UTILICORP <UCU> SEEKS TO SPLIT STOCK Utilicorp United Inc said its management is recommending to the board of directors a three-for-two stock split and an increase in the quarterly cash dividend rate, currently at 37 cts per common share. The company said it is also submitting to shareholders at its May 21 annual meeting a proposal authorizing an additional class of common stock. Utilicorp said the board of directors will vote on the split at its next regularly scheduled board meeting on May 6. It added that its semi-annual four pct stock dividend will not change. Utilicorp said the proposal to create a new class of stock, if approved, will authorize 20 mln shares of Class A common stock with a par value of one dlr. The stock could be issued in various series with terms, rights and preferences designated by the board in each instance, Utilicorp said. The company said the new stock is intended to enhance Utilicorp's ability to carry out future financings, investments, acquisitions or for other corporate purposes.