HBI EQUITY TRUST SERIES 3
487, 1997-04-15
Previous: CRESCENT OPERATING INC, S-1, 1997-04-15
Next: FIRST GREAT WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE CO, S-1, 1997-04-15



<PAGE>
 
     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 1997
                                                      Registration No. 333-23247

                                                                               
                       Securities And Exchange Commission
                          Washington, D.C.  20549-1004

                                Amendment No. 1

                                      to

                                   Form S-6

                            Registration Statement

    For Registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities of Unit
                 Investment Trusts Registered on Form N-8B-2.


A.  Exact name of Trust:            HBI Equity Trust, Series 3

B.  Name of Depositor:              Howe Barnes Investments, Inc.

C.  Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices:


                         Howe Barnes Investments, Inc.
                     135 South LaSalle Street, Suite 1500
                           Chicago, Illinois  60603

D.  Name and complete address of agents for service:

                                                      Copy to:
      Howe Barnes Investments, Inc.              Chapman and Cutler
      Attention:  Michael E. Sammon              Attention:  Mark J. Kneedy
      135 South LaSalle Street, Suite 1500       111 West Monroe Street
      Chicago, Illinois  60603                   Chicago, Illinois  60603

E.  Title and amount of securities being registered: Indefinite number of Units
    of fractional undivided interests pursuant to Rule 24f-2 promulgated under
    the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended

F.  Proposed maximum aggregate offering price to the public of the securities 
    being registered:  Indefinite

G.  Amount of filing fee:  Not Applicable

H.  Approximate date of proposed public offering:

 AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

 [X] Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective on
     April 15, 1997 at 2:00 p.m. pursuant to Rule 487

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>
 
                          HBI Equity Trust, Series 3 

                            Cross Reference Sheet 

                   Pursuant to Rule 404(c) of Regulation C 
                       under the Securities Act of 1933 

   (Form N-8B-2 Items Required by Instruction as to Prospectus in Form S-6)

              Form N-8B-2                                Form S-6
              Item Number                          Heading in Prospectus


                   I.  Organization and General Information

1.  (a)  Name of trust                  )  Front Cover
    (b)  Title of securities issued     )  Front Cover
 
2.  Name and address of Depositor       )  Back Cover
 
3.  Name and address of Trustee         )  Back Cover
 
4.  Name and address of principal       )  Back Cover
    underwriter                         )
 
5.  Organization of trust               )  The Trust
 
6.  Execution and termination of        )  Essential Information Regarding the 
    Trust Indenture and Agreement       )  Trust; Administration of the Trust; 
                                        )  Amendment of Indenture; The Trust; 
                                        )  Termination of the Trust
 
7.  Changes of Name                     )  *
 
8.  Fiscal year                         )  *
 
9.  Litigation                          )  *
 
       II.  General Description of the Trust and Securities of the Trust
 
10. General information regarding       )
    trust's securities and rights       )
    of holders                          )
 
    (a)  Type of Securities (Registered )
         or Bearer)                     )  The Trust; Rights of Unitholders
<PAGE>
                                                 
              Form N-8B-2                             Form S-6
              Item Number                       Heading in Prospectus

(b)  Type of Securities (Cumulative  )
     or Distributive)                )*

(c)  Rights of Holders as to         )  The Trust; Redemption of Units; Public
     withdrawal or redemption        )  Offering of Units -- Maintenance of
                                     )  Secondary Market

(d)  Rights of Holders as to         )  The Trust; Public Offering of Units --
     conversion, transfer, etc.      )  Maintenance of Secondary market;
                                     )  Redemption of Units

(e)  Rights if Trust issues periodic )
     payment plan certificates.      )  *

(f)  Voting rights as to Securities  )  Rights of Unitholders
     under the Indenture             )

(g)  Notice to Holders as to         )
     change in:                      )

     (1)  Assets of Trust            )  Administration of the Trust -- Portfolio
                                     )  Supervision; Amendment of the Indenture

     (2)  Terms and Conditions of    )  Administration of the Trust -- Portfolio
          the Trust's Securities     )  Supervision; Amendment of the Indenture

     (3)  Provisions of Trust        )  Amendment of the Indenture

     (4)  Identity of Depositor and  )
          Trustee                    )  Sponsor; Trustee

(h)  Consent of Security Holders     )
     required to change:             )

     (1)  Composition of assets of   )  Administration of the Trust -- Portfolio
          Trust                      )  Supervision; Amendment of the Indenture

     (2)  Terms and conditions of    )  Administration of the Trust
          Trust's Securities         )

     (3)  Provisions of Indenture    )  Amendment of the Indenture

     (4)  Identity of Depositor and  )
          Trustee                    )  Sponsor; Trustee


                                     -ii-
<PAGE>

              Form N-8B-2                             Form S-6
              Item Number                       Heading in Prospectus
 
    (i)  Other feature or right         )  *

11. Type of securities comprising       )  The Trust; Rights of Unitholders;
    security holder's interest          )  Administration of the Trust --
                                        )  Portfolio Supervision

12. Information concerning periodic     )
    payment certificates                )  *

13. (a)  Load, fees, expenses, etc.     )  Public Offering of Units; Expenses
                                        )  of the Trust

    (b)  Certain information            )  *
         regarding periodic payment     )
         certificates                   )

    (c)  Certain percentages            )  Public Offering of Units; Expenses
                                        )  of the Trust

    (d)  Certain other fees, etc.       )  Public Offering of Units - Public
         payable by holders             )  Offering Price

    (e)  Load, fees, expenses, and      )
         charges not covered in 13(a)   )  Rights of Unitholders

    (f)  Certain profits receivable by  )
         depositor, principal           )
         underwriters, trustee or       )  Public Offering of Units -- Profits
         affiliated persons             )  to the Sponsor

    (g)  Ratio of annual charges to     )
         income                         )  *

14. Issuance of trust's securities      )  The Trust; Rights of Unitholders

15. Receipt and handling of payments    )  Public Offering of Units -- Profits
     from purchasers                    )  to the Sponsor; Administration of
                                        )  the Trust

16. Acquisition and disposition of      )  The Trust; Administration of the
    Underlying Securities               )  Trust -- Portfolio Supervision;
                                        )  Termination of the Trust

17. Withdrawal or redemption            )  Public Offering of Units --
                                        )  Maintenance of a


                                     -iii-
<PAGE>

              Form N-8B-2                                Form S-6
              Item Number                          Heading in Prospectus

                                        )  Secondary Market; Redemption of Units

18. (a) Receipt and disposition         )  Distributions to Unitholders; 
        of income                       )  Administration of the Trust

    (b) Reinvestment of                 )  *
        distributions                   )

    (c) Reserves or special funds       )  Distributions to Unitholders; 
                                        )  Administration of the Trust -- 
                                        )  Accounts; Administration of the 
                                        )  Trust -- Reinvestment

    (d) Schedule of distributions       )  Essential Information Regarding the 
                                        )  Trust

19. Records, accounts and reports       )  Distributions to Unitholders; 
                                        )  Administration of the Trust -- 
                                        )  Reports and Records
 
20. Certain miscellaneous provisions    )  Sponsor; Termination of the Trust;
    of Trust Agreement                  )  Amendment of the Indenture
 
21. Loans to security holders           )  *
                                             
22. Limitations on liability            )  Sponsor; Trustee
                                           
23. Bonding arrangements                )  *
 
24. Other material provisions of        )  *
    trust agreement                     )
 
       III.  Organization Personnel and Affiliated Persons of Depositor
 
25. Organization of Depositor           )  Sponsor
                                           
26. Fees received by Depositor          )  Administration of the Trust -- 
                                        )  Portfolio Supervision; Expenses of 
                                        )  the Trust
 
27. Business of Depositor               )  Sponsor
 
28. Certain information as to           )  Sponsor
    officials and affiliated            )
    persons of Depositor                )
 
29. Voting securities of Depositor      )  Sponsor
                                           

                                     -iv-
<PAGE>

              Form N-8B-2                                Form S-6
              Item Number                          Heading in Prospectus
 
30. Persons controlling Depositor      )  Sponsor
                                           
 
31. Payments by Depositor to officers  )  *
    for certain other services         )
    rendered to trust                  )
 
32. Payments by Depositor to           )  *
    directors for certain other        )
    services rendered to trust         )
 
33. Remuneration of employees of       )  *
    Depositor for certain services     )
    rendered to trust                  )
 
                IV.  Distribution and Redemption of Securities
 
35. Distribution of trust's            )  Public Offering of Units -- 
    securities by states               )  Distribution of Units
 
36. Suspension of sales of trust's     )  *
    securities                         )
 
37. Revocation of authority to         )  *
    distribute                         )
 
38. (a)  Method of distribution        )  Public Offering of Units -- 
                                       )  Distribution of Units; Public 
                                       )  Offering of Units -- Maintenance of a 
                                       )  Secondary Market
 
    (b)  Underwriting agreements       )  *
 
    (c)  Selling agreements            )  Public Offering of Units -- 
                                       )  Distribution of Units
 
39. (a)  Organization of principal     )  Sponsor
         underwriter                   )
 
    (b)  N.A.S.D. membership by        )  Sponsor
         principal underwriter         )
 
40. Certain fees received by           )  Administration of the Trust -- 
    principal underwriter              )  Portfolio Supervision; Expenses of 
                                       )  the Trust
 
41. (a)  Business of principal         )  Sponsor
                                         
  
                                      -v-
<PAGE>

              Form N-8B-2                                Form S-6
              Item Number                          Heading in Prospectus
 
        underwriter                     )

    (b) Branch offices of principal     )  *
        underwriter                     )

    (c) Salesmen of principal           )  *
        underwriter                     )

42. Ownership of trust's securities     )  Sponsor
    by certain persons                  )

43. Certain brokerage commissions       )  Public Offering of Units -- Profits
    received by principal               )  to Sponsor
    underwriter                         )

44. (a) Method of valuation             )  The Trust; Public Offering of Units
                                        )  -- Maintenance of a Secondary Market;
                                        )  Valuation of Units; Redemption of
                                        )  Units

    (b) Schedule as to offering price   )  Essential Information Regarding the
                                        )  Trust; Public Offering of Units --
                                        )  Public Offering Price; Valuation of
                                        )  Units; Schedule of Investments

    (c) Variation in offering price     )  Public Offering of Units -- Public
        to certain persons              )  Offering Price

45. Suspension of redemption rights     )  *

46. (a) Redemption valuation            )  Valuation of Units; Redemption of
                                        )  Units

    (b) Schedule as to redemption       )  *
        price                           )

              V. Information Concerning the Trustee or Custodian

47. Maintenance of position in          )  Redemption of Units
    underlying securities               )

48. Organization and regulation of      )  Trustee
    Trustee                             )


- -----------------------

*  Not applicable, answer negative or not required.
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             FORM N-8B-2                                    FORM S-6
             ITEM NUMBER                             HEADING IN PROSPECTUS
<S>                                        <C>
49.  Fees and expenses of Trustee        ) Essential Information Regarding the Trust;
                                         ) Expenses of the Trust; Trustee;
                                         ) Administration of the Trust -- Accounts;
                                         ) Distributions to Unitholders

50.  Trustee's lien                      ) Expenses of the Trust

      VI.  INFORMATION CONCERNING INSURANCE OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

51.  (a)  Name and address of            )
          Insurance Company              ) *

     (b)  Type of policies               ) *

     (c)  Type of risks insured and      )
          excluded                       ) *

     (d)  Coverage of policies           ) *

     (e)  Beneficiaries of policies      ) *


     (f)  Terms and manner of            )
          cancellation                   ) *

     (g)  Method of determining          )
          premiums                       ) *

     (h)  Amount of aggregate            )
          premiums paid                  ) *

     (i)  Who receives any part          )
          of premiums                    ) *

     (j)  Other material provisions of   )
          the Trust relating to          ) *
          insurance                      )

                          VII.  POLICY OF REGISTRANT


52.  (a)  Method of selecting and        ) The Trust; Administration of the Trust --
          eliminating securities from    ) Portfolio Supervision; Termination of the
          the Trust                      ) Trust
</TABLE>
          
                                     -vii-
<PAGE>

              Form N-8B-2                          Form S-6
              Item Number                     Heading in Prospectus

    (b) Elimination of securities from)  Administration of the Trust --
         the Trust                    )  Portfolio Supervision

    (c) Policy of Trust regarding     )  The Trust; Administration of the
        substitution and elimination  )  Trust -- Portfolio Supervision

    (d) Description of any fundamental)  The Trust; Administration of the
        policy of the Trust              Trust -- Portfolio Supervision;
                                         Termination of the Trust

53. (a) Taxable status of the Trust   )  Tax Considerations

    (b) Qualification of the Trust as )  *
        a regulated investment company)

       
                 VIII.  Financial and Statistical Information

54. Information regarding the Trust's )
    past ten fiscal years             )

55. Certain information regarding     ) *    
    periodic payment plan certificates)

56. Certain information regarding       
    periodic payment plan certificates) *

57. Certain information regarding     ) *
    periodic payment plan certificates)

58. Certain information regarding     ) *
    periodic payment plan certificates)

59. Financial statements              ) Statement of Net Assets 
    (Instruction 1(c) to Form S-6)    )



- ------------------------------------------------
*Not applicable, answer negative or not required.



                                    -viii-
<PAGE>
 
       
HBI
EQUITY TRUST, SERIES 3
A UNIT INVESTMENT TRUST
 
                 A PORTFOLIO OF MIDWEST BANK AND THRIFT STOCKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The investment objective of this Trust is to provide for capital appreciation
through an investment in common stocks of certain banking institutions and
thrift institutions incorporated or headquartered in the midwestern United
States and having, in the Sponsor's opinion, on the Initial Date of Deposit,
the potential to outperform broad-based stock indices and bank and thrift
stocks generally over the three-year life of the Trust. The value of the Units
will fluctuate with the value of the portfolio of underlying securities.
 
The minimum purchase in the initial public offering is 100 Units or
approximately $1,500. Only whole Units may be purchased. Units will be
available for purchase only during the initial public offering period.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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.
 
                                      LOGO
 
                         HOWE BARNES INVESTMENTS, INC.
     
  Read and retain this Prospectus for future reference. Prospectus dated April
                                 15, 1997     
<PAGE>
 
       
                   ESSENTIAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE TRUST
                            
                         As of April 14, 1997(1)     
 
                    Sponsor: Howe Barnes Investments, Inc.
                  Trustee: Investors Fiduciary Trust Company
   
Initial Date of Deposit.................................... April 15, 1997     
<TABLE>   
<S>                                                                   <C>
Aggregate Value of Stocks in Trust (2)..............................  $3,809,779
Number of Units.....................................................     267,353
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust Represented by Each Unit.   1/267,353
Calculation of Public Offering Price per Unit (3)
 Aggregate Value of Stocks in Trust (2).............................  $3,809,779
 Divided by 267,353 Units...........................................      $14.25
 Plus Sales Charge of 5.000% of Public Offering Price (5.263% of net
  amount invested)..................................................        $.75
 Public Offering Price per Unit.....................................      $15.00
Redemption Price per Unit (3).......................................      $13.91
Excess of Public Offering Price per Unit over Redemption Price per
 Unit...............................................................       $1.09
</TABLE>    
Evaluation Time......................................... 3:00 p.m. Chicago time
Income and Capital Account Distribution Dates...... July 15, 1997 and quarterly
                                                                     thereafter
Record Dates............................. July 1, 1997 and quarterly thereafter
Mandatory Termination Date...................................... March 31, 2000
   
Discretionary Liquidation Amount..... 40% of the aggregate market valu     e of
                                                                     the Stocks
   
Trustee's Annual Fee.............................................. $11,000     
   
Estimated Annual Sponsor's Supervisory Fee................. $.043 per Unit     
   
Estimated Annual Miscellaneous Expenses.................... $.010 per Unit     
       
- --------
(1) The date prior to the Initial Date of Deposit.
   
(2) Represents value of the Stocks in the portfolio based on the closing
    prices at the offer side of the market on April 14, 1997, rather than the
    closing prices at the bid side of the market. After the initial offering,
    Net Asset Value of the Trust is calculated based on the closing prices at
    the bid side of the market of the Stocks. See "Valuation of Units." The
    aggregate value of the Stocks based on the closing bid prices on April 14,
    1997 is $3,719,235.     
(3) The initial Public Offering Price per Unit on the Initial Date of Deposit
    is based on the pro rata share of the aggregate value of the Stocks in the
    Trust, valued at the offer side of the market, plus the applicable sales
    charge. Thereafter, the Public Offering Price during the initial public
    offering period will be based upon the Net Asset Value of the Trust next
    computed (based, during the initial public offering period only, on
    valuation at the offer side of the market) as described in "Valuation of
    Units" plus the applicable sales charge. The Redemption Price per Unit
    will be calculated based on the Net Asset Value next computed (based on
    valuation at the bid side of the market) based on the pro rata share of
    the aggregate value of the Stocks in the Trust as described in "Redemption
    of Units."
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                          HBI EQUITY TRUST, SERIES 3
   
  HBI Equity Trust. The objective of the HBI Equity Trust, Series 3 (the
"Trust") is to provide for capital appreciation through an investment in
common stocks of banking institutions and thrift institutions incorporated or
headquartered in the midwestern United States (the "Stocks"). Stocks have been
selected which, in the Sponsor's opinion, on the Initial Date of Deposit have
the potential to outperform broad-based stock indices and bank and thrift
stocks generally over the three-year life of the Trust. The Trust is not a
"managed" investment portfolio, but rather will consist of the same portfolio
of Stocks for the life of the Trust, subject to adjustment or elimination in
certain limited circumstances. Except for temporary investment of any proceeds
received in such limited circumstances, the Trust's portfolio will consist
primarily of common stocks. See "Administration of the Trust."     
 
  The Trust will seek to achieve its objective of capital appreciation through
an investment in a portfolio of Stocks representing banking institutions and
thrift institutions incorporated or headquartered in the midwestern United
States. The Sponsor believes that changes in state banking laws to permit
wider interstate banking and the continuing consolidation of the banking and
thrift industries have created attractive investment opportunities among
numerous midwestern banking institution and thrift institution stocks. The
Sponsor believes these stocks have the potential to achieve above-average
capital appreciation over the next three years primarily due to strong or
improving fundamental characteristics of the issuer companies, including among
other factors, strength and depth of management, strategic banking locations
in stable or growing market areas, high asset quality, and potential earnings
growth.
 
  In selecting the Stocks for the Trust, the Sponsor has considered, among
other financial criteria of the issuer (or its banking or thrift subsidiary),
regulatory capital levels, net interest margin, return on average assets,
return on average equity, the adequacy of the loan loss reserve, the level of
non-performing and non-accrual loans, and loan charge-off history. The Sponsor
did not base its selection of Stocks for the Trust on the payment of dividends
by the various issuers; however, many selected Stocks do currently pay
dividends.
   
  Termination. Unless advised to the contrary by the Sponsor, the Trustee will
begin to sell the Stocks held in the Trust 30 days prior to the Mandatory
Termination Date. Moneys held upon such sale of Stocks, to the extent not
reinvested in Treasury Obligations, and funds received from Treasury
Obligations upon maturity will be held in non-interest bearing accounts until
distributed and will be of benefit to the Trustee. See "Expenses of the
Trust." During the life of the Trust, Stocks will not be sold to take
advantage of market fluctuations. The Trust will terminate on the Mandatory
Termination Date regardless of market conditions at that time. See
"Termination of the Trust" and "Tax Considerations."     
   
  Public Offering Price. The initial Public Offering Price per Unit on the
Initial Date of Deposit is determined by dividing the aggregate value of the
Stocks, based on the closing prices at the offer side of the market on the
date prior to the Initial Date of Deposit, by the number of Units being sold,
plus the applicable sales charge. Thereafter, during the initial public
offering period, the Public Offering Price per Unit is computed by dividing
the Net Asset Value of the Trust (based, during the initial public offering
period only, on valuation of the Securities at the offer side of the market),
as determined by the Trustee as described under "Valuation of Units," by the
number of Units outstanding, then adding the applicable sales charge. During
the initial public offering period, the sales charge will be 5.000% of the
Public Offering Price (5.263% of the net amount invested); provided, however,
that a reduced sales charge will apply to employees and affiliates of the
Sponsor and certain of their relatives and transactions involving $500,000 or
more. See "Public Offering of Units--Public Offering Price."     
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  Distributions. The Trustee will make pro rata distributions to Unitholders
from both the Income Account and the Capital Account on each Distribution Date
to the extent funds are available for distribution in the respective accounts.
See "Distributions to Unitholders." Upon termination of the Trust, the Trustee
will distribute to each Unitholder of record on such date his pro rata share
of the Trust's assets, less expenses. Holders may request to receive such
distribution "in kind." See "Redemption of Units" and "Termination of the
Trust." See "Tax Considerations" for a discussion of the tax consequences to
an investor of an "in kind" redemption. The sale of Stocks in the Trust in the
period prior to termination and upon termination may result in a lower amount
than might otherwise be realized if such sale were not required at such time
due to impending or actual termination of the Trust. For this reason, among
others, the amount realized by a Unitholder upon termination may be less than
the amount paid by such Unitholder.
 
  Secondary Market. The Sponsor is not obligated, and currently does not
intend, to maintain a secondary market for the Units. Accordingly, a
Unitholder may currently only purchase Units in the initial public offering
and only dispose of his Units through redemption.
 
  Risk Factors. An investment in the Trust should be made with an
understanding of the risks associated therewith, including, among others, the
possible deterioration of either the financial condition of the issuer or the
general condition of the stock market, volatile interest rates, economic
recession and risk factors affecting banks and thrifts. See "The Trust--Risk
Factors."
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
THE UNITHOLDERS, SPONSOR AND TRUSTEE
HBI EQUITY TRUST, SERIES 3
   
  We have audited the accompanying statement of net assets, including the
schedule of investments, of HBI Equity Trust, Series 3, as of the opening of
business on April 15, 1997. This statement of net assets is the responsibility
of the Trust's Sponsor. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this
statement of net assets based on our audit.     
   
  We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the statement of net assets is free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the statement of net assets. Our
procedures included confirmation of the letter of credit held by the Trustee
and deposited in the Trust on April 15, 1997. An audit also includes assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Sponsor,
as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the statement of net assets.
We believe that our audit of the statement of net assets provides a reasonable
basis for our opinion.     
   
  In our opinion, the statement of net assets referred to above presents
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of HBI Equity Trust,
Series 3 at the opening of business on April 15, 1997 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.     
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
   
April 15, 1997     
 
                           HBI EQUITY TRUST, SERIES 3
 
                            STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
   
  At the opening of business on April 15, 1997, the Initial Date of Deposit.
    
NET ASSETS
<TABLE>   
     <S>                                                             <C>
     Investments (1)(2)............................................. $3,809,779
                                                                     ==========
     Units outstanding..............................................    267,353
                                                                     ==========
 
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS
     Cost to investors (3).......................................... $4,010,294
     Less sales charge (3)..........................................    200,515
                                                                     ----------
     Net proceeds to the Trust, equal to net assets................. $3,809,779
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>    
 
- ---------------------
   
(1) Aggregate cost to the Trust of the Stocks listed in the schedule of
    investments is based on the closing prices at the offer side of the market
    of the Stocks on April 14, 1997, the business day prior to the Initial Date
    of Deposit, as determined by the Trustee in its capacity as Evaluator.     
   
(2) Investments consist of $3,809,779 aggregate value of Stocks represented by
    Sponsor's contracts to purchase the Stocks for which an irrevocable letter
    of credit from Harris Trust and Savings Bank totaling $3,850,000 has been
    deposited with the Trustee.     
          
(3) The aggregate cost to investors includes a sales charge computed at the
    rate of 5.000% of the initial Public Offering Price (equivalent to 5.263%
    of the net amount invested) and assumes no reduction in sales charges for
    purchases by employees and affiliates of the Sponsor and certain of their
    relatives or for quantity purchases.     
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                          HBI EQUITY TRUST, SERIES 3
 
                            SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
   
  At the opening of business on April 15, 1997, the Initial Date of Deposit.
    
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                      COST OF
                                                                     STOCKS TO
   TICKER                                                   NUMBER     TRUST
   SYMBOL           NAME OF ISSUERS (LOCATION)             OF SHARES   (1)(2)
   ------ ----------------------------------------------   --------- ----------
   <C>    <S>                                              <C>       <C>
   CBCO   CB Bancorp, Inc. (Michigan City, IN)..........     8,184   $  272,118
   COBI   CoBancorp, Inc. (Elyria, OH)..................    10,079      272,133
   CFBX   Community First Bankshares, Inc. (Fargo, ND)..     9,147      272,123
   FTFC   First Federal Capital Corp (La Crosse, WI)....    10,079      272,133
   FFBC   First Financial Bancorp (Hamilton, OH)........     7,209      272,140
             First Financial Corporation (Stevens Point,
   FFHC   WI)...........................................    10,568      272,126
   FBIC   Firstbank of Illinois Co. (Springfield, IL)...     7,305      272,111
   GPFI   Grand Premier Financial, Inc. (Wauconda, IL)..    23,409      272,130
               Heritage Financial Services, Inc. (Tinley
   HERS   Park, IL).....................................    10,672      272,136
   HOMF   Home Federal Bancorp (Seymour, IN)............    10,367      272,134
   IRWN   Irwin Financial Corporation (Columbus, IN)....    10,079      272,133
   MAFB   MAF Bancorp, Inc. (Clarendon Hills, IL).......     7,068      272,118
              National City Bancorporation (Minneapolis,
   NCBM   MN)...........................................    11,458      272,127
   VTRA   Vectra Banking Corporation (Denver, CO).......    13,274      272,117
                                                                     ----------
      TOTAL INVESTMENTS..................................            $3,809,779
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>    
 
- ---------------------
          
(1) Represents the aggregate value of the Stocks based on the closing prices
    on April 14, 1997, the business day prior to the Initial Date of Deposit,
    at the offer side of the market. The aggregate value of the Stocks based
    on the closing prices at the bid side of the market on April 14, 1997 was
    $3,719,235.     
   
(2) The aggregate cost of the Stocks to the Sponsor, including brokerage
    commissions, was $3,735,710 and the profit to the Sponsor at the opening
    of Business on the Initial Date of Deposit was $74,069. See "Public
    Offering of Units--Profits to the Sponsor."     
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                   THE TRUST
   
  General. The Trust is one of a series of similar but separate unit
investment trusts created under Missouri law by the Sponsor pursuant to a
Trust Agreement dated as of the Initial Date of Deposit (the "Indenture"),
between Howe Barnes Investments, Inc. (the "Sponsor") and Investors Fiduciary
Trust Company (the "Trustee"). Reference is made to the Indenture and any
statements contained herein are qualified in their entirety by the provisions
of the Indenture.     
   
  The portfolio of the Trust consists of common stock of certain issuers
selected by the Sponsor, including, in the case of securities not delivered on
the Initial Date of Deposit, confirmations of contracts to purchase such
securities, and any additional stocks acquired and held in the Trust pursuant
to the Indenture (collectively, the "Stocks"). Portfolios of additional series
may include shares of preferred stock or other equity securities convertible
into common stock. It is currently anticipated that a single investor will
purchase approximately 66,667 Units or $1 million of the Trust.     
 
  On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor deposited the Stocks with the
Trustee together with cash or an irrevocable letter or letters of credit of a
commercial bank or banks in an amount at least equal to the aggregate purchase
price of any of the Stocks represented by confirmation of contracts to
purchase such securities. The value of the Stocks on the Initial Date of
Deposit was determined on the basis of the closing prices at the offer side of
the market on the business day prior to the Initial Date of Deposit. In
exchange for the deposit of the Stocks, including any contracts to purchase
Stocks, the Trustee delivered to the Sponsor a receipt for Units representing
the entire ownership of the Trust.
 
  On the Initial Date of Deposit, each Unit represented that fractional
undivided interest in each of the Stocks as set forth under "Essential
Information Regarding the Trust." If any Units are redeemed, the aggregate
value of Stocks in the Trust will be reduced, and the fractional undivided
interest represented by each remaining Unit will be increased proportionately.
Units will remain outstanding until redeemed upon tender to the Trustee by any
Unitholder (which may include the Sponsor) or until the termination of the
Trust. See "Termination of the Trust."
 
  In the event a contract to purchase a Stock which is deposited on the
Initial Date of Deposit fails, funds attributable to such failed contract may
be reinvested in such other substantially similar stock or stocks, if any,
which have been identified as substitute stocks by the Sponsor as of the
Initial Date of Deposit or, if not so reinvested within 40 days after the
Initial Date of Deposit (the "Purchase Period"), distributed to Unitholders of
record on the last day of the month during which the end of the Purchase
Period occurred. The distribution will be made within 20 days following such
record date and, in the event of such a distribution, the Sponsor will refund
to each Unitholder the portion of the sales charge attributable to such failed
contract.
 
  Additional Units of the Trust may be issued at any time by depositing in the
Trust additional Stocks or contracts to purchase securities together with
irrevocable letters of credit or cash. As additional Units are issued by the
Trust as a result of the deposit of additional Stocks by the Sponsor, the
aggregate value of the Stocks in the Trust will be increased and the
fractional undivided interest in the Trust represented by each Unit will be
decreased. The Sponsor may continue to make additional deposits of Stocks into
the Trust following the Initial Date of Deposit, provided that such additional
deposits will be in amounts which will maintain, as nearly as practicable, the
original proportionate relationship and not the actual proportionate
relationship on the subsequent date of deposit, since the actual proportionate
relationship may be different than the original proportionate relationship.
Any such difference may be due to the sale, redemption or liquidation of any
of the Stocks deposited in the Trust on the Initial, or any subsequent, Date
of Deposit.
 
  Each Unit initially offered represents an undivided interest in the Trust.
To the extent any Units are redeemed by the Trustee or additional Units are
issued as a result of additional Stocks
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
being deposited by the Sponsor, the fractional undivided interest in the Trust
represented by each unredeemed Unit will increase or decrease accordingly,
although the actual interest in the Trust represented by such fraction will
remain unchanged. Investors should note that the Stocks were selected for
inclusion in the Trust as of the Initial Date of Deposit. The Trust may
continue to purchase or hold Stocks originally selected through this process
even though the evaluation of the attractiveness of the Stocks may have
changed and, if the evaluation were performed again at that time, the Stocks
would not be selected for the Trust.
 
  Because the Trust is organized as a unit investment trust, rather than as a
management investment company, the Trustee and the Sponsor do not have
authority to manage the Trust's assets in an attempt to take advantage of
various market conditions to improve the Trust's Net Asset Value, but rather
may dispose of Stocks only under limited circumstances. The original
proportionate relationship among the Stocks is only subject to adjustment (i)
to reflect the occurrence of a stock split, stock dividend or a similar event
which affects the capital structure of the issuer of a Stock but which does
not affect the Trust's percentage ownership of the common stock equity of such
issuer at the time of such event, (ii) to reflect a sale of a Stock, (iii) to
reflect the acquisition (and subsequent disposition upon maturity) of Treasury
Obligations or (iv) to reflect a merger or reorganization by an issuer of a
Stock. See "Administration of the Trust--Portfolio Supervision" and
"Administration of the Trust--Reinvestment."
 
  The Stocks are common stocks which have been selected by the Sponsor as
having, as of the Initial Date of Deposit, an above-average capital
appreciation potential over the life of the Trust. Stocks contained in the
Trust will not be sold to take advantage of market fluctuations nor will they
be sold solely because the Sponsor no longer considers them to have
appreciation potential. Proceeds from the sale of Stocks, if any (unless such
proceeds are reinvested in Treasury Obligations if and to the extent there is
no legal impediment thereto), and any dividends and distributions received
will be held by the Trustee in non-interest bearing accounts until used to pay
expenses or distributed to Unitholders on the next following Distribution
Date. See "Administration of the Trust--Reinvestment." To the extent that
funds are held in such non-interest bearing accounts, such funds will benefit
the Trustee.
 
  Risk Factors. An investment in Units of the Trust should be made with an
understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in common stocks in
general, including the risk that the financial condition of the issuers of the
Stocks or the general condition of the stock market may worsen and the value
of the Stocks and therefore the value of the Units may decline. Common stocks
are especially susceptible to general stock market movements and to volatile
increases and decreases of value as market confidence in and perceptions of
the issuers change. These perceptions are based on unpredictable factors
including expectations regarding domestic and foreign government, economic,
monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic expansion
or contraction, and global or regional political, economic or banking crises.
The general risks are associated with the rights to receive payments from the
issuer which are generally inferior to creditors of, or holders of debt
obligations or preferred stocks issued by, the issuer. Holders of common
stocks have a right to receive dividends only when and if, and in the amounts,
declared by the issuer's board of directors and to participate in amounts
available for distribution by the issuer only after all other claims against
the issuer have been paid or provided for. By contrast, holders of preferred
stocks have the right to receive dividends at a fixed rate when and as
declared by the issuer's board of directors, normally on a cumulative basis,
but do not participate in other amounts available for distribution by the
issuing corporation. Dividends on cumulative preferred stock must be paid
before any dividends are paid on common stock. Preferred stocks are also
entitled to rights on liquidation which are senior to those of common stocks.
For these reasons, preferred stocks generally entail less risk than common
stocks.
 
  Common stocks do not represent an obligation of the issuer. Therefore they
do not offer any assurance of income or provide the degree of protection of
debt securities. The issuance of debt
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
securities or preferred stock by an issuer will create prior claims for
payment of principal, interest and dividends, which could adversely affect the
ability and inclination of the issuer to declare or pay dividends on its
common stock or the rights of holders of common stock with respect to assets
of the issuer upon liquidation or bankruptcy. Unlike debt securities, which
typically have a stated principal amount payable at maturity, common stocks do
not have a fixed principal amount or a maturity. Additionally, the value of
the Stocks in the Trust is subject to market fluctuations for as long as the
Stocks remain outstanding, and therefore over the life of the Trust the Stocks
in the Trust may be expected to fluctuate to values higher or lower than those
prevailing on the Initial Date of Deposit.
   
  The Trust is concentrated in Stocks issued by companies in the banking and
thrift industries. In view of this, an investment in Units of the Trust should
be made with an understanding of the problems and risks inherent in the
banking and thrift industries in general. Banking institutions and thrift
institutions are especially subject to the adverse effects of economic
recession, volatile interest rates, portfolio concentrations in geographic
markets and in commercial and residential real estate loans, and competition
from new entrants in their fields of business. Economic conditions in the real
estate markets can have a significant effect upon banking institutions and
thrift institutions because they generally have a substantial percentage of
their assets invested in loans secured by real estate. Banking institutions
and thrift institutions are subject to extensive federal regulation and, when
such institutions are state-chartered, to state regulation as well. Regulatory
actions, such as increases in the minimum capital requirements applicable to
commercial banks and thrifts and increases in deposit insurance premiums
required to be paid by commercial banks and thrifts to the FDIC, can
negatively impact earnings and the ability of an institution to pay dividends.
Furthermore, neither federal insurance of deposits nor governmental
regulation, however, ensures the solvency or profitability of banking
institutions or thrift institutions, or insures against any risk of investment
in the securities issued by such institutions.     
 
  Financial institutions and their holding companies are extensively regulated
under federal and state laws. As a result, the business, financial condition
and prospects of banks and thrifts can be materially affected not only by
management decisions and general economic conditions, but also by applicable
statutes and regulations and other regulatory pronouncements and policies
promulgated by regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over the banks and
thrifts, such as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ("FRB"),
the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC"), the Office of Thrift
Supervision (the "OTS"), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC")
and the state banking regulators. The effect of such statutes, regulations and
other pronouncements and policies can be significant, cannot be predicted with
a high degree of certainty and can change over time. Furthermore, such
statutes, regulations and other pronouncements and policies are intended to
protect depositors and the FDIC's deposit insurance funds, not to protect
stockholders. Bank and thrift holding companies as well as their subsidiary
banks and thrifts are subject to enforcement actions by their regulators for
regulatory violations. In addition to compliance with statutory and regulatory
limitations and requirements concerning financial and operating matters,
regulated financial institutions must file periodic and other reports and
information with their regulators and are subject to examination by each of
their regulators.
   
  The statutory requirements applicable to and regulatory supervision of bank
and thrift holding companies and their subsidiary banks and thrifts have
increased significantly and have undergone substantial change in recent years.
To a great extent, these changes are embodied in the Financial Institutions
Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act ("FIRREA"), enacted in August 1989, the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA"),
enacted in December 1991, and the regulations promulgated under FIRREA and
FDICIA. The impact of regulations promulgated pursuant to FDICIA on the
business and financial condition and prospects of banks and thrifts cannot be
predicted with certainty. Banks and thrifts currently face     
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
   
significant competition from other financial institutions such as mutual funds,
securities and brokerage companies, credit unions, mortgage banking
corporations and insurance companies, and increased competition may result from
broadening national interstate banking powers and liberalization of certain
restrictions on the activities of nonbank subsidiaries of banks and thrifts.
Many of these competitors are much larger in total assets and capitalization,
have greater access to capital markets and offer a broader array of financial
services than the issuers of the Stocks. There can be no assurance that such
issuers will be able to compete effectively in their markets, and the results
of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances affecting the nature
or level of competition change.     
   
  Federal legislation became effective on September 30, 1995 which serves to
lessen or remove certain legal barriers to interstate banking and branching by
financial institutions. The legislation may result in an increase in the
nationwide consolidation activity occurring among financial institutions by
facilitating interstate bank operations and acquisitions. The legislation does,
however, allow states to "opt out" of interstate branching and certain states
have already opted out of the legislation. The effects of changes in interstate
banking cannot be predicted, however, it is likely that there will be increased
competition within the regional banking industry which could have an adverse
impact on certain issuers. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has approved
applications by bank holding companies to engage, through nonbank subsidiaries,
in certain securities-related activities, provided that the subsidiaries would
not be "principally engaged" in such activities for purposes of Section 20 of
the Glass-Steagall Act. In certain situations, holding companies may be able to
use such subsidiaries to underwrite and deal in corporate debt and equity
securities. The Federal Reserve Board has recently liberalized the standards
used in determining whether a subsidiary is principally engaged in such
activities. From time to time bills have been introduced in Congress that would
remove many of the Glass-Steagall Act restraints, although no comprehensive
bill has been enacted to date. This and any future liberalization of Glass-
Steagall could result in increased competition which could have an adverse
impact on certain issuers. The Sponsor makes no prediction as to what, if any,
additional bank and thrift regulatory reform might be adopted or what ultimate
effect such reform might have on the Trust's portfolio.     
 
  Until distributed, proceeds received upon the sale of Stocks may be
reinvested in interest-bearing Treasury Obligations maturing prior to the next
Distribution Date or, if earlier, December 31 of the year of purchase to the
extent legally permissible. See "Administration of the Trust--Reinvestment."
The value of the Securities and, therefore, the value of Units, may be expected
to fluctuate.
 
  The Sponsor has acquired or will acquire the Stocks and thereby benefits from
transaction fees. The Sponsor in its general securities business acts as agent
or principal in connection with the purchase and sale of equity securities,
including the Stocks in the Trust, and may act as a market maker in certain or
all of the Stocks. The Sponsor also from time to time may issue reports on and
make recommendations relating to equity securities, which may include the
Stocks. See "Public Offering of Units--Profits to the Sponsor."
 
                               TAX CONSIDERATIONS
   
  The following is a general discussion of certain of the federal income tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Units. The
summary is limited to investors who hold the Units as "capital assets"
(generally, property held for investment) within the meaning of Section 1221 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Unitholders should
consult their tax advisers in determining the federal, state, local and any
other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Units in
the Trust. For purposes of the following discussion and opinions, it is assumed
that each Stock is equity for federal income tax purposes.     
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
   
  In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, special counsel for the Sponsor, under
existing law:     
     
    1. The Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation for federal
  income tax purposes; each Unitholder will be treated as the owner of a pro
  rata portion of each of the assets of the Trust under the Code; and the
  income of the Trust will be treated as income of the Unitholders thereof
  under the Code. Each Unitholder will be considered to have received his pro
  rata share of income derived from each Stock when such income is considered
  to be received by the Trust.     
     
    2. Each Unitholder will be considered to have received all of the
  dividends paid on his pro rata portion of each Stock when such dividends
  are received by the Trust. Unitholders will be taxed in this manner
  regardless of whether distributions from the Trust are actually received by
  the Unitholder.     
     
    3. Each Unitholder will have a taxable event when the Trust disposes of a
  Stock (whether by sale, exchange, liquidation, redemption or otherwise) or
  upon the sale of redemption of Units by such Unitholder. The price a
  Unitholder pays for his Units, generally including sales charges, is
  allocated among his pro rata portion of each of the Stocks held by the
  Trust (in proportion to the fair market values thereof on the valuation
  date closest to the date the Unitholder purchases his Units) in order to
  determine his initial tax basis for his pro rata portion of each of the
  Stocks held by the Trust. It should be noted that certain legislative
  proposals have been made which could affect the calculation of basis for
  Unitholders holding securities that are substantially identical to the
  Stocks. Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with regard to
  calculation of basis. For federal income tax purposes, a Unitholder's pro
  rata portion of dividends, as determined under Section 316 of the Code,
  paid by a corporation with respect to a Stock held by the Trust is
  generally taxable as ordinary income to the extent of such corporation's
  current and accumulated "earnings and profits." A Unitholder's pro rata
  portion of dividends paid on such Stock which exceeds such current and
  accumulated earnings and profits will first reduce a Unitholder's tax basis
  in such Stock, and, to the extent that such dividends also exceed a
  Unitholder's tax basis in such Stock, the excess will generally be treated
  as capital gain. In general, any such capital gain will be short-term
  unless a Unitholder has held his Units for more than one year.     
     
    4. A Unitholder's portion of gain, if any, upon the sale or redemption of
  Units or the disposition of any of the Stocks held by the Trust will
  generally be considered a capital gain (except in the case of a Unitholder
  which is a dealer or a financial institution) and, in general, will be
  long-term if the Unitholder has held his Units for more than one year (the
  date on which the Units are acquired (i.e., the "trade date") is excluded
  for purposes of determining whether the Units have been held for more than
  one year). A Unitholder's portion of loss, if any, upon the sale or
  redemption of Units or the disposition of any of the Stocks held by the
  Trust will generally be considered a capital loss (except in the case of a
  Unitholder which is a dealer or a financial institution) and, in general,
  will be long-term if the Unitholder has held his Units for more than one
  year. Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the
  recognition of such capital gains and losses for federal, state and local
  income tax purposes.     
          
  Limitations on Deductibility of Trust Expenses by Unitholders. Each
Unitholder's pro rata share of each expense paid by the Trust is deductible by
the Unitholder to the same extent as though the expense had been paid directly
by him. It should be noted that as a result of the Tax Reform Act of 1986,
certain miscellaneous itemized deductions, such as investment expenses, tax
return preparation fees and employee business expenses will be deductible by
an individual only to the extent they exceed 2% of such individual's adjusted
gross income. Unitholders may be required to treat some or all of the expenses
of the Trust as miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to this limitation.
    
  Dividends Received Deduction. A corporation that owns Units generally will
be entitled to a 70% dividends received deduction with respect to such
Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
   
received by the Trust (to the extent such dividends are taxable as ordinary
income, as discussed above, and are attributable to domestic corporations) in
the same manner as if such corporation directly owned the Stocks paying such
dividends (other than corporate Unitholders, such as "S" corporations which
are not eligible for the deduction because of their special characteristics
and other than for purposes of special taxes such as the accumulated earnings
tax and the personal holding corporation tax). However, a corporation owning
Units should be aware that Sections 246 and 246A of the Code impose additional
limitations on the eligibility of dividends for the 70% dividends received
deduction. These limitations include a requirement that stock (and therefore
Units) must generally be held at least 46 days (as determined under Section
246(c) of the Code). Final Regulations have been issued which address special
rules that must be considered in determining whether the 46-day holding period
requirement is met. Moreover, the allowable percentage of the deduction will
be reduced from 70% if a corporate Unitholder owns certain stock (or Units)
the financing of which is directly attributable to indebtedness incurred by
such corporation. It should be noted that various legislative proposals that
would affect the dividends received deduction have been introduced.
Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the availability of
the dividends received deduction.     
   
  Disposition of Stocks or Disposition of Units. As discussed above, a
Unitholder may recognize taxable gain (or loss) when any of the Stocks are
disposed of by the Trust or if the Unitholder disposes of a Unit. For
taxpayers other than corporations, net capital gains (which are defined as net
long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses for a taxable year)
are subject to a maximum stated marginal tax rate of 28%. However, it should
be noted that legislative proposals are introduced from time to time that
affect tax rates and could affect the relative differences at which ordinary
income and capital gains are taxed.     
   
  "The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993" (the "Tax Act") raised tax rates on
ordinary income while capital gains remain subject to a 28% maximum stated
rate for taxpayers other than corporations. Because some or all capital gains
are taxed at a comparatively lower rate under the Tax Act, the Tax Act
includes a provision that recharacterizes capital gains as ordinary income in
the case of certain financial transactions that are "conversion transactions"
effective for transactions entered into after April 30, 1993. Unitholders and
prospective investors should consult with their tax advisers regarding the
potential effect of this provision on their investment in Units.     
   
  If the Unitholder disposes of a Unit, he is deemed thereby to have disposed
of his entire pro rata interest in all assets of the Trust involved including
his pro rata portion of all the Stocks represented by the Unit. Legislative
proposals have been made that would treat certain transactions designed to
reduce or eliminate risk of loss and opportunities for gain as constructive
sales for purposes of recognition of gain (but not loss). Unitholders should
consult their own tax advisers with regard to any such constructive sale
rules.     
   
  "In Kind" Distributions. A Unitholder may request an "in kind" distribution
upon the termination of the Trust. In addition, with respect to redemption
requests during the term of the Trust of $100,000 or more, a Unitholder may be
required to take an "in kind" distribution if the Sponsor, in its sole
discretion, directs the Trustee to redeem Units "in kind". Treasury
Obligations held by the Trust will not be distributed to a Unitholder as part
of an "in kind" distribution. As previously discussed, a Unitholder is
considered to own a pro rata portion of each of the Trust assets for federal
income tax purposes. The receipt of an "in kind" distribution will result in a
Unitholder receiving an undivided interest in whole shares of Stock plus,
possibly, cash.     
          
  The potential tax consequences that may occur under an "in-kind"
distribution will depend on whether or not a Unitholder receives cash in
addition to Securities. A "Security" for this purposes is a particular class
of stock issued by a particular corporation. A Unitholder will not recognize
gain or loss if a Unitholder only receives Securities in exchange for his or
her pro rata portion in     
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
the Securities held by the Trust. However, if a Unitholder also receives cash
in exchange for a fractional share of a Security held by the Trust, such
Unitholder will generally recognize gain or loss based upon the difference
between the amount of cash received by the Unitholder and his tax basis in such
fractional share of a Security held by the Trust.
 
  Because the Trust will own several Stocks, a Unitholder who receives an "in
kind" distribution will have to analyze the tax consequences with respect to
each Stock owned by the Trust. The total amount of taxable gain (or loss)
recognized upon such an exchange will generally equal the sum of the gains (or
losses) recognized under the rules described above by such Unitholder with
respect to each Stock owned by the Trust. Unitholders who request or receive
"in kind" distributions are advised to consult their tax advisers in this
regard.
 
  Computation of the Unitholder's Tax Basis. Initially, a Unitholder's tax
basis in his Units will generally equal the price paid by such Unitholder for
his Units. The cost of the Units is allocated among the Stocks held in the
Trust in accordance with the proportion of the fair market values of such
Stocks on the valuation date nearest to the date the Units are purchased in
order to determine such Unitholder's tax basis for his pro rata portion of each
Stock.
 
  A Unitholder's tax basis in his Units and his pro rata portion of a Stock
held by the Trust will be reduced to the extent dividends paid with respect to
such Stock are received by the Trust which are not taxable as ordinary income
as described above.
 
  General. Each Unitholder will be requested to provide the Unitholder's
taxpayer identification number to the Trustee and to certify that the
Unitholder has not been notified that payments to the Unitholder are subject to
back-up withholding. If the proper taxpayer identification number and
appropriate certification are not provided when requested, distributions by the
Trust to such Unitholder (including amounts received upon the redemption of
Units) will be subject to back-up withholding. Distributions by the Trust
(other than those that are not treated as U.S. source income, if any) will
generally be subject to United States income taxation and withholding in the
case of Units held by non-resident alien individuals, foreign corporations or
other non-United States persons. Such persons should consult their tax
advisers.
 
  Each Unitholder will be notified annually of the amounts of interest income
and dividend income includable in the Unitholder's gross income and the amount
of Trust expenses which may be claimed as deductions.
 
  In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, Special Counsel to the Trust for
Missouri tax matters, under the existing tax laws of the State of Missouri, the
Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of the
Trust will be treated as the income of the Unitholders thereof.
 
  The foregoing discussion relates only to the tax treatment of U.S.
Unitholders ("U.S. Unitholders") with regard to federal and certain aspects of
Missouri income tax. Unitholders may be subject to state taxation and should
consult their own tax advisors in this regard. As used herein, the term "U.S.
Unitholder" means an owner of a Unit in the Trust that (a) is (i) for United
States federal income tax purposes a citizen or resident of the United States,
(ii) a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or
under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof, or
(iii) an estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States
federal income taxation regardless of its source or (b) does not qualify as a
U.S. Unitholder in paragraph (a) but whose income from a Unit is effectively
connected with such Unitholder's conduct of a United States trade or business.
The term also includes certain former citizens of the United States whose
income and gain on the Units will be taxable.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
                           PUBLIC OFFERING OF UNITS
 
  Public Offering Price. The initial Public Offering Price per Unit on the
Initial Date of Deposit is based on the pro rata share of the aggregate value
of the Stocks in the Trust based on the closing prices at the offer side of
the market on the business day prior to the Initial Date of Deposit, plus the
sales charge of 5.000% (5.263% of the net amount invested). Thereafter, during
the initial public offering period, the Public Offering Price per Unit is the
Net Asset Value per Unit, which is based on the aggregate market value of the
Securities valued at the closing prices at the offer side of the market, plus
the 5.000% sales charge. See "Valuation of Units."
   
  The Sponsor intends to permit a reduced sales charge with respect to Units
purchased by its employees and affiliates of the Sponsor and certain of their
relatives who may purchase Units of the Trust (individually or for their
retirement programs) at a reduced sales charge of 1.554% (1.579% of the net
amount invested.) In addition, the Sponsor will permit a reduced sales charge
of 4.000% of the Public Offering Price (4.167% of the net amount invested)
with respect to Units purchased by any person in the amount of $500,000 to
$999,999 and 2.500% of the Public Offering Price (2.564% of the net amount
invested) with respect to Units purchased by any person in the amount of $1
million or more.     
   
  Distribution of Units. The minimum purchase in the initial public offering
is 100 Units, or approximately $1,500. Only whole Units may be purchased. The
Sponsor will be the sole underwriter of the Units.     
 
  The Sponsor reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any order for
the purchase of Units. The Sponsor intends to qualify the Units for sale in
the State of Illinois as well as in selected other states. Units will be sold
only to individuals and other investors resident in such states and to
institutional and other investors in other states to the extent there are
available exemptions from applicable state securities registration
requirements.
 
  The Net Asset Value per Unit at the time of sale or transfer or upon
redemption may be less than the price at which the Unit was purchased.
   
  Profits to the Sponsor. In addition to the applicable sales charges, the
Sponsor realizes a profit (or sustains a loss) in the amount of any difference
between the cost of the Stocks to the Sponsor and the price at which it
deposits the Stocks in the Trust in exchange for Units. For purposes of any
deposit, the Stocks will be valued at the closing prices at the offer side of
the market on the business day prior to the related date of deposit. The
spread between the cost of the Stocks to the Sponsor and the price at which
the Stocks were deposited in the Trust on the Initial Date of Deposit is set
forth in footnote (2) to the "Schedule of Investments." The cost of Stocks to
the Sponsor includes the amount paid by the Sponsor, if any, for brokerage
commissions. These amounts are not an expense of the Trust.     
 
  Cash, if any, received from Unitholders prior to the settlement date for the
purchase of Units or prior to the payment for Stocks upon their delivery may
be used in the Sponsor's business subject to the limitations of Rule 15c3-3
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and may be of benefit
to the Sponsor.
 
  In selling Units in the initial public offering, the Sponsor may realize
profits or sustain losses to the extent there are any fluctuations in the
Public Offering Price of the Units after a date of deposit before completion
of the sale of the Units in the initial public offering.
 
  Maintenance of a Secondary Market. The Sponsor is not obligated, and
currently does not intend, to maintain a secondary market for the Units;
though the Sponsor may, however, decide to do so during the life of the Trust.
Accordingly, a Unitholder may currently only purchase Units
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
   
in the initial public offering and only dispose of his Units through
redemption. With respect to redemption requests of $100,000 or more, the
Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, direct the Trustee to redeem Units "in
kind" by distributing stocks to the redeeming Unitholder. See "Redemption of
Units." If the Sponsor decides to maintain a secondary market for the Units,
the Public Offering Price per Unit in the secondary market will be the Net
Asset Value per Unit, which will be based on the aggregate market value of the
Stocks valued at the closing prices at the bid side of the market, plus the
5.000% sales charge. See "Valuation of Units."     
 
                              REDEMPTION OF UNITS
   
  Units held in uncertificated form may be redeemed by delivering a written
request for redemption to the Trustee at its office. Units held in certificated
form may be tendered to the Trustee at its office (currently located at the
address indicated on the back cover), must be properly endorsed or accompanied
by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Trustee, and
must be executed by the Unitholder or his authorized attorney. In either case
the Unitholder must pay any transfer or similar tax which must be paid to
effect redemption and, Unitholders of uncertificated Units must sign such
written request and Unitholders of certificated Units must sign such
certificate transfer instrument, exactly as their name appears on the records
of the Trustee and on any certificate representing the Units to be redeemed.
Such signature(s) must be guaranteed by a participant in the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such other signature guarantee
program in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, as may be accepted by
the Trustee. A Unitholder may tender his Units for redemption at any time after
the settlement date or purchase. The Unitholder upon redemption will receive
the Net Asset Value per Unit determined as of the close of business on the day
of tender. There is no sales charge incurred when a Unitholder tenders his
Units to the Trustee for redemption unless the redemption is an amount less
than 7,500 Units in which case a fee of $150 will be charged. The amount
received by a Unitholder upon redemption may be more or less than the amount
paid by the Unitholder depending on the value of the Stocks in the portfolio at
the time of redemption. The redemption price per Unit on the Initial Date of
Deposit will be less than the initial Public Offering Price per Unit both
because the sales charge in included in the offering price and because the
redemption price is based on valuations of the Stocks at the bid side of the
market rather than the closing prices at the offer side of the market. See
"Essential Information Regarding the Trust." Prior to redeeming such Units from
the Trust, the Trustee shall offer such Units for sale to the Sponsor at the
Net Asset Value per Unit. Subject to payment of applicable tax or governmental
charges, if any, the Net Asset Value of Units tendered for redemption will be
paid to the redeeming Unitholder no later than the seventh calendar day
following the day of tender. See "Valuation of Units."     
   
  With respect to cash redemptions, amounts representing income received shall
be withdrawn from the Income Account, and, to the extent the Income Account is
insufficient and for remaining amounts, from the Capital Account. The Trustee
is empowered, to the extent necessary, to sell Stocks to meet redemptions.
Treasury Obligations, if any, held by the Trust must be held to maturity and
cannot be disposed of by the Trustee. The Trustee will sell Stocks in such
manner as is directed by the Sponsor. With respect to redemption requests of
$100,000 or more, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, direct the Trustee
to redeem Units "in kind" by distributing Stocks to the redeeming Unitholder.
When Stocks are so distributed, the Unitholder will receive that number of
whole shares of each Stock representing the aggregate of his interest in each
of the Stocks, plus cash in lieu of fractional shares. Stocks will be valued
for this purpose as set forth under "Valuation of Units." A Unitholder
receiving a redemption "in kind" may incur brokerage or other transaction costs
in converting the Stocks distributed into cash. For information on the tax
effects of receiving a redemption "in kind", see "Tax Considerations."     
 
  To the extent that shares of Stocks are distributed pursuant to redemption
"in kind" or sold, the size of the Trust will, and the diversity of the Trust
may, be reduced. Sales may be required
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
at a time when Stocks would not otherwise be sold and may result in lower
proceeds than might otherwise be realized. In addition, because of the minimum
amounts in which Stocks are required to be sold, the proceeds of sale may
exceed the amount required at the time to redeem Units; these excess proceeds
will be distributed to the remaining Unitholders on the next Distribution Date.
 
  The Trustee may, in its discretion, and will, when so directed by the
Sponsor, suspend the right of redemption, or postpone the date of payment for
Units tendered for redemption to a date more than seven calendar days following
the day of tender, (i) for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange
is closed other than for weekend and holiday closings; (ii) for any period
during which the Securities and Exchange Commission determines that trading on
the New York Stock Exchange is restricted; (iii) for any period during which an
emergency exists as a result of which disposal or evaluation of the Stocks is
not reasonably practicable; or (iv) for such other period as the Securities and
Exchange Commission may by order permit for the protection of Unitholders. The
Trustee is not liable to any person in any way for any loss or damages which
may result from any such suspension or postponement, or any failure to suspend
or postpone, when done in the Trustee's discretion.
 
  On the business day prior to the Initial Date of Deposit, the initial Public
Offering Price per Unit (which figure includes the sales charge) exceeds the
Net Asset Value per Unit. See "Essential Information Regarding the Trust." The
initial Public Offering Price per Unit is determined by dividing the aggregate
value of the Stocks based on the closing prices at the offer side of the market
on the business day prior to the Initial Date of Deposit, by the number of
Units being sold, plus the applicable sales charge. The prices of the Stocks
will generally vary. For these reasons and others, including the fact that the
Public Offering Price includes the sales charge, the amount realized by a
Unitholder upon redemption of Units may be less than the price paid by the
Unitholder for such Units.
 
                               VALUATION OF UNITS
 
  The Trustee will calculate the Trust's value (the "Net Asset Value") at the
Evaluation Time set forth under "Essential Information Regarding the Trust" (i)
on each Trust Business Day (as hereinafter defined) until completion of the
initial public offering, (ii) on the Trust Business Day on which any Unit is
tendered for redemption, (iii) on any other day desired by the Sponsor or the
Trustee and (iv) upon termination, by adding:
     
    (a) The aggregate value of Stocks in the Trust (including the value of
  Stocks subject to purchase contracts, if any, deposited with the Trustee on
  the Deposit Date), as determined by the Trustee in its capacity as
  Evaluator of the Trust; and     
 
    (b) The sum of (i) cash on hand in the Trust other than cash deposited to
  purchase Stocks or cash credited to any reserve account established under
  the Indenture and (ii) dividends receivable on Stocks trading ex-dividend.
   
  The Trustee will deduct from the resulting figure: amounts representing any
applicable taxes or governmental charges payable by the Trust for the purpose
of making an addition to any reserve account established under the Indenture;
amounts representing estimated accrued fees and expenses of the Trust,
including amounts representing unpaid fees of the Trustee and the Sponsor; and
cash or Stocks held to redeem tendered Units and for distribution to
Unitholders of record as of a Trust Business Day prior to the evaluation being
made on the days or dates set forth above.     
 
  For the purpose of the redemption of Units, the Net Asset Value per Unit is
computed by the Trustee by dividing the result of the above computation by the
total number of Units outstanding on the date of such evaluation. A Trust
Business Day is a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open, other than
federal or Missouri state bank holidays.
 
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
  For the purpose of the redemption of Units, the value of Stocks shall be
determined in good faith by the Trustee acting in its capacity as Evaluator of
the Trust in the following manner: (i) if the Stocks are listed on one or more
national securities exchanges such evaluation shall be based on the closing
sale price on that day (unless the Sponsor deems such price inappropriate as a
basis for evaluation) on the exchange which is the principal market thereof
(deemed to be the New York Stock Exchange if the Stocks are listed thereon),
(ii) if the Stocks are listed but there is no such appropriate closing sales
price on such exchange, and for Stocks that are not so listed but are quoted
on the Nasdaq National Market, at the closing bid prices on such exchange or
system (unless the Sponsor deems such price inappropriate as a basis for
evaluation), (iii) if the Stocks are not listed or quoted or, if so listed or
quoted and the principal market therefor is other than on such exchange or
system or there are no such appropriate closing bid prices available, such
evaluation shall be made by the Sponsor in good faith based on the closing
sales price in the over-the-counter market (unless the Sponsor deems such
price inappropriate as a basis for evaluation) or (iv) if there is no such
appropriate closing price, then (a) on the basis of current bid prices
obtained from dealers or brokers (which may include the Sponsor), (b) if bid
prices are not available, on the basis of current bid prices for comparable
securities, (c) by the Sponsor's appraising the value of the Stocks in good
faith on the bid side of the market or (d) by any combination thereof. The
tender of a Stock pursuant to a tender offer will not affect the method of
valuing such Stock.
 
  The Treasury Obligations, if any, are valued on the basis of bid prices. The
aggregate bid prices of the Treasury Obligations are the prices obtained from
dealers or brokers (which may include the Sponsor) who customarily deal in
Treasury Obligations; or, if there is no market for the Treasury Obligations,
and bid prices are not available, on the basis of current bid prices for
comparable securities; or by appraisal; or by any combination of the above.
 
                             EXPENSES OF THE TRUST
   
  The Sponsor will receive a fee, which is earned for portfolio supervisory
services, based upon the largest number of Units outstanding during the
calendar year. The portfolio supervisory services include providing certain
bookkeeping and other administrative services to the Trust, monitoring the
market prices of portfolio securities to confirm Net Asset Value calculations
of the Evaluator and handling Unitholder inquiries and services. The Sponsor's
fee is that amount set forth under "Essential Information Regarding the
Trust." Such fee may exceed the actual costs of providing portfolio
supervisory services for this particular series of the Trust, but at no time
will the total amount the Sponsor receives for such services rendered to all
series of the Trust in any calendar year exceed the aggregate cost to it of
supplying such services in such year. Thus, the Sponsor will not profit from
fees received from the Trust for portfolio supervisory services.     
 
  For its services as Trustee and Evaluator, the Trustee will be paid that
amount set forth under "Essential Information Regarding the Trust." The
Trustee will also benefit to the extent that it holds funds in non-interest
bearing accounts. In addition, the regular and recurring annual expenses of
the Trust, including without limitation certain mailing, printing, and other
miscellaneous expenses, are currently estimated to be that amount set forth
under "Essential Information Regarding the Trust." Actual miscellaneous
expenses payable by the Trust may be more or less than this estimate.
 
  If Units are redeemed, per Unit annual expenses of the Trust will increase.
The Trustee's fee and the Sponsor's supervisory fee are payable monthly, from
the Income Account, to the extent funds are available, and then from the
Capital Account. Either of such fees may be increased without approval of the
Unitholders by an amount not exceeding a proportionate increase in the
category entitled "All Services Less Rent" in the Consumer Price Index
published by the United States Department of Labor.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
   
  The cost of the preparation and printing of the Indenture and this
Prospectus, the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee, advertising expenses
and expenses incurred in establishing the Trust, including legal and auditing
fees, are paid by the Sponsor and not by the Trust.     
   
  In addition to the above, the following charges are or may be incurred by
the Trust and paid from the Income Account, or, to the extent funds are not
available in such Account, from the Capital Account: (i) fees for the Trustee
for extraordinary services; (ii) reimbursable expenses of the Trustee
(including legal and auditing expenses, but not including any fees and
expenses charged by any agent for custody and safekeeping of Securities);
(iii) various governmental charges; (iv) expenses and costs of any action
taken by the Trustee to protect the Trust and the rights and interests of the
Unitholders; (v) indemnification of the Trustee for any loss, liabilities or
expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by it in the
administration of the Trust without gross negligence, bad faith or willful
misconduct on its part; (vi) indemnification of the Sponsor for any loss,
liability or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred in
acting in such capacity other than by reason of its own gross negligence, bad
faith or willful misconduct; (vii) brokerage commissions in connection with
the sale of Stocks; and (viii) expenses incurred upon termination of the
Trust. See "Administration of the Trust--Accounts."     
   
  The fees and expenses set forth above are payable out of the Trust and when
unpaid will be secured by a lien on the Trust. To the extent that dividends
paid with respect to the Stocks are not sufficient to meet the expenses of the
Trust, the Trustee is authorized to sell Stocks to meet the expenses of the
Trust.     
 
                             RIGHTS OF UNITHOLDERS
 
  Each Unit represents a pro rata fractional undivided interest in each of the
Stocks and other assets held in the Trust.
 
  Ownership of Units is evidenced by recordation on the books of the Trustee.
In order to avoid additional operating costs and for investor convenience,
certificates will not be issued unless a request, in writing with signature
guaranteed by a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion
Program ("STAMP") or such other signature guarantee program in addition to, or
in substitution for, STAMP, as may be accepted by the Trustee, is delivered by
the Unitholder to the Sponsor. Issued certificates are transferable by
presentation and surrender to the Trustee at its office (currently located at
the address on the back cover) properly endorsed or accompanied by a written
instrument or instruments of transfer. Uncertificated Units are transferable
by presentation to the Trustee of a written instrument of transfer.
 
  Certificates may be issued in denominations of one Unit or any integral
multiple thereof as deemed appropriate by the Trustee. A Unitholder may be
required to pay a reasonable fee (currently $25.00 per certificate) for each
certificate issued, reissued or transferred, and shall be required to pay any
governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with each such transfer
or interchange. For new certificates to be issued to replace destroyed,
mutilated, stolen or lost certificates, the Unitholder must furnish indemnity
satisfactory to the Trustee and must pay such expenses as the Trustee may
incur. Mutilated certificates must be surrendered to the Trustee for
replacement.
 
  Unitholders will have no voting rights, except in the unlikely event of
resignation or removal of the Sponsor as provided under "Termination of the
Trust" and in the event of an amendment to the Indenture as provided under
"Amendment of the Indenture." As the holder of the Stocks, the Trustee will
have the right to vote all of the voting stocks in the Trust and will vote
such
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
stocks in accordance with the instructions of the Sponsor. The rights the
Unitholders have in distributions from the Income and Capital Accounts are set
forth below under "Distributions to Unitholders."
 
                          DISTRIBUTIONS TO UNITHOLDERS
 
  The Trustee will make distributions from the Income Account, if any, on the
quarterly Distribution Date to Unitholders of record on the preceding Record
Date. Distributions from the Capital Account will be made on each quarterly
Distribution Date to Unitholders of record on the preceding Record Date. See
"Essential Information Regarding the Trust." Whenever required for regulatory
or tax purposes, the Trustee will make special distributions on special
distribution dates to Unitholders of record on special record dates when and as
declared by the Trustee.
 
  Upon termination of the Trust, each Unitholder of record on such date will
receive his pro rata share of the amounts realized upon disposition of the
Securities plus any other assets of the Trust, less liabilities of the Trust.
See "Termination of the Trust."
 
                          ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRUST
 
  Accounts. All dividends received on Stocks, proceeds from the sale of Stocks
or other moneys received by the Trustee on behalf of the Trust will be held in
trust in non-interest bearing accounts except that proceeds of sale may be
reinvested in Treasury Obligations until required to be disbursed. See
"Administration of the Trust--Reinvestment."
 
  The Trustee will credit on its books to an Income Account dividends and
interest, if any, on Securities in the Trust. All other receipts (i.e., return
of principal and capital gains) are credited on its books to a Capital Account.
The pro rata share of the Income Account and the pro rata share of the Capital
Account represented by each Unit will be computed by the Trustee as set forth
under "Valuation of Units."
 
  The Trustee will deduct from the Income Account and, to the extent funds are
not sufficient therein, from the Capital Account, amounts necessary to pay
expenses incurred by the Trust. See "Expenses of the Trust." In addition, the
Trustee may withdraw from the Income Account and the Capital Account such
amounts as may be necessary to cover redemption of Units by the Trustee. See
"Redemption of Units."
 
  The Trustee may establish reserves (the "Reserve Account") within the Trust
for state and local taxes, if any, and any other governmental charges payable
out of the Trust.
 
  Reports and Records. With any distributions from the Trust, the Trustee will
furnish each Unitholder a statement setting forth the amount being distributed
from each account. In addition, the Trustee shall notify the Unitholders within
five days of substitute stocks, if any, which are acquired for the portfolio.
See "The Trust."
 
  The Trustee keeps records and accounts of the Trust at its office (currently
located at the address on the back cover), including records of the names and
addresses of Unitholders, a current list of underlying Stocks in the portfolio
and a copy of the Indenture. Records pertaining to a Unitholder or to the Trust
(but not to other Unitholders) are available to the Unitholder for inspection
at reasonable times during business hours.
 
  Within a reasonable period of time after the end of each calendar year, the
Trustee will furnish each person who was a Unitholder at any time during the
calendar year a report containing the following information, expressed in
reasonable detail both as a dollar amount and
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
as a dollar amount per Unit: (i) a summary of transactions for the Trust in the
Income and Capital Accounts and any Reserve Account; (ii) Securities sold or
purchased, if any; (iii) the Net Asset Value per Unit, based upon the last
computation thereof made during the year; and (iv) amounts distributed to
Unitholders during the year.
 
  Portfolio Supervision. The portfolio of the Trust is not "managed" by the
Sponsor or the Trustee; their activities described herein are governed solely
by the provisions of the Indenture. Traditional methods of investment
management for a managed fund typically involve frequent changes in a portfolio
of securities on the basis of economic, financial and market analyses. The
Trust, however, will not be managed. The Indenture provides that the Sponsor
may (but need not) direct the Trustee to dispose of a Stock in certain events
such as the issuer having defaulted on the payment on any of its outstanding
obligations or the price of a Stock has declined to such an extent or other
such credit factors exist so that in the opinion of the Sponsor, the retention
of such Stocks would be detrimental to the Trust. Pursuant to the Indenture and
with limited exceptions, the Trustee may sell any securities or other
properties acquired in exchange for Stocks such as those acquired in connection
with a merger or other transaction. If offered such new or exchanged securities
or property, the Trustee shall reject the offer. However, in the event such
securities or property are nonetheless acquired by the Trust, they may be
accepted for deposit in the Trust and either sold by the Trustee or held in the
Trust pursuant to the direction of the Sponsor. Therefore, except as stated
under "The Trust" for failed securities, as provided under "Administration of
the Trust--Reinvestment" and as provided in this paragraph, the acquisition by
the Trust of any securities other than the Stocks is prohibited. Proceeds from
the sale of Stocks (or any securities or other property received by the Trust
in exchange for Stocks), unless held for reinvestment as herein provided, are
credited to the Capital Account for distribution to Unitholders, to meet
redemptions or to pay charges and expenses of the Trust.
 
  Stock may also be sold in the manner described under "The Trust." The Trustee
may dispose of Stocks where necessary to pay Trust expenses or to satisfy
redemption requests as directed by the Sponsor and the proceeds of such sale
may not be reinvested except as provided below.
 
  Reinvestment. Cash received upon the sale of Stocks (except for proceeds used
to meet redemption requests) may, if and to the extent there is no legal
impediment, be reinvested in Treasury Obligations which mature on or prior to
the next scheduled Distribution Date. The Sponsor anticipates that, where
permitted, such proceeds will be reinvested in Treasury Obligations unless
factors exist such that such reinvestment would not be in the best interests of
Unitholders or would be impractical. Such factors may include, among others,
(i) short reinvestment periods which would make reinvestment in Treasury
Obligations undesirable or infeasible and (ii) amounts not sufficiently large
so as to make a reinvestment economical or feasible. Any moneys held and not
reinvested will be held in a non-interest bearing account until distribution on
the next Distribution Date to Unitholders of record.
 
                           AMENDMENT OF THE INDENTURE
 
  The Indenture may be amended by the Trustee and the Sponsor without the
consent of any of the Unitholders to cure any ambiguity, to correct or
supplement any provision thereof which may be defective or inconsistent, or to
make such other provisions as will not materially adversely affect the interest
of the Unitholders or as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, so
long as the Trustee provides the Unitholders with notice as required by the
Indenture.
 
  The Indenture may be amended in any respect by the Sponsor and the Trustee
with the consent of the holders of 66 2/3% of the Units then outstanding;
provided that no such amendment shall (i) permit the acquisition of any stocks
other than those specified in Schedule A of the Indenture or (ii) reduce the
percentage of Unitholders required to consent to any such amendment, without
the consent of all Unitholders.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
  The Trustee will promptly notify Unitholders of the substance of any
amendment affecting Unitholders' rights or their interest in the Trust.
 
                            TERMINATION OF THE TRUST
 
  The Indenture provides that the Trust will terminate upon the following
circumstances: (i) occurrence of the Mandatory Termination Date (as defined in
"Essential Information Regarding the Trust"); or (ii) written consent to
termination by 66 2/3% of the Units then outstanding. In addition, the Trust
may terminate if the value of the Trust as shown by any evaluation is less than
40% of the market value, based on closing bid prices, of the Stocks at the time
they were deposited in the Trust. In no event will the Trust continue beyond
the Mandatory Termination Date.
 
  Unless advised to the contrary by the Sponsor, approximately 30 days prior to
the termination of the Trust, the Trustee will begin to sell the Stocks held in
the Trust other than those Stocks to be distributed "in kind" as discussed
below. Upon termination of the Trust, the Trustee will sell any Stocks then
remaining in the Trust (other than those distributed "in kind") and will then,
after deduction of any fees and expenses of the Trust and payment into the
Reserve Account of any amount required for taxes or other governmental charges
that may be payable by the Trust, distribute to each Unitholder, after due
notice of such termination, such Unitholder's pro rata share in the Income and
Capital Accounts. Cash held upon the sale of Stocks may be held in non-interest
bearing accounts created by the Indenture until distributed and will be of
benefit to the Trustee. The sale of Stocks in the Trust in the period prior to
the termination and upon termination may result in a lower amount than might
otherwise be realized if such sale were not required at such time due to
impending or actual termination of the Trust. For this reason, among others,
the amount realized by a Unitholder upon termination may be less than the
amount paid by such Unitholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Sponsor
reserves the right to direct the Trustee to make an "in kind" distribution of
the Stocks to all Unitholders upon termination in lieu of a cash distribution.
 
  Prior to termination of the Trust, and in no event less than 75 days prior to
the Mandatory Termination Date, the Trustee shall furnish to Unitholders
written notice of the date of termination and election forms pursuant to which
Unitholders will be permitted to receive an "in kind" distribution upon
termination in lieu of cash in the event the Sponsor does not elect to direct
the Trustee to distribute all Stocks "in kind" as described above. Any
Unitholders who make appropriate elections no less than 30 days prior to the
date of termination shall be entitled to receive distribution "in kind" of all
of their Units. Upon the distribution following termination of the Trust, such
Unitholders will receive that number of whole shares of each Stock representing
the aggregate of their respective interests in each of the Stocks, plus cash
representing their pro rata shares of other Trust assets and cash in lieu of
fractional shares, if any. No partial "in kind" distributions will be made. See
"Tax Considerations" for information concerning the tax consequences to a
Unitholder of a distribution "in kind."
 
                                    SPONSOR
 
  The Sponsor, Howe Barnes Investments, Inc., is an investment services firm
which since 1915 has served a wide range of institutional and individual
investors, corporations and fiduciaries, as well as other securities dealers.
The Sponsor, a Delaware corporation, is registered as a broker/dealer and
through its subsidiary, Marshall Capital Management, Inc., is registered as an
investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Sponsor is
also a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, the New York
Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange. Services offered by the Sponsor
include investment research and trade execution
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
services for listed and over-the-counter equity and fixed-income securities and
options; execution and clearing services for small brokers and dealers;
investment banking services for corporations; and underwriting services for the
equity and fixed income markets, including municipal and corporate bonds. Among
other specialities, the Sponsor is recognized for its concentrated focus on
research and securities analysis with respect to midwestern regional and
subregional banking institutions and thrift institutions. The Sponsor may, but
need not, make a principal market as dealer in one or more of the Stocks in the
Trust. In addition, the Sponsor may act as an investment advisor for one or
more of the banking or thrift institutions with Stocks in the Trust.
 
  The Indenture provides that the Sponsor will not be liable to the Trust, the
Trustee or to the Unitholders for taking any action or for refraining from
taking any action made in good faith or for errors in judgment, but will be
liable only for its own gross negligence, bad faith or willful malfeasance in
the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its
obligation and duties. The Sponsor will not be liable or responsible in any way
for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of the sale of any Stocks in the
Trust.
 
  The Indenture further provides that the Sponsor shall be indemnified by the
Trust and held harmless from and against any loss, liability or expense
incurred in acting as Sponsor of the Trust other than by reason of its own
gross negligence, bad faith or willful malfeasance in the performance of its
obligations or by reason of its own reckless disregard of its obligations and
duties.
 
  The Indenture is binding upon any successor to the business of the Sponsor.
The Sponsor may transfer all or substantially all of its assets to a
corporation which carries on the business of the Sponsor and duly assumes all
the obligations of the Sponsor under the Indenture. In such event the Sponsor
shall be relieved of all further liability under the Indenture.
 
  The Indenture provides that the Sponsor may resign its position as Sponsor by
delivering to the Trustee an instrument of resignation. This resignation will
only be effective if prior to or concurrent with the delivery of the instrument
the Trustee has either (i) appointed a successor Sponsor or (ii) agrees to act
as Sponsor thereby succeeding to all the rights and duties of the resigning
Sponsor. The Trustee must notify the Unitholders of any such resignation or
appointment of a successor Sponsor.
 
  If the Sponsor fails to undertake any of its duties under the Indenture,
becomes incapable of acting, becomes bankrupt, or has its affairs taken over by
public authorities, the Trustee may appoint a successor Sponsor or Sponsors to
serve at rates of compensation determined as provided in the Indenture.
 
                                    TRUSTEE
 
  The Trustee, Investors Fiduciary Trust Company, is a limited purpose trust
company specializing in investment related services, organized and existing
under the laws of Missouri, having its trust office at 127 West 10th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri 64105. The Trustee is subject to supervision and
examination by the Division of Finance of the State of Missouri and the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
   The Indenture provides that the Trustee shall be indemnified by the Trust
and held harmless from and against any loss, liability or expense incurred
without gross negligence, bad faith or willful malfeasance in the performance
of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of the duties of the
Trustee arising out of or in connection with the administration of this Trust.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
   
  The Trustee may resign and be discharged of its duties with respect to the
Trust pursuant to the Indenture by delivering an instrument of resignation to
the Sponsor and mailing such instrument to the Unitholders then of record not
less than 60 days before the resignation date. The Trustee shall not, however,
resign until either (i) the Trust has been completely liquidated and the
proceeds distributed to the Unitholders, or (ii) a successor Trustee, having
the qualifications prescribed in the governing securities laws, has been
designated and has accepted the duties as Trustee. On April 14, 1997, the
Sponsor was notified by Investors Fiduciary Trust Company that it will resign
as trustee of the HBI Equity Trust, Series 2. The Sponsor anticipates that
Investors Fiduciary Trust Company will resign as Trustee during the initial
stages of the Trust. As set forth above, no such resignation will be effective
until a successor Trustee has been appointed.     
 
  The Sponsor may remove the Trustee, upon the occurrence of certain events as
set forth in the Indenture. In addition, the Unitholders may remove the
Trustee upon the vote or written consent of 66 2/3% of the Units then of
record. Upon the resignation or removal of the Trustee as set forth above and
in the Indenture, the Sponsor shall use its best efforts promptly to appoint a
successor Trustee. The Indenture is binding upon any successor to the business
of the Trustee. The Trustee may transfer all or substantially all of its
assets to a corporation which carries on the business of the Trustee and duly
assumes all the obligations of the Trustee under the Indenture. In such event
the Trustee shall be relieved of all further liability under the Indenture.
 
                                LEGAL OPINIONS
 
  The legality of the Units offered hereby has been passed upon by Chapman and
Cutler, Chicago, Illinois, as counsel for the Sponsor.
 
                             INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  The statement of net assets, including the schedule of investments, as of
the opening of business on the Initial Date of Deposit appearing in this
prospectus and in the registration statement has been audited by Ernst & Young
LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon appearing
elsewhere herein and in the registration statement, and is included in
reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
HBI
EQUITY TRUST, SERIES 3
A UNIT INVESTMENT TRUST
 
                 A PORTFOLIO OF MIDWEST BANK AND THRIFT STOCKS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>   
   <S>                                                                       <C>
   ESSENTIAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE TRUST................................   2
   HBI EQUITY TRUST, SERIES 3...............................................   3
   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS...........................................   5
   STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS..................................................   5
   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS..................................................   6
   THE TRUST................................................................   7
   TAX CONSIDERATIONS.......................................................  10
   PUBLIC OFFERING OF UNITS.................................................  14
   REDEMPTION OF UNITS......................................................  15
   VALUATION OF UNITS.......................................................  16
   EXPENSES OF THE TRUST....................................................  17
   RIGHTS OF UNITHOLDERS....................................................  18
   DISTRIBUTIONS TO UNITHOLDERS.............................................  19
   ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRUST..............................................  19
   AMENDMENT OF THE INDENTURE...............................................  20
   TERMINATION OF THE TRUST.................................................  21
   SPONSOR..................................................................  21
   TRUSTEE..................................................................  22
   LEGAL OPINIONS...........................................................  23
   INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.....................................................  23
</TABLE>    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SPONSOR:
 
                                  TRUSTEE:
 
HOWE BARNES INVESTMENTS, INC.     INVESTORS FIDUCIARY TRUST COMPANY
135 SOUTH LASALLE STREET          127 WEST 10TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603           KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64105
 
                                ---------------
 
  This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
registration statements and exhibits relating thereto, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and to
which reference is made.
 
  No person is authorized to give any information or to make any
representations not contained in this Prospectus and any information or
representation not contained herein must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Trust, the Trustee, or the Sponsor. The Trust is registered
as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Such
registration does not imply that the Trust or the Units have been guaranteed,
sponsored, recommended or approved by the United States or any state or any
agency or officer thereof.
 
  This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell securities to, or a
solicitation of an offer to buy securities from, any person in any state to
whom it is not lawful to make such offer or solicitation in such state.
<PAGE>
 
                                    Part II

                          UNDERTAKING TO FILE REPORTS

     Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission such supplementary and periodic
information, documents and reports as may be prescribed by any rule or
regulation of the Commission heretofore or hereafter duly adopted pursuant to
authority conferred in that section.

                      CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT


This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and documents:

     The facing sheet
     The Prospectus
     The undertaking to file reports
     The signatures

The following exhibits:

Exhibit 1.1                -  Form of Trust Agreement.

Exhibit 1.1.1              -  Form of Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust.
                              Reference is made to Exhibit 1.1.2 to Amendment
                              No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-6
                              for HBI Equity Trust, Series 1 (File No. 33-72314)
                              as filed on March 16, 1994.

Exhibit 2.1                -  Form of Certificate of Beneficial Interest.
                              Reference is made to pages 3 and 4 of Exhibit
                              1.1.1.

Exhibit 3.1                -  Opinion and consent of Chapman and Cutler as to
                              the legality of securities being registered.

Exhibit 3.2                -  Opinion and consent of Chapman and Cutler as to
                              federal and Missouri income tax status of
                              securities being registered.

Exhibit 6.1                -  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent
                              Auditors.

Exhibit 6.2                -  Power of Attorney. Reference is made to Exhibit
                              6.2 to the Registration Statement for the HBI
                              Equity Trust, Series 2 (File No. 333-11315) as
                              filed on September 3, 1996.

Exhibit 27                 -  Financial Data Schedule.

                              
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
 
                                  Signatures

     The Registrant hereby identifies HBI Equity Trust, Series 1 for purposes of
the representations required by Rule 487 and represents the following: (1) that
the portfolio securities deposited in the series as to the securities of which
this Registration Statement is being filed do not differ materially in type or
quality from those deposited in such previous series; (2) that, except to the
extent necessary to identify the specific portfolio securities deposited in, and
to provide essential financial information for, the series with respect to the
securities of which this Registration Statement is being filed, this
Registration Statement does not contain disclosures that differ in any material
respect from those contained in the registration statements for such previous
series as to which the effective date was determined by the Commission or the
staff; and (3) that it has complied with Rule 460 under the Securities Act of
1933.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant, HBI Equity Trust, Series 3, has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois, on the 14th day of
April, 1997.

                                       HBI EQUITY TRUST, SERIES 3

                                       BY HOWE BARNES INVESTMENTS, INC.,
                                          Depositor


                                       By__________________________________
                                          Michael E. Sammon
                                          Senior Vice President

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Registration Statement has been signed on April 14, 1997 by the following
persons in the capacities indicated. 

SIGNATURE                             TITLE

ALEX S. RUDOLPH              Director and Chairman
- ----------------------------
Alex S. Rudolph

GEORGE H. SHELTON            Director and President
- ---------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
George H. Shelton            

PHILIP C. ALLEN              Director
- ----------------------------
Philip C. Allen

THEODORE M. PERKOWSKI        Director
- ----------------------------
Theodore M. Perkowski


                                      S-2
<PAGE>
 
  SIGNATURE                         TITLE


RICHARD W. TERRELL         Director
- --------------------------
Richard W. Terrell

MICHAEL E. SAMMON          Director
- --------------------------
Michael E. Sammon

MICHAEL R. OCHOA           Director
- --------------------------
Michael R. Ochoa

MARK PAUL SHELSON          Director and Treasurer
- -------------------------- (Principal Financial and
Mark Paul Shelson          Accounting Officer)

RICHARD S. GRIFFIN         Director
- --------------------------
Richard S. Griffin

MARIO G. BERNARDI          Director
- --------------------------
Mario G. Bernardi

CHARLES V. DOHERTY         Director
- --------------------------
Charles V. Doherty


                                            _____________________________  
                                            Michael E. Sammon
                                            (Attorney-in-fact*)
_______________
*  An executed copy of the power of attorney incorporated herein by reference.


                                      S-3

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 1.1



                          HBI EQUITY TRUST, SERIES 3

                                TRUST AGREEMENT

     This Trust Agreement dated as of April 15, 1997 between Howe Barnes
Investments, Inc., as Depositor, and Investors Fiduciary Trust Company, as
Trustee, sets forth certain provisions in full and incorporates other provisions
by reference to the document entitled "HBI Equity Trust, Series 1 and Subsequent
Series, Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust, Effective March 16, 1994"
(herein called the "Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust"), and such
provisions as are set forth in full and such provisions as are incorporated by
reference constitute a single instrument.

                               WITNESSETH THAT:

     In consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements herein
contained, the Depositor and the Trustee agree as follows:

                                    PART I

                    STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRUST

     Subject to the provisions of Part II hereof, all the provisions contained
in the Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust are herein incorporated by
reference in their entirety and shall be deemed to be a part of this instrument
and to the same extent as though said provisions had been set forth in this
instrument.

                                    PART II

                     SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRUST

     The following special terms and conditions are hereby agreed to:

          (a)  The equity securities listed in the Schedule hereto have been
     deposited in trust under this Trust Agreement.

          (b)  For the purposes of the definition of the term "Unit" in Article
     I, it is hereby specified that the fractional undivided interest in and
     ownership of the Trust is the amount set forth in the section captioned
     "Essential Information Regarding the Trust" in the final Prospectus of the
     Trust (the "Prospectus") contained in Amendment No. 1 to the Trust's
     Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-23247) as filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 1997. The fractional
     undivided interest may decrease by the number of Units redeemed pursuant to
     Section 5.02.
<PAGE>
 
          (c)  For purposes of the definition of the terms "Trust" or "Trust
     Fund" in Article I, it is hereby specified that such terms shall include
     the HBI Equity Trust, Series 3.

          (d)  The term "Record Date" shall mean the "Record Dates" set forth
     under "Essential Information Regarding the Trust" in the Prospectus.

          (e)  The terms "Income Distribution Date" and "Capital Distribution
     Date" shall mean the "Income Account Distribution Dates" and "Capital
     Account Distribution Dates" set forth under "Essential Information
     Regarding the Trust" in the Prospectus.

          (f)  The term "Date of Deposit" shall be replaced with the term
     "Initial Date of Deposit". The term "Initial Date of Deposit" shall mean
     April 15, 1997.

          (g)  The number of Units of the Trust referred to in Section 2.03 is
     set forth under "Essential Information Regarding the Trust" in the
     Prospectus.

          (h)  For the purposes of Section 3.11, the Depositor shall receive for
     portfolio surveillance services that annual fee described under "Essential
     Information Regarding the Trust" in the Prospectus.

          (i)  For the purposes of Section 8.05, the Trustee shall receive for
     services as trustee that annual fee described under "Essential Information
     Regarding the Trust" in the Prospectus.
      
          (j)  For the purposes of Section 4.03, the Trustee will act as the
     Evaluator and will not receive a separate fee for providing services as
     evaluator.

          (k)  For the purposes of Section 8.01(g), the liquidation amount is
     hereby specified as the amount set forth under "Essential Information
     Regarding the Trust - Discretionary Liquidation Amount" in the Prospectus.

          (l)  For the purposes of Section 3.10, the identity of the Substitute
     Securities for each Contract Security held in the Trust is as follows: None

          (m)  The Mandatory Termination Date shall be that date set forth in
     the section captioned "Essential Information Regarding the Trust" in the
     Prospectus.

          
                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
          (n)  Section 2.01 is hereby amended by adding the following subsection
     (e) immediately after Section 2.01(d):

               (e)  From time to time following the Initial Date of Deposit, the
          Depositor is hereby authorized, in its discretion, to assign, convey
          to and deposit with the Trustee additional Securities, duly endorsed
          in blank or accompanied by all necessary instruments of assignment and
          transfer in proper form (or Contract Securities relating to such
          Securities), to be held, managed and applied by the Trustee as herein
          provided. Such deposit of additional Securities shall be made, in each
          case, pursuant to a Supplemental Indenture accompanied by a legal
          opinion issued by legal counsel satisfactory to the

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
          Depositor. The Depositor, in each case, shall ensure that each deposit
          of additional Securities pursuant to this Section (i) shall be equal
          to the original percentage relationship among the number of shares of
          each Security as is specified in the Trust Agreement for such Trust
          and (ii) shall not violate any applicable laws, rules or regulations,
          including, but not limited to, the Investment Company Act of 1940. The
          Depositor shall deliver the additional Securities which were not
          delivered concurrently with the deposit of additional Securities and
          which were represented by Contract Securities within 10 calendar days
          after such deposit of additional Securities (the "Additional
          Securities Delivery Period"). If a contract to buy such Securities
          between the Depositor and seller is terminated by the seller thereof
          for any reason beyond the control of the Depositor or if for any other
          reason the Securities are not delivered to the Trust by the end of the
          Additional Securities Delivery Period for such deposit, the Trustee
          shall immediately draw on the Letter of Credit, if any, in its
          entirety, apply the moneys in accordance with Section 2.01(b), and the
          Depositor shall forthwith take the remedial action specified in
          Section 3.10. If the Depositor does not take the action specified in
          Section 3.10 within 10 calendar days of the end of the Additional
          Securities Delivery Period, the Trustee shall forthwith take the
          action specified in Section 3.10.

          (o)  Section 2.03(a) is hereby amended by adding the following at the
     end of such section:

          The Trustee hereby agrees that on the date of any Supplemental Trust
          Agreement, it shall acknowledge that the additional Securities
          identified therein have been deposited with it by recording on its
          books the ownership, by the Depositor or such other person or persons
          as may be indicated by the Depositor, of the aggregate number of Units
          to be issued in respect of such additional Securities so deposited,
          and shall, if so requested, execute documentation substantially in the
          form above recited representing the ownership of an aggregate number
          of those Units.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Trust Agreement to
be duly executed.

                                       Howe Barnes Investments, Inc., 
                                         Depositor

                                       By________________________________
                                              Senior Vice President


                                       Investors Fiduciary Trust Company

                                       By________________________________
                                               Operations Officer

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                                  SCHEDULE A

                        Securities Initially Deposited
                          HBI Equity Trust, Series 3

     (Note:  Incorporated herein and made a part hereof is the "Schedule of
Investments" as set forth in the Prospectus.)


<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 3.1



                                       April 15, 1997


Howe Barnes Investments, Inc.
135 South LaSalle Street, Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois  60603


     Re:                HBI Equity Trust, Series 3
                        --------------------------

Ladies/Gentlemen:

     We have served as special counsel for Howe Barnes Investments, Inc., as
Sponsor and Depositor (the "Depositor") of HBI Equity Trust, Series 3 (the
"Fund"), in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of a Trust
Agreement dated April 15, 1997 and a Standard Terms and Condition of Trust dated
March 16, 1994 (collectively, the Indenture) each of which are between Howe
Barnes Investments, Inc., as Depositor, and Investors Fiduciary Trust Company,
as Trustee, pursuant to which the Depositor has delivered to and deposited the
securities listed in Schedule A to the Trust Agreement with the Trustee and
pursuant to which the Trustee has issued in the name of the Depositor documents
representing units of fractional undivided interest in and ownership of the Fund
created under said Trust Agreement.

     In connection therewith we have examined such pertinent records and
documents and matters of law as we have deemed necessary in order to enable us
to express the opinions hereinafter set forth.

     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
     
          1.  The execution and delivery of the Indenture and the execution and
     issuance of certificates evidencing the units of the Fund have been duly
     authorized; and

          2.  The certificates evidencing the units of the Fund when duly
     executed and delivered by the Depositor and the Trustee in accordance with
     the aforementioned Indenture, will constitute valid and binding obligations
     of the Fund and the Depositor in accordance with the terms thereof.


     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 333-23247) relating to the units referred to
above and to the use of our name and to the reference to our firm in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.

                                       Respectfully submitted,



                                       CHAPMAN AND CUTLER

MJK/cjw

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 3.2



                                       April 15, 1997


Investors Fiduciary Trust Company
127 West 10th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105

Howe Barnes Investments, Inc.
135 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois  60603

      Re:             HBI Equity Trust, Series 3
                      -------------------------- 
Ladies/Gentlemen:

     We have acted as special counsel for Howe Barnes Investments, Inc.,
Depositor of HBI Equity Trust, Series 3 (the "Trust"), in connection with the
issuance of units of fractional undivided interest in the Trust, under a Trust
Agreement dated April 15, 1997 and a Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust
dated March 16, 1994 (collectively, the "Indenture") each of which are between
Howe Barnes Investments, Inc., as Depositor, and Investors Fiduciary Trust
Company, as Trustee.

     In this connection, we have examined the Registration Statement, the form
of Prospectus proposed to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the Indenture and such other instruments and documents as we have deemed
pertinent.

     The assets of the Trust will consist of a portfolio of equity securities
(the "Securities") as set forth in the Prospectus. For purposes of this opinion,
it is assumed that each Security is equity for federal income tax purposes.

     Based upon the foregoing and upon an investigation of such matters of law
as we consider to be applicable, we are of the opinion that, under existing
United States Federal income tax law:

          (i) The Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation for
     federal income tax purposes but will be governed by the provisions of
     subchapter J (relating to Trusts) of Chapter 1, Internal Revenue Code of
     1986 (the "Code")

          (ii) A Unitholder will be considered as owning a pro rata portion of
     each of the assets of the Trust in the proportion that the number of Units
     held by him bears to the total number of Units outstanding; under subpart
     E, subchapter J of Chapter 1 of
<PAGE>
 
the Code, income of the Trust will be treated as income of each Unitholder in
the proportion described; and an item of Trust income will have the same
character in the hands of a Unitholder as it would have in the hands of the
Trustee. Each Unitholder will be considered to have received his pro rata share
of income derived from each Trust asset when such income is considered to be
received by the Trust. A Unitholder's pro rata portion of distributions of cash
or property by a corporation with respect to a Security ("dividends" as defined
by Section 316 of the Code) are taxable as ordinary income to the extent of such
corporation's current and accumulated "earnings and profits." A Unitholder's pro
rata portion of dividends which exceed such current and accumulated earnings and
profits will first reduce the Unitholder's tax basis in such Security and to the
extent that such dividends exceed a Unitholder's tax basis in such Security,
shall be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of property.

     (iii)  The price a Unitholder pays for his Units generally including sales
charges, is allocated among his pro rata portion of each Security held by the
Trust (in proportion to the fair market values thereof on the valuation date
closest to the date the Unitholder purchases his Units) in order to determine
his tax basis for his pro rata portion of each Security held by the Trust.
  
     (iv)   Gain or loss will be recognized to a Unitholder (subject to various
non-recognition provisions under the Code) upon redemption or sale of his Units,
except to the extent an in kind distribution of stock is received by such
Unitholder from the Trust as discussed below. Such gain or loss is measured by
comparing the proceeds of such redemption or sale with the adjusted basis of his
Units. Before adjustment, such basis would normally be cost if the Unitholder
had acquired his Units by purchase. Such basis will be reduced, but not below
zero, by the Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends with respect to each
Security which is not taxable as ordinary income.

     (v)    If the Trustee disposes of a Trust asset (whether by sale, exchange,
liquidation, redemption, payment on maturity or otherwise) gain or loss will be
recognized to the Unitholder (subject to various non-recognition provisions
under the Code) and the amount thereof will be measured by comparing the
Unitholder's aliquot share of the total proceeds from the transaction with his
basis for his fractional interest in the asset disposed of.  Such basis is
ascertained by apportioning the tax basis for his Units (as of the date on which
his Units were acquired) among each of the Trust assets (as of the date on which
his Units were acquired) ratably according to their values as of the valuation
date nearest the date on which he purchased such Units.  A Unitholder's basis in
his Units and of his fractional interest in each Trust asset must be reduced,
but not below zero, by the Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends with
respect to the Security which is not taxable as ordinary income.

     (vi)   Under the Indenture, under certain circumstances, a Unitholder
tendering Units for redemption may receive an in kind distribution of Securities


                                      -2-

<PAGE>
 
     upon the redemption of Units or upon the termination of the Trust. As
     previously discussed, prior to the redemption of Units on the termination
     of the Trust, a Unitholder is considered as owning a pro rata portion of
     each of the Trust's assets. The receipt of an in kind distribution will
     result in a Unitholder receiving an undivided interest in whole shares of
     stock and possibly cash. The potential federal income tax consequences
     which may occur under an in kind distribution with respect to each Security
     owned by the Trust will depend upon whether or not a Unitholder receives
     cash in addition to Securities. A "Security" for this purpose is a
     particular class of stock issued by a particular corporation. A Unitholder
     will not recognize gain or loss if a Unitholder only receives Securities in
     exchange for his or her pro rata portion in the Securities held by the
     Trust. However, if a Unitholder also receives cash in exchange for a
     fractional share of a Security held by the Trust, such Unitholder will
     generally recognize gain or loss based upon the difference between the
     amount of cash received by the Unitholder and his tax basis in such
     fractional share of a Security held by the Trust. The total amount of
     taxable gains (or losses) recognized will generally equal the sum of the
     gain (or loss) recognized under the rules described above by the Unitholder
     with respect to each Security owned by the Trust.

     Dividends received by the Trust which are attributable to a corporation
owning Units in the Trust and which are taxable as ordinary income (and are
attributable to domestic corporations) may be eligible for the 70% dividends
received deduction pursuant to Section 243(a) of the Code, subject to the
limitations imposed by Sections 246 and 246A of the Code. It should be noted
that various legislative proposals that would affect the dividends received
deduction have been introduced.

     Section 67 of the Code provides that certain miscellaneous itemized
deductions, such as investment expenses, tax return preparation fees and
employee business expenses will be deductible by individuals only to the extent
they exceed 2% of such individual's adjusted gross income. Unitholders may be
required to treat some or all of the expenses of the Trust as miscellaneous
itemized deductions subject to this limitation.

     A Unitholder will recognize taxable gain (or loss) when all or part of the
pro rata interest in a Security is either sold by the Trust or redeemed or when
a Unitholder disposes of his Units in a taxable transaction, in each case for an
amount greater (or less) than his tax basis therefor, subject to various non-
recognition provisions of the Code.

     Any gain or loss recognized on a sale or exchange will, under current law,
generally be capital gain or loss.

     The scope of this opinion is expressly limited to the matters set forth
herein, and, except as expressly set forth above, we express no opinion with
respect to any other taxes, including foreign, state or local taxes or
collateral tax consequences with respect to the purchase, ownership and
disposition of Units.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     We have also examined the laws of the State of Missouri to determine their
applicability to the Trust.  It is our opinion that under Missouri law, as
presently enacted and construed:

          (i)    The Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation for
     Missouri income tax purposes.

          (ii)   The Unitholders of the Trust will be treated as the owners of a
     pro rata portion of the Trust and the income of the Trust will therefore be
     treated as income of the Unitholders for Missouri state income tax
     purposes.

          (iii)  The Trust will not be subject to the Kansas City, Missouri
     Earnings and Profits Tax and each Unitholder's share of income of the Trust
     will not generally be subject to the Kansas City, Missouri Earnings and
     Profits Tax or the City of St. Louis Earnings Tax (except that no opinion
     is expressed in the case of certain Unitholders, including corporations,
     otherwise subject to the St. Louis City Earnings Tax).

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 333-23247) relating to the Units referred to
about and to the use of our name and to the reference to our firm in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.

                                       Very truly yours,




                                       CHAPMAN AND CUTLER

MJK/cjw


                                      -4-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 6.1



                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the reference to our firm as experts under the caption
"Independent Auditors" and to the use of our report dated April 15, 1997 in
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-6 (File No. 333-23247)
and related Prospectus of HBI Equity Trust, Series 3.



                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Chicago, Illinois
April 15, 1997

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<MULTIPLIER> 1
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          APR-15-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             APR-15-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               APR-15-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        3,809,779
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       3,809,779
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,809,779
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                            0
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                  0
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                     3,809,779
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          267,353
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 3,809,779
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                       0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                              0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                0
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission