the Offerings, the Company will enter into the
Registration Rights Agreement (pursuant to which SFR will have the right to
require that its shares of Common Stock be registered for sale), the
Contribution Agreement (pursuant to which the assets of the Western Division
will be contributed to the Company) and the Spin Off Tax Indemnity Agreement
(pursuant to which the Company will agree to indemnify SFR for costs incurred in
the event that actions taken by the Company result in the Spin Off being
taxable). Although the Company has no intention to take any actions that would
result in an indemnity payment becoming due under the Spin Off Tax Indemnity
Agreement, as described under "Risk Factors -- Intended Spin Off by SFR", the
Company believes that if it is required to make a payment pursuant to such
Agreement, the amount of such payment would have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial condition. For a description of such contractual
arrangements see "Relationship Between the Company and SFR".
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   36
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Company is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the
production, development and acquisition of oil and natural gas in the State of
California. As of September 1, 1996 the Company had net proved reserves of
approximately 214 MMBOE with a pre-tax net present value, discounted at 10%, of
approximately $750 million, according to estimates prepared by Ryder Scott. In
1995, the Company's operations generated total revenues of approximately $211
million, EBITDA of approximately $108 million and net income of approximately
$34 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 1996, the Company's
average production was approximately 47 MBOE per day, resulting in a
reserve-to-production ratio of 12.5 years.
    
 
   
     The Company was formed in August 1996 to own the properties and conduct the
business of the Western Division of SFR following a determination by SFR's board
of directors to separate SFR's operations into two independent companies. The
SFR board made this determination because SFR's oil and gas operations have
developed, over time, into separate businesses that operate independently and
have diverging capital requirements and risk profiles. In addition, the board
believes that separating SFR's operations into two independent companies will
allow each to more efficiently develop its distinct resource base and pursue
separate business opportunities while providing each with improved access to
capital markets. While the Company will focus its efforts on exploitation
opportunities on its California properties, SFR has advised the Company that SFR
intends to focus on developing and exploiting its properties outside of
California and pursuing acquisition and exploration opportunities in other areas
of the United States and abroad. The Offerings and the other transactions to be
effected at or prior to the closing of the Offerings are the initial phase of
the separation of these two businesses. Immediately after the Offerings are
consummated, SFR will own approximately 85% of the outstanding Common Stock. The
second phase of the separation will involve the distribution to the common
stockholders of SFR of the shares of Common Stock owned by SFR following the
Offerings. See "-- Transactions at Closing" and "-- Relationship Between the
Company and SFR -- Intended Spin Off by SFR".
    
 
   
     The Company owns and operates properties in four major oil producing fields
located in the San Joaquin Valley of California: Midway-Sunset, Kern River,
South Belridge and Coalinga. These fields are among the most prolific oil fields
in the United States, particularly the Midway-Sunset, Kern River, and South
Belridge fields which are the three largest producing oil fields in the lower 48
states. The Midway-Sunset field accounted for approximately 78% of the Company's
total proved reserves at September 1, 1996 and 74% of its average daily
production for the first nine months of 1996. An additional 18% of the Company's
total proved reserves as of September 1, 1996, and 21% of its average daily
production for the first nine months of 1996 were attributable to the Kern
River, South Belridge and Coalinga fields. The Company initiated production from
the San Joaquin Valley fields in 1905 and nearly all of the reserves in these
fields have been characterized by low gravity and high viscosity or "heavy" oil,
the production of which depends primarily on thermally enhanced recovery
techniques. The Company holds an interest in approximately 16,000 gross acres in
these fields with an average working interest in these properties of
approximately 99%.
    
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   37
 
     The Company seeks to accelerate its growth in both production and reserves
through an active development program which concentrates on the use of heat
(typically in the form of steam) to reduce the viscosity and increase the
producibility of its reserve base. During the five years ended December 31,
1995, the Company spent a total of $176 million (an average of $35 million per
year) on development activities on its properties. Cumulative production from
the Company's properties during the same five year period exceeded 78 MMBOE
while additions to proved reserves exceeded 97 MMBOE (yielding 19 MMBOE net
additions after production). The table set forth below demonstrates the growth
in the Company's proved reserve base, as estimated by Ryder Scott:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             PROVED RESERVES
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                        ----------------------------------------     SEPTEMBER 1,
                                        1991     1992     1993(1)  1994     1995         1996
                                        ----     ----     ----     ----     ----     ------------
    <S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
    Crude oil (MMBbls)................  183      190      184      191      200           212
    Natural gas (BCF).................   22       19       12       13       12            12
              Total (MMBOE)...........  187      193      186      193      202           214
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) The reduction in proved reserves in 1993 primarily reflects the sale of the
    Western Division's interests in certain properties containing estimated
    proved reserves of approximately 5.7 MMBOE.
    
 
   
Based on reservoir engineering studies prepared by Ryder Scott, the Company
believes that it can continue to make significant additions to proved reserves
on its properties through additional EOR and development projects, and the
Company has developed a large inventory of such projects from which it expects
to make such additions. The Company anticipates spending approximately $51
million during 1996 (of which $38 million has been expended through September
30, 1996) and $68 million during 1997 on additional development projects on its
properties. Because the actual amounts expended in the future and the results
therefrom will be influenced by numerous factors, including many beyond the
Company's control, and due to the inherent uncertainty of reservoir engineering
studies, no assurances can be given as to the amounts that will be expended or,
if expended, that the results therefrom will be consistent with the Company's
prior experience or expectations. See "Business -- Development Activities".
    
 
STRATEGY
 
     The Company's strategy is to efficiently and consistently increase its
production rates and proved reserves while maximizing total return to
stockholders. The Company intends to achieve its objectives by developing its
existing fields through the deployment of advanced production techniques, by
pursuing reserve acquisition opportunities which are consistent with its
geographic and operational strengths, by maintaining a dividend policy that will
provide a significant current return to stockholders. Key elements of the
Company's strategy include:
 
   
     ACCELERATED EXPLOITATION PROGRAM. The Company plans to increase its
investment in relatively low-risk development and infill drilling opportunities
in its existing fields in order to maximize production and reserves over the
long-term. During the five years ended December 31, 1995, the Company completed
1,064 well operations (which include development and injection wells, workovers
and recompletions), of which 1,062 were successful. These operations contributed
to proved reserve additions of approximately 97 MMBOE at an average finding cost
of $2.32 per BOE. Reserve additions in 1995 totaled approximately 24 MMBOE, more
than 150% of production for the year. The Company expects to complete more than
300 well operations in each of 1996 and 1997 with budgeted capital expenditures
during such years of approximately $51 million and $68 million, respectively.
The Company believes that its sizable project inventory will allow it to
continue to increase its production and reserves over the next several years.
    
 
   
     INCREASED HORIZONTAL DRILLING. The Company has recently begun to utilize
horizontal drilling techniques, which have increased production and ultimate
reserve recovery on its existing properties. The Company drilled six horizontal
wells in the Midway-Sunset field during the first nine months of 1996 which are
currently producing at rates ranging from 80 to 400 Bbls per day (an average of
150 Bbls per
    
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   38
 
day) per well compared to an average of 20 Bbls per day from the Company's
conventional vertical wells, although there can be no assurance that such rates
can be sustained in the future. The Company expects to complete 45 additional
horizontal wells by the end of 1997 at an expected capital cost of approximately
$20 million, although the actual number of horizontal wells drilled could be
increased or decreased based upon the results realized from the horizontal wells
completed. While horizontal drilling has only recently been employed in the
Company's operations, the Company believes that this technology represents a
significant opportunity for more cost effective development, increased reserves
and increased production and total recovery rates from its properties.
 
   
     LOW COST PRODUCER. The Company believes that its finding costs and
producing costs are among the lowest for heavy crude producers in the United
States. Due to the reservoir characteristics of the Company's producing
properties and the extensive development activities conducted to date thereon,
such properties are well suited to low cost development and exploitation
drilling. For example, the Company's average finding cost for the three years
ended December 31, 1995 was $1.97 per BOE. In addition, continuing cost control
efforts have contributed to the reduction of its production and operating costs
from $6.52 per BOE in 1991 to $5.75 per BOE for the first nine months of 1996
(excluding hedging losses of $0.25 per BOE). The Company plans to continue to
pursue operational efficiencies, including facilities upgrades and process
consolidations with adjoining producers, to further reduce both finding and
producing costs.
    
 
   
     FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY. The company believes that the
consummation of the Offerings and the related transactions will give the Company
significantly more operational and financial flexibility, including the ability
to (i) maintain an appropriate capital structure, (ii) focus its available
financial resources on the development of its producing properties in California
and (iii) pursue selective acquisition opportunities as they arise. On a pro
forma basis, after giving effect to the consummation of the Offerings and the
Transactions, the Company had total indebtedness of $214 million as of September
30, 1996 and a pro forma ratio of EBITDA to interest expense for the first nine
months of 1996 of 6.6 to 1.0.
    
 
   
     SIGNIFICANT DIVIDEND PAYOUT. Following the Offerings, the Company intends
to maintain a dividend policy that will provide a significant return to
stockholders. The Company intends to pay dividends at a rate of $0.60 per share
per annum to the holders of Common Stock (representing a yield of 4.3% assuming
an initial public offering price of $14.00 per share). However, the actual
amount of future dividends declared and paid, if any, will depend upon the
declaration of same by the Company's board of directors and upon the Company's
financial condition, earnings and funds from operations, the level of its
capital and exploration expenditures, dividend restrictions contained in its
financing agreements, its future business prospects and such other matters as
the directors of the Company may deem relevant.
    
 
   
     APPLICATION OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES. The Company will continue to utilize
its growing technology base, including increasing use of 3-D seismic surveys,
water floods, thermal EOR techniques, new fracturing techniques and reservoir
modeling. The Company believes that 3-D seismic techniques may identify
significant additional reserves and is currently negotiating a joint venture
with Chevron U.S.A., Inc. to conduct a 3-D seismic survey of certain properties
in the Midway-Sunset field. The Company has extensive experience with EOR
techniques and has conducted steamflood operations on its properties since the
1960s. The Company has improved its thermal EOR techniques over time and is
currently focusing on efficient reservoir heat management techniques which are
intended to optimize recoveries and minimize fuel costs. The Company believes
that its expertise in utilizing advanced technologies will allow it to identify
and recover additional reserves in its existing properties.
    
 
     EXPLOITATION OF FAVORABLE MARKET CONDITIONS. Market conditions for
producers of California heavy crude have improved significantly in recent years.
Based upon statistics developed by the California Energy Commission and the U.S.
Census Bureau, California consumes more energy than any other state in the
United States and its energy consumption is expected to grow through at least
the year 2000 as its population expands. While California's energy consumption
continues to increase, California's aggregate crude oil supplies have decreased
primarily as the result of three factors: (i) declining California crude
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   39
 
   
production; (ii) reduced oil supplies to California from the Alaskan North Slope
(which provided 40% of the crude oil consumed by refiners in California during
1995) resulting from a decline in production and the initiation of sales to
foreign markets; and (iii) the availability of new transportation systems which
enable San Joaquin producers to sell crude oil outside California. The Company
believes that California's growing energy demand and declining crude oil supply,
together with other market factors, have contributed to the increase in average
posted prices for the Midway-Sunset field (for heavy crude) from $12.08 per Bbl
in 1991 to $15.25 per Bbl for the first nine months of 1996. In addition, the
spread between the West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") posted price (for light
crude) and the Midway-Sunset field posted price (for heavy crude) has declined
from $8.12 per Bbl in 1991 to $4.37 per Bbl for the first nine months of 1996.
There can be no assurances, however, with respect to future Midway-Sunset field
posted prices for crude oil or the future spread between WTI and Midway-Sunset
posted prices.
    
 
   
     REGIONAL EXPERTISE. The Company is one of the largest independent oil
producers in California, based upon a 1995 report of the California Department
of Conservation. The Company intends to continue to focus on this region in
order to capitalize on its geologic, engineering and production expertise
developed through continuous operations in the area since 1905. The Company
believes that such expertise gives it the ability to efficiently develop
additions to proved reserves in the Company's existing portfolio of properties
as well as to identify potential acquisitions.
    
 
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
 
     The Company is engaged in development activities primarily through the
application of thermal EOR techniques on its heavy oil properties in the San
Joaquin Valley. Thermal EOR operations involve the injection of steam into a
reservoir to raise the temperature and reduce the viscosity of heavy oil,
facilitating the flow of the oil into producing wellbores. The Company has
conducted thermal EOR projects in the San Joaquin Valley since the mid-1960s and
employs two principal techniques: cyclic steam stimulation, which involves the
injection of steam through a wellbore for a period of days or weeks after which
the same wellbore is used to produce oil, typically for a period of weeks or
months; and steam flooding, a process by which steam is injected into the center
of a well pattern and oil is produced from surrounding producing wells. The
Company has also employed a third technique, referred to as insitu combustion,
in which air is injected into a dedicated wellbore, a combustion zone is
established within a reservoir to heat the oil and reduce its viscosity and oil
is produced from surrounding wellbores. In addition to these thermal techniques,
the Company has extensive experience in the use of waterfloods, which involves
the injection of water into a reservoir to drive hydrocarbons into producing
wellbores.
 
   
     In addition to the thermal and waterflood development techniques described
above, the Company has recently begun to utilize horizontal drilling and 3-D
seismic surveys. The Company has drilled six horizontal wells in the
Midway-Sunset field during the first nine months of 1996, which are producing at
rates ranging from 80 to 400 Bbls per day (an average of 150 Bbls per day) per
well, compared to an average of 20 Bbls per day from the Company's vertical
wells, although there can be no assurance that such rates can be sustained in
the future. The Company plans to drill 45 additional horizontal wells by the end
of 1997 at an expected cost of approximately $20 million, although the actual
number of horizontal wells drilled could be increased or decreased based on the
results realized from the horizontal wells completed. While horizontal wells are
more expensive to drill than vertical wells, the Company believes that its
experience to date demonstrates both that horizontal wells are capable of
producing in excess of the 20 Bbl per day levels typical of vertical wells in
the area and that horizontal wells will enable the Company to find and produce
reserves which would not have been recovered using conventional vertical well
techniques. Accordingly, the Company believes that horizontal drilling
represents an opportunity to significantly reduce the cost and improve the
efficiency of its development efforts. In addition to undertaking its horizontal
drilling program, the Company is currently negotiating a joint venture with
Chevron USA, Inc. to develop a 3-D seismic survey of certain properties in the
Midway-Sunset field. The Company believes that 3-D seismic techniques may
identify significant additional reserves.
    
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   40
 
SIGNIFICANT PRODUCING PROPERTIES
 
   
     The following table sets forth information with respect to the most
significant producing properties of the Company, which are described in more
detail following such table. Each of the Midway-Sunset, Kern River, South
Belridge and Coalinga fields is commonly referred to as a "giant" field because
of the presence of ultimate producible reserves in excess of 100 MMBOE.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     NET                                        PROVED
                                                PRODUCTION(1)                                 RESERVES(2)
                                 --------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------
                                    OIL        GAS       TOTAL     PERCENTAGE     OIL       GAS     TOTAL    PERCENTAGE
    FIELD OR OPERATIONS AREA     (MBBLS/D)   (MMCF/D)   (MBOE/D)    OF TOTAL    (MMBBLS)   (BCF)   (MMBOE)    OF TOTAL
- ------------------------------------------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   -----   -------   ----------
<S>                              <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>     <C>       <C>
Midway-Sunset....................     34         2         35           74         166        8      167          78
Kern River.......................      5         1          5           10          19       --       19           9
South Belridge...................      3         1          3            6          14        4       15           7
Coalinga.........................      2        --          2            5           4       --        4           2
Other (primarily LA Basin).......      2        --          2            5           9       --        9           4
                                     --         --         --                                --
                                                                       ---         ---               ---         ---
    Total producing properties...     46         4         47          100         212       12      214         100
                                     ==         ==         ==          ===         ===       ==      ===         ===
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) Average daily production rates during the first nine months of 1996.
    
 
(2) As of September 1, 1996.
 
   
     MIDWAY-SUNSET. The Company owns and operates a 100% working interest (98%
average net revenue interest) in over 13,000 gross acres and 2,300 producing
wells in the Midway-Sunset field. The Company is currently the largest producer
in the field and has operated there continuously since 1905. With field-wide
production rates of approximately 166 MBbls per day, the Midway-Sunset field is
the largest producing oil field in the lower 48 states and has produced in
excess of 2 billion barrels of oil. Substantially all of the oil produced from
the Midway-Sunset field is heavy crude oil located in the Pleistocene and
Miocene reservoirs at depths of less than 2,000 feet. Producing formations
include (in order of increasing depth) the Tulare and Etchegoin formations as
well as the Potter, Spellacy and Diatomite horizons of the Monterey formation.
During the first nine months of 1996, the Midway-Sunset field accounted for
approximately 74% of the Company's crude production. As of September 1, 1996,
the Company's total proved reserves in the Midway-Sunset field were
approximately 167 MMBOE, or approximately 78% of its total proved reserves.
    
 
   
     Despite being in continuous production since 1905, the Company's
Midway-Sunset properties have produced at record levels in the first nine months
of 1996. These production rates are the result of development activities using
cyclic steam injection, steamflood, in situ combustion and horizontal drilling
operations, which have increased net daily production from approximately 24
MBbls per day in early 1990 to in excess of 35 MBbls per day by September 1996.
The Company has focused most of its development efforts and technology on the
Potter horizon which has demonstrated approximately 8% compounded annual growth
in production rates from 1990 through 1995. Capital expenditures for development
in the Midway-Sunset field have averaged $20 million over the six-year period
from 1990 through 1995. Since May 1995, the Company has drilled seven horizontal
wells in the Midway-Sunset field, which are currently producing at rates ranging
from 80 to 400 Bbls per day (an average of 150 Bbls per day) per well. The
Company plans to drill 40 additional horizontal wells in this field by the end
of 1997.
    
 
     Despite record levels of production, the Company believes, based on
reservoir engineering studies prepared by Ryder Scott, that it can continue to
make significant additions to its proved reserves in this field through
additional EOR and development projects. While most of the Company's EOR efforts
in this field have concentrated on the Potter horizon, the Company believes that
these techniques may generate similar production and reserve additions in each
of the Spellacy, Tulare and Diatomite horizons. The Company has identified in
excess of 1,300 well operations that could be undertaken in the field and
anticipates completing 250 of these operations in 1996 and 300 in 1997 at an
estimated capital cost of $35 million and $51 million, respectively.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   41
 
   
     KERN RIVER. The Company owns and operates a 100% working interest (91%
average net revenue interest) in four properties in the Kern River field,
located near Bakersfield, California. The Company acquired its interest in the
Kern River field in 1905. With field-wide production rates of approximately 138
MBbls per day, the Kern River field is the second largest producing oil field in
the lower 48 states and has produced in excess of 1.5 billion barrels of oil.
Most of the oil produced from the Kern River field is heavy crude oil produced
from Plio-Pleistocene reservoirs at depths of less than 1,000 feet. During the
first nine months of 1996, the Kern River field accounted for approximately 10%
of the Company's total crude production. As of September 1, 1996, the Company's
total proved reserves in the Kern River field were approximately 19 MMBOE, or
approximately 9% of its total proved reserves.
    
 
   
     The Company's production from the Kern River field has increased from
approximately 2 MBbls per day in 1990 to approximately 5 MBbls per day in the
first nine months of 1996. Capital expenditures over the same period of time
have increased from $2 million in 1991 to a projected $5 million in 1996.
    
 
     As with the Midway-Sunset field, management believes, based on engineering
studies prepared by Ryder Scott, that the Company can continue to make
significant additions to its proved reserves in the Kern River field through
additional thermal development projects. The Company has identified 128 well
operations (including two horizontal wells) that could be undertaken in the
field and anticipates completing 49 of these operations in 1996, and 20 in 1997,
at an estimated capital cost of $5 million and $2 million, respectively.
 
   
     SOUTH BELRIDGE. The Company has a 46% average working interest (40% average
net revenue interest) in its properties in the South Belridge field, which is
located 15 miles north of the Midway-Sunset field. The Company acquired
interests in the South Belridge field in 1987 and expanded its holdings in 1991.
With production of approximately 110 MBbls per day, the South Belridge field is
the third highest producing oil field in the lower 48 states and has produced in
excess of one billion barrels of oil. The oil in the South Belridge field is
heavy and intermediate crude that is produced from Tulare, Etchegoin and
Diatomite formations equivalent to those found in the Midway-Sunset field,
generally at depths of less than 2,000 feet. During the first nine months of
1996, the South Belridge field accounted for approximately 5% of the Company's
total crude production. As of September 1, 1996, the Company's total proved
reserves in the South Belridge field were approximately 15 MMBOE, or
approximately 7% of its total proved reserves.
    
 
     The Company has identified 83 additional drilling and remediation projects
(including one horizontal well) in the South Belridge field and anticipates
completing 40 of the projects by the end of 1997 at an estimated cost of
approximately $3 million.
 
   
     COALINGA. The Company has a 100% average working interest (84% average net
revenue interest) in its properties in the Coalinga field which is located 55
miles southwest of Fresno, California. Total field-wide production from Coalinga
has exceeded 800 million barrels with total current production of approximately
26 MBbls per day. During the first nine months of 1996, the Coalinga field
accounted for approximately 5% of the Company's crude production. As of
September 1, 1996, the Company's total proved reserves in the Coalinga field
were approximately 4 MMBOE, or approximately 2% of its total proved reserves.
    
 
     The Company acquired its interest in the Coalinga field in 1977. The
Company has identified 104 additional drilling and remediation projects
(including two horizontal wells) in the Coalinga field and anticipates
completing 48 of the projects by the end of 1997 at an estimated cost of
approximately $4 million.
 
   
     LA BASIN. The Company has an average 30% working interest (24% average net
revenue interest) in four producing properties in Los Angeles and Orange
Counties in California (the "LA Basin"). During the first nine months of 1996,
the Company's LA Basin properties accounted for approximately 5% of the
Company's total crude production. As of September 1, 1996, the Company's total
proved reserves in the LA Basin were approximately 8 MMBOE, or approximately 4%
of its total proved reserves. The Company's LA Basin properties include a 69%
working interest (51% net revenue interest) in the Santa
    
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   42
 
Fe Springs field which was acquired in May 1996. As of September 1, 1996,
production from this interest was 2,100 Bbls per day (1,100 Bbls per day net).
 
RESERVES
 
     The following table sets forth information regarding changes in Ryder
Scott's estimates of proved net reserves from January 1, 1992 to September 1,
1996.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NET
                                                                     PURCHASES    CHANGES IN
                               BALANCE AT    REVISIONS               (SALES) OF    OWNERSHIP                  BALANCE
                               BEGINNING    OF PREVIOUS   IMPROVED    MINERALS        IN                      AT END
                               OF PERIOD     ESTIMATES    RECOVERY    IN PLACE    PARTNERSHIP   PRODUCTION   OF PERIOD
                               ----------   -----------   --------   ----------   -----------   ----------   ---------
<S>                            <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
Proved reserves, for year
  ended:
  December 31, 1992
     Oil and condensate
       (MMBbls)................     183           9          13          --            --           (15)        190
     Natural gas (Bcf).........      22          --          --          --            --            (3)         19
     Oil equivalent (MMBOE)....     187           9          13          --            --           (16)        193
  December 31, 1993
     Oil and condensate
       (MMBbls)................     190         (14)         27          (4)            1           (16)        184
     Natural gas (Bcf).........      19          --          --          (5)           --            (2)         12
     Oil equivalent (MMBOE)....     193         (14)         27          (5)            1           (16)        186
  December 31, 1994
     Oil and condensate
       (MMBbls)................     184          10          12          --            --           (15)        191
     Natural gas (Bcf).........      12           2          --          --            --            (1)         13
     Oil equivalent (MMBOE)....     186          10          12          --            --           (15)        193
  December 31, 1995
     Oil and condensate
       (MMBbls)................     191          10          14          --            --           (15)        200
     Natural gas (Bcf).........      13           1          --          --            --            (2)         12
     Oil equivalent (MMBOE)....     193          10          14          --            --           (15)        202
  September 1, 1996(1)
     Oil and condensate
       (MMBbls)................     200           8          13           2            --           (11)        212
     Natural gas (Bcf).........      12           1          --          --            --            (1)         12
     Oil equivalent (MMBOE)....     202           8          13           2            --           (11)        214
</TABLE>
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,                 SEPTEMBER
                                                   ------------------------------------        1,
                                                   1991    1992    1993    1994    1995       1996
                                                   ----    ----    ----    ----    ----    -----------
<S>                                                <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Proved developed reserves (MMBOE).................  149     157     142     142     159        169
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) For the eight-month period beginning January 1, 1996.
 
     Historically, the Company has utilized active development and exploration
programs as well as selected acquisitions to replace its reserves depleted by
production. The Company has increased its proved reserves (net of production and
sales) by approximately 6% over the five years ended December 31, 1995.
Substantially all of such increases are attributable to proved reserve additions
from the Company's producing oil properties in the San Joaquin Valley of
California and acquisitions of oil and gas reserves.
 
     Ryder Scott, a firm of independent petroleum engineers, prepared the above
estimates of the Company's total proved reserves as of December 31, 1992 through
1995 and as of September 1, 1996.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   43
 
     As of September 1, 1996, approximately 21% of the Company's total proved
reserves was classified as proved undeveloped reserves.
 
     The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows (after income
taxes) relating to proved reserves for the Company as of December 31, 1995 was
$426 million ($654 million before income taxes). The discounted future net cash
flows (before income taxes) relating to proved reserves for the Company as of
September 1, 1996 was $750 million.
 
     In accordance with the Commission's guidelines, Ryder Scott's estimate of
standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows from the Company's
properties has been made using oil and natural gas sales prices in effect as of
the date of such estimate and have been held constant throughout the life of the
properties except where such guidelines permit alternate treatment, including
the use of fixed and determinable contractual price escalations. Prices for
natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil are subject to substantial
fluctuations as a result of numerous other factors. The standardized measure of
discounted future net cash flows relating to proved reserves should not be
construed as the current market value of estimated natural gas, natural gas
liquids and crude oil reserves. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations".
 
     There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of
proved reserves and in projecting future rates of production and timing of
development expenditures, including many factors beyond the control of the
Company. The reserve data set forth herein represent estimates only. Reserve
engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of
crude oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner, and the
accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data
and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. See "Risk
Factors -- Uncertainties in Estimates of Proved Reserves".
 
     During 1995 the Company filed Energy Information Administration Form 23
which reported natural gas and oil reserves for the year 1994. The reserve
estimates reported on Form 23 are not comparable with the reserve estimates
reported herein because Form 23 required that reserves be reported on a gross
operated basis rather than on a net interest basis. On an equivalent barrel
basis, the reserve estimates for the year 1994 contained in such report and
those reported herein for the year 1994 do not differ by more than five percent.
 
DEVELOPMENT, EXPLORATION AND ACQUISITION EXPENDITURES
 
     The following table shows the Company's total oil and gas development,
exploration and acquisition expenditures since the beginning of 1991 through
December 31, 1995 and budgeted development and exploration expenditures for
1996. Actual exploration and development expenditures in 1996 may vary
materially from the budgeted amounts set out below because such expenditures are
based upon factors beyond the Company's control, such as the success or failure
of drilling activities and industry and market conditions.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        BUDGETED
                                          HISTORICAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,          YEAR ENDING
                                     --------------------------------------------     DECEMBER 31,
                                     1991      1992      1993      1994      1995         1996
                                     ----      ----      ----      ----      ----     ------------
                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
                                     <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>
    Development costs(1)...........  $54       $17       $38       $23       $48          $ 46
    Exploration costs..............    3         3         2         1         3             2
    Acquisition costs:
      Unproved leasehold...........   --        --        --        --        --            --
      Proved properties............   29        --         4        --         1             3
                                     ---       ---       ---       ---       ---           ---
              Total costs..........  $86       $20       $44       $24       $52          $ 51
                                     ===       ===       ===       ===       ===           ===
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) Development expenditures include costs of EOR projects, infill drilling and
    primary development drilling of offset wells.
    
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   44
 
   
     The foregoing table reflects all acquisition, exploration and development
expenditures (including capitalized interest and allocated exploratory support
costs), whether capitalized or charged to expense. Capitalized interest for the
years ended December 31, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 was $0.3 million, $0.1
million, $0.3 million, $0.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Through
September 30, 1996, the Company has spent $40 million on all such expenditures.
Capitalized interest for the same period is estimated to be $0.9 million.
    
 
ACQUISITION ACTIVITIES
 
   
     The Company continually evaluates acquisitions of producing and
non-producing oil and gas properties that would add to its reserve base and
present additional development opportunities at attractive prices. From 1994
through the third quarter of 1996, the Company spent approximately $4 million in
3 transactions to purchase an estimated 4.4 MMBOE of proved oil and gas reserves
in California. Although the Company may pursue opportunities in other areas, the
Company plans to focus primarily on areas contiguous with, or in close proximity
to, its existing operations. Future acquisitions will depend upon, among other
things, the availability of opportunities to purchase reserves that would
complement the Company's existing properties and that would meet or exceed the
Company's economic criteria with respect to, among other things, cost of reserve
additions, the availability of funding on acceptable terms and other projects to
which the Company may be committed that would compete with the personal or
capital resources required to be dedicated to a particular acquisition
opportunity.
    
 
DRILLING ACTIVITIES
 
   
     The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the number of wells
drilled in which the Company had an economic interest. As of September 30, 1996,
no wells were in progress.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                   NINE MONTHS
                            -------------------------------------------------         ENDED
                                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                1993              1994              1995               1996
                            -------------     -------------     -------------     --------------
                            GROSS     NET     GROSS     NET     GROSS     NET     GROSS      NET
                            -----     ---     -----     ---     -----     ---     -----      ---
    <S>                     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>        <C>
    Development wells:
      Completed............  170      152       78      70       222      207      188       183
      Dry holes............    1        1        1       1        --       --        2         2
                                                --      --
                             ---      ---                        ---      ---      ---       ---
              Total........  171      153       79      71       222      207      190       185
    Exploration wells:
      Completed............   --       --       --      --        --       --       --        --
      Dry holes............   --       --       --      --         3        3        1        --
                                                --      --
                             ---      ---                        ---      ---      ---       ---
              Total........  171      153       79      71       225      210      191       185
                             ===      ===       ==      ==       ===      ===      ===       ===
</TABLE>
    
 
The number of wells drilled may not be a valid measure or indicator of the
relative success or value of a drilling program because the significance of the
reserves and their economic potential may vary widely for each property and
well.
 
PRODUCING WELLS
 
   
     The following table sets forth the Company's ownership in producing wells
at September 30, 1996:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         TOTAL PRODUCING
                                                                              WELLS
                                                                        -----------------
                                                                        GROSS        NET
                                                                        -----       -----
    <S>                                                                 <C>         <C>
    Oil...............................................................  5,560       4,995
    Natural gas.......................................................      2          --
                                                                        -----       -----
              Total...................................................  5,562       4,995
                                                                        =====       =====
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   45
 
PRODUCTION AND PRICES
 
   
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's
volumes of production and sales prices during the years 1993, 1994 and 1995 and
the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1996:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  NINE MONTHS
                                                                                     ENDED
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                      -----------------------    --------------
                                                      1993     1994     1995     1995     1996
                                                      -----    -----    -----    -----    -----
<S>                                                   <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Average daily production:
  Crude oil and liquids production (MBbls/d)........     43       41       42       41       46
  Natural gas production (MMcf/d)...................      6        4        5        5        4
  Total production (MBOE)...........................     44       42       43       42       47
Crude oil and liquids average sales price ($/Bbl)
     Unhedged.......................................  11.63    11.53    13.50    13.75    15.33
     Hedged.........................................  11.63    11.53    13.50    13.79    15.08
Natural gas average sales price ($/Mcf).............   1.59     1.14     0.98     1.02     1.00
</TABLE>
    
 
   
ACREAGE
    
 
   
     The following table summarizes the Company's developed and undeveloped fee
and leasehold acreage at September 30, 1996. Excluded from such information is
acreage in which the Company's interest is limited to royalty, overriding
royalty and other similar interests.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         DEVELOPED         UNDEVELOPED           TOTAL
                                      ----------------    --------------    ----------------
                 FIELD                GROSS      NET      GROSS     NET     GROSS      NET
    --------------------------------  ------    ------    -----    -----    ------    ------
    <S>                               <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
    Midway-Sunset...................  12,795    12,787      320      320    13,115    13,107
    Kern River......................     595       595       --       --       595       595
    South Belridge..................     919       710       --       --       919       710
    Coalinga........................   1,474     1,474       --       --     1,474     1,474
    LA Basin........................   1,342     1,342      234      234     1,576     1,576
    Other...........................  19,816     4,610    6,053    6,053    25,869    10,663
                                      ------    ------    -----    -----    ------    ------
              Total.................  36,941    21,518    6,607    6,607    43,548    28,125
                                      ======    ======    =====    =====    ======    ======
</TABLE>
 
CURRENT MARKETS FOR OIL AND GAS
 
   
     The Company's profitability is determined in large part by the difference
between the prices received for the oil and natural gas that it produces and the
costs of finding, developing and producing such reserves. Prices for oil and
natural gas have been subject to wide fluctuations, which continue to reflect
imbalances in supply and demand as well as other market conditions and the world
political situation as it affects OPEC, the Middle East, the former Soviet Union
and other producing countries. Moreover, the price of oil and natural gas may be
affected by the price and availability of alternative sources of energy, weather
conditions and the general state of the economy. Even relatively modest changes
in oil and natural gas prices may significantly change the Company's revenues,
results of operations, cash flows and proved reserves. Based on operating
results for the first nine months of 1996, the Company estimates that on an
annualized basis a $1.00 per barrel increase (or decrease) in its average crude
oil sales price would result in a $17 million increase (or decrease) in income
from operations, a $10 million increase (or decrease) in net income and a $10
million increase (or decrease) in cash flow from operating activities. Because
the Company is a relatively small producer of natural gas, it consumes more gas
in its EOR operations than it produces. As a result, an increase in natural gas
prices adversely affects the Company's results of operations. Based on operating
results for the first nine months of 1996, the Company estimates that on an
annualized basis a $0.10 per Mcf increase (or decrease) in the average domestic
natural gas sales price would result in a $2 million decrease (or increase) in
income from operations, a $1 million decrease (or increase) in net income and a
$1 million decrease (or increase) in
    
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   46
 
cash flow from operating activities. The foregoing estimates do not give effect
to changes in any other factors, such as the effect of the Company's hedging
program or depreciation and depletion, that would result from a change in oil
and natural gas prices. See "Risk Factors -- Effects of Changing Oil and Gas
Prices".
 
     The market for heavy crude oil produced in California differs substantially
from the remainder of the domestic crude oil market, due principally to the
transportation and refining requirements associated with heavy crude. Although
the prices realized for heavy crude oil are generally lower than those realized
from the sale of light crude oil, several economic trends have favorably
affected the market for the Company's production in recent years. See
"-- Strategy". In addition to the current favorable economic trends in
California heavy crude prices, the Company has facilities in place that it
believes will allow it to adapt to changes in pricing trends to a greater extent
than many of its competitors. For example, the Company owns and operates a large
gathering, blending and transportation system on its properties in the San
Joaquin Valley. At this terminal up to 30 MBbls of heavy oil per day can be
mixed or blended with lighter grades, a capability which enables the Company to
upgrade the majority of its heavy oil into a lighter crude which can be sold at
a higher price. The terminal also directly connects the Company's production
with five major pipelines serving refineries throughout California and gives the
Company the ability to meet the product specifications of multiple pipelines and
inter- and intra-state markets.
 
     From time to time the Company has hedged a portion of its oil and natural
gas production to manage its exposure to volatility in prices of oil and natural
gas. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- General" for a discussion of the Company's hedging
activities.
 
CUSTOMERS
 
   
     For the first nine months of 1996, affiliates of Shell Oil Company
("Shell") and Celeron Corporation ("Celeron") accounted for approximately 39%
and 29%, respectively, of the Company's crude oil and liquids sales (which with
respect to certain properties includes royalty and working interest owners'
share of production). The Company has sales contracts with several customers,
including Shell and Celeron, which generally provide for sales of the Company's
crude oil and liquids at market responsive prices and are cancellable by either
party thereto upon short notice (generally 60 days or less). Because the
Company's markets are characterized by a number of potential customers who are
willing to purchase the Company's crude oil and liquids at market responsive
prices, the Company does not believe that the loss or cancellation of its
contracts with Shell or Celeron would have a material adverse effect on its
financial condition or results of operations. No other individual customer
accounted for more than 10% of the Company's crude oil and liquids revenues
during 1995. Substantially all of the Company's oil production is currently sold
at market prices that approximate posted field prices. Availability of a ready
market for the Company's oil production depends on numerous factors, including
the level of consumer demand, the level of worldwide oil production, the cost
and availability of alternative fuels, the availability of refining capacity,
the cost of and proximity of pipelines and other transportation facilities,
regulation by state and federal authorities and the cost of complying with
applicable environmental regulations.
    
 
OTHER BUSINESS MATTERS
 
  COMPETITION
 
     The Company faces competition in all aspects of its business, including,
but not limited to, acquiring reserves, leases, licenses and concessions;
obtaining goods, services and labor needed to conduct its operations and manage
the Company; and marketing its oil and gas. The Company's competitors include
multinational energy companies, other independent producers, oil and gas
syndication programs and individual producers and operators. Many competitors
have greater financial and other resources than the Company, more favorable
exploration prospects and ready access to more favorable markets for their
production. The Company believes that the well-defined nature of the reservoirs
in its long-lived oil fields, its expertise in EOR methods, its extensive fee
and leasehold acreage position, its regional focus, its
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   47
 
active development position and its experienced management may give it a
competitive advantage over some other producers, and management believes that
the Company effectively competes in its markets. Availability of a ready market
for the Company's oil and gas production depends on numerous factors, including
the level of consumer demand, the extent of worldwide oil production, the cost
and availability of alternative fuels, the cost of and proximity of pipelines
and other transportation facilities, regulation by state and federal authorities
and the cost of complying with applicable environmental regulations.
 
  REGULATION OF CRUDE OIL AND NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION
 
     The petroleum industry is subject to various types of regulation, including
regulation by state and Federal agencies. State and federal legislation
affecting the oil and gas industry is under constant review for amendment or
expansion, frequently increasing the regulatory burden. Also, numerous
departments and agencies, both Federal and state, are authorized by statute to
issue and have issued rules and regulations binding on the oil and gas industry
and its individual members, compliance with which is often difficult and costly
and which may carry substantial penalties for non-compliance. State statutes and
regulations require permits for drilling operations, drilling bonds and reports
concerning operations. The states in which the Company operates also have
statutes and regulations governing conservation matters, including the
unitization or pooling of oil and gas properties and rates of production from
oil and gas wells. The Company does not appear to be affected by these burdens
to any greater or lesser extent than other companies in the industry with
similar types and amounts of production. Set forth below is a general
description of certain Federal and state regulations which have an effect on the
Company's operations.
 
     A portion of the Company's oil and gas leases are granted by the federal
government and administered by the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") and the
Minerals Management Service ("MMS"), both of which are Federal agencies. Such
leases are issued through competitive bidding, contain relatively standardized
terms and require compliance with detailed BLM and MMS regulations and orders
(which are subject to change by the BLM and the MMS).
 
     Federal legislation and regulatory controls in the United States have
historically affected the price of the natural gas produced and consumed by the
Company. The transportation and sale for resale of natural gas in interstate
commerce are regulated pursuant to the Natural Gas Act of 1938 (the "NGA") the
Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (the "NGPA") and the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (the "FERC"). Although maximum selling prices of natural gas were
formerly regulated, on July 26, 1989, the Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act of
1989 ("Decontrol Act") was enacted, which terminated wellhead price controls on
all domestic natural gas on January 1, 1993, amended the NGPA to remove
completely by January 1, 1993 price and nonprice controls for all "first sales"
of natural gas, which will include all sales by the Company of its own
production; consequently, sales of the Company's natural gas currently may be
made at market prices, subject to applicable contract provisions. The FERC's
jurisdiction over natural gas transportation was unaffected by the Decontrol
Act.
 
     The FERC also regulates interstate natural gas transportation rates and
service conditions, which affect the price of natural gas consumed by the
Company, as well as the revenues received by the Company for sales of natural
gas it produces. Since the latter part of 1985, the FERC has endeavored to make
interstate natural gas transportation more accessible to gas buyers and sellers
on an open and nondiscriminatory basis. The FERC's efforts have significantly
altered the marketing and pricing of natural gas. Commencing in April 1992, the
FERC issued Order Nos. 636, 636-A and 636-B (collectively, "Order No. 636"),
which, among other things, require interstate pipelines to "restructure" to
provide transportation separate or "unbundled" from the pipelines' sales of gas.
 
     Although Order No. 636 does not regulate natural gas producers such as the
Company, the FERC has stated that Order No. 636 is intended to foster increased
competition within all phases of the natural gas industry. It is unclear what
impact, if any, increased competition within the natural gas industry under
Order No. 636 will have on the Company.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   48
 
     Additional proposals and proceedings that might affect the natural gas
industry are considered from time to time by Congress, the FERC, state
regulatory bodies and the courts. The Company cannot predict when or if any such
proposals might become effective, or their effect, if any, on the Company's
financial condition or results of operations. The natural gas industry
historically has been very heavily regulated; therefore, there is no assurance
that the less stringent regulatory approach recently pursued by the FERC and
Congress will continue indefinitely into the future.
 
     The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (the "Mineral Act") prohibits direct or
indirect ownership of any interest in Federal onshore oil and gas leases by a
foreign citizen of a country that denies "similar or like privileges" to
citizens of the United States. Such restrictions on citizens of a
"non-reciprocal" country applies ownership of controlling stock in a corporation
that holds a Federal onshore oil and gas lease. If this restriction is violated,
the corporation's lease can be canceled in a proceeding instituted by the United
States Attorney General. Although the regulations of the BLM (which administers
the Mineral Act) provide for agency designations of non-reciprocal countries,
there are presently no such designations in effect. The Company owns interests
in numerous Federal onshore oil and gas leases, and a portion of the Common
Stock will be offered to citizens of foreign countries, which at some time in
the future might be determined to be nonreciprocal under the Mineral Act.
 
     Sales of crude oil, condensate and gas liquids by the Company are not
regulated and are made at market prices. The price the Company receives from the
sale of these products is affected by the cost of transporting the products to
market. Effective as of January 1, 1995, the FERC implemented regulations
establishing an indexing system for transportation rates for oil pipelines,
which would generally index such rates to inflation, subject to certain
conditions and limitations. These regulations could increase the cost of
transporting crude oil, liquids and condensate by pipeline. These regulations
are subject to pending petitions for judicial review. The Company is not able to
predict what effect, if any, these regulations will have on its business, but
other factors being equal, the Company believes that such regulations are likely
to increase transportation costs, effectively reducing wellhead prices for such
commodities.
 
     The Company's gathering operations are subject to safety and operational
regulations relating to the design, installation, testing, construction,
operation, replacement and management of such facilities. The Company believes
that its operations, to the extent they may be subject to current pipeline
safety requirements, comply in all material respects with such requirements. The
Company cannot predict what effect, if any, the adoption of additional pipeline
safety legislation might have on its operations, but the Company could be
required to incur additional capital expenditures and increased costs as a
result of such future legislative and regulatory changes.
 
  ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
 
     GENERAL. The Company's operations are subject to Federal, state and local
laws and regulations governing the discharge of materials into the environment
or otherwise relating to environmental protection. Environmental laws and
regulations carry substantial penalties for failure to comply. These laws and
regulations may require the acquisition of a permit before drilling commences,
restrict the types, quantities and concentration of various substances that can
be released into the environment in connection with drilling and production
activities, limit or prohibit drilling activities on certain lands lying within
wilderness, wetlands and other protected areas, and impose substantial
liabilities for pollution resulting from the Company's operations. State laws
often require some form of remedial action to prevent pollution from former
operations, such as pit closure and plugging abandoned wells. In addition, these
laws and regulations may restrict the rate of oil and natural gas production
below the rate that would otherwise exist.
 
     These laws and regulations increase the Company's cost of doing business
and consequently affect its profitability. The Company anticipates that it will
expend significant resources, both financial and managerial, to comply with
environmental regulations and permitting requirements in order to comply with
stricter industry and regulatory environmental and health and safety standards
such as those described
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   49
 
below. The Company estimates that capital expenditures necessary for foreseeable
environmental control facilities are within normal provisions for maintenance
capital expenditures. Although the Company believes that its operations and
facilities are in compliance in all material respects with applicable
environmental regulations, risks of substantial costs and liabilities are
inherent in oil and gas operations and there can be no assurance that
significant cost and liabilities will not be incurred in the future.
 
     Other developments, such as increasingly strict environmental laws and
regulations and enforcement policies thereunder, and claims for damages to
property, employees, other persons and the environment resulting from the
Company's operations, could result in substantial costs and liabilities in the
future. Currently, the Company does not believe that such costs will have a
material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
 
     SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE. The Company currently owns or leases numerous
properties that have been used for production of oil and gas for many years.
Although the Company has utilized operating and disposal practices that were
standard in the industry at the time, hydrocarbons or other wastes may have been
disposed or released on or under these properties. The Company could be required
to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes and any related contamination
or to perform remedial plugging operations to prevent future contamination.
 
   
     SUPERFUND. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act ("CERCLA"), also known as the "Superfund" law, imposes joint and
several liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original
conduct, on certain classes of persons that contributed to the release of a
"hazardous substance" into the environment. These persons include the owner or
operator of a site and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of
the hazardous substance found at a site. CERCLA also authorizes the
Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") and, in some cases, third parties to
take actions in response to threats to the public health or the environment and
to seek to recover from the responsible classes of persons the costs they incur.
In the course of its operations, the Company has generated and will generate
wastes that may fall within CERCLA's definition of "hazardous substances". The
Company may be responsible under CERCLA for all or part of the costs to clean up
sites at which such wastes have been disposed. Certain properties owned or used
by the Company or its predecessors have been investigated under state and
Federal Superfund statutes, and the Company has been and could be named a
potentially responsible party ("PRP") for the cleanup of some of these sites.
    
 
     The Company's facilities in California are also subject to California
Proposition 65, which was adopted in 1986 to address discharges and releases of,
or exposures to, toxic chemicals in the environment. Proposition 65 makes it
illegal to knowingly discharge a listed chemical if the chemical will pass (or
probably will pass) into any source of drinking water. It also prohibits
companies from knowingly and intentionally exposing any individual to such
chemicals through ingestion, inhalation or other exposure pathways without first
giving a clear and reasonable warning.
 
   
     The Company has been identified as one of over 250 PRPs at a Superfund site
in Los Angeles County, California (the "OII Site"). The OII Site was operated by
a third party as a waste disposal facility from 1948 until 1983. The EPA is
requiring the PRPs to undertake remediation of the OII Site in several phases,
which include site monitoring and leachate control, gas control and final
remediation. In 1989 the EPA and a group of PRPs that includes the Company
entered into a consent decree covering the site monitoring and leachate control
phases of remediation. The Company was a member of the group Coalition
Undertaking Remediation Efforts ("CURE") which was responsible for constructing
and operating the leachate treatment plant. This phase is now complete and the
Company's share of costs with respect to this phase was $0.9 million. Another
consent decree provides for the predesign, design and construction of a gas
plant to harness and market methane gas emissions. The Company is a member of
the New CURE group which is responsible for the gas plant construction and
operation and landfill cover. Currently, New CURE is in the design stage of the
gas plant. The Company's share of costs of this phase is expected to be $1.9
million and such costs have been provided for in the Company's financial
statements. Pursuant to consent decrees settling lawsuits against the
municipalities and transporters involved with the OII site but not named by the
EPA as PRPs, such parties are required to
    
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   50
 
   
pay approximately $84 million, of which approximately $76 million will be
credited against future remediation expenses. The EPA and the PRPs are currently
negotiating the final closure requirements. After taking into consideration the
credits from the municipalities and transporters, the Company estimates that its
share of the final costs of the closure will be approximately $0.8 million,
which amount has been provided for by the Company. The Company has entered into
a Joint Defense Agreement with the other PRPs to defend against a lawsuit filed
September 7, 1994 by 95 homeowners alleging, among other things, nuisance,
trespass, strict liability and infliction of emotional distress. A second
lawsuit has been filed by 33 additional homeowners against the Company and the
other PRPs alleging similar damages and wrongful death. The Company intends to
enter into a Joint Defense Agreement with the other PRPs and is not able to
estimate costs or potential liability.
    
 
   
     In 1994 the Company received a request from the EPA for information
pursuant to Section 104(e) of CERCLA and a letter ordering the Company and seven
other PRPs to negotiate with the EPA regarding implementation of a remedial plan
for a site located in Santa Fe Springs, California (the "Santa Fe Springs
Site"). The Company owned the property on which the Santa Fe Springs Site is
located from 1921 to 1932. During that time the property was leased to another
company and in 1932 the property was sold to that company. During the time the
other company leased or owned the property, hazardous wastes were allegedly
disposed at the Santa Fe Springs Site. The EPA estimates that the total past and
future costs for remediation will approximate $8 million. The Company filed its
response to the Section 104(e) order setting forth its position and defenses
based on the fact that the other company was the lessee and operator of the site
during the time the Company was the owner of the property. However, the Company
has also given its Notice of Intent to comply with the EPA's order to prepare a
remediation design plan. The PRPs estimate the total cost to complete the final
remediation to be $3 million and the Company has provided $250,000 for such
costs in its financial statements.
    
 
     In March 1995 the Company and 12 other companies received notice that they
have been identified as PRPs by the California Department of Toxic Substances
Control (the "DTSC") as having generated and/or transported hazardous waste to
the Environmental Protection Corporation ("EPC") Eastside Landfill during its
fourteen-year operation from 1971 to 1985 (the "Eastside Site"). EPC has since
liquidated all assets and placed the proceeds in trust for closure and
post-closure activities. However, these monies will not be sufficient to close
the site. The PRPs have entered into an agreement with the DTSC to characterize
the contamination at the site and prepare a focused remedial investigation and
feasibility study. The DTSC has agreed to implement reasonable measures to bring
new PRPs into the agreement. The DTSC will address subsequent phases of the
cleanup, including remedial design and implementation in a separate order
agreement. The cost of the remedial investigation and feasibility study for the
Eastside Site is estimated to be $1 million, and the Company has provided for
$80,000 in its financial statements as its estimated share of such costs. The
costs of subsequent phases cannot be estimated until the remedial investigation
and feasibility study is completed.
 
     Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, the Company will agree to indemnify
and hold harmless SFR from and against any costs incurred in the future relating
to environmental liabilities of the Western Division assets (other than the
assets retained by SFR), including any costs or expenses incurred at any of the
OII Site, the Santa Fe Springs Site and the Eastside Site, and any costs or
liabilities that may arise in the future that are attributable to laws, rules or
regulations in respect of any property or interest therein located in California
and formerly owned or operated by the Western Division or its predecessors. SFR
will agree to indemnify the Company from and against any costs relating to
environmental liabilities of any assets or operations of SFR (whether or not
currently owned or operated by SFR) to the extent not attributable to the
Western Division (other than the assets retained by SFR).
 
     AIR EMISSIONS. The operations of the Company are subject to Federal, state
and local regulations for the control of emissions from sources of air
pollution. The Company's properties have been and may in the future be the
subject of administrative enforcement actions for failure to comply with air
regulations or permits. These administrative actions are generally resolved by
payment of a monetary penalty and correction of any identified deficiencies.
Alternatively, regulatory agencies may require the Company to forego
construction or operation of certain air emission sources, although the Company
believes that in
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   51
 
the latter cases it would have enough permitted or permitable capacity to
continue its operations without a material adverse effect on any particular
producing field.
 
     After acquisition of the South Belridge Field in 1987, the Company's
predecessor entered into discussions with the Kern County Air Pollution Control
District to resolve certain permit compliance issues that had been identified
prior to the acquisition. These county permit issues have been satisfactorily
resolved. During this process, the Company discovered that the steam generators
at the field were being operated in violation of Federal air emission permits.
The Company has negotiated a consent decree with the EPA regarding the Federal
permit violations requiring the payment of a $201,000 civil penalty and use of
continuous emission monitoring systems on each operating steam generator at
South Belridge.
 
     OIL POLLUTION ACT. Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ("OPA"), owners and
operators of onshore facilities and pipelines and lessees or permittees of an
area in which an offshore facility is located ("Responsible Parties") are
strictly liable on a joint and several basis for removal costs and damages that
result from a discharge of oil into United States waters. These damages include,
for example, natural resource damages, real and personal property damages and
economic losses. OPA limits the strict liability of Responsible Parties for
removal costs and damages that result from a discharge of oil to $350 million in
the case of onshore facilities, except that these limits do not apply if the
discharge was caused by gross negligence or wilful misconduct, or by the
violation of an applicable Federal safety, construction or operating regulation
by the Responsible Party, its agent or subcontractor.
 
     OSHA. The Company is subject to the requirements of the Federal
Occupational Safety and Health Act ("OSHA") and comparable state statutes. The
OSHA hazard communication standard, the EPA community right-to-know regulations
under Title III of the Federal Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act and
similar state statutes require the Company to organize information about
hazardous materials used or produced in its operations. Certain of this
information must be provided to employees, Federal, state and local governmental
authorities and local citizens.
 
     OTHER. Kern County, California is proposing to adopt a comprehensive Kern
Valley Floor Habitat Conservation Plan (the "HCP") for the San Joaquin Valley.
The HCP, if adopted, will obviate the need for consultations with the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service under certain provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
Although intended to allow projects on both Federal and private lands to be
completed with a minimum of uncertainty, no assurance can be given that this
plan will not delay or prevent the issuance of permits necessary for expanded
operations or exploration, and such plan could impact the costs of operations in
the area covered by the HCP. The Kern County Planning Department anticipates
adoption of the HCP before December 31, 1996. The Company does not believe that
adoption of the HCP in its current form would have a material adverse effect on
the Company's current or proposed operations in Kern County, California.
 
  TITLE TO PROPERTIES
 
     As is customary in the oil and gas industry, only a cursory title
examination is conducted when leases are acquired, except leases covering proved
reserves. Prior to drilling a well, a more thorough title examination of the
drill site tract is conducted and curative work is performed with respect to
significant title defects, if any, before proceeding with operations. Such
examinations have been performed with respect to substantially all of the
Company's leasehold properties in the process of drilling. The Company believes
that the title to its oil and gas properties is good and defensible in
accordance with standards generally accepted in the oil and gas industry,
subject to such exceptions as, in the opinion of the Company, are not so
material as to detract substantially from the use or value of such properties.
The Company's properties are typically subject, in one degree or another, to one
or more of the following: (i) royalties and other burdens and obligations,
express and implied, under oil and gas leases; (ii) overriding royalties and
other burdens created by the Company or its predecessors in title; (iii) a
variety of contractual obligations (including, in some cases, development
obligations) arising under operating agreements, farmout agreements, production
sales contracts and other agreements that may affect the properties or their
titles; (iv) liens that arise in the normal course of operations, such as those
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   52
 
for unpaid taxes, statutory liens securing unpaid suppliers and contractors and
contractual liens under operating agreements; (v) pooling, unitization and
communitization agreements, declarations and orders; and (vi) easements,
restrictions, right-of-way and other matters that commonly affect property. To
the extent that such burdens and obligations affect the Company's rights to
production and production revenues, they have been taken into account in
calculating the Company's net revenue interests and in estimating the Company's
net reserves. The Company believes that the burdens and obligations affecting
its properties are customary in the industry for properties of the kind owned by
the Company and do not, in the aggregate, materially interfere with the use of
the properties or materially reduce the value of the properties.
 
   
     Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, SFR is retaining the Production
Payment (which will be cancelled upon the satisfaction thereof), the surface
rights to the Olinda Property and SFR's royalty interests that are held by a
royalty trust formed by SFR in 1992. Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, the
Company has agreed to indemnify SFR from any cost or liability including costs
of compliance with environmental and related laws, that may arise in the future,
attributable to its (i) assets or future operations and (ii) assets in
California formerly owned or operated by the Western Division or its predecessor
(whether or not so owned or operated) on the date of the closing of the
Offerings. For a description of certain other agreements between the Company and
SFR relating to the Olinda Property, see "Relationship Between the Company and
SFR -- Contractual Arrangements -- Contribution Agreement".
    
 
  EMPLOYEES
 
     It is anticipated that the Company will have approximately 342 employees at
or soon after the closing of the Offerings, 192 of whom are covered by a
collective bargaining agreement that expires on January 31, 1999. The Company
believes that its relations with its employees are satisfactory. The Company's
hourly employees are represented by the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union.
 
  LITIGATION
 
   
     The Company and other related companies are defendants in several lawsuits
and named parties in certain governmental proceedings arising in the ordinary
course of business. In addition, in 1996 the MMS announced that it would seek to
recover additional royalties for past production from producers on certain
Federal leases. Because the Company's operations include Federal lease sites in
California, the Company may be required to pay such "back royalties" but does
not believe that any amounts so paid would have a material impact on its
financial condition or results of operations. For a description of certain
proceedings in which the Company is involved, see "-- Regulation of Crude Oil
and Natural Gas Production" and "-- Environmental Regulation". While the outcome
of lawsuits or other proceedings against the Company cannot be predicted with
certainty, management does not expect these matters to have a material adverse
effect on the business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations
of the Company.
    
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   53
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
   
     The current directors, executive officers and key employees of the Company
and their ages and positions are listed below. Directors are elected at the
Company's annual meeting of shareholders and serve a term of three years.
Officers are elected annually by the board of directors and serve at its
discretion. Of the Company's seven directors, three are currently executive
officers of SFR (Whaling, Boyt and Payne), four are directors of SFR (Huff,
Morphy, Payne and Vagt), and one is neither an employee nor a director of SFR
(Wasielewski). Upon consummation of the Offerings, none of the Company's
executive officers will be officers of SFR, one of the Company's seven directors
(Payne) will serve as a director and the principal executive officer of SFR, and
one of the Company's directors (Boyt) will serve as an executive officer of SFR.
    
 
   
     It is anticipated that prior to consummation of the Spin Off one of the
Company's directors (Boyt) will resign and two additional directors who are
unaffiliated with the Company or SFR will be appointed to the Company's board of
directors, which additions, when completed, will increase the Company's board to
eight members, of which only one will be affiliated with SFR (Payne). In
addition, the Company intends to hire an additional executive to serve as Chief
Financial Officer following consummation of the Offerings.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         NAME               AGE                           POSITION
- -----------------------    -----    -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>      <C>
R. Graham Whaling(1)        42      Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer,
                                      Chief Financial Officer and Director (Class III)
David B. Kilpatrick         46      President and Chief Operating Officer
C. Ed Hall                  54      Vice President -- Public Affairs
Jeffrey B. Williams         51      Vice President -- Development
Lou E. Shuflin              42      Director -- Administration
Terry L. Anderson           49      General Counsel and Secretary
Hugh L. Boyt(2)             51      Director (Class I)
Craig A. Huff(3)            32      Director (Class II)
Michael A. Morphy(3)        64      Director (Class I)
James L. Payne(4)           58      Director (Class III)
Robert F. Vagt(3)           49      Director (Class I)
Robert J. Wasielewski       33      Director (Class II)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Mr. Whaling is currently Chief Financial Officer of SFR and is expected to
    resign that position prior to consummation of the Offerings.
 
(2) Mr. Boyt is currently an executive officer of SFR. Mr. Boyt has advised the
    Company that he intends to resign as a director of the Company prior to
    consummation of the Spin Off.
 
(3) Messrs. Huff, Morphy and Vagt are currently directors of SFR and have
    advised the Company that they intend to resign as directors of SFR prior to
    consummation of the Offerings.
 
(4) Mr. Payne is Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of
    SFR.
 
     R. Graham Whaling has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of SFR since January 1995. Prior to that time he was with CS First
Boston Corporation, an investment banking firm. While with First Boston, Mr.
Whaling served as Vice President, Corporate Finance from 1991 to 1994 and
Director, Corporate Finance from 1994 to 1995. Prior to joining First Boston,
Mr. Whaling served as a petroleum engineer for Sun Oil Company and petroleum
reservoir consulting engineer for Ryder Scott. Mr. Whaling has been an officer
and director of the Company since September 1996.
 
     David B. Kilpatrick has been Division Manager -- Production for SFR's
Western Division since January 1990. Mr. Kilpatrick also served as Regional and
District Manager -- Production for various SFR
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   54
 
Districts from 1986 through 1990. Mr. Kilpatrick served as President of the
California Independent Petroleum Association from 1992 through 1994.
 
     C. Ed Hall has been Vice President -- Public Affairs of SFR since March
1991. Mr. Hall had previously held the position of Director -- Public Affairs of
SFR since 1984.
 
     Jeffrey B. Williams has been Corporate Production Manager of SFR since July
1996. Prior to that time, Mr. Williams was employed by SFR as Regional,
Corporate or Division Production Manager, a position he assumed in 1983.
 
     Lou E. Shuflin has been Manager -- Strategic Analysis of SFR since
September 1994. Mr. Shuflin has also served as SFR's Corporate
Manager -- Production from May 1993 to August 1993 and District
Manager -- Production beginning in 1987.
 
     Terry L. Anderson has been Manager -- Business Development of SFR since
December 1994. Prior to that time and beginning in 1988, Mr. Anderson was Senior
Counsel of SFR.
 
     Hugh L. Boyt has been Senior Vice President -- Production of SFR since
March 1, 1990. From 1989 until March 1990, Mr. Boyt served as Corporate
Production Manager of SFR. Mr. Boyt has been a director of the Company since its
formation in August 1996.
 
     Craig A. Huff has been a principal in Ziff Brothers Investments since July
of 1993 and is currently a director of SFR. Prior to joining Ziff Brothers, Mr.
Huff received a degree from the Harvard Business School in 1993. Ziff Brothers
currently holds approximately 3.7% of SFR's outstanding common stock.
 
     Michael A. Morphy for the past five years has been the retired Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of California Portland Cement Company. Mr. Morphy is
also a director of Cyprus Amax Minerals Co., Santa Fe Pacific Pipelines, Inc.
and SFR.
 
     James L. Payne has been Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of SFR since June 1990. Mr. Payne was President of Santa Fe
Energy Company, a predecessor of SFR from January 1986 to January 1990, when he
became President of SFR. From 1982 to 1986, Mr. Payne was Senior Vice
President -- Exploration and Land of Santa Fe Energy Company. Mr. Payne is also
a director of Pool Energy Services Co., an oil field services company.
 
   
     Robert F. Vagt has been President and Chief Operating Officer of Seagull
Energy Corporation since October 1996. Mr. Vagt was Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer and director of Global Natural Resources,
Inc. from May 1992 until October 1996. Prior to that time, Mr. Vagt was
President and Chief Operating Officer of Adobe Resources Corporation ("Adobe")
from November 1990 to May 1992, Executive Vice President of Adobe from August
1987 to October 1990 and Senior Vice President of Adobe from October 1985 to
August 1987. Mr. Vagt is also a director of SFR.
    
 
   
     Robert Wasielewski has been employed by GKH Partners, L.P. ("GKH") since
October 1991. GKH is an investment partnership whose general partners include
entities controlled by Jay and Tom Pritzker, Dan W. Lufkin and Melvyn N. Klein.
From July 1996 to the present Mr. Wasielewski has held the position of Managing
Director of GKH. He was employed by Citicorp in the Leveraged Capital Division
from September 1987 to October 1991, serving as an Assistant Vice-President from
December 1990 until joining GKH. Mr. Wasielewski serves as a director and
officer of various privately-held affiliates of GKH. GKH currently holds
approximately 5.6% of SFR's outstanding common stock.
    
 
   
     The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the
"Charter") and Amended and Restated Bylaws (the "Bylaws") provide for
indemnification of directors to the full extent permitted by the Delaware
General Corporation Law and, to the extent permitted by such law, eliminate or
limit the personal liability of directors to the Company and its stockholders
for monetary damages for certain breaches of fiduciary duty. In addition,
concurrently with or prior to the Offerings the Company intends to enter into an
indemnification agreement with each of its directors and executive officers,
pursuant to which such persons will be entitled to indemnification by the
Company for matters not covered by the
    
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   55
 
indemnification provisions in the Company's Charter and Bylaws or the Company's
officers and directors insurance policy.
 
     The Company's board of directors is divided into three classes, of which
two classes (Class II and Class III) consist of two members and one class (Class
I) consists of three members. The initial terms for Class I, Class II and Class
III will expire at the annual meetings of stockholders to be held in 1997, 1998
and 1999, respectively.
 
COMMITTEES
 
     The Company's board of directors has established Audit and Compensation
Committees. The Audit Committee consists of three directors, at least two of
whom will be non-employee directors of the Company. The Audit Committee will
meet separately with representatives of the Company's independent auditors and
with representatives of senior management in performing its functions. The Audit
Committee will review the general scope of audit coverages, the fees charged by
the independent auditors, matters relating to the Company's internal control
system and other matters related to audit functions.
 
     The Compensation Committee consists of three directors, at least two of
whom will be non-employee directors of the Company. The Compensation Committee
will administer the Company's benefit plans, and in this capacity will make all
option grants or awards to Company employees, including executive officers,
under such plans. In addition, the Compensation Committee will be responsible
for making recommendations to the board of directors with respect to the
compensation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and its other executive
officers, and will be responsible for the establishment of policies dealing with
various compensation and employee benefit matters for the Company.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
     Each director who is not also an officer of the Company or SFR (a
"Nonemployee Director") will receive an initial grant of 10,000 non-qualified
stock options pursuant to the Company's Incentive Stock Compensation Plan, an
annual retainer composed of a cash payment of $10,000, 1,000 shares of
restricted Common Stock and 5,000 non-qualified stock options as well as a fee
of $1,000 for each meeting of the board or committee of the board attended. Each
committee chairman will receive an additional annual fee of $2,000. Following
the Spin Off, each Nonemployee Director will receive an initial grant of 10,000
non-qualified stock options, if such director did not receive such a grant upon
consummation of the Offerings, and thereafter will receive the above described
annual retainer. All directors receive reimbursement for their out-of-pocket
expenses in attending meetings of the board or committees of the board.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
     The Company will enter into employment agreements ("Employment Agreements")
covering each of the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table. The
initial term of each Employment Agreement, with the exception of Mr. Whaling's,
expires on December 31, 1998; however, beginning January 1, 1998 and on each
January 1 thereafter the term of the Employment Agreements will automatically be
extended for additional one-year periods, unless by September 30 of the
preceding year the Company gives notice that the Employment Agreement will not
be so extended. The term of each Employment Agreement, with the exception of Mr.
Whaling's, is automatically extended for a period of two years following a
Change in Control (as defined herein). Mr. Whaling's Employment Agreement has an
initial term which expires on December 31, 1999, is automatically extended for
one-year periods beginning January 1, 1999 and is automatically extended for a
three-year period following a Change in Control.
 
     In the event that following a Change in Control employment is terminated by
the employee for "Good Reason" or the employee is involuntarily terminated by
the Company other than for "Cause" (as those terms are defined in the Employment
Agreements), or if during the six months preceding a Change in Control, the
employee's employment is terminated by the employee for Good Reason or by the
Company
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   56
 
   
other than for Cause, and such termination is demonstrated to be connected with
the Change in Control, the Employment Agreements provide for payment of certain
amounts to the employee based on the employee's salary and bonus under the
Company's Incentive Compensation Plan; payout of nonvested restricted stock,
phantom units, stock options, if any, and continuation of certain insurance
benefits for a period of up to 24 months (36 months in the case of Mr. Whaling).
The payments and benefits are payable pursuant to the Employment Agreements only
to the extent they are not paid out under the terms of any other plan of the
Company. The payments and benefits provided by the Employment Agreements for all
individuals except Mr. Whaling may be further limited by the Parachute Payment
Limit described in the discussion of the Company Stock Plans below. In the event
Mr. Whaling's payments would exceed the Parachute Payment Limit, he will be made
"whole" on a net after-tax basis for any excise tax incurred. Without giving
effect to such limitation, the estimated value of the payments and benefits that
Messrs. Whaling, Kilpatrick, Williams, Hall, Shuflin and Anderson and all
executive officers as a group would be entitled to receive if a qualifying
termination occurred on January 1, 1997 (assuming salaries and ICP levels in
effect on January 1, 1997, a SFR common stock price of $14 per share and no
value received from Monterey stock or option grants) are $1,383,125, $635,500,
$443,875, $326,750, $384,125, $334,500 and $3,507,875, respectively.
    
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The following table reflects cash compensation paid by SFR for the year
ended December 31, 1995 to each of the six most highly compensated executive
officers and key employees of the Company, and to all executive officers and key
employees as a group.
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        LONG-TERM
                                                      ANNUAL COMPENSATION                AWARDS
                                             --------------------------------------   -------------
                                                                       OTHER ANNUAL    SECURITIES      ALL OTHER
             NAME AND                                                    COMPEN-       UNDERLYING       COMPEN-
        PRINCIPAL POSITION          YEAR     SALARY($)   BONUS($)(1)    SATION(2)     OPTIONS(#)(3)   SATION($)(4)
- ----------------------------------  ----     ---------   -----------   ------------   -------------   ------------
<S>                                 <C>      <C>         <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>
R. Graham Whaling.................  1995(5)   225,000      109,766             --        250,000           6,000
  Chairman of the Board,            1994           --           --             --             --              --
  Chief Executive Officer and       1993           --           --             --             --              --
  Chief Financial Officer
David B. Kilpatrick...............  1995      143,680       62,000             --             --           8,069
  President and                     1994      138,240       60,000             --         19,000           7,066
  Chief Operating Officer           1993      126,000       38,430             --             --           7,559
Jeffrey B. Williams...............  1995      139,300       57,255             --             --           7,880
  Vice President -- Development     1994      137,400       57,708             --         15,000           7,033
                                    1993      126,000       38,430             --             --           7,559
C. Ed Hall........................  1995      107,500       44,185             --             --           6,064
  Vice President -- Public Affairs  1994      105,000       43,100             --         10,000           5,420
                                    1993      100,001       30,500             --             --           6,000
Lou E. Shuflin....................  1995      128,250       40,000             --             --           7,246
  Director -- Administration        1994      126,000       40,000             --         13,000           6,503
                                    1993      120,002       29,280             --             --           7,049
Terry L. Anderson.................  1995      109,750       34,300             --             --           6,204
  General Counsel                   1994      108,000       36,288             --         13,000           5,579
  and Secretary                     1993      103,201       25,181             --             --           6,191
Executive Officers and key          1995      853,480      347,506             --        250,000          41,463
  employees as a group              1994      614,640      237,096             --         70,000          31,601
  (6 individuals).................  1993      575,204      161,821             --             --          34,358
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The bonus amounts shown, while determined on a cash basis, were actually
    paid partially in shares of SFR common stock pursuant to the SFR Stock
    Plans. For 1993, Messrs. Kilpatrick, Williams, Hall, Shuflin and Anderson
    received 2,092, 2,092, 1,660, 1,594, 1,371 shares, respectively, and 8,809
    as a group. For 1994, Messrs. Kilpatrick, Williams, Hall, Shuflin and
    Anderson received 3,583, 3,446, 2,574, 2,389 and 2,167 shares, respectively,
    and 14,159 shares as a group. For 1995, Messrs, Whaling, Kilpatrick,
    Williams, Hall, Shuflin and Anderson received 1,818, 3,242, 2,994, 2,310,
    2,092 and 1,793 shares of SFR common stock, respectively, and 14,249 as a
    group.
 
(2) Does not include perquisites and other personal benefits because the value
    of these items did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of reported
    salary and bonus of any of the named executive officers and key employees.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   57
 
(3) Effective upon his date of employment by SFR (January 4, 1995), Mr. Whaling
    was granted 250,000 Non-Qualified Stock Options ("NQSOs") to purchase shares
    of SFR common stock pursuant to the SFR Stock Plans. The NQSOs were granted
    at Fair Market Value as defined in the SFR Stock Plans ($8.00 per share) and
    vested immediately as to one-half of the grant, an additional one-quarter
    after one year and the final one-quarter after two years.
 
(4) Amounts shown reflect matches made by SFR for employee contributions to the
    Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc. Savings Investment Plan, as well as the
    performance match. (See "Benefit Plans -- Compensation Pursuant to SFR
    Plans -- Savings Plan" for a description of the Savings Investment Plan and
    the performance match). The performance match is contributed in the year
    following the performance and therefore total amounts shown for 1993, 1994
    and 1995 include the match made for 1992, 1993 and 1994 results,
    respectively. SFR made a performance match in March 1996 for 1995 results
    for each of Messrs. Whaling, Kilpatrick, Williams, Hall, Shuflin and
    Anderson in the amount of $2,460, $2,356, $2,284, $1,763, $2,103 and $1,799,
    respectively.
 
(5) Mr. Whaling was first employed by SFR on January 4, 1995.
 
   
     Effective upon the consummation of the Offerings, Mr. Whaling's annual
salary will be $325,000 with a potential bonus of 100% of such amount, Mr.
Kilpatrick's annual salary will be $210,000 with a potential bonus of 80% of
such amount, Mr. Williams' annual salary will be $160,000 with a potential bonus
of 70% of such amount, Mr. Hall's annual salary will be $125,000 with a
potential bonus of 50% of such amount, Mr. Shuflin's annual salary will be
$147,000 with a potential bonus of 50% of such amount and Mr. Anderson's annual
salary will be $130,000 with a potential bonus of 50% of such amount.
    
 
STOCK OPTION GRANTS DURING 1995
 
     The following table provides details regarding SFR stock options granted by
SFR in 1995 to the executive officers of the Company.
 
                             OPTION GRANTS IN 1995
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                            % OF                                     VALUE AT ASSUMED
                                            TOTAL                                     ANNUAL RATES OF
                              NUMBER OF    OPTIONS                                      STOCK PRICE
                              SECURITIES   GRANTED                                   APPRECIATION FOR
                              UNDERLYING     TO      EXERCISE OR                        OPTION TERM
                               OPTIONS    EMPLOYEES  BASE PRICE                    ---------------------
            NAME              GRANTED(#)   IN 1995     ($/SH)     EXPIRATION DATE    5%($)      10%($)
- ----------------------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ---------------- ---------- ----------
<S>                           <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>              <C>        <C>
R. Graham Whaling(1)........    250,000     100%        8.00      January 3, 2005  1,257,500  3,187,500
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Mr. Whaling was the only executive officer of the Company to be granted
    options in 1995.
 
1995 OPTION EXERCISES AND OUTSTANDING STOCK OPTION VALUES AS OF DECEMBER 31,
1995
 
     The following table shows the number of SFR shares acquired by the
executive officers upon their exercise of stock options during 1995, the value
realized by such executive officers and key employees upon such exercises, the
number of shares of SFR common stock covered by both exercisable and non-
exercisable stock options as of December 31, 1995 and their values at such date.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              NUMBER OF SECURITIES
                                                             UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED         VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                SHARES                             OPTIONS AT              IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                              ACQUIRED ON                     DECEMBER 31, 1995 (#)         DECEMBER 31, 1995 ($)
                               EXERCISE        VALUE       ---------------------------   ---------------------------
        NAME                      (#)       REALIZED ($)   EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE   EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE
- ---------------------         -----------   ------------   -----------   -------------   -----------   -------------
<S>                           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>
R. Graham Whaling...........    --0--          --0--         125,000        125,000        195,312        195,312
David B. Kilpatrick.........    --0--          --0--          61,578         12,667         10,687         21,376
Jeffrey B. Williams.........    --0--          --0--          60,245         10,000          8,438         16,875
C. Ed Hall..................    --0--          --0--          47,529          6,667          5,624         11,251
Lou E. Shuflin..............    --0--          --0--          51,578          8,667          7,312         14,626
Terry L. Anderson...........    --0--          --0--          35,004          8,667          7,312         14,626
</TABLE>
 
     The average sales price of SFR common stock at December 29, 1995 was
$9.5625.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   58
 
     On July 2, 1996, SFR granted NQSOs to Messrs. Whaling, Kilpatrick,
Williams, Hall, Shuflin and Anderson in the amount of 35,000, 20,000, 5,000,
6,000, 7,000, and 4,000, respectively. These options have an exercise price of
$11.625, vest one-third per year over a three-year period and expire ten years
from the date of grant.
 
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS DURING 1995
 
     The following table provides details regarding awards granted by SFR under
its Long-Term Incentive Plans in 1995 to the executive officers of the Company:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              NUMBER OF      PERFORMANCE OR      ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS UNDER
                            SHARES, UNITS     OTHER PERIOD         NON-STOCK PRICE-BASED PLANS
                              OR OTHER      UNTIL MATURATION  -------------------------------------
            NAME              RIGHTS(#)        OR PAYOUT      THRESHOLD(#)   TARGET(#)   MAXIMUM(#)
            ----            -------------   ----------------  ------------   ---------   ----------
<S>                         <C>             <C>               <C>            <C>         <C>
R. Graham Whaling...........     9,375       1/1/96-12/31/98      2,812        9,375       14,062
David B. Kilpatrick.........     5,833       1/1/96-12/31/98      1,750        5,833        8,750
</TABLE>
 
     In December 1995, the individuals described above received grants of
Phantom Units pursuant to the SFR Stock Plans in the amounts indicated. The
grant was effective January 1, 1996 with the Phantom Units being earned over a
three-year period. Ultimate payout if any, is to be made in an equivalent number
of shares of SFR common stock. Four equally weighted goals have been established
which must be attained over the three-year performance periods. Full payout at
target level will result if discretionary cash flow and production volumes equal
the three-year projected levels established by the 1996 profit plan, SFR's
common stock price performance equals the S&P 500 Index over the three-year
period and SFR's common stock price at the end of the three years equals an
established target. If the above goals are substantially exceeded, possible
payouts may increase to the maximum shown. Failure to meet a threshold level
shown above as the combined threshold level of all four goals will result in a
reduction or total elimination of a payout. It is anticipated that the SFR
Compensation and Benefits Committee will take steps to accelerate the payout of
these awards at the target level upon the closing of the Offerings.
 
COMPANY BENEFIT PLANS
 
     The Company has adopted a cash incentive compensation plan and two stock
incentive compensation plans for its employees in order to tie compensation to
the Company's performance. The Company has also entered into employment
agreements with certain officers and key employees, adopted a severance program
for all full-time salaried employees and adopted a 401(k) savings plan and an
ESOP, both of which will become effective at or prior to Spin Off. These plans
and agreements are described above under "-- Employment Agreements" and below
under "-- Compensation Pursuant to Company Plans".
 
     Following the consummation of the Offerings, the officers and salaried
employees of the Company will continue to be eligible to participate in certain
employee benefit plans of SFR. Those SFR plans pursuant to which officers of the
Company received compensation during 1995 or will receive compensation with
respect to 1996 and subsequent to the Offerings are briefly described below
under "-- Compensation Pursuant to SFR Plans".
 
  COMPENSATION PURSUANT TO COMPANY PLANS
 
   
     INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN. The Company has adopted an Incentive
Compensation Plan (the "ICP"), which provides for the establishment of a variety
of annual performance goals, which, if achieved, result in the payment of
additional cash compensation to participants for that year that can be paid in
cash or, in the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the board (the
"Committee"), stock awards under the Company Stock Plans (as defined below).
Goals under the ICP include general Company and business unit performance
objectives, and may include individual productivity objectives based on a
participant's responsibilities. The amount of a participant's compensation
depends on the goals achieved, with the maximum possible award being an amount
between 20% and 100% of the
    
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   59
 
participant's regular salary, depending upon his position. The establishment of
performance goals with respect to a particular year (both Company and, if
applicable, individual goals), the weighting of such goals and the determination
of the extent to which such goals are achieved are matters determined by the
Committee each year at its discretion. The Committee has retained the right, at
its discretion, to increase or decrease ultimate payments by up to 25%. All
executive officers of the Company participate in the ICP. All executive officers
of the Company received awards in 1995 under the SFR 1990 Incentive Compensation
Plan as amended (the "SFR ICP"). Such awards are included in the table set forth
above under "Executive Compensation". The SFR ICP is substantially the same as
the ICP. Effective January 1, 1997, all of the officers will become participants
in the Company's ICP in lieu of the SFR ICP.
 
   
     The ICP provides, as long as SFR owns 35% or more of the outstanding voting
securities of the Company, that in the event of a Change in Control of SFR, the
performance objectives of the ICP will be deemed to have been met in full at the
maximum performance level established, and each participant shall be entitled to
receive a bonus for the year in which the Change in Control occurs; if a
participant's employment is terminated prior to December 31 of such year, the
participant shall receive a prorated bonus as set forth in the ICP. A "Change in
Control" is generally defined to occur if: (a) any "person" becomes the
beneficial owner of securities representing 25% or more of the voting power of
SFR's outstanding securities, or (b) during any period of two consecutive years,
individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the board of
directors of SFR cease to constitute at least a majority of such board; or (c)
SFR's stockholders approve a merger or consolidation of SFR with another
corporation and the voting securities of SFR do not represent 80% of the voting
power of the combined entity; or (d) SFR's stockholders approve a plan of
complete liquidation or an agreement for the sale or disposition by SFR of all
or substantially all of its assets. If SFR no longer owns 80% or more of the
outstanding voting securities of the Company, the term "Company" shall be
inserted in lieu of "SFR" for purposes of this provision, and the provision will
continue in effect with such alternate definitions for as long as SFR owns 35%
or more of the Company's outstanding Common Stock. The proposed Spin Off by SFR
shall not constitute a Change in Control under any circumstances.
    
 
     1996 INCENTIVE STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS. The Company has adopted the 1996
Incentive Stock Compensation Plan for Key Employees (the "Key Employee Plan")
and the 1996 Incentive Stock Compensation Plan for Nonexecutive Employees (the
"Nonexecutive Plan" and, together with the Key Employee Plan, the "Company Stock
Plans"). The Company Stock Plans will also permit the Committee to grant (i)
options to purchase shares of Common Stock, which may be, under the Key Employee
Plan, either Incentive Stock Options, as defined in Section 422 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or NQSOs, and, which may be,
under the Nonexecutive Plan, NQSOs only, (ii) shares of Restricted Stock, (iii)
Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs"), (iv) Phantom Units and (v) Bonus Stock. In
addition, replacement or substitution options may be granted to employees in
conjunction with a spinoff, acquisition or other similar corporate transaction
involving the Company or a subsidiary. Options and awards with respect to no
more than 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued under the Key Employee
Plan. The Nonexecutive Plan allows for the grant of up to 500,000 shares
annually. The Committee, in its discretion, will select those employees to whom
awards will be granted, the form and amount of awards, and the terms and
conditions of awards. All nonexecutive employees of the Company who are
responsible for the Company's growth and profitability will be eligible to
receive awards under the Nonexecutive Plan.
 
     Incentive Stock Options must have an exercise price of not less than the
fair market value of the underlying stock at the time the option was granted.
Non-Qualified Stock Options will not be subject to that requirement but may not
be issued at less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of grant.
Substitution options shall be granted on such terms as the Committee deems
equitable. All options must be exercised within 10 years of the date granted.
 
     The Committee will determine the period during which SARs may be exercised,
which period may not begin until six months after the date of the grant. Upon
the exercise of an SAR, the Company may pay the amount by which the fair market
value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date exceeds the
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   60
 
exercise price of a share of such stock on the date the SAR was granted in cash,
Common Stock or a combination of both.
 
     During the restricted period for Restricted Stock, participants will be
entitled to receive all dividends paid on Restricted Stock and to vote the
shares, but they may not sell, transfer or encumber the shares during this
period.
 
     Bonus Stock consists of shares of Common Stock which are granted to
participants and which are not subject to any of the restrictions associated
with Restricted Stock.
 
     A Phantom Unit is the right to receive a payment in an amount equal to the
average trading price of the shares of Common Stock at the time the award
becomes payable. Payment may be made in cash, stock or any combination thereof.
A Phantom Unit shall generally become payable if the employee remains in the
employment of the Company and certain specified business goals of the Company
established by the Committee in its discretion are met.
 
     Termination of the employee for Cause (as defined in the Company Stock
Plans) shall result in forfeiture of all awards. In the event of an involuntary
termination other than for Cause, or in the event of termination by reason of
disability or retirement, a participant will be entitled to a pro rata share of
any outstanding option, SAR, Restricted Stock and Phantom Unit award based on
the vesting period of the grant which has elapsed; provided, however, that
Phantom Units and Restricted Stock shall be payable at the end of the restricted
period to the extent payable under an award. In the event of death, the
restricted period shall lapse on all of a participant's outstanding awards. The
Company Stock Plans further provide that all restrictions shall lapse upon a
"Change in Control" to the extent that any shares of Restricted Stock or Phantom
Units remain subject to restrictions, all defined goals shall be deemed to be
met, and the full value of the Phantom Units shall be paid in cash.
 
     The payments and benefits provided by the Company Stock Plans as a result
of a Change in Control, when aggregated with certain other payments or benefits,
will be limited to 2.99 times the "base amount" as defined in Section 280G of
the Code (the "base amount" approximating the average of five years'
compensation preceding a Change in Control) if the employee would receive a
greater net after-tax benefit by reason of such limitation (the "Parachute
Payment Limit").
 
     During 1996, Messrs. Whaling, Kilpatrick, Williams, Hall, Shuflin, and
Anderson and all executive officers as a group received options pursuant to the
SFR Stock Plans with respect to 35,000, 20,000, 5,000, 6,000, 7,000, 4,000, and
77,000 shares of SFR common stock, respectively. See "-- Compensation Pursuant
to SFR Plans -- Incentive Stock Compensation Plans". In the event SFR
consummates the Spin Off, it is anticipated that any unexercised options for SFR
stock which are surrendered by the participant will be replaced by awards under
the Company Stock Plans with similar vesting and exercise terms; provided,
however, that no award under the Company Stock Plans will be exercisable or
payable for a period of one year from the Spin Off date except upon a Change in
Control or a termination due to death or disability. The number of shares and
exercise prices of all NQSOs awarded will be adjusted so that the participant
retains the full unrealized potential value of the corresponding SFR option. The
number of shares of Common Stock subject to the NQSO will be a fraction, the
numerator of which is the product of the number of shares of SFR common stock
subject to the option times the SFR market price (based on the trading price for
a period of time prior to the record date for the Spin Off), and the denominator
of which is the Company's market price (based on the trading price for a period
of time following the spin off); the exercise price will be a fraction, the
numerator of which is the product of the SFR option price times the number of
SFR option shares and the denominator of which is the number of Company option
shares.
 
     Effective with the closing of the Offerings, Messrs. Whaling, Kilpatrick,
Williams, Hall, Shuflin, and Anderson will receive NQSOs under the Company Stock
Plans in the amount of 112,500, 50,000, 20,000, 12,000, 12,000, and 12,000
shares, respectively, and restricted stock grants of 37,500, 15,000, 6,667,
3,333, 3,333, and 3,333 shares, respectively.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   61
 
     SEVERANCE PROGRAM. The Company has adopted a Severance Program for all
full-time (non-union) employees who are terminated by the Company or terminated
or constructively terminated by an acquiring company, other than for Cause (as
defined in the Severance Program). However, following a Change in Control
(defined substantially the same as in the ICP), an executive officer or key
employee who has entered into an Employment Agreement is not eligible to receive
duplicate benefits under the Employment Agreement and the Severance Program. A
participant in the Severance Program is generally entitled to an amount based
upon the participant's length of service and current salary, but not to exceed
one year's pay. In addition, a participant is entitled to continuation of health
and life insurance benefits for two years.
 
     The payments and benefits provided by the Severance Program may be limited
in the same manner as the Parachute Payment Limit described in the description
of the Company Stock Plans above.
 
     SAVINGS PLAN. The Company has adopted the Monterey Resources, Inc. Savings
Investment Plan (the "Savings Plan"), which, when it becomes effective, will
offer eligible employees an opportunity to make long-term investments on a
regular basis through salary contributions, which are supplemented by matching
employer contributions. Substantially all non-union employees are eligible to
participate in the Savings Plan on the first day of the month after their date
of hire. The Company will match up to 4% of an employee's compensation and the
employee's contribution may not exceed limits imposed by federal regulations.
During 1996 such limit was $9,500. In addition to the regular employer matching
program, at the end of each fiscal year, the Company's performance will be
evaluated using the same performance measures used in the ICP. If the Company's
performance meets or exceeds the goals for that year, participants will receive
up to another fifty cents on each regular matching dollar contributed by the
Company. The regular employer matching contributions as well as the performance
match are made in Common Stock.
 
     The Savings Plan is intended to qualify as a Section 401(k) cash or
deferred compensation arrangement whereby a portion of all of an employee's
elective contributions and the employer's matching contributions are not subject
to Federal income taxes at the time of contribution to the plan, and the plan is
subject to the restrictions imposed by the Code. Investment alternatives to
which contributions may be allocated by the participants will include a variety
of investment options including a fund which will be invested in Common Stock.
 
     It is anticipated that the Savings Plan will not become effective until the
Spin Off, at which time it is intended that the account balances of the
employees currently in the SFR Savings Plan will be transferred to the Company's
plan.
 
     DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN. The Company also maintains a supplemental
deferred compensation plan ("Supplemental Plan") whereby employees earning in
excess of $95,000 per year are allowed to defer all or a portion of their salary
until a future year or until retirement. These amounts are not matched by the
Company. Employees earning in excess of $150,000 per year may also defer up to
4% of such excess amount, which amount will be matched by the Company, including
the performance match described above in "-- Savings Plans". All amounts are
credited to a notional account with the Company and credited with interest at
the rate paid on the fixed income fund of the Company Savings Plan.
 
     It is anticipated that the Supplemental Plan will not become effective
until the Spin Off.
 
     HOURLY RETIREMENT PLANS. The Company sponsors two retirement plans covering
union employees (the "Hourly Plans"). One Hourly Plan provides benefits that are
based on a stated amount for each year of service. The Company annually
contributes amounts which are actuarially determined to provide the plan with
sufficient assets to meet future benefit payment requirements. The second Hourly
Plan is a defined contribution plan whereby the Company matches employee
contributions up to $.60 per hour worked. Employees may make unmatched
supplemental contributions of up to an additional $1.50 per hour worked.
 
     ESOP AND SUPPLEMENTAL ESOP. The Company has adopted the Monterey Resources,
Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP"), which, when it becomes
effective, will provide for Company
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   62
 
contributions on behalf of eligible employees. The ESOP is intended to invest in
Common Stock. Contributions may be in cash and/or Common Stock. In addition, the
Company has adopted the Monterey Resources, Inc. Supplemental ESOP Plan, which
provides that if a participant's allocation under the ESOP is limited in any
year due to the limitations of Sections 401(a)(17) or 415 of the Code, the
participant will be credited, in a notional account, with shares of phantom
stock equal to the "lost" allocation. The notional account will also be credited
with phantom dividends and paid to the participant in cash on the termination of
employment, to the extent vested. It is anticipated that these plans will not
become effective until the Spin Off.
 
  COMPENSATION PURSUANT TO SFR PLANS
 
     INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN. As discussed above under "-- Compensation
Pursuant to Company Plans -- Incentive Compensation Plan", SFR maintains the SFR
ICP which provides for the establishment of a variety of performance goals
which, if achieved, result in the payment of additional cash compensation to
participants for that year. The terms and conditions of the SFR ICP are
substantially similar to those described above for the Company's ICP. All
executive officers of the Company have participated in the SFR ICP, and they
received a cash bonus pursuant thereto which has been reflected in the table set
forth under "-- Executive Compensation" above. Effective with calendar year
1997, all of these officers will become participants in the Company's ICP in
lieu of the SFR ICP.
 
     INCENTIVE STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS. SFR presently maintains the 1990
Incentive Stock Compensation Plan, as amended, and the 1995 Incentive Stock
Compensation Plan for Non-executive Employees, as amended (collectively, the
"SFR Stock Plans"). These plans are substantially the same as the stock and
stock option portions of the Company Stock Plans described above. With the
exception of certain grants in conjunction with the 1996 bonus awarded in early
1997, following the consummation of the Offerings, employees of the Company will
no longer receive grants or awards under the SFR Stock Plans. Certain executive
officers and other employees of the Company hold options previously granted
subject to, and which will remain outstanding under, the terms and conditions of
these plans and the agreements evidencing such options. These grants are subject
to conversion as described in "-- Compensation Pursuant to Company Plans" above.
As of September 1, 1996, executive officers of the Company had options awards
under the SFR Stock Plans as shown in "-- Executive Compensation" above.
 
     SAVINGS PLANS. The Company is, and will continue to be until implementation
of the Company's Savings Plan described above, a participating subsidiary in the
Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc. Savings Investment Plan (the "SFR Savings
Plan"). Substantially all non-union employees are eligible to participate on the
first day of the month after their date of hire. SFR will match up to 4% of an
employee's compensation. In 1996 the employee's contribution could not exceed
$9,500. In addition to such regular employer matching program, at the end of
each fiscal year, SFR's performance is evaluated using the same performance
measures used in the SFR ICP. If SFR's performance meets or exceeds the goals
for that year, participants will receive up to another fifty cents on each
regular matching dollar contributed by SFR. The regular employer matching
contributions as well as the performance match are made in SFR common stock.
 
     The SFR Savings Plan is intended to qualify as a Section 401(k) cash or
deferred compensation arrangement whereby an employee's contributions and the
employer's matching contributions are not subject to Federal income taxes at the
time of the contribution to the Plan and the Plan is subject to the restrictions
imposed by the Code. Investment alternatives to which contributions may be
allocated by the participants include an aggressive growth fund, an
international equity fund, a growth equity fund, an equity index fund, a growth
and income fund, a balanced fund, a stable value fund and a fund which invests
in SFR common stock.
 
     DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN. SFR also maintains a supplemental deferred
compensation arrangement (the "SFR Deferred Compensation Plan") whereby
employees earning in excess of $95,000 per year are allowed to defer all or a
portion of their salary until a future year or until retirement. These
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   63
 
amounts are not matched by SFR. Employees earning in excess of $150,000 per year
may also defer up to 4% of such excess amount, which amount will be matched by
SFR, including the performance match described above in "-- Savings Plans". All
amounts are contributed in cash and earn interest at the rate paid on the fixed
income fund of the SFR Savings Plan.
 
   
     RETIREMENT PLANS. The Company is, and following completion of the Offerings
will continue to be until Spin Off, a participating subsidiary in the Santa Fe
Energy Resources Retirement Plan (the "SFR Retirement Plan"), a qualified
defined benefit plan maintained for substantially all salaried employees not
covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and the nonqualified Santa Fe
Energy Resources Supplemental Retirement Plan (the "SFR Supplemental Plan"). The
SFR Supplemental Plan will pay benefits to participants in the various SFR plans
in those instances where the SFR Retirement Plan formula produces a benefit in
excess of limits established by ERISA and applicable government regulations. The
SFR Retirement Plan also includes amounts deferred under the SFR Deferred
Compensation Plan as pensionable compensation. Total approximate benefits under
both the SFR Retirement Plan and SFR Supplemental Plan are shown below for
selected compensation levels and years of service. As of December 31, 1995,
Messrs. Whaling, Kilpatrick, Williams, Hall, Shuflin and Anderson were credited
with 1.0, 19.3, 25.6, 11.6, 14.8 and 14.7 years of service under the plans,
respectively.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEARS OF SERVICE
                                      --------------------------------------------------------
    AVERAGE YEARLY COMPENSATION          15          20          25          30          35
- ------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
<S>                                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
$125,000............................  $ 22,000    $ 29,000    $ 36,000    $ 54,000    $ 64,000
$150,000............................  $ 26,000    $ 35,000    $ 44,000    $ 66,000    $ 77,000
$175,000............................  $ 31,000    $ 41,000    $ 52,000    $ 78,000    $ 91,000
$200,000............................  $ 36,000    $ 48,000    $ 60,000    $ 89,000    $104,000
$225,000............................  $ 40,000    $ 54,000    $ 67,000    $101,000    $118,000
$250,000............................  $ 45,000    $ 60,000    $ 75,000    $113,000    $131,000
$300,000............................  $ 54,000    $ 72,000    $ 91,000    $136,000    $158,000
$400,000............................  $ 73,000    $ 97,000    $122,000    $182,000    $213,000
$450,000............................  $ 82,000    $110,000    $137,000    $206,000    $240,000
$500,000............................  $ 92,000    $122,000    $153,000    $229,000    $267,000
$600,000............................  $110,000    $147,000    $184,000    $275,000    $321,000
$650,000............................  $119,000    $159,000    $199,000    $299,000    $348,000
</TABLE>
 
     Benefit figures shown are amounts payable based on a straight-life annuity
assuming retirement by the participant at age 62 in 1995 without a joint
survivorship provision. The benefits listed in the above table are not subject
to any deduction for social security or other offset amounts.
 
     Benefits under the plans are computed based on a participant's total
compensation for the 60 consecutive months during the ten-year period
immediately prior to the termination of his covered employment for which his
total compensation is the highest, divided by 60. If a participant has not
received compensation for 60 consecutive months during such ten-year period, his
compensation shall equal the total of his compensation for the longest period of
consecutive months during such ten-year period divided by the total number of
months of compensation so considered.
 
     Compensation recognized under the plans is the total basic compensation,
including any elective salary deferral amounts excluded from income pursuant to
Section 125 or 402 of the code, plus overtime, shift differentials and bonuses
(whether cash or stock) paid pursuant to recurring bonus programs, including
compensation deferred under the Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc. Deferred
Compensation Plan, but excluding any special or extraordinary bonuses and any
other items of compensation. A participant's basic compensation is the regular
rate of pay specified for his position and does not include automobile
allowances, imputed income under any group term life insurance program, moving
expense or other reimbursements, fringe benefits, or similar items.
 
     The pension compensation therefore differs from the compensation listed in
the Summary Compensation Table in several respects. Pension compensation is
based on average compensation as explained
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   64
 
above. It does not include restricted stock awards, stock options, and other
compensation in the "All Other Compensation" column of the Summary Compensation
Table (i.e., employer matching contributions to the SFR Savings Plan and the
performance match). It also does not include special or extraordinary bonuses.
 
     The pension compensation of officers whose pension compensation differs
from the compensation contained in the Summary Compensation Table is listed
below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      PENSION COMPENSATION
                                  NAME                                (FINAL AVERAGE PAY)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------  --------------------
    <S>                                                               <C>
    R. Graham Whaling...............................................        $334,767
    David B. Kilpatrick.............................................         180,713
    Jeffrey B. Williams.............................................         181,264
    C. Ed Hall......................................................         140,791
    Lou E. Shuflin..................................................         161,211
    Terry L. Anderson...............................................         135,497
</TABLE>
 
     It is anticipated that the Company will terminate participation in the SFR
Retirement Plan upon the consummation of the Spin Off.
 
                        SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
 
   
     The following table indicates (i) the number of shares of Common Stock
expected to be granted to each director, executive officer and key employee of
the Company as of the closing of the Offerings pursuant to the Company Stock
Plans (see "Management -- Compensation Pursuant to Company Plans") and (ii) the
number of shares of common stock of SFR beneficially owned as of October 15,
1996 by such persons. In the event the Spin Off occurs and the individuals
listed below retain the SFR common stock set forth below and exercise the SFR
options described in the footnotes, such individuals will receive shares of
Company Common Stock on the same basis as all other SFR shareholders.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      SHARES OF COMPANY       SHARES OF SFR
                                                        COMMON STOCK           COMMON STOCK
                                                            TO BE           BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                        BENEFICIALLY              AS OF
                NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                  OWNED(1)           OCTOBER 15, 1996
    ------------------------------------------------  -----------------     ------------------
    <S>                                               <C>                   <C>
    R. Graham Whaling(2)............................        37,500                 264,528
    David P. Kilpatrick(3)..........................        15,000                  88,937
    C. Ed Hall(4)...................................         3,333                  77,081
    Lou E. Shuflin(5)...............................         3,333                  71,083
    Jeffrey B. Williams(6)..........................         6,667                  73,170
    Terry L. Anderson(7)............................         3,333                  49,723
    Hugh L. Boyt(8).................................           -0-                 273,558
    Craig A. Huff(9)................................         1,000               3,354,600
    Michael A. Morphy(10)...........................         1,000                  25,786
    James L. Payne(11)..............................         1,000                 921,913
    Robert F. Vagt(12)..............................         1,000                  29,069
    Robert J. Wasielewski(13).......................         1,000               5,047,083
    All directors and officers as a group
      (12 persons)..................................        74,166              10,276,531
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
 (1) In addition to the Common Stock ownership presented, it is anticipated that
     unexercised SFR stock options held by Company employees at Spin Off
     (including those held by executive officers and key employees listed above)
     will be exchanged for options for Common Stock granted pursuant to the
     Company Stock Plans. See "Management -- Compensation Pursuant to Company
     Plans" for a description of the anticipated method of adjustment of share
     amounts and strike prices.
    
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   65
 
   
 (2) Mr. Whaling's SFR common stock ownership includes 1,318 shares arising from
     participation in the SFR Savings Plan as of October 1, 1996 and 250,000
     shares which could be received upon the exercise of options exercisable
     within 60 days of October 15, 1996. The exercise price of such options is
     $8.00. Mr. Whaling's Common Stock ownership includes 37,500 shares of
     Restricted Stock anticipated to be granted upon the closing of the
     Offerings.
    
 
   
 (3) Mr. Kilpatrick's SFR common stock ownership includes 5,729 shares arising
     from participation in the SFR Savings Plan as of October 1, 1996 and 74,245
     shares which could be received upon the exercise of options exercisable
     within 60 days of October 15, 1996. The weighted average exercise price of
     such options is $12.1375. Mr. Kilpatrick's Common Stock ownership includes
     15,000 shares of Restricted Stock anticipated to be granted upon the
     closing of the Offerings.
    
 
   
 (4) Mr. Hall's SFR common stock ownership includes 7,921 shares arising from
     participation in the SFR Saving Plan as of October 1, 1996 and 54,196
     shares which could be received upon the exercise of options exercisable
     within 60 days of October 15, 1996. The weighted average exercise price of
     such options is $12.1867. Mr. Hall's Common Stock ownership includes 3,333
     shares of Restricted Stock anticipated to be granted upon closing of the
     Offerings.
    
 
   
 (5) Mr. Shuflin's SFR common stock ownership includes 10,838 shares arising
     from participation in the SFR Savings Plan as of October 1, 1996 and 60,245
     shares which could be received upon the exercise of options exercisable
     within 60 days of October 15, 1996. The weighted average exercise price of
     such options is $12.2566. Mr. Shuflin's Common Stock ownership includes
     3,333 shares of Restricted Stock anticipated to be granted upon closing of
     the Offerings.
    
 
   
 (6) Mr. William's SFR common stock ownership includes 7,925 shares arising from
     participation in the SFR Savings Plan as of October 1, 1996 and 65,245
     shares which could be received upon exercise of options exercisable within
     60 days of October 15, 1996. The weighted average exercise price of such
     options is $12.7255. Mr. William's Common Stock ownership includes 6,667
     shares of Restricted Stock anticipated to be granted upon closing of the
     Offerings.
    
 
   
 (7) Mr. Anderson's SFR common stock ownership includes 3,393 shares arising
     from participation in the SFR Savings Plan as of October 1, 1996 and 43,671
     shares which could be received upon exercise of options exercisable within
     60 days of October 15, 1996. The weighted average exercise price of such
     options is $11.9686. Mr. Anderson's Common Stock ownership includes 3,333
     shares of Restricted Stock anticipated to be granted upon closing of the
     Offerings.
    
 
   
 (8) Mr. Boyt's SFR common stock ownership includes 6,313 shares arising from
     participation in the SFR Savings Plan as of October 1, 1996 and 225,245
     shares which could be received upon exercise of options exercisable within
     60 days of October 15, 1996. The weighted average exercise price of such
     options is $11.5275. It is anticipated Mr. Boyt will resign as a director
     of the Company upon Spin Off and therefore he would not receive a grant of
     Restricted Stock pursuant to the Company's Stock Plans.
    
 
   
 (9) Mr. Huff's Common Stock ownership includes 1,000 shares of Restricted Stock
     anticipated to be granted upon closing of the Offerings. Mr. Huff's SFR
     common stock ownership includes 15,000 shares which could be received upon
     the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of October 15, 1996. The
     exercise price of such options is $11.4375. Mr. Huff's SFR common stock
     ownership also includes 3,338,600 shares owned by clients of Ziff Brothers
     Investments ("ZBI"). Mr. Huff, who is a Principal of ZBI, disclaims
     beneficial ownership of these shares.
    
 
   
(10) Mr. Morphy's Common Stock ownership includes 1,000 shares of Restricted
     Stock anticipated to be granted upon closing of the Offerings. Mr. Morphy's
     SFR common stock ownership includes 15,000 shares which could be received
     upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of October 15, 1996.
     The weighted average exercise price of such options is $10.2292.
    
 
   
(11) Mr. Payne's SFR common stock ownership includes 47,765 shares arising from
     participation in the SFR Savings Plan as of October 1, 1996 and 722,890
     shares which could be received upon exercise of options exercisable within
     60 days of October 15, 1996. The weighted average exercise price of such
     options is $12.7344. Mr. Payne will not be eligible for a Restricted Stock
     grant pursuant to the Company's Stock Plans until Spin Off when he will
     receive the 1,000 shares of Common Stock presented.
    
 
   
(12) Mr. Vagt's Common Stock ownership includes 1,000 shares of Restricted Stock
     anticipated to be granted upon closing of the Offerings. Mr. Vagt's SFR
     common stock ownership includes 15,000
    
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   66
 
   
     shares which could be received upon exercise of options exercisable within
     60 days of October 15, 1996. The weighted average exercise price of such
     options is $10.2292.
    
 
(13) Mr. Wasielewski's SFR common stock includes 5,047,083 shares which may be
     deemed to be owned by GKH Partners, L.P. ("GKH") primarily through its
     participation in HC Associates. Mr. Wasielewski is a Managing Director of
     GKH, the general partner of GKH Investment, L.P. and the nominee for GKH
     Private, Ltd. and disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by HC
     Associates. Mr. Wasielewski's Common Stock ownership includes 1,000 shares
     of Restricted Stock anticipated to be granted upon closing of the
     Offerings.
 
                    RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND SFR
 
OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
 
   
     SFR, whose address is 1616 South Voss, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77057,
owns all of the Company's currently outstanding Common Stock and after the
Offerings will own approximately 85% of the Company's outstanding shares of
Common Stock (or 83% if the Underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised
in full). Through its ability to elect all directors of the Company, SFR will
control all matters affecting the Company, including any determination with
respect to acquisition or disposition of Company assets, future issuance of
Common Stock or other securities of the Company and any dividends payable on the
Common Stock. SFR will also control the Company's exploration, development,
capital, operating and acquisition budgets.
    
 
     Pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, SFR may not,
prior to the expiration in August 1998 of the two year holding period required
by Rule 144, sell any of the shares of Common Stock it owns without registration
under the Securities Act. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale". The Company has
agreed that upon the request of SFR, the Company will register under the
Securities Act and applicable state securities laws the sale of the shares of
Common Stock owned by SFR which SFR requests to be registered. See
"-- Contractual Arrangements -- Registration Rights and Indemnification
Agreement".
 
INTENDED SPIN OFF
 
   
     SFR has announced that after the Offerings it intends to distribute pro
rata to its common stockholders all of the shares of Common Stock that it owns
by means of a tax-free distribution. SFR's final determination to proceed will
require a declaration of the Spin Off by SFR's board of directors. Such a
declaration is not expected to be made until certain conditions, many of which
are beyond the control of SFR, are satisfied, including: (i) receipt by SFR of a
ruling from the Internal Revenue Service as to the tax-free nature of the Spin
Off; (ii) approval of the Spin Off by SFR's stockholders; (iii) the redemption
or conversion of all or a substantial portion of the shares of each outstanding
series of SFR preferred stock; and (iv) the absence of any future change in
future market or economic conditions (including developments in the capital
markets) or SFR's or the Company's business and financial condition that causes
SFR's board to conclude that the Spin Off is not in the best interests of SFR's
stockholders. The Company has been advised by SFR that it does not expect the
Spin Off to occur prior to June 1997. If SFR consummates the Spin Off, the
increased shares available in the market may have an adverse effect on the
market price of the Common Stock. The Company has been advised by SFR that as of
September 30, 1996, SFR had 41,326 common stockholders of record. See "Risk
Factors -- Intended Spin Off by SFR".
    
 
   
     The Company has agreed to indemnify SFR if at any time during the one-year
period after the Spin Off (or if certain tax legislation is enacted and is
applicable to the Spin Off, such longer period as is required for the Spin Off
to be tax free to SFR) (the "Restricted Period") the Company takes certain
actions the effects of which result in the Spin Off being taxable to SFR. See
"-- Contractual Arrangements -- Spin Off Tax Indemnity Agreement".
    
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   67
 
CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS
 
   
  SPIN OFF TAX INDEMNITY AGREEMENT. To protect SFR from Federal and state income
taxes, penalties, interest and additions to tax that would be incurred by it if
the Spin Off by SFR were determined to be a taxable event, the Company and SFR
have entered into an agreement under which the Company has agreed to indemnify
SFR with respect to tax liabilities resulting primarily from actions taken by
the Company at any time during the Restricted Period. The Company has also
agreed that, unless it obtains an opinion of counsel or a supplemental ruling
from the Internal Revenue Service that such action will not adversely affect the
qualification of the Spin Off as tax-free, the Company will not merge or
consolidate with another corporation, liquidate or partially liquidate, sell or
transfer all or substantially all of its assets or redeem or otherwise
repurchase any of its stock or issue additional shares of the Company's capital
stock during such Restricted Period. The Company's obligations under this
agreement could possibly deter offers or other efforts by third parties to
obtain control of the Company during such Restricted Period, which could deprive
the Company's stockholders of opportunities to sell their shares of Common Stock
at prices higher than prevailing market prices.
    
 
   
     The Company has retained the right to contest, at its expense, any
determination by taxing authorities that the Spin Off has failed to qualify as
tax-free by reason of an action by the Company; provided, however, that if SFR
reasonably perceives, either at the commencement or during the course of any
proceeding challenging the tax-free nature of the Spin Off, that the Company
could not pay the indemnified amounts if the taxing authorities were successful
and the Company fails to furnish a guarantee or performance bond satisfactory to
SFR in an amount equal to the indemnified liability being asserted by the taxing
authority, SFR may assume the defense of any such challenge, at the Company's
expense, and may compromise, concede or settle the taxing authorities' claim.
SFR's assumption of the conduct of such defense would not relieve the Company of
its financial responsibility to SFR under this agreement. The indemnity
agreement will apply if the Spin Off occurs prior to December 31, 1997.
    
 
   
     The Company believes that if the Company is required to make payments
pursuant to such agreement, the amount that the Company would pay to SFR would
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition. The actions
for which the Company is required to indemnify SFR pursuant to this agreement
are within the Company's control, and the Company has no intention of taking any
actions during the Restricted Period that would have such an effect.
    
 
   
     The Spin Off Tax Indemnity Agreement also contains provisions covering
certain other tax matters between SFR and the Company. Under the tax sharing
agreements and arrangements between SFR and Santa Fe Pacific Corporation
("SFP"), the former parent company of SFR, SFR and its subsidiaries receive
benefits from and are responsible for liabilities directly attributable to audit
adjustments under the California franchise tax with respect to all California
properties or operations owned or conducted by SFR and its subsidiaries prior to
the spin off of SFR by SFP. As a result of the Transactions, the Company will
acquire substantially all of the California properties and operations that would
relate to such audit matters. Accordingly, the Company will receive the benefits
and be responsible for the obligations attributable to California franchise tax
liabilities under SFR's agreements with SFP for any of the tax years ending on
or after December 31, 1984 (the years for which the audits have not been
conducted by California). SFR shall prepare and file all consolidated Federal,
combined state and local income and franchise tax returns required to be filed
while the Company is a member of SFR's affiliated group and the Company will not
be compensated for the carryback after Spin Off to SFR's affiliated group of any
Company tax items realized after the Company ceases to be a member of SFR's
affiliated group. The Company will not be compensated for the carryback after
the Spin Off to SFR's affiliated group both because it is anticipated that the
Company will make the necessary election to forego any such carryback and
because management of both SFR and the Company desire to minimize, to the extent
possible, continuing relationships and obligations between the two companies.
    
 
   
     CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT. Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, SFR will
contribute to the Company substantially all of the assets and properties of the
Western Division, subject to retention by SFR of (i) the Production Payment,
(ii) the surface rights to approximately 116 acres of the Olinda
    
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   68
 
   
Property and (iii) SFR's interests in various properties that are burdened by an
overriding royalty interest held by a royalty trust formed by SFR in 1992 (the
"Excluded Assets"). The Production Payment represents in the aggregate
approximately 20% of 1995 net sales proceeds from the Midway-Sunset field and
the annual amortization thereof represents 7% of such net sales proceeds. The
Company does not believe that the retention of the Production Payment or the
Company's obligations thereunder will have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial condition, liquidity or results of operations. The effective
date of the asset contribution pursuant to the Contribution Agreement is
expected to be November 1, 1996. Except as set forth in the Contribution
Agreement, SFR is not making any representation or warranty (including any
representation or warranty of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose) to the Company as to the assets, business or liabilities contributed to
or assumed by the Company pursuant to the Contribution Agreement. All such
assets will be contributed to the Company in their present condition. SFR is not
making any representation or warranty to the Company as to consents or approvals
required to transfer such assets to the Company or as to the legal sufficiency
of any assignment, document or instrument delivered or filed to convey title to
any properties contributed to the Company. In addition, the Company will assume
the liabilities and obligations associated with the Western Division, even if
attributable to periods prior to the contribution date, including the $245
million of indebtedness in respect of the SFR Senior Notes and interest thereon
from and after October 1, 1996, and the Company will agree to release SFR from
any liability or contribution obligation in respect of the New Credit Facility.
Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, (a) the Company will assume, and agree
to indemnify and hold harmless SFR from and against all liabilities and
obligations of SFR relating to the contributed assets and properties, even if
attributable to periods prior to the contribution date, including (i) any
litigation pending or threatened as of the consummation of the Offerings or that
arises in the future and involves any costs incurred after the consummation of
the Offerings, (ii) environmental liabilities of contributed assets and
properties, including any costs or expenses incurred at any of the OII Site, the
Santa Fe Springs Site and the Eastside Site, and (iii) any costs or liabilities
that may arise after the consummation of the Offerings that are attributable to
violations of or failure to comply with laws, rules or regulations in respect of
any property or interest therein located in California and formerly owned or
operated by the Western Division or its predecessors (other than the Excluded
Assets); and (b) SFR will agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from
and against any costs or liabilities relating to assets or operations of SFR
(whether or not currently owned or operated by SFR) to the extent not
attributable to the Western Division (other than the Excluded Assets). SFR is
retaining the surface rights to the Olinda Property because such surface rights
are currently under contract for sale to a third party. If the sale is concluded
with such third party, SFR will be paid a total purchase price of $24 million,
comprised of $15.5 million in cash together with a $5.5 million and a $3.0
million note, both of which are secured by a lien on the property. Pursuant to
the Contribution Agreement, Monterey is obligated to purchase such notes from
SFR at face value after the close of the sale and will be required to incur
approximately $3.5 million in site improvement costs. If the sale of the Olinda
Property has not been consummated by August 1, 1997, Monterey is obligated,
under the terms of the Contribution Agreement, to purchase, and SFR is obligated
to sell, such surface rights for $23 million in cash. The Company does not
believe that SFR's retention or subsequent sale and development of the surface
of the Olinda Property will have a material adverse effect on the Company's
ongoing operations on such property. Upon the execution and delivery of the
Contribution Agreement, the Company and SFR intend to file deeds, bills of sale
and specific conveyances in the appropriate real property records of California
to reflect the contribution and conveyance to the Company of the real property
interests effected pursuant to the Contribution Agreement.
    
 
   
     SERVICES AGREEMENT. SFR provides various administrative and financial
services to the Company, including administration of certain employee benefit
plans, access to telecommunications, corporate legal assistance and certain
other corporate staff and support services. Concurrently with the closing of the
Offerings, the Company and SFR intend to enter into a Services Agreement to
formalize this existing arrangement. The agreement is intended to be flexible
(for example, on short notice the Company may take responsibility for some or
all of the services currently being provided by SFR) and may be easily
terminated by either party on 30 days' notice. As a result, no assurance is
given that this service
    
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   69
 
   
arrangement will be maintained for any specific period in the future. Whether
SFR continues to provide some or all of these services will depend on many
factors, including the continuing agreement of the parties on the appropriate
amounts of compensation and reimbursement, the ability of the Company to provide
the services for itself and the continued willingness of SFR to provide the
services. The agreement provides that the Company will pay SFR a monthly fee for
certain listed services at specified rates. The total monthly fee for all listed
services is $120,000. Because the Services Agreement was not the result of
arm's-length negotiations, the costs charged thereunder may exceed costs
otherwise available from an unaffiliated third party. The Services Agreement is
terminable by either party on 30 days' notice and payments to SFR thereunder are
expected to decline as the Company assumes full responsibility during 1997 for
each of the services covered by such agreement.
    
 
     TAX ALLOCATION AGREEMENT. After consummation of the Offerings, the Company
will continue to be included in the consolidated Federal income tax return filed
by SFR as the common parent for itself and its subsidiaries. Consistent
therewith and pursuant to the Tax Allocation Agreement, the Company has agreed
to pay to SFR an amount approximating the Federal tax liability and state and
local tax liability it would have paid if it and its subsidiaries were a
separate consolidated group. This amount will be payable regardless of whether
the SFR consolidated group, as a whole, has any current Federal, state or local
tax liability. In determining amounts payable to SFR in accordance with the
foregoing formula, the Company and its subsidiaries may only take into account
their carryforwards of losses and credits to reduce amounts they would owe if
they were a separate consolidated group. Accordingly, there are circumstances in
which the Company and its subsidiaries may receive no compensation for the
current use of their carryforwards of losses or credits by other members of the
SFR group. If the Company or its subsidiaries cease to be members of the SFR
consolidated group, the Tax Allocation Agreement will continue to apply to prior
periods, and additional payments to SFR could be required if there is an audit
or similar adjustment subsequently made that impacts the computation of amounts
to be paid SFR as described above. In addition, if the Company and its
subsidiaries cease to be members of the SFR consolidated group, they would
forfeit any future rights to compensation or credit from SFR for the utilization
of their carryforwards by members of the SFR group.
 
     REGISTRATION RIGHTS AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT. Concurrently with the
consummation of the Offerings, the Company will enter into a Registration Rights
and Indemnification Agreement with SFR pursuant to which SFR has the right to
require the Company to effect three registrations under the Securities Act of
all or any part of the Common Stock owned by SFR and to bear the expenses of
such registration. No such registration may be required by SFR prior to the
expiration of the 180 day period following the date of this Prospectus. See
"Shares Eligible for Future Sale". In addition, the Registration Rights and
Indemnification Agreement gives SFR the right to include its shares of Common
Stock in any registration of shares of Common Stock initiated by the Company
following the Offerings. The Registration Rights and Indemnification Agreement
also contains provisions whereby the Company and SFR agree to indemnify each
other and their respective subsidiaries as well as their respective directors,
officers, employees, agents and representatives for certain costs and
liabilities relating to violations of Federal and state securities laws in
connection with the Offerings, the Spin Off or any such registration of shares
of Common Stock owned by SFR.
 
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST; TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
     The nature of the respective businesses of the Company and SFR is such as
to give rise to conflicts of interest between the two companies. Conflicts could
arise, for example, with respect to allocation of capital, dividends, incurrence
of indebtedness, tax matters, financial commitments, registration rights,
administration of benefit plans, service arrangements, potential acquisitions of
businesses or oil and gas properties and other corporate opportunities, the
issuance and sale of capital stock of the Company and the election of directors.
 
     The Company owns all of SFR's oil and gas properties in California, except
for the Production Payment retained by SFR and the Excluded Assets. SFR has
advised the Company that it does not currently intend to engage in the
exploration, development and production of oil and gas in California
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   70
 
except through its ownership of Common Stock of the Company and the Excluded
Assets, nor does it intend to compete with the Company in the acquisition of oil
and gas properties. Circumstances may arise in the future, however, that would
cause SFR to engage in the exploration, development and production of oil and
gas in competition with the Company. For example, acquisition opportunities
might arise which would require financial resources greater than those available
to the Company or which are located in areas in which the Company does not
intend to operate. In addition, SFR might acquire a competing oil and gas
business as part of a larger acquisition. Thus, although SFR has no current
intention to do so, there can be no assurances that it will not engage in the
oil and gas exploration, development and production business in competition with
the Company.
 
     The Company and SFR and its affiliates have in the past entered into
intercompany transactions and agreements incident to their respective
businesses, and the Company and SFR may be expected to enter into transactions
and agreements from time to time in the future. The Company intends that the
terms of any future transactions and agreements between the Company and SFR will
be on terms at least as favorable to the Company as it could obtain from third
parties. See "Risk Factors -- Control by SFR".
 
                                       69
<PAGE>   71
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
AUTHORIZED AND OUTSTANDING CAPITAL STOCK
 
     As of the date of this Prospectus, the authorized capital stock of the
Company consists of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per
share, and 25,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
("Preferred Stock"). As of the date of this Prospectus, there are 45,350,000
shares of Common Stock outstanding, all of which are held of record by SFR. See
"Relationship Between the Company and SFR -- Ownership of Common Stock". Of the
authorized shares of Preferred Stock, no shares are outstanding. Immediately
after the closing of the Offerings, a total of 53,250,000 shares of Common Stock
will be outstanding, and 3,500,000 shares of Common Stock will be reserved for
issuance under the Company's incentive compensation plans. See
"Management -- Company Benefit Plans". The following description is a summary
and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions
of the Company's Charter and Bylaws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to
the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     VOTING RIGHTS. Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder to one vote
on each matter submitted to a vote of the Company's stockholders, including the
election of directors. There is no cumulative voting. After the Offerings, SFR
will hold approximately 85% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock and will
hold the voting power to determine the outcome of all matters upon which the
stockholders of the Company vote. See "Risk Factors -- Control by SFR" and
"Relationship Between the Company and SFR". The Charter prohibits the taking of
any action by written stockholder consent in lieu of a meeting.
 
     DIVIDENDS. The holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends
if, as and when such dividends are declared by the board of directors of the
Company out of assets legally available therefor after payment of dividends
required to be paid on shares of Preferred Stock, if any.
 
     The Note Agreement pursuant to which the Company Senior Notes will be
issued contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company's
ability to pay cash dividends unless certain conditions are satisfied. Such
restriction permits the Company to pay dividends to the extent that the
aggregate dividends together with amounts previously expended to redeem or
purchase its capital stock or invested in other than permitted investments do
not exceed the sum of (i) $62 million, (ii) 100% of the Company's consolidated
net earnings (or minus 100% in the case of a deficit) for the period from the
date of the closing of the Offerings and terminating as of the end of the most
recent calendar quarter and (iii) the net cash proceeds to the Company from the
sale of its stock after the closing of the Offerings or in respect of any
convertible debt security that has been converted into stock of the Company. In
addition, dividends may not be paid under the Note Agreement if such payment
would reduce the Company's net worth below the thresholds indicated: $115
million through March 31, 1997 and, thereafter, the sum of $115 million and 20%
of the Company's consolidated net income for all then completed quarters
beginning with the quarter ending March 31, 1997. The New Credit Facility
contains similar restrictions on the payment of dividends.
 
     LIQUIDATION OR DISSOLUTION. Upon liquidation or dissolution, holders of
Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all net assets available for
distribution to stockholders after payment of any liquidation preferences to
holders of Preferred Stock.
 
     OTHER PROVISIONS. The Common Stock carries no conversion or preemptive
rights. All outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares of Common
Stock to be sold by the Company in the Offerings when issued will be, duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
 
     TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR. The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the
Common Stock is First Chicago Trust Company of New York.
 
   
     LISTING. The Common Stock has been approved for listing, subject to
official notice of issuance, on the NYSE under the trading symbol "MRC".
    
 
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<PAGE>   72
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The board of directors of the Company is authorized, without approval of
the stockholders, to cause shares of Preferred Stock to be issued in one or more
series, to determine the numbers of shares of each series, to fix the rights,
powers, preferences and privileges of each series and any qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereon and to increase or decrease the number of
shares of each such series. Among the specific matters that may be determined by
the board of directors are: the annual rate of dividends; the redemption price,
if any; the terms of a sinking or purchase fund, if any; the amount payable in
the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs
of the Company; conversion rights, if any; and voting powers, if any. Depending
upon the terms of the Preferred Stock established by the board of directors, any
or all series of Preferred Stock could have preferences over the Common Stock
with respect to dividends and other distributions and upon liquidation of the
Company or could have voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect
the holders of the outstanding Common Stock.
 
     In addition, the Preferred Stock could delay, defer or prevent a change of
control of the Company. The Company has no present plans to issue shares of
Preferred Stock. Prior to the Spin Off, however, it is anticipated that the
Company's board of directors will adopt a preferred share purchase rights plan.
See "-- Rights Plan".
 
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANY'S CHARTER AND BYLAWS AND DELAWARE LAW
 
     Certain provisions of the Charter and Bylaws are intended to enhance the
likelihood of continuity and stability in the board of directors of the Company
and in its policies, but might have the effect of delaying or preventing a
change in control of the Company and may make more difficult the removal of
incumbent management even if such transactions could be beneficial to the
interests of stockholders. Set forth below is a summary description of such
provisions:
 
     NUMBER OF DIRECTORS; FILLING VACANCIES; REMOVAL. The Company's Charter
provides that the number of directors constituting the Company's board of
directors shall be fixed by the board of directors, but shall not be less than
three nor more than 15. The Charter further provides that the directors shall be
divided into three classes, each class serving staggered three-year terms. The
board of directors of the Company, acting by a majority of the directors then in
office, may fill any vacancy or newly created directorship.
 
     ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS. Delaware law permits and the Charter grants the
Company's board of directors broad discretionary authority to adopt certain
anti-takeover measures approved by it in response to any proposal to acquire the
Company, its assets or more than 15% of its outstanding capital stock. Measures
to be adopted could include a shareholder rights plan or bylaw provisions
requiring supermajority shareholder approval of acquisition proposals.
 
     LIMITATION ON PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS. Delaware law authorizes
corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to
corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
director's fiduciary duty of care. The duty of care requires that, when acting
on behalf of the corporation, directors must exercise an informed business
judgment based on all material information reasonably available to them. Absent
the limitations authorized by Delaware law, directors are accountable to
corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for conduct
constituting gross negligence in the exercise of their duty of care. Delaware
law enables corporations to limit available relief to equitable remedies such as
injunction or rescission. The Charter of the Company limits the liability of
directors of the Company to the Company or its stockholders (in their capacity
as directors but not in their capacity as officers) to the fullest extent
permitted by Delaware law. Specifically, directors of the Company will not be
personally liable for monetary damages for breach of a director's fiduciary duty
as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of
loyalty to the Company or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in
good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of
law, (iii) for unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or
 
                                       71
<PAGE>   73
 
redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law,
or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit.
 
     The inclusion of this provision in the Charter may have the effect of
reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and may
discourage or deter stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against
directors for breach of their duty of care, even though such an action, if
successful, might otherwise have benefited the Company and its stockholders. The
Company's Bylaws provide indemnification to the Company's officers and directors
and certain other persons with respect to certain matters.
 
     INDEMNIFICATION ARRANGEMENTS. The Charter and Bylaws provide that, to the
fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, the directors
and officers of the Company shall be indemnified and shall be advanced expenses
in connection with actual or threatened proceedings and claims arising out of
their status as such. The Company has entered into indemnification agreements
with each of its directors and executive officers that provide for
indemnification and expense advancement to the fullest extent permitted under
the Delaware General Corporation Law.
 
SECTION 203 OF THE DELAWARE CORPORATE LAW
 
     Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("Section 203")
restricts certain transactions between a corporation organized under Delaware
law (or its majority owned subsidiaries) and any person holding 15% or more of
the corporation's outstanding voting stock, together with the affiliates or
associates of such person (an "Interested Stockholder"). Section 203 prevents,
for a period of three years following the date that a person becomes an
Interested Stockholder, the following types of transactions between the
corporation and an Interested Stockholder (unless certain conditions, described
below, are met): (a) mergers or consolidations, (b) sales, leases, exchanges or
other transfers of 10% or more of the aggregate assets of the corporation, (c)
issuances or transfers by the corporation of any stock of the corporation which
would have the effect of increasing the Interested Stockholder's proportionate
share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation, (d) any other
transaction which has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the
stock of any class or series of the corporation which is owned by the Interested
Stockholder, and (e) receipt by the Interested Stockholder of the benefit
(except proportionately as a stockholder) of loans, advances, guarantees,
pledges or other financial benefits provided by the corporation.
 
     The three-year ban does not apply if either the proposed transaction or the
transaction by which the Interested Stockholder became an Interested Stockholder
is approved by the board of directors of the corporation prior to the time such
stockholder becomes an Interested Stockholder. Additionally, an Interested
Stockholder may avoid the statutory restriction if, upon the consummation of the
transaction whereby such stockholder becomes an Interested Stockholder, the
stockholder owns at least 85% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation
without regard to those shares owned by the corporation's officers who are also
directors or by certain employee stock plans. Business combinations are also
permitted within the three-year period if approved by the board of directors and
authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the holders of at
least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the Interested
Stockholder.
 
     A corporation may, at its option, exclude itself from the coverage of
Section 203 by amending its certificate of incorporation or bylaws by action of
its shareholders to exempt itself from coverage, provided that such bylaw or
charter amendment shall not become effective until 12 months after the date it
is adopted. The Company has not adopted such a charter or bylaw amendment.
 
NO ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT
 
     The Charter prohibits the taking of any action by written stockholder
consent in lieu of a meeting. Such provisions may not be amended or repealed
without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the capital stock
of the Company entitled to vote on such matters.
 
                                       72
<PAGE>   74
 
RIGHTS PLAN
 
     Prior to the Spin Off, it is anticipated that the Company's board of
directors will adopt a preferred share purchase rights plan (the "Rights Plan")
pursuant to which, concurrently with or promptly after the Spin Off, one right
(collectively, the "Rights") to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of a newly
issued series of junior participating Preferred Stock of the Company would be
distributed as a dividend for each outstanding share of Common Stock. Such
Rights would be issuable on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
the Rights Plan. No Rights will be issued under the Rights Plan until the
consummation of the Spin Off. Because of the nature of the dividend, liquidation
and voting rights of the shares of the series of Preferred Stock issuable upon
exercise of a Right, the value of the one-hundredth interest in a share of this
series of Preferred Stock purchasable upon the exercise of each right should
approximate the value of one share of Common Stock. Each Right, when
exercisable, will represent the right to purchase one share of Common Stock at a
substantial premium to the per share trading price of the Common Stock on the
date the rights are distributed, subject to adjustment. The Rights will expire
no later than the tenth anniversary of the date the rights are first issued. The
Rights will be exercisable (i) 10 days after a person or group acquires
beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the Common Stock (other than any person
who owns more than 15% of the outstanding Common Stock immediately after the
Spin Off, provided such person does not thereafter acquire ownership of an
additional 1% of the Common Stock) (an "Acquiring Person"), or (ii) 10 business
days (or such later date as may be determined by the Company's board of
directors) after a person or group commences a tender offer or exchange upon
consummation of which such person or group would be an Acquiring Person.
 
     If any person or group becomes an Acquiring Person or commences a tender
offer upon consummation of which such person or group would become an Acquiring
Person, each Right not owned by such Acquiring Person or certain related parties
would entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right's then current exercise
price, shares of Common Stock, having a value of twice the Right's exercise
price. In addition, if, after a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, the
Company is involved in a merger or other business combination transaction with
another person in which it is not the surviving corporation, each Right will
entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right's then current exercise price,
shares of common stock of such other person or group having a value of twice the
Right's exercise price.
 
     The purchase price payable, and the shares issuable, upon exercise of the
Rights will be subject to adjustment from time to time as specified in the
Rights Plan. The Company will generally be entitled to redeem the Rights at
$0.01 per Right at any time until the public announcement that a person or group
has become an Acquiring Person or has commenced a tender offer upon consummation
of which such person or group would become an Acquiring Person, provided that no
such redemption may occur after the Rights have become exercisable.
 
     The terms of the series of junior participating Preferred Stock purchasable
upon exercise of the Rights will be established by the board of directors of the
Company upon the adoption of the rights plan, but it is expected that the terms
will be substantially as follows. Each share of such series of Preferred Stock
will have a minimum preferential quarterly dividend rate of $1.00 per share but
will be entitled to an aggregate dividend of 100 times the dividend declared on
shares of Common Stock. In the event of liquidation, the holders of such series
of Preferred Stock will receive a minimum preferred liquidation payment of $1.00
per share but will be entitled to receive an aggregate liquidation payment equal
to 100 times the payment made per share of the Common Stock. Each share of such
series of Preferred Stock will have 100 votes, voting together with the Common
Stock. The rights of this series of Preferred Stock as to dividends, liquidation
and voting, and in the event of mergers and consolidations, will be protected by
customary antidilution provisions.
 
     The inclusion of the foregoing provisions in the Charter and Bylaws, the
existence of authorized but unissued capital stock, the adoption of the Rights
Plan and the Spin Off Tax Indemnity Agreement and the application of Section 203
to stockholders of the Company may tend to deter unfriendly offers or other
efforts to obtain control of the Company that are not approved by the Company's
board of directors
 
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<PAGE>   75
 
and thereby deprive the Company's stockholders of opportunities to sell their
shares of Common Stock at prices higher than prevailing market prices.
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
     Upon consummation of the Offerings, the Company will have outstanding a
total of 53,250,000 shares of Common Stock, including the 7,900,000 shares
offered in the Offerings. The Common Stock sold in the Offerings will be
transferable without restriction or further registration under the Securities
Act, except for any shares acquired by an "affiliate" of the Company that will
be subject to the resale limitations of Rule 144 promulgated under the
Securities Act. All of the 45,350,000 shares of Common Stock owned by SFR are
"restricted" securities within the meaning of Rule 144 and may not be sold in
the absence of registration other than through Rule 144 as described below or
another exemption from registration under the Securities Act.
 
     In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, a stockholder who
(together with predecessor holders who were not "affiliates" of the Company (as
such term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, "Affiliates")) has
beneficially owned Common Stock which is treated as "restricted securities" (as
defined in Rule 144) for at least two years from the date such restricted
securities were acquired from the Company or an Affiliate, is entitled to sell,
within any three-month period, a number of shares that does not exceed the
greater of 1% of the Company's Common Stock then outstanding or the average
weekly trading volume in the Company's Common Stock during the four calendar
weeks preceding the date on which notice of such sale was filed under Rule 144.
Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to certain provisions relating to the
manner and notice of sale and availability of current public information about
the Company. In addition, Affiliates of the Company must comply with the
restrictions and requirements of Rule 144 (other than the two-year holding
period requirements) in order to sell shares of Common Stock that are not
restricted securities (such as Common Stock acquired by Affiliates in market
transactions). Furthermore, if a period of at least three years has elapsed from
the date restricted securities were acquired from the Company or an Affiliate, a
holder of such restricted securities who is not an Affiliate at the time of the
sale and has not been an Affiliate for at least three months prior to such sale
would be entitled to sell the shares immediately without regard to the volume
limitations and other conditions described above. All shares held by SFR at the
time of the Offerings will be eligible for sale in August of 1998 if and to the
extent such shares continue to be held by SFR and pursuant to and in accordance
with the volume, manner of sale and other conditions of Rule 144 described
above.
 
     SFR will have three demand registration rights to require the Company to
register its shares of Common Stock under the Securities Act and will have
rights to participate in any future registration of securities by the Company.
See "Relationship Between the Company and SFR -- Contractual
Arrangements -- Registration Rights and Indemnification Agreement".
 
     The Company intends to file a registration statement on Form S-8 covering
all shares of Common Stock issuable under the Company's employee benefit plans
in effect on the date of this Prospectus. The Company has outstanding stock
options and restricted stock with respect to an aggregate of approximately
342,700 shares of Common Stock as of the date of this Prospectus. None of such
options will be exercisable and none of such restricted shares will be
transferable until the first anniversary of the Spin Off (except under certain
limited circumstances).
 
     The Company, SFR and each director and executive officer of the Company
have agreed that, during the period beginning from the date of this Prospectus
and continuing to and including the date 180 days after the date of this
Prospectus, they will not offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of,
except as provided in the U.S. Underwriting Agreement and the International
Underwriting Agreement, any securities of the Company that are substantially
similar to the shares of Common Stock or that are convertible into or
exchangeable for securities of the Company that are substantially similar to the
shares of Common Stock without the prior written consent of the representatives
of the Underwriters. See "Underwriting". The Registration Rights and
Indemnification Agreement will provide that SFR will not exercise its
registration rights during the same 180-day period. The exercise of registration
rights could
 
                                       74
<PAGE>   76
 
adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock. See "Relationship Between
the Company and SFR -- Contractual Arrangements -- Registration Rights and
Indemnification Agreement".
 
     Prior to consummation of the Offerings, there has been no public market for
the Common Stock, and no prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that
future sale of shares of Common Stock under Rule 144, or the availability of
such shares for future sale, will have on the market price of the Common Stock
prevailing from time to time. Nevertheless sales of substantial amounts of such
shares in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur,
could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for the Common Stock and
could impair the Company's future ability to raise capital through an offering
of its equity securities.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
   
     The validity of the Common Stock is being passed upon for the Company by
Andrews & Kurth L.L.P., Houston, Texas. Certain legal matters with respect to
the Offerings are being passed upon for the Underwriters by Cravath, Swaine &
Moore, New York, New York.
    
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The financial statements of the Western Division of Santa Fe Energy
Resources, Inc. as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 1995 and the balance sheet of Monterey
Resources, Inc. as of September 5, 1996 included in this Prospectus have been so
included in reliance on the report of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent
accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting.
 
     The estimates of proved and proved developed reserves, the related
estimates of future net cash flows and present value thereof and other related
calculations of Ryder Scott set forth in this Prospectus have been included
herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in petroleum
engineering.
 
               CERTAIN U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS
GENERAL
 
     The following is a general discussion of United States Federal income and
estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Common Stock by a
holder who is not a United States person (a "Non-U.S. Holder"), as defined
below. This discussion does not address all aspects of United States Federal
income and estate taxes and does not address any foreign, state or local tax
consequences. Furthermore, this discussion is based on provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), existing and proposed
regulations promulgated thereunder and administrative and judicial
interpretations thereof, as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to
change, possibly with retroactive effect. Each prospective purchaser of Common
Stock is advised to consult a tax advisor with respect to current and possible
future U.S. Federal income and estate tax consequences of holding and disposing
of Common Stock as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of
any state, local or other taxing jurisdiction. For purposes of this summary, a
"U.S. Holder" with respect to the Common Stock is (i) an individual who is a
citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation or partnership
created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States
or of any state thereof, or (iii) an estate or trust the income of which is
includable in gross income for United States Federal income tax purposes
regardless of its source; and a "Non-U.S. Holder" is any person other than a
U.S. Holder.
 
DISTRIBUTIONS
 
     Distributions on the shares of Common Stock (other than distributions in
redemption of the shares of Common Stock subject to section 302(b) of the Code)
will constitute dividends for Federal income tax purposes to the extent paid
from current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Company (as determined
under Federal income tax principles). Dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder of
Common Stock
 
                                       75
<PAGE>   77
 
   
which are not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the
Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to United States withholding tax at a 30% rate
or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
Moreover, under United States Treasury regulations which are currently in
effect, withholding is generally imposed on the gross amount of the
distribution, without regard to whether the corporation has sufficient earnings
and profits to cause the distribution to be a dividend for Federal income tax
purposes. Certain certification and disclosure requirements must be complied
with in order to be exempt from withholding under the effectively connected
income exemption. Dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a
trade or business within the United States are subject to United States Federal
income tax on a net income basis at applicable graduated individual or corporate
rates. Any such effectively connected dividends received by a foreign
corporation may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional
"branch profits tax" at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an
applicable income tax treaty.
    
 
     Under current United States Treasury regulations, dividends paid to an
address outside the United States are presumed to be paid to a resident of such
country for purposes of the withholding discussed above, and, under the current
interpretation of United States Treasury regulations, for purposes of
determining the applicability of a tax treaty rate. Under proposed United States
Treasury regulations (the "Proposed Regulations") not currently in effect,
however, a Non-U.S. Holder of Common Stock would be required to satisfy
applicable certification and other requirements to qualify for withholding at an
applicable treaty rate. The Proposed Regulations would require a Non-U.S. Holder
to file a beneficial owner withholding certificate, e.g., a Form W-8, to obtain
the lower treaty rate. The Proposed Regulations would apply to dividends paid
after December 31, 1997, subject to certain transitional rules.
 
     A Non-U.S. Holder of Common Stock may obtain a refund of any excess amounts
withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the Internal Revenue
Service (the "IRS").
 
GAIN ON DISPOSITION OF COMMON STOCK
 
     A Non-U.S. Holder will generally not be subject to United States Federal
income tax with respect to gain recognized on a sale or other disposition of
Common Stock unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with a trade or
business of the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States, (ii) in the case of a Non-
U.S. Holder who is an individual and holds the Common Stock as a capital asset,
such holder is present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable
year of the sale or other disposition and certain other conditions are met, or
(iii) the Company is or has been a "U.S. real property holding corporation" for
United States Federal income tax purposes. The Company believes that it is
currently a "U.S. real property holding corporation" for Federal income tax
purposes. So long as the Common Stock continues to be regularly traded on an
established securities market, only a Non-U.S. Holder who holds or held (at any
time during the shorter of the five year period preceding the date of
disposition or the holder's holding period) more than five percent of the Common
Stock will be subject to U.S. Federal income tax on the disposition of the
Common Stock. Such holders should consult their tax advisors concerning this and
other tax effects of the ownership and disposition of Common Stock.
 
FEDERAL ESTATE TAX
 
     Common Stock held by an individual Non-U.S. Holder at the time of death
will be included in such holder's gross estate for United States Federal estate
tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise.
 
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX
 
     Under Treasury regulations, the Company must report annually to the IRS and
to each Non-U.S. Holder the amount of dividends paid to such holder and the tax
withheld with respect to such dividends. These information reporting
requirements apply even if withholding was not required because the dividends
were effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business in the United States of
the Non-U.S. Holder or withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable
income tax treaty. Copies of the
 
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<PAGE>   78
 
information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may also be made
available to the tax authorities in the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder
resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.
 
     Backup withholding (which generally is a withholding tax imposed at the
rate of 31% on certain payments to persons that fail to furnish certain
information under the United States information reporting requirements) will
generally not apply to dividends paid to Non-U.S. Holders that either are
subject to the U.S. withholding tax, whether at 30% or a reduced treaty rate, or
that are exempt from such withholding of effectively connected income. As a
general matter, information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a
payment by or through a foreign office of a foreign broker of the proceeds of a
sale of Common Stock effected outside the United States. However, information
reporting requirements (but not backup withholding) will apply to a payment by
or through a foreign office of a broker of the proceeds of a sale of Common
Stock effected outside the United States where that broker (i) is a United
States person, (ii) is a foreign person that derives 50% or more of its gross
income for certain periods from the conduct of a trade or business in the United
States or (iii) is a "controlled foreign corporation" as defined in the Code
(generally, a foreign corporation controlled by United States shareholders),
unless the broker has documentary evidence in its records that the holder is a
Non-U.S. Holder and certain conditions are met or the holder otherwise
establishes an exemption. Payment by a United States office of a broker of the
proceeds of a sale of Common Stock is subject to both backup withholding and
information reporting unless the holder certifies to the payor in the manner
required as to its non-United States status under penalties of perjury or
otherwise establishes an exemption.
 
     Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules do not constitute a
separate United States federal income tax. Rather, any amounts withheld under
the backup withholding rules will be refunded or allowed as a credit against the
holder's United States Federal income tax liability, if any, provided the
required information or appropriate claim for refund is filed with the IRS.
 
                                       77
<PAGE>   79
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
Audited Balance Sheet
  Report of Independent Accountants....................................................  F-2
  Balance Sheet -- September 5, 1996...................................................  F-3
  Notes to Balance Sheet...............................................................  F-4
Pro Forma Financial Statements
  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Statement of Operations for the nine months ended
     September 30, 1996................................................................  F-5
  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Balance Sheet -- September 30, 1996....................  F-6
  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31,
     1995..............................................................................  F-7
  Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Financial Statements....................................  F-8
WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
Audited Financial Statements
  Report of Independent Accountants.................................................... F-12
  Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995......... F-13
  Balance Sheet -- December 31, 1994 and 1995.......................................... F-14
  Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995......... F-15
  Statement of Division Equity for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995.... F-16
  Notes to Financial Statements........................................................ F-17
Unaudited Financial Information
  Supplemental Information to Financial Statements..................................... F-27
Unaudited Financial Statements
  Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and 1996........ F-31
  Balance Sheet -- December 31, 1995 and September 30, 1996............................ F-32
  Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and 1996........ F-33
  Statement of Division Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and 1996... F-34
  Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements.............................................. F-35
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   80
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Monterey Resources, Inc.
 
In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheet presents fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Monterey Resources, Inc. at September 5,
1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. This
financial statement is the responsibility of the management of Monterey
Resources, Inc.; our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial
statement based on our audit. We conducted our audit of this statement in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statement is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statement, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
Houston, Texas
September 17, 1996
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   81
 
                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                                 BALANCE SHEET
                            (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  SEPTEMBER 5,
                                                                                      1996
                                                                                  ------------
<S>                                                                               <C>
                                            ASSETS
Cash............................................................................      $0.5
                                                                                      ====
                                     SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Shareholder's Equity
  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, no shares
     issued or outstanding......................................................      $ --
  Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 45,350,000
     shares issued and outstanding..............................................       0.5
                                                                                      ----
                                                                                      $0.5
                                                                                      ====
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   82
 
                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                             NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET
 
(1) ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
   
     Monterey Resources, Inc. ("Monterey" or the "Company") was incorporated in
August 1996 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.
("SFR") engaged in the production, development and acquisition of oil and
natural gas in the State of California. The Company's fiscal year end is
December 31. In connection with the organization of Monterey, SFR contributed
$461,000 in exchange for 1,000 shares of Monterey common stock. On September 17,
1996, the Company's board of directors approved a 45,350-to-1 stock split of its
common stock. Accordingly, common stock and paid-in-capital have been restated
to give effect to this stock split. At or prior to the closing of the public
offering of the Company's common stock, SFR will contribute to the Company
substantially all of the assets and operations of its Western Division, and the
Company will assume the obligations and liabilities of SFR related thereto,
including $245 million of long-term debt. Such contribution will be effected
pursuant to a contribution and conveyance agreement, the effective date for
which is expected to be November 1, 1996. SFR is retaining a dollar-denominated
production payment (the "Production Payment") on the Midway-Sunset field,
pursuant to which SFR has the right to receive the net proceeds of production up
to a cumulative maximum of $30 million plus interest thereon at a rate of 8% per
annum, at which time the Production Payment terminates and the Company will
receive and retain all future proceeds of production from such property
interest. The Production Payment is prepayable without penalty at any time in
whole at the Company's option. SFR and the Company will enter into a new $75
million revolving credit facility with a group of banks and SFR is expected to
borrow approximately $16 million thereunder, which will be assumed by the
Company in accordance with the Contribution Agreement. In addition, SFR and the
Company will enter into certain intercompany agreements regarding corporate
services, taxes, indemnification and certain other matters. Upon receipt by the
Company of the proceeds of the public offering, such proceeds will be used to
repay certain obligations incurred upon SFR's contribution of the assets and
operations to the Company.
    
 
(2) INCENTIVE STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
 
     The Company has adopted the 1996 Incentive Stock Compensation Plan for Key
Employees (the "Key Employee Plan") and the 1996 Incentive Stock Compensation
Plan for Nonexecutive Employees (the "Nonexecutive Plan" and, together with the
Key Employee Plan, the "Company Stock Plans"). The Company Stock Plans will also
permit the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the board of directors (the
"Committee") to grant (i) options to purchase shares of Common Stock, which may
be, under the Key Employee Plan, either Incentive Stock Options, as defined in
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or
NQSOs, and, which may be, under the Nonexecutive Plan, NQSOs only, (ii) shares
of Restricted Stock, (iii) Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs"), (iv) Phantom
Units and (v) Bonus Stock. Options and awards with respect to no more than
3,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued under the Key Employee Plan. The
Nonexecutive Plan allows for the grant of up to 500,000 shares annually. The
Committee, in its discretion, will select those employees to whom awards will be
granted, the form and amount of awards, and the terms and conditions of awards.
All nonexecutive employees of the Company who are responsible for the Company's
growth and profitability will be eligible to receive awards under the
Nonexecutive Plan.
 
   
     Effective as of the closing of the public offering discussed in Note 1,
268,500 NQSOs and 74,166 shares of restricted stock will be issued to certain
key employees and directors.
    
 
     In October 1995 the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), which established financial accounting and reporting
standards for stock-based employee compensation plans. SFAS 123 encourages
companies to adopt a fair value based method of accounting for such plans but
continues to allow the use of the intrinsic value based method prescribed by
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees" ("Opinion 25"). Companies electing to continue accounting in
accordance with Opinion 25 must make pro forma disclosures of net income and
earnings per share as if the fair value based method defined in SFAS 123 had
been applied. The Company will account for stock-based compensation in
accordance with Opinion 25 and will make pro forma disclosures in accordance
with the provisions of SFAS 123 in its financial statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   83
 
                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
 
             UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                   (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT AS NOTED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 PRO FORMA                      PRO FORMA
                                  WESTERN       ADJUSTMENTS       WESTERN      ADJUSTMENTS         MONTEREY
                                  DIVISION        FOR THE        DIVISION        FOR THE        RESOURCES, INC.
                                 HISTORICAL     CONTRIBUTION     PRO FORMA      OFFERINGS        PRO FORMA(A)
                                 ----------     -----------      ---------     -----------      ---------------
<S>                              <C>            <C>              <C>           <C>              <C>
Revenues.......................    $193.4          $  --          $ 193.4        $    --            $ 193.4
                                   ------          -----          -------        -------            -------
Costs and Expenses
  Production and operating.....      76.7             --             76.7             --               76.7
  Exploration, including dry
     hole costs................       1.2             --              1.2             --                1.2
  Depletion, depreciation &
     amortization..............      27.9             --             27.9             --               27.9
  General and administrative...       5.8             --              5.8            1.2 (c)            7.0
  Taxes (other than income)....       6.8             --              6.8             --                6.8
                                    ------         -----          -------        -------            -------
                                    118.4             --            118.4            1.2              119.6
                                   ------          -----          -------        -------            -------
Income from Operations.........      75.0             --             75.0           (1.2)              73.8
  Interest, net................     (18.4)          (2.6)(b)        (21.0)           6.4 (d)          (14.6)
                                   ------          -----          -------        -------            -------
Income Before Income Taxes.....      56.6           (2.6)            54.0            5.2               59.2
  Income tax expense...........     (20.6)           1.0 (e)        (19.6)          (2.0)(e)          (21.6)
                                   ------          -----          -------        -------            -------
Net Income (Loss)..............    $ 36.0          $(1.6)         $  34.4        $   3.2            $  37.6
                                  =======          =====          =======        =======            =======
Earnings per share (in
  dollars).....................    $ 0.79                                                           $  0.71
                                  =======                                                           =======
Average shares outstanding
  (millions)...................      45.3                                            8.0(f)            53.3
                                  =======                                        =======            =======
</TABLE>
    
 
   The accompanying notes are an integrated part of these pro forma condensed
                             financial statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   84
 
                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                  UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
                            (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                    --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   PRO FORMA                     PRO FORMA
                                     WESTERN      ADJUSTMENTS       WESTERN     ADJUSTMENTS       MONTEREY
                                     DIVISION       FOR THE        DIVISION       FOR THE      RESOURCES, INC.
                                    HISTORICAL    CONTRIBUTION     PRO FORMA     OFFERINGS        PRO FORMA
                                    ----------    -----------      ---------    -----------    ---------------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>              <C>          <C>            <C>
ASSETS
                                                                                  $ 100.4(c)
Cash and cash equivalents..........  $      --      $    --         $    --         (89.8)(d)     $    10.6
  Accounts receivable..............       40.4           --            40.4            --              40.4
  Note receivable..................         --          8.5(b)          8.5            --               8.5
  Other current assets.............        2.8           --             2.8            --               2.8
                                      --------       ------         -------        ------          --------
                                          43.2          8.5            51.7          10.6              62.3
                                      --------       ------         -------        ------          --------
Properties and Equipment, at cost
  Oil and gas (successful efforts
     accounting)...................    1,004.9           --         1,004.9            --           1,004.9
  Other............................       21.2           --            21.2            --              21.2
                                      --------       ------         -------        ------          --------
                                       1,026.1           --         1,026.1            --           1,026.1
  Accumulated depletion,
     depreciation, amortization and
     impairment....................     (647.1)          --          (647.1)           --            (647.1)
                                      --------       ------         -------        ------          --------
                                         379.0           --           379.0            --             379.0
                                      --------       ------         -------        ------          --------
Other Assets.......................        1.5           --             1.5            --               1.5
                                      --------       ------         -------        ------          --------
                                     $   423.7      $   8.5         $ 432.2       $  10.6         $   442.8
                                      ========       ======         =======        ======          ========
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
  Accounts payable.................  $    21.1      $   3.5(b)      $  24.6       $    --         $    24.6
  Current portion of long-term
     debt..........................       35.0           --            35.0         (35.0)(d)            --
  Production payment payable.......         --         30.0(a)         30.0         (30.0)(e)            --
  Other current liabilities........        9.0         (0.7)(a)         8.3            --               8.3
                                      --------       ------         -------        ------          --------
                                          65.1         32.8            97.9         (65.0)             32.9
                                      --------       ------         -------        ------          --------
                                                       16.0(a)                       30.0(e)
Long-Term Debt.....................      210.0          8.5(b)        234.5         (51.0)(d)         213.5
                                      --------       ------         -------        ------          --------
Long-Term Obligations..............        6.5         (2.4)(a)         4.1            --               4.1
                                      --------       ------         -------        ------          --------
                                                      (24.2)(a)
Deferred Income Taxes..............       82.3         (1.4)(b)        56.7          (1.5)(d)          55.2
                                      --------       ------         -------        ------          --------
Shareholders' Equity
  Common stock (45,350,000 shares
     issued and outstanding,
     historical, and 53,324,166
     shares issued and outstanding,
     pro forma)....................         --          0.4(a)          0.4           0.1(c)            0.5
                                                                                      1.0(f)
  Paid-in capital..................         --         40.7(a)         40.7         100.3(c)          142.0
  Unamortized restricted stock
     awards........................         --           --              --          (1.0)(f)          (1.0)
  Retained earnings................         --         (2.1)(b)        (2.1)         (2.3)(d)          (4.4)
  Western Division equity..........       59.8        (59.8)(a)          --            --                --
                                      --------       ------         -------        ------          --------
                                          59.8        (20.8)           39.0          98.1             137.1
                                      --------       ------         -------        ------          --------
                                     $   423.7      $   8.5         $ 432.2       $  10.6         $   442.8
                                      ========       ======         =======        ======          ========
</TABLE>
    
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these pro forma condensed
                             financial statements.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   85
 
                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
 
             UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                   (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT AS NOTED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 PRO FORMA                      PRO FORMA
                                  WESTERN       ADJUSTMENTS       WESTERN      ADJUSTMENTS         MONTEREY
                                  DIVISION        FOR THE        DIVISION        FOR THE        RESOURCES, INC.
                                 HISTORICAL     CONTRIBUTION     PRO FORMA      OFFERINGS        PRO FORMA(A)
                                 ----------     -----------      ---------     -----------      ---------------
<S>                              <C>            <C>              <C>           <C>              <C>
Revenues.......................    $211.3          $  --          $ 211.3         $  --             $ 211.3
                                   ------          -----          -------         -----             -------
Costs and Expenses                                                                
  Production and operating.....      85.3             --             85.3            --                85.3
  Exploration, including dry                                                      
     hole costs................       2.3             --              2.3            --                 2.3
  Depletion, depreciation &                                                       
     amortization..............      32.4             --             32.4            --                32.4
  General and administrative...       7.3             --              7.3           2.1 (c)             9.4
  Taxes (other than income)....       7.9             --              7.9            --                 7.9
                                   ------          -----          -------         -----             -------
                                    135.2             --            135.2           2.1               137.3
                                   ------          -----          -------         -----             -------
Income from Operations.........      76.1             --             76.1          (2.1)               74.0
  Interest, net................     (25.1)          (3.5)(b)        (28.6)          8.6 (d)           (20.0)
  Other income (expense).......      (0.6)            --             (0.6)           --                (0.6)
                                   ------          -----          -------         -----             -------
Income Before Income Taxes.....      50.4           (3.5)            46.9           6.5                53.4
  Income tax expense...........     (16.0)           1.4 (e)        (14.6)         (2.5)(e)           (17.1)
                                   ------          -----          -------         -----             -------
Net Income (Loss)..............    $ 34.4          $(2.1)         $  32.3         $ 4.0             $  36.3
                                   ======          =====          =======         =====             =======
Earnings per share (in                                                            
  dollars).....................    $ 0.76                                                           $  0.68
                                   ======                                                           =======
Average shares outstanding                                                        
  (millions)...................      45.3                                           8.0 (f)            53.3
                                   ======                                         =====             =======
</TABLE>
    
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these pro forma condensed
                             financial statements.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   86
 
                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
 
               NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
   
     The unaudited pro forma condensed statements of operations of the Company
for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and the year ended December 31,
1995, and the unaudited pro forma condensed balance sheet as of September 30,
1996 (collectively "the Pro Forma Financial Statements") have been prepared from
the historical financial statements of the Western Division of SFR presented
elsewhere in this prospectus. The Pro Forma Financial Statements are based on
numerous assumptions and include the adjustments as explained in Note 2 below.
The unaudited pro forma condensed statements of operations for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995 have been prepared
as if the transactions described below had occurred as of January 1, 1995. The
unaudited pro forma condensed balance sheet has been prepared as if the
transactions described below had occurred as of September 30, 1996.
    
 
   
     Prior to or concurrently with the consummation of the Offerings, the
following transactions will occur: (a) the Company and SFR will enter into a
contribution and conveyance agreement (the "Contribution Agreement"), pursuant
to which, among other things: (i) SFR will contribute to the Company
substantially all of the assets and properties of the Western Division, subject
to the retention by SFR of the Production Payment (as defined below) and certain
other assets; (ii) SFR will retain a production payment (the "Production
Payment") in an aggregate amount not to exceed $30 million, with respect to
certain properties in the Midway-Sunset field, which Production Payment will be
prepayable in whole or in part without penalty by the Company at any time or
from time to time; and (iii) the Company will assume all obligations and
liabilities of SFR associated with or allocated to the assets and properties of
the Western Division, including $245 million of indebtedness in respect of SFR's
10.23% Series E Notes due 1997, 10.27% Series F Notes due 1998 and 10.61% Series
G Notes due 2005 (the "Series E Notes", "Series F Notes" and "Series G Notes",
respectively, and the "SFR Senior Notes", collectively); (b) the Company will
(i) use a portion of the net proceeds of the Offerings to repay in full the $70
million aggregate principal amount of the Series E Notes and Series F Notes and
accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and to pay a prepayment penalty of
approximately $2.5 million thereon and (ii) issue $175 million in aggregate
principal amount of its 10.61% Senior Notes due 2005 (the "Company Senior
Notes") to holders of the Series G Notes in exchange for the cancellation of
such notes, and pay a $1.3 million consent fee in connection therewith; (c) (i)
SFR and the Company will enter into a new $75 million revolving credit facility
with a group of banks (the "New Credit Facility") and SFR is expected to borrow
approximately $16 million thereunder, which will be assumed by the Company in
accordance with the Contribution Agreement, and (ii) upon consummation of the
Offerings, the Company will repay all such indebtedness outstanding under the
New Credit Facility with a portion of the net proceeds of the Offerings; and (d)
SFR and the Company will enter into certain intercompany agreements regarding
corporate services, taxes, indemnification and certain other matters. The
transactions described above, excluding the Offerings, are referred to herein
collectively as the "Transactions".
    
 
   
     In addition to the Offerings and the Transactions described above, SFR has
(a) commenced an offer to purchase for cash (the "SFR Tender Offer") outstanding
shares of its Convertible Preferred Stock, 7% Series (the "Convertible Preferred
Stock"); and (b) executed a Supplemental Indenture relating to its $100 million
outstanding principal amount of 11% Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2004 (the
"SFR Debentures") pursuant to which certain amendments have been made to the
indenture relating to the SFR Debentures to permit the Transactions and the Spin
Off (defined herein) to be effected (the "SFR Debenture Amendments").
    
 
   
     The Company intends but is not obligated to prepay the Production Payment
in full promptly after the closing of the Offerings.
    
 
     The Pro Forma Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of the
current or future financial position or results of operations of the Company had
the transfer of the Western Division and offering
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   87
 
                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
 
        NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
occurred earlier and such statements should be read in the context of the
related historical financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere
herein. The pro forma adjustments are based upon currently available information
and contain estimates and assumptions. Management believes that the estimates
and assumptions provide a reasonable basis for presenting the significant
effects of the transactions as contemplated and that the pro forma adjustments
give appropriate effect to these estimates and assumptions and are properly
applied in the Pro Forma Financial Statements.
 
(2) PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
 
     The pro forma adjustments to the financial statements indicated are as set
forth below:
 
   
    Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Statement of Operations for the nine months
    ended September 30, 1996.

    
 
   
     (a) The unaudited pro forma condensed statement of operations does not
         reflect the following nonrecurring charges which are directly related
         to the Transactions and the Offerings: (i) $2.5 million ($1.5 million
         after tax) prepayment penalty related to the retirement of the Series E
         Notes and the Series F Notes, and (ii) a $1.3 million ($0.8 million
         after tax) consent fee related to the exchange of the Company Senior
         Notes for the Series G Notes. Such charges will be reflected as
         extraordinary items in the Company's Statement of Operations. In
         addition, the unaudited pro forma condensed statement of operations
         does not reflect approximately $3.5 million of nonrecurring charges
         which Monterey will be required to incur related to site improvements
         at the Olinda Property. See Note (b) to the unaudited pro forma
         condensed balance sheet as of September 30, 1996, below.
    
 
   
     (b) Reflects interest expense with respect to the Production Payment at 8%
         per annum ($1.8 million) and $16.0 million outstanding under the terms
         of the New Credit Facility at 7% per annum ($0.8 million).
    
 
   
     (c) Reflects (i) the reversal of $4.8 million of general and administrative
         expenses allocated to the Western Division by SFR, (ii) $5.8 million of
         estimated incremental direct and indirect general and administrative
         expenses associated with the operations of the Company as a stand-alone
         entity and (iii) the amortization of certain restricted stock awards
         effective as of the closing of the Offerings ($0.2 million). The
         estimated general and administrative expenses include additional
         salaries and benefits, investor reporting and communications, annual
         costs of computer hardware and telecommunications systems, annual
         computer software licenses and maintenance, separate insurance and
         other costs.
    
 
   
     (d) Reflects the reversal of interest expense with respect to the Series E
         Notes and Series F Notes ($5.4 million) and interest expense related to
         the $16.0 million outstanding under the New Credit Facility ($0.8
         million), both of which will be retired with a portion of the proceeds
         from the Offerings. Also reflects the reversal of interest expense with
         respect to the Production Payment ($1.8 million) which will be retired
         with $30.0 million borrowed under the New Credit Facility and the
         accrual of interest expense ($1.6 million) with respect to such
         borrowings. An increase of 0.5% in the effective interest rate with
         respect to amounts outstanding under the New Credit Facility would
         result in a $0.1 million increase in pro forma interest expense.
    
 
   
     (e) Reflects the income tax effects of the pro forma adjustments.
    
 
   
     (f) Reflects the issuance of 7.9 million shares of common stock in the
         Offerings and 74,169 restricted shares effective as of the closing of
         the Offerings.
    
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   88
 
                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
 
        NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
   
     Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Balance Sheet as of September 30, 1996
    
 
   
     (a) Gives effect to (i) the contribution of the net assets of the Western
         Division by SFR pursuant to the Contribution Agreement and the
         assumption of certain Western Division liabilities by SFR; (ii) the
         $16.0 million liability for amounts drawn on the New Credit Facility
         and assumed by the Company in accordance with the Contribution
         Agreement; and (iii) the $30.0 million Production Payment retained by
         SFR.
    
 
         Upon contribution by SFR of the net assets of the Western Division
         pursuant to the Contribution Agreement and the assumption of certain
         Western Division liabilities by SFR, the tax basis applicable to the
         Western Division net assets will increase, and the deferred income tax
         liability will decrease, as a result of the tax gain recognized by SFR.
 
   
     (b) Gives effect to (i) Monterey's purchase of SFR's $8.5 million note
         receivable on the Olinda Property using borrowings available under the
         New Credit Facility, and (ii) $3.5 million ($2.1 million, net of
         related taxes) of site improvement costs that Monterey will be required
         to incur pursuant to the contract for sale entered into by SFR and a
         third party relating to the Olinda Property. See "Relationships between
         the Company and SFR -- Contractual Agreements."
    
 
   
     (c) Gives effect to the receipt by Monterey of $100.4 million in proceeds
         from the Offerings (consisting of the assumed sale of 7.9 million
         shares at $14 per share), net of underwriting discounts of $6.6 million
         and estimated expenses of the Offerings of $3.0 million.
    
 
   
     (d) Gives effect to (i) the retirement of the Series E Notes ($35.0
         million) and Series F Notes ($35.0 million) assumed by the Company
         pursuant to the Contribution Agreement; (ii) the repayment of the $16.0
         million outstanding under the New Credit Facility; (iii) the payment of
         a $2.5 million prepayment penalty ($1.5 million, net of related taxes)
         related to the retirement of the of the Series E Notes and Series F
         Notes; and (iv) the payment of a $1.3 million consent fee ($0.8
         million, net of related taxes) incurred in the exchange of the
         Company's Senior Notes for the Series G Notes.
    
 
   
     (e) Reflects the retirement of the Production Payment utilizing $30.0
         million in borrowings under the New Credit Facility.
    
 
   
     (f) Reflects the issuance of 74,169 restricted shares effective as of the
         closing of the Offerings.
    
 
     Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Statement of Operations for the year ended
     December 31, 1995
 
   
     (a) The unaudited pro forma condensed statement of operations does not
         reflect the following nonrecurring charges which are directly related
         to the Transactions and the Offerings: (i) a $2.5 million ($1.5 million
         after tax) prepayment penalty related to the retirement of the Series E
         Notes and the Series F Notes, and (ii) a $1.3 million ($0.8 million
         after tax) consent fee related to the exchange of the Company Senior
         Notes for the Series G Notes. Such charges will be reflected as
         extraordinary items in the Company's Statement of Operations. In
         addition, the unaudited pro forma condensed statement of operations
         does not reflect approximately $3.5 million of nonrecurring charges
         which Monterey will be required to incur related to site improvements
         at the Olinda Property. See Note (b) to the unaudited pro forma
         condensed balance sheet as of September 30, 1996, above.
    
 
   
     (b) Reflects interest expense with respect to the Production Payment at 8%
         ($2.4 million) and $16.0 million outstanding under the terms of the New
         Credit Facility at 7% ($1.1 million).
    
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   89
 
                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
 
        NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
   
     (c) Reflects (i) the reversal of $6.4 million of general and administrative
         expenses allocated to the Western Division by SFR, (ii) $8.1 million of
         estimated incremental direct and indirect general and administrative
         expenses associated with the operations of the Company as a stand-alone
         entity and (iii) the amortization of certain restricted stock awards
         effective as of the closing of the Offering ($0.4 million). The
         estimated general and administrative expenses include additional
         salaries and benefits, investor reporting and communications, annual
         costs of computer hardware and telecommunications systems, annual
         computer software licenses and maintenance, separate insurance and
         other costs.
    
 
   
     (d) Reflects the reversal of interest expense with respect to the Series E
         Notes and Series F Notes ($7.2 million) and interest expense associated
         with $16.0 million outstanding under the terms of the New Credit
         Facility ($1.1 million), both of which will be retired with a portion
         of the proceeds of the Offerings. Also reflects the reversal of
         interest expense with respect to the Production Payment ($2.4 million)
         which will be retired with $30.0 million borrowed under the New Credit
         Facility and the accrual of interest expense ($2.1 million) with
         respect to such borrowing. An increase of 0.5% in the effective
         interest rate with respect to amounts outstanding under the New Credit
         Facility would result in a $0.2 million increase in pro forma interest
         expense.
    
 
   
     (e) Reflects the income tax effects of the pro forma adjustments.
    
 
   
     (f) Reflects the issuance of 7.9 million shares of common stock in the
         Offerings and 74,166 restricted shares effective as of the closing of
         the Offerings.
    
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   90
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.
 
In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheet and the related statements of
operations, of cash flows and of division equity present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Western Division of Santa Fe Energy
Resources, Inc. at December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
Houston, Texas
September 17, 1996
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   91
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                            (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ----------------------------
                                                                  1993       1994       1995
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
<S>                                                              <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenues
  Crude oil and liquids........................................  $180.2     $173.5     $205.0
  Natural gas..................................................     3.7        1.6        1.9
  Crude oil marketing and trading..............................     2.6        3.3        4.2
  Other........................................................     0.6        0.7        0.2
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
                                                                  187.1      179.1      211.3
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
Costs and Expenses
  Production and operating.....................................   100.3       86.3       85.3
  Exploration, including dry hole costs........................     1.7        1.4        2.3
  Depletion, depreciation and amortization.....................    41.2       32.0       32.4
  Impairment of oil and gas properties.........................    49.1         --         --
  General and administrative...................................     9.2        7.8        7.3
  Taxes (other than income)....................................     8.4        8.7        7.9
  Restructuring charges........................................    11.9        1.1         --
  Loss (gain) on disposition of oil and gas properties.........     0.2       (0.3)        --
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
                                                                  222.0      137.0      135.2
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
Income (Loss) from Operations..................................   (34.9)      42.1       76.1
  Interest income..............................................     0.2         --         --
  Interest expense.............................................   (27.2)     (26.4)     (25.8)
  Interest capitalized.........................................     0.3        0.6        0.7
  Other income (expense).......................................    (0.4)      (0.1)      (0.6)
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes..............................   (62.0)      16.2       50.4
  Income taxes.................................................    26.9       (4.7)     (16.0)
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
Net Income (Loss)..............................................  $(35.1)    $ 11.5     $ 34.4
                                                                 ======     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   92
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                                 BALANCE SHEET
                            (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         AS OF DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        --------------------
                                                                         1994         1995
                                                                        -------      -------
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>
                                ASSETS
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents...........................................  $    --      $    --
  Accounts receivable.................................................     22.6         20.6
  Inventories.........................................................      1.3          1.4
  Other current assets................................................      1.2          0.6
                                                                        -------      -------
                                                                           25.1         22.6
                                                                        -------      -------
Properties and Equipment, at cost
  Oil and gas (on the basis of successful efforts accounting).........    921.1        970.8
  Other...............................................................     20.4         20.0
                                                                        -------      -------
                                                                          941.5        990.8
  Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment....   (591.9)      (623.5)
                                                                        -------      -------
                                                                          349.6        367.3
                                                                        -------      -------
Other Assets..........................................................      1.4          1.4
                                                                        -------      -------
                                                                        $ 376.1      $ 391.3
                                                                        =======      =======
                              LIABILITIES AND DIVISION EQUITY
Current Liabilities
  Accounts payable....................................................  $  11.1      $   8.3
  Interest payable....................................................      6.5          6.4
  Taxes payable.......................................................      3.3          2.0
  Accrued employee benefits...........................................      2.9          2.7
  Other current liabilities...........................................      2.8          1.5
                                                                        -------      -------
                                                                           26.6         20.9
Long-Term Debt........................................................    245.0        245.0
Other Long-Term Obligations...........................................      5.4          5.7
Deferred Income Taxes.................................................     67.0         74.7
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)................................       --           --
Division Equity.......................................................     32.1         45.0
                                                                        -------      -------
                                                                        $ 376.1      $ 391.3
                                                                        =======      =======
</TABLE>
    
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   93
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                            (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ----------------------------
                                                                  1993       1994       1995
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
<S>                                                              <C>        <C>        <C>
Operating Activities:
  Net income (loss)............................................. $(35.1)    $ 11.5     $ 34.4
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
     provided by operating activities:
     Depreciation, depletion and amortization...................   41.2       32.0       32.4
     Impairment of oil and gas properties.......................   49.1         --         --
     Deferred income taxes......................................  (27.9)       4.7        7.7
     Net loss (gain) on disposition of properties...............    0.2       (0.3)        --
     Exploratory dry hole costs.................................     --         --        1.0
     Restructuring charges......................................   11.3         --         --
     Other......................................................    0.3       (0.1)      (0.2)
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities
       Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable...............    7.2       (5.5)       2.0
       Decrease (increase) in other current assets..............    0.8        0.5        0.5
       Increase (decrease) in interest payable..................   (0.2)        --         --
       Increase (decrease) in accounts payable..................    1.1       (3.5)      (2.8)
       Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities.........    0.1        4.9       (2.8)
       Net change in other assets and liabilities...............   (1.4)       1.3        3.5
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities.......................   46.7       45.5       75.7
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
Investing Activities:
  Capital expenditures, including exploratory dry hole costs....  (37.6)     (27.3)     (52.9)
  Acquisition of producing properties...........................   (8.9)        --       (1.3)
  Proceeds from sales of properties.............................   28.3        9.1         --
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities...........................  (18.2)     (18.2)     (54.2)
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
Financing Activities:
  Principal payments on long-term borrowings....................   (5.4)     (12.6)        --
  Dividends to parent...........................................  (23.1)     (14.7)     (21.5)
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities...........................  (28.5)     (27.3)     (21.5)
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents............     --         --         --
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period................     --         --         --
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period...................... $   --     $   --     $   --
                                                                 ======     ======     ======
</TABLE>
    
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   94
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                          STATEMENT OF DIVISION EQUITY
                            (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ----------------------------
                                                                  1993       1994       1995
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
<S>                                                              <C>        <C>        <C>
Balance at beginning of period.................................. $ 93.5     $ 35.3     $ 32.1
Net income (loss)...............................................  (35.1)      11.5       34.4
Dividends to parent.............................................  (23.1)     (14.7)     (21.5)
                                                                 ------     ------     ------
Balance at end of period........................................ $ 35.3     $ 32.1     $ 45.0
                                                                 ======     ======     ======
</TABLE>
    
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   95
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(1) ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
   
     Monterey Resources, Inc. ("Monterey" or the "Company") was incorporated in
August 1996 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.
("SFR") engaged in the production, development and acquisition of oil and
natural gas in the State of California. In connection with the organization of
Monterey, SFR contributed $461,000 to Monterey in exchange for 1,000 shares of
Monterey common stock. At or prior to the closing of the public offering of the
Company's common stock (the "Offering"), SFR will contribute to the Company
substantially all of the assets and operations of its Western Division, and the
Company will assume the obligations and liabilities of SFR related thereto,
including $245 million of long-term debt. Such contribution will be effected
pursuant to a contribution and conveyance agreement, the effective date for
which is expected to be November 1, 1996. SFR is retaining a dollar-denominated
production payment (the "Production Payment") on the Midway-Sunset field,
pursuant to which SFR has the right to receive net proceeds of production up to
a cumulative maximum of $30 million plus interest thereon at a rate of 8% per
annum, at which time the Production Payment terminates and the Company will
receive and retain all future proceeds of production from such property
interest. The Production Payment is prepayable without penalty at any time in
whole at the Company's option. SFR and the Company will enter into a new $75
million revolving credit facility with a group of banks and SFR is expected to
borrow approximately $16 million thereunder, which will be assumed by the
Company in accordance with the Contribution Agreement. In addition, SFR and the
Company will enter into certain intercompany agreements regarding corporate
services, taxes, indemnification and certain other matters. Upon receipt by the
Company of the proceeds of the public offering, such proceeds will be used to
repay certain obligations incurred upon SFR's contribution of the assets and
operations to the Company.
    
 
   
     Prior to the contribution as described above, the assets of the Company
were operated as a division of SFR and the accompanying financial statements
reflect such predecessor operations. For the purposes of preparing these
financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles, allocations
were made from certain SFR income statement and balance sheet accounts. Such
allocations are considered reasonable by management and were primarily based on
identifiable revenues, operating costs, assets and liabilities. General and
administrative expenses represent corporate overhead allocations. If the Company
had been a separate, unaffiliated entity, the Company estimates that general and
administrative expense would have been higher by $1.2 million, $1.2 million and
$1.7 million in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively. Certain general and
administrative expenses associated with production and exploration operations
are included in Production and Operating and Exploration costs in the Statement
of Operations. In addition, certain net hedging losses have been allocated to
the Company (see Note 9).
    
 
   
     SFR provides cash management services through a centralized treasury system
with the associated transactions recorded in the intercompany accounts. No cash
balances are maintained by the Company and no interest is charged or received on
intercompany accounts. Accordingly, all net cash generated from the Company's
operations, after considering revenues, expenses, capital expenditures and
working capital requirements, is deemed to be cash dividends to parent.
    
 
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Oil and Gas Operations
 
     The Company follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its oil
and gas exploration and production activities. Costs (both tangible and
intangible) of productive wells and development dry holes, as well as the cost
of prospective acreage, are capitalized. The costs of drilling and equipping
exploratory wells which do not find proved reserves are expensed upon
determination that the well does not justify commercial development. Other
exploratory costs, including geological and geophysical costs and delay rentals,
are charged to expense as incurred.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   96
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Depletion and depreciation of proved properties are computed on an
individual field basis using the unit-of-production method based upon proved oil
and gas reserves attributable to the field. Certain other oil and gas properties
are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis.
 
     In the fourth quarter of 1995 the Company changed its impairment policy to
conform to the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of". In accordance with the provisions of SFAS
No. 121 individual proved properties are reviewed periodically to determine if
the carrying value of the property exceeds the expected undiscounted future net
revenues from the operation of the property. Based on this review and the
continuing evaluation of development plans, economics and other factors, as
appropriate, the Company records impairment (additional depletion and
depreciation) to the extent that the carrying value of the property exceeds the
present value of such expected future net revenues. No impairments were recorded
in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 121. Under its previous policy,
which required impairments to be recognized to the extent carrying value
exceeded undiscounted future net revenues, the Company recorded impairments of
$49.1 million in 1993.
 
     The Company provides for future abandonment and site restoration costs with
respect to certain of its oil and gas properties. The Company estimates that
with respect to these properties such future costs total approximately $19.1
million and such amount is being accrued over the expected life of the
properties. At December 31, 1995, Accumulated Depletion, Depreciation,
Amortization and Impairment includes $4.8 million with respect to such costs.
 
     The value of undeveloped acreage is aggregated and the portion of such
costs estimated to be nonproductive, based on historical experience, is
amortized to expense over the average holding period. Additional amortization
may be recognized based upon periodic assessment of prospect evaluation results.
The cost of properties determined to be productive is transferred to proved
properties; the cost of properties determined to be nonproductive is charged to
accumulated amortization.
 
     Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; major renewals and
improvements are capitalized. Gains and losses arising from sales of properties
are included in income currently.
 
   
     The Company's financial statements reflect its proportionate interest in
the revenues, costs, expenses and capital with respect to properties in which
its ownership is less than 100%.
    
 
  Revenue Recognition
 
   
     Revenues from the sale of crude oil and liquids produced are generally
recognized upon the passage of title (generally when the crude oil and liquids
leave the field), net of royalties and net profits interests. Revenues from
natural gas production are generally recorded using the entitlement method, net
of royalties and net profits interests.
    
 
     A portion of the Company's oil sales are hedged. See Note 9 -- Commitments
and Contingencies -- Oil Hedging.
 
   
     Revenues from crude oil marketing and trading represent the gross margin
resulting from such activities. Gross revenues from such activities were $46.5
million, $34.3 million and $53.4 million in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively,
and are presented net of costs of sales of $43.9 million in 1993, $31.0 million
in 1994 and $49.2 million in 1995.
    
 
  Accounts Receivable
 
     Accounts Receivable relates primarily to sales of oil and gas and amounts
due from joint interest partners for expenditures made by the Company on behalf
of such partners. The Company reviews the financial condition of potential
purchasers and partners prior to signing sales or joint interest agreements.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   97
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Inventories
 
   
     Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (average price or first-in,
first-out) or market. Crude oil inventories at December 31, 1994 and 1995 were
$0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and materials and supplies
inventories at such dates were $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
    
 
  Environmental Expenditures
 
     Environmental expenditures relating to current operations are expensed or
capitalized, as appropriate, depending on whether such expenditures provide
future economic benefits. Liabilities are recognized when the expenditures are
considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Measurement of liabilities
is based on currently enacted laws and regulations, existing technology and
undiscounted site-specific costs. Generally, such recognition coincides with the
Company's commitment to a formal plan of action.
 
  Income Taxes
 
     The Company follows the asset and liability approach to accounting for
income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using the tax
rate for the period in which those amounts are expected to be received or paid,
based on a scheduling of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets
and liabilities and their reported amounts. Under this method of accounting for
income taxes, any future changes in income tax rates will affect deferred income
tax balances and financial results.
 
     The taxable income or loss of the Company is included in the consolidated
income tax returns filed by SFR. Payments of taxes currently due are included in
settlements with the parent. Income tax obligations reflected in these financial
statements are calculated assuming the Company files a separate income tax
return.
 
  Use of Estimates
 
     The preparation of the Company's financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to make certain
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the
periods in which certain items of revenue and expense are included. Actual
results may differ from such estimates.
 
  Earnings Per Share
 
     Earnings per share has been omitted from the statement of operations
because the Company was not a separate entity with its own capital structure
until September 1996.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   98
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(3) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
   
     SFAS No. 107 "Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments"
requires the disclosure, to the extent practicable, of the fair value of
financial instruments which are recognized or unrecognized in the balance sheet.
The fair value of the financial instruments disclosed herein is not
representative of the amount that could be realized or settled, nor does the
fair value amount consider the tax consequences, if any, of realization or
settlement. The following table reflects the financial instruments for which the
fair value differs from the carrying amount of such financial instrument in the
Company's December 31, 1994 and 1995 balance sheets (in millions of dollars):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1994                        1995
                                            ----------------------      ----------------------
                                            CARRYING        FAIR        CARRYING        FAIR
                                             AMOUNT        VALUE         AMOUNT        VALUE
                                            --------      --------      --------      --------
        <S>                                 <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
        Long-Term Debt...................     245.0          239.7        245.0          267.9
</TABLE>
    
 
     The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is based upon current
borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities.
 
(4) CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING PROGRAM
 
     In the fourth quarter of 1993 SFR adopted a corporate restructuring program
which included, among other things, (i) the concentration of capital spending in
SFR's core operating areas (one of which is the San Joaquin Valley of
California); (ii) the disposition of non-core assets; and (iii) an evaluation of
SFR's cost structures. As a result of the program, certain of the Company's
producing properties were sold to Vintage Petroleum, Inc. ("Vintage") and the
Company's salaried work force was reduced.
 
     In implementing the corporate restructuring program, the Company recorded
restructuring charges of $11.9 million in 1993, comprised of losses on property
dispositions of $11.3 million and accruals for certain personnel benefits and
related costs of $0.6 million. In the first quarter of 1994 the Company recorded
additional restructuring charges of $1.1 million comprised of severance,
benefits and relocation expenses associated with the cost reduction program.
 
     Sale to Vintage. In the fourth quarter of 1993 producing properties were
sold to Vintage for net proceeds totaling $34.9 million in cash, $26.2 million
of which was collected in 1993. The Company's income from operations for 1993
includes $2.7 million attributable to the assets sold to Vintage.
 
(5) CASH FLOWS
 
   
     The Company made interest payments of $27.4 million, $26.3 million and
$25.8 million in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
    
 
(6) FINANCING AND DEBT
 
   
     Long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 1994 and 1995 of $245.0 million
(which matures $35.0 million in 1997 (Series E Senior Notes), $35.0 million in
1998 (Series F Senior Notes) and $205.0 million in 2005 (Series G Senior Notes))
represents unsecured outstanding indebtedness of SFR to be assumed by the
Company at or prior to the closing of the Offerings. Such debt bears interest as
follows: Series E -- 10.23%; Series F -- 10.27% and Series G -- 10.61%. The Note
Agreement with respect to such indebtedness includes covenants which among other
things restrict the payment of dividends and the incurrence of additional
indebtedness.
    
 
     In 1994 the Company retired the $12.6 million outstanding balance of a term
loan which the Company had incurred in 1991 in connection with the purchase of
certain producing properties.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   99
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(7) SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
     The principal business of the Company consists of the acquisition,
exploration and development of oil and gas properties and the production and
sale of crude oil and liquids and natural gas. All such operations are located
in the United States.
 
   
     Crude oil and liquids accounted for more than 96% of revenues in 1993, 1994
and 1995. The following table (which, with respect to certain properties,
includes royalty and working interest owners' share of production) reflects
sales to crude oil purchasers who accounted for more than 10% of the Company's
crude oil and liquids revenues (in millions of dollars):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                               31,
                                                                       --------------------
                                                                       1993    1994    1995
                                                                       ----    ----    ----
    <S>                                                                <C>     <C>     <C>
    Celeron Corporation..............................................   28      31      28
    Shell Oil Company................................................   31      42      44
</TABLE>
    
 
(8) PENSION AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
  Pension Plans
 
     The Company sponsors a pension plan covering certain hourly-rated employees
in California (the "Hourly Plan"). The Hourly Plan provides benefits that are
based on a stated amount for each year of service. The Company annually
contributes amounts which are actuarially determined to provide the Hourly Plan
with sufficient assets to meet future benefit payment requirements.
 
   
     The following table sets forth the funded status of the Hourly Plan at
December 31, 1994 and 1995 (in millions of dollars):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1994     1995
                                                                           ----     -----
    <S>                                                                    <C>      <C>
    Plan assets at fair value, primarily invested in fixed-rate
      securities.........................................................   7.5       8.7
    Actuarial present value of projected benefit obligations
      Accumulated benefit obligations
         Vested..........................................................  (9.3)    (10.4)
         Nonvested.......................................................  (0.3)     (0.4)
                                                                           -----     ----
    Excess of projected benefit obligation over plan assets..............  (2.1)     (2.1)
    Unrecognized net (gain) loss from past experience different from that
      assumed and effects of changes in assumptions......................  (0.4)     (0.3)
    Unrecognized prior service cost......................................   0.5       0.4
    Unrecognized net obligation..........................................   1.3       1.2
    Additional minimum liability.........................................  (1.3)     (1.3)
                                                                           -----     ----
    Accrued pension liability............................................  (2.0)     (2.1)
                                                                           =====     ====
    Major assumptions at year-end
      Discount rate......................................................  8.25%     7.50%
      Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets...................  8.50%     8.50%
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   100
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
   
     The following table sets forth the components of pension expense for the
Hourly Plan for 1993, 1994 and 1995 (in millions of dollars):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                             31,
                                                                    ----------------------
                                                                    1993     1994     1995
                                                                    ----     ----     ----
    <S>                                                             <C>      <C>      <C>
    Service cost..................................................   0.2      0.2      0.2
    Interest cost.................................................   0.7      0.8      0.8
    Return on plan assets.........................................  (0.8)    (0.4)    (1.4)
    Net amortization and deferral.................................   0.4       --      0.9
                                                                    ----     ----     ----
                                                                     0.5      0.6      0.5
                                                                    ====     ====     ====
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     SFR has a defined benefit retirement plan (the "SFR Plan") covering
substantially all salaried employees not covered by collective bargaining
agreements and a nonqualified supplemental retirement plan (the "Supplemental
Plan"). The Supplemental Plan will pay benefits to participants in the SFR Plan
in those instances where the SFR Plan formula produces a benefit in excess of
limits established by ERISA and the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Benefits payable
under the SFR Plan are based on years of service and compensation during the
five highest paid years of service during the ten years immediately preceding
retirement. SFR's funding policy is to contribute annually not less than the
minimum required by ERISA and not more than the maximum amount deductible for
income tax purposes. The Company has been allocated its proportionate share of
the expense associated with such plans. The Company's share of such expenses
totaled $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million in 1993, 1994 and 1995,
respectively.
    
 
  Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
 
   
     SFR provides healthcare and life insurance benefits for substantially all
employees who retire under the provisions of a SFR-sponsored retirement plan and
their dependents. Participation in the plans is voluntary and requires a monthly
contribution by the employee. Effective January 1, 1993 SFR adopted the
provisions of SFAS No. 106 -- "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits
Other Than Pensions." The Statement requires the accrual, during the years the
employee renders service, of the expected cost of providing postretirement
benefits to the employee and the employee's beneficiaries and covered
dependents. The Company has been allocated its proportionate share of SFR's
expense with respect to such benefits. The Company's share of such expense
totaled $0.2 million in 1993 and $0.1 million in each of the years 1994 and
1995.
    
 
  Savings Plan
 
   
     SFR has a savings plan available to substantially all salaried employees
and intended to qualify as a deferred compensation plan under Section 401(k) of
the Internal Revenue Code (the "401(k) Plan"). SFR will match employee
contributions for an amount up to 4% of each employee's base salary. In
addition, if at the end of each fiscal year SFR's performance for such year has
exceeded certain predetermined criteria, each participant will receive an
additional matching contribution equal to 50% of the regular matching
contribution. The Company has been allocated its proportionate share of
contributions to the 401(k) Plan, which are charged to expense. The Company's
share of such contributions totaled $0.3 million in 1993 and $0.2 million in
each of the years 1994 and 1995.
    
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   101
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(9) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  Oil Hedging
 
     From time to time SFR hedges a portion of its oil sales to provide a
certain minimum level of cash flow from its sales of oil and gas. While the
hedges are generally intended to reduce SFR's exposure to declines in market
price, SFR's gain from increases in market price may be limited. SFR uses
various financial instruments whereby monthly settlements are based on
differences between the prices specified in the instruments and the settlement
prices of certain futures contracts quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange
("NYMEX") or certain other indices. Generally, in instances where the applicable
settlement price is less than the price specified in the contract, SFR receives
a settlement based on the difference; in instances where the applicable
settlement price is higher than the specified price, SFR pays an amount based on
the difference. The instruments utilized by SFR differ from futures contracts in
that there is no contractual obligation which requires or allows for the future
delivery of the product. Gains or losses on hedging activities are recognized in
oil and gas revenues in the period in which the hedged production is sold.
 
     SFR's hedging program in 1995 has been to hedge the price of its light oil
production. In certain months when a favorable price could be obtained, heavy
oil quantities (i.e., quantities in excess of light oil production) were hedged.
The allocation of hedging gains and losses to the Western Division during this
period has been calculated on the basis of its light oil production and its
heavy oil hedges as determined above. During 1995 such hedges resulted in a $0.1
million reduction in the Company's revenues.
 
   
     At December 31, 1995 SFR had open crude hedges on (i) an average of 15,000
barrels per day for the period January to April 1996 at an average NYMEX WTI
price of $18.52 per barrel and (ii) provided that the NYMEX WTI price is greater
than $16.80 per barrel, up to an additional 15,000 barrels per day for the
period January through March 1996 at an average NYMEX WTI price of $18.65 per
barrel. The "approximate break-even price" (the average of the daily settlement
prices which result in no settlement being due to or from SFR) with respect to
all such contracts is approximately $18.56 per barrel. The Company will be
allocated hedging gains or losses with respect to such contracts.
    
 
     In addition to its oil sales hedges, for the first six months of 1996 SFR
has hedged 20 MMcf per day of the natural gas it purchases for use in steam
generation operations in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Monthly
settlements are based on the difference between the settlement price quoted on
the NYMEX and the index price for San Juan Basin natural gas. Gains or losses
are recognized in production and operating costs in the period in which the
hedged gas is consumed in operations. All such gains and losses are allocated to
the Company.
 
  Environmental Regulation
 
   
     Federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental
quality control affect the Company in all of its oil and gas operations. Set
forth below are descriptions of three sites for which the Company has been
identified as a potentially responsible party ("PRP") and for which the Company
may be held jointly and severally liable with other PRPs.
    
 
   
     The Company has been identified as one of over 250 PRPs at a superfund site
in Los Angeles County, California. The site was operated by a third party as a
waste disposal facility from 1948 until 1983. The Environmental Protection
Agency ("EPA") is requiring the PRPs to undertake remediation of the site in
several phases, which include site monitoring and leachate control, gas control
and final remediation. In 1989 the EPA and a group of PRPs that includes the
Company entered into a consent decree covering the site monitoring and leachate
control phases of remediation. The Company was a member of the group Coalition
Undertaking Remediation Efforts ("CURE") which was responsible
    
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   102
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
for constructing and operating the leachate treatment plant. This phase is now
complete and the Company's share of costs with respect to this phase was $1.6
million ($0.9 million after recoveries from working interest participants in the
unit in which the wastes were generated). Another consent decree provides for
the predesign, design and construction of a gas plant to harness and market
methane gas emissions. The Company is a member of the New CURE group which is
responsible for the gas plant construction and operation and landfill cover.
Currently, New CURE is in the design stage of the gas plant. The Company's share
of costs of this phase is expected to be $1.7 million and such costs have been
provided for in the financial statements. Another consent decree has been
entered into allowing for the settlement of the pending lawsuits against the
municipalities and transporters not named by the EPA. The settlement payment by
such municipalities and transporters totals approximately $70.0 million of which
approximately $52.0 million will be credited against future expenses. The
Company cannot currently estimate the cost of any subsequent phases of work or
final remediation which may be required by the EPA. The Company has entered into
a Joint Defense Agreement with the other PRPs to defend against a lawsuit filed
in September 1994 by ninety-five homeowners alleging, among other things,
nuisance, trespass, strict liability and infliction of emotional distress. At
this stage of the lawsuit the Company is not able to estimate costs or potential
liability.
 
     In April 1994 the Company received a request from the EPA for information
pursuant to Section 104(e) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") and a letter ordering the Company and
seven other PRPs to negotiate with the EPA regarding implementation of a
remedial plan for a site located in Santa Fe Springs, California. The Company
owned the property on which the site is located from 1921 to 1932. During that
time the property was leased to another company and in 1932 the property was
sold to that company. During the time the other company leased or owned the
property, hazardous wastes were allegedly disposed at the site. Total past and
future costs for remediation are estimated to be approximately $8.0 million. The
Company filed its response to the Section 104(e) order setting forth its
position and defenses based on the fact that the other company was the lessee
and operator of the site during the time the Company was the owner of the
property. However, the Company has also given its Notice of Intent to comply
with the EPA's order to prepare a remediation design plan. Efforts are underway
to identify additional PRP's. The cost of the remediation design plan is
estimated to be $1.0 million and the Company has provided for such costs in the
financial statements, assuming that the costs will be equally divided among the
eight PRPs.
 
     In 1995 the Company and twelve other companies received notice that they
have been identified as PRPs by the California Department of Toxic Substances
Control (the "DTSC") as having generated and/or transported hazardous waste to
the Environmental Protection Corporation ("EPC") Eastside Landfill during its
fourteen-year operation from 1971 to 1985. EPC has since liquidated all assets
and placed the proceeds in trust for closure and post-closure activities.
However, these monies will not be sufficient to close the site. The PRPs have
entered into an enforceable agreement with the DTSC to characterize the
contamination at the site and prepare a focused remedial investigation and
feasibility study. The DTSC has agreed to implement reasonable measures to bring
new PRPs into the agreement. The DTSC will address subsequent phases of the
cleanup, including remedial design and implementation in a separate order
agreement. The cost of the remedial investigation and feasibility study is
estimated to be $1.0 million and the Company has provided for such costs in the
financial statements assuming that the costs will be divided equally among the
thirteen PRP's. The costs of subsequent phases cannot be estimated until the
remedial investigation and feasibility study is completed.
 
  Operating Leases
 
     The Company has noncancellable agreements with terms ranging from one to
six years to lease office space and equipment. Minimum rental payments due under
the terms of these agreements are: 1996 -- $0.8 million, 1997 -- $0.8 million,
1998 -- $0.8 million, 1999 -- $0.7 million, 2000 -- $0.7 mil-
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   103
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
   
lion and $0.8 million thereafter. Rental payments made under the terms of
noncancellable agreements totaled $0.8 million in 1993, $0.9 million in 1994 and
$0.8 million in 1995.
    
 
  Other Matters
 
   
     The Company has certain long-term contracts ranging up to twelve years for
the supply and transportation of approximately 20 million cubic feet per day of
natural gas to the Company's operations in Kern County, California. In the
aggregate, these contracts involve a minimum commitment on the part of the
Company of approximately $10.2 million per year (based on prices equal to 102%
of the applicable index and transportation charges in effect for December 1995).
    
 
   
     There are other claims and actions, including certain other environmental
matters, pending against the Company. While the outcome of lawsuits or other
proceedings against the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, management
does not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on the business,
financial condition, liquidity or results of operations of the Company.
    
 
(10) INCOME TAXES
 
   
     The Company's income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31,
1993, 1994 and 1995 consisted of (in million of dollars):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1993      1994     1995
                                                                   -----     ----     ----
    <S>                                                            <C>       <C>      <C>
    Current
      U.S. federal................................................    --      --       5.0
      State.......................................................   1.0      --       3.3
                                                                    ----     ---      -----
                                                                     1.0      --       8.3
                                                                    ----     ---      -----
    Deferred
      U.S. federal................................................ (22.5)    3.0       6.4
      U.S. federal tax rate change................................   1.5      --        --
      State.......................................................  (6.9)    1.7       1.3
                                                                    ----     ---      -----
                                                                   (27.9)    4.7       7.7
                                                                    ----     ---      -----
                                                                   (26.9)    4.7      16.0
                                                                    ====     ===      =====
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     The Company's deferred income tax liabilities (assets) at December 31, 1994
and 1995 are composed of the following differences between financial and tax
reporting (in millions of dollars):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1994      1995
                                                                          -----     -----
    <S>                                                                   <C>       <C>
    Capitalized costs and write-offs.....................................  67.2      72.4
    State deferred liability.............................................  15.7      17.0
                                                                          -----     -----
    Gross deferred liabilities...........................................  82.9      89.4
                                                                          -----     -----
    Accruals not currently deductible for tax purposes...................  (7.1)     (7.3)
    EOR credit carryforwards.............................................  (6.0)     (4.6)
    AMT credit carryforwards.............................................  (2.8)     (2.8)
                                                                          -----     -----
    Gross deferred assets................................................ (15.9)    (14.7)
                                                                          -----     -----
    Deferred tax liability...............................................  67.0      74.7
                                                                          =====     =====
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   104
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
   
     A reconciliation of the Company's U.S. income tax expense (benefit)
computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the Company's
income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994
and 1995 is presented in the following table (in millions of dollars):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1993      1994     1995
                                                                  -----     ----     -----
    <S>                                                           <C>       <C>      <C>
    U.S. federal income taxes (benefit) at statutory rate........ (21.7)     5.7      17.6
    Increase (reduction) resulting from:
      State income taxes, net of federal effect..................  (3.9)     1.1       3.0
      Effect of increase in statutory rate on deferred taxes.....   1.5       --        --
      Enhanced oil recovery credit...............................  (3.0)    (2.5)     (4.2)
      Permanent differences......................................  (0.2)    (0.2)     (0.2)
      Other......................................................   0.4      0.6      (0.2)
                                                                   ----     ----     -----
                                                                  (26.9)     4.7      16.0
                                                                   ====     ====     =====
</TABLE>
    
 
     The Company increased its deferred tax liability in 1993 as a result of
legislation enacted during 1993 increasing the corporate tax rate from 34% to
35% commencing in 1993.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   105
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                          SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO
                        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
OIL AND GAS RESERVES AND RELATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     Information with respect to the Company's oil and gas producing activities,
all of which are located in the United States, is presented in the following
tables. Reserve quantities as well as certain information regarding future
production and discounted cash flows were determined by independent petroleum
consultants, Ryder Scott Company.
 
  Oil and Gas Reserves
 
     The following table sets forth the Company's net proved oil and gas
reserves at December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the changes in net proved
oil and gas reserves for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      CRUDE OIL      NATURAL
                                                                     AND LIQUIDS       GAS
                                                                      (MMBBLS)        (BCF)
                                                                     -----------     -------
    <S>                                                              <C>             <C>
    Proved reserves at December 31, 1992...........................     190.3          18.8
      Revisions to previous estimates..............................     (14.4)          0.3
      Improved recovery techniques.................................      26.7            --
      Purchases of minerals-in-place...............................       1.3           0.4
      Sales of minerals-in-place...................................      (4.8)         (5.4)
      Production...................................................     (15.5)         (2.3)
                                                                        -----          ----
    Proved reserves at December 31, 1993...........................     183.6          11.8
      Revisions of previous estimates..............................       9.9           2.9
      Improved recovery techniques.................................      12.6            --
      Purchases of minerals-in-place...............................       0.2           0.1
      Production...................................................     (15.1)         (1.4)
                                                                        -----          ----
    Proved reserves at December 31, 1994...........................     191.2          13.4
      Revisions of previous estimates..............................       9.7           0.9
      Improved recovery techniques.................................      13.7            --
      Purchases of minerals-in-place...............................       0.1            --
      Production...................................................     (15.2)         (1.9)
                                                                        -----          ----
    Proved reserves at December 31, 1995...........................     199.5          12.4
                                                                        =====          ====
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      CRUDE OIL      NATURAL
                                                                     AND LIQUIDS       GAS
                                                                      (MMBBLS)        (BCF)
                                                                     -----------     -------
    <S>                                                              <C>             <C>
    Proved developed reserves at December 31
      1992.........................................................     154.3          14.5
      1993.........................................................     140.8           9.0
      1994.........................................................     140.2           9.4
      1995.........................................................     157.1           9.2
</TABLE>
 
     Proved reserves are estimated quantities of crude oil and natural gas which
geological and engineering data indicate with reasonable certainty to be
recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and
operating conditions. Proved developed reserves are proved reserves which can be
expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and
operating methods.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>   106
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                          SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO
                FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Estimated Present Value of Future Net Cash Flows
 
   
     Estimated future net cash flows from the Company's proved oil and gas
reserves at December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 are presented in the following
table (in millions of dollars, except as noted):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1993          1994          1995
                                                     ---------     ---------     ---------
    <S>                                              <C>           <C>           <C>
    Future cash inflows............................    1,569.9       2,428.5       2,763.0
    Future production costs........................   (1,133.4)     (1,219.9)     (1,383.6)
    Future development costs.......................     (126.6)       (167.9)       (170.0)
    Future income tax expenses.....................      (44.9)       (352.7)       (421.5)
                                                     ---------     ---------     ---------
      Net future cash flows........................      265.0         688.0         787.9
    Discount at 10% for timing of cash flows.......     (122.0)       (321.9)       (361.5)
                                                     ---------     ---------     ---------
    Present value of future net cash flows from
      proved reserves (standardized measure).......      143.0         366.1         426.4
                                                     =========     =========     =========
    Present value of pretax future net cash flows
      from proved reserves.........................      167.1         553.8         654.4
                                                     =========     =========     =========
    Average sales prices
      Oil ($/Barrel)...............................       8.44         12.62         13.78
      Natural gas ($/Mcf)..........................       1.64          1.07          0.98
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     The following table sets forth the changes in the present value of
estimated future net cash flows from proved reserves during 1993, 1994 and 1995
(in millions of dollars):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1993          1994          1995
                                                     ---------     ---------     ---------
    <S>                                              <C>           <C>           <C>
    Balance at beginning of year...................      275.4         143.0         366.1
                                                     ---------     ---------     ---------
    Increase (decrease) due to:
      Sales of oil and gas, net of production
         costs.....................................      (79.6)        (85.2)       (119.2)
      Net changes in prices and production costs...     (212.7)        405.5          89.9
      Extensions, discoveries and improved
         recovery..................................       46.3          25.6          39.6
      Purchases of minerals-in-place...............        1.0           0.6           0.8
      Sales of minerals-in-place...................      (24.9)           --            --
      Development costs incurred...................       41.8          22.7          49.1
      Changes in estimated volumes.................       (3.2)         20.1           8.8
      Changes in estimated development costs.......        1.6         (22.7)        (24.8)
      Interest factor -- accretion of discount.....       13.6          20.0          56.5
      Income taxes.................................       83.7        (163.5)        (40.4)
                                                     ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                        (132.4)        223.1          60.3
                                                     ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                         143.0         366.1         426.4
                                                     =========     =========     =========
</TABLE>
    
 
     Estimated future cash flows represent an estimate of future net cash flows
from the production of proved reserves using estimated sales prices and
estimates of the production costs, ad valorem and production taxes, and future
development costs necessary to produce such reserves. No deduction has been made
for depletion, depreciation or any indirect costs such as general corporate
overhead or interest expense.
 
     The sales prices used in the calculation of estimated future net cash flows
are based on the prices in effect at year end. Such prices have been held
constant except for known and determinable escalations.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>   107
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                          SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO
                FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Operating costs and ad valorem and production taxes are estimated based on
current costs with respect to producing oil and gas properties. Future
development costs are based on the best estimate of such costs assuming current
economic and operating conditions.
 
     Income tax expense is computed based on applying the appropriate statutory
tax rate to the excess of future cash inflows less future production and
development costs over the current tax basis of the properties involved. While
applicable investment tax credits and other permanent differences are considered
in computing taxes, no recognition is given to tax benefits applicable to future
exploration costs or the activities of the Company that are unrelated to oil and
gas producing activities.
 
     The information presented with respect to estimated future net revenues and
cash flows and the present value thereof is not intended to represent the fair
value of oil and gas reserves. Actual future sales prices and production and
development costs may vary significantly from those in effect at year-end and
actual future production may not occur in the periods or amounts projected. This
information is presented to allow a reasonable comparison of reserve values
prepared using standardized measurement criteria and should be used only for
that purpose.
 
  Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Producing Activities
 
     The following table includes all costs incurred, whether capitalized or
charged to expense at the time incurred (in millions of dollars):
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1993    1994    1995
                                                                      ----    ----    ----
    <S>                                                               <C>     <C>     <C>
    Property acquisition costs
      Unproved......................................................    --      --     0.1
      Proved........................................................   3.6      --     1.3
    Exploration costs...............................................   1.7     1.4     2.5
    Development costs...............................................  38.2    22.7    47.8
    Other...........................................................   0.1      --      --
                                                                      ----    ----    ----
                                                                      43.6    24.1    51.7
                                                                      ====    ====    ====
</TABLE>
    
 
  Capitalized Costs Related to Oil and Gas Producing Activities
 
   
     The following table sets forth information concerning capitalized costs at
December 31, 1994 and 1995 related to the Company's oil and gas operations (in
millions of dollars):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1994       1995
                                                                       ------     ------
    <S>                                                                <C>        <C>
    Oil and gas properties
      Unproved.......................................................     0.3        0.4
      Proved.........................................................   911.1      960.7
      Other..........................................................     9.7        9.7
    Accumulated amortization of unproved properties..................    (0.1)      (0.1)
    Accumulated depletion, depreciation and impairment of proved
      properties.....................................................  (582.7)    (614.8)
    Accumulated depreciation of other oil and gas properties.........    (3.0)      (3.4)
                                                                       ------     ------
                                                                        335.3      352.5
                                                                       ======     ======
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>   108
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                          SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO
                FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Results of Operations From Oil and Gas Producing Activities
 
   
     The following table sets forth the Company's results of operations from oil
and gas producing activities for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and
1995 (in millions of dollars):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1993     1994     1995
                                                                 ------    -----    -----
    <S>                                                          <C>       <C>      <C>
    Revenues...................................................   187.1    179.1    211.3
    Production costs:
      Production and operating costs...........................  (100.3)   (86.3)   (85.3)
      Taxes (other than income)................................    (7.2)    (7.6)    (6.8)
    Exploration, including dry hole costs......................    (1.7)    (1.4)    (2.3)
    Depletion, depreciation and amortization...................   (40.3)   (31.1)   (31.1)
    Impairment of oil and gas properties.......................   (49.1)      --       --
    Restructuring charges......................................   (11.9)    (1.1)      --
    Gain (loss) on disposition of properties...................    (0.2)     0.3       --
                                                                  -----    -----    ------
                                                                  (23.6)    51.9     85.8
    Income taxes...............................................     9.7    (21.2)   (35.1)
                                                                  -----    -----    ------
                                                                  (13.9)    30.7     50.7
                                                                  =====    =====    ======
</TABLE>
    
 
     Income taxes are computed by applying the appropriate statutory rate to the
results of operations before income taxes. Applicable tax credits and allowances
related to oil and gas producing activities have been taken into account in
computing income tax expenses. No deduction has been made for indirect cost such
as corporate overhead or interest expense.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>   109
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                            (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                           SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                       ---------------------
                                                                        1995           1996
                                                                       ------         ------
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>
Revenues
  Crude oil and liquids..............................................  $154.7         $189.7
  Natural gas........................................................     1.5            1.0
  Crude oil marketing and trading....................................     2.9            2.7
  Other..............................................................     0.2             --
                                                                       ------         ------
                                                                        159.3          193.4
                                                                       ------         ------
Costs and Expenses
  Production and operating...........................................    63.2           76.7
  Exploration, including dry hole costs..............................     2.0            1.2
  Depletion, depreciation and amortization...........................    23.7           27.9
  General and administrative.........................................     5.4            5.8
  Taxes (other than income)..........................................     6.7            6.8
                                                                       ------         ------
                                                                        101.0          118.4
                                                                       ------         ------
Income from Operations...............................................    58.3           75.0
  Interest expense...................................................   (19.3)         (19.3)
  Interest capitalized...............................................     0.5            0.9
  Other expense......................................................    (0.6)            --
                                                                       ------         ------
Income Before Income Taxes...........................................    38.9           56.6
  Income taxes.......................................................   (12.5)         (20.6)
                                                                       ------         ------
Net Income...........................................................  $ 26.4         $ 36.0
                                                                       ======         ======
</TABLE>
    
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>   110
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                                 BALANCE SHEET
                            (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                          DECEMBER 31,   -------------------------
                                                              1995        PRO FORMA      HISTORICAL
                                                          ------------   -----------     ---------
                                                                          (NOTE 2)
                                                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>             <C>
                         ASSETS
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents.............................    $     --      $      --      $     --
  Accounts receivable...................................        20.6           40.4          40.4
  Inventories...........................................         1.4            2.0           2.0
  Other current assets..................................         0.6            0.8           0.8
                                                             -------       --------      --------
                                                                22.6           43.2          43.2
                                                             -------       --------      --------
Properties and Equipment, at cost
  Oil and gas (on the basis of successful efforts
     accounting)........................................       970.8        1,004.9       1,004.9
  Other.................................................        20.0           21.2          21.2
                                                             -------       --------      --------
                                                               990.8        1,026.1       1,026.1
  Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and
     impairment.........................................      (623.5)        (647.1)       (647.1 )
                                                             -------       --------      --------
                                                               367.3          379.0         379.0
                                                             -------       --------      --------
  Other Assets..........................................         1.4            1.5           1.5
                                                             -------       --------      --------
                                                            $  391.3      $   423.7      $  423.7
                                                             =======       ========      ========
            LIABILITIES AND DIVISION EQUITY
Current Liabilities
  Accounts payable......................................    $    8.3      $    21.1      $   21.1
  Current maturities of long-term debt..................          --           35.0          35.0
  Production payment payable............................          --           30.0            --
  Interest payable......................................         6.4             --            --
  Taxes payable.........................................         2.0            5.1           5.1
  Accrued employee benefits.............................         2.7            1.2           1.9
  Other current liabilities.............................         1.5            2.0           2.0
                                                             -------       --------      --------
                                                                20.9           94.4          65.1
Long-Term Debt..........................................       245.0          226.0         210.0
Long-Term Obligations...................................         5.7            4.1           6.5
Deferred Income Taxes...................................        74.7           58.1          82.3
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 3)..................          --             --            --
Division Equity.........................................        45.0           41.1          59.8
                                                             -------       --------      --------
                                                            $  391.3      $   423.7      $  423.7
                                                             =======       ========      ========
</TABLE>
    
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>   111
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                            (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                           SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                       ---------------------
                                                                        1995           1996
                                                                       ------         ------
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>
Operating Activities:
  Net income.........................................................  $ 26.4         $ 36.0
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
     operating activities:
     Depreciation, depletion and amortization........................    23.7           27.9
     Deferred income taxes...........................................     6.0            7.6
     Exploratory dry hole costs......................................     1.0            0.3
     Other...........................................................    (0.1)          (0.1)
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities
       Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable....................     1.3          (19.8)
       Decrease (increase) in other current assets...................     0.2           (0.5)
       Increase (decrease) in accounts payable.......................     0.7           12.5
       Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities..............     6.4           (3.6)
       Net change in other assets and liabilities....................     5.1            1.4
                                                                       ------         ------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities............................    70.7           61.7
                                                                       ------         ------
Investing Activities:
  Capital expenditures, including exploratory dry hole costs.........   (45.2)         (37.8)
  Acquisition of producing properties................................    (1.3)          (2.8)
  Proceeds from sales of properties..................................      --            0.1
                                                                       ------         ------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities................................   (46.5)         (40.5)
                                                                       ------         ------
Financing Activities:
  Dividends to parent................................................   (24.2)         (21.2)
                                                                       ------         ------
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities................................   (24.2)         (21.2)
                                                                       ------         ------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents.................      --             --
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period.....................      --             --
                                                                       ------         ------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period...........................  $   --         $   --
                                                                       ======         ======
</TABLE>
    
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>   112
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                          STATEMENT OF DIVISION EQUITY
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                            (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                            SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                         --------------------
                                                                         1995           1996
                                                                         -----         ------
<S>                                                                      <C>           <C>
Balance at beginning of period........................................   $32.1         $ 45.0
Net income............................................................    26.4           36.0
Dividends to parent...................................................   (24.2)         (21.2)
                                                                         ------         -----
Balance at end of period..............................................   $34.3         $ 59.8
                                                                         ======         =====
</TABLE>
    
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>   113
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
(1) ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
   
     Monterey Resources, Inc. ("Monterey") was incorporated in August 1996 and
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc. ("SFR") engaged
in the production, development and acquisition of oil and natural gas in the
State of California. At or prior to the closing of the public offering of
Monterey's common stock, SFR will contribute to Monterey substantially all of
the assets and operations of its Western Division, and Monterey will assume the
obligations and liabilities of SFR related thereto, including $245 million of
long-term debt. Such contribution will be effected pursuant to a contribution
and conveyance agreement, the effective date for which is expected to be
November 1, 1996. SFR is retaining a production payment (the "Production
Payment") on the Midway-Sunset field, pursuant to which SFR has the right to
receive net proceeds of production up to a cumulative maximum of $30 million
plus interest thereon at a rate of 8% per annum, at which time the production
payment terminates and Monterey will receive and retain all future proceeds of
production from such property interest. The Production Payment is prepayable
without penalty at any time in whole at Monterey's option. SFR and the Company
will enter into a new $75 million revolving credit facility with a group of
banks and SFR is expected to borrow approximately $16 million thereunder, which
will be assumed by the Company in accordance with the Contribution Agreement. In
addition, SFR and the Company will enter into certain intercompany agreements
regarding corporate services, taxes, indemnification and certain other matters.
Upon receipt by Monterey of the proceeds of the public offering, such proceeds
will be used to repay certain obligations incurred upon SFR's contribution of
the assets and operations to Monterey.
    
 
   
     Prior to the contribution as described above, the assets of Monterey were
operated as a division of SFR and the accompanying financial statements reflect
such predecessor operations. For the purposes of preparing these financial
statements under generally accepted accounting principles, allocations were made
from certain SFR income statement and balance sheet accounts. Such allocations
are considered reasonable by management and were primarily based on identifiable
revenues, operating costs, assets and liabilities. General and administrative
expenses represent corporate overhead allocations. If the Company had been a
separate, unaffiliated entity, the Company estimates that general and
administrative expense would have been higher by $1.0 million for each of the
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1995 and 1996. Certain general and
administrative expenses associated with production and exploration operations
are included in Production and Operating and Exploration costs in the Statement
of Operations. In addition, certain net hedging losses have been allocated to
the Company (see Note 3).
    
 
   
     SFR provides cash management services through a centralized treasury system
with the associated transactions recorded in the intercompany accounts. No cash
balances are maintained by the Western Division and no interest is charged or
received on intercompany accounts. Accordingly, all net cash generated from the
Company's operations, after considering revenues, expenses, capital expenditures
and working capital requirements, is deemed to be cash dividends to parent.
    
 
   
     The unaudited financial statements of the Western Division of Santa Fe
Energy Resources, Inc. (the "Company") reflect, in the opinion of management,
all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary
to present fairly the Company's financial position at September 30, 1996 and the
Company's results of operations and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended
September 30, 1995 and 1996. Interim period results are not necessarily
indicative of results of operations or cash flows for a full-year period.
    
 
     These financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in
conjunction with the Company's audited financial statements included elsewhere
in this prospectus.
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>   114
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
(2) SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
    
 
   
     The September 30, 1996 pro forma balance sheet gives effect to (i) the
contribution of the net assets of the Western Division by SFR pursuant to the
Contribution Agreement and the assumption of certain Western Division
liabilities by SFR; (ii) the $16.0 million liability for amounts drawn on the
New Credit Facility; and (iii) the $30.0 million Production Payment retained by
SFR.
    
 
     Upon contribution of the net assets of the Western Division by SFR pursuant
to the Contribution Agreement and the assumption of certain Western Division
liabilities by SFR, the tax basis applicable to the Western Division net assets
will increase, and the deferred income tax liability will decrease, as a result
of the tax gain recognized by SFR.
 
(3) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  Oil Hedging
 
     From time to time SFR hedges a portion of its oil and gas sales to provide
a certain minimum level of cash flow from its sales of oil and gas. While the
hedges are generally intended to reduce SFR's exposure to declines in market
price, SFR's gain from increases in market price may be limited. SFR uses
various financial instruments whereby monthly settlements are based on
differences between the prices specified in the instruments and the settlement
prices of certain futures contracts quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange
("NYMEX") or certain other indices. Generally, in instances where the applicable
settlement price is less than the price specified in the contract, SFR receives
a settlement based on the difference; in instances where the applicable
settlement price is higher than the specified price, SFR pays an amount based on
the difference. The instruments utilized by SFR differ from futures contracts in
that there is no contractual obligation which requires or allows for the future
delivery of the product. Gains or losses on hedging activities are recognized in
oil and gas revenues in the period in which the hedged production is sold.
 
   
     SFR's hedging program in 1996 has been to hedge the price of its light oil
production. In certain months when a favorable price could be obtained, heavy
oil quantities (i.e., quantities in excess of light oil production) were hedged.
The allocation of hedging gains and losses to the Western Division during this
period has been calculated on the basis of its light oil production and its
heavy oil hedges as determined above. During the first nine months of 1996 such
hedges resulted in a $3.1 million reduction in the Company's revenues. At
September 30, 1996 SFR had no outstanding crude oil hedges.
    
 
   
     In addition to its oil sales hedges, during the first six months of 1996
SFR hedged 20 MMcf per day of the natural gas purchased for use in steam
generation operations in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Such hedges,
which terminated at the end of June, resulted in a $3.2 million increase in the
Company's production and operating costs in the first nine months of 1996.
    
 
  Environmental Regulation
 
   
     Federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental
quality control affect the Company in all of its oil and gas operations. Set
forth below are descriptions of three sites for which the Company has been
identified as a potentially responsible party ("PRP") and for which the Company
may be held jointly and severally liable with other PRPs.
    
 
     The Company has been identified as one of over 250 potentially responsible
parties ("PRPs") at a superfund site in Los Angeles County, California. The site
was operated by a third party as a waste disposal facility from 1948 until 1983.
The Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") is requiring the PRPs to undertake
remediation of the site in several phases, which include site monitoring and
leachate
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>   115
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
control, gas control and final remediation. In November 1988 the EPA and a group
of PRPs that includes the Company entered into a consent decree covering the
site monitoring and leachate control phases of remediation. The Company was a
member of the group Coalition Undertaking Remediation Efforts ("CURE") which was
responsible for constructing and operating the leachate treatment plant. This
phase is now complete and the Company's share of costs with respect to this
phase was $1.6 million ($0.9 million after recoveries from working interest
participants in the unit in which the wastes were generated). Another consent
decree provides for the predesign, design and construction of a gas plant to
harness and market methane gas emissions. The Company is a member of the New
CURE group which is responsible for the gas plant construction and operation and
landfill cover. Currently, New CURE is in the design stage of the gas plant. The
Company's share of costs of this phase is expected to be $1.9 million and such
costs have been provided for in the financial statements. Pursuant to consent
decrees settling lawsuits against the municipalities and transporters not named
by the EPA as PRPs, such parties are required to pay approximately $84 million
of which approximately $76 million will be credited against future expenses. The
EPA and the PRPs are currently negotiating the final closure requirements. After
taking into consideration the credits from the municipalities and transporters,
the Company estimates that its share of final costs of the closure will be
approximately $0.8 million which amount has been provided for by the Company in
its financial statements. The Company has entered into a Joint Defense Agreement
with the other PRPs to defend against a lawsuit filed in September 1994 by
ninety-five homeowners alleging, among other things, nuisance, trespass, strict
liability and infliction of emotional distress. A second lawsuit has been filed
by thirty-three additional homeowners and the Company and the other PRP's intend
to enter into a Joint Defense Agreement. At this stage of the lawsuit the
Company is not able to estimate costs or potential liability.
    
 
   
     In 1994 the Company received a request from the EPA for information
pursuant to Section 104(e) of CERCLA and a letter ordering the Company and seven
other PRPs to negotiate with the EPA regarding implementation of a remedial plan
for a site located in Santa Fe Springs, California. The Company owned the
property on which the site is located from 1921 to 1932. During that time the
property was leased to another company and in 1932 the property was sold to that
company. During the time the other company leased or owned the property,
hazardous wastes were allegedly disposed at the site. Total past and future
costs for remediation are estimated to be approximately $8.0 million. The
Company filed its response to the Section 104(e) order setting forth its
position and defenses based on the fact that the other company was the lessee
and operator of the site during the time the Company was the owner of the
property. However, the Company has also given its Notice of Intent to comply
with the EPA's order to prepare a remediation design plan. The PRPs estimate
total cost to complete this final remediation to be $3 million and the Company
has provided $250,000 for such costs in its financial statements.
    
 
     In 1995 the Company and twelve other companies received notice that they
have been identified as PRPs by the California Department of Toxic Substances
Control (the "DTSC") as having generated and/or transported hazardous waste to
the Environmental Protection Corporation ("EPC") Eastside Landfill during its
fourteen-year operation from 1971 to 1985. EPC has since liquidated all assets
and placed the proceeds in trust for closure and post-closure activities.
However, these monies will not be sufficient to close the site. The PRPs have
entered into an enforceable agreement with the DTSC to characterize the
contamination at the site and prepare a focused remedial investigation and
feasibility study. The DTSC has agreed to implement reasonable measures to bring
new PRPs into the agreement. The DTSC will address subsequent phases of the
cleanup, including remedial design and implementation in a separate order
agreement. The cost of the remedial investigation and feasibility study is
estimated to be $1.0 million and the Company has provided for such costs in the
financial statements assuming that the costs will be divided equally among the
thirteen PRP's. The costs of subsequent phases cannot be estimated until the
remedial investigation and feasibility study is completed.
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>   116
 
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
  Other Matters
 
   
     The Company has certain long-term contracts ranging up to twelve years for
the supply and transportation of approximately 20 million cubic feet per day of
natural gas to the Company's operations in Kern County, California. In the
aggregate, these contracts involve a minimum commitment on the part of the
Company of approximately $10.9 million per year (based on prices equal to 102%
of the applicable index and transportation charges in effect for September
1996).
    
 
   
     Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, SFR will retain the surface rights
to 116 acres of the Olinda Property. SFR is retaining the surface rights to the
Olinda Property because such surface rights are currently under contract for
sale to a third party. If the sale is concluded with such third party, SFR will
be paid a total purchase price of $24 million, comprised of $15.5 million in
cash together with a $5.5 million and a $3.0 million note, both of which are
secured by a lien on the property. Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement,
Monterey is obligated to purchase such notes from SFR at face value after the
close of the sale and will be required to incur approximately $3.5 million in
site improvement costs. If the sale of the Olinda Property has not been
consummated by August 1, 1997, Monterey is obligated, under the terms of the
Contribution Agreement, to purchase, and SFR is obligated to sell, such surface
rights for $23 million in cash. The Company does not believe that SFR's
retention or subsequent sale and development of the surface of the Olinda
Property will have a material adverse effect on the Company's ongoing operations
on such property.
    
 
   
     There are other claims and actions, including certain other environmental
matters, pending against the Company. While the outcome of lawsuits or other
proceedings against the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, management
does not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on the business,
financial condition, liquidity or results of operations of the Company.
    
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>   117
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     Subject to the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, the
Company has agreed to sell to each of the U.S. Underwriters named below, and
each of such U.S. Underwriters, for whom Goldman, Sachs & Co., Morgan Stanley &
Co. Incorporated and Petrie Parkman & Co., Inc., are acting as representatives,
has severally agreed to purchase from the Company, the respective number of
shares of Common Stock set forth opposite its name below:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              NUMBER OF
                                                                              SHARES OF
                                 UNDERWRITER                                 COMMON STOCK
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------   ------------
    <S>                                                                      <C>
    Goldman, Sachs & Co. .................................................
    Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.....................................
    Petrie Parkman & Co., Inc. ...........................................
 
                                                                              ----------
              Total.......................................................     6,320,000
                                                                              ==========
</TABLE>
    
 
     Under the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, the U.S.
Underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the shares offered hereby,
if any are taken.
 
   
     The U.S. Underwriters propose to offer the shares of Common Stock in part
directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus and in part to certain securities dealers at such
price less a concession of $          per share. The U.S. Underwriters may
allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $
per share to certain brokers and dealers. After the shares of Common Stock are
released for sale to the public, the offering price and other selling terms may
from time to time be varied by the representatives.
    
 
   
     The Company has entered into an underwriting agreement (the "International
Underwriting Agreement") with the underwriters of the International Offering
(the "International Underwriters") providing for the concurrent offer and sale
of 1,580,000 shares of Common Stock in an international offering outside the
United States. The offering price and aggregate underwriting discounts and
commissions per share for the Offerings are identical. The closing of the
offering made hereby is a condition to the closing of the International
Offering, and vice versa. The representatives of the International Underwriters
are Goldman Sachs International, Morgan Stanley & Co. International and Petrie
Parkman & Co., Inc.
    
 
   
     Pursuant to an Agreement between the U.S. and International Underwriting
Syndicates (the "Agreement Between") relating to the Offerings, each of the U.S.
Underwriters named herein has agreed that, as a part of the distribution of the
shares offered hereby and subject to certain exceptions, it will offer, sell or
deliver the shares of Common Stock, directly or indirectly, only in the United
States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia), its
territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction (the
"United States") and to U.S. persons, which term shall mean, for purposes of
this paragraph: (a) any individual who is a resident of the United States or (b)
any corporation, partnership or other entity organized in or under the laws of
the United States or any political subdivision thereof and whose office most
directly involved with the purchase is located in the United
    
 
                                       U-1
<PAGE>   118
 
States. Each of the International Underwriters has agreed pursuant to the
Agreement Between that, as a part of the distribution of the shares offered as a
part of the International Offering, and subject to certain exceptions, it will
(i) not, directly or indirectly, offer, sell or deliver shares of Common Stock
(a) in the United States or to any U.S. persons or (b) to any person who it
believes intends to reoffer, resell or deliver the shares in the United States
or to any U.S. persons, and (ii) cause any dealer to whom it may sell such
shares at any concession to agree to observe a similar restriction.
 
     Pursuant to the Agreement Between, sales may be made between the U.S.
Underwriters and the International Underwriters of such number of shares of
Common Stock as may be mutually agreed. The price of any shares so sold shall be
the initial public offering price less an amount not greater than the selling
concession.
 
   
     The Company has granted the U.S. Underwriters an option exercisable for 30
days after the date of this Prospectus to purchase up to an aggregate of 948,000
additional shares of Common Stock solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If
the U.S. Underwriters exercise their over-allotment option, the U.S.
Underwriters have severally agreed, subject to certain conditions, to purchase
approximately the same percentage thereof that the number of shares to be
purchased by each of them, as shown in the foregoing table, bears to the
6,320,000 shares of Common Stock offered. The Company has granted the
International Underwriters a similar option to purchase up to an aggregate of
237,000 additional shares of Common Stock.
    
 
   
     The Company, SFR, and each director and executive officer of the Company
have agreed that, during the period beginning from the date of this Prospectus
and continuing to and including the date 180 days after the date of the
Prospectus, they will not offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of
any shares of capital stock of the Company or any securities that are
convertible into or exchangeable for such shares (other than pursuant to stock
option or stock purchase plans existing, or on the conversion or exchange of
convertible or exchangeable securities outstanding, on the date of this
Prospectus) without the prior written consent of the representatives, except for
the shares of Common Stock offered in connection with the concurrent U.S. and
International Offerings.
    
 
     The representatives of the Underwriters have informed the Company that they
do not expect sales to accounts over which the Underwriters exercise
discretionary authority to exceed five percent of the total number of shares of
Common Stock offered by them.
 
     Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the shares. The
initial public offering price will be negotiated among the Company and the
representatives of the Underwriters. Among the factors to be considered in
determining the initial public offering price of the Common Stock, in addition
to prevailing market conditions, will be the Company's historical performance,
estimates of the business potential and earnings prospects of the Company, an
assessment of the Company's management and the consideration of the above
factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related businesses.
 
   
     The Common Stock has been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to
official notice of issuance, under the trading symbol "MRC". In order to meet
one of the requirements for listing the Common Stock on the NYSE, the
Underwriters have undertaken to sell lots of 100 or more shares to a minimum of
2,000 beneficial holders.
    
 
     The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
   
     Petrie Parkman & Co., Inc. ("Petrie Parkman") has been retained by SFR to
provide financial advisory services to SFR and the Company in connection with
the Spin Off. In this capacity, Petrie Parkman will receive fees for its
advisory services which the Company believes to be reasonable and customary.
    
 
   
     This Prospectus may be used by underwriters and dealers in connection with
offers and sales of the Common Stock, including shares initially sold in the
international offering, to persons located in the United States.
    
 
                                       U-2
<PAGE>   119
 
- ----------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------
 
     NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO
WHICH IT RELATES OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH
SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           PAGE
                                           ----
<S>                                        <C>
Additional Information...................     3
Certain Definitions......................     3
Prospectus Summary.......................     4
Risk Factors.............................    15
Use of Proceeds..........................    21
Dividend Policy..........................    21
Dilution.................................    22
Capitalization...........................    23
Selected Historical and Pro Forma
  Financial Information and Operating
  Data...................................    24
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
  Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations.............................    27
Business.................................    35
Management...............................    52
Security Ownership of Management.........    63
Relationship Between the Company and
  SFR....................................    65
Description of Capital Stock.............    70
Shares Eligible for Future Sale..........    74
Legal Matters............................    75
Experts..................................    75
Certain U.S. Tax Consequences to Non-U.S.
  Holders................................    75
Index to Financial Statements............   F-1
Underwriting.............................   U-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                             ---------------------
 
     THROUGH AND INCLUDING             , 1996 (THE 25TH DAY AFTER THE DATE OF
THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK,
WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A
PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A
PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD
ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
- ----------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------
 
- ----------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------
                                7,900,000 SHARES
 
                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
                                  COMMON STOCK
                           (PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE)
                             ---------------------
                           [MONTEREY RESOURCES LOGO]
                             ---------------------
 
                              GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
            
 
                              MORGAN STANLEY & CO. 
                                 INCORPORATED
 

                              PETRIE PARKMAN & CO.
 
                      REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNDERWRITERS
 
- ----------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   120
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION(1)
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                               <C>
SEC Registration Fee............................................................  $   46,991
NASD Filing Fee.................................................................      14,128
NYSE Listing Fee................................................................     400,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses....................................................     250,000
Legal Fees and Expenses.........................................................   1,000,000
Printing Expenses...............................................................     400,000
Blue Sky Qualification Fees and Expenses........................................      20,000
Transfer Agent's Fees...........................................................      25,000
Miscellaneous...................................................................     843,881
                                                                                  ----------
          TOTAL.................................................................  $3,000,000
                                                                                  ==========
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) The amounts set forth above, except for the SEC and NASD fees, are in each
     case estimated.
    
 
   
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
    
 
     Subsection (a) of section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State
of Delaware empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party
or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by
reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of
the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted
in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
 
     Subsection (b) of Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action, or suit by or in the right of the
corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason for the fact that such
person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses
(including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in
good faith and in manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification may be made in
respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been
made to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the
Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall
determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in
view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably
entitled to indemnity for such expense which the Court of Chancery or such other
court shall deem proper.
 
     Section 145 further provides that to the extent a director or officer of a
corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defenses of
any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section
145 in the defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be
indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection therewith; that indemnification provided for by
Section 145 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the
indemnified party may be entitled; that indemnification provided for by Section
145 shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to
a person who has
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   121
 
ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the
benefit of such person's heirs, executors and administrators; and empowers the
corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a director or
officer of the corporation against any liability asserted against him and
incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against
such liabilities under Section 145.
 
     Section 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
provides that a certificate of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating
or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director
provided that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a
director (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation
or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which
involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section
174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from
which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
 
     Article Eleventh of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation states that:
 
     ELEVENTH: No director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to
     the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
     fiduciary duty by such director as a director; provided, however, that
     this Article ELEVENTH shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a
     director to the extent provided by applicable law (i) for any breach
     of the director's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its
     stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which
     involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii)
     under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
     Delaware or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived
     an improper personal benefit. No amendment to or repeal of this
     Article ELEVENTH shall apply to, or have any effect on, the liability
     or alleged liability of any director of the Corporation for or with
     respect to any acts or omissions of such director occurring prior to
     such amendment or repeal. If the General Corporation Law of the State
     of Delaware is amended to authorize corporate action further
     eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the
     liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or
     limited to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law
     of the State of Delaware, as so amended.
 
     In addition, Article VI of the Company's Bylaws further provides that the
Company shall indemnify its officers and directors to the fullest extent
permitted by law.
 
     The Company has entered or will enter into indemnification agreements with
each of its directors and executive officers.
 
     The form of Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this
Registration Statement provides for indemnification of the Registrant and
certain controlling persons under certain circumstances against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
     Except for 1,000 shares of stock issued to Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.
in connection with the formation of the Company in August 1996, the Company has
not sold any securities during the past three years.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
     (a) Exhibits
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBITS
<S>                  <C>
        *1.1         -- Form of Underwriting Agreement.
         3.1         -- Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
         3.2         -- Amended and Restated Bylaws.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   122
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBITS
<S>                  <C>
         4.1         -- Specimen Common Stock Certificate.
         5.1         -- Opinion of Andrews & Kurth L.L.P. as to the legality of the
                        securities being registered.
        10.1         -- Conveyance and Contribution Agreement dated               , 1996
                        between Monterey Resources, Inc. and Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.
        10.2         -- Agreement for the Allocation of Consolidated Federal Income Tax
                        Liability and State and Local Taxes among the members of the Santa Fe
                        Energy Resources, Inc. Affiliated Group dated               , 1996.
        10.3         -- Agreement Concerning Taxes and Tax Indemnification Upon Spin Off,
                        dated               , 1996, between Monterey Resources, Inc. and
                        Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.
       *10.4         -- Corporate Services Agreement dated               , 1996, between
                        Monterey Resources, Inc. and Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.
       *10.5         -- Registration Rights and Indemnification Agreement dated
                          , 1996, between Monterey Resources, Inc. and Santa Fe Energy
                        Resources, Inc.
       *10.6         -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan, dated
                                      , 1996.
       *10.7         -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Incentive Stock Compensation Plan for Key
                        Employees, dated               , 1996.
       *10.8         -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Incentive Stock Compensation Plan for
                        Nonexecutive Employees dated               , 1996.
       *10.9         -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Severance Program, dated               ,
                        1996.
       *10.10        -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Savings Investment Plan dated
                          , 1996.
       *10.11        -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan dated
                                      , 1996.
       *10.12        -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan dated
                                      , 1996.
       *10.13        -- Employment Agreement dated               , 1996 between Monterey
                        Resources, Inc. and R. Graham Whaling.
       *10.14        -- Form of Employment Agreement between Monterey Resources, Inc. and
                        certain executive officers.
        11.1         -- Computation of Earnings per Common Share
        23.1         -- Consent of Andrews & Kurth L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
        23.2         -- Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
        23.3         -- Consent of Ryder Scott Company.
       *24.1         -- Powers of Attorney.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
* Previously filed.
    
 
   
(b) Financial Statement Schedules
    
 
   
     Schedule VIII -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
    
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   123
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 14 of this
Registration Statement, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in
the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other
than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will,
unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
          (1) That for purposes of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus
     filed as part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and
     contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule
     424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be
     part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declares
     effective.
 
          (2) That for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form
     of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating
     to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at
     that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
          (3) To provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the
     underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in
     such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to
     each purchaser.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   124
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to this Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of
Houston, State of Texas, on October 21, 1996.
    
 
                                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
 
                                            BY:  /s/  R. GRAHAM WHALING
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                     R. Graham Whaling
                                                  Chief Executive Officer
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
No. 1 to this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                              TITLE                    DATE
                  ---------                              -----                    ----
<S>                                            <C>                         <C>
           /s/  R. GRAHAM WHALING              Chairman of the Board,         October 21, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    Chief Executive Officer
              R. Graham Whaling                  and Director (Principal
                                                 Executive and Financial
                                                 Officer)
  
           /s/  JAMES L. PAYNE*                Director                       October 21, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
                James L. Payne

              /s/  HUGH L. BOYT*               Director                       October 21, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
                   Hugh L. Boyt

             /s/  CRAIG A. HUFF*               Director                       October 21, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
                  Craig A. Huff

           /s/  MICHAEL A. MORPHY*             Director                       October 21, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
                Michael A. Morphy

             /s/  ROBERT F. VAGT*              Director                       October 21, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
                  Robert F. Vagt

         /s/  ROBERT J. WASIELEWSKI*           Director                       October 21, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
              Robert J. Wasielewski

    *By:   /s/  TERRY L. ANDERSON
- ---------------------------------------------
                Terry L. Anderson
                Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   125
 
   
                                                                   SCHEDULE VIII
    
 
   
              WESTERN DIVISION OF SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
    
 
   
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
    
   
                      THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
    
   
                            (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1993      1994      1995
                                                                      ----      ----      ----
<S>                                                                   <C>       <C>       <C>
Accounts receivable
  Balance at the beginning of period................................   0.7       0.3       0.2
     Charge (credit) to income......................................    --        --        --
     Net amounts written off........................................  (0.4)     (0.1)     (0.2)
     Other..........................................................    --        --        --
                                                                      ----      ----      ----
  Balance at the end of period......................................   0.3       0.2        --
                                                                      ====      ====      ====
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       S-1
<PAGE>   126
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBITS                                     DESCRIPTION
<S>                  <C>
        *1.1         -- Form of Underwriting Agreement.
         3.1         -- Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
         3.2         -- Amended and Restated Bylaws.
         4.1         -- Specimen Common Stock Certificate.
         5.1         -- Opinion of Andrews & Kurth L.L.P. as to the legality of the
                        securities being registered.
        10.1         -- Conveyance and Contribution Agreement dated               , 1996
                        between Monterey Resources, Inc. and Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.
        10.2         -- Agreement for the Allocation of Consolidated Federal Income Tax
                        Liability and State and Local Taxes among the members of the Santa Fe
                        Energy Resources, Inc. Affiliated Group dated               , 1996.
        10.3         -- Agreement Concerning Taxes and Tax Indemnifications Upon Spin Off,
                        dated               , 1996, between Monterey Resources, Inc. and
                        Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.
       *10.4         -- Corporate Services Agreement dated               , 1996, between
                        Monterey Resources, Inc. and Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.
       *10.5         -- Registration Rights and Indemnification Agreement dated
                          , 1996, between Monterey Resources, Inc. and Santa Fe Energy
                        Resources, Inc.
       *10.6         -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan, dated
                                      , 1996.
       *10.7         -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Incentive Stock Compensation Plan for Key
                        Employees, dated               , 1996.
       *10.8         -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Incentive Stock Compensation Plan for
                        Nonexecutive Employees dated               , 1996.
       *10.9         -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Severance Program, dated               ,
                        1996.
       *10.10        -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Savings Investment Plan dated
                          , 1996.
       *10.11        -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan dated
                                      , 1996.
       *10.12        -- Monterey Resources, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan dated
                                      , 1996.
       *10.13        -- Employment Agreement dated               , 1996 between Monterey
                        Resources, Inc. and R. Graham Whaling.
       *10.14        -- Form of Employment Agreement between Monterey Resources, Inc. and
                        certain executive officers.
        11.1         -- Computation of Earnings per Common Share.
        23.1         -- Consent of Andrews & Kurth L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
        23.2         -- Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
        23.3         -- Consent of Ryder Scott Company.
       *24.1         -- Powers of Attorney.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
* Previously filed.
    

<PAGE>   1

                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.1


                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

                                       OF

                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.


            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC. (the "Corporation"), a corporation
organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of
the State of Delaware ("DGCL"), hereby certifies as follows pursuant to
Sections 242 and 245 of the DGCL:

FIRST:      The name of the Corporation is "Monterey Resources, Inc."

SECOND:     The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was
filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the
"Secretary of State") on August 15, 1996.

THIRD:      The sole stockholder of the Corporation is Santa Fe Energy
Resources, Inc. (the "Sole Stockholder"), a Delaware corporation.

FOURTH:     The board of directors of the Corporation, in accordance with
Sections 242 and 245 of the DGCL, (i) adopted and approved this Restated
Certificate of Incorporation (including the amendments to the Corporation's
Certificate of Incorporation effected hereby) and (ii) proposed that the Sole
Stockholder adopt and approve this Restated Certificate of Incorporation
(including the amendments to the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation
effected hereby).

FIFTH:      The Sole Stockholder, in accordance with the DGCL, approved and
adopted this Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including the amendments to
the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation effected hereby).

SIXTH:      This Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall become effective
upon its filing with the Secretary of State.

SEVENTH:    Effective immediately upon the filing of this Restated Certificate
of Incorporation in the office of the Secretary of State, each outstanding
share of previously existing Common Stock shall be and hereby is converted into
and reclassified as 45,350 shares of Common Stock. Certificates representing
reclassified shares are hereby canceled and upon presentation of the canceled
certificates to the Corporation, the holders thereof shall be entitled to
receive certificate(s) representing the new shares into which such canceled
shares have been converted.

EIGHTH:     The Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby
amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:
<PAGE>   2
FIRST:      The name of the corporation (hereinafter referred to as the
"Corporation") is: Monterey Resources, Inc.

SECOND:     The address of the Corporation's registered office in the State of
Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New
Castle. The name of the Corporation's registered agent at such address is The
Corporation Trust Company.

THIRD:      The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or
activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation
Law of the State of Delaware.

FOURTH:     The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock which
the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 125,000,000, of which
25,000,000 shares shall be Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and
100,000,000 shares shall be Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share.

     A.     Preferred Stock. (1) Preferred Stock may be issued from time to
     time in one or more series and in such amounts as may be determined by the
     Board of Directors. The voting powers, designations, preferences and
     relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if any, and the
     qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, of the
     Preferred Stock of each series shall be such as are fixed by the Board of
     Directors, authority so to do being hereby expressly granted, and as are
     stated and expressed in a resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board
     of Directors providing for the issue of such series of Preferred Stock
     (herein called the "Directors' Resolution"). The Directors' Resolution as
     to any series shall (a) establish the number of shares constituting, and
     the distinctive designation of, that series, (b) fix the dividend rate, if
     any, of the shares of such series, the payment dates for dividends on
     shares of such series and the date or dates, or the method of determining
     the date or dates, if any, from which dividends on shares of such series
     shall be cumulative, (c) fix the amount or amounts payable on shares of
     such series upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
     winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, (d) state the price or
     prices or rate or rates, and adjustments, if any, at which, the time or
     times and the terms and conditions upon which, the shares of such series
     may be redeemed at the option of the Corporation or at the option of the
     holder or holders of shares of such series or upon the occurrence of a
     specified event, and state whether such shares may be redeemed for cash,
     property or rights, including securities of the Corporation or another
     entity; and such Directors' Resolution may (i) limit the number of shares
     of such series that may be issued, (ii) provide for a sinking fund for the
     purchase or redemption of shares of such series and specify the terms and
     conditions governing the operations of any such fund, (iii) grant voting
     rights to the holders of shares of such series, provided that each share
     shall not have more than one vote per share, (iv) impose conditions or
     restrictions upon the creation of indebtedness of the Corporation or upon
     the issuance of additional Preferred Stock or other capital stock ranking
     on a parity therewith, or prior thereto, with respect to dividends or
     distribution of assets upon liquidation, (v) impose conditions or
     restrictions upon the payment of dividends upon, or the making of other
     distributions to, or the acquisition of, shares ranking junior to the
     Preferred Stock or to any series thereof with respect to dividends or
     distributions of assets upon liquidation, (vi) state the time or times,
     the price





                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
     or prices or the rate or rates of exchange and other terms, conditions and
     adjustments upon which shares of any such series may be made convertible
     into, or exchangeable for, at the option of the holder or the Corporation
     or upon the occurrence of a specified event, shares of any other class or
     classes or of any other series of Preferred Stock or any other class or
     classes of stock or other securities of the Corporation, and (vii) grant
     such other special rights and impose such qualifications, limitations or
     restrictions thereon as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, to the
     extent not inconsistent with this Article FOURTH and to the full extent
     now or hereafter permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware.

     (2)    Except as by law expressly provided, or except as may be provided
     in any Directors' Resolution, the Preferred Stock shall have no right or
     power to vote on any question or in any proceeding or to be represented
     at, or to receive notice of, any meeting of stockholders of the
     Corporation.

     (3)    Preferred Stock that is redeemed, purchased or retired by the
     Corporation shall assume the status of authorized but unissued Preferred
     Stock and may thereafter, subject to the provisions of any Directors'
     Resolution providing for the issue of any particular series of Preferred
     Stock, be reissued in the same manner as authorized but unissued Preferred
     Stock.

     B.     Common Stock. All shares of the Common Stock of the Corporation
     shall be identical and except as otherwise required by law or as otherwise
     provided in the Directors' Resolution or Resolutions, if any, adopted by
     the Board of Directors with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, the
     holders of the Common Stock shall exclusively possess all voting power,
     and each share of Common Stock shall have one vote.

FIFTH:      The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed and 
controlled by its Board of Directors. The number of directors constituting the
Board of Directors shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, but shall not be
less than three or more than 15. The directors shall be divided into three
classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. The initial term for
directors in Class I shall expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be
held in 1997; the initial term for directors in Class II shall expire at the
annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 1998; and the initial term for
directors in Class III shall expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be
held in 1999.

At the expiration of the initial term of each class of directors, and of each
succeeding term of each class, each class of directors shall be elected to
serve until the annual meeting of stockholders held three years from such
expiration and until their successors are elected and qualified or until their
earlier death, resignation, removal or retirement.  Any increase or decrease in
the number of directors constituting the Board shall be apportioned among the
classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as near as
possible to one-third the whole number of directors as so adjusted. Any
director elected or appointed to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the
remaining term of the class to which such directorship is assigned. No decrease
in the number of directors constituting the Corporation's Board of Directors
shall shorten the term of any incumbent director. Any vacancy in





                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
the Board of Directors, whether arising through death, resignation or removal
of a director, or through an increase in the number of directors of any class,
shall be filled by the majority vote of the remaining directors. The Bylaws may
contain any provision regarding classification of the Corporation's directors
not inconsistent with the terms hereof.

A director of the Corporation may be removed only for cause and only upon the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding capital stock
of the Corporation entitled to vote at an election of directors, subject to
further restrictions on removal, not inconsistent with this Article FIFTH, as
may be contained in the Bylaws.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any one or more classes
or series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the right,
voting separately by class or series, to elect directors at an annual or
special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, filling of
vacancies and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the
terms of this Certificate of Incorporation applicable thereto, and such
directors so elected shall not be divided into classes pursuant to this Article
FIFTH unless expressly provided by such terms.

SIXTH:      The following provisions are inserted for the management of the
business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further
definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of
its directors and stockholders:

     A.     The Board of Directors is authorized to alter, amend or repeal the
     Bylaws or adopt new Bylaws of the Corporation. The stockholders shall not
     repeal or change the Bylaws of the Corporation unless such repeal or
     change is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than
     80% of the total voting power of all shares of stock of the Corporation
     entitled to vote in the election of directors, considered for the purposes
     of this paragraph A as a single class.

     B.     Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the
     Bylaws so provide.

     C.     In addition to the powers herein or by statute expressly conferred
     upon the Corporation's directors, the Corporation's directors are hereby
     empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as
     may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the
     provisions of the statutes of Delaware, this Certificate of Incorporation,
     and any Bylaws adopted by the stockholders; provided, however, that no
     Bylaws hereafter adopted shall invalidate any prior act of the directors
     which would have been valid if such Bylaws had not been adopted.

     D.     No action shall be taken by the stockholders except at an annual or
     special meeting with prior notice and a vote. No action shall be taken by
     the stockholders by written consent.





                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
SEVENTH:    The books of the Corporation may be kept (subject to any provision
contained in the statutes) outside the State of Delaware at such place or
places as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in
the Bylaws of the Corporation.

EIGHTH:     The Board of Directors is hereby authorized to create and issue,
whether or not in connection with the issuance and sale of any of its stock or
other securities, rights (the "Rights") entitling the holders thereof to
purchase from the Corporation shares of capital stock or other securities. The
times at which and the terms upon which the Rights are to be issued will be
determined by the Board of Directors and set forth in the contracts or
instruments that evidence the Rights. The authority of the Board of Directors
with respect to the Rights shall include, but not be limited to, determination
of the following:

     (a)    The initial purchase price per share of the capital stock or other
     securities of the Corporation to be purchased upon exercise of the Rights.

     (b)    Provisions relating to the times at which and the circumstances
     under which the Rights may be exercised or sold or otherwise transferred,
     either together with or separately from, any other securities of the
     Corporation.

     (c)    Provisions that adjust the number or exercise price of the Rights
     or amount or nature of the securities or other property receivable upon
     exercise of the Rights in the event of a combination, split or
     recapitalization of any capital stock of the Corporation, a change in
     ownership of the Corporation's securities or a reorganization, merger,
     consolidation, sale of assets or other occurrence relating to the
     Corporation or any capital stock of the Corporation, and provisions
     restricting the ability of the Corporation to enter into any such
     transaction absent an assumption by the other party or parties thereto of
     the obligations of the Corporation under such Rights.

     (d)    Provisions that deny the holder of a specified percentage of the
     outstanding securities of the Corporation the right to exercise the Rights
     and/or cause the Rights held by such holder to become void.

     (e)    Provisions that permit the Corporation to redeem the Rights.

     (f)    The appointment of a Rights Agent with respect to the Rights.

NINTH:      No director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the
Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty by such director as a director; provided, however, that this Article NINTH
shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director to the extent provided
by applicable law (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith
or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii)
under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or
(iv) for any transaction from which the director derived






                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
an improper personal benefit.  No amendment to or repeal of this Article NINTH
shall apply to, or have any effect on, the liability or alleged liability of
any director of the Corporation for or with respect to any acts or omissions of
such director occurring prior to such amendment or repeal. If the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware is amended to authorize corporate
action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors,
then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or
limited to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware, as so amended.

TENTH:      The provisions set forth in this Article TENTH and Articles FIFTH,
SIXTH, EIGHTH and NINTH hereof may not be amended, altered, changed, repealed
or rescinded in any respect unless such action is approved by the affirmative
vote of the holders of not less than 80 percent of the total voting power of
all shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of
directors, considered for purposes of this Article TENTH as a single class. The
voting requirements contained in this Article TENTH and in Article SIXTH hereof
shall be in addition to voting requirements imposed by law, other provisions of
this Certificate of Incorporation or any designation of preferences in favor of
certain classes or series of shares of capital stock of the Corporation.

ELEVENTH:   Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this
Corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this
Corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable
jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary
way of this Corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the
application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this Corporation under
Section 291 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code or on the application of trustees
in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for this Corporation
under Section 279 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code order a meeting of the
creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of
stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such
manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing
three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the
stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be,
agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this
Corporation as a consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said
compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by
the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the
creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of
stockholders, of this Corporation, as the case may be, and also on this
Corporation.

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation has been executed for and on behalf of the Corporation by its
officers thereunto duly authorized as of September 17, 1996.


                                ------------------------------------------------
                                R. Graham Whaling, Chief Executive Officer



                                ------------------------------------------------
                                Terry L. Anderson, Secretary





                                      -6-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.2

                                    RESTATED

                                  B Y L A W S

                                       OF

                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.

 DATED: SEPTEMBER 17, 1996
<PAGE>   2
                                   I N D E X

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            PAGE
     <S>                                                                                                    <C>
     ARTICLE 1 OFFICES
            Section 1.1   Principal Office  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
            Section 1.2   Registered Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
            Section 1.3   Other Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1

     ARTICLE II STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS
            Section 2.1   Annual Meeting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
            Section 2.2   Special Meetings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
            Section 2.3   Notice of Meetings and Adjourned Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
            Section 2.4   Voting Lists  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3
            Section 2.5   Quorum  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
            Section 2.6   Organization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
            Section 2.7   Voting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
            Section 2.8   Authorization of Proxies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
            Section 2.9   Stockholders Entitled to Vote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
            Section 2.10  Order of Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
            Section 2.11  Action by Written Consent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
            Section 2.12  Inspectors of Election  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
            Section 2.13  Notice of Stockholder Nominees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
            Section 2.14  Stockholder Proposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   10

     ARTICLE III DIRECTORS
            Section 3.1   Management  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   12
            Section 3.2   Number and Term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   12
            Section 3.3   Quorum and Manner of Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   13
            Section 3.4   Vacancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   14
            Section 3.5   Resignations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   14
            Section 3.6   Removals  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   15
            Section 3.7   Annual Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   15
            Section 3.8   Regular Meetings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   15
            Section 3.9   Special Meetings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   15
            Section 3.10  Organization of Meetings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   16
            Section 3.11  Place of Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   16
            Section 3.12  Compensation of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   16
            Section 3.13  Action by Unanimous Written Consent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   17
            Section 3.14  Participation in Meetings by Telephone  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   17

</TABLE>




                                      -i-
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                                                                    <C>
            Section 3.15  Election of Directors by Class Vote of Holders
                           of Preferred Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   17

     ARTICLE IV COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
            Section 4.1   Membership and Authorities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   18
            Section 4.2   Minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   18
            Section 4.3   Vacancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19
            Section 4.4   Telephone Meetings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19
            Section 4.5   Action Without Meeting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19

      RTICLE V OFFICERS
            Section 5.1   Number and Title  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   20
            Section 5.2   Term of Office; Vacancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   20
            Section 5.3   Removal of Elected Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   20
            Section 5.4   Resignations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   20
            Section 5.5   The Chairman of the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   21
            Section 5.6   Chief Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   21
            Section 5.7   President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   22
            Section 5.8   Vice Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   23
            Section 5.9   Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   23
            Section 5.10  Assistant Secretaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   24
            Section 5.11  Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   24
            Section 5.12  Assistant Treasurers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25
            Section 5.13  Subordinate Officers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25
            Section 5.14  Salaries and Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25

     ARTICLE VI INDEMNIFICATION
            Section 6.1   Indemnification of Directors and Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   26

     ARTICLE VII CAPITAL STOCK
            Section 7.1   Certificates of Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
            Section 7.2   Lost Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31
            Section 7.3   Fixing Date for Determination of Stockholders of
                           Record for Certain Purposes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   32
            Section 7.4   Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   32
            Section 7.5   Registered Stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   33
            Section 7.6   Transfer of Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   33
            Section 7.7   Stock Options, Warrants, Etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   33

     ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
            Section 8.1   Corporate Seal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   34
            Section 8.2   Fiscal Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   34
            Section 8.3   Checks, Drafts, Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   34

</TABLE>




                                      -iii-
<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                                                                    <C>
            Section 8.4   Corporate Contracts and Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   34
            Section 8.5   Notice and Waiver of Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   35
            Section 8.6   Examination of Books and Records  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   36
            Section 8.7   Voting Upon Shares Held by the Corporation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   36

     ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS
            Section 9.1   Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   36



</TABLE>


                                      -iv-
<PAGE>   5

                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.

                                  B Y L A W S

                                   ARTICLE I

                                    OFFICES

         SECTION 1.1 PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of the Corporation
shall be in Bakersfield, California.

         SECTION 1.2 REGISTERED OFFICE. The registered office and registered
agent of the Corporation required to be maintained in the State of Delaware by
the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL") shall be as
designated from time to time by the appropriate filing by the Corporation in
the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

         SECTION 1.3 OTHER OFFICES. The Corporation may also have offices at
such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the Board
of Directors may from time to time determine or as the business of the
Corporation may require.

                                   ARTICLE II

                             STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS

         SECTION 2.1 ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the holders of
shares of each class or series of stock as are entitled to notice thereof and
to vote thereat pursuant to applicable law and the
<PAGE>   6
Certificate of Incorporation for the purpose of electing directors and
transacting such other proper business as may come before it shall be held at
such time and at such place, within or without the State of Delaware, as may be
designated by the Board of Directors.

         SECTION 2.2 SPECIAL MEETINGS. In addition to such special meetings as
are provided by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, special meetings of
the holders of any class or series or of all classes or series of the
Corporation's stock for any purpose or purposes, may be called at any time by
the Chief Executive Officer and shall be called by the Secretary at the written
request, or by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote, of a majority of the
Board of Directors, which request shall fix the date, time and place (within or
without the State of Delaware), and state the purpose or purposes of the
proposed meeting. Except to the extent specified in the Certificate of
Incorporation or the resolutions of the Board of Directors creating any class
or series of preferred stock of the Corporation, Stockholders of the
Corporation may not call a special meeting.

         SECTION 2.3 NOTICE OF MEETINGS AND ADJOURNED MEETINGS. Except as
otherwise provided by law, written notice of any meeting of Stockholders shall
be given either by personal delivery or by mail to each Stockholder of record
entitled to vote thereat. Notice of each meeting shall be in such form as is
approved by the Board of Directors and shall state the date, place and hour of
the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for
which the meeting is called. Unless otherwise provided by law, such written
notice shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of
the meeting. Except when a Stockholder attends a meeting for the express
purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of
any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called or
convened, presence in person or by proxy of a Stockholder shall constitute a
waiver of notice of such meeting. Further, a written waiver of any





                                      -2-
<PAGE>   7
notice required by law or by these Bylaws, signed by the person entitled to
notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed
equivalent to notice. Except as otherwise provided by law, the business that
may be transacted at any such meeting shall be limited to and consist of the
purpose or purposes stated in such notice. If a meeting is adjourned to another
time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time
and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is
taken; provided, however, that if the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or
if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting,
a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each Stockholder of record
entitled to vote at the meeting.

         SECTION 2.4 VOTING LISTS. The officer or agent having charge of the
stock transfer books for shares of the Corporation shall make, at least 10 days
before each meeting of the Stockholders, a complete list of Stockholders
entitled to vote at such meeting or any adjournment thereof, arranged in
alphabetical order, with the address of each and the number of shares held by
each, which list, for a period of 10 days prior to such meeting, shall be kept
on file either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held,
which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so
specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held, and such list shall be
subject to inspection by the Stockholders at any time during usual business
hours. Such list shall also be produced and kept open at the time and place of
the meeting and shall be subject to the inspection of any Stockholder for the
duration of the meeting. The original stock transfer books shall be prima-facie
evidence as to who are the Stockholders entitled to examine such list or
transfer books or to vote at any meeting of Stockholders.





                                      -3-
<PAGE>   8
         SECTION 2.5 QUORUM. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the
Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the Corporation's
stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at a meeting, present in
person or represented by proxy, without regard to class or series, shall
constitute a quorum at all meetings of the Stockholders for the transaction of
business. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any
meeting of the Stockholders, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or other
person presiding over such meeting or the holders of a majority of such shares
of stock, present in person or represented by proxy, may adjourn any meeting
from time to time without notice other than announcement at the meeting, except
as otherwise required by these Bylaws, until a quorum shall be present or
represented. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present
or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted
at the meeting as originally called. A holder of a share of the Corporation's
capital stock shall be treated as being present or represented at a meeting if
such holder is (i) present in person at the meeting or (ii) represented at the
meeting by a valid proxy, regardless of whether the instrument granting the
proxy is marked as casting a vote or abstaining, is left blank or does not
empower such proxy to vote with respect to some or all matters to be voted upon
at the meeting.

         SECTION 2.6 ORGANIZATION. Meetings of the Stockholders shall be
presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if one shall be
elected, or in his absence, by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or by
any Senior Vice President, or, in the absence of any of such officers, by a
chairman to be chosen by a majority of the Stockholders entitled to vote at the
meeting who are present in person or by proxy. The Secretary, or, in his
absence, any Assistant Secretary or any





                                      -4-
<PAGE>   9
person appointed by the individual presiding over the meeting, shall act as
secretary at meetings of the Stockholders.

         SECTION 2.7 VOTING. Each Stockholder of record, as determined pursuant
to Section 2.9, who is entitled to vote in accordance with the terms of the
Certificate of Incorporation and in accordance with the provisions of these
Bylaws, shall, except to the extent specified in the Certificate of
Incorporation or any resolution adopted by the Board of Directors to establish
any series of Preferred Stock of the Corporation, be entitled to one vote, in
person or by proxy, for each share of stock registered in his name on the books
of the Corporation. Every Stockholder entitled to vote at any Stockholders'
meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for him by proxy duly
appointed by instrument in writing subscribed by such Stockholder and executed
not more than three years prior to the meeting, unless the proxy provides for a
longer period. Each proxy shall be revocable unless it expressly states therein
that it is irrevocable and, only so long as, it is coupled with an interest
sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A Stockholder's attendance
at any meeting, when such Stockholder has theretofore given a proxy, shall not
have the effect of revoking such proxy unless such Stockholder shall in writing
so notify the Secretary of the meeting prior to the voting of the proxy. Unless
otherwise provided by law, no vote on the election of directors or any question
brought before the meeting need be by ballot unless the chairman of the meeting
shall determine that it shall be by ballot or the holders of a majority of the
shares of stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to participate in
such vote shall so demand.  In a vote by ballot, each ballot shall state the
number of shares voted and the name of the Stockholder or proxy voting.  Except
as otherwise provided by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or these
Bylaws, (i) action on a matter (other than the election of directors) shall be
approved if the votes cast by holders of





                                      -5-
<PAGE>   10
shares of stock present and entitled to vote on the matter at a meeting at
which a quorum is present in favor of the matter exceed the votes cast opposing
the matter and (ii) directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast
by the holders of shares present and entitled to vote in the election at a
meeting at which a quorum is present. In the election of directors, votes may
not be cumulated. In determining the number of votes cast, shares abstaining
from voting or not voted on a matter (including director elections) will not be
treated as votes cast.

         SECTION 2.8 AUTHORIZATION OF PROXIES. Without limiting the manner in
which a Stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for him as
proxy, the following are valid means of granting such authority. A Stockholder
may execute a writing authorizing another person or persons to act for him as
proxy. Execution may be accomplished by the Stockholder or his authorized
officer, director, employee or agent signing such writing or causing his or her
signature to be affixed to such writing by any reasonable means including, but
not limited to, by facsimile signature. A Stockholder may also authorize
another person or persons to act for him as proxy by transmitting or
authorizing the transmission of a telegram, cablegram or other means of
electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information
from which it can be determined that the telegram, cablegram or other
electronic transmission was authorized by the Stockholder. If it is determined
that such telegrams, cablegrams or other electronic transmissions are valid,
the inspectors or, if there are no inspectors, such other persons making that
determination shall specify the information upon which they relied. Any copy,
facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of the writing or
transmission created pursuant to this section may be substituted or used in
lieu of the original writing or transmission for any and all purposes for which
the writing or





                                      -6-
<PAGE>   11
transmission could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile
telecommunication or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the
entire original writing or transmission.

         SECTION 2.9 STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE. The Board of Directors may
fix a date not more than 60 days nor less than 10 days prior to the date of any
meeting of Stockholders as a record date for the determination of the
Stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting and any
adjournment thereof, and in such case such Stockholders and only such
Stockholders as shall be Stockholders of record on the date so fixed shall be
entitled to notice of and to vote at, such meeting and any adjournment thereof
notwithstanding any transfer of any stock on the books of the Corporation after
such record date fixed as aforesaid.

         SECTION 2.10 ORDER OF BUSINESS. The order of business at all meetings
of Stockholders shall be as determined by the chairman of the meeting or as is
otherwise determined by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of
stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote without regard to
class or series at the meeting.

         SECTION 2.11 ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT. No action required or
permitted to be taken by the Stockholders shall be taken except at an annual or
special meeting with prior notice and a vote. No action may be taken by the
Stockholders by written consent.

         SECTION 2.12 INSPECTORS OF ELECTION. Before any meeting of
Stockholders, the Board of Directors may, and if required by law shall, appoint
one or more persons to act as inspectors of election at such meeting or any
adjournment thereof. If any person appointed as inspector fails to appear or
fails or refuses to act, the chairman of the meeting may, and if required by
law or requested by any Stockholder entitled to vote or his proxy shall,
appoint a substitute inspector. If no inspectors are appointed by the Board of
Directors, the chairman of the meeting may, and if required by law





                                      -7-
<PAGE>   12
or requested by any Stockholder entitled to vote or his proxy shall, appoint
one or more inspectors at the meeting.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,
inspectors shall be appointed consistent with Section 231 of the DGCL.
Inspectors may include individuals who serve the Corporation in other
capacities (including as officers, employees, agents or representatives);
provided, however, that no director or candidate for the office of director
shall act as an inspector.  Inspectors need not be Stockholders. The inspectors
shall (i) determine the number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation
outstanding and the voting power of each, the number of shares represented at
the meeting, the existence of a quorum and the validity and effect of proxies
and (ii) receive votes or ballots, hear and determine all challenges and
questions arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate all
votes and ballots, determine the results and do such acts as are proper to
conduct the election or vote with fairness to all Stockholders. On request of
the chairman of the meeting, the inspectors shall make a report in writing of
any challenge, request or matter determined by them and shall execute a
certificate of any fact found by them. The inspectors shall have such other
duties as may be prescribed by Section 231 of the DGCL.

         SECTION 2.13 NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER NOMINEES. Only persons who are
nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.13
shall be eligible for election as directors of the Corporation. Nominations of
persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation may be made
at a meeting of the Corporation's Stockholders (a) by or at the direction of
the Board of Directors or (b) by any Stockholder of the Corporation entitled to
vote for the election of directors at such meeting who complies with the
procedures set forth in this Section 2.13. All nominations by Stockholders
shall be made pursuant to timely notice in proper written form submitted to the
Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a Stockholders' notice shall be
delivered to or mailed





                                      -8-
<PAGE>   13
and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less
than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the anniversary of the annual
meeting held for the immediately preceding year (provided, however, that if no
annual meeting was held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting
of Stockholders has been changed by more than 30 calendar days from the date
contemplated at the time of the previous year's proxy statement, the notice
must be received by the Corporation at least 45 days prior to the date the
Corporation intends to distribute its proxy statement with respect to such
meeting) or, in the case of a special meeting at which directors are to be
elected and for which less than 40 days' notice or prior public disclosure of
the date of the meeting is given or made to Stockholders, notice by the
Stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the close of
business on the 10th day following the day on which such notice of the date of
the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made. To be in proper
written form, such Stockholder's notice to the Secretary shall set forth in
writing (a) as to each person whom such Stockholder proposes to nominate for
election or re-election as a director, all information relating to such person
that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of
directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, without
limitation, such person's written consent to being named in the proxy statement
as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected; and (b) as to such
Stockholder (i) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation's
books, and principal occupation of such Stockholder, (ii) the class and number
of shares of the Corporation's capital stock that are beneficially owned by
such Stockholder and the dates upon which such Stockholder acquired such shares
and documentary support for any claims of beneficial ownership, and (iii) a
description of all agreements, arrangements or understandings between such
Stockholder and each such person





                                      -9-
<PAGE>   14
that such Stockholder proposes to nominate as a director and any other person
or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or
nominations are to be made by such Stockholder. At the request of the Board of
Directors, any person nominated by the Board of Directors for election as a
director shall furnish to the Secretary of the Corporation that information
required to be set forth in a Stockholder's notice of nomination which pertains
to the nominee. No person shall be eligible for election as a director unless
nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws of the
Company. The chairman of the Stockholder's meeting shall, if the facts warrant,
determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in
accordance with the procedures prescribed by these Bylaws of the Company, and
if he shall so determine, he shall announce such determination to the meeting
and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

         SECTION 2.14 STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS. At any special meeting of the
Corporation's Stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have
been brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors. At any annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall
be conducted as shall have been brought before the meeting (a) by or at the
direction of the Board of Directors or (b) by any Stockholder who complies with
the procedures set forth in this Section 2.14; provided, however, that nothing
in this Section 2.14 shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any Stockholder
of any business properly brought before any annual meeting of Stockholders in
accordance with such procedures. For business properly to be brought before an
annual meeting by a Stockholder, the Stockholder must have given timely notice
thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be
timely, a Stockholder's notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at
the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 60 days nor
more than 90 days prior to the anniversary of the annual meeting held for the





                                      -10-
<PAGE>   15
immediately preceding year (provided, however, that if no annual meeting was
held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting of Stockholders has
been changed by more than 30 calendar days from the date contemplated at the
time of the previous year's proxy statement, the notice must be received by the
Corporation at least 45 days prior to the date the Corporation intends to
distribute its proxy statement with respect to such meeting). To be in proper
written form, such Stockholder's notice to the Secretary shall set forth in
writing as to each matter such Stockholder proposes to bring before the annual
meeting (a) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before
the annual meeting, including the exact text of any proposal to be presented
for adoption and any supporting statement (which shall not exceed 500 words in
the aggregate), and such Stockholder's meeting the reasons for conducting such
business at the annual meeting, (b) the name and address, as they appear on the
Corporation's books, and principal occupation of such Stockholder, (c) the
class and number of shares of the Corporation's stock which are beneficially
owned by such Stockholder and the dates upon which such Stockholder acquired
such shares and documentary support for any claims of beneficial ownership, and
(d) any material interest of such Stockholder in such business. Notwithstanding
anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at an
annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this
Section 2.14 and the foregoing rights of a Stockholder to propose business for
consideration at an annual meeting of Stockholders shall be subject to such
conditions, restrictions and limitations as may be imposed by the Certificate
of Incorporation. The chairman of an annual stockholder's meeting shall, if the
facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that business is not
properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 2.14, and, if he should so determine, he shall so announce such
determination to the meeting and any such business not





                                      -11-
<PAGE>   16
properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted. Notwithstanding
any other provision of these Bylaws, the Corporation shall be under no
obligation to include any Stockholder proposal in its proxy statement material
or otherwise present any such proposal to Stockholders at a meeting of
Stockholders if the Board of Directors reasonably believes that the proponents
thereof have not complied with Sections 13 and 14 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
and the Corporation shall not be required to include in its proxy statement
material to Stockholders any Stockholder proposal not required to be included
in its proxy statement to Stockholders in accordance with such act, rules or
regulations.

                                  ARTICLE III

                                   DIRECTORS

         SECTION 3.1 MANAGEMENT. The property, affairs and business of the
Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of
Directors which may exercise all powers of the Corporation and do all lawful
acts and things as are not by law, by the Corporation's certificate of
incorporation, as amended and in effect from time to time (the "Certificate of
Incorporation") or by these Bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done
by the Stockholders.

         SECTION 3.2 NUMBER AND TERM. The Board of Directors shall be
classified in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and the actual
number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors shall be fixed
from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors adopted by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the entire Board of Directors,
but shall consist of not less than three nor more than 15 members, one-third of
whom shall be elected each year by the Stockholders except as provided in
Section 3.4. The Board of Directors shall have sole authority to determine the
number of directors, within the limits set forth above, and may increase or
decrease





                                      -12-
<PAGE>   17
the exact number of directors from time to time by resolution duly adopted by
the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. Such
increases and decreases shall be apportioned among the classes of directors so
that all classes will be as nearly equal in number as possible. Directors need
not be Stockholders. No decrease in the number of directors shall have the
effect of shortening the term of office of any incumbent director.

         SECTION 3.3 QUORUM AND MANNER OF ACTION. At all meetings of the Board
of Directors a majority of the total number of directors holding office shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority
of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the
act of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided
by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws. When the Board
of Directors consists of one director, the one director shall constitute a
majority and a quorum. If at any meeting of the Board of Directors there shall
be less than a quorum present, a majority of those present may adjourn the
meeting from time to time until a quorum is obtained, and no further notice
thereof need be given other than by announcement at such adjourned meeting.
Attendance by a director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of
such meeting except where a director attends a meeting for the express purpose
of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any
business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. A
Director who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which action
on any corporate matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to such
action unless his dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or
unless he shall file his written dissent to such action with the person acting
as Secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall forward any
dissent by certified or registered mail





                                      -13-
<PAGE>   18
to the Secretary immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right
to dissent shall not apply to any Director who voted in favor of such action.

         SECTION 3.4 VACANCIES. Except as otherwise provided by law and the
Certificate of Incorporation, in the case of any increase in the authorized
number of directors or of any vacancy in the Board of Directors, however
created, the additional director or directors may be elected, or, as the case
may be, the vacancy or vacancies shall be filled by majority vote of the
directors remaining on the whole Board of Directors although less than a
quorum, or by a sole remaining director. In the event one or more directors
shall resign, effective at a future date, such vacancy or vacancies shall be
filled by a majority of the directors who will remain on the whole Board of
Directors, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any
director elected or chosen as provided herein shall serve until the sooner of
(i) the unexpired term of the directorship to which he is appointed; or (ii)
until his successor is elected and qualified; or (iii) until his earlier
resignation or removal. If, as a result of a disaster or emergency (as
determined in good faith by the then remaining Directors), it becomes
impossible to ascertain whether or not vacancies exist on the Board of
Directors and a person is or persons are elected by the Directors, who in good
faith believe themselves to be a majority of the remaining Directors, to fill a
vacancy or vacancies that such remaining Directors in good faith believe
exists, then the acts of such person or persons who are so elected as Directors
shall be valid and binding upon the Corporation and the Stockholders, although
it may subsequently develop that at the time of the election (i) there was in
fact no vacancy or vacancies existing on the Board of Directors or (ii) the
directors who so elected such person or persons did not in fact constitute a
majority of the remaining Directors.





                                      -14-
<PAGE>   19
         SECTION 3.5 RESIGNATIONS. A director may resign at any time upon
written notice of resignation to the Corporation, delivered to the Secretary.
Any resignation shall be effective immediately unless a certain effective date
is specified therein, in which event it will be effective upon such date and
acceptance of any resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

         SECTION 3.6 REMOVALS. Any director or the entire Board of Directors
may be removed before the expiration of such Director's term of office only for
cause, and another person or persons may be elected to serve for the remainder
of his or their term, and only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the shares of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of
directors. Stockholders may not remove any director without cause. In case any
vacancy so created shall not be filled by the Stockholders at such meeting,
such vacancy may be filled by the directors as provided in Section 3.4.

         SECTION 3.7 ANNUAL MEETINGS. The annual meeting of the Board of
Directors shall be held, if a quorum be present, immediately following each
annual meeting of the Stockholders at the place such meeting of Stockholders
took place, for the purpose of organization and transaction of any other
business that might be transacted at a regular meeting thereof, and no notice
of such meeting shall be necessary. If a quorum is not present, such annual
meeting may be held at any other time or place that may be specified in a
notice given in the manner provided in Section 3.9 for special meetings of the
Board of Directors or in a waiver of notice thereof.

         SECTION 3.8 REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the Board of
Directors may be held without notice at such places and times as shall be
determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. Except as
otherwise provided by law, any business may be transacted at any regular
meeting of the Board of Directors.





                                      -15-
<PAGE>   20
         SECTION 3.9 SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of
Directors may be called by the Chief Executive Officer or by the Secretary on
the written request of one-third of the members of the whole Board of Directors
stating the purpose or purposes of such meeting. Notices of special meetings,
if mailed, shall be mailed to each director not later than two days before the
day the meeting is to be held or if otherwise given in the manner permitted by
these Bylaws, not later than the day before such meeting. Neither the business
to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting need be specified
in any notice or written waiver of notice unless so required by the Certificate
of Incorporation or by the Bylaws and, unless limited by law, the Certificate
of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, any and all business may be transacted at
a special meeting.

         SECTION 3.10 ORGANIZATION OF MEETINGS. At any meeting of the Board of
Directors, business shall be transacted in such order and manner as such Board
of Directors may from time to time determine, and all matters shall be
determined by the vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at
which there is a quorum, except as otherwise provided by these Bylaws or
required by law.

         SECTION 3.11 PLACE OF MEETINGS. The Board of Directors may hold their
meetings and have one or more offices, and keep the books of the Corporation,
inside or outside the State of Delaware, at any office or offices of the
Corporation, or at any other place as they may from time to time by resolution
determine.

         SECTION 3.12 COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS. The Board of Directors shall
have the authority to fix, and from time to time to change, the compensation of
Directors. Directors shall not receive any stated salary for their services as
directors, but by resolution of the Board of Directors a fixed honorarium or
fees and expenses, if any, of attendance may be paid by the Corporation for





                                      -16-
<PAGE>   21
attendance at each meeting. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to
preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and
receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may
be allowed like compensation for attending such committee meetings.

         SECTION 3.13 ACTION BY UNANIMOUS WRITTEN CONSENT. Unless otherwise
restricted by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or
of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the
Board of Directors or of such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in
writing and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings
of the Board of Directors or the committee.

         SECTION 3.14 PARTICIPATION IN MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE. Unless otherwise
restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, members of the
Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of
such Board of Directors or committee by means of conference telephone or
similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in
the meeting can hear each other and participation in a meeting in such manner
shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

         SECTION 3.15 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS BY CLASS VOTE OF HOLDERS OF
PREFERRED STOCK. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article III,
if the resolutions of the Board of Directors creating any class or series of
preferred stock of the Corporation entitle the holders of such preferred stock,
voting separately by class or series, to elect additional Directors under
specified circumstances, then all provisions of such resolutions relating to
the nomination, election, term of office, removal, filling of vacancies and
other features of such directorships shall, as to such





                                      -17-
<PAGE>   22
directorships, govern and control over any conflicting provisions of this
Article III, and such Directors so elected need not be divided into classes
pursuant to this Article III unless expressly provided by the provisions of
such resolutions.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                            COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

         SECTION 4.1 MEMBERSHIP AND AUTHORITIES. The Board of Directors may, by
resolution or resolutions passed by a majority of the whole Board of Directors,
designate one or more Directors to constitute an Executive Committee and such
other committees as the Board of Directors may determine, each of which
committees to the extent provided in said resolution or resolutions or in these
Bylaws, shall have and may exercise all the powers of the Board of Directors in
the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, except in those
cases where the authority of the Board of Directors is specifically denied to
the Executive Committee or such other committee or committees by law, the
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, and may authorize the seal of the
Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it. The designation of
an Executive Committee or other committee and the delegation thereto of
authority shall not operate to relieve the Board of Directors, or any member
thereof, of any responsibility imposed upon it or him by law. Each member of a
committee of the Board of Directors shall serve as such until the earliest of
(i) his death, (ii) the expiration of his term as a Director, (iii) his
resignation as a member of such committee or as a Director and (iv) his removal
as a member of such committee or as a Director.

         SECTION 4.2 MINUTES. Each committee designated by the Board of
Directors shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings and shall provide a
report of its proceedings to the Board of Directors when required or requested
by the Board of Directors.





                                      -18-
<PAGE>   23
         SECTION 4.3 VACANCIES. The Board of Directors may designate one or
more of its members as alternate members of any committee who may replace any
absent or disqualified member at any meeting of such committee. If no alternate
members have been appointed, the committee member or members thereof present at
any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they
constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of
Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any absent or disqualified
member. The Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to fill
vacancies in, to change the membership of, and to dissolve, any committee.

         SECTION 4.4 TELEPHONE MEETINGS. Members of any committee designated by
the Board of Directors may participate in or hold a meeting by use of
conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all
persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in a
meeting pursuant to this Section 4.4 shall constitute presence in person at
such meeting, except where a person participates in the meeting for the express
purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of
any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

         SECTION 4.5 ACTION WITHOUT MEETING. Any action required or permitted
to be taken at a meeting of any committee designated by the Board of Directors
may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the
action so taken, is signed by all the members of the committee and filed with
the minutes of the committee proceedings. Such consent shall have the same
force and effect as a unanimous vote at a meeting.





                                      -19-
<PAGE>   24
                                   ARTICLE V

                                    OFFICERS

         SECTION 5.1 NUMBER AND TITLE. The elected officers of the Corporation
shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a Chief Executive
Officer, the President, a Vice President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The
Board of Directors may also choose a Chairman of the Board, who must be a
member of the Board of Directors, and additional Vice Presidents (including one
or more Senior Vice Presidents), Assistant Secretaries and/or Assistant
Treasurers. One person may hold any two or more of these offices.

         SECTION 5.2 TERM OF OFFICE; VACANCIES. So far as is practicable, all
elected officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors at the annual
meeting of the Board of Directors in each year, and except as otherwise
provided in this Article V, shall hold office until the next such meeting of
the Board of Directors in the subsequent year and until their respective
successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or
removal. All appointed officers shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board
of Directors. If any vacancy shall occur in any office, the Board of Directors
may elect or appoint a successor to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the
term.

         SECTION 5.3 REMOVAL OF ELECTED OFFICERS. Any elected officer may be
removed at any time, with or without cause, by affirmative vote of a majority
of the whole Board of Directors, at any regular meeting or at any special
meeting called for such purpose.

         SECTION 5.4 RESIGNATIONS. Any officer may resign at any time upon
written notice of resignation to the Chief Executive Officer, Secretary or
Board of Directors of the Corporation. Any resignation shall be effective
immediately unless a date certain is specified for it to take effect, in which
event it shall be effective upon such date, and acceptance of any resignation
shall not be





                                      -20-
<PAGE>   25
necessary to make it effective, irrespective of whether the resignation is
tendered subject to such acceptance. Any such resignation is without prejudice
to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract to which the
officer is a party.

         SECTION 5.5 THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The Chairman of the Board, if
one shall be elected, shall preside at all meetings of the Stockholders and
Board of Directors. In addition, the Chairman of the Board shall perform
whatever duties and shall exercise all powers that are given to him by the
Board of Directors.

         SECTION 5.6 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. (a) The Chief Executive Officer
shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and, subject to the
supervision, direction and control of the Board of Directors and the Chairman
of the Board (if any), shall have general supervision, direction and control of
the business and officers of the Corporation with all such powers as may be
reasonably incident to such responsibilities. The Chief Executive Officer shall
implement the general directives, plans and policies formulated by the Board of
Directors and shall further have such duties, responsibilities and authorities
as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive
Officer shall have the general powers and duties of management usually vested
in the chief executive officer of a corporation.

                 (b)      During the time of any vacancy in the office of
Chairman of the Board or in the event of the absence or disability of the
Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer shall have the duties and
powers of the Chairman of the Board unless otherwise determined by the Board of
Directors. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, if one be elected, the
Chief Executive Officer shall preside at meetings of the Stockholders and Board
of Directors and shall be ex officio a member of all standing committees.
During the time of any vacancy in the office of President or





                                      -21-
<PAGE>   26
in the event of the absence or disability of the President, the Chief Executive
Officer shall have the duties and powers of the President unless otherwise
determined by the Board of Directors. In no event shall any third party having
any dealings with the Corporation be bound to inquire as to any facts required
by the terms of this Section 5.6 for the exercise by the Chief Executive
Officer of the powers of the Chairman of the Board or the President.

         SECTION 5.7 PRESIDENT. (a) The President shall be the chief operating
officer of the Corporation and, subject to the supervision, direction and
control of the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, shall manage
the day-to-day operations of the Corporation. He shall have the general powers
and duties of management usually vested in the chief operating officer of a
corporation and such other powers and duties as may be assigned to him by the
Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or these Bylaws. The President
may sign, with any other proper officer, certificates for shares of the
Corporation and any deeds, bonds, mortgages, contracts and other documents
which the Board of Directors has authorized to be executed, except where
required by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except where the
signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board or
Directors or these Bylaws, to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.
In the absence of the President, his duties shall be performed and his
authority may be exercised by the Chief Executive Officer or a Vice President
of the Corporation as may have been designated by the President with the right
reserved to the Board of Directors to designate or supersede any designation so
made.

                 (b)      During the time of any vacancy in the offices of the
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer or in the event of the
absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive
Officer, the President shall have the duties and powers of the Chief





                                      -22-
<PAGE>   27
Executive Officer unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors. In no
event shall any third party having any dealings with the Corporation be bound
to inquire as to any facts required by the terms of this Section 5.7 for the
exercise by the President of the powers of the Chief Executive Officer.

         SECTION 5.8 VICE PRESIDENTS. In the absence or disability of the
President, the Vice Presidents, if any, in order of their rank as fixed by the
Board of Directors, or if not ranked, the Vice President designated by the
President, shall perform all the duties of the President as chief operating
officer of the Corporation, and when so acting shall have all the powers of,
and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the President as chief operating
officer of the Corporation. In no event shall any third party having dealings
with the Corporation be bound to inquire as to any facts required by the terms
of this Section 5.8 for the exercise by any Vice President of the powers of the
President as chief operating officer of the Corporation. The Vice Presidents
shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time
may be assigned to them by these Bylaws and as may from time to time be
assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the
President, and may sign, with any other proper officer, certificates for shares
of the Corporation.

         SECTION 5.9 SECRETARY. The Secretary shall keep or cause to be kept,
at the principal office of the Corporation or such other place as the Board of
Directors may order, a book of minutes of all meetings and actions of the Board
of Directors, committees of the Board of Directors and Stockholders, with the
time and place of holding, whether regular or special, and, if special, how
authorized, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at meetings of
the Board of Directors and committees thereof, the number of shares present or
represented at Stockholders' meetings and the proceedings thereof. The
Secretary, if available, shall attend all meetings of the Board of





                                      -23-
<PAGE>   28
Directors and all meetings of the Stockholders and record the proceedings of
the meetings in a book to be kept for that purpose and shall perform like
duties for any committee of the Board of Directors as the Board of Directors or
such committee shall designate him to serve. The Secretary shall give, or cause
to be given, notice of all meetings of the Stockholders and meetings of the
Board of Directors and committees thereof and shall perform such other duties
incident to the office of secretary or as may be prescribed by the Board of
Directors or the President, under whose supervision he shall be. The Secretary
shall have custody of the corporate seal of the Corporation and he, or any
Assistant Secretary, or any other person whom the Board of Directors may
designate, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring
it, and when so affixed it may be attested by his signature or by the signature
of any Assistant Secretary or by the signature of such other person so affixing
such seal.

         SECTION 5.10 ASSISTANT SECRETARIES. Each Assistant Secretary shall
have the usual powers and duties pertaining to his office, together with such
other powers and duties as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors,
the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary. The Assistant
Secretary or such other person as may be designated by the Chief Executive
Officer shall exercise the powers of the Secretary during that officer's
absence or inability to act.

         SECTION 5.11 TREASURER. The Treasurer shall have the custody of and be
responsible for the corporate funds and securities, shall keep full and
accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in the books belonging to the
Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name
and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated
by the Board of Directors. He shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as
may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such
disbursements, and shall render to the President and





                                      -24-
<PAGE>   29
the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the Board of Directors
so requires, an account of all his transactions as Treasurer and of the
financial condition of the Corporation and he shall perform all other duties
incident to the position of Treasurer, or as may be prescribed by the Board of
Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.  If required by the Board of
Directors, he shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such
surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the
faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the restoration to the
Corporation, in case of his death, resignation, retirement or removal from
office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever
kind in his possession or under his control belonging to the Corporation.

         SECTION 5.12 ASSISTANT TREASURERS. Each Assistant Treasurer shall have
the usual powers and duties pertaining to his office, together with such other
powers and duties as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors, the
President or the Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer or such other person
designated by the Chief Executive Officer shall exercise the power of the
Treasurer during that officer's absence or inability to act.

         SECTION 5.13 SUBORDINATE OFFICERS. The Board of Directors may (a)
appoint such other subordinate officers and agents as it shall deem necessary
who shall hold their offices for such terms, have such authority and perform
such duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, or (b)
delegate to any committee or officer the power to appoint any such subordinate
officers or agents.

         SECTION 5.14 SALARIES AND COMPENSATION. The salary or other
compensation of officers shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to





                                      -25-
<PAGE>   30
any committee or officer the power to fix from time to time the salary or other
compensation of officers and agents.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                INDEMNIFICATION

         SECTION 6.1 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. (a) The
Corporation (i) shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the
fact that such person is or was, at any time prior to or during which this
Article VI is in effect, a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or
was, at any time prior to or during which this Article VI is in effect, serving
at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or employee
benefit plan and (ii) upon a determination by the Board of Directors that
indemnification is appropriate, the Corporation may indemnify any person who
was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened,
pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the
Corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was, at any time
prior to or during which this Article VI is in effect, an employee or agent of
the Corporation or at the request of the Corporation was serving as an employee
or agent of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other
enterprise or employee benefit plan, in the case of (i) and (ii) against
reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, penalties,
amounts paid in settlement and other liabilities actually and reasonably
incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if
such person acted in good faith and in





                                      -26-
<PAGE>   31
a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests
of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. The termination
of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or
upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create
a presumption that such person did not act in good faith and in a manner which
he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

         (b)     The Corporation (i) shall indemnify any person who was or is a
party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a
judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was, at any
time prior to or during which this Article VI is in effect, a director or
officer of the Corporation, or is or was, at any time prior to or during which
this Article VI is in effect, serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust,
employee benefit plan or other enterprise and (ii) upon a determination by the
Board of Directors that indemnification is appropriate, the Corporation may
indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party
to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of
the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that
such person is or was, at any time prior to or during which this Article VI is
in effect, an employee or agent of the Corporation or at the request of the
Corporation was serving as an employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise,
in the case of (i) and (ii) against expenses (including attorneys' fees),
actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense
or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in





                                      -27-
<PAGE>   32
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the Corporation; provided, that no indemnification shall
be made under this sub-section (b) in respect of any claim, issue or matter as
to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation
unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery, or other
court of appropriate jurisdiction, shall determine upon application that,
despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of
the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity of such
expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery, or other court of appropriate
jurisdiction, shall deem proper.

         (c)     Any indemnification under sub-sections (a) or (b) (unless
ordered by the Delaware Court of Chancery or other court of appropriate
jurisdiction) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the
specific case upon a determination that indemnification of such person is
proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of
conduct set forth in sub-sections (a) and (b). Such determination shall be made
(1) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of
directors not parties to such action, suit or proceeding; or (2) if such a
quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested
directors so directs, by independent legal counsel, in written opinion,
selected by the Board of Directors; or (3) by the Stockholders. In the event a
determination is made under this sub-section (c) that the director, officer,
employee or agent has met the applicable standard of conduct as to some matters
but not as to others, amounts to be indemnified may be reasonably prorated.

         (d)     Expenses incurred by a person who is or was a director or
officer of the Corporation in appearing at, participating in or defending any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, shall be paid by the Corporation





                                      -28-
<PAGE>   33
at reasonable intervals in advance of the final disposition of such action,
suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the
director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined
that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized by
this Article VI. In addition, the Corporation shall pay or reimburse expenses
incurred by any person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation
in connection with such person's appearance as a witness or other participant
in a proceeding in which such person or the Corporation is not a named party to
such proceeding, provided that such appearance or participation is on behalf of
the Corporation or by reason of his capacity as a director or officer, or
former director or officer of the Corporation.

         (e)     If in a suit or proceeding for indemnification required under
this Article VI of a director or officer, or former director or officer, of the
Corporation or any of its affiliates, a court of competent jurisdiction
determines that such person is entitled to indemnification under this Article
VI, the court shall award, and the Corporation shall pay, to such person the
expenses incurred in securing such judicial determination.

         (f)     It is the intention of the Corporation to indemnify the
persons referred to in this Article VI to the fullest extent permitted by law
and with respect to any action, suit or proceeding arising from events which
occur at any time prior to or during which this Article VI is in effect. The
indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by this Article VI shall
not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking
indemnification or advancement of expenses may be or become entitled under any
law, the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, agreement, the vote of
Stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, or under any policy or
policies of insurance purchased and maintained by the Corporation on behalf of
any such person, both as to





                                      -29-
<PAGE>   34
action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while
holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a
director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the
heirs, executors and administrators of such person.

         (g)     The indemnification provided by this Article VI shall be
subject to all valid and applicable laws, and, in the event this Article VI or
any of the provisions hereof or the indemnification contemplated hereby are
found to be inconsistent with or contrary to any such valid laws, the latter
shall be deemed to control and this Article VI shall be regarded as modified
accordingly, and, as so modified, to continue in full force and effect.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                                 CAPITAL STOCK

         SECTION 7.1 CERTIFICATES OF STOCK. Certificates of stock shall be
issued to each Stockholder certifying the number of shares owned by him in the
Corporation and shall be in a form not inconsistent with the Certificate of
Incorporation and as approved by the Board of Directors. The certificates shall
be signed by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the
President or a Vice President and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary,
or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer and may be sealed with the seal of
the Corporation or a facsimile thereof. Any or all of the signatures on the
certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or
registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a
certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar
before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the
same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date
of issue.





                                      -30-
<PAGE>   35
         If the Corporation shall be authorized to issue more than one (1)
class of stock or more than one (1) series of any class, the powers,
designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications,
limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set
forth in full or summarized on the face or back of the certificate which the
Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock, provided
that, except as otherwise provided by statute, in lieu of the foregoing
requirements, there may be set forth on the face or back of the certificate
which the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock, a
statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each Stockholder
who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or
series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such
preferences and/or rights. The Board of Directors shall have the power and
authority to provide that certificates representing shares of stock of the
Corporation bear such legends and statements as the Board of Directors deems
appropriate in connection with the requirements of federal or state securities
laws or other applicable laws.

         SECTION 7.2 LOST CERTIFICATES. The Board of Directors may direct a new
certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the
Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of
an affidavit of that fact by the owner of such certificate, or his legal
representative. When authorizing the issuance of a new certificate, the Board
of Directors may in its discretion, as a condition precedent to the issuance
thereof, require the owner, or his legal representative, to give a bond in such
form and substance with such surety as it may direct, to indemnify the
Corporation against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss,
theft or destruction of such certificate or the issuance of such new
certificate.





                                      -31-
<PAGE>   36
         SECTION 7.3 FIXING DATE FOR DETERMINATION OF STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD
FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES. (a) In order that the Corporation may determine the
Stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution
or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of
any change, conversion or exchange of capital stock or for the purpose of any
other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date,
which shall not be more than 60 days prior to the date of payment of such
dividend or other distribution or allotment of such rights or the date when any
such rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock may be
exercised or the date of such other action. In such a case, only Stockholders
of record on the date so fixed shall be entitled to receive any such dividend
or other distribution or allotment of rights or to exercise such rights or for
any other purpose, as the case may be, notwithstanding any transfer of any
stock on the books of the Corporation after any such record date fixed as
aforesaid.

         (b)     If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining
Stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day
on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

         SECTION 7.4 DIVIDENDS. Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of
Incorporation, if any, and except as otherwise provided by law, the directors
may declare dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation as and when
they deem it to be expedient. Such dividends may be paid in cash, in property
or in shares of the Corporation's capital stock. Before declaring any dividend
the Directors may set apart out of the funds of the Corporation available for
dividend such sum or sums as the directors from time to time in their
discretion think proper for working capital or as a reserve fund to meet
contingencies or for equalizing dividends, or for such other purposes as the
directors





                                      -32-
<PAGE>   37
shall determine to be conducive to the interests of the Corporation and the
directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was
created.

         SECTION 7.5 REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS. Except as expressly provided by
law, the Certificate of Incorporation and these Bylaws, the Corporation shall
be entitled to treat registered Stockholders as the only holders and owners in
fact of the shares standing in their respective names and the Corporation shall
not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such
shares on the part of any other person, regardless of whether it shall have
express or other notice thereof.

         SECTION 7.6 TRANSFER OF STOCK. Transfers of shares of the capital
stock of the Corporation shall be made only on the books of the Corporation by
the registered owners thereof, or by their legal representatives or their duly
authorized attorneys. Upon any such transfers the old certificates shall be
surrendered to the Corporation by the delivery thereof to the person in charge
of the stock transfer books and ledgers, by whom they shall be canceled and new
certificates shall thereupon be issued.

         SECTION 7.7 STOCK OPTIONS, WARRANTS, ETC. Unless otherwise expressly
prohibited in the resolutions of the Board of Directors creating any class or
series of preferred stock of the Corporation, the Board of Directors shall have
the power and authority to create and issue (whether or not in connection with
the issue and sale of any stock or other securities of the Corporation),
warrants, rights or options entitling the holders thereof to purchase from the
Corporation any shares of capital stock of the Corporation of any class or
series or any other securities of the Corporation for such consideration and to
such persons, firms or Corporations as the Board of Directors, in its sole
discretion, may determine setting aside from the authorized but unissued stock
of the Corporation the requisite number of shares for issuance upon the
exercise of such warrants, rights or options. Such warrants, rights and options
shall be evidenced by one or more instruments





                                      -33-
<PAGE>   38
approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall be empowered
to set the exercise price, duration, time for exercise and other terms of such
warrants, rights and operations; provided, however, that the consideration to
be received for any shares of capital stock subject thereto shall not be less
than the par value thereof.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

         SECTION 8.1 CORPORATE SEAL. If one be adopted, the corporate seal
shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation and shall be in such
form as may be approved by the Board of Directors. Said seal may be used by
causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any manner
reproduced.

         SECTION 8.2 FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be
fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

         SECTION 8.3 CHECKS, DRAFTS, NOTES. All checks, drafts or other orders
for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in
the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent
or agents of the Corporation, and in such manner as shall from time to time be
determined by resolution (whether general or special) of the Board of Directors
or may be prescribed by any officer or officers, or any officer and agent
jointly, thereunto duly authorized by the Board of Directors.

         SECTION 8.4 CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS. Subject always to the
specific directions of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board (if
any), the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Vice President, the
Secretary or the Treasurer may enter into contracts and execute instruments in
the name and on behalf of the Corporation. The Board of Directors and, subject
to





                                      -34-
<PAGE>   39
the specific directions of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board
(if any), the Chief Executive Officer or the President may authorize one or
more officers, employees or agents of the Corporation to enter into any contact
or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, and
such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

         SECTION 8.5 NOTICE AND WAIVER OF NOTICE. Whenever notice is required
to be given to any director or Stockholder under the provisions of applicable
law, the Certificate of Incorporation or of these Bylaws it shall not be
construed to only mean personal notice, rather, such notice may also be given
in writing, by mail, addressed to such director or Stockholder at his address
as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid
(unless prior to the mailing of such notice he shall have filed with the
Secretary of the Corporation a written request that notices intended for him be
mailed to some other address in which case, such notice shall be mailed to the
address designated in the request), and such notice shall be deemed to be given
at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Notice
to directors may also be given by telegram, cable or other form of recorded
communication, by personal delivery or by telephone. Whenever notice is
required to be given under any provision of law, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing, by telegraph, cable
or other form of recorded communication, signed by the person or persons
entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall
be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall
constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a
meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting,
to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not
lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the
purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Stockholders, directors, or
members of a committee of





                                      -35-
<PAGE>   40
directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice unless so required
by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.

         SECTION 8.6 EXAMINATION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS. The Board of Directors
shall determine from time to time whether, and if allowed, when and under what
conditions and regulations the accounts and books of the Corporation (except
such as may by statute be specifically opened to inspection) or any of them
shall be open to inspection by the Stockholders, and the Stockholders' rights
in this respect are and shall be restricted and limited accordingly.

         SECTION 8.7 VOTING UPON SHARES HELD BY THE CORPORATION. Unless
otherwise provided by law or by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the
Board of Directors, if one shall be elected, or the Chief Executive Officer, if
a Chairman of the Board of Directors shall not be elected, acting on behalf of
the Corporation, shall have full power and authority to attend and to act and
to vote at any meeting of Stockholders of any corporation in which the
Corporation may hold stock and, at any such meeting, shall possess and may
exercise any and all of the rights and powers incident to the ownership of such
stock which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have possessed and
exercised, if present.  The Board of Directors by resolution from time to time
may confer like powers upon any person or persons.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                   AMENDMENTS

         SECTION 9.1 AMENDMENT. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the
Certificate of Incorporation, the directors, by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the entire Board of Directors and without the assent or vote of the
Stockholders, may at any meeting, provided the substance of the proposed
amendment shall have been stated in the notice of the meeting, make, repeal,
alter, amend or rescind any of these Bylaws. The Stockholders shall not make,
repeal, alter, amend





                                      -36-
<PAGE>   41
or rescind any of the provisions of these Bylaws except by the holders of not
less than 80% of the total voting power of all shares of stock of the
Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors, considered for
purposes of this Article IX as one class.





                                      -37-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.1

                        SPECIMEN COMMON STOCK CERTIFICATE


     The common stock certificate indicates that the corporation is incorporated
under the laws of the State of Delaware, the par value of the shares is $.01 and
that the shares are denominated Common Stock. The certificate further states
that it is transferable in New York, New York and lists the CUSIP number. The
certificate states that the shares are fully paid and non-assessable shares, and
the certificate bears the seal of the corporation along with the signatures of
the Chief Executive Officer and the Secretary of the corporation and the 
countersignature of First Chicago Trust Company of New York, Transfer Agent and
Registrar.

               The reverse side of the certificate is as follows:


                            Monterey Resources, Inc.


     Any shareholder may obtain, without charge, by request to the Office of the
Secretary of the Corporation, a statement of the rights, preferences, powers,
privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed  upon each class or series of
shares authorized to be issued by the Corporation and upon the holders thereof.

     The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

 TEN COM           --       as tenants in common
 TEN END           --       as tenants by the entireties
  JT TEN           --       as joint tenants with right of survivorship and 
                            not as tenants in common

  UNIF GIFT MIN ACT  -- _____________ Custodian _______________
                            (Cust)                  (Minor)
                  under Uniform Gift to Minors Act ______________________
                                                            (State)

    Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.


For Value Received __________________________________________________________
hereby sell, assign and transfer unto PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER 
IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

(NAME AND ADDRESS OF TRANSFEREE SHOULD BE PRINTED OR TYPEWRITTEN)

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________
                              
shares represented by the within Certificate and do hereby irrevocably 
constitute and appoint                 Attorney to transfer the said shares on 
the share register of the within-named Corporation, with full power of 
substitution in the premises.


Dated ________________

NOTICE:  The signature to this Assignment must correspond with the name(s) as
         written upon the face of the certificate in every particular without
         alternation or enlargement or any change whatever.


                                                   -----------------------------
                                                              SIGNATURE


                                                     




<PAGE>   1
                     [ANDREWS & KURTH L.L.P. LETTERHEAD]

                              October ____, 1996



Monterrey Resources, Inc.
5201 Truxtun Avenue
Suite No. 100
Bakersfield, California 93309

Gentlemen:

         We have acted as counsel for Monterrey Resources, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (the "Registration Statement") relating to the
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of the offering and
sale of up to an aggregate of 9,085,000 shares (the "Shares") of common stock,
$.01 par value per share (the "Common Stock"). The Shares include 7,900,000
shares being offered by the Company and 1,185,000 shares of Common Stock being
offered by the Company which may be sold pursuant to an over-allotment option
granted to the Underwriters named in the Registration Statement.

         As the basis for the opinion hereinafter expressed, we have examined
such statutes, regulations, corporate records and documents, certificates of
corporate and public officials, and other instruments as we have deemed
necessary or advisable for the purposes of this opinion. In such examination we
have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and
the conformity with the original documents of all documents submitted to us as
copies.

         Based on the foregoing and on such legal considerations as we deem
relevant, we are of the opinion that the Shares to be issued and sold by the
Company, when issued and paid for as described in the Registration Statement,
will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

         We express no opinion other than as to laws of the United States and
of the State of Texas and the corporate law of the State of Delaware.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm under the heading
"Validity of the Common Stock" in the Prospectus without admitting that we are
"experts" under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and
regulations of the Commission issued thereunder, with respect to any part of
the Registration Statement, including this exhibit.

         This opinion is rendered solely for your benefit in connection with
the above matter and may not be relied upon in any manner by any other person
or entity without our express written consent.

                                        Very truly yours,






<PAGE>   1
   
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1
    


                     CONVEYANCE AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT


                 This Conveyance and Contribution Agreement (this "Agreement"),
dated effective 7:00 a.m., Pacific Time, _________________, 1996 (the
"Effective Date"), is from Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Santa Fe"), having its principal office at 1616 S. Voss Road,
Houston, Texas 77057 to Monterey Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Monterey"), having its principal office at 5201 Truxtun Avenue, Suite No.
100, Bakersfield, California 93309.  Santa Fe and Monterey are hereinafter
sometimes referred to individually as a "Party" and collectively as the
"Parties."

                                    RECITAL

                 Santa Fe is executing and delivering this Agreement to convey
and contribute all property and other assets to Monterey that are held by Santa
Fe in its Western Division in the State of California, other than certain
excluded assets, as more fully described herein, and to perform certain other
acts in connection with such conveyance and contribution.  Monterey is
executing this Agreement in performance of its obligations to assume certain
liabilities of Santa Fe with respect to such property and assets and to
undertake certain other obligations in connection with such conveyance and
contribution.

                 NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the Parties agree
and grant as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1

                                  DEFINITIONS

                 1.1      Defined Terms.  The following definitions shall apply
to the following terms when used in this Agreement:

                 "Agreement" is defined in the introductory paragraph of this
instrument.

   
                 "Ancillary Agreements" means the Spin-Off Tax Indemnity
Agreement, Corporate Services Agreement, Tax Allocation Agreement, and
Registration Rights and Indemnification Agreement, all between Monterey and
Santa Fe and dated of even date herewith.
    

                 "Assistance Costs" is defined in Section 3.11(d).





                                                                          Page 1
<PAGE>   2
                 "Assumed Liabilities" means (a) the liabilities, obligations,
and other matters of Santa Fe described in Exhibit A, and (b) all other
liabilities, losses, costs, expenses, fines, penalties, payments, and other
obligations of Santa Fe relating to or arising out of the Subject Assets or the
Business, whether accrued, contingent, known or unknown, and whether or not
reflected on the books and records of Santa Fe on the date of this Agreement,
excluding, however, (x) the Retained Liabilities and (y) obligations and
liabilities of Santa Fe under the Ancillary Agreements.

                 "Business" means all of the business activities now or
heretofore conducted by Santa Fe, its affiliates, and its and their
predecessors in interest, in the Business Area, including the oil and gas
exploration, development, and production business of Santa Fe and the
businesses and operations identified in Exhibit B.

                 "Business Area" means the State of California and all lands
lying in federal or state waters seaward of the west coast of the State of
California.

                 "Excluded Assets" means the following assets:

                 (a)      The assets described in Exhibit C, and all rights,
         privileges and benefits pertaining to the assets described in Exhibit
         C;

                 (b)      All of Santa Fe's right, title and interest in and to
         all non-proprietary seismic, geological, geophysical and similar data
         and computer software related to the Subject Assets, to the extent
         Santa Fe is contractually prohibited by unaffiliated third parties
         from transferring such data and software;

   
                 (c)      All proprietary computer software (including, without
         limitation, tapes, data, and program documentation) and other
         intellectual property that is used in, or useful to, Santa Fe's
         retained businesses and operations;
    

                 (d)      Except as provided in Section 3.11, all of Santa Fe's
         rights under all policies or agreements of insurance or indemnity; and

                 (e)      All cash, proceeds, income, or revenues accruing with
         respect to the other Excluded Assets described above.

   
                 "Insurance Administration" means, for each Policy, the
accounting for premiums, retrospectively-rated premiums, defense costs,
indemnity payments, deductibles, and retentions as appropriate under each such
Policy, and the distribution of Insurance Proceeds under each such Policy.
    





                                                                          Page 2
<PAGE>   3
   
                 "Insurance Proceeds" means, for each Policy, those monies (i)
received by an insured from an insurance carrier or (ii) paid by an insurance
carrier on behalf of the insured, in either case, net of any applicable premium
adjustment, retrospectively-rated premium, deductible, retention, cost or
reserve paid or held by or for the benefit of such insured.
    

   
                 "Insured Claims" means, for a Policy, those claims, losses,
liabilities, costs, and expenses that, individually or in the aggregate, are
covered by such Policy, whether or not subject to deductibles, co-insurance,
uncollectability or retrospectively-rated premium adjustments, but only to the
extent that such claims, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses are within
the limits of such Policy.
    

                 "IPO Date" means the closing date for the initial public
offering of the common stock of Monterey.

   
                 "New Credit Facility" means the note agreement described in 
item 4 in Exhibit A.
    

                 "Party" and "Parties" are defined in the introductory
paragraph of this Agreement.

                 "Perpetuities Period" means that period of time commencing on
the date of this Agreement and ending 21 years after the death of the last to
die of all descendants of Joseph P. Kennedy, father of our late President, John
F.  Kennedy, who are living on the date of this Agreement.

   
                 "Person" means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a
trust, an unincorporated organization, a governmental agency, an association or
any other entity.
    

   
                 "Policies" means insurance policies and contracts of indemnity
described in Exhibit G.
    

                 "Restriction" is defined in Section 3.5.

   
                 "Retained Liabilities" means (a) the liabilities, obligations,
and matters of Santa Fe described in Exhibit H and (b) all losses, costs,
expenses, fines, penalties, payments, and other obligations related to the
Excluded Assets.
    

   
                 "Santa Fe Group" is defined in Section 3.4(a).
    

   
                 "Series G Notes" means the senior notes described in item 3 in
Exhibit A.
    

                 "Specific Conveyances" is defined in Section 3.6.





                                                                          Page 3
<PAGE>   4
                 "Spin-Off" means the sale, distribution, or other disposition
of the remaining shares of common stock held by Santa Fe after the IPO Date in
a single transaction or series of transactions.

   
                "Spin-Off Date" means the date on which the Spin-Off first 
         occurs.
    

                 "Subject Assets" means all of the assets owned by Santa Fe in
the Business Area or used or held for use by Santa Fe solely to conduct the
Business, on the Effective Date, including the following assets:

   
                 (a)      All right, title, and interest of Santa Fe in and to
         the plots, pieces, and parcels of land, surface estates, and fee
         interests of Santa Fe in the Business Area, including those described
         in Exhibit D (collectively, the "Lands");
    

   
                 (b)      "All right, title, and interest of Santa Fe in and to
         (i) the estates created by the oil and gas leases (and the undivided
         interests therein), operating rights, mineral servitudes, and fee,
         mineral, royalty, and overriding interests of Santa Fe in the Business
         Area, including those described in, or created by the instruments
         described in, Exhibit D and (ii) the easements, permits, licenses,
         rights-of-way, surface leases, and other surface rights held by Santa
         Fe in the Business Area, including those described in, or created by
         the instruments described in, Exhibit D (collectively, the "Oil and
         Gas Interests");
    

   
                 (c)      All right, title, and interest of Santa Fe in all
         presently existing and valid unitization, pooling and communitization
         agreements, declarations and orders and production sharing agreements,
         and the properties covered and the units created thereby (including
         all units formed under orders, regulations, rules, or other official
         acts of any federal, state, or other governmental agency having
         jurisdiction), to the extent attributable to any of the Lands or the
         Oil and Gas Interests;
    

   
                 (d)      All right, title, and interest of Santa Fe in
         existing and valid oil, casinghead gas and gas sales, purchase,
         exchange, transportation and processing contracts, operating
         agreements, joint venture agreements, partnership agreements,
         participation agreements, exploration agreements, farmin and farmout
         agreements, acreage contribution agreements, bidding agreements,
         option agreements, purchase and sale agreements, advance payment
         agreements, and all other contracts to the extent attributable to any
         of the Lands or the Oil and Gas Interests or the Business, including
         those contracts, agreements, and instruments set forth on Exhibit E;
    

   
                 (e)     All right, title, and interest of Santa Fe in all 
         improvements, wells,
    





                                                                          Page 4
<PAGE>   5
   
         wellbores, casing, tubing, tanks, buildings, fixtures, compression and
         steam generation facilities, pipelines, gathering systems, lines
         and other appurtenances, easements and facilities, production
         platforms, drilling platforms, docks, shore facilities and bases, radio
         and microwave equipment (and associated licenses), and vessels to the
         extent located in, on or under any of the Lands or Oil and Gas
         Interests or used or held for use as a part of the Business as
         presently conducted;
    

                 (f)      All right, title, and interest of Santa Fe in all
         seismic, geological, geophysical and similar data related to the
         Subject Assets, all lease files, land files, legal files, well files,
         gas and oil sales contract files, division order files, abstracts,
         title opinions, land surveys, computer software (including tapes, data
         and program documentation), and all other books, records, files, and
         accounting records to the extent attributable to or used in the
         exploration, development, maintenance, or operation of any of the
         Subject Assets described in subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e)
         above or the Business (collectively, the "Records");

                 (g)      All of the following:

                          (i)     All right, title, and interest of Santa Fe in
                 and to all inventories of oil, gas and other petroleum
                 products, tubular goods, supplies and tools, in each case to
                 the extent produced from or held for use on the Subject Assets
                 described in subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) above;
                 and

   
                          (ii)    All right, title, and interest of Santa Fe in
                 all other personal property to the extent used or held for use
                 in connection with the exploration, development, operation, or
                 maintenance of the Subject Assets described in subsections
                 (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) above, including office furniture
                 and equipment, computer hardware, leasehold interests therein;
    

                 (h)      All right, title, and interest of Santa Fe in and to
         all governmental permits, licenses, franchises, registrations, and
         similar rights relating to the Business or the Subject Assets;

                 (i)      All right, title, and interest of Santa Fe in and to
         all automobiles, trucks, trailers, other vehicles, and similar assets
         used in connection with the Business, including leasehold interests
         therein;

                 (j)      Cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
         goodwill, claims, causes of action and choses in action relating to
         the Subject Assets and the Business;





                                                                          Page 5
<PAGE>   6
   
                 (k)      All right, title, and interest of Santa Fe in and to
         the stock certificates, partnership interests, contract rights, and
         other intangible interests described in Exhibit F;
    

                 (l)      All of Santa Fe's right, title, and interest in and
         to any patents, trade secrets, copyrights, or other intellectual
         property rights that relate solely to the Subject Assets; and

                 (m)      All rights, benefits, privileges and appurtenances
         pertaining to any of the foregoing;

         less and except, however, the Excluded Assets.

                 "Title Policy" is defined in Section 3.1.

                 "Uninsured Retentions" is defined in Section 3.11(f).


                                   ARTICLE 2

                 CONTRIBUTION AND CONVEYANCE OF SUBJECT ASSETS
                                  TO MONTEREY

                 2.1      Contribution and Conveyance of Subject Assets.  Santa
Fe hereby grants, conveys, assigns, transfers, contributes, and delivers unto
Monterey, its successors and assigns, forever, all of its right, title, and
interest in and to the Subject Assets, subject, however, to the terms and
conditions stated in this Agreement.

                 TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above described interests in the
Subject Assets unto Monterey, its successors and assigns, forever, subject,
however, to the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement.

                 2.2      Assumption of Certain Liabilities by Monterey.
Monterey hereby assumes and agrees to pay, perform, and discharge the Assumed
Liabilities, to the full extent that Santa Fe has been or would be obligated to
pay, perform, and discharge the Assumed Liabilities.

   
                 2.3      Reservation of Production Payment.  Santa Fe hereby
reserves and retains unto Santa Fe, its successors and assigns, as a production
payment, a variable undivided interest in and to certain of the Subject Assets,
as more particularly provided in the Reservation of Production-Payment Interest
attached hereto as Exhibit I.
    





                                                                          Page 6
<PAGE>   7
                                   ARTICLE 3

                                OTHER PROVISIONS

                 3.1      Real Property Covered by Title Policies.  With
respect to any Subject Asset that (a) constitutes real property or an interest
in real property, and (b) is covered by a policy of title insurance that is in
favor of, or otherwise provides protection in its capacity as owner to, Santa
Fe (a "Title Policy"), the following provisions shall apply:

                 (i)      Santa Fe binds itself and its successors and assigns
         to warrant and forever defend all and singular such Subject Asset to
         Monterey, its successors and assigns, against every person whomsoever
         lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof; subject,
         however, to the matters set forth in paragraph (ii) below.

                 (ii)     The contribution and conveyance of such Subject Asset
         made by Section 2.1 is made expressly subject to (A) those matters
         excluded or excepted from coverage under the applicable Title Policy
         and (B) all recorded and unrecorded liens, charges, encumbrances,
         contracts, agreements, instruments, obligations, defects and
         irregularities affecting such Subject Asset that have accrued or
         arisen since the effective date of the applicable Title Policy.

                 (iii)    The sole remedy for breach of the warranty contained
         in this Section 3.1 shall be recovery of damages limited to the
         amount, if any, recovered by Monterey or Santa Fe under the applicable
         Title Policy.

                 (iv)     Monterey hereby expressly waives and disclaims any
         remedies and damages, other than those provided for in paragraph (iii)
         above, that may be available under applicable law for breach of the
         warranty contained in this Section 3.1, including, without limitation,
         consequential damages, incidental damages, punitive damages, attorneys
         fees, and court costs.

                 (v)      Santa Fe and Monterey acknowledge that the warranty
         contained in this Section 3.1 would not have been granted had Santa Fe
         not also been able to limit the remedies available for breach of the
         warranty.  Santa Fe and Monterey therefore adopt the following
         procedure for ensuring that their mutual intent with regard to such
         warranty be respected.  If a court having jurisdiction over a Subject
         Asset subject to this Section 3.1 should determine that the limitation
         and waiver of remedies provided for herein are, under applicable law
         with respect to such Subject Asset, unenforceable, then (A) the
         warranty provided for in this Section 3.1 shall automatically be
         waived, negated, and disclaimed for such Subject Asset; (B) such
         Subject Asset shall automatically be deemed to have been





                                                                          Page 7
<PAGE>   8
         conveyed to Monterey subject to the matters set forth in Section 3.2
         and in the manner described in Section 3.3; and (C) Monterey shall
         execute and deliver or cause to be delivered such instruments as may
         be necessary to evidence the effect of this paragraph (v).

                 3.2      Encumbrances.  Except as provided in Section 3.1, the
contributions and conveyances made by Section 2.1 are made expressly subject to
all recorded and unrecorded liens, charges, encumbrances, contracts,
agreements, instruments, obligations, defects, and irregularities affecting the
Subject Assets.

                 3.3      Disclaimer of Warranties; Subrogation.

                 (a)      No Warranty of Title.  Except as provided in Section
3.1, the contributions and conveyances made by Section 2.1 are made without
warranty of title, express, implied or statutory, and without recourse even as
to the return of the purchase price, but with full substitution and subrogation
of Monterey, and all persons claiming by, through and under Monterey, to the
extent assignable, in and to all covenants and warranties by Santa Fe's
predecessors in title and with full subrogation of all rights accruing under
the statutes of limitation or prescription under the laws of various states in
which the Subject Assets are located and all rights of actions of warranty
against all former owners of the Subject Assets.

                 (b)      Disclaimer.  Monterey and Santa Fe agree that, to the
extent required by applicable law to be operative, the disclaimers of certain
warranties contained in this paragraph are "conspicuous" disclaimers for the
purposes of any applicable law, rule, or order.  Except as provided in Section
3.1, the Subject Assets are assigned to Monterey without recourse (even as to
the return of the purchase price), covenant or warranty of any kind, express,
implied, or statutory.  WITHOUT LIMITATION OF THE GENERALITY OF THE IMMEDIATELY
PRECEDING SENTENCE, SANTA FE HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND NEGATES ANY
REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED, AT COMMON LAW, BY STATUTE OR
OTHERWISE, RELATING TO (A) THE CONDITION OF THE SUBJECT ASSETS (INCLUDING,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESSED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, OF
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OF CONFORMITY TO MODELS OR SAMPLES OF
MATERIALS), OR (B) ANY INFRINGEMENT BY SANTA FE OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OF ANY
PATENT OR PROPRIETARY RIGHT OF ANY THIRD PARTY; IT BEING THE INTENTION OF SANTA
FE AND MONTEREY THAT THE SUBJECT ASSETS ARE TO BE CONVEYED IN THEIR PRESENT
CONDITION AND STATE OF REPAIR.

                 (c)      No Implied Warranties.  Any covenants implied by
statute or law by the use of the words "grant", "convey", "assign", "transfer",
"contribute", or "deliver", or any other words





                                                                          Page 8
<PAGE>   9
used in this Agreement (except those in Section 3.1), are hereby expressly
disclaimed, waived, and negated.

                 3.4      Indemnification.

   
                 (a)      Monterey's Indemnity.  MONTEREY AGREES TO PROTECT,
DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS SANTA FE AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS,
EMPLOYEES, AND REPRESENTATIVES (COLLECTIVELY, "SANTA FE GROUP") FROM AND
AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, COSTS, EXPENSES, LIABILITIES (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS' FEES,
COURT COSTS, AND OTHER COSTS OF SUIT), LOSSES, DAMAGES, PENALTIES, AND FINES
RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THE SUBJECT ASSETS OR THE ASSUMED LIABILITIES,
WHETHER ATTRIBUTABLE TO PERIODS BEFORE OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE, AND WHETHER
OR NOT ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SOLE, JOINT, AND/OR COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
LIABILITY, OR OTHER FAULT OF SANTA FE, ITS PREDECESSORS, AND ITS AND THEIR
EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES, OFFICERS, OR DIRECTORS.
    

                 (b)      Santa Fe's Indemnity.  SANTA FE AGREES TO PROTECT,
DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS MONTEREY AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS,
EMPLOYEES, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, COSTS, EXPENSES,
LIABILITIES (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS' FEES, COURT COSTS, AND OTHER COSTS OF SUIT),
LOSSES, DAMAGES, PENALTIES, AND FINES RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THE
EXCLUDED ASSETS OR THE RETAINED LIABILITIES, WHETHER ATTRIBUTABLE TO PERIODS
BEFORE OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE, AND WHETHER OR NOT ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE
SOLE, JOINT, AND/OR COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHER FAULT OF
MONTEREY AND ITS EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES, OFFICERS, OR DIRECTORS.

                 3.5      Restrictions on Conveyance.  Santa Fe and Monterey
acknowledge that (a) there may exist certain prohibitions against the
conveyance or assignment of certain of the Subject Assets without the consent
of third parties (including governmental agencies); and (b) certain of the
Subject Assets may be incapable of being conveyed or assigned to Monterey prior
to the execution, acknowledgment, and/or delivery of Specific Conveyances.
Both types of impediments to conveyance or assignment are referred to herein as
a "Restriction."  Any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, the following provisions shall apply to all Subject Assets
burdened by a Restriction:

                 (i)      The conveyance or assignment to Monterey shall not
         become effective unless and until such time as the Restriction is
         satisfied.




                                                                          Page 9
<PAGE>   10
                 (ii)     Santa Fe and Monterey shall each use their reasonable
         efforts to cause the Restriction to be satisfied.

                 (iii)    When and if the Restriction is satisfied, the
         conveyance or assignment to Monterey shall become automatically
         effective as to such Subject Asset as of the date of this Agreement.

                 (iv)     If (A) any of the Subject Assets burdened by a
         Restriction constitutes real property or an interest in real property,
         and (B) such Restriction is not satisfied within the Perpetuities
         Period, then the conveyance or assignment to Monterey of such Subject
         Asset shall be null and void.

                 3.6      Further Assurances.  Without further consideration,
Santa Fe and Monterey agree to take all such further actions and execute,
acknowledge, and deliver all such further documents that are necessary or
useful in carrying out the purposes of this Agreement.  So long as not
prohibited by applicable laws so to do:

                 (a)      Santa Fe agrees to execute, acknowledge, and deliver
to Monterey and, if applicable, record in the official property records of the
applicable jurisdiction, all such additional deeds, conveyances, assignments,
bills of sale, motor vehicle titles, and other documents (the "Specific
Conveyances"), and to do all such further acts and things as may be necessary
more fully and effectively to grant, convey, assign, transfer, contribute, and
deliver to Monterey the interests in the Subject Assets contributed and
conveyed by this Agreement or intended so to be.  The Specific Conveyances (i)
shall evidence and perfect the conveyance made by this Agreement and shall not
constitute any additional conveyance of the Subject Assets or interests
therein; (ii) are not intended to modify, and shall not modify, any of the
terms, covenants and conditions herein set forth; and (iii) are not intended to
create and shall not create any additional covenants or warranties of or by
Santa Fe to Monterey.  To the extent that the Specific Conveyances purport to
create any additional covenants or warranties, Monterey hereby expressly waives
such additional covenants or warranties.

                 (b)      Santa Fe agrees to execute, acknowledge, and deliver
to Monterey and, if applicable, record in the official property records of the
applicable jurisdiction, substantially all of the Specific Conveyances within
120 days after the date of this Agreement.

                 (c)      Santa Fe represents to Monterey that all Specific
Conveyances for Subject Assets that constitute real property or interests in
real property shall conform as to form in all material respects with all
applicable laws of the states in which such Subject Assets are located
governing the  conveyance of such assets, including all applicable recording,
filing and registration laws and regulations.





                                                                         Page 10
<PAGE>   11
                 (d)      Monterey agrees to execute and deliver or cause to be
delivered such other instruments as may be reasonably required to assume and
take responsibility more effectively for the Assumed Liabilities and the other
obligations and liabilities that Monterey has assumed or undertaken pursuant to
this Agreement.

   
                 3.7      Assets Intended to be Conveyed.  Santa Fe and
Monterey acknowledge that the assets intended to be conveyed by this Agreement
are all of the assets and properties held by the Western Division of Santa Fe
in the Business Area or used or held for use by Santa Fe solely to conduct the
Business, on the Effective Date, other than the Excluded Assets.  If this
Agreement erroneously fails to convey all such assets and properties, or
erroneously conveys an asset other than such assets or properties, Santa Fe and
Monterey shall execute such corrective documents and take such other actions as
are necessary to correct the error.
    

   
                 3.8      Property Taxes and Transfer Fees.  All (i) sales,
use, recording, and other similar property transfer fees and charges incurred
in transferring the Subject Assets to Monterey and (ii) ad valorem and property
taxes for the Subject Assets shall be the responsibility of and paid by
Monterey.
    

                 3.9      Finance Matters.

                 (a)      Cash Management.  Monterey will establish its own
cash management system which is to be separate and distinct from the cash
management system maintained by Santa Fe, and such system will be operational
prior to or shortly after the Effective Date.  Santa Fe further acknowledges
and agrees that after Monterey's cash management system is established and
operational, Santa Fe shall transfer to Monterey all funds, if any, in Santa
Fe's cash management system attributable to the Subject Assets or the Business,
which transfer shall be effected by wire transfer of immediately available
funds to such account as Monterey may designate.  Santa Fe shall transfer such
funds to Monterey upon notification from Monterey that its cash management
system is operational together with wire transfer instructions.  Any funds
received in Santa Fe's cash management system subsequent to such transfer that
are attributable to the Business shall be promptly (but in no event more than
30 days after receipt) delivered to Monterey by Santa Fe, and any funds
received in Monterey's cash management system subsequent to such transfer that
are attributable to Santa Fe or its other subsidiaries shall be promptly (but
in no event more than 30 days after receipt) delivered to Santa Fe by Monterey.
The Parties shall make appropriate adjustments for late deposits, checks
returned for not sufficient funds and other post-Effective Date transactions
that occur after the transfer as shall be reasonable under the circumstances
consistent with the purpose and intent of this Agreement.

                 (b)      Settlement of Intercompany Accounts.  The Parties
agree that the net balance of all intercompany accounts owed by Santa Fe to
Monterey, or owed by Monterey to Santa Fe, in





                                                                         Page 11
<PAGE>   12
each case as of the Effective Date, shall be paid by Santa Fe or Monterey, as
appropriate, as promptly as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date
(but in no event more than 30 days after receipt).  All transactions
contemplated in this Section 3.9 shall be subject to audit by the Parties, and
any dispute with respect to any such transactions thereunder shall be resolved
by Price Waterhouse LLP (or another nationally recognized accounting firm
acceptable to the Parties) whose decision shall be final and nonappealable.

                 3.11     Insurance Matters.

                 (a)      Existing Surety Bonds.  Santa Fe shall continue to
maintain, and not to cancel, those surety and indemnity bonds currently
maintained by or for the benefit of the Subject Assets until the earlier of (i)
the expiration or renewal date therefor next following the IPO Date or (ii) one
year after the IPO Date.  Santa Fe shall give Monterey at least 15 days'
advance notice of the expiration or renewal of each such surety and indemnity
bond.  If Monterey decides not to renew any bond, Monterey agrees to provide
appropriate documentation to Santa Fe to allow Santa Fe to cancel such bonds.
Monterey shall indemnify and hold harmless Santa Fe from and against any
expense or loss incurred by Santa Fe after the IPO Date as a result of
maintaining such surety bonds.  After the IPO Date, Monterey shall be
responsible for obtaining its own surety and indemnity bonds as may be
necessary for its operations, subject to the preceding sentences with respect
to existing bonds.  Santa Fe shall have the right at any time or from time to
time, in Santa Fe's sole discretion, to require that Monterey provide
collateral security in favor of Santa Fe of the same kind that any surety
providing a bond or indemnity agreement for the benefit of Monterey advised
Santa Fe it will or might require under any applicable indemnity agreement or
bond.

                 (b)      Policies and Rights Prior to Spin-Off.  Prior to the
Spin-Off Date, Monterey shall be entitled to any and all rights of an insured
party under each of the Policies, specifically including rights of indemnity
and the right to be defended by or at the expense of the insurer, with respect
to all injuries, losses, liabilities, damages, and expenses incurred or claimed
to have been incurred prior to the Spin-Off Date (to the extent covered) by any
party in connection with the conduct of the Business.  Nothing in this clause
shall be deemed to constitute (or to reflect) the assignment of the Policies,
or any of them, to Monterey.  From and after the Spin-Off Date (or earlier upon
mutual agreement), Monterey agrees that it shall be responsible for obtaining
and maintaining, on such terms as Monterey determines to be appropriate,
insurance policies for injuries, claims, liabilities, losses, costs, and
expenses arising with respect to occurrences after the Spin-Off Date.

   
                 (c)      Administration and Costs.  Santa Fe shall be
responsible for (i) the Insurance Administration of the Policies, (ii) the
processing and management of claims under the Policies, and (iii) the
collection and distribution of Insurance Proceeds under the Policies, except,
in each case, as provided in Section 3.11(d) below.  Monterey shall be required
to give notice of any claim or potential claim to Santa Fe in sufficient time
for Santa Fe to notify the insurance carrier of
    





                                                                         Page 12
<PAGE>   13
   
the Policy.  For the period prior to the Spin-Off Date, Monterey shall pay
Santa Fe the portion of the cost of the Policies that is properly allocable to
the Assumed Liabilities and the Subject Assets.  Monterey shall pay such
amounts within 15 days of receiving Santa Fe's invoice therefor.
    


   
                 (d)      Claims After the Spin-Off Date.  The Policies will
automatically cease and terminate with respect to the Business on the Spin-Off
Date for any occurrences after the Spin-Off Date.  For each Insured Claim
asserted or arising after the Spin-Off Date that relates to occurrences prior
to the Spin-Off Date in connection with the Business, Santa Fe shall at the
time such claim is asserted be deemed to transfer, without need of further
documentation, to Monterey any and all rights of an insured party under the
applicable Policy with respect to such Insured Claim, specifically including
rights of indemnity and the right to be defended by or at the expense of the
insurer.  The preceding sentence shall not, however, be deemed to constitute
(or to reflect) the assignment of any of the Policies to Monterey.  Monterey
shall have the right to assert a claim under a Policy relating to an occurrence
prior to the Spin-Off Date in accordance with the terms of such Policy.  Santa
Fe agrees not to amend, cancel, or terminate any Policy in a manner that
materially and adversely affects Monterey's right to assert a claim thereunder
that relates to an occurrence prior to the Spin-Off Date.  Additionally, after
the Spin-Off Date, Santa Fe shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, assist
Monterey in the recovery of any amounts to which Monterey is validly entitled
under any of the Policies on account of Insured Claims.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Santa Fe does not assume any liability and shall not incur any
liability to Monterey or its affiliates in agreeing to transfer its rights
under any Policy or to provide such action or assistance and shall promptly be
advanced, or reimbursed, if applicable, for all reasonable costs and expenses
incurred after the Spin-Off Date in transferring such rights or in providing
such action or assistance requested by Monterey ("Assistance Costs").
Assistance Costs include employee salaries and out-of-pocket expenses,
attorneys' fees, adjustor fees, surveyor fees, brokerage fees, travel expenses,
communication expenses and other similar costs and expenses incurred.
    


   
                 (e)      Insurance Application to Assumed Liabilities. If and
to the extent Santa Fe receives Insurance Proceeds that relate to Assumed
Liabilities asserted against any member of the Santa Fe Group, Santa Fe may
directly apply such Insurance Proceeds to such Assumed Liabilities without
distribution to Monterey. If and to the extent Santa Fe is paid by, or
reimbursed from, the Policies for such Assumed Liabilities, Monterey shall be
relieved of its indemnification obligations that would otherwise apply under
Sections 3.4(a) for such Assumed Liabilities, provided, that, this subsection
(e) shall not apply to any amounts attributable to Uninsured Retentions or
Assistance Costs for which Monterey shall remain obligated to pay in full.
    





                                                                         Page 13
<PAGE>   14
   
                 (f)      Uninsured Retentions.  Monterey recognizes that the
Policies are subject to various deductibles, self-insured retentions,
retentions under retrospective premium rating plans and similar charges, which
may not be reinsured by or collectible from commercial insurance markets.  All
amounts incurred or payable by Santa Fe or its affiliates, attributable to such
deductibles, retentions, plans or non-reinsured or non-collectible insurance,
after giving effect to maximum premium provisions and stop loss provisions on a
first come first served basis ("Uninsured Retentions") shall not be considered
as insured losses or claims, or insurance proceeds, within the meaning of this
Agreement and notwithstanding anything to the contrary shall be and remain the
obligation of Monterey to the extent arising out of the Subject Assets or the
Assumed Liabilities.  Monterey shall reimburse Santa Fe for all amounts
incurred or paid by Santa Fe or its affiliates for such Uninsured Retentions to
the extent arising out of Assumed Liabilities.
    

                 3.12     Delivery of Release.  At the closing of the initial
public offering of Monterey, Monterey shall execute and deliver to Santa Fe a
release (in a form acceptable to Santa Fe) that releases any and all rights
Monterey may have to seek contribution or reimbursement for amounts borrowed by
Santa Fe under the $75 million Credit Facility between Santa Fe and Monterey,
as borrowers, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as agent for the lenders that are
parties to the Credit Facility.

   
                 3.13     Transaction Costs.  Monterey shall pay and reimburse
Santa Fe for all out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Santa Fe in
connection with the conveyance of the Subject Assets to Monterey, the initial
public offering of Monterey, and the Spin-Off, including those incurred for (i)
the consent solicitation of the holders of Santa Fe's 11% Senior Subordinated
Debentures due 2004 in connection with certain amendments to such debentures,
(ii) the offer to purchase the outstanding shares of Santa Fe's Convertible
Preferred Stock, 7% Series, (iii) the exchange of the Series G Notes for the
New Credit Facility, and (iv) pursuit by Santa Fe of a ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service regarding the tax-free nature of the Spin-Off, including, in
each case, all legal, accounting, printing, underwriting, engraving,
consulting, and other third party charges and expenses.
    

   
                 3.14     Olinda Property.
    

   
                 (a)      Purchase and Sale Agreement.  Santa Fe is a party to
that certain Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property and Escrow
Instructions with CWC, Inc., a California corporation, dba SUNCAL COMPANIES,
dated August 19, 1996 (the "Purchase and Sale Agreement"), pursuant to which
SUNCAL agreed to buy and Santa Fe agreed to sell certain real property and
other rights and interests in Orange County, California (the "Property") as
more particularly described in the Purchase and Sale Agreement.
    

   
                 (b)      Transfer of Notes to Monterey. If the Close of 
Escrow (as defined in the Purchase and Sale Agreement, as amended) occurs on or
before August 1, 1997, Monterey shall purchase, and Santa Fe shall sell, any
promissory notes given by the buyer of the Property ("Buyer") as consideration
for purchase of the Property (collectively, the "Notes") along with all liens,
security interests, and other rights securing repayment of the Notes by Buyer
(collectively, the "Property Liens"), for a purchase price equal to the
aggregate face value of the Notes (the "Note Purchase Price") if the total face
value of the Notes does not exceed $10,000,000. The closing of the purchase and
sale of the Notes shall occur in the offices of Santa Fe within 10 business
days of the date of the Closing of Escrow. At the closing, Monterey shall wire
transfer the Note Purchase Price to Santa Fe in immediately available funds and
assume all obligations in connection with the Property (including those of
Santa Fe under the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Property) and the Notes
and the Property Liens shall be assigned to Monterey without any warranties or
representations by Santa Fe.
    

   
                 (c)      Transfer of Property to Monterey. If the Close of
Escrow fails to occur on or before August 1, 1997, Monterey shall purchase, and
Santa Fe shall sell, the Property for a purchase price of $23,000,000 (the 
"Property Purchase Price") on the terms provided in this Agreement. The closing
of the purchase and sale of the Property shall occur in the offices of Santa Fe
on or before August 15, 1997. At the closing, Monterey shall wire transfer the
Property Purchase Price to Santa Fe in immediately available funds and the
Property shall be conveyed and transferred to Monterey by a Specific Conveyance
as provided herein. On and after such closing, the defined term "Subject
Assets" shall be deemed to include the Property for all purposes under this
Agreement.
    

   
                 3.15     Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall bind
and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors
and assigns.  Nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer upon any other
person any benefits, rights, or remedies.
    

   
                 3.16     Articles, Sections and Exhibits.  Except to the
extent otherwise stated in this Agreement, references to "Articles" and
"Sections" are to Articles and Sections of this Agreement, and references to
"Exhibits" are to Exhibits attached to this Agreement, which are made parts
hereof for all purposes.
    





                                                                         Page 14
<PAGE>   15
   
                 3.17     Governing Law.  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE LEGAL
RELATIONS BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WITHOUT REGARD TO THE
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THAT MIGHT REQUIRE OR PERMIT THE APPLICATION OF
THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.
    

   
                 3.18     Deed; Bill of Sale; Assignment.  To the extent
required by applicable law, this Agreement shall also constitute a "deed,"
"bill of sale" or "assignment" of the Subject Assets.
    

   
                 3.19     Construction of Agreement.  In construing this
Agreement, the following principles shall be followed:
    

                 (i)      no consideration shall be given to the captions of
         the articles, sections, subsections, or clauses, which are inserted
         for convenience in locating the provisions of this Agreement and not
         as an aid in its construction;

                 (ii)     no consideration shall be given to the fact or
         presumption that one party had a greater or lesser hand in drafting
         this Agreement;

                 (iii)    the word "includes" and its syntactical variants
         means "includes, but is not limited to" and corresponding syntactical
         variant expressions;

                 (iv)     a defined term has its defined meaning throughout
         this Agreement, regardless of whether it appears before or after the
         place in this Agreement where it is defined;

                 (v)      the plural shall be deemed to include the singular, 
         and vice versa; and

                 (vi)     each exhibit, attachment, and schedule to this
         Agreement is a part of this Agreement, but if there is any conflict or
         inconsistency between the main body of this Agreement and any exhibit,
         attachment, or schedule, the provisions of the main body of this
         Agreement shall prevail.

   
                 3.20     Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, and each counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an
original instrument, but all such counterparts shall constitute but one
instrument.
    





                                                                         Page 15
<PAGE>   16
   
                 3.21     Survival.  This Agreement shall survive the execution
and delivery of the Specific Conveyances.
    

   
                 3.22     Integrated Agreement.  This Agreement is the final,
complete, and exclusive expression of the agreements of the Parties with
respect to the matters covered by this Agreement.
    

   
                 3.23     Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement is
held to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions of this Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect.
    





                                                                         Page 16
<PAGE>   17

                 EXECUTED by the Parties as of the Effective Date.

                                        Santa Fe:
                                        
                                        SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
                                        
                                        
                                        By:                                   
                                           -----------------------------------
                                        Name:                                 
                                             ---------------------------------
                                        Title:                                 
                                              --------------------------------  
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                        Monterey:                             
                                                                              
                                        MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                        By:                                   
                                            ----------------------------------
                                        Name:                                 
                                             ---------------------------------
                                        Title:                                
                                              --------------------------------





                                                                         Page 17
<PAGE>   18
LIST OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit A        -        Assumed Liabilities

Exhibit B        -        Businesses

Exhibit C        -        Excluded Assets

   
Exhibit D        -        Surface Interests, Leasehold Interests, Mineral
    
                          Interests, and Other Rights and Interests 
   
Exhibit E        -        Contracts
    

   
Exhibit F        -        Certain Intangible Property Rights 
    

   
Exhibit G        -        Insurance Policies 
    

   
Exhibit H        -        Retained Liabilities 
    

   
Exhibit I        -        Reservation of Production-Payment Interest
    





                                                                         Page 18
<PAGE>   19
   
                                   Exhibit A
    

   
                              ASSUMED LIABILITIES
    


   
1.       Series E Notes.  Series E 10.23% Senior Notes due March 31, 1997 in
         the principal amount of $35,000,000 issued by Santa Fe Resources, Inc.
         pursuant to the Note Agreement dated as of March 31, 1990 among Santa
         Fe Energy Resources, Inc. and the purchasers party thereto (as
         amended, the "Note Agreement")
    

   
2.       Series F Notes.  Series F 10.23% Senior Notes due March 31, 1998 in
         the principal amount of $35,000,000 issued by Santa Fe Resources, Inc.
         pursuant to the Note Agreement.
    

   
3.       Series G Notes. Series G 10.61% Senior Notes due March 31, 2005 in the
         principal amount of $175,000,000 issued by Santa Fe Resources, Inc.
         pursuant to the Note Agreement.
    

   
4.       New Credit Facility.  All obligations and liabilities of Santa Fe
         under that certain Note Agreement dated as of _____________, 1996
         among Monterey Resources, Inc., and the purchasers party thereto
         pursuant to which Monterey Resources, Inc. issued its 10.61% Senior
    
         Notes due March 31, 2005 in the principal amount of $175,000,000.

   
5.       Litigation. [Describe ongoing litigation]
    

   
6.       Tax Indemnity Agreement.  All liabilities and obligations of Santa Fe
         under that certain First Amended and Restated Spin-Off Tax
         Indemnification Agreement, dated November 26, 1990, between Santa Fe
         Energy Resources, Inc. and Santa Fe Pacific Corporation.
    

   
7.       Advisor's Fee.  All amounts that become due by Santa Fe to Petrie
         Parkman & Co., Inc. and Chase Securities Inc.  under paragraphs 3 and
         4 of that certain letter agreement, dated June 13, 1996, among Petrie
         Parkman & Co., Inc., Chase Securities Inc., and Santa Fe Energy
         Resources, Inc.
    





                                                                         Page 19
<PAGE>   20
   
                                   Exhibit B
    

   
                                   BUSINESSES
    


   
1.       Predecessors of Santa Fe.  The businesses and operations conducted in
the Business Area by the following companies:
    
         
   
         o        Chanslor - Canfield Midway Oil Company, Inc.
    
         
   
         o        Chanslor - Western Oil and Development Company, Inc.
    
         
   
         o        Santa Fe Energy Company
    
         
   
         o        Santa Fe Natural Resources, Inc.
    
         
   
         o        Santa Fe Energy Operating Partners, L.P.
    
         
   
         o        Santa Fe Energy Partners, L.P.
    
         
   
         o        Santa Fe Pacific Exploration Company
    
         
   
         o        Bravo Oil Company
    

   
         o        Coline Gasoline Corporation
    

   
         o        The Los Angeles Corporation
    

   
2.       Other Businesses.  The following businesses and operations conducted
in the Business Area by Santa Fe or its predecessors:
    

   
         o        oil, gas, and other minerals exploration and development
    

   
         o        oil and gas marketing, storage and transportation
    
         
   
         o        real estate management and development
    
         
   
         o        electrical power generation
    
         




                                                                         Page 20
<PAGE>   21
   
                                   Exhibit C
    

   
                                EXCLUDED ASSETS
    


   
                          [Attached behind this page.]
    





                                                                         Page 21
<PAGE>   22
   
                                   Exhibit D
    

   
           SURFACE INTERESTS, LEASEHOLD INTERESTS, MINERAL INTERESTS,
                         AND OTHER RIGHTS AND INTERESTS
    



   
                          [Attached behind this page.]
    





                                                                         Page 22
<PAGE>   23
   
                                   Exhibit E
    

   
                                   CONTRACTS
    

   
                          [Attached behind this page.]
    





                                                                         Page 23
<PAGE>   24
   
                                   Exhibit F
    

   
                       CERTAIN INTANGIBLE PROPERTY RIGHTS
    


   
1.       Please describe stock certificates of Cure Inc., NuCure Inc., and
         general partner interest in S. Belridge Limited Partnership and any
         other subsidiaries or partnerships in which Monterey holds or will
         hold an interest.
    

   
         1.       NuCure, Inc.

                  1,739 shares of common stock of NuCure, Inc., a Delaware
                  corporation, certificate No. 54, par value $0.01.
    

   
         2.       Coalition Undertaking Remedial Efforts, Inc.

                  1,339 shares Coalition Undertaking Remedial Efforts, Inc., a
                  Delaware corporation, certificate No. 19, par value $0.01.
    

   
         3.       South Belridge Limited Partnership.

                  Santa Fe's general partnership interest in the South Belridge
                  Limited Partnership, a Texas limited partnership, formed under
                  Agreement of Limited Partnership dated October 31, 1990.
    


                                                                         Page 24
<PAGE>   25
   
                                   Exhibit G
    

   
                               INSURANCE POLICIES
    


   
                          [Attached behind this page.]
    





                                                                         Page 25
<PAGE>   26
   
                                   Exhibit H
    

   
                              RETAINED LIABILITIES
    


   
1.       Retirement Plan.  All liabilities and obligations under the Santa Fe
         Retirement Income Plan that, as of the Spin-Off Date, are attributable
         to those participants in the plan who are employees of Monterey.
    





                                                                         Page 26



<PAGE>   27


   
                                  Exhibit I
    

   
                 RESERVATION OF PRODUCTIONS--PAYMENT INTEREST
    

   
                         [Attached behind this page.]
    

                                                                        Page 27

<PAGE>   1
   
                                                                    Exhibit 10.2
    



                        AGREEMENT FOR THE ALLOCATION OF
                 THE CONSOLIDATED FEDERAL INCOME TAX LIABILITY
                           AND STATE AND LOCAL TAXES
                            AMONG THE MEMBERS OF THE
                        SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
                                AFFILIATED GROUP                              


                 This AGREEMENT, dated as of _________ __, 1996, is by and
between Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("SFER") and
the members of SFER's consolidated group identified below.

                                R E C I T A L S

                 WHEREAS, Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc. ("SFER") and its
respective subsidiaries constitute an affiliated group for federal income tax
purposes (the "SFER Group");

                 WHEREAS, the SFER Group has filed a consolidated federal
income tax return for the taxable years ending December 31, 1990, 1991, 1992,
1993, 1994 and 1995, and intends to file a consolidated federal income tax
return for subsequent years; and

                 WHEREAS, it is the desire of the parties hereto that the
federal income tax liability  of the SFER Group be allocated for all purposes
as herein provided,

                 WHEREAS, Monterey Resources, Inc. ("Monterey") and those
subsidiaries of Monterey which are signatory hereto ("Monterey Subsidiaries")
are members of a group of corporations of which SFER is the common parent and
which file certain consolidated, combined or unitary state or local tax
returns; and

                 WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth their agreement with
regard to the sharing of the burden of taxes due with respect to such returns
effective immediately as to estimated taxes and tax returns filed for periods
including the date hereof;

                 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
mutual undertakings and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
<PAGE>   2
                            Article 1 - Definitions

                 For purposes of this Agreement:

                 1.1      "Affiliated group" means an affiliated group as
defined in section 1504(a) of the Code.

                 1.2      "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended and in effect from time to time, or any law which may be a successor
thereto.  A reference to any section of the Code means such section as in
effect from time to time and any comparable provision of the Code or any
successor law.

                 1.3      "Consolidated return year" means a taxable year to
which this Agreement applies and for which a consolidated federal income tax
return is filed or required to be filed by the SFER Group.

                 1.4      "Consolidated tax liability" means, with respect to
any consolidated return year, the consolidated federal income tax (including
alternative minimum tax and environmental tax) liability of the SFER Group.

                 1.5      "Member" means, with respect to any consolidated
return year, an includible corporation (as defined in section 1504(b) of the
Code) in the SFER Group.

                 1.6      "Monterey Company" means Monterey and the Monterey
Subsidiaries.

                 1.7      "Parent" means any Member that directly owns stock
that possesses more than 50 percent of the total voting power of the stock of
another Member.  If any Member other than SFER has no Parent as defined in the
previous sentence (e.g., if all of the stock of such Member is owned in equal
shares by two other Members), the Chief Financial Officer of SFER shall
designate a Parent for such Member.

                 1.8      "Regulation" or "Treas. Reg." means a regulation in
effect from time to time under the Code.  A reference to any section of the
Regulations means such section as in effect from time to time and any
comparable regulation under the Code or any successor law.

                 1.9      "Separate return tax liability" means the tax
liability described in Article 2.1.

                 1.10     "Separate Returns" shall mean each return of Separate
Taxes of an Monterey Company to the appropriate jurisdiction.

                 1.11     "Separate Taxes" means state and local taxes imposed
on any Monterey Company other than SFER Combined Taxes.





                                     -2-
<PAGE>   3
                 1.12     "Subgroup" means a Parent (other than SFER), its
Subsidiaries, and all corporations as to which its relationship is that of
Parent as set forth in Article 1.7.

                 1.13     "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Parent, a
Member, the majority of whose voting stock is owned directly by such Parent or
for which such Parent has been designated the Parent by the Chief Financial
Officer of SFER.

                 1.14     "SFER Combined Return" shall mean each consolidated,
combined or unitary return of SFER Combined Taxes to the appropriate
jurisdiction.

                 1.15     "SFER Combined Taxes" means state or local taxes for
which liability is computed on a consolidated, combined or unitary basis among
one or more of the SFER Companies and one or more of the Monterey Companies.

                 1.16     "SFER Company" means SFER and each of its direct or
indirect subsidiaries other than a Monterey Company.


                   Article 2 - Separate Return Tax Liability

                 2.1      For each consolidated return year, each Member shall
compute its separate return tax liability for the portion of the year in which
it is a Member.  "Separate return tax liability" means, with respect to any
consolidated return year, the federal income tax liability (including
alternative minimum tax and environmental tax) which (1) in the case of a
Member that is not a Parent, is computed as if the Member had filed a separate
federal income tax return and (2) in the case of a Parent, is computed as if
the Parent had filed a consolidated federal income return with the Members of
its Subgroup.  In computing separate return tax liability, each Member or
Parent, as the case may be, shall follow the tax elections and other tax
positions adopted or prescribed by SFER and shall take into account the
adjustments and modifications set forth in Article 2.2.

                 2.2      In computing separate return tax liability, each
Member shall take into account the following adjustments and modifications:

                 (a)      Dividends from any Member of the SFER Group shall be
                          eliminated;

                 (b)      Gains or losses on intercompany transactions and
                          intercompany distributions between any Members of the
                          SFER Group shall be deferred and recognized pursuant
                          to Treas. Reg. Sections  1.1502-13 and Code section
                          267 and the regulations thereunder regardless of
                          whether both Members involved are included in the
                          hypothetical separate return of the Member or Parent;





                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
                 (c)      All carryforwards of tax credits, net operating
                          losses, capital losses, charitable contributions and
                          other similar items shall be determined under Article
                          3;

                 (d)      No carrybacks of credits, deductions, losses or
                          similar items shall be taken into account;

                 (e)      Any credits, deductions or other items of any Member
                          that are limited or otherwise adjusted when its
                          Parent takes such items into account in computing its
                          separate return liability shall be adjusted as
                          provided in Article 4;

                 (f)      All ordinary income shall be subject to tax at the
                          highest effective tax rate applicable to taxable
                          ordinary income of corporations and all capital gains
                          shall be subject to tax at the highest effective tax
                          rate applicable to capital gains of corporations;

                 (g)      Any exemption or similar item that must be prorated
                          or apportioned among the component Members of a
                          controlled group of corporations (e.g., the $40,000
                          exemption in section 55(d)(2) of the Code, the
                          $25,000 limitation in section 38(c)(1)(B) of the
                          Code, and the $2,000,000 amount in section 59A(a)(2))
                          shall not be taken into account; and

   
                 (h)      Other adjustments specified by the senior tax officer
                          of SFER ("Tax Officer") which, in its reasonable
                          judgment, will result in each member incurring a fair
                          and reasonable share of the SFER Group's consolidated
                          federal income tax liability.
    

                 2.3      Each Member (other than SFER) shall pay its separate
return tax liability to its Parent on or before the due date (without
extensions) of the SFER consolidated federal income tax return for the
appropriate consolidated return year.  Such payment shall be reduced by the
estimated tax payments made by such Member pursuant to Article 5.  For
administrative or other reasons, a Parent may direct or allow such payment to
be made after the prescribed date.  If all relevant information necessary to
determine the amount of the payment is not available by that date, the payment
shall be based on estimates, and adjustments shall be made when sufficient
information is available or as soon as practicable after the SFER consolidated
federal income tax return for the appropriate consolidated return year is
filed.

                           Article 3 - Carryforwards

                 3.1      The adjustment to separate return tax liability
specified in Article 2.2(c) shall be determined as provided in this Article.





                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
                 3.2      In computing separate return tax liability for the
first consolidated return year to which this Agreement applies to a Member,
such Member shall have available as a carryforward only the following items:
carryforwards of credits, deductions and other similar items that would be
available to the Member if the Member were not a Member of the SFER Group; but
only to the extent that the Member previously has not been compensated or has
not received benefit for such item.  Any such available carryforward shall be
utilized in the order and according to the priorities designated in the Code
and regulations.  For subsequent consolidated return years, a Member's
available carryforwards shall be increased by carryforwards generated in
consolidated return years and shall be reduced by carryforwards used by the
Member in previous consolidated return years and carryforwards that have
expired according to the restrictions and limitations of the Code.

                 3.3      In computing separate return tax liability, a Parent
may take into account, to the extent allowable under the Code and regulations,
only carryforwards available to itself under the principles of Article 3.2,
carryforwards described in Article 3.2 that are available to the Members of its
Subgroup and carryforwards generated by Members of its Subgroup during
consolidated return years to which this Agreement applies.  Nothing in this
provision shall be construed as allowing a Parent to take into account any item
more than once.

                 3.4      If a Member uses an available carryforward in
computing its separate return tax liability, but the item has not yet been used
in the current year by its Parent in computing the Parent's separate return tax
liability or as a carryback by its Parent pursuant to Article 6, either as a
result of limitations specified in the Code or regulations or as a result of a
limitation placed on such Parent by its Parent pursuant to Article 4, the
Member's separate return tax liability shall be increased by the difference
between the tax liability computed with and without the limited carryforward.
The limited carryforward shall no longer be available as a carryforward to the
Member, but it shall be available to the Member's Parent as a carryforward to
subsequent years.  Upon the use of such carryforward by the Member's Parent in
a subsequent year, the Member's separate return tax liability shall also be
reduced by the separate return tax savings realized by the Parent as a result
of the use of the carryforward.  If such reduction in the Member's separate
return tax liability exceeds the Member's separate return tax liability before
the reduction, the difference shall be paid by the Parent to the Member at the
time specified in Article 2.3.

   
                 3.5      If a carryforward expires prior to its use by a
Member or by the Member's Parent in computing separate return tax liability,
the Member that generated the carryforward shall not be compensated for the
item.  If a Member ceases to be a Member of the SFER Group prior to the
Member's or its Parent's use of a carryforward, the Member shall not be
entitled to compensation
    





                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
   
for the carryforward regardless of whether the item was used by any other
Member of the SFER Group.
    

                    Article 4 - Adjustments for Limitations

                 4.1      The adjustment to separate return tax liability
specified in Article 2.2(e) shall be determined as provided in this Article.

                 4.2      If any item generated in the current year and
utilized on a separate return basis in the current year by a Parent's
Subsidiary (regardless of whether the item was generated by the Subsidiary
itself or a Member of the Subsidiary's Subgroup) cannot be used by the Parent
either currently in the Parent's computation of its separate return tax
liability or as a carryback pursuant to Article 6, the Subsidiary's separate
return tax liability shall be increased by the adjustment specified in Article
4.3.

   
                 4.3      The adjustment referred to in Article 4.2 shall equal
the increase in the Subsidiary's separate return tax liability that would arise
if the item on the Subsidiary's return were reduced by the amount not usable by
the Parent that would be allocable to the Subsidiary and Members of its
Subgroup under the principles of the Code and the Regulations.  That is, in
most cases, the unused item would be allocated between the Parent and its
Subsidiaries according to the relative proportion of the total of such items
generated by the Parent and each Subsidiary's Subgroup.  Where the Code does
not provide a method of allocating such item, the Tax Officer shall determine
the allocation method in a manner that results in a fair and reasonable
allocation of the unused amount.  The amount reallocated to the Subsidiary
shall not be allowed as a carryforward to the Subsidiary.
    

                 4.4      After an adjustment is made under Article 4.2 to any
Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall then make a similar adjustment with respect
to its Subsidiaries under the principles of this Article.  If such adjustment
is made, the Subsidiary shall promptly compensate its Subsidiaries when it
receives a benefit from its Parent under Article 4.5 upon the Parent's use of
the item as a carryforward.

                 4.5      When a Parent uses an item referred to in Article 4.2
as a carryforward, the Subsidiary's separate return tax liability for the
carryforward year shall be reduced by the separate return tax savings realized
by the Parent.  If such reduction exceeds the Subsidiary's separate return tax
liability before the reduction, the difference shall be paid by the Parent to
the Subsidiary at the time specified in Article 2.3.  If a Member ceases to be
a Member of the SFER Group prior to its Parent's use of an item covered by this
Article, the Member shall not be entitled to compensation for such item
regardless of whether the item was used by any other Member of the SFER Group.

                       Article 5 - Estimated Tax Payments





                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
                 5.1      Each Member shall pay to its Parent quarterly
installments of estimated tax.  The amount of such payments for the first,
second, third and fourth installments shall cumulatively equal 25 percent, 50
percent, 75 percent and 100 percent, respectively, of the estimated full-year
separate return tax liability (including the minimum tax and environmental
tax), as adjusted under Article 5.2.  Settlement for such payment shall be made
on or before, or as soon as practicable after, the due date of the applicable
estimated tax payment to be paid by SFER.

                 5.2      The computation of separate return tax liability for
purposes of Article 5.1 shall be based on the most recent update of the current
year profit plan.  The following additional adjustments to separate return tax
liability shall be made for estimated tax purposes:

                 (a)      Carryforwards of credits (except the minimum tax
                          credit), losses, and deductions and currently
                          generated credits shall be taken into account only to
                          the extent permitted by the Member's Parent according
                          to the Parent's estimate as to the amount of such
                          credits that were previously utilized or will be
                          utilized by the Parent in computing its separate
                          return tax liability, or, where SFER is the Parent,
                          according to SFER's estimate as to the amount of such
                          credits that were previously utilized or will be
                          utilized on a consolidated basis in the current year;
                          and

                 (b)      Other adjustments specified by the Tax Officer shall
                          be taken into account.

   
                 5.3      Interest and penalties imposed on the SFER Group as a
result of the underpayment of estimated tax shall be allocated to the Members
to which the underpayment is attributable and shall be paid to SFER by such
Members.  For purposes of all such allocations of interest and underpayment
penalties, the Chief Financial Officer of SFER shall reasonably determine to
which Member or Members the underpayment is attributable.  Such determination
of the Chief Financial Officer shall be final.  A payment of such interest and
penalties shall not be considered a payment of estimated tax.
    

                             Article 6 - Carrybacks

                 6.1      Any item that (a) cannot be used by a Member in
computing separate return tax liability for the year in which the item is
generated but (b) can be carried back by the Member on a separate return basis,
shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as provided in this Article.

                 6.2      If the item referred to in Article 6.1 is actually
carried back to a previous year (e.g., if Form 1139 or 1120X is filed with the
Internal Revenue Service), whether the return was filed by the SFER Group, the
common Parent of the affiliated group of which the Member was an includible
corporation in such previous year, or the Member itself, the item shall not be
used by any Member of the SFER Group in computing separate return tax
liability.  The Member that generated the item shall be entitled to any refund
(including interest) received by any Member of the SFER Group from the Internal
Revenue Service as a result of the carryback.  If the item results in a refund





                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
to a corporation that is not a party to this Agreement, the right of the Member
that generated the carryback to receive such refund shall depend on the
Member's tax allocation or other agreement with the refund recipient.

                 6.3      If the item referred to in Article 6.1 is not
actually carried back, the Member shall be entitled to receive from its Parent
the reduction in the Parent's separate return tax liability resulting from the
current use of the item or the future use of the item as a carryforward.  The
payment for this item shall be made at the time specified in Article 2.3 for
the year in which the item is used by the Member's Parent in computing separate
return tax liability.

                            Article 7 - Adjustments

                 7.1      If any adjustment in consolidated tax liability is
made as a result of an audit by the Internal Revenue Service, the granting of a
claim for refund, a final decision by a court, the carryback or carryforward of
a loss, deduction or credit or any other similar circumstance, the tax refund
or liability resulting therefrom shall be allocated in accordance with the
principles of this Agreement as if such adjustments had been taken into account
in the year to which they relate.

                 7.2      Any interest and penalties paid by SFER with respect
to the adjustments referred to above shall be allocated at or near the time of
payment to the Members that generated the items giving rise to the adjustments.
In the case of penalties and other items that are computed by reference to a
consolidated deficiency (e.g., the negligence penalty imposed under section
6653 of the Code), the Chief Financial Officer of SFER, upon the advice of the
Tax Officer, shall have authority to allocate all or part of the liability for
such item (including the interest thereon) to the Member or Members whose
action or inaction resulted in the imposition of the penalty or similar item.

                 7.3      Interest received by SFER with respect to such
adjustments shall be allocated to its appropriate Subsidiaries according to the
principles of this Agreement and shall be paid by SFER to its Subsidiaries and
by such Subsidiaries to their Subsidiaries and so on only after the underlying
items could properly have been used by the Subsidiaries in computing their
respective separate return tax liabilities.

                 7.4      The allocations under Articles 7.2 and 7.3 shall,
when appropriate, take into account the offsetting effects of positive and
negative adjustments.  For example, if a $100 deficiency attributable to one
Member is offset by a $60 overpayment of another Member so that the SFER Group
pays interest only on a net $40 deficiency, the interest paid by the deficiency
Member under Article 7.2 shall be based on a deficiency of $100 and an interest
receipt based on an overpayment of $60 shall be allocated to the overpayment
Member under Article 7.3.  The Tax Officer of SFER shall determine when it is
appropriate to make such offsetting adjustments for interest paid and received.





                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
   
                 7.5      (a) Any direct out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., travel
expenses, attorneys' fees, experts' fees, etc.) incurred by the SFER Group in
connection with proposed or actual adjustments of the type contemplated in this
Article; and (b) that portion of the SFER Group's legal, accounting,
secretarial, bookkeeping, data processing, salaries, fees and all other
expenses allocable to such proposed or actual adjustments or otherwise incurred
by the SFER Group in connection with such proposed or actual adjustments shall
be borne by the Members to which the adjustments relate.  SFER shall determine
the expenses that are allocable to such proposed or actual adjustments in any
reasonable manner determined by SFER.  In cases where such expenses relate to
more than one Member, the Chief Financial Officer of SFER shall reasonably
determine how such expenses shall be allocated to the appropriate Members.
    

                       Article 8 - State and Local Taxes

                 8.1      SEPARATE RETURNS.

                 A.       Responsibility.  After consultation with SFER and the
senior tax officer of SFER ("Tax Officer") Monterey and each Monterey
Subsidiary shall be solely responsible for the preparation of all Separate
Returns and the payment of all Separate Taxes.  Accordingly, Monterey or the
appropriate Monterey Subsidiary shall be entitled to the benefit of all refunds
of such Separate Taxes, and SFER shall not have any obligations with respect to
such Separate Taxes.

                 B.       Consultation.   Monterey or the appropriate Monterey
Subsidiary shall provide SFER with all information necessary to keep SFER
apprised of all matters pertaining to the Separate Returns of the Monterey
Companies and shall consult with SFER and keep SFER fully advised as to the
resolution of disputes with taxing authorities concerning such Separate Taxes,
including any matters relating to audits in connection with Separate Returns of
the Monterey Companies.  The decision of the Tax Officer will be determinative
of any position the Monterey Companies takes with respect to matters affecting
such returns as well as any audits thereof.

                 8.2      SFER COMBINED RETURNS.

                 A.       Payment to SFER.  For each year in which any Monterey
Company is included in any SFER Combined Return, each Monterey Company included
in such return shall pay to SFER an amount equal to the Separate Taxes that
would have been incurred by such Monterey Company if it had filed a Separate
Return with respect to such jurisdiction less any payments theretofore made
pursuant to paragraph B hereof.

                 B.       Estimated Payments.  Each Monterey Company shall pay
to SFER quarterly installments of the amounts estimated to be due SFER pursuant
to paragraph A of Article 8.2.  Such estimated payments shall be determined on
such basis and made at such times as SFER and Monterey may mutually agree or,
absent such agreement, as if the Monterey Companies were filing Separate
Returns in the applicable jurisdictions.





                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10
                 C.       Adjustments.  If, as a result of the adjustment of
the separate taxable income of a Monterey Company, the amount due SFER by such
Monterey Company included in such return shall be redetermined, such Monterey
Company shall remit to SFER or SFER shall refund to such Monterey Company the
amount of the resulting underpayment or overpayment, as the case may be,
together with interest at the statutory rate provided by the jurisdiction in
which such adjustment arose.

                 D.       Utilization of Losses.  No Monterey Companies shall
be entitled to reimbursement from SFER for any losses or credits which are
includable in an SFER Combined Return unless such losses or credits result in a
"current benefit" to SFER or any SFER Company, in which case such Monterey
Company shall be entitled to receive from SFER the amount of such benefit.  For
the purposes hereof, a "current benefit" shall be the difference in the SFER
Combined Tax determined with and without utilization of the loss or credit
attributable to the affected Monterey Company.

                 8.3      Termination.  The provisions of this Article 8 shall
terminate as to a Monterey Company with respect to each jurisdiction upon such
corporation's ceasing to be eligible for inclusion in the SFER Combined Return
for such jurisdiction, but shall continue to apply with respect to any period
in which the income of such Monterey Company is included in the SFER Combined
Return.  SFER and the terminating Monterey Company shall be liable for the
payments, adjustments and reimbursements required under Article 8.2 with
respect to such periods.

   
                      Article 9 - Indemnification by SFER
    

   
                 9.1      Provided that each Monterey Company has paid its
Separate Return Tax Liability pursuant to Article 2 (after taking into account
any adjustments thereto pursuant to Article 7), its Separate Taxes pursuant to
Section 8.1 hereof, and its share of combined return state and local tax
liabilities pursuant to Section 8.2 hereof, SFER shall indemnify and hold
harmless each Monterey Company against any of the following items to the extent
not attributable to the Monterey Company under the principles of this
agreement: (i) any and all income and franchise tax liabilities (including,
without limitation, any joint and several liability for taxes of SFER or any
other member of the SFER Group pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6
or any similar provision of state or local tax law), (ii) any interest and
penalties with respect thereto, (iii) any liabilities arising under any tax
sharing agreements or arrangements that SFER or any member of the SFER Group
may have with Santa Fe Pacific Corporation, and (iv) any and all costs,
expenses or fees incurred in connection with the assessment or collection of
such taxes, interest or penalties.
    

   
                     Article 10 - Miscellaneous Provisions
    

   
                 10.1     Each Member shall be required to make tax elections
and adopt tax provisions adopted or prescribed by SFER.
    





                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11
   
                 10.2     It is understood and acknowledged that, in accordance
with Treas. Reg. Section  1.1502-77, SFER will be the agent for all Members of
the SFER Group with respect to all matters referred to therein and SFER has the
power, without the consent of any Member, to exercise the authority with
respect to the matters set forth therein, including, without limitation, making
or revoking any elections.  SFER shall have authority to compromise or concede
any tax issues for any consolidated return year.  In addition, it is
acknowledged and agreed that SFER has the power and authority to make all
decisions and take any actions with respect to all matters affecting Separate
Returns or Combined Returns or any other matter affecting state or local taxes.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, SFER's control of
any contest or proceeding involving any issue or adjustment (a "Monterey
Issue") that could affect the liability of Monterey or any Monterey Company
under this Agreement shall be subject to the following terms: (i) SFER will
diligently and reasonably contest each Monterey Issue, without regard to the
indemnification provided herein, and shall not settle, compromise or concede
any Monterey Issues, unless the aggregate amounts for which Monterey would be
liable to SFER under this Agreement as a result of all such concessions,
settlements or compromises for the particular tax year does not exceed
$100,000; and (ii) SFER will consult with Monterey as to the conduct of the
contest of each Monterey Issue, will provide Monterey with copies of all
protests, pleadings, briefs, filings, correspondence and similar materials
relative to the contest of each Monterey Issue and will arrange for a
representative of Monterey to be present at (but not to participate in) all
meetings with the relevant taxing authorities and all hearings before any
court.
    

   
                 10.3     If for any reason the application of this Agreement
results in an inequitable and unintended allocation (e.g., if a Parent that
realizes a benefit from an item generated by a Subsidiary in one year is not
the same Parent that realizes the detriment when the item is used by the
Subsidiary in a different year), the Tax Officer shall have the authority to
reallocate items to eliminate or reduce the inequity, provided such
reallocation is based on the principles of this Agreement.
    

   
                 10.4     If a Member ceases to be a Member of the SFER Group,
this Agreement shall apply with respect to any period in which the income of
the terminating Member is included in the SFER consolidated federal income tax
return.  The terminating Member shall remain liable to SFER for payments
required under this Agreement, including, but not limited to, payments of tax
and estimated tax for periods in which the Member's income is included in the
SFER consolidated return and payments attributable to adjustments referred to
in Article 7.1 and to interest and penalties referred to in Articles 5.3 and
7.2.  Additionally, the terminating Member shall cooperate and provide
reasonable access to books, records and other information needed in connection
with audits, administrative proceedings, litigation and other similar matters
related to periods in which the Member was a Member of the SFER Group.  A
Member that ceases to be a Member of the SFER Group shall not be entitled to
any compensation or reimbursement with respect to any tax refund, benefit or
other similar item realized by the SFER Group after the Member leaves the SFER
Group or with respect to any carryforward not used by the Member or its Parent
prior to the Member leaving the SFER Group.  Federal income taxes will be
calculated for the taxable period
    





                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12
of termination on the basis of allocations made in accordance with Treasury
Regulation Section 1.1502-76(b)(2)(i) or (ii), as SFER determines.  State or
local taxes will be calculated for such period using such reasonable method as
will be determined by SFER.

   
                 10.5     If a Member acquires the assets of another Member in
a transaction described in section 381(a) of the Code, the acquiring Member
shall succeed to and assume all rights and liabilities of the acquired Member
under this Agreement.
    

   
                 10.6     If any Member of the SFER Group has items of loss,
deduction or credit which are to be carried back from a taxable year for which
such Member is not included in a consolidated return filed by SFER to a
consolidated return year for which it was so included, such Member shall
promptly inform SFER of the carryback and assist SFER in filing a proper and
timely claim for any refund which may be available in respect of such items.
    

   
                 10.7     Each Member shall use the computer software, methods
and procedures designated by SFER for purposes of tax record maintenance and
tax return preparation.
    

   
                 10.8     SFER shall have authority to amend this Agreement
through a collateral agreement with any Member to take into account any special
facts and circumstances of such Member.  The collateral agreement shall be
effective upon execution by all affected parties and need not be executed by
Members whose rights and liabilities under this Agreement are not affected by
the collateral agreement.  Any such amendment (other than any amendment in the
Agreement Concerning Taxes And Tax Indemnification Upon Spin-off) shall be
consistent with the principles of this Agreement.
    

   
                 10.9     This Agreement may be unilaterally amended by SFER in
response to legislative or regulatory changes in the tax law, provided that any
such amendment is consistent with the overall general principles of this
Agreement.
    

   
                 10.10    Any matter not specifically covered by this Agreement
shall be handled in the manner determined by SFER in accordance with the
general principles of this Agreement.  Any dispute concerning the
interpretation of this Agreement shall be settled in a fair and reasonable
manner by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Tax Officer
of SFER.
    

   
                 10.11    Any Member of the SFER Group may, in lieu of signing
and executing this Agreement, become a party to this Agreement by resolution of
its Board of Directors accepting the provisions of this Agreement.
    

   
                 10.12    This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
    





                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13
   
                 10.13    This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of any successor to the parties hereto as if such successor had been a
party to this Agreement; provided, nothing in this Agreement is intended to
confer any rights or impose any obligations on any third parties.
    

   
                 10.14    This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
State of Texas and shall be construed in accordance with such laws.
    

   
               Article 11 - Effective Date and Transitional Rules
    

   
                 11.1     This Agreement shall become effective with respect to
the consolidated return year beginning January 1, 1996.  Estimated tax payments
made by a Member for such year prior to the execution of this Agreement shall
be treated in the same manner as payments made pursuant to Article 5. The
termination of this Agreement shall not relieve any party of any obligation
arising hereunder.
    

   
                 11.2     This Agreement supersedes all previous tax allocation
agreements between SFER and the Members of its affiliated group, and other
federal income tax allocation agreements or arrangements between the parties to
this Agreement.  Any unused carryovers from years subject to such other
agreements shall be allowed or taken into account only as provided in this
Agreement.
    

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the, parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be duly executed and attested.

                                        SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.



                                    By
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                        President


                                        MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.



                                    By
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                        President

   
    





                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14
   
    


                                        SANTA FE ENERGY COMPANY OF ARGENTINA



                                    By
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                        President



                                        SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES (DELAWARE) 
                                        LTD.



                                    By
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                        President




                                        ADOBE OFFSHORE PIPELINE COMPANY



                                    By
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                        President


                                        SANTA FE PACIFIC FUELS COMPANY



                                    By
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                        President


                                        SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES OF BOLIVIA,
                                        INC.



                                    By
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                        President




                                        SECURITY PURCHASING, INC.



                                    By
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                        President


                                        GULF COAST AMERICAN CORPORATION



                                    By
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                        President



                                     -14-

<PAGE>   1
   
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.3
    


                         AGREEMENT CONCERNING TAXES AND
                       TAX INDEMNIFICATION UPON SPIN-OFF

                 THIS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of [ _______, ___
1996], is by and between SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. ("SFER"), a Delaware
corporation and MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC. ("Monterey"), a Delaware corporation
and those subsidiaries of Monterey signatory hereto (the "Monterey
Subsidiaries").
                                R E C I T A L S

                 WHEREAS, Monterey and the Monterey Subsidiaries are members of
an affiliated group of corporations within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), of which SFER is
the common parent (the "SFER Group"), and which files consolidated federal
income tax returns as well as certain consolidated, combined or unitary state
tax returns;

                 WHEREAS, SFER owns shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share ("Common Stock"), of Monterey constituting "control" within the meaning
of Section 368(c) of the Code ("Control");

                 WHEREAS, SFER intends, subject to the satisfaction of certain
conditions, to distribute all or substantially all of its common stock to its
stockholders (the "Spin-Off");

                 WHEREAS, SFER, Monterey and the Monterey Subsidiaries are
parties to the AGREEMENT FOR THE ALLOCATION OF THE CONSOLIDATED FEDERAL INCOME
TAX LIABILITY AND STATE AND LOCAL TAXES AMONG THE MEMBERS OF THE SANTA FE
ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. AFFILIATED GROUP (the "Tax Sharing Agreement"); and
<PAGE>   2
                 WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth their agreements with
regard to their respective liabilities for federal, state and local taxes as
well as their agreements if Monterey and the Monterey Subsidiaries cease to be
members of the SFER Group and with respect to the indemnification of SFER as
hereinafter provided in the event the Spin- Off fails to qualify under Section
355 of the Code due to actions by Monterey after the Spin-Off;

                 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the premises and mutual
undertakings contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration,
the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the parties, it
is agreed as follows:

         1.      DEFINITIONS.

                 For all purposes of this Agreement, the terms defined in this
Section 1 shall have the meanings assigned to them in this Section 1.

         "Code"  shall have the meaning specified in the preamble hereof.

         "Disaffiliation" means the Monterey Companies ceasing to be members of
the SFER Group.

         "Disaffiliation Date" means the date Disaffiliation shall occur as
determined in conformity with Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-76(b).

         "Indemnified Liability" shall have the meaning specified in Paragraph
C(2) of Section 9 hereof.

         "Indemnity Amount" shall have the meaning specified in Paragraph C(5)
of Section 9 hereof.

         "Monterey Companies" means Monterey, the Monterey Subsidiaries, their
respective divisions and their successors and assigns.

         "Prohibited Act" shall have the meaning specified in Paragraph B of
Section 9 hereof.





                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
   
         "Restricted Period" means the one-year period commencing with the
Spin-Off; provided that, if legislation similar to Section 9522 of the Revenue
Reconciliation Bill of 1996 as released by President Clinton on March 19, 1996
is enacted with an effective date such that the legislation would apply to the
Spin-off, the Restricted Period shall not end prior to the end of the period
specified in such legislation during which some percentage of ownership of SFER
and/or Monterey must be maintained by the shareholders of SFER prior to the
Spin-off in order for the Spin-off to be tax free to SFER under Section 355 of
the Code.
    

         "Return" shall mean any SFER Consolidated Return and any State and
Local Return.

         "Santa Fe Pacific Tax Indemnity Agreement" means that agreement dated
April 20, 1990, by and between Santa Fe Pacific Corporation ("SFP"), and SFER,
pursuant to which SFER agreed to indemnify SFP against certain tax liabilities
incurred by SFP in the event actions taken by SFER caused such tax liabilities.

         "SFER Consolidated Return" means any consolidated federal income tax
return of the SFER Group which includes one or more of the Monterey Companies.

         "SFER Consolidated Return Year" means any taxable period of the SFER
Group ending on or before the Disaffiliation Date.

         "SFER Group" shall have the meaning specified in the preamble hereof.

         "SFER Subsidiary" means any corporation (other than a Monterey
Company) the stock of which is owned directly or indirectly by SFER and which
joins SFER in the filing of State and Local Returns.

         "Spin-Off" shall have the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.





                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
         "State and Local Returns" shall have the meaning specified in
Paragraph B of Section 3 hereof.

         "Tax Sharing Agreement" shall have the meaning specified in the
preamble hereof.

         2.      TAX SHARING AGREEMENT TO CONTINUE IN EFFECT.

         Except to the extent modified or supplemented herein, the Tax Sharing
Agreement, including Article 9.4 thereof, shall continue in full force and
effect.  Consequently, for example, for taxable periods ending on or before the
Disaffiliation Date, payments to SFER or any Monterey Company, as the case may
be, shall continue to be made in accordance with the Tax Sharing Agreement.
The provisions of the Tax Sharing Agreement shall fix the rights and
obligations of the parties as to the matters covered thereby whether or not
followed for federal income tax or other purposes by the SFER Group including
but not limited to the computation of earnings and profits for federal income
tax purposes.

         3.      TAX RETURN FILING.

                 A.       Federal Returns.  If at any time and from time to
time SFER so elects, Monterey and each Monterey Subsidiary agree to continue to
join in the filing of consolidated federal income tax returns for the SFER
Group for the calendar year 1996 and for any subsequent taxable periods of SFER
ending before, on or after the Disaffiliation Date for which the SFER Group is
eligible to file a consolidated federal income tax return including any
Monterey Company with respect to pre-Disaffiliation operations.  SFER shall
continue to prepare and file all consolidated federal income tax returns which
are required to be filed by the SFER Group for all such taxable periods and pay
all taxes due thereon.  Such returns shall include all income, gains, losses,
deductions and credits of the Monterey Companies.  SFER will make all decisions
relating to the





                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
preparation and filing of such returns.  Monterey and each Monterey Subsidiary
further agree to file, or join in the filing of such authorizations, elections,
consents and other documents and take such other actions as may be necessary or
appropriate in the opinion of SFER to carry out the purposes and intent of this
Paragraph A of Section 3.

                 Monterey shall furnish SFER at least forty-five (45) days
before such return is due (with extensions) with its completed section of each
year's consolidated federal income tax return, prepared in accordance with
instructions from SFER, on the Price Waterhouse Domestic Tax Management System
("DTMS").  Monterey shall also furnish DTMS work papers and such other
information and documentation as is requested by SFER.  Such information shall
have been reviewed and approved by Monterey's auditors prior to its submission
to SFER.

                 B.       State and Local Returns.  For the calendar year 1996
and for any subsequent taxable periods ending before, on or after the
Disaffiliation Date, SFER will prepare and file all combined, consolidated or
unitary state or local income or franchise tax returns (herein "State and Local
Returns") which are required to be filed and which include the
pre-Disaffiliation operations of any Monterey Company and SFER or any SFER
Subsidiary.   SFER will pay all taxes due on such returns.  SFER will timely
advise Monterey of the inclusion of any Monterey Companies in any State and
Local Returns and the states and localities in which such returns will be
filed.  Each of the Monterey Companies whose tax information is included in any
State and Local Return will evidence its agreement to be included in such
return on the appropriate form and take such other action as may be
appropriate, in the opinion of SFER, to carry out the purposes and intent of
this Paragraph B of Section 3.   Monterey shall furnish SFER with a final copy
of the information necessary for SFER





                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
to complete such combined, consolidated or unitary returns at least forty-five
(45) days before such returns are due (with extensions).

         4.      CARRYOVERS OF MONTEREY TAX BENEFITS.

   
                 SFER shall notify Monterey, after Disaffiliation, of any
consolidated carryover item which may be partially or totally attributed to and
carried over by a Monterey Company and will notify such Monterey Company of
subsequent adjustments which may affect such carryover item.  Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement or the Tax Sharing Agreement, neither
Monterey nor any Monterey Subsidiary will be reimbursed for any state, federal
or local deduction, credit or other tax item, including but not limited to a
net operating loss deduction or an enhanced oil recovery credit as defined in
Section 48 of the Code attributable to a post-Disaffiliation year that is
carried back to a pre-Disaffiliation year; provided, however, that neither the
foregoing provision nor any other provision of this Agreement shall be
construed so as to limit in any way the right or ability of Monterey or any
Monterey Subsidiary to make the election under Section 172(b)(3) of the Code or
under similar provisions of applicable state or local law.
    

         5.      AUDIT ADJUSTMENTS.

                 A.       General.  Pursuant to Article 9.4 of the Tax Sharing
Agreement, if a Monterey Company ceases to be a member of the SFER Group, the
Tax Sharing Agreement shall apply with respect to any period in which the
income of the terminating member is included in the SFER Consolidated Return or
State and Local Returns.  The terminating member shall remain liable to SFER
for payments required under the Tax Sharing Agreement, including but not
limited to, payments of tax and estimated tax for periods in which the member's
income is included in the SFER Consolidated Return and State and Local Returns
and payments attributable to adjustments





                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
referred to in Article 7.1 of the Tax Sharing Agreement and to interest and
penalties referred to in Articles 5.3 and 7.2 of the Tax Sharing Agreement.
Additionally, the terminating member shall cooperate and provide reasonable
access to books, records and other information needed in connection with
audits, administrative proceedings, litigation and other similar matters
related to periods in which the member was a member of the SFER Group.
However, Article 9.4 of the Tax Sharing Agreement is hereby modified so that a
Monterey Company that ceases to be a member of the SFER Group shall be entitled
to compensation or reimbursement  with respect to any tax refunds, overpayment,
benefit or other similar item attributable to such member that is realized by
the SFER group after such member leaves the SFER Group.  Any such payments or
reimbursements shall be made in accordance with Article 7.1, Article 7.3 and
Article 8.2(C) of the Tax Sharing Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Monterey and the Monterey Subsidiaries will not be required under the Tax
Sharing Agreement to pay more on a combined or consolidated basis than that
which they would have been required to pay had Monterey or the Monterey
Subsidiaries filed combined or consolidated State and Local Returns with
Monterey as the common parent.  If for any period in which a Monterey Company
was included in the State and Local Returns there is a final determination that
any Monterey Company should not have been included in one or more of such
returns, SFER shall refund to such Monterey Company any sums paid by such
Monterey Company to the SFER Group with respect to such returns which are not
credited against such Monterey Company's separate state or local tax liability
as well as any interest that the SFER Group receives from a state or local
government with respect to sums paid by such Monterey Company to the SFER Group
with respect to such returns which are credited against the SFER Group's
separate state or local tax liability, and such Monterey Company shall have no
further rights or obligations with





                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
respect to such State and Local Returns, including the right to compensation,
reimbursement or refund with respect to such returns.

                 B.       Adjustments to California Franchise Tax Liability
Under Prior Agreements  With Santa Fe Pacific Corporation.  With respect to all
tax sharing agreements and arrangements with Santa Fe Pacific Corporation,
Monterey will receive all benefits and be responsible for all liabilities
directly attributable to California Franchise Tax liabilities for taxable years
ending on or after December 31, 1984 (including, but not limited to benefits
and payments attributable to federal and state audit adjustments, including the
California combined return issue with Santa Fe Pacific Corporation), except
that any benefit accruing to or received by Monterey as a result of Federal
audit adjustments with respect to the SFER Group shall be paid by Monterey to
SFER.

         6.      CONTEST.

   
                 If an audit adjustment is proposed or any other claim is made
by any taxing authority with respect to a tax liability of Monterey or a
Monterey Subsidiary with regard to an SFER Consolidated Return or a State and
Local Tax Return, SFER shall promptly notify Monterey of such proposed
adjustment or claim (unless Monterey previously was notified directly by the
relevant tax authority).  Notwithstanding anything in the Tax Sharing Agreement
to the contrary, if Monterey so requests and at Monterey's expense, SFER shall
contest or shall permit the relevant Monterey Company to contest (in which case
the relevant Monterey Company shall have the right and power to control or
settle such claim or proceeding), such claim on audit or in a related
administrative or judicial proceeding or by appropriate claim for refund or
credit of taxes, subject, however, to SFER's right  to control the prosecution
of any such audit or refund claim or related administrative or judicial
proceeding with respect to those matters which could affect SFER's tax
liability, including its
    





                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
   
liability under this Agreement; and, where deemed necessary by SFER, the
relevant entity shall authorize by appropriate powers of attorney such persons
as SFER shall designate to represent such entity with respect to such audit or
refund claim or related administrative or judicial proceeding.  Notwithstanding
anything in this Section 6 or in the Tax Sharing Agreement to the contrary,
SFER's control of any contest or proceeding involving any issue or adjustment
(a "Monterey Issue") that could affect the liability of Monterey or any
Monterey Company under the Tax Sharing Agreement or under this Agreement shall
be subject to the following terms: (i) SFER will diligently contest each
Monterey Issue, without regard to the indemnification provided herein or in the
Tax Sharing Agreement; (ii) SFER will consult with Monterey as to the conduct
of the contest of each Monterey Issue, will provide Monterey with copies of all
protests, pleadings, briefs, filings, correspondence and similar materials
relative to the contest of each Monterey Issue and will arrange for a
representative of Monterey to be present at (but not to participate in) all
meetings with the relevant taxing authorities and all hearings before any
court; and (iii) neither SFER nor any other member of the SFER Group will
settle, compromise or concede any Monterey Issue, unless Monterey has consented
to such settlement, compromise or concession or unless the aggregate amounts
for which Monterey would be liable to SFER under this Agreement and the Tax
Sharing Agreement as a result of all such concessions, settlements or
compromises for the particular tax year does not exceed $100,000.
    





                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10
   
         7.      ALLOCATION; INFORMATION AND COOPERATION; DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
    

                 A.       Allocation.  Federal income taxes will be calculated
for the taxable period ending on the Disaffiliation Date on the basis of
allocations made in accordance with the Tax Sharing Agreement.  State or local
taxes will be calculated for such period in accordance with the Tax Sharing
Agreement with regard to the allocation of state and local tax liabilities
where combined, consolidated or unitary State and Local Tax Returns are filed.

                 B.       Information and Cooperation.  From and after the
Disaffiliation Date, Monterey shall deliver to SFER, as soon as practical after
SFER's request, such information and data concerning the pre-Disaffiliation
operations of Monterey and the Monterey Subsidiaries, and make available such
knowledgeable employees of Monterey or the Monterey Subsidiaries, as SFER may
reasonably request, including providing the information and data required by
SFER's customary internal tax and accounting procedures, in order to enable
SFER to complete and file all tax forms or reports that it may be required to
file with respect to the activities of Monterey and the Monterey Subsidiaries
for taxable periods ending on, prior to or including the Disaffiliation Date,
to respond to audits by any taxing authorities with respect to such activities,
to prosecute or defend claims for taxes on any administrative or judicial
proceeding and to otherwise enable SFER to satisfy its accounting and tax
requirements.  From and after the Disaffiliation Date, SFER shall deliver to
Monterey as soon as practical after Monterey's request, such information and
data concerning any tax attributes which were allocated to Monterey or the
Monterey Subsidiaries that is reasonably necessary in order to enable Monterey
to complete and file all tax forms or reports that it may be required to file
with respect to such activities of Monterey and the Monterey Subsidiaries from
and





                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11
after the Disaffiliation Date, to respond to audits by any tax authorities with
respect to such activities, to prosecute or defend claims for taxes in any
administrative or judicial proceeding and to otherwise enable Monterey to
satisfy its accounting and tax requirements.  SFER shall make available to
Monterey such of its knowledgeable employees for such purposes.  In addition,
Monterey agrees, at SFER's request, to furnish an executed Power of Attorney to
enable SFER to conduct any Federal, State and local tax matters covering any
period for which Monterey was included in SFER's returns.

   
                 C.       Dispute Resolution.  Notwithstanding Section 10.10 of
the Tax Sharing Agreement, any dispute involving the interpretation of the Tax
Sharing Agreement shall be resolved in a manner, and by applying principles,
consistent with Section 9.D(8) of this Agreement.
    

         8.      PAYMENTS.

                 Payments with respect to federal income taxes shall be made in
accordance with the Tax Sharing Agreement.  Any interest or penalties for
underpayment of estimated taxes which are allocated to a Monterey Company shall
be paid not later than 30 days after billing by SFER.  Monterey shall pay the
portion of the taxes shown on each State and Local Tax Return which is
allocable to the Monterey Companies in accordance with the Tax Sharing
Agreement no later than 30 days after such return is filed.  All payments in
excess of $50,000 to be made hereunder shall be made in immediately available
funds.  All payments not made when due hereunder or under the Tax Sharing
Agreement shall bear interest from the due date until paid at a rate per annum
equal to one (1) percentage point above the monthly average of the daily
Effective Federal Funds Rate as stated by The Federal Reserve Bank of New York.





                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12
         9.      SPIN-OFF TAX INDEMNIFICATION.

   
                 Notwithstanding anything herein or in the Tax Sharing
Agreement (including, without limitation, Article 9 of the Tax Sharing
Agreement) to the Contrary, the provisions of this Section 9 shall govern all
matters among the parties hereto related to an Indemnified Liability and an
Indemnified Amount.
    

                 A.       Continued Conduct of Business.  During the Restricted
Period, Monterey agrees that it will not cease the active conduct of its trade
or business within the meaning of Section 355(b) of the Code.

                 B.       Opinion Requirement for Major Transactions Undertaken
by Monterey During the Restricted Period.  Monterey agrees that during the
Restricted Period it will not (i) merge or consolidate with or into any other
corporation, (ii) liquidate or partially liquidate (within the meaning of such
terms as defined in Section 346 and Section 302, respectively, of the Code),
(iii) sell  or transfer all or substantially all its assets (within the meaning
of Rev. Proc. 77-37, 1977 - 2 C.B. 568) in a single transaction or series of
related transactions, (iv) redeem or otherwise repurchase any of Monterey's
capital stock, or (v) except in connection with any transaction or transactions
which, in the aggregate, would not have the effect, if treated as occurring
before the Spin-Off, of reducing SFER's ownership to less than Control as of
the date of the Spin-Off, issue additional shares of Monterey's capital stock
(actions (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) are referred to as the "Prohibited
Acts"), unless Monterey first obtains, and permits SFER to review, an opinion
of Andrews & Kurth L.L.P. or other law firm of similar repute, or a
supplemental ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, that such transaction,
and any transaction related thereto, will not affect the qualification of the
Spin-Off under Section 355 of the Code.





                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13
                 C.       Indemnification.

                          (1)     Indemnity.  If during the Restricted Period

                                  (A)      Monterey takes any action or enters
                          into any agreement to take any action, including,
                          without limitation, any Prohibited Act or ceasing to
                          actively conduct its trade or business within the
                          meaning of Section 355 of the Code, and the Spin-Off
                          shall fail to qualify under Section 355 of the Code
                          primarily as a result of such action or actions; or

                                  (B)      Monterey amends the Monterey
                          Shareholder Rights Plan dated of even date herewith
                          (the "Rights Plan"), or redeems any outstanding
                          preferred share purchase rights (the "Rights") issued
                          pursuant to the Rights Plan, and the Spin-Off shall
                          fail to qualify under Section 355 of the Code
                          primarily as a result of any person thereafter, but
                          within the Restricted Period, acquiring stock of
                          Monterey which acquisition would have caused the
                          Rights to become exercisable had the Rights remained
                          outstanding under the Rights Plan as originally
                          adopted;

         then Monterey shall indemnify and hold harmless SFER and each member
         of the SFER Group against any and all federal, state and local taxes,
         interest, penalties and additions to tax imposed upon or incurred by
         the SFER Group or any member thereof  or any stockholder of SFER or
         Monterey as a result of the failure of the Spin-Off to so qualify to
         the extent provided herein.  SFER and each other member of the SFER
         Group shall be indemnified and held harmless under this Paragraph C(1)
         without regard to the fact that SFER or any other member of the SFER
         Group may have reviewed an opinion or supplemental ruling pertaining
         to the action pursuant to Paragraph B of Section 9.
        




                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14
                          (2)     Indemnified Liability.  For purposes of this
         Agreement, the term "Indemnified Liability" means any liability
         imposed upon or incurred by the SFER Group or any member of the SFER
         Group for which SFER or any other member of the SFER Group is
         indemnified and held harmless under Paragraph C(1) of this Section 9,
         but shall not refer to the amount of such liability.

                          (3)     Amount of Indemnified Liability for Income
         Taxes.  The amount of an Indemnified Liability for a federal or state
         tax incurred by the SFER Group or any member thereof based on or
         determined with reference to income shall be deemed to be the amount
         of tax computed by multiplying (i) the taxing jurisdiction's highest
         effective tax rate applicable to taxable income of corporations such
         as SFER of the character subject to tax as a result of the failure of
         the Spin-Off to qualify under Section 355 of the Code for the taxable
         period in which the Spin-Off occurs, times (ii) the gain or income of
         the SFER Group or member thereof which is subject to tax in the taxing
         jurisdiction as a result of the failure of the Spin-Off to qualify
         under Section 355 of the Code, and, (iii) in the case of a state,
         times the percentage representing the extent to which such gain or
         income is apportioned or allocated to such state; provided, however,
         that in the case of a state tax determined as a percentage of federal
         income tax liability, the amount of Indemnified Liability shall be
         deemed to be the amount of tax computed by multiplying (i) that
         state's highest effective rate applicable to the taxable income of
         corporations such as SFER of the character subject to tax as a result
         of the failure of the Spin-Off  to qualify under Section 355 of the
         Code for taxable period in which the Spin- Off occurs, times (ii) the
         amount of deemed federal income tax (whether or not incurred) imposed
         upon the SFER Group or any member thereof from the





                                      -14-
<PAGE>   15
         failure of the Spin-Off to qualify under Section 355 of the Code
         computed in accordance with this Paragraph C(3), times (iii) the
         percentage representing the extent to which the gain or income
         required to be recognized on the Spin-Off is apportioned to such
         state.

                          (4)     Indemnity Reduced By Income Tax Benefits From
         Indemnified Liability.  If an Indemnified Liability is of a type that
         constitutes a deduction from income in any taxable period in
         determining the SFER Group's or any of its member's liability for a
         federal or state tax based upon or determined with reference to
         income, the amount that Monterey would otherwise be required to pay as
         indemnification for such Indemnified Liability shall be reduced by the
         aggregate deemed reduction, on account of such deduction of the
         Indemnified Liability, in the tax liability of the SFER Group or any
         member to all taxing jurisdictions over all taxable periods in which
         the Indemnified Liability is deductible.  The deemed reduction in tax
         liability to a taxing jurisdiction for any taxable period in which all
         or a portion of the Indemnified Liability is deductible shall be
         deemed to be the amount computed by multiplying (i) such taxing
         jurisdiction's highest effective tax rate applicable to the taxable
         income of corporations such as SFER of the character against which the
         Indemnified Liability is deductible, times (ii) the portion of the
         Indemnified Liability that constitutes a deduction in such taxing
         jurisdiction in such taxable period, and, (iii) in the case of a
         state, times the percentage representing the extent to which the
         deduction for the Indemnified Liability is apportioned or allocated to
         such state; provided, however, that in the case of a state tax
         determined as a percentage of federal income tax liability, the amount
         of deemed reduction in tax lability to such state for any taxable
         period in which all or a portion of the Indemnified Liability is
         deductible shall be deemed to be the amount computed by





                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16
         multiplying (i) such state's highest effective rate applicable to the
         taxable income of corporations such as SFER in such taxable period of
         such character against which the Indemnified Liability is deductible,
         times (ii) the deemed reduction in federal income tax in such taxable
         period resulting from the deductibility of the Indemnified Liability
         computed in accordance with this Paragraph C(4), times (iii) the
         percentage representing the extent to which the deduction for the
         Indemnified Liability is apportioned or allocated to such state.  The
         amount of such reduction in Monterey's liability shall be unaffected
         by any interest paid to the SFER Group, or any member thereof, by a
         taxing authority by reason of any such deduction.

                          (5)     Indemnity Amount.  With respect to any
         Indemnified Liability, the amount which Monterey shall pay to or on
         behalf of SFER as indemnification (the "Indemnity Amount") shall be
         the sum of (i) the amount of the Indemnified Liability, as determined
         and adjusted under Paragraphs C(3) and C(4) of Section 9, (ii) any
         penalties and interest imposed with respect to the Indemnified
         Liability and (iii) an amount such that when the sum of the amounts
         set forth in clauses (i), (ii) and this clause (iii) of this Paragraph
         C(5) are reduced by federal, state and local taxes imposed as a result
         of the receipt of such sum, the reduced amount is equal to the sum of
         the amounts set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Paragraph C(5).





                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17
                 D.       Procedural Matters.

   
                          (1)     Notice.  If either Monterey or SFER receives
         any written notice of deficiency, claim or adjustment or any other
         written communication from a taxing authority that may result in an
         Indemnified Liability, the party receiving such notice or
         communication shall promptly give written notice thereof to the other
         party, provided that any delay by SFER in so notifying Monterey shall
         not relieve Monterey of any liability to SFER hereunder except to the
         extent Monterey is materially and adversely prejudiced by such delay.
         SFER undertakes and agrees that from and after such time as SFER
         obtains knowledge that any representative of a taxing authority has
         begun to investigate or inquire into the Spin-Off (whether or not such
         investigation or inquiry is a formal or informal investigation or
         inquiry), SFER shall (i) notify Monterey thereof, provided that any
         delay by SFER in so notifying Monterey shall not relieve Monterey of
         any liability to SFER hereunder except to the extent Monterey is
         materially and adversely prejudiced by such delay, (ii) consult with
         Monterey from time to time as to the conduct of such investigation or
         inquiry, (iii) provide Monterey with copies of all correspondence
         between SFER or its representatives and such taxing authority or any
         representative thereof pertaining to such investigation or inquiry and
         (iv) arrange for a representative of Monterey to be present at (but
         not participate in, except as otherwise provided in Section 9.D(3)
         below) all meetings with such taxing authority or any representative
         thereof pertaining to such investigation or inquiry.
    

                          (2)     Written Acknowledgment  Promptly upon receipt
         of notice as provided in Paragraph D(1) of this Section 9, Monterey
         shall confirm in writing to SFER that





                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18
         the liability asserted in the notice of deficiency, claim or
         adjustment or other written communication would, if imposed upon or
         incurred by the SFER Group or any member thereof, be an Indemnified
         Liability, unless Monterey believes in good faith that such liability
         would not be an Indemnified Liability in which case Monterey shall set
         forth in writing to SFER the grounds for such belief.

                          (3)     Tax Proceedings Controlled by Monterey.  Any
         tax proceeding that may result in an Indemnified Liability, which is
         acknowledged as such by Monterey, shall be conducted in accordance
         with this Paragraph D(3).

                          Promptly upon Monterey's written acknowledgment that
         the asserted liability is an Indemnified Liability, Monterey shall
         assume and direct the defense or settlement of the proceeding.  If the
         Indemnified Liability is grouped with other unrelated asserted
         liabilities or issues in the proceeding, SFER and Monterey shall use
         their respective best efforts to cause the Indemnified Liability to be
         the subject of a separate proceeding.  If such severance is not
         possible, Monterey shall assume and direct and be responsible only for
         the matters relating to the Indemnified Liability.

   
                          Upon request, during the course of the tax
         proceedings, Monterey shall from time to time furnish SFER with
         evidence reasonably satisfactory to SFER of its ability to pay the
         full amount of the Indemnified Liability.  If at any time during such
         tax proceedings SFER reasonably determines, after due investigation,
         that Monterey could not pay the full amount of the Indemnified
         Liability, if required, then Monterey shall be required to furnish a
         guarantee or performance bond satisfactory to SFER in an amount equal
         to the amount of the Indemnified Liability asserted by the taxing
         authority.  If Monterey fails to furnish such
    





                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19
   
         guarantee or bond, SFER may assume control of the tax proceedings in
         accordance with Paragraph D(4) of this Section 9.
    

                          Monterey shall pay all expenses related to the
         Indemnified Liability, including but not limited to fees for
         attorneys, accountants, expert witnesses or other consultants retained
         by it.  To the extent that any such expenses have been or are paid by
         SFER or any member of the SFER Group, Monterey shall promptly
         reimburse SFER or such member therefor.

                          SFER shall not pay (unless otherwise required by a
         proper notice of levy and after prompt notification to Monterey of
         SFER's receipt of notice and demand for payment), settle, compromise
         or concede any portion of the Indemnified Liability without the
         written consent of Monterey.  SFER shall, at Monterey's sole cost
         (including but not limited to any reasonable out-of-pocket costs
         incurred by SFER), take such action as Monterey may reasonably request
         (including but not limited to the execution of powers of attorney for
         one or more persons designated by Monterey and the filing of a
         petition, complaint, amended return or claim for refund) in contesting
         the Indemnified Liability.  Monterey shall, on a timely basis, keep
         SFER informed of all developments in the proceeding and provide SFER
         with copies of all pleadings, briefs, orders, and other written papers
         pertaining thereto.

                          Subject to satisfaction of the conditions herein set
         forth, Monterey may direct SFER to settle the Indemnified Liability on
         such terms and for such amount as Monterey may direct.  SFER may
         condition such settlement on receipt, prior to the settlement, from
         Monterey of the Indemnity Amount less any amounts to be paid directly
         by Monterey to the taxing authority.  Monterey may direct SFER, at
         Monterey's expense, to pay an asserted





                                      -19-
<PAGE>   20
         deficiency for the Indemnified Liability out of funds provided by
         Monterey, and to file a claim for refund.

   
                          (4)     Tax Proceedings Controlled by SFER.  Should
         Monterey not provide SFER with the confirmation contemplated by
         Paragraph D(2) of this Section 9 within thirty (30) days following
         receipt of notice provided in Paragraph D(1) of this Section 9 or,
         following such confirmation, should Monterey fail within thirty (30)
         days following request therefor to furnish to SFER evidence of its
         ability to pay the full amount of the Indemnified Liability, or should
         SFER reasonably believe after due investigation that Monterey could
         not pay the full amount of the Indemnified Liability if required and
         Monterey fails to furnish a guarantee or performance bond satisfactory
         to SFER in an amount equal to the amount of the Indemnified Liability
         then being asserted by the taxing authority, then SFER may assume
         control of the tax proceeding upon the following terms: (i) SFER will
         diligently defend against the claim of any taxing authority that the
         Spin- Off resulted in taxable income to it or any other member of the
         SFER Group, without regard to the indemnification provided herein,
         including the pursuit of the appeal of any adverse determinations to
         the appropriate tribunal (unless advised in writing by independent
         outside counsel at Monterey's sole cost in its reasonable judgment
         that SFER or such other member of the SFER Group would not prevail
         upon any such appeal) and shall employ such resources, including
         independent counsel, in conducting such defense as are reasonably
         commensurate to the nature and magnitude of the claim; (ii) SFER will
         consult with Monterey as to the conduct of all proceedings, will
         provide Monterey with copies of all protests, pleadings, briefs,
         filings, correspondence and similar materials relative to the
         proceedings and will arrange for a
    





                                      -20-
<PAGE>   21
   
         representative of Monterey to be present at (but not to participate
         in) all meetings with the relevant taxing authorities and all hearings
         before any court; and (iii) neither SFER nor any other member of the
         SFER Group will settle, compromise or concede any claim that would
         result in an Indemnified Liability unless SFER has made the
         determination, and has been so advised in writing by independent
         outside counsel at Monterey's sole cost, that such settlement is fair
         to Monterey and its stockholders and is reasonable in the
         circumstance.  Subject to the above, any such tax proceeding shall be
         controlled and directed exclusively by SFER and may be contested,
         defended, paid, settled, compromised or conceded by SFER and any
         related expenses incurred by SFER or any member of the SFER Group,
         including but not limited to, fees for attorneys, accountants, expert
         witnesses or other consultants shall be reimbursed by Monterey, if
         Monterey admits or is found to have incorrectly failed to acknowledge
         the asserted liability as an Indemnified Liability as provided in
         Paragraph D(2) of this Section 9; provided, however, that if after
         SFER's assumption of control of the proceedings, Monterey acknowledges
         in writing that the asserted liability is an Indemnified Liability or
         demonstrates its ability to pay the full amount of the Indemnified
         Liability if required, Monterey shall (if practical and upon its
         request) promptly assume and direct a proceeding which shall
         thenceforth be conducted in accordance with Paragraph D(3) of this
         Section 9, provided further however, that SFER will not be required to
         pursue the claim in the federal district court, Court of Claims or any
         state court if as a prerequisite to such Court's jurisdiction, it is
         required to pay the asserted liability unless the funds necessary to
         invoke such jurisdiction are provided by Monterey at no cost to SFER.
    





                                      -21-
<PAGE>   22
                          (5)     Time and Manner of Payment.  Unless otherwise
         agreed in writing, Monterey shall pay to SFER the Indemnity Amount
         (less any amount paid directly by Monterey to the taxing authority or
         made available to SFER under Paragraph D(4) of this Section 9) within
         seven (7) business days after the date payment of the Indemnified
         Liability is made to the taxing authority.  Such payment shall be paid
         by Monterey to SFER by wire transfer of immediately available funds to
         an account designated by SFER by written notice to Monterey prior to
         the due date of such payment.  If Monterey delays making payment
         beyond the due date hereunder, Monterey shall pay interest to SFER on
         the amount unpaid at the rate of one (1) percentage point above the
         monthly average of the daily Effective Federal Funds Rate, as stated
         by The Federal Reserve Bank of New York for each day and the actual
         number of days for which any amount due hereunder is unpaid; provided,
         however, that this provision for interest shall not be construed to
         give Monterey the right to defer payment beyond the due date
         hereunder.

   
                          (6)     Refund of Amounts Paid by Monterey.  Should
         SFER or any other member of the SFER Group receive a refund in respect
         of amounts paid by Monterey to any taxing authority on SFER's behalf
         or paid by Monterey to SFER for payment to a taxing authority, or
         should any such amounts that would otherwise be refundable to SFER be
         applied or credited by the taxing authority to obligations of SFER or
         any other member of the SFER Group unrelated to the Spinoff, then SFER
         shall, promptly following receipt (or notification of credit), remit
         such refund (including any statutory interest that is included in such
         refund or credited amount), together with interest thereon, which
         interest shall be paid at the rate of one (1) percentage point above
         the monthly average of the daily Effective
    





                                      -22-
<PAGE>   23
   
         Federal Funds Rate, as stated by The Federal Reserve Bank of New York
         for each day and the actual number of days commencing on the date such
         refund is received (or credit applied); provided, however, that the
         provision for interest herein shall not be construed to give SFER the
         right to defer payment to Monterey of any refund proceeds hereunder.
    

                          (7)     Cooperation.  SFER and Monterey shall
         cooperate with one another in a timely manner in any administrative or
         judicial proceeding involving any matter that may result in an
         Indemnified Liability.  SFER and Monterey agree that such cooperation
         shall include, without limitation, making available to the other
         party, during normal business hours, all books, records and
         information, officers and employees (without substantial interruption
         of employment) necessary or useful in connection with any such
         judicial or administrative proceeding.  The party requesting or
         otherwise entitled to any books, records, information, officers or
         employees pursuant to this Paragraph D(7) of this Section 9 shall bear
         all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (except reimbursement
         of salaries, employee benefits and general overhead) incurred in
         connection with providing such books, records, information, officers
         or employees.

                          (8)     Dispute Resolution.  In an effort to resolve
         informally and amicably any claim or controversy arising out of or
         related to the interpretation or performance of this  Section 9
         without resorting to litigation, each party shall first notify the
         other in writing of its position with respect to any difference or
         dispute hereunder that requires resolution.  SFER and Monterey shall
         each designate an employee to investigate, discuss and seek to settle
         the matter between them.  If the two are unable to settle the matter
         within 30 days after the latest such notification (or, if one party
         gives such notification and the other party fails





                                      -23-
<PAGE>   24
         to do so within 15 days after receipt of such notification, within 30
         days after such notification), the matter shall be submitted to a
         senior officer of each of SFER and Monterey for consideration.  If
         settlement cannot be reached through their efforts within an
         additional 30 days, or such longer time period as they shall agree
         upon, the parties shall consider arbitration or other alternative
         means to resolve the dispute; provided, however, that the parties
         hereby agree that any disputes concerning the calculation of amounts
         (e.g., an Indemnity Amount) or a similar accounting matter shall be
         resolved by a nationally recognized public accounting firm selected by
         the parties, whose fees and expenses shall be shared equally by SFER
         and Monterey.  With respect to any dispute concerning other matters,
         if they are unable to agree on an alternative dispute resolution
         mechanism, either party may initiate legal proceedings to resolve such
         matter.

         10.     SANTA FE PACIFIC TAX INDEMNITY AGREEMENT.

                 SFER agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, on an after tax
basis, the Monterey Companies from liabilities, if any, (including, without
limitation, costs, expenses, fees, or indemnity payments) incurred under the
Santa Fe Pacific Tax Indemnity Agreement.

         11.     NOTICES.

                 Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given
under this Agreement by any party to another party shall be in writing, and
shall be deemed to have been duly given or delivered when delivered personally,
or telecopied (receipt confirmed, with a copy sent by certified or registered
mail as set forth in this Agreement) or, upon receipt (as indicated by return
receipt), when sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return
receipt requested, or by Federal Express or other overnight delivery service,
to the address of the party set forth below or to such





                                      -24-
<PAGE>   25
address as the party to whom notice is to be given may provide in a written
notice to the other party to this Agreement:

                          If to SFER, to:
                          Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.
                          1616 South Voss Road
                          Suite No. 1000
                          Houston, Texas 77057
                          Telecopier No.:  (713) 507-5341
                          Telephone No.:  (713) 507-5000
                          Attention:  James L. Payne, President
                                      and
                                      David L. Hicks, Esq., General Counsel

                          If to Monterey to:
                          Monterey Resources, Inc.
                          5201 Truxtun Avenue
                          Suite 100
                          Bakersfield, CA 93309
                          Telecopier No.: (805) 633-3191
                          Telephone No.: (805) 322-3992
                          Attention:  R. Graham Whaling, CEO
                                      and
                                      Terry Anderson, Esq., General Counsel

         12.     BINDING EFFECT.

                 This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of any successor to the parties hereto as if such successor had been a party to
this agreement; provided, nothing in this agreement is intended to confer any
rights or impose any obligations on any third parties.

         13.     GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION.

                 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the
laws of the State of Texas as applied to agreements made and to be performed in
the State of Texas without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
Each of the parties consents to personal jurisdiction in respect of any action
arising under or in connection with this Agreement instituted in the United
States





                                      -25-
<PAGE>   26
District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and to service of process
upon it in any manner permitted under the laws of the State of Texas.

         14.     COUNTERPARTS.

                 This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.

         15.     TITLES AND SUBTITLES.

                 The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for
convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting
this Agreement.

         16.     AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS.

                 Any term of this Agreement may be amended and the observance
of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a
particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the
written consent of each of the parties.

         17.     SEVERABILITY.

                 If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be
unenforceable under applicable law, such provision shall be excluded from this
Agreement and the balance of the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such
provision were so excluded and shall be enforceable in accordance with its
terms to the fullest extent permitted by law.

         18.     FURTHER ASSURANCE.

                 Each of the parties shall, without further consideration, use
reasonable efforts to execute and deliver such additional documents and take
such other action, as the other parties, or any of them may reasonably request
to carry out the intent of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.





                                      -26-
<PAGE>   27
         19.     ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

                 This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding
of the parties in respect of the actions and transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.  There are no restrictions, promises, inducements, representations,
warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or
referred to in this Agreement.

         20.     SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.

                 Each of the parties acknowledges and agrees that in the event
of any breach of this Agreement, the non- breaching party or parties would be
irreparably harmed and could not be made whole by monetary damages.  It is
accordingly agreed that the parties will waive the defense in any action for
specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and that the
parties, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law
or in equity, shall be entitled to compel specific performance of this
Agreement in any action instituted in any court of the United States or any
state thereof having jurisdiction for such action.

         21.     PARTIES IN INTEREST.

                 Neither party may assign its rights or delegate any of its
duties under this Agreement (except to another person acquiring substantially
all of the assets of such party by purchase, merger, consolidation or
otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other.  This Agreement
shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto
and, except as otherwise prohibited, their respective successors and assigns.
Nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer
upon any other person or entity any benefits, rights or remedies; provided,
however, that other members of the SFER Group shall be deemed third party
beneficiaries of this Agreement.





                                      -27-
<PAGE>   28
                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement
to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date
first above written.



                                           SANTA FE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.



                                                                               
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           By:  J. L. Payne
                                           Its: President



                                           MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.



                                                                               
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           By:  R.G. Whaling
                                           Its: Chief Executive Officer





                                      -28-

<PAGE>   1
 
   
                                                                    EXHIBIT 11.1
    
 
   
                            MONTEREY RESOURCES, INC.
    
 
   
                    COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                   1995
                                                                         ------------------------
                                                                         HISTORICAL      PROFORMA
                                                                         ----------      --------
<S>                                                                      <C>             <C>
PRIMARY INCOME PER SHARE
Net income ($ Millions).................................................     34.4           36.3
Shares (Millions)
  Weighted average shares outstanding
     SFR................................................................   45.350         45.350
     New investors......................................................                   7.900
     Restricted shares..................................................                   0.074
     Assumed exercise of stock options..................................                   0.269
     Reduction for shares assumed purchased with proceeds from exercise
      of stock options..................................................                  (0.269)
                                                                           ------         ------
                                                                           45.350         53.324
                                                                           ======         ======
Primary income per share................................................     0.76           0.68
                                                                           ======         ======
FULLY DILUTED INCOME PER SHARE
Net income ($ Millions).................................................     34.4           36.3
Shares (Millions)
  Weighted average shares outstanding
     SFR................................................................   45.350         45.350
     New investors......................................................                   7.900
     Restricted shares..................................................                   0.074
     Assumed exercise of stock options..................................                   0.269
     Reduction for shares assumed purchased with proceeds from exercise
      of stock options..................................................                  (0.269)
                                                                           ------         ------
                                                                           45.350         53.324
                                                                           ======         ======
Fully diluted income per share..........................................     0.76           0.68
                                                                           ======         ======
</TABLE>
    

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
     We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated September 17, 1996
relating to the financial statements of the Western Division of Santa Fe Energy
Resources, Inc., and of our report dated September 17, 1996 relating to the
balance sheet of Monterey Resources, Inc., which appear in such Prospectus. We
also consent to the references to us under the headings "Experts", "Summary
Historical and Pro Forma Financial Information" and "Selected Historical and Pro
Forma Financial Information" in such Prospectus. However, it should be noted
that Price Waterhouse LLP has not prepared or certified such "Summary Historical
and Pro Forma Financial Information" or "Selected Historical and Pro Forma
Financial Information."
    
 
/s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
Houston, Texas
   
October 22, 1996
    

<PAGE>   1
 
              [Ryder Scott Company Petroleum Engineers letterhead]
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3
 
                         CONSENT OF RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
 
     We hereby consent to the references to our firm in the Prospectus
constituting part of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Monterey
Resources, Inc.
 
                                          /s/ RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
                                              PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
                                          PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
 
Houston, Texas
   
October 21, 1996
    


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