UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC
S-3/A, 1995-09-07
WATER SUPPLY
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<PAGE>

     
    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 7, 1995 
     
                                                       
                                                   REGISTRATION NO. 33-61617    
================================================================================


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

                                ---------------
                                    
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                      TO      
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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

                          UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
                                        
           NEW JERSEY                                22-2441477
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF       (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
 INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

                               200 OLD HOOK ROAD
                       HARRINGTON PARK, NEW JERSEY  07640
          (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE, INCLUDING ZIP CODE)
      REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE:  (201) 784-9434

                                ALLAN D. SHAKLEY
                               200 OLD HOOK ROAD
                       HARRINGTON PARK, NEW JERSEY 07640
                                 (201) 784-9434
           (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

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

                                   COPIES TO:
                                        
    E. ELLSWORTH MCMEEN, III, ESQ.              RICHARD B. MCGLYNN, ESQ.
LEBOEUF, LAMB, GREENE & MACRAE, L.L.P.     VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
        125 WEST 55TH STREET           UNITED WATER MANAGEMENT AND SERVICES INC.
      NEW YORK, NEW YORK  10019                     200 OLD HOOK ROAD
                                            HARRINGTON PARK, NEW JERSEY 07640

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

APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC:  As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

          If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [_]

          If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), other than securities offered
only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check
the following box. [x]

          If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an
offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the
following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the
earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]

          If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box  and  list  the
Securities  Act  registration  statement  number  of  the  earlier  effective
registration statement for the same offering. [_]

          If delivery of the Prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, please check the following box. [_]
         
                                ---------------

     The 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>
 
 INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT.  A
 REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.  THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
 OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
 EFFECTIVE.  THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
 SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
 IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
 TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.

                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                                  
                              DATED SEPTEMBER 7, 1995      

 P R O S P E C T U S

                          UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC.
                 DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
    
    The Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") of United
 Water Resources Inc. (the "Company") provides holders of record of shares of
 its Common Stock, no par value ("Common Stock"), customers of the Company's
 subsidiaries covered by the Plan and employees of the Company or any of its
 subsidiaries covered by the Plan with a simple and convenient method of
 purchasing shares of Common Stock without payment of any brokerage commission
 or service charge.  Shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan may be
 original issue shares and/or open market shares, in the discretion of the
 Company.  Original issue shares will be purchased at a discount from market
 prices (which discount is subject to change or elimination in the discretion of
 the Company, as discussed in the answer to Question 3) while open market
 purchases of shares will not be made at a discount from market prices.      

    Each participant in the Plan who is an existing shareholder of record may
 elect one of the following options:

    FULL DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT -

        Reinvest dividends on all shares of Common Stock registered in the
        shareholder's name.  Optional cash payments may also be made of not less
        than $25 per payment and up to $3,000 per calendar quarter in the
        aggregate; or

    PARTIAL DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT -

        Reinvest dividends on fewer than all shares of Common Stock registered
        in the shareholder's name.  Optional cash payments may also be made of
        not less than $25 per payment and up to $3,000 per calendar quarter in
        the aggregate; or

    OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS -
        Invest in additional shares of Common Stock by making optional cash
        payments of not less than $25 per payment and up to $3,000 per calendar
        quarter in the aggregate.

    Under all of the Plan's investment options, dividends on shares of Common
 Stock credited to a participant's Plan account are automatically reinvested in
 shares of Common Stock.

    Each customer of the Company's subsidiaries covered by the Plan, and each
 employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries covered by the Plan, who is
 not a shareholder of record, may join the Plan by making an initial cash
 investment of at least $25 and up to $3,000, which will be used to purchase
 shares of Common Stock for his or her Plan account.
    
    The per share purchase price of any original issue shares of Common Stock
 purchased with reinvested cash dividends will be 95%, or with optional cash
 payments will be 97%, of the average of the daily high and low sale prices of
 Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for five randomly selected trading
 days in the month preceding the applicable purchase date. The per share
 purchase price of any shares of Common Stock purchased on the open market with
 the proceeds of Common Stock dividends or with optional cash payments, as the
 case may be, will be the average price of all such shares of Common Stock
 purchased by the Designated Agent (defined herein), as agent for Participants
 in the Plan, during the respective investment period for reinvested dividends
 or for optional cash payments, as the case may be. With respect to open market
 purchases, such investment period will be either (a) the period of 30 days
 after a dividend payment date (see Question 18) in the case of reinvested
 dividends or (b) the period of 35 days after the fifth day preceding the first
 business day of a month (see Question 23) in the case of optional cash
 payments. (See the answer to Question 8 for an explanation of the purchase
 price, including the Company's right to change the purchase price.)      

    FOR A SUMMARY DISCUSSION OF THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES RELATING TO
 PARTICIPATION IN THE PLAN AND TO THE DISPOSITION OF SHARES PURCHASED PURSUANT
 TO THE PLAN, SEE "FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION" HEREIN.  PARTICIPANTS ARE
 URGED, HOWEVER, TO CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX
 CONSEQUENCES APPLICABLE TO THEM.

    Although the Plan contemplates the continuation of quarterly dividend
 payments on the Common Stock, the payment and amount of dividends will depend
 upon future earnings, the financial condition of the Company and other factors.

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

 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.

                                ---------------
                     
                 THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS         , 1995      
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

    The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Information as of particular dates concerning
directors and officers of the Company, their remuneration, the principal holders
of securities of the Company and any material interest of such persons in
transactions with the Company is disclosed in proxy statements distributed to
shareholders of the Company and filed with the Commission.  Such reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by the Company can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's regional offices at 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511, and at 7 World
Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048.  Copies of this material can
also be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at its principal office at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549.  The Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20
Broad Street, New York, New York 10048, where reports, proxy statements and
other information concerning the Company can also be inspected.


                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

    The following documents, which have heretofore been filed by the Company
with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, are hereby incorporated by
reference into this Prospectus:

    (1)  The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1994, filed pursuant to the Exchange Act;
    
    (2)  The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
March 31, 1995 and June 30, 1995, respectively, filed pursuant to the Exchange
Act;      

    (3)  The Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-B, filed October 11,
1983, pursuant to the Exchange Act, as updated by pertinent information
furnished in subsequent reports filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange
Act; and

    (4)  The Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed July 26, 1989,
pursuant to the Exchange Act, as updated by pertinent information furnished in
subsequent reports filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act.

    All documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Section
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this
Prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing of such documents.  Any statement contained in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to
be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which
also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement.  Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
    This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, and the exhibits
thereto, which the Company has filed with the Commission under the Securities
Act of 1933, to which reference is hereby made.

    The Company hereby undertakes to provide without charge to each person to
whom a copy of this Prospectus has been delivered, on the written or oral
request of any such person, a copy of any or all documents which have been or
may be incorporated in this Prospectus by reference, other than exhibits to such
documents not specifically incorporated by reference therein.  Requests for such
copies should be directed to Allan D. Shakley, Assistant Secretary, United Water
Resources Inc., 200 Old Hook Road, Harrington Park, N.J. 07640 (telephone
number: (201) 784-9434).

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY

    The Company is a New Jersey corporation with its principal executive office
at 200 Old Hook Road, Harrington Park, New Jersey 07640 (telephone number: (201)
784-9434).  The Company was organized in 1983 as the holding company for United
Water New Jersey Inc. ("UWNJ") (formerly named Hackensack Water Company).  UWNJ
was incorporated by an act of the New Jersey Legislature in 1869 and a number of
local water companies have been merged into UWNJ since its reorganization in
1880.  The principal and wholly-owned subsidiary of UWNJ is United Water New
York Inc. ("UWNY") (formerly named Spring Valley Water Company Incorporated),
which was incorporated under the laws of New York in 1893.

    In 1994, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of GWC
Corporation.  The largest subsidiary of GWC Corporation, now known as United
Waterworks Inc., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and has
subsidiaries that operate water and wastewater utilities in thirteen states.

    Other wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company include United Properties
Group Inc. (formerly named Rivervale Realty Co., Inc.), which is engaged in real
estate acquisition, rental, development and sales; Laboratory Resources, Inc.,
which owns and operates a network of commercial laboratories performing
environmental and industrial hygiene testing services; Metering Services, Inc.,
which provides a variety of automatic meter reading services to utilities and
also applies its telemetry knowledge toward other applications and markets; and
United Water Mid-Atlantic Utilities Corporation (formerly named Mid-Atlantic
Utilities Corporation), which works with real estate developers to establish,
own and operate water and sewerage utility systems.

                      INDEX TO DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN*

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Refer to
                                 Questions
                                 ---------
<S>                               <C>
Administration                    4-5
Advantages                        2-3
Optional Cash Payments            19-23
Other Information                 30-36
Participation                     9-15
Purchases                         6-8
Purpose                           1
Reinvestment of Cash Dividends    16-18
Reports                           29
Sale of Shares                    28
Stock Certificates                24-25
Withdrawal From the Plan          26-27
</TABLE>

- ----------
*  This index is for convenience of reference only and is not a part of the
   Plan. Since other provisions of the Plan may be important to investors or may
   bear on the matters listed, readers are urged to study the Plan in its
   entirety.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
                                 DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN

          The following is a question-and-answer statement of the provisions of
the Plan.  All references used herein to the Common Stock shall include Series A
Participating Preferred Stock Purchase Rights of the Company (the "Rights").
For convenience of reference, the definitions of certain terms are included
below.

DEFINITIONS

Beneficial Owner   A person whose shares of Common Stock are registered in other
                   than his or her own name (for example, in the name of a
                   broker or other nominee).

Cash Deadline      The fifth day preceding the first business day of a month.

Cash Payment       Purchases of original issue shares of Common Stock with
Purchase Date      Optional Cash Payments will be made on the "Cash Payment
                   Purchase Date", which shall occur on or about the first
                   business day of each month.

Common Stock       The common stock of the Company.

Customer           A customer of one of the Company's subsidiaries covered at
                   the time by the Plan.

Designated Agent   The agent, which will be a "registered broker or dealer" or
                   "bank", as those terms are defined in Section 3(a) of the
                   Exchange Act, appointed by the Company from time to time,
                   with notice to Participants, to act on behalf of Participants
                   in buying Common Stock on the open market.

Employee           An employee of the Company, or of any of its subsidiaries
                   covered at the time by the Plan.

Enrollment Form    The form completed by an Employee or Customer to enroll in
                   the Plan.

Initial Investment The initial payment delivered with an Enrollment Form for an
                   amount (not less than $25 and not more than $3,000) which is
                   required of a Customer or Employee, who is not a Shareholder,
                   upon enrolling in the Plan.

investment period  The period during which the Designated Agent purchases shares
                   of Common Stock on the open market for the accounts of
                   Participants pursuant to the Plan.

Optional Cash      Cash payments (including the Initial Investment, if any) made
Payments           to the Agent by a Participant, from time to time, of not less
                   than $25 per payment and not more than $3,000 per calendar
                   quarter in the aggregate.

Participants       Customers, Employees or Shareholders who participate in the 
                   Plan.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
Shareholder        A holder of record of shares of Common Stock.

Shareholder        The form completed by a Shareholder to enroll in the Plan.
Authorization Form


PURPOSE

          1.  WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAN?

          The purpose of the Plan is to provide Shareholders, Customers and
Employees with a simple and convenient method of acquiring shares of Common
Stock.  The Plan allows a Participant to invest cash dividends on shares of
Common Stock registered in such Participant's name in shares of Common Stock and
provides the opportunity to acquire shares of Common Stock through Optional Cash
Payments, in each case, without payment of any brokerage commission or service
charge.

          The shares of Common Stock purchased may be, in the Company's
discretion, original issue shares of Common Stock purchased directly from the
Company and/or shares of Common Stock purchased on the open market.  Original
issue shares shall include authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock and
shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company.  When original issue
shares are purchased directly from the Company, the Company will receive new
equity capital funds.  (See "Use of Proceeds.")

ADVANTAGES

          2.  WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE PLAN?
    
          The Plan offers Participants the opportunity to purchase shares of
Common Stock through dividend reinvestment (a) at a discount of 5%, which
discount is subject to change or elimination in the Company's discretion (see
Questions 3 and 8), from market prices, in the case of purchases of original
issue shares, or (b) at the average price of all open market shares purchased by
the Designated Agent during a given investment period, in the case of purchases
of shares in transactions on the open market.  Participants may have cash
dividends on all or a specified number of their shares of Common Stock
automatically reinvested in shares of Common Stock each quarter.  In addition,
Participants may also purchase Common Stock monthly with Optional Cash Payments
(a) at a discount of 3%, which discount is subject to change or elimination in
the Company's discretion (see Questions 3 and 8), from market prices, in the
case of purchases of original issue shares, or (b) at the average price of all
open market shares purchased by the Designated Agent during a given investment
period, in the case of purchases of shares in transactions on the open market.
No commission or service charge is paid by Participants in connection with
purchases under the Plan.  Full investment of funds is possible because the Plan
permits fractions of shares, as well as full shares, to be credited to
Participants' Plan accounts.  Dividends with respect to such fractions, as well
as with respect to full shares, will be credited to Participants' Plan accounts
and reinvested in shares of Common Stock under the Plan.  Participants who elect
to have dividends on fewer than all of the shares of Common Stock held by them
reinvested through the Plan will continue to receive direct payments of cash
dividends on their remaining shares.  Dividends on shares credited to
Participants' Plan accounts will be automatically reinvested in shares of Common
Stock.  Certain provisions applicable to foreign holders whose dividends are
subject to income tax withholding are described under the caption "Federal
Income Tax Information."      

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
          3.  HOW DOES THE DISCOUNT WORK WITH RESPECT TO ORIGINAL ISSUE
              SHARES?
    
          The discount from market prices (the "Discount") applicable to
purchases of original issue shares with the proceeds of Common Stock dividends
will initially be 5%, or with Optional Cash Payments, will initially be 3%. The
Company reserves the right, in its discretion, by giving at least 20 days notice
to Participants, to change or eliminate the Discount with respect to original
issue shares purchased for Participants under the Plan, which Discount, if any,
will be between 1% and 10%.     

ADMINISTRATION

          4.  WHO ADMINISTERS THE PLAN FOR PARTICIPANTS?

          First Interstate Bank of California, Stock Transfer Administration
(W11-2), 707 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (the "Agent"), acts as
Agent for Participants under an arrangement which may be terminated by the
Company or the Agent at any time.  The Agent keeps a continuing record of all
Participants' Plan accounts, sends statements of account activities to
Participants and performs other duties relating to the Plan.  Common Stock
purchased under the Plan will be registered in the name of the nominee of First
Interstate Bank of California, as Agent for Participants.  Should First
Interstate Bank of California cease to act as Agent under the Plan, another
agent will be designated by the Company.  (For a description of the role played
by the Designated Agent in purchasing open market shares for the accounts of
Participants, see the further provisions of the Plan, including Questions 6 and
8.)

          The Company reserves the right to make such additional or other
arrangements for the administration of the Plan as it deems appropriate.

          Any correspondence concerning the Plan should be sent to:

                  First Interstate Bank of California
                  Shareholders Investment Service
                  P.O. Box 750
                  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15230-9625
                  Attention: United Water Resources Dividend Reinvestment
                             and Stock Purchase Plan

          Please contact the Shareholders Investment Service representatives at
1-800-522-6645, or the Company's Investor Relations Department at 201-767-2811,
if you have any inquiries concerning the Plan.

          5. WHAT ARE THE COSTS TO PARTICIPANTS IN CONNECTION WITH PURCHASES
             UNDER THE PLAN?

          Participants are not required to pay a commission or service charge of
any kind in connection with purchases of shares of Common Stock under the Plan.

          If a Participant elects to have shares of Common Stock sold upon
withdrawal from the Plan, the Participant will pay all brokerage fees and
transfer taxes associated with such sale. All fractional shares of Common Stock
credited to a Participant's Plan account will be sold upon withdrawal from the
Plan. Upon the sale of such fractional shares, the Participant will receive a
check for the proceeds, reflecting a deduction for the brokerage commission
incurred and any associated transfer taxes. (See Question 26.)

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
     All fees incurred for administration of the Plan will be paid by the
Company.

PURCHASES

     6.  HOW ARE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ACQUIRED UNDER THE PLAN?

     In connection with any reinvestment of dividends and/or purchases made with
Optional Cash Payments, the Company will, in its discretion, (1) utilize such
funds as consideration for original issue shares; or (2) direct the Designated
Agent to purchase shares in transactions on the open market; or (3) use a
combination of both.

     If the Company elects to utilize outstanding shares of Common Stock for the
purposes of the Plan, the Designated Agent will, pursuant to the Plan, make all
such open market purchases as are necessary to meet the requirements of the
Plan.  Neither the Company nor any affiliate thereof will exercise any direct or
indirect control or influence over the prices, amounts, timing or manner of
purchases made by the Designated Agent on the open market.

     The Company has initially elected to utilize only original issue shares in
connection with all acquisitions under the Plan and will notify Participants at
least 20 days prior to changing an existing election.

     7.  HOW MANY SHARES OF COMMON STOCK WILL BE PURCHASED FOR PARTICIPANTS?

     Each Participant's Plan account will be credited with the number of shares,
including fractions thereof computed to three decimal places, equal to the sum
of (1) any dividends to be invested on the Participant's behalf divided by the
purchase price of a share of Common Stock purchased with dividends plus (2) any
Optional Cash Payments divided by the purchase price of a share of Common Stock
purchased with Optional Cash Payments.

     8.  WHAT WILL BE THE PRICE OF COMMON STOCK PURCHASED UNDER THE PLAN?
    
     The price of any original issue shares of Common Stock purchased from the
Company (computed to four decimal places) with Common Stock dividends will be,
in the Company's discretion (as described in the answer to Question 3), 90% to
100% of the average of the daily high and low sale prices of a share of Common
Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for each of five days chosen at random by
the Agent on which Common Stock was traded on the New York Stock Exchange in the
month immediately preceding the dividend payment date.  Such price will
initially be 95% of the average price described in the foregoing sentence.
Dividend payment dates are ordinarily the first business day of March, June,
September and December.      

     The price of any original issue shares of Common Stock purchased from the
Company (computed to four decimal places) with Optional Cash Payments will be,
in the Company's discretion (as described in the answer to Question 3), 90% to
100% of the average of the daily high and low sale prices of a share of Common
Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for each of five days chosen at random by
the Agent on which Common Stock was traded on the New York Stock Exchange in the
month immediately preceding the Cash Payment Purchase Date.  Such price will
initially be 97% of the average price described in the foregoing sentence.

     The price of shares of Common Stock purchased on the open market (computed
to four decimal places) by the Designated Agent, as agent for Participants in
the Plan, during any investment period for reinvested dividends and/or Optional
Cash Payments will be the average price of all such shares of Common Stock so
purchased by the Designated Agent during such investment period with the
proceeds of such dividends and/or Optional Cash Payments.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
     With respect to original issue shares, the Company reserves the right, in
its discretion, by giving at least 20 days notice to Participants, to change or
eliminate the then prevailing Discount, or establish an alternative pricing
methodology for such purchases.

     In the event that both open market purchases and original issue purchases
from the Company are made from dividends and/or Optional Cash Payments, such
combination of shares will be allocated to each individual Participant's account
on a pro rata basis or otherwise in the discretion of the Company.

PARTICIPATION

     9.  WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

     (1)  Shareholder.  Subject to the following, the Plan is open to
participation by a registered owner of shares of Common Stock.  Shares of Common
Stock are registered in the name of a Participant if such shares are represented
by a stock certificate issued in the name of the Participant.  Beneficial Owners
either must cause their shares to be registered in their names or must make
appropriate arrangements with their broker or other nominee to participate in
the Plan on their behalf in order to be eligible to participate in the Plan.

     Indirect participation in the Plan by Beneficial Owners through brokers or
other nominees may be on terms and conditions which differ from those set forth
in this Prospectus, in which case the terms and conditions established by each
broker or other nominee will govern such indirect participation.  Such terms and
conditions may include limitations on participation in the Plan and the
requirement that the Beneficial Owner pay a commission or service charge to the
broker or other nominee.  Certain features of the Plan, including, for example,
investment of Optional Cash Payments, may not be available to Beneficial Owners
participating indirectly in the Plan through brokers or other nominees.

     (2)  Employee.  The Plan is open to enrollment by any Employee.  After
enrolling in the Plan and becoming a Shareholder an Employee can elect to
participate in the Plan as a Shareholder.

     (3)  Customer.  The Plan is open to participation by any Customer (as
defined above).  After enrolling in the Plan and becoming a Shareholder a
Customer can elect to participate in the Plan as a Shareholder.

     10.  WHEN MAY ELIGIBLE SHAREHOLDERS, CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES ENROLL IN THE
PLAN?

     Participation in the Plan is voluntary.  Eligible Shareholders, Customers
and Employees may enroll in the Plan at any time.

     Shareholder participation with respect to the reinvestment of dividends on
shares of Common Stock registered in the Shareholder's name will commence with
the first dividend payable following receipt by the Agent of a completed and
signed Shareholder Authorization Form if such form is received by the Agent at
least one business day prior to the particular dividend record date on which the
Shareholder wishes to begin purchases with reinvested dividends.  If a
Shareholder Authorization Form is not received by that time, the dividend will
be paid in cash and participation will commence on the next dividend payment
date.

     Participation with respect to purchases of Common Stock with Optional Cash
Payments will commence following receipt by the Agent on or prior to the Cash
Deadline (as defined above) in a given

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
month of a completed and signed Shareholder Authorization Form or Enrollment
Form, as the case may be, with a check or money order for the Optional Cash
Payment.  (See Question 19.)

     Participants are not required to remain enrolled in the Plan and may
discontinue participation at any time (See Questions 26 and 27.)

     11.  HOW DO ELIGIBLE SHAREHOLDERS, EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS PARTICIPATE?

     Shareholders may become Participants in the Plan by completing, signing and
returning a Shareholder Authorization Form to the Agent.  Shareholder
Authorization Forms may be obtained at any time upon written request or by
calling the Agent or the Company's Investor Relations Department.  Customers and
Employees who are not Shareholders may become Participants in the Plan by
completing, signing and returning an Enrollment Form with an Initial Investment
to the Agent.  Enrollment Forms may be obtained at any time upon written request
or by calling the Company's Investor Relations Department.

     Beneficial Owners who wish to participate indirectly in the Plan must
arrange such participation with their broker or other nominee.

     Participants currently enrolled in the Plan will continue to participate in
the same manner which they have previously authorized.  Participants may change
investment options by completing and signing a Shareholder Authorization Form
and returning it to the Agent.  (See Question 13.)  Participants may elect to
discontinue participation by giving written notice to the Agent.  (See Questions
26 and 27.)

     12.  WHAT INVESTMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO PARTICIPANTS?

     (1)  Each Shareholder of record may elect one of the following options:

          (i)  Full Dividend Reinvestment.  Reinvest dividends on all shares of
     Common Stock registered in the Shareholder's name.  Optional Cash Payments
     may also be made; or

          (ii)  Partial Dividend Reinvestment.  Reinvest dividends on fewer than
     all shares of Common Stock registered in the Shareholder's name.  Optional
     Cash Payments may also be made; or

          (iii)  Optional Cash Payments.  Invest in shares of Common Stock by
     making Optional Cash Payments.

     (2)  Employees and Customers who are not Shareholders may enroll in the
Plan by making an Initial Investment.  They will be enrolled in the Optional
Cash Payment option and may make Optional Cash Payments.  Customers and
Employees, after becoming Shareholders, can elect to participate in the other
Plan investment options available to Shareholder Participants.

     Under all of the Plan's investment options, cash dividends on shares
credited to a Participant's Plan account are automatically reinvested in shares
of Common Stock.

     13.  HOW MAY A SHAREHOLDER PARTICIPANT CHANGE OPTIONS UNDER THE PLAN?

     A Participant may change investment options by completing, signing and
returning a new Shareholder Authorization Form to the Agent.  A Shareholder
Authorization Form may be obtained from

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
the Agent upon written request or by calling the Agent or the Company's Investor
Relations Department.  Any change in investment options with respect to
reinvestment of dividends will become effective in the same manner as an initial
enrollment in the Plan.  (See Question 10.)

     14.  WHAT DO THE FORMS FOR ENROLLMENT IN THE PLAN PROVIDE?

     The Shareholder Authorization Form and Enrollment Form serve to initiate
participation in the Plan and appoint the Agent and the Designated Agent as the
Participant's agents under the Plan.

     The Shareholder Authorization Form allows a Shareholder to elect to
participate in the Plan's full dividend reinvestment, partial dividend
reinvestment or Optional Cash Payment options.

     The Enrollment Form allows Customers and Employees who are not Shareholders
to enroll in the Plan by making an Initial Investment and participating in the
Optional Cash Payment option.  Customers and Employees, after becoming
Shareholders, can elect to participate in the other investment options available
to Shareholder Participants by completing a Shareholder Authorization Form.

     15.  IF A CUSTOMER PARTICIPANT CEASES TO BE A CUSTOMER OR IF AN EMPLOYEE
PARTICIPANT CEASES TO BE AN EMPLOYEE, MAY THE CUSTOMER OR EMPLOYEE CONTINUE TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE PLAN?

     As long as any fraction of a share has been credited to the Participant's
Plan account, the Participant may continue to participate in the Plan as a
Shareholder even if the Participant is no longer a Customer or an Employee.

REINVESTMENT OF CASH DIVIDENDS

     16.  HOW WILL CASH DIVIDENDS PAYABLE ON SHARES OF COMMON STOCK BE
REINVESTED?

     If a Participant elects to reinvest his or her dividends through the full
dividend reinvestment option, cash dividends with respect to all shares of
Common Stock registered in such Participant's name as well as all fractional and
whole shares credited to a Participant's Plan account on the record date are
automatically reinvested in shares of Common Stock and credited to the
Participant's Plan account on the dividend payment date.

     17.  MAY A SHAREHOLDER REINVEST DIVIDENDS ON ONLY A PORTION OF ALL SHARES
OF COMMON STOCK OWNED?

     A Shareholder may participate in the Plan with respect to fewer than all of
the shares of Common Stock registered in the Shareholder's name by indicating on
a Shareholder Authorization Form the number of shares with respect to which the
Shareholder has elected to reinvest dividends.  If a Participant who is
reinvesting the cash dividends on fewer than all of the shares of Common Stock
registered in the Participant's name disposes of a portion of such shares, the
Agent will continue to reinvest the dividends on the Participant's remaining
shares up to the number of shares originally authorized.  Cash dividends payable
to a Shareholder Participant with respect to shares of Common Stock that have
not been designated for reinvestment, if any, will be forwarded to the
Shareholder in accordance with the Company's customary procedure as in effect at
such time.  No matter how many shares a Shareholder designates on the
Shareholder Authorization Form, dividends on all shares credited to a
Shareholder Participant's Plan account will automatically be reinvested.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
     18.  WHEN WILL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK BE ACQUIRED WITH REINVESTED
DIVIDENDS?

     The date for the purchase of original issue shares of Common Stock with
reinvested Common Stock dividends corresponds to the dividend payment date for
shares of Common Stock.  Cash dividends on Common Stock are generally payable on
the first business day of March, June, September and December of each year.
With respect to open market purchases, the Designated Agent, at its sole
discretion, will determine the exact timing of purchases made on the open
market, and will purchase Common Stock with reinvested dividends as promptly as
practicable, consistent with the Designated Agent's obligations as agent for
Participants.  In any event, such purchases will be made by the Designated Agent
within 30 days after the dividend payment date.  If for any reason any such
purchase is not made during such period, the funds therefor will be returned to
the relevant Participants.  (See Question 23 for information regarding dates for
acquisition of Common Stock with the use of Optional Cash Payments.)

     No interest will be paid by the Company, the Agent or the Designated Agent
on reinvested dividends pending their investment in Common Stock.

OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS

     19.  HOW DOES THE OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENT PLAN WORK?

     Shareholders who elect to participate by making Optional Cash Payments in
addition to reinvesting cash dividends on shares of Common Stock registered in
their names may make their Optional Cash Payment by sending a check or money
order to the Agent either with a completed and signed Shareholder Authorization
Form or at any subsequent time with a completed optional cash investment stub,
which is attached to the account statement sent to Participants after each
purchase for the Participant's Plan account.

     Shareholders who elect to make only Optional Cash Payments (and not to
reinvest dividends on shares registered in their name), and Customers and
Employees enrolling in the Plan, must make their Optional Cash Payment at the
time a completed and signed Shareholder Authorization Form or Enrollment Form,
as the case may be, is sent to the Agent by enclosing a check or money order
payable to the Agent with such form.  Participants may make any number of
Optional Cash Payments in each calendar year, but such Optional Cash Payments,
which include the Initial Investment, must be at least $25 per payment and not
more than $3,000 per calendar quarter in the aggregate for each Participant's
Plan account.  Subsequent to the Initial Investment, Participants may make
Optional Cash Payments at any time by sending a check or money order to the
Agent with a completed optional cash investment stub, which is attached to the
account statement.

     There is no obligation to make any Optional Cash Payment.  The amount of
each optional cash payment may vary, but each payment must be at least $25 and
may not exceed $3,000 per calendar quarter in the aggregate.  Optional cash
payments of less than $25 per payment or more than $3,000 per calendar quarter
in the aggregate will be returned to the Participant.  Dividends on shares
purchased under this option and held in a Participant's Plan account will
automatically be reinvested in shares of Common Stock.  ALL OPTIONAL CASH
PAYMENTS MUST BE SENT TO THE AGENT AND MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO FIRST INTERSTATE
BANK OF CALIFORNIA.

     Optional Cash Payments must be received on or before the Cash Deadline in
order to be invested in the next investment period or on the next Cash Payment
Purchase Date, as the case may be.  (See

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
Question 23 for information regarding dates for acquisition of Common Stock with
the use of Optional Cash Payments.)

     In the context of original issue shares, if it appears to the Company that
any Participant is using or contemplating the use of the Optional Cash Payment
investment option in a manner or with an effect that, in the sole judgment and
discretion of the Company, is not in the best interests of the Company or its
other shareholders, then the Company may decline to issue all or any portion of
the shares of Common Stock for which any payment by or on behalf of such
Participant is tendered.  Such payment (or the portion thereof not to be
invested in shares of Common Stock) will be returned by the Company as promptly
as practicable, without interest.

     20.  HOW WILL OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS BE INVESTED?

     Optional Cash Payments will as a general matter be invested on a monthly
basis.  At the option of the Company, the Designated Agent will apply Optional
Cash Payments to the open market purchases of shares of Common Stock for the
account of such Participants and/or the Optional Cash Payments will be used as
consideration for original issue shares.

     21.  CAN A CUSTOMER'S OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS BE SUBMITTED WITH PAYMENTS FOR
HIS OR HER BILLS?

     No.  Customer Optional Cash Payments must be sent to the Agent and not with
the payment of the customer's bill.

     22.  MAY AN EMPLOYEE MAKE OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS THROUGH PAYROLL
DEDUCTIONS?

     Yes.  If an Employee elects payroll deductions on the Payroll Deduction
Form, which may be obtained from the Human Resources Department or Investor
Relations Department of the Company, the Company will deduct the whole dollar
amount specified by the Employee.  The minimum weekly deduction is $5.00; the
minimum semi-monthly and bi-weekly deduction is $10.00; the maximum weekly
deduction is $200 and the maximum semi-monthly and bi-weekly deduction is $400
per pay period.  The Payroll Deduction Form must be received by the Company at
least two weeks before the pay period on which the Employee wishes to begin
deductions.  Once authorized, payroll deductions will continue until changed or
terminated by the Employee.

     23.  WHEN WILL OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS BE INVESTED UNDER THE PLAN?

     Purchases of Common Stock with Optional Cash Payments will as a general
matter be made on a monthly basis.  If the Common Stock is to be purchased on
the open market, the date or dates for purchase will occur as soon as
practicable, consistent with the Designated Agent's obligations as agent for
Participants, after the Company notifies the Designated Agent of the amount of
Optional Cash Payments for that month but, in any event, within 35 days after
the Cash Deadline.  If for any reason any such purchase is not made during such
period, the funds therefor will be returned to the relevant Participants.  If
the Common Stock to be purchased consists of original issue shares to be
purchased directly from the Company, the date for such purchase will be the Cash
Payment Purchase Date.

     No interest will be paid by the Company, the Agent or the Designated Agent
on Optional Cash Payments pending their investment in Common Stock.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
STOCK CERTIFICATES

     24.  WILL CERTIFICATES BE ISSUED FOR COMMON STOCK PURCHASED UNDER THE PLAN?

     Certificates for shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan will not
be automatically issued to Participants.  The number of shares of Common Stock
credited to the Participant's Plan account will be shown on the Participant's
statement of account.

     A Participant may, at any time, upon his or her written request to the
Agent withdraw any or all of the whole shares of Common Stock credited to the
Participant's Plan account from the Plan (see Questions 26 and 27), and
certificates for such shares of Common Stock will be issued to such Participant.
Certificates will be issued in the name in which the Participant is registered
in the Plan.  If fewer than all Plan shares are withdrawn, any remaining full
shares of Common Stock for which certificates are not requested and any
fractional shares of Common Stock will continue to be credited to the
Participant's Plan account.  Certificates for fractional shares of Common Stock
cannot be issued under any circumstances.

     25.  MAY COMMON STOCK HELD PURSUANT TO THE PLAN BE PLEDGED?

     Shares credited to a Participant's Plan account may not be pledged.  A
Participant who wishes to pledge such shares must request that the certificates
be issued in his or her name.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PLAN

     26.  HOW MAY A PARTICIPANT WITHDRAW FROM THE PLAN?

     A person participating directly in the Plan may discontinue participation
in the Plan and terminate his or her account at any time by providing written
notification to the Agent that he or she wishes to withdraw from the Plan.  As
soon as practicable following receipt from the Participant of notice of
withdrawal, the Agent will send the Participant certificates for the full shares
of Common Stock credited to the Participant's Plan account.  If the Participant
so requests in writing, the Agent will arrange to sell such shares through a
registered broker and send such Participant a check for the proceeds as soon as
practicable after the broker has sold the shares.  The Company, however, does
not exercise any direct or indirect control over the price or timing of any such
sales of shares of Common Stock by the registered broker.  The Participant must
pay the brokerage commission and any transfer tax associated with such sale,
which amounts will be deducted from the check for the proceeds of the sale.  The
Agent will only arrange for the sale of all shares of Common Stock credited to
the Plan account of a Participant who discontinues participation in the Plan.

     Whether the Participant requests the Agent to sell the shares of Common
Stock credited to the Participant's Plan account or requests certificates for
such shares, the Participant's interest in fractional shares will be paid in
cash less applicable brokerage fees and transfer taxes.

     An Employee withdrawing from the Plan who has elected payroll deductions
first must send to the Company's Human Resources Department or the Employee's
Payroll Department a written request for discontinuance of payroll deductions
and then must provide written notification of withdrawal to the Agent.

     Beneficial Owners participating indirectly in the Plan through brokers or
other nominees must contact their broker or nominee regarding withdrawal from
the Plan.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
     27.  WHEN MAY A PARTICIPANT WITHDRAW FROM THE PLAN?

     Persons participating directly in the Plan may withdraw any or all shares
of Common Stock credited to their Plan accounts from the Plan at any time by
notifying the Agent in writing.  If the request to withdraw is received five
days prior to the dividend record date for any dividend payment on which the
dividends would otherwise be reinvested for a Participant, the dividend
reinvestment feature will be terminated on the day of receipt of the request by
the Agent.  If the request to withdraw is received by the Agent after the date
which is five days prior to the dividend record date for any dividend payment,
such dividend declared will, when paid, be reinvested for the Participant's Plan
account.  After the shares are credited to the Participant's Plan account, the
request for withdrawal will then be processed as promptly as possible.

     Any Optional Cash Payment which had been sent to the Agent prior to the
request for withdrawal will be invested in the next investment period or on the
next Cash Payment Purchase Date, as the case may be, unless a request for the
return of the amount is received by the Agent at least one business day prior to
the Cash Deadline for the month.  The Company will not pay interest on any
terminated investments.

     Beneficial Owners participating indirectly in the Plan through brokers or
other nominees must contact their broker or nominee regarding withdrawal from
the Plan.

     The written request for the discontinuance of payroll deductions sent by an
Employee to the Company's Human Resources Department or the Employee's Payroll
Department will normally take effect with the next pay period.

SALE OF SHARES

     28.  WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PARTICIPANT SELLS OR TRANSFERS ALL SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK REGISTERED IN HIS OR HER NAME?

     If a Participant sells or transfers all of the shares of Common Stock
registered in his or her name but maintains shares in such Participant's Plan
account, dividends will continue to be reinvested on the balance in the
Participant's Plan account and the Participant may continue to make Optional
Cash Payments.

REPORTS

     29.  WHAT REPORTS WILL BE SENT TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE PLAN?

     On a regular basis, the Agent will send a detailed statement to each
Participant for whose account dividends have been reinvested and/or purchases of
shares of Common Stock with Optional Cash Payments have been made.  The
statement will provide pertinent information with respect to such Participant's
Plan account, including, to the extent available, information as to the total
shares of Common Stock credited to the Participant's Plan Account, dividends
received, dividends reinvested, Optional Cash Payments invested in Common Stock
and purchase price per share of the Common Stock.  Cumulative transaction
information on a calendar year basis will be included in each statement.  THESE
STATEMENTS ARE THE ONLY RECORDS OF PLAN ACTIVITY SENT TO PARTICIPANTS AND SHOULD
BE RETAINED FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
     In addition, each Participant will receive copies of the same
communications sent to record holders of shares of Common Stock and Beneficial
Owners each year, including the Company's interim reports, annual reports,
notice of annual meeting and proxy statement, as well as any income tax
information for reporting dividends paid or reinvested.

OTHER INFORMATION

     30.  WHAT HAPPENS IF THE COMPANY HAS A RIGHTS OFFERING?

     A Participant's entitlement in a rights offering will be based upon the
number of shares of Common Stock credited to the Participant's Plan account.
Such rights will be mailed directly to the Participant in the same manner as to
shareholders of record who are not participating in the Plan.  Rights
certificates will be issued for the nearest number of whole shares only.

     31.  WHAT HAPPENS IF THE COMPANY DECLARES A STOCK DIVIDEND OR SPLITS ITS
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK?

     Stock dividends distributed on shares of Common Stock held and registered
in the name of a Participant on the books of the Agent, as well as shares of
Common Stock distributed as a result of any split of such shares, will be mailed
directly to the Participant.  Stock dividends distributed on shares of Common
Stock credited to a Participant's Plan account, as well as shares of Common
Stock distributed as a result of any split of such shares, will be credited to
the Participant's Plan account.

     32.  HOW WILL A PARTICIPANT'S SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK BE VOTED AT
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS?

     Each Participant will receive a proxy for the total number of shares of
Common Stock held--both the shares registered in the Participant's name and
those credited to the Participant's Plan account including fractional shares
under the Plan.  If the proxy is returned properly signed and marked for voting,
all of the Participant's shares of Common Stock--those registered in the
Participant's name and those credited to the Participant's Plan account--will be
voted as marked.  The total number of shares may also be voted in person at a
meeting.

     If no instructions are received on a properly signed proxy with respect to
any item thereon, all of a Participant's shares of Common Stock will be voted in
accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors of the Company,
just as for non-participating shareholders who return proxies and do not provide
instructions.  If the proxy is not returned or if it is returned unsigned, none
of the Participant's shares of Common Stock will be voted unless the Participant
votes in person.

     33.  WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMPANY, THE AGENT AND THE
DESIGNATED AGENT UNDER THE PLAN?
    
     In connection with the Plan, the Company and its officers, employees and
agents, the Agent and the Designated Agent will not be liable for any act done
in good faith or for any good faith omission to act including, without
limitation, any claim of liability arising out of failure to terminate a
Participant's Plan account upon such Participant's death prior to receipt of
notice in writing of such death or with respect to any fluctuation in market
value before or after purchase or sale of Common Stock. The foregoing immunity 
does not relieve the Company or any such other entity or person of any liability
for violations of applicable federal securities laws.      

                                      -16-
<PAGE>
 
     PARTICIPANTS SHOULD RECOGNIZE THAT NEITHER THE COMPANY, THE AGENT NOR THE
DESIGNATED AGENT CAN ASSURE A PROFIT OR PROTECT AGAINST A LOSS ON THE COMMON
STOCK PURCHASED UNDER THE PLAN.

     34.  HOW MANY SHARES WILL BE SOLD BY THE COMPANY UNDER THE PLAN?

     This registration relates to 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock.  The Company
anticipates that it will from time to time, as required, register additional
shares of Common Stock.  The outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and
original issue shares offered hereby, upon notice of issuance, will be, listed
on the New York Stock Exchange.

     35.  MAY THE PLAN BE CHANGED OR DISCONTINUED?

     The Company reserves the right to suspend, modify or terminate the Plan at
any time.  All Participants will receive notice of any such suspension,
modification or termination.

     36.  WHO INTERPRETS AND REGULATES THE PLAN?

     The officers of the Company may take such actions to carry out the Plan as
are not contrary to the terms and conditions of the Plan.  In addition, the
Company reserves the right to interpret and regulate the Plan in good faith as
it deems desirable or necessary in connection with the operation of the Plan.
 
     Furthermore, in the context of original issue shares, if it appears to the
Company that any Participant is using or contemplating the use of the Plan in a
manner or with an effect that, in the sole judgment and discretion of the
Company, is not in the best interests of the Company or its other shareholders,
then the Company may decline to issue all or any portion of the shares of Common
Stock for which any payment by or on behalf of such Participant is tendered.
Such payment (or the portion thereof not to be invested in shares of Common
Stock)  will be returned by the Company as promptly as practicable, without
interest.


                         FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION

     THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN
THE PLAN.  SINCE THIS IS ONLY A SUMMARY AND SINCE STATE AND LOCAL TAX LAWS MAY
VARY, A PARTICIPANT SHOULD CONSULT HIS TAX ADVISOR TO DETERMINE THE TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE PLAN.

     Under Internal Revenue Service rulings, dividends which are reinvested by a
Participant under the Plan will be treated, for federal income tax purposes, as
having been received by the Participant in the form of a taxable stock
distribution rather than cash dividend.  A Participant whose dividends on Common
Stock are reinvested under the Plan in shares of Common Stock purchased from the
Company therefore will be treated as having received a distribution equal to the
fair market value, on the date such purchases are made, of the shares of Common
Stock acquired through such reinvestment.

     A Participant for whom shares of Common Stock are purchased with Optional
Cash Payments and who receives a discount on these shares will be treated, for
federal income tax purposes, as having received as a distribution an amount
equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares of Common
Stock on the Cash Payment Purchase Date and the Optional Cash Payment.

                                      -17-
<PAGE>
 
     Generally, all distributions will be treated as dividends and will be
taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the Company's earnings and profits.
To the extent that a distribution exceeds the Company's earnings and profits, it
is deemed to be a return of capital.  A return of capital reduces a
shareholder's basis in his shares, but not below zero.  To the extent a return
of capital reduces a shareholder's basis, no gain is recognized and to the
extent a return of capital exceeds a shareholder's basis, it is treated as a
capital gain if such shares are held as a capital asset.  Form 1099 which is
sent to each Participant annually will indicate the total amount of dividends
paid to the Participant.

     A corporate recipient of dividends reinvested under the Plan generally will
be entitled to a dividends-received deduction allowed by Section 243 of the
Internal Revenue Code.  However, if such corporate recipient is subject to the
alternative minimum tax, a portion of the dividends-received deduction will be
treated as an adjustment that increases alternative minimum taxable income.

     A Participant's basis in shares purchased from the Company with reinvested
dividends on Common Stock will be equal to the fair market value of such shares
on the date such purchases are made.  A Participant's basis in shares of Common
Stock purchased from the Company with Optional Cash Payments will be equal to
the amount paid by the Participant in acquiring the shares, plus the excess of
the fair market value of the shares on the date the Common Stock was purchased
with the Optional Cash Payment over the Optional Cash Payment.
    
     Because the price at which Common Stock will be purchased under the Plan
will be based on a methodology other than the fair market value of the Common 
Stock on the date that shares were acquired, the purchase price of such shares 
may differ from the fair market value.      

     The following examples, which are for illustrative purposes only, may be
helpful to illustrate the federal income tax consequences of the reinvestment of
dividends or the purchase of stock with Optional Cash Payments.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Example 1
<S>                                           <C>
Cash Dividends Reinvested                     $100.00
Assumed Fair Market Value per share           $ 14.00
Market Price based on random 5 day average    $ 13.50
Less 3% discount per share                    $ (0.41)
Net purchase price per share                  $ 13.09
Number of shares purchased (100/13.09)          7.639
Total taxable dividend (14 x 7.639)           $106.95
Tax Basis per share                           $ 14.00
</TABLE>

                                      -18-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
Example 2
<S>                                           <C>
Optional Cash Payment                         $100.00
Assumed Fair Market Value per share           $ 14.00
Market Price based on 5 day average           $ 13.50
Less 3% discount per share                    $ (0.41)
Net purchase price per share                  $ 13.09
Number of shares purchased (100/13.09)          7.639
Total taxable dividend resulting
  from transaction ($14 x 7.639 - 100)        $  6.95
Tax Basis per share                           $ 14.00
</TABLE>

     A Participant who receives, upon withdrawal from or termination of the
Plan, a cash adjustment for a fraction of a share credited to his account will
realize a gain or loss with respect to such fraction.  Gain or loss will also be
realized by the Participant when whole shares of Common Stock are sold pursuant
to the Participant's request when he withdraws from the Plan or when whole
shares of Common Stock are sold or exchanged by the Participant himself after
the shares of Common Stock have been withdrawn from the Plan.  The amount of
such gain or loss will be the difference between the amount which the
Participant receives for his shares of Common Stock or fraction of a share and
his tax basis therefor less the portion, if any, of dividends received thereon
constituting a return of capital (nontaxable distributions) for federal income
tax purposes.

     A Participant's holding period for shares of Common Stock acquired through
the Plan will begin on the day following the purchase of such shares.

     Under backup withholding rules, dividends which are reinvested pursuant to
the Plan may be subject to backup withholding at the rate of 31% unless the
Participant (a) is a corporation or other form of exempt entity and, when
required, demonstrates this fact, or (b) provides the Agent with the
Participant's taxpayer identification number and certifies to no loss of
exemption from backup withholding and otherwise complies with applicable
requirements of the backup withholding rules.

     In the case of foreign Participants receiving dividends that are subject to
United States income tax withholding, the Company, to the extent permitted by
law, will apply the net amount of any dividend which is being reinvested by such
Participant, after the deduction of taxes, to the purchase of shares of Common
Stock.

     Foreign Participants who indicate Optional Cash Payments Only on the
Shareholder Authorization Form will continue to receive cash dividends on shares
of Common Stock not included in the Plan in the usual manner.  Optional Cash
Payments received from them must be by check or money order payable in United
States dollars and will be invested in the same manner as Optional Cash Payments
from other Participants.


                                USE OF PROCEEDS

     No proceeds will be realized by the Company when Plan shares are purchased
on the open market.  The Company has no basis for determining the number of
original issue shares that will be purchased directly from the Company under the
Plan, and the amount of proceeds of any such shares.  The proceeds to the 
Company from the issuance and sale of any original issue shares are expected to
be added to the general funds of the Company and used for general corporate
purposes.

                                      -19-
<PAGE>
 
                                LEGAL OPINIONS

     The legality of shares of Common Stock offered hereby has been passed on
for the Company by LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P., a limited liability
partnership including professional corporations, New York, New York and Newark,
New Jersey.  Douglas W. Hawes, Esq., a member of that firm, is a director and
Secretary of the Company, and Alan M. Berman, Esq., a member of that firm, is a
director of United Properties Group Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company.


                                    EXPERTS

     The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by
reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1994 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of Price
Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as
experts in auditing and accounting.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

No dealer, salesman or other person is authorized to give any information or to
make any representation other than those contained in this Prospectus and, if
given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as
having been authorized by the Company.  This Prospectus does not constitute an
offer by the Company to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security
offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make
such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.  Neither the delivery of this
Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall under any circumstances create any
implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company since
the date hereof or that the information contained herein is correct or complete
as of any time subsequent to the date hereof.


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


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Page
                                  ----
<S>                               <C>
Available Information...........   2
Incorporation of Certain
  Documents by Reference........   2
The Company.....................   4
Index to Description of
  the Plan......................   4
Description of the Plan.........   5
Federal Income Tax Information..  17
Use of Proceeds.................  19
Legal Opinions..................  20
Experts.........................  20
</TABLE>

================================================================================

================================================================================

                             DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
                            AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN



                                  UNITED WATER
                                 RESOURCES INC.



                                  COMMON STOCK
                                 (NO PAR VALUE)



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

                                   PROSPECTUS

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



                                ______ __, 1995

================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
     Registration Fee -- Securities and Exchange
      Commission...............                                   $18,359.00
     Auditors' Fee*............                                   $ 5,000.00
     Legal Fees and Expenses*..                                   $28,000.00
     Printing and Mailing*.....                                   $35,000.00
     Administration Fees*......                                   $ 3,000.00
     Miscellaneous*............                                   $ 5,000.00
 
      Total....................                                   $94,359.00

* Estimated

ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     The Company is incorporated in New Jersey and is subject to New Jersey law
covering indemnification of any officer or director who has been or is
threatened to be made a party to any legal proceeding by reason of service to
the Company.  New Jersey law provides that indemnification will be made to any
officer or director who has been successful "on the merits" or "otherwise" with
respect to the defense of any such proceeding, but does not require
indemnification in any other circumstance.  New Jersey law permits the advancing
of expenses incurred in defending such a proceeding upon the giving of an
undertaking to repay such sums by the indemnified officer or director in the
event it is later determined that such officer or director should not have been
indemnified.  New Jersey law also permits the Company to procure insurance on
behalf of its officers and directors against any liability asserted against or
incurred by the officer or director, even if the Company would not otherwise
have the power under applicable law to indemnify the officer or the director for
such expenses.

     In accordance with the New Jersey Business Corporation Act, a provision of
the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation eliminates personal
liability of directors and officers to the Company or its shareholders for
damages for breach of any duty owed to the Company or its shareholders to the
fullest extent permissible by law.  However, this provision does not relieve a
director or officer from liability for any breach of duty based upon an act or
omission (1) in breach of such person's duty of loyalty to the Company or its
shareholders, (2) not in good faith or involving a knowing violation of law, or
(3) resulting in receipt by such person of an improper personal benefit.

     The By-laws of the Company and indemnification agreements between the
Company and each of its directors and officers provide for indemnification of
directors and officers against certain liabilities arising out of their service
in such capacities to the fullest extent permissible by law.  The
indemnification agreements between the Company and each of its directors and
officers are intended to provide a contractual right to indemnification
notwithstanding any future amendment of the By-laws of the Company and provide
for the indemnification of directors and officers for liabilities that may
relate to acts or omissions that occurred prior to the date of such
indemnification agreements.  The By-laws of the Company presently authorize the
Company to enter into indemnification agreements providing similar

                                      II-1
<PAGE>
 
rights to any future director or officer of the Company or to any person who
serves as an officer, director or key employee of other corporations or entities
at the request of the Company.

     The Company also has policies of insurance which, among other things,
provide officers' and directors' liability coverage, individually or
collectively, up to an annual aggregate limit of $50,000,000.

ITEM 16.  LIST OF EXHIBITS.
 
         3(a)  - Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United Water
                 Resources Inc., dated July 14, 1987. (Filed as Exhibit 4(b)
                 to Registration Statement No. 33-20067).                       
 
         3(b)  - Certificate of Correction to Restated Certificate of
                 Incorporation of United Water Resources Inc., dated August 13,
                 1987. (Filed as Exhibit 4(c) to Registration Statement No. 
                 33-20067).
             
        *3(c)  - Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of 
                 Incorporation of United Water Resources Inc., dated April 22,
                 1994, amending Articles 5, 6, 7 and 9.                         
 
         3(d)  - Amended By-laws of United Water Resources Inc. dated as of 
                 March 10, 1994. (Filed as Exhibit 4(1) to Form 10-K for the 
                 year ended December 31, 1993).              
            
        *4(a)  - Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of 
                 Incorporation of United Water Resources Inc., dated April 22,
                 1994, for Series A Cumulative Convertible Preference Stock 
                 of United Water Resources Inc.                             
            
        *4(b)  - Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of
                 Incorporation of United Water Resources Inc., dated April 22,
                 1994, for Series B 7 5/8% Cumulative Preferred Stock of United
                 Water Resources Inc.      
 
         4(c)  - Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (See Prospectus).

         4(d)  - Specimen of United Water Resources Inc. Common Stock.  
                 (Filed as Exhibit 4(d) to Registration Statement No. 2-90540).
 
         4(e)  - Rights Agreement, dated as of July 12, 1989, between United
                 Water Resources Inc. and First Interstate Bank, Ltd. (Filed as
                 Exhibit 4(c) to Registration Statement No. 33-32672).
 
         4(f)  - Governance Agreement between United Water Resources Inc. and
                 Lyonnaise American Holding, Inc., dated April 22, 1994. (Filed
                 in Appendix A to Registration Statement No. 33-51703).
            
        *5(a)  - Opinion of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.      

         23(a) - Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.

         23(b) - Consent of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.  
                 (Contained in their opinion filed as Exhibit 5(a)).

         24(a) - Powers of Attorney (included in signature page).
            
        *24(b) - Certified copies of the resolutions of the Board of Directors. 
             
    
- ----------
* Previously filed.      

ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.

     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

     (1)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

      (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;

                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
       (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
     effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-
     effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
     represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
     registration statement;

     (iii)  To include any material information with respect to the plan of
     distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
     material change to such information in the registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (l)(i) and (l)(ii) do not apply if the
registration statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference
in the registration statement.

     (2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

     (3)  To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.

     (4)  If the registrant is a foreign private issuer, to file a post-
effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial
statements required by Rule 3-19 of Regulation S-X at the start of any delayed
offering or throughout a continuous offering.

     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.

                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
    
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED,
THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN HARRINGTON PARK, COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW
JERSEY, ON THIS 7TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1995.      

                                         UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC.
                                         (Registrant)


                                         By /s/  Donald L. Correll
                                           -----------------------------------
                                           (Donald L. Correll, President and
                                               Chief Executive Officer)

    
                                    * * * *      
             
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS AMENDMENT
NO. 1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING
PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED:      

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                 Signature                            Title                 Date
- -------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ---------------
<S>                                          <C>                       <C>
 
                                             Chairman of the Board of
/s/ Donald L. Correll                        Directors, President and  September 7, 1995
- -------------------------------------------  Chief Executive Officer
(Donald L. Correll, Chairman of the Board
         of Directors, President
      and Chief Executive Officer)
 
                                               Principal Financial
                  *                           Officer and Principal    September 7, 1995
- -------------------------------------------    Accounting Officer
    (John J. Turner, Treasurer)
 
                  *                                  Director          September 7, 1995
- -------------------------------------------
          (Edward E. Barr)
</TABLE>      

                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                 Signature                            Title                 Date
- -------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ---------------
<S>                                          <C>                       <C>

                                                      
                    *                                Director          September 7, 1995
- -------------------------------------------
        (Frank J. Borelli)
                                                     Director
- -------------------------------------------
        (Philippe Brogniart)

                    *                                Director          September 7, 1995
- -------------------------------------------
        (Lawrence R. Codey)

                    *                                Director          September 7, 1995
- -------------------------------------------
          (Peter Del Col)

                    *                                Director          September 7, 1995
- -------------------------------------------
        (Allan R. Dragone)

                    *                                Director          September 7, 1995
- -------------------------------------------
      (Robert L. Duncan, Jr.)

                    *                                Director          September 7, 1995
- -------------------------------------------
          (Jon F. Hanson)

                    *                                Director          September 7, 1995
- -------------------------------------------
      (George M. Haskew, Jr.)

                                                     Director
- -------------------------------------------
        (Douglas W. Hawes)

                    *                                Director          September 7, 1995
- -------------------------------------------
       (Dennis M. Newnham)
                                                     Director
- -------------------------------------------
        (Jacques F. Petry)

                    *                                Director          September 7, 1995
- -------------------------------------------
       (Marcia L. Worthing)


*By: /s/ Donald L. Correll                                             September 7, 1995 
   ----------------------------------------                            
   (Donald L. Correll)
    Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>      

                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                                           Sequentially
 Exhibit                                                                                    Numbered
   No.                                      Description                                        Page
- ---------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
 
  <S>        <C>                                                                             <C>       
  3(a)   --  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United Water Resources Inc.,                     
             dated July 14, 1987. (Filed as Exhibit 4(b) to Registration Statement No.                 
             33-20067).                                                                                
  3(b)    -- Certificate of Correction to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of                     
             United Water Resources Inc., dated August 13, 1987.  (Filed as Exhibit 4(c)               
             to Registration Statement No. 33-20067).                                                  
 *3(c)    -- Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of                  
             United Water Resources Inc., dated April 22, 1994, amending Articles 5,                   
             6, 7 and 9.                                                                               
  3(d)    -- Amended By-laws of United Water Resources Inc. dated as of March 10,                      
             1994.  (Filed as Exhibit 4(1) to Form 10-K for the year ended                             
             December 31, 1993).                                                                       
 *4(a)    -- Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of                  
             United Water Resources Inc., dated April 22, 1994, for Series A                           
             Cumulative Convertible Preference Stock of United Water Resources Inc.                    
 *4(b)    -- Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of                  
             United Water Resources Inc., dated April 22, 1994, for Series B 7 5/8%                    
             Cumulative Preferred Stock of United Water Resources Inc.                                 
  4(c)    -- Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (See Prospectus).                           
  4(d)    -- Specimen of United Water Resources Inc. Common Stock (Filed as                            
             Exhibit 4(d) to Registration Statement No. 2-90540).                                      
  4(e)    -- Rights Agreement, dated as of July 12, 1989, between United Water                         
             Resources Inc. and First Interstate Bank, Ltd.  (Filed as Exhibit 4(c) to                 
             Registration Statement No. 33-32672).                                                     
  4(f)    -- Governance Agreement between United Water Resources Inc. and                              
             Lyonnaise American Holding, Inc., dated April 22, 1994.  (Filed in                        
             Appendix A to Registration Statement No. 33-51703).                                       
 *5(a)    -- Opinion of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.                                         
  23(a)   -- Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.                                                          
  23(b)   -- Consent of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.  (Contained in                          
             their opinion filed as Exhibit 5(a)).                                                     
  24(a)   -- Power of Attorney (included in signature page).                                           
 *24(b)   -- Certified copies of the resolutions of the Board of Directors.                             
</TABLE>      

    
- ----------
* Previously filed.      

                                       II-6

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(a)


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
    
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus 
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated
February 23, 1995 appearing on page 31 of United Water Resources Inc.'s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994.  We also consent to 
the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.      


/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP

PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
New York, New York
    
September 6, 1995      


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