WESTERN RESOURCES INC /KS
10-Q, 1998-05-12
ELECTRIC & OTHER SERVICES COMBINED
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                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                     Washington, D.C.   20549     


                            FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
    X     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
          EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended                 March 31, 1998                  

                                OR

          TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
          EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____________________ to ______________________


                  Commission File Number 1-3523 


                      WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.          
    (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)   


           KANSAS                                              48-0290150     
(State or Other Jurisdiction of                                 (Employer 
Incorporation or Organization)                             Identification No.)

 
   818 KANSAS AVENUE, TOPEKA, KANSAS                                  66612   
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                            (Zip Code)


 Registrant's Telephone Number Including Area Code (785) 575-6300


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such  filing requirements for the past 90 days. 
 
                           Yes X                       No    
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 
 
            Class                              Outstanding at May 12, 1998    
Common Stock, $5.00 par value                          65,538,871<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                     WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
                              INDEX 


                                                                      Page No.
 
Part I.  Financial Information 
 
   Item 1.  Financial Statements 
 
        Consolidated Balance Sheets                                        3
 
        Consolidated Statements of Income                                4 - 5

        Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income                    6

        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                            7 - 8

        Consolidated Statements of Cumulative Preferred
          and Preference Stock                                             9

        Consolidated Statements of Common Shareowners' Equity             10

        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                        11
 
   Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                 Condition and Results of Operations                      15

Part II.  Other Information

   Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities                               22

   Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders           22

   Item 5.  Other Information                                             22

   Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                              22
 
Signatures                                                                23
<PAGE>
<TABLE>        
                                   WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
                                   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                      (Dollars in Thousands)
                                           (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
                                                                March 31,      December 31,   
                                                                  1998             1997    
<S>                                                            <C>              <C>
ASSETS 

CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $   13,876       $    76,608
  Accounts receivable (net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       179,764           325,043
  Inventories and supplies (net). . . . . . . . . . . . . .        92,195            86,398
  Marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        90,522            75,258
  Prepaid expenses and other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        22,240            25,483
    Total Current Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       398,597           588,790

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET. . . . . . . . . . . . .     3,770,284         3,786,528

OTHER ASSETS:
  Investment in ONEOK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       610,318           596,206
  Subscriber accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       737,316           549,152  
  Goodwill (net). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1,066,331           854,163
  Regulatory assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       379,784           380,421
  Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       244,259           221,700
    Total Other Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3,038,008         2,601,642

TOTAL ASSETS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $7,206,889        $6,976,960

LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Current maturities of long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . .    $    8,800        $   21,217
  Short-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       462,250           236,500
  Accounts payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        96,031           151,166
  Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       287,171           249,447
  Accrued income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        37,795            27,360
  Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       133,327            89,106
    Total Current Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1,025,374           774,796

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
  Long-term debt (net). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2,162,470         2,181,855 
  Western Resources obligated mandatorily redeemable
    preferred securities of subsidiary trusts holding
    solely company subordinated debentures. . . . . . . . .       220,000           220,000
  Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits. . . . .     1,068,693         1,065,565
  Minority interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       167,512           164,379
  Deferred gain from sale-leaseback . . . . . . . . . . . .       218,822           221,779 
  Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       251,999           259,521
    Total Long-term Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4,089,496         4,113,099

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY:
  Cumulative preferred and preference stock . . . . . . . .        74,858            74,858
  Common stock, par value $5 per share, authorized
   85,000,000 shares, outstanding 65,409,603 and 
   65,409,603 shares, respectively. . . . . . . . . . . . .       327,048           327,048
  Paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       760,553           760,553
  Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       908,730           914,487
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (net)  . . . . . .        20,830            12,119
    Total Shareowners' Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2,092,019         2,089,065

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY . . . . . . . . .    $7,206,889        $6,976,960


The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>



<PAGE>
<TABLE>




                                      WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
                                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
                                      (Dollars in Thousands)
                                           (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Three Months Ended
                                                                           March 31,       
                                                                     1998           1997   
<S>                                                               <C>            <C>
SALES: 
  Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       $  305,548     $  593,912
  Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           76,795         32,286
    Total Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          382,343        626,198

COST OF SALES:
  Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          106,260        296,696
  Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           23,993         19,054
    Total Cost of Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          130,253        315,750
 
GROSS PROFIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          252,090        310,448

OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Operating and maintenance expense . . . . . . . . . . . .           76,329         93,341
  Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           61,637         60,678
  Selling, general and administrative expense . . . . . . .           47,538         53,132
    Total Operating Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          185,504        207,151

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           66,586        103,297

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
  Investment earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           14,552         10,766
  Minority interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             (213)          (272)
  Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            9,036           (418)
      Total Other Income (Expense). . . . . . . . . . . . .           23,375         10,076

INCOME BEFORE INTEREST AND TAXES. . . . . . . . . . . . . .           89,961        113,373

INTEREST EXPENSE:
  Interest expense on long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . .           38,957         23,795
  Interest expense on short-term debt and other . . . . . .           11,443         25,690
      Total Interest Expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           50,400         49,485

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           39,561         63,888

INCOME TAXES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            9,093         22,855

NET INCOME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           30,468         41,033

PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE DIVIDENDS. . . . . . . . . . . . .            1,230          1,230

EARNINGS AVAILABLE FOR COMMON STOCK . . . . . . . . . . . .       $   29,238     $   39,803

AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING . . . . . . . . . . . . .       65,409,603     64,807,081

BASIC EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING . . . .       $     0.45     $     0.61

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE . . . . . . . . . . . .       $     .535     $     .525


The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>








<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                      WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
                                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
                                      (Dollars in Thousands)
                                           (Unaudited)
 <CAPTION>
                                                                    Twelve Months Ended
                                                                           March 31,       
                                                                     1998           1997    
<S>                                                               <C>            <C> 
SALES: 
  Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       $1,711,054     $2,077,047
  Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          196,856         40,354
    Total Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1,907,910      2,117,401

COST OF SALES:
  Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          737,888        903,730
  Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           43,739         22,601
    Total Cost of Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          781,627        926,331
 
GROSS PROFIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1,126,283      1,191,070

OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Operating and maintenance expense . . . . . . . . . . . .          366,900        377,089
  Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          257,684        213,911
  Selling, general and administrative expense . . . . . . .          307,333        203,695
  Write-off of deferred merger costs. . . . . . . . . . . .           48,008           - 
  Security asset impairment charge. . . . . . . . . . . . .           40,144           -   
    Total Operating Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1,020,069        794,695

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          106,214        396,375

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
  Gain on sale of Tyco securities . . . . . . . . . . . . .          864,253           - 
  Special charges from ADT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             -           (18,181)
  Investment earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           29,432         28,123
  Minority interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            4,796           (270)   
  Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           37,857         10,766 
      Total Other Income (Expense). . . . . . . . . . . . .          936,338         20,438

INCOME BEFORE INTEREST AND TAXES. . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1,042,552        416,813

INTEREST EXPENSE:
  Interest expense on long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . .          134,551        103,037
  Interest expense on short-term debt and other . . . . . .           59,589         65,340
      Total Interest Expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          194,140        168,377

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          848,412        248,436

INCOME TAXES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          364,883         83,242

NET INCOME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          483,529        165,194

PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE DIVIDENDS. . . . . . . . . . . . .            4,919         12,714

EARNINGS AVAILABLE FOR COMMON STOCK . . . . . . . . . . . .       $  478,610     $  152,480

AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING . . . . . . . . . . . . .       65,276,370     64,238,154   

BASIC EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING . . . .       $     7.33     $     2.37

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE . . . . . . . . . . . .       $     2.11     $     2.07


The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
/TABLE
<PAGE>
                                
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                    WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                     (Dollars in Thousands)
                                           (Unaudited)     

<CAPTION>
                                                                    Three Months Ended
                                                                          March 31,    
                                                                     1998         1997 
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $30,468      $41,033

Other comprehensive income, before tax:
  Unrealized gain on equity securities. . . . . . . . . . .         14,465         -
Income tax expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          5,754         -   

Other comprehensive income, net of tax. . . . . . . . . . .          8,711         -    

Comprehensive income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $39,179      $41,033

                                
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
                    WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                     (Dollars in Thousands)
                                           (Unaudited)     
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Twelve Months Ended
                                                                          March 31,    
                                                                    1998         1997  
<S>                                                               <C>          <C>
Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       $483,529     $165,194

Other comprehensive income, before tax:
  Unrealized gain on equity securities. . . . . . . . . . .         39,713         -
Income tax expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         18,883         -   

Other comprehensive income, net of tax. . . . . . . . . . .         20,830         -   

Comprehensive income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       $504,359     $165,194


The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
/TABLE
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                    WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
                      (Dollars in Thousands)
                           (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Three Months Ended    
                                                                         March 31,        
                                                                    1998            1997  
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 
  Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $    30,468    $    41,033
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
    provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          61,637         60,678
  Equity in earnings from investments . . . . . . . . . . .          (5,576)       (13,177)
  Changes in working capital items (net of effects 
     from acquisitions):
    Accounts receivable (net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         146,248         47,424
    Inventories and supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          (5,709)        22,364
    Marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (15,264)          - 
    Prepaid expenses and other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           3,348          7,540
    Accounts payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (56,099)       (65,354)
    Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          12,112         13,238 
    Accrued income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          10,435         17,937
    Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          20,532          2,718
  Changes in other assets and liabilities . . . . . . . . .          11,606        (18,622)
      Net cash flows from operating activities. . . . . . .         213,738        115,779 

CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Additions to property, plant and equipment (net). . . . .         (33,908)       (39,737)
  Customer account acquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (64,703)        (3,356)
  Security alarm monitoring acquisitions,
    net of cash acquired. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (274,030)          -    
  Other investments (net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (59,041)       (18,799)
      Net cash flows (used in) investing activities . . . .        (431,682)       (61,892)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Short-term debt (net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         225,750        245,997 
  Proceeds of long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             764          1,407 
  Retirements of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (35,732)      (275,607)
  Issuance of common stock (net). . . . . . . . . . . . . .            -             7,386
  Cash dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (35,570)       (34,505)
      Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities. .         155,212        (55,322)

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS . . . . . . . . .         (62,732)        (1,435)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
  Beginning of the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          76,608          3,724
  End of the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $    13,876    $     2,289

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
CASH PAID FOR:
  Interest on financing activities (net of amount
    capitalized). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $    56,591    $    58,813
  Income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             161          7,044


The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
/TABLE
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                     WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
                              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
                                      (Dollars in Thousands)
                                           (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Twelve Months Ended  
                                                                         March 31,        
                                                                    1998           1997    
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 
  Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $   483,529    $   165,194
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
    provided by operating activities:   
  Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         257,684        213,911
  Gain on sale of securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (864,253)          -   
  Equity in earnings from investments . . . . . . . . . . .         (17,804)       (18,772)
  Write-off of deferred merger costs. . . . . . . . . . . .          48,008           - 
  Security asset impairment charge. . . . . . . . . . . . .          40,144           -
  Changes in working capital items (net of effects 
     from acquisitions):
    Accounts receivable (net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         112,980         13,594
    Inventories and supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (24,824)          (340)
    Marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (25,725)          - 
    Prepaid expenses and other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           5,038         10,414
    Accounts payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (39,043)       (24,421) 
    Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          63,945           (862)
    Accrued income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           2,367         16,988
    Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           9,230          2,238
  Changes in other assets and liabilities . . . . . . . . .         (39,125)       (91,427)
      Net cash flows from operating activities. . . . . . .          12,151        286,517

CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Additions to property, plant and equipment (net). . . . .        (204,909)      (197,503)
  Customer account acquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (106,510)        (3,356)
  Proceeds from sale of securities. . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,533,530           -   
  Security alarm monitoring acquisitions 
    net of cash acquired. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (712,747)      (368,535)
  Purchase of ADT common stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            -          (145,842)
  Other investments (net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (85,560)       (16,799)
      Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities. .         423,804       (732,035)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Short-term debt (net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (764,487)       884,437 
  Proceeds of long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         519,357        (48,593)
  Retirements of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (54,102)      (291,607)
  Issuance of other mandatorily redeemable securities . . .            -           120,000
  Issuance of common stock (net). . . . . . . . . . . . . .          17,656         27,070
  Redemption of preference stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . .            -          (100,000)
  Cash dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (142,792)      (146,450)
      Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities. .        (424,368)       444,857

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. . . .          11,587           (661)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
  Beginning of the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           2,289          2,950
  End of the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $    13,876    $     2,289

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
CASH PAID FOR:
  Interest on financing activities (net of amount
    capitalized). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $   168,413    $   191,652
  Income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          59,809         66,120

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  During the fourth quarter of 1997 the company contributed the net
  assets of its natural gas business totaling approximately $594 million
  to ONEOK in exchange for a 45% ownership interest in ONEOK.

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
/TABLE
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>        
                                    WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CUMULATIVE PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE STOCK 
                                      (Dollars in Thousands)
                                           (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
                                                          March 31,        December 31,
                                                            1998               1997    
<S>                                                     <C>                <C>
CUMULATIVE PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE STOCK:
  Preferred stock not subject to mandatory redemption,
    Par value $100 per share, authorized
    600,000 shares, outstanding -  
      4 1/2% Series, 138,576 shares. . . . . . . . . .   $   13,858        $   13,858
      4 1/4% Series, 60,000 shares . . . . . . . . . .        6,000             6,000
      5% Series, 50,000 shares . . . . . . . . . . . .        5,000             5,000
                                                             24,858            24,858
  Preference stock subject to mandatory redemption,
    Without par value, $100 stated value,
    Authorized 4,000,000 shares, outstanding -
      7.58% Series, 500,000 shares . . . . . . . . . .       50,000            50,000
TOTAL CUMULATIVE PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE STOCK. . . .   $   74,858        $   74,858


The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
/TABLE
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                    WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY 
        (Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
                          (Unaudited) 

<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Accumulated
                                                                                        Other
                                                                                    Comprehensive
                                                       Common   Paid-in   Retained      Income
                                                       Stock    Capital   Earnings      (net)    

<S>                                                    <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 1996, 64,625,259 shares. . . . .  $323,126  $739,433  $562,121   $     -
 
Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                        41,032

Cash dividends: 
  Preferred and preference stock. . . . . . . . . . .                        (1,230)
  Common stock, $0.525 per share. . . . . . . . . . .                       (34,041)

Issuance of 246,887 shares of common stock. . . . . .     1,235     6,151                        


BALANCE MARCH 31, 1997, 64,872,146 shares . . . . . .   324,361   745,584   567,882         - 

Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                       453,062
 
Cash dividends:
  Preferred and preference stock. . . . . . . . . . .                        (3,689)
  Common stock, $1.575 per share. . . . . . . . . . .                      (102,768)

Expenses on common stock                                               (5)

Issuance of 537,457 shares of common stock. . . . . .     2,687    14,974

Net change in unrealized gain on equity securities
 (net of tax effect of $13,129) . . . . . . . . . . .            ________  ________       12,119

BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 1997, 65,409,603 shares. . . . .   327,048   760,553   914,487       12,119
     
Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                        30,468

Cash dividends: 
  Preferred and preference stock. . . . . . . . . . .                        (1,230)
  Common stock, $0.535 per share. . . . . . . . . . .                       (34,995)

Net change in unrealized gain on equity securities
 (net of tax effect of $5,754). . . . . . . . . . . .                                       8,711

BALANCE MARCH 31, 1998, 65,409,603 shares . . . . . .  $327,048  $760,553  $908,730   $    20,830




The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.  
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                     WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                           (Unaudited) 
 

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     Description of Business:  Western Resources, Inc. (the company) is a
publicly traded holding company.  The company's primary business activities are
providing electric generation, transmission and distribution services to
approximately 614,000 customers in Kansas; providing security alarm monitoring
services to approximately 1.2 million customers located throughout the United
States, providing natural gas transmission and distribution services to
approximately 1.4 million customers in Oklahoma and Kansas through its
investment in ONEOK Inc. (ONEOK) and investing in international power projects.
Rate regulated electric service is provided by KPL, a division of the company
and KGE, a wholly-owned subsidiary.  Security services are provided by
Protection One, Inc. (Protection One), a publicly-traded, approximately
82%-owned subsidiary. 

     Principles of Consolidation:   The company's unaudited consolidated
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles for interim financial information and in accordance with
the instructions to Form 10-Q.  Accordingly, certain information and footnote
disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted.
These consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction
with the financial statements and the notes included in the company's 1997
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.

     New Pronouncements:  Effective January 1, 1998, the company adopted the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income" (SFAS 130).  This statement establishes standards for
reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components (revenues,
expenses, gains and losses) in a full set of general-purpose financial
statements.

     Reclassifications:  Certain amounts in prior years have been reclassified
to conform with classifications used in the current year presentation.

2. MERGER AGREEMENT WITH KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

     On February 7, 1997, the company signed a merger agreement with KCPL by
which KCPL would be merged with and into the company in exchange for company
stock.  In December 1997, representatives of the company's financial advisor
indicated that they believed it was unlikely that they would be in a position to
issue a fairness opinion required for the merger on the basis of the previously
announced terms.

     On March 18, 1998, the company and KCPL agreed to a restructuring of their
February 7, 1997, merger agreement which will result in the formation of Westar
Energy, a new regulated electric utility company.  Under the terms of the merger
agreement, the electric utility operations of the company will be transferred to
KGE, and KCPL and KGE will be merged into NKC, Inc., a subsidiary of the
company.  NKC, Inc. will be renamed Westar Energy.  In addition, under the terms
of the merger agreement, KCPL shareowners will receive $23.50 of company common
stock per KCPL share, subject to a collar mechanism, and one share of Westar
Energy 

<PAGE>
common stock per KCPL share.  Upon consummation of the combination, the company
will own approximately 80.1% of the outstanding equity of Westar Energy and KCPL
shareowners will own approximately 19.9%.  As part of the combination, Westar
Energy will assume all of the electric utility related assets and liabilities of
the company, KCPL and KGE.

     Westar Energy will assume $2.7 billion in debt, consisting of $1.9 billion
of indebtedness for borrowed money of the company and KGE, and $800 million of
debt of KCPL.  Long-term debt of Western Resources and KGE was $2.1 billion at
March 31, 1998.  Under the terms of the merger agreement, it is intended that
the company will be released from its obligations with respect to the company's
debt to be assumed by Westar Energy.  

     Pursuant to the merger agreement, the company has agreed, among other
things, to call for redemption all outstanding shares of its 4 1/2% Series
Preferred Stock, par value $100 per share, 4 1/4% Series Preferred Stock, par
value $100 per share, and 5% Series Preferred Stock, par value $100 per share.

      Consummation of the merger is subject to customary conditions including
obtaining the approval of the company's and KCPL's shareowners and various
regulatory agencies.  The company estimates the transaction to close by
mid-1999, subject to receipt of all necessary approvals.

     KCPL is a public utility company engaged in the generation, transmission,
distribution, and sale of electricity to customers in western Missouri and
eastern Kansas.  The company, KCPL and KGE have joint interests in certain
electric generating assets, including Wolf Creek.

     On March 23, 1998 the company and KCPL filed a letter informing the FERC
that it had signed a revised merger agreement, dated March 18, 1998.  The
company sent similar letters on March 24, 1998 to the Kansas Corporation
Commission (KCC) and the Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC).  The company
and KCPL will submit appropriate modifications to the merger filings at FERC,
the KCC and the MPSC as soon as practicable.

     At March 31, 1998, the company had deferred approximately $6 million
related to the KCPL transaction. These costs will be included in the
determination of total consideration upon consummation of the transaction. 


3.  INVESTMENT IN ONEOK, INC.

     In November 1997, the company completed its strategic alliance with ONEOK. 
The company contributed substantially all of its regulated and non-regulated
natural gas business to ONEOK in exchange for a 45% ownership interest in ONEOK.
The company accounts for its common ownership of ONEOK in accordance with the
equity method of accounting.

     For additional information on the Strategic Alliance with ONEOK, see Note 
4 of the company's 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.

<PAGE>
4.  INVESTMENT IN PROTECTION ONE, INC.

     Effective January 1, 1998, Protection One acquired the stock of Network
Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Network Multi-Family, from the company for
approximately $180 million.  Protection One borrowed money under a revolving
credit agreement provided by Westar Capital, a subsidiary of the company, to
purchase Network Multi-Family.

     On March 2, 1998, Protection One acquired the assets comprising the
monitored security alarm business of Multimedia Security Services, Inc.
(Multimedia Security) for approximately $233 million in cash.  Multimedia
Security had approximately 140,000 subscribers concentrated primarily in
California, Florida, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. 

     On March 17, 1998, Protection One acquired the stock of Comsec Narragansett
Security, Inc. (Comsec) for approximately $45 million in cash and assumed
approximately $15 million in debt.  Comsec has approximately 30,000 subscribers
located primarily in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

     The acquisitions of Multimedia Security and Comsec have been accounted for
as purchases.  Preliminary allocations of the purchase price for each
acquisition  have been made based on the estimated fair value of the net assets
acquired.  These acquisitions do not materially affect the company's financial
position or results of operations.

     For additional information on the Investment in Protection One and the
Security Alarm Monitoring Business, see Note 3 of the company's 1997 Annual
Report on Form 10-K/A.


5.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     On January 8, 1997, Innovative Business Systems, Ltd. (IBS) filed suit
against the company and Westinghouse Electric Corporation (WEC), Westinghouse
Security Systems, Inc. (WSS) and WestSec, Inc. (WestSec), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the company established to acquire the assets of WSS, in Dallas
County, Texas district court (Cause No 97-00184) alleging, among other things,
breach of contract by WEC and interference with contract against the company in
connection with the sale by WEC of the assets of WSS to the company.  IBS claims
that WEC improperly transferred software owned by IBS to the company and that
the company is not entitled to its use.  The company has demanded WEC defend
and indemnify it.  WEC and the company have denied IBS' allegations and are
vigorously defending against them.  Management does not believe that the
ultimate disposition of this matter will have a material adverse effect upon the
company's overall financial condition or results of operations.

     The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has commenced a private
investigation relating, among other things, to the timeliness and adequacy of
disclosure filings with the SEC by the company with respect to securities of ADT
Ltd.  The company is cooperating with the SEC staff in the production of records
relating to the investigation.

     The company and its subsidiaries are involved in various other legal,
environmental, and regulatory proceedings.  Management believes that adequate
provision has been made and accordingly believes that the ultimate dispositions
of these matters will not have a material adverse effect upon the company's
overall financial position or results of operations.




<PAGE>
6.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

     International Power Project Commitments:  The company has ownership
interests in international power generation projects under construction in
Colombia and the Republic of Turkey and in existing power generation facilities
in the People's Republic of China.  In 1998, commitments are not expected to
exceed $61 million.  Currently, equity commitments beyond 1998 approximate $88
million.

     Manufactured Gas Sites: The company has been associated with 15 former
manufactured gas sites located in Kansas which may contain coal tar and other
potentially harmful materials.  The company and the Kansas Department of Health
and Environment (KDHE) entered into a consent agreement governing all future
work at the 15 sites.  The terms of the consent agreement will allow the company
to investigate these sites and set remediation priorities based upon the results
of the investigations and risk analysis.  At March 31, 1998, the costs incurred
for preliminary site investigation and risk assessment have been minimal.  In
accordance with the terms of the strategic alliance with ONEOK, ownership of
twelve of these sites and the responsibility for clean-up of these sites were
transferred to ONEOK.  The ONEOK agreement limits our future liability to an
amount immaterial to the company's financial condition or results of operations.
However, our share of ONEOK income could be adversely affected by these costs.

     Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program (AHTC):  At March 31, 1998, the
company had invested approximately $40.6 million to purchase AHTC investments in
limited partnerships.  The company is committed to investing approximately $40.5
million more in AHTC investments by January 1, 2000.

     For additional information on Commitments and Contingencies, see Note 7 of
the company's 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.


7.  INCOME TAXES 
 
     Total income tax expense included in the Consolidated Statements of Income
reflects the Federal statutory rate of 35%.  The Federal statutory rate produces
effective income tax rates of 23.0% and 43.0% for the three and twelve month
periods ended March 31, 1998 compared to 35.9% and 33.5% for the three and
twelve month periods ended March 31, 1997.  The effective income tax rates vary
from the Federal statutory rate due to permanent differences, including dividend
income, the amortization of investment tax credits, and accelerated amortization
of certain deferred income taxes.
<PAGE>
                     WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.


Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
        RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 
 
INTRODUCTION

     In Management's Discussion and Analysis we explain the general financial
condition and the operating results for Western Resources, Inc. and its
subsidiaries.  We explain:

      -  What factors affect our business
      -  What our earnings and costs were for the three and twelve month
           periods ending March 31, 1998 and 1997
      -  Why these earnings and costs differed from period to period
      -  How our earnings and costs affect our overall financial condition
      -  Any other items that particularly affect our financial condition or
           earnings

     The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations updates the information provided in the 1997 Annual
Report on Form 10-K/A and should be read in conjunction with Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the
company's 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.

     FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:  Certain matters discussed here and elsewhere
in this Form 10-Q are "forward-looking statements."  The Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that these statements qualify for
safe harbors from liability.  Forward-looking statements may include words like
we "believe," "anticipate," "expect" or words of similar meaning.
 Forward-looking statements describe our future plans, objectives, expectations
or goals.   Such statements address future events and conditions concerning
capital expenditures, earnings, litigation, rate and other regulatory matters,
possible corporate restructurings, mergers, acquisitions, dispositions,
liquidity and capital resources, interest and dividend rates, environmental
matters, changing weather, nuclear operations and accounting matters.  What
happens in each case could vary materially from what we expect because of such
things as electric utility deregulation, including ongoing state and federal
activities; future economic conditions; legislative developments; our regulatory
and competitive markets; and other circumstances affecting anticipated
operations, sales and costs.

     
FINANCIAL CONDITION

     GENERAL: Sales, cost of sales, operating expenses, net income and basic
earnings per share were significantly reduced for the three months ended March
31, 1998 due to the effects of restructuring our natural gas interests in the
strategic alliance with ONEOK as of November 30, 1997.  The restructuring
reduced first quarter earnings by $0.22 per share when compared to prior year,
which we anticipate will be made up by earnings from our ONEOK investment in the
second and third quarters.  Each quarter, earnings from our 45% ownership in
ONEOK will be recorded in our other income section of our Consolidated
Statements of Income.  Our investment income stream is expected to fluctuate
less each quarter without the seasonal swings typical of the natural gas
distribution business.  

<PAGE>    
     For the three months ended March 31, 1998, sales decreased 39%, net income
decreased 26% and basic earnings per share decreased 26%.  Sales also decreased
10% for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998 due primarily to the transfer of
our natural gas assets to ONEOK.

     Net income increased $318 million and basic earnings per share increased
$4.96 for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998 due to the pre-tax gain on the
sale of the Tyco common stock of $864 million, or $7.97 of basic earnings per
share, recorded in the third quarter of 1997. Partially offsetting this increase
was the special non-recurring charge in December 1997 to expense $48 million of
deferred KCPL Merger costs, the special non-recurring charge in December 1997 of
approximately $40 million recorded by Protection One and our reduced electric
rates implemented on February 1, 1997.

     A quarterly dividend of $0.535 per share was declared in the first quarter
of 1998, for an indicated annual rate of $2.14 per share.  The book value per
share was $30.84 at March 31, 1998, up from $30.79 at December 31, 1997.   There
were 65,409,603 and 64,807,081 average shares outstanding for the first quarter
of 1998 and 1997.


OPERATING RESULTS

     The following explains significant changes from prior year results in
sales, cost of sales, operating expenses, other income (expense), interest
expense, income taxes and preferred and preference dividends.

     Energy sales, cost of sales and operating expenses have decreased
significantly from prior year due to the transfer of our natural gas business
assets to ONEOK Inc. as of November 30, 1997.

     SALES: Energy sales include electric sales, power marketing sales, natural
gas sales and other insignificant energy-related sales.  Certain state
regulatory commissions and the FERC authorize rates for our electric sales.
Our energy sales vary with levels of energy deliveries.  Changing weather
affects the amount of energy our customers use.  Very hot summers and very cold
winters prompt more demand, especially among our residential customers.  Mild
weather reduces demand.

     Many things will affect our future energy sales.  They include:

      -  The weather
      -  Our electric rates
      -  Competitive forces
      -  Customer conservation efforts
      -  Wholesale demand
      -  The overall economy of our service area

     Electric sales increased 13.8% for the three months ended March 31, 1998
because of revenues of $47 million from the expansion of power marketing
activity in 1997.  Our involvement in electric power marketing takes advantage
of increased competitive opportunities in the wholesale electric utility
industry.  We are involved in both the marketing of electricity and risk
management services to wholesale electric customers and the purchase of
electricity for our retail customers.  Our margin from power marketing activity
is significantly less than our margins on other energy sales.  Our power
marketing activity has resulted in energy purchases and sales made in areas
outside of our historical marketing  

<PAGE>
territory. Through March 31, 1998, this additional power marketing activity has
had an insignificant effect on operating income. This sales increase was
partially offset by a 25.7% decrease in traditional wholesale sales and our
reduced electric rates implemented February 1, 1997.  Reduced electric rates
lowered first quarter 1998 sales by an estimated $5 million.

     Electric sales increased 5.9% for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998
because of $117 million included from our power marketing activity.  This
increase was partially offset by decreases in sales from all customer classes
because of our reduced electric rates implemented February 1, 1997.

     The following table reflects the increases in electric energy deliveries
for retail customers for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 1998 from
the comparable periods of 1997.
                                          3 Months          12 Months
                                            ended             ended  
            Residential                     1.7%              1.6%
            Commercial                      3.6%              3.0%
            Industrial                      2.9%              3.1%
            Other                           2.2%              1.2%
              Total retail                  2.7%              2.6%

     For the three and twelve months ended March 31, 1998, natural gas sales
have significantly decreased due to the transfer of our natural gas business
assets to ONEOK on November 30, 1997.

     Security alarm monitoring business sales increased $45 million for the
three months ended March 31, 1998 and $157 million for the twelve months ended
March 31, 1998.  This increase is primarily because of our purchase of the
assets of Westinghouse Security Systems on December 30, 1996, our acquisition
of Network Multi-Family in September 1997, our acquisition of Protection One on
November 24, 1997, and Protection One's acquisitions of Multimedia Security and
Comsec in the first quarter of 1998.  

     COST OF SALES: Items included in energy cost of sales are fuel expense,
purchased power expense (electricity we purchase from others for resale), power
marketing expense and natural gas purchased.  Items included in security alarm
monitoring cost of sales are the cost of direct monitoring and the cost of
installing security monitoring equipment that is not capitalized.

     Energy business cost of sales were 64% lower for the three months ended 
March 31, 1998 and 18% lower for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998
primarily due to the transfer of our natural gas business assets to ONEOK on
November 30, 1997.  Partially offsetting these decreases was increased power
marketing expense of $47 million and $118 million for the three and twelve
month periods ending March 31, 1998.

     Security alarm monitoring cost of sales increased 26% and 94% for the three
and twelve month periods ending March 31, 1998.  The increase is primarily a
result of the purchase of the assets of Westinghouse Security Systems on
December 30, 1996, our acquisition of Network Multi-Family in September 1997
and our acquisition of Protection One on November 24, 1997.  Security alarm
monitoring cost of sales also increased for the three months ended March 31,
1998 due to the addition of several service centers resulting from acquisition
activity and additional installation activities from Protection One's first
quarter acquisitions.



<PAGE>
OPERATING EXPENSES

     OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSE:  Total operating and maintenance expense
decreased 18% for the three months ended March 31, 1998 due to the transfer of
our natural gas business assets to ONEOK on November 30, 1997.  Partially
offsetting this decrease was increased operating and maintenance expense for our
electric business.  Operating and maintenance expense decreased three percent
for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998. 

     DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE:  Depreciation and amortization
expense increased two percent for the three months and 20% for the twelve months
ending March 31, 1998.  The increase for the twelve months is primarily
attributable to the amortization of capitalized security alarm monitoring
accounts and goodwill for our security alarm monitoring business.  

     SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE: Selling, general and
administrative expense has decreased 11% for the three months ended March 31,
1998 due to the transfer of our natural gas business assets to ONEOK Inc. as of
November 30, 1997 and due to lower selling, general and administrative expense
for our electric business.  Partially offsetting these decreases was increased
selling, general and administrative expense from Protection One due primarily
to  our purchase of the assets of Westinghouse Security Systems on December 30,
1996, our acquisition of Network Multi-Family in September 1997, our
acquisition of Protection One on November 24, 1997 and Protection One's
acquisitions of Multimedia Security and Comsec in the first quarter of 1998.

     Higher security alarm monitoring business selling, general and
administrative expense caused a 51% increase in total selling general and
administrative expense for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998.  The security
alarm monitoring business increase is primarily because of security business
acquisitions discussed in the previous paragraph.  Partially offsetting this
increase was decreased selling, general and administrative expense due to the
transfer of our natural gas business assets to ONEOK as of November 30, 1997.

     OTHER: Two additional items affected total operating expenses for the
twelve months ended March 31, 1998.  We recorded a special non-recurring charge
in December 1997 to expense $48 million of deferred KCPL Merger costs. 

     Protection One recorded a special non-recurring charge of approximately $40
million in December 1997, to reflect the phase out of certain business
activities which are no longer of continuing value to Protection One, to
eliminate redundant facilities and activities and to bring all customers under
the Protection One brand.


OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
     
     Other income (expense) includes miscellaneous income and expenses not
directly related to our operations.  Other income increased approximately $13
million for the three months ended March 31, 1998.  Other income for that
quarter included investment earnings of approximately $15 million from our 45%
ownership in ONEOK.   Other income for the first quarter of 1997 included
investment earnings of approximately $11 million primarily from our investment
in ADT which was converted to Tyco stock and sold in the third quarter of 1997.
The gain on the sale of Tyco common stock increased other income $864 million
for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998.

<PAGE>
INTEREST EXPENSE

     Interest expense includes the interest we paid on outstanding debt. 
Interest expense increased two percent for the three months and 15% for the
twelve months ended March 31, 1998.  Interest recorded on long-term debt
increased $32 million or 31% for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998 due to
the issuance of $520 million in senior unsecured notes.  A decline in short-term
debt interest expense in the second half of 1997 partially offset the increase
in long-term debt interest expense.  We used the proceeds from the sale of Tyco
common stock and the $520 million in senior unsecured notes to reduce our
short-term debt balance. 


INCOME TAXES

     Income tax expense for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998 increased
$282 million due to the gain from the sale of Tyco common stock.  Partially
offsetting this increase was lower operating income.  Income taxes for the three
months ended March 31, 1998 decreased $14 million or 60%.


PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE DIVIDENDS
     
     Preferred and preference dividends decreased 61% for the twelve months
ended March 31, 1998 because we redeemed all of our 8.50% preference stock due
2016 on July 1, 1996.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     As of March 31, 1998, we had $14 million in cash and cash equivalents.  We
consider highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three
months or less to be cash equivalents.  Our cash and cash equivalents decreased
$63 million from December 31, 1997, due to a decrease in cash held by Protection
One.  Protection One used its cash for security alarm monitoring business
acquisitions.  Other than operations, our primary source of short-term cash is
from short-term bank loans, unsecured lines of credit and the sale of commercial
paper.  At March 31, 1998, we had approximately $462 million of short-term debt
outstanding, of which $397 million was commercial paper.  An additional $357
million of short-term debt was available from committed credit arrangements.

     On April 1, 1998, we redeemed our 7.58% Preference Stock due 2007 at a
premium, including dividends, for $53 million.

     Net cash flows from operating activities increased $98 million due
primarily to receivables associated with our natural gas business as part of the
strategic alliance with ONEOK.

     On April 17, 1998, Protection One filed with the SEC a shelf registration
on Form S-3 related to $400 million of equity and/or debt securities to be
issued by Protection One from time to time as determined by market conditions.



<PAGE>
MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

     MERGER AGREEMENT WITH KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY:  On February 7,
1997, the company signed a merger agreement with KCPL by which KCPL would be
merged with and into the company in exchange for company stock.  In December
1997, representatives of the company's financial advisor indicated that they
believed it was unlikely that they would be in a position to issue a fairness
opinion required for the merger on the basis of the previously announced terms.

     On March 18, 1998, we  and KCPL agreed to a restructuring of our February
7, 1997, merger agreement which will result in the formation of Westar Energy,
a new regulated electric utility company.  Under the terms of the merger
agreement, our electric utility operations will be transferred to KGE, and KCPL
and KGE will be merged into NKC, Inc., a subsidiary of the company.  NKC, Inc.
will be renamed Westar Energy.  In addition, under the terms of the merger
agreement, KCPL shareowners will receive $23.50 of Western Resources common
stock per KCPL share, subject to a collar mechanism, and one share of Westar
Energy common stock per KCPL share. Upon consummation of the combination, we
will own approximately 80.1% of the outstanding equity of Westar Energy and KCPL
shareowners will own approximately 19.9%.  As part of the combination, Westar
Energy will assume all of the electric utility related assets and liabilities of
Western Resources, KCPL and KGE.

     Westar Energy will assume $2.7 billion in debt, consisting of $1.9 billion
of indebtedness for borrowed money of Western Resources and KGE, and $800
million of debt of KCPL.  Long-term debt of Western Resources and KGE was $2.1
billion at March 31, 1998.  Under the terms of the merger agreement, it is
intended that we will be released from our obligations with respect to our debt
to be assumed by Westar Energy.  

     Pursuant to the merger agreement, we have agreed, among other things, to
call for redemption all outstanding shares of our 4 1/2% Series Preferred Stock,
par value $100 per share, 4 1/4% Series Preferred Stock, par value $100 per
share, and 5% Series Preferred Stock, par value $100 per share. 

      Consummation of the merger is subject to customary conditions including
obtaining the approval of our and KCPL's shareowners and various regulatory
agencies.  We estimate the transaction to close by mid-1999, subject to receipt
of all necessary approvals.

     KCPL is a public utility company engaged in the generation, transmission,
distribution, and sale of electricity to customers in western Missouri and
eastern Kansas.  We, KCPL and KGE have joint interests in certain electric
generating assets, including Wolf Creek.  Following the closing of the
combination, Westar Energy is expected to have approximately one million
electric utility customers in Kansas and Missouri, approximately $8.2 billion in
assets and the ability to generate more than 8,000 megawatts of electricity.

     On March 23, 1998 we and KCPL filed a letter informing the FERC that we had
signed a revised merger agreement, dated March 18, 1998.  We sent similar
letters on March 24, 1998 to the KCC and the MPSC.  We and KCPL will submit
appropriate modifications to the merger filings at FERC, the KCC and the MPSC
as soon as practicable.




<PAGE>
     SECURITY ALARM MONITORING BUSINESS PURCHASES:  Effective January 1, 1998,
Protection One acquired the stock of Network Holdings, Inc., the parent company
of Network Multi-Family, from the company for approximately $180 million. 
Protection One borrowed money under a revolving credit agreement provided by
Westar Capital, a subsidiary of the company, to purchase Network Multi-Family.

     On March 2, 1998, Protection One acquired the assets comprising the
monitored security alarm business of Multimedia Security for approximately $233
million in cash.  Multimedia Security has approximately 140,000 subscribers
concentrated primarily in California, Florida, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. 

     On March 17, 1998, Protection One acquired the stock of Comsec for
approximately $45 million in cash and assumed approximately $15 million in debt.
Comsec has approximately 30,000 subscribers located primarily in Connecticut,
Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

     The acquisitions of Multimedia Security and Comsec have been accounted for
as purchases.  Preliminary allocations of the purchase price for each
acquisition have been made based on the estimated fair value of the net assets
acquired.  These acquisitions do not materially impact the company's financial
position or results of operations.
<PAGE>
                    WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
                  Part II  Other Information 
 
Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

      None

   

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

      None



Item 5.  Other Information

     None
     


Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     (a) Exhibits:

               Exhibit 3    -   Restated Articles of Incorporation of the      
                                     company, as amended May 12, 1998
                                     (filed electronically)

               Exhibit 12   -   Computation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings
                                     to Fixed Charges for 12 Months Ended
                                     March 31, 1998 (filed electronically)

               Exhibit 27   -   Financial Data Schedule (filed electronically)

              

     (b) Reports on Form 8-K:

              Form 8-K filed January 5, 1998 - Press release regarding merger
                  with Kansas City Power and Light Company.

              Form 8-K filed March 23, 1998 - Amended and Restated Agreement   
                and Plan of Merger between the company and KCPL, dated as of
                  March 18, 1998.<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                           SIGNATURES 
 
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized. 
 
 
 
                                               Western Resources, Inc.    
 
 
 
Date          May 12, 1998           By         /s/ S. L. KITCHEN             
                                       S. L. Kitchen, Executive Vice President
                                              and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
Date          May 12, 1998           By     /s/ JERRY D. COURINGTON          
                                                Jerry D. Courington, 
                                                    Controller 


                                                        Exhibit 3 

                CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO RESTATED ARTICLES
                       OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED, OF
                           WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.


     We, David C. Wittig, President, and Richard D. Terrill, Secretary of
Western Resources, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws
of the State of Kansas, do hereby certify that at a meeting of the Board of
Directors of said corporation, the board adopted resolutions setting forth the
following amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation and declaring
its advisability:

          Section D.1 of Article VI be deleted in its entirety and replaced
     with a new Section D.1 which will read as follows:

     "D.  PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL CAPITAL STOCK

     1.   Subject to the voting rights of the holders of the shares of Preferred
     Stock and of the holders of shares of Preference Stock as specifically
     provided in these Articles, every holder of capital stock of this
     Corporation shall have one vote for each such share held by such holder
     for the election of directors and upon all other matters requiring
     stockholder action; provided, however, that whenever, as provided in or
     pursuant to these Articles, the Preferred Stockholders or the Preference
     Stockholders are entitled to vote separately as a class for the election
     of certain directors and the Common Stockholders are entitled to vote
     separately as a class for the election of the remaining directors, each
     stockholder shall be entitled to vote only for the directors to be elected
     by the holders of the class of stock of which he is a holder."

     We further certify that thereafter, pursuant to said resolution, and in
accordance with the by-laws of the corporation and the laws of the State of
Kansas, pursuant to notice and in accordance with the statutes of the State of
Kansas, the shareholders at a meeting duly convened considered the proposed
amendment.

     We further certify that at the meeting a majority of common and
preferred shares together entitled to vote, voted in favor of the proposed
amendment.

     We further certify that the amendment was duly adopted in accordance
with the provision of K.S.A. 17-6602, as amended.

     We further certify that the capital of said corporation will not be
reduced under or by reason of said amendment.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the seal
of said corporation the 12th day of May, 1998.

                                                                               
                                     \s\ David C. Wittig                
                                   David C. Wittig
                                   President


                                     \s\ Richard D. Terrill             
                                    Richard D. Terrill
                                    Secretary


State of Kansas              )
                             ) ss.
County of Shawnee            )


     Be it remembered that before me, a Notary Public in and for the
aforesaid county and state, personally appeared David C. Wittig, President,
and Richard D. Terrill, Secretary of the corporation named in this document,
who are known to me to be same persons who executed the foregoing certificate
and duly acknowledge that execution of the same this 12th day of May, 1998.



                                                                               
                             _________________________
                                  Notary Public

<TABLE>
                                                                           Exhibit 12

                        WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
        Computations of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
      Computations of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges
          and Preferred and Preference Dividend Requirements
                        (Dollars in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
                                  Unaudited
                                    Twelve 
                                    Months
                                    Ended
                                   March 31,                     Year Ended December 31,                 
                                     1998          1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
<S>                               <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>  
Net Income . . . . . . . . . . .  $  483,529   $  494,094    $168,950    $181,676    $187,447    $177,370
Taxes on Income. . . . . . . . .     364,883      378,645      86,102      83,392      99,951      78,755
    Net Income Plus Taxes. . . .     848,412      872,739     255,052     265,068     287,398     256,125

Fixed Charges:
  Interest on Long-Term Debt . .     134,551      119,389     105,741      95,962      98,483     123,551
  Interest on Other Indebtedness      41,514       55,761      34,685      27,487      20,139      19,255
  Interest on Other Mandatorily
    Redeemable Securities. . . .      18,075       18,075      12,125        372         -           -   
  Interest on Corporate-owned
    Life Insurance Borrowings. .      38,901       36,167      35,151      32,325      26,932      16,252
  Interest Applicable to 
    Rentals. . . . . . . . . . .      34,395       34,514      32,965      31,650      29,003      28,827
      Total Fixed Charges. . . .     267,436      263,906     220,667     187,796     174,557     187,885

Preferred and Preference Dividend 
Requirements:
  Preferred and Preference
    Dividends. . . . . . . . . .       4,919        4,919      14,839      13,419      13,418      13,506
  Income Tax Required. . . . . .       3,712        3,770       7,562       6,160       7,155       5,997
      Total Preferred and
        Preference Dividend
        Requirements . . . . . .       8,631        8,689      22,401      19,579      20,573      19,503
    
Total Fixed Charges and Preferred
   and Preference Dividend
   Requirements. . . . . . . . .     276,067      272,595     243,068     207,375     195,130     207,388

Earnings (1) . . . . . . . . . .  $1,115,848   $1,136,645    $475,719    $452,864    $461,955    $444,010

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
 Charges . . . . . . . . . . . .       4.17          4.31        2.16        2.41        2.65        2.36
         

Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed
  Charges and Preferred and Preference
  Dividend Requirements. . . . .       4.04          4.17        1.96        2.18        2.37        2.14


                                
(1)  Earnings are deemed to consist of net income to which has been added income taxes (including net
     deferred investment tax credit) and fixed charges.  Fixed charges consist of all interest on
     indebtedness, amortization of debt discount and expense, and the portion of rental expense which
     represents an interest factor.  Preferred and preference dividend requirements consist of an
     amount equal to the pre-tax earnings which would be required to meet dividend requirements on
     preferred and preference stock.
</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
BALANCE SHEET AT MARCH 31, 1998 AND THE STATEMENT OF INCOME AND THE STATEMENT
OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1998
<CASH>                                           13876      
<SECURITIES>                                     90522  
<RECEIVABLES>                                   199395
<ALLOWANCES>                                     19631
<INVENTORY>                                      92195
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 22240
<PP&E>                                         5712352
<DEPRECIATION>                                 1942068
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 7206889
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          1025374
<BONDS>                                        2162470
                           270000
                                      24858
<COMMON>                                        327048
<OTHER-SE>                                     1690113
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   7206889
<SALES>                                         382343
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                382343
<CGS>                                           130253
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   315757
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               50400
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  39561
<INCOME-TAX>                                      9093
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              30468
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     30468
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .45
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .45
        

</TABLE>


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