<PAGE>
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
               UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                          WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549-1004
 
                                  FORM 10-K/A
 
(MARK ONE)
 
 
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
    ACT OF 1934
    For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
 
                                      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: 1-4075
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
               DELAWARE                              95-1913457
    (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF               (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
    INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)               IDENTIFICATION NO.)
 
         9200 OAKDALE AVENUE,                        91311-6519
        CHATSWORTH, CALIFORNIA                       (ZIP CODE)
    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
               OFFICES)
 
      REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (818) 775-3411
 
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
             TITLE OF EACH CLASS                  ON WHICH REGISTERED
             -------------------                 ---------------------
    <S>                                         <C>
    Common Stock, $1 par value (and accompa-    New York Stock Exchange
    nying Preferred Stock Purchase Rights)      Pacific Exchange, Inc.
                                                London Stock Exchange
    8.30% Cumulative Preferred Stock, $1 par
     value                                      New York Stock Exchange
    8 1/4% Trust Originated Preferred Securi-   New York Stock Exchange
    ties of Great Western Financial Trust I
</TABLE>
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
 
  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 by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
 
  State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates
of the registrant as of February 28, 1997: $6,024,275,048.
 
  Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's
classes of common stock as of February 28, 1997: 137,563,165.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
                          1996 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  PAGE
                                                                                                  ----
<S>       <C>                                                                                     <C>
                                               PART I
Item 1.   Business...............................................................................   3
Item 2.   Properties.............................................................................  17
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings......................................................................  17
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders....................................  17
                                               PART II
Item 5.   Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters..............  17
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data................................................................  18
Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations..  19
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data............................................  51
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure... 109
                                              PART III
Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant..................................... 110
Item 11.  Executive Compensation................................................................. 116
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management......................... 127
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions......................................... 128
                                               PART IV
Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K........................ 129
</TABLE>    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
                              GENERAL DESCRIPTION
 
  Great Western Financial Corporation ("GWFC", "Great Western" or "the
Company"), with consolidated assets of approximately $42.9 billion, is a
savings and loan holding company organized in 1955 under the laws of the state
of Delaware. The principal assets of the Company are the capital stock of
Great Western Bank, a Federal Savings Bank ("GWB", "Great Western Bank" or
"the Bank") and Aristar, Inc. ("Aristar"). GWB is a federally chartered stock
savings bank and conducts most of its retail banking through 416 offices
located in California and Florida. Real estate lending operations are
conducted directly by the Bank or by direct subsidiaries through 220 offices
in 27 states with concentration in California, Florida, Texas and Washington.
Directly or through its subsidiaries, the Bank also engages in mortgage
banking, and other related financial services. Aristar conducts consumer
finance operations through 502 offices in 23 states, most of which operate
principally under the names Blazer Financial Services or City Finance Company
and provide direct installment loans and related credit insurance services and
purchase retail installment contracts. For financial information concerning
the Company's four principal lines of business, see "Line of Business" in Item
7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations".
 
  The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. The
principal source of the Company's revenues on an unconsolidated basis has been
dividends, interest and management fees from GWB. Various statutory and
regulatory restrictions and tax considerations, however, can limit, directly
or indirectly, the amounts that may be paid by the Bank to GWFC. Dividends
from Aristar continue to be a source of revenue to the Company. For a
discussion of dividend restrictions, see "Regulation--Capital Requirements",
"Capital Distributions by GWB" and "Restrictions on Transactions with
Affiliates".
 
  The operations of savings associations are significantly influenced by
general economic conditions, by the related monetary and fiscal policies of
the federal government, and by the regulatory policies of financial
institution regulatory authorities, including the Federal Reserve Board
("FRB"), the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS") and the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"). Deposit flows and cost of funds are influenced
by interest rates on competing investments and general market rates of
interest. Lending and other investment activities are affected by the demand
for mortgage financing and consumer and other types of loans, which in turn
are affected by the interest rates at which such financing may be offered and
other factors affecting the supply of housing and the availability of funds.
 
                 MERGER AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON MUTUAL, INC.
 
  On March 6, 1997, Great Western announced that it had entered into a
strategic business combination with Washington Mutual, Inc. ("Washington
Mutual"). The terms of the Agreement and Plan of merger dated as of March 5,
1997 (the "Merger Agreement") entered into by and between Great Western,
Washington Mutual and New American Capital, Inc., ("NAC"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Washington Mutual provide for a tax-free merger (the "Merger")
of Great Western with and into NAC pursuant to which each outstanding share of
Great Western common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Great Western
Common Stock"), will be converted into 0.9 shares of Washington Mutual common
stock, no par value ("Washington Mutual Common Stock"), with cash being paid
in lieu of fractional shares. Each outstanding share of Great Western 8.30%
Preferred Stock (the "Great Western Preferred Stock") will be converted into
one share of Washington Mutual 8.30% Preferred Stock, Series F (the "Series F
Preferred Stock").
 
  The consummation of the Merger is subject to certain conditions, including
approval by the stockholders of Great Western and Washington Mutual and
applicable regulatory approvals. The parties expect that the Merger will be
consummated in the third quarter of 1997.
 
  The description of the Merger Agreement above does not purport to be
complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the
Merger Agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                  H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY'S MERGER PROPOSAL
 
  On February 18, 1997, H. F. Ahmanson & Company ("Ahmanson") unilaterally
announced a proposal for a merger between Ahmanson and Great Western pursuant
to which each outstanding share of Great Western common stock, $1.00 par value
per share (the "Great Western Common Stock") would be converted into
1.05 shares of Ahmanson common stock (the "Ahmanson Merger Proposal").
 
  On March 3, 1997, Ahmanson commenced soliciting consents from Great Western
stockholders (the "Ahmanson Consent Solicitation") in favor of (i) a non-
binding advisory resolution urging the Great Western Board of Directors (the
"Great Western Board") to consider any bona fide and concrete merger proposal
received by Great Western by May 22, 1997 and, if no superior merger proposal
is received by such date, to enter into a merger agreement with Ahmanson on
the terms of the Ahmanson Merger Proposal, and (ii) four separate proposed By-
law amendments that, if validly adopted, would (A) prohibit the Great Western
Board from granting to any third party, without the prior consent of the Great
Western stockholders, any break-up fees, stock options, "crown jewel" options
or other lock-up fee arrangements in connection with a proposed merger of
Great Western in excess of $100,000,000, (B) compel Great Western to hold its
annual meeting of stockholders on the fourth Tuesday in April in each year or
on a date within 14 days thereof, (C) prevent a stockholders' meeting at which
a quorum is present from being adjourned unless all business properly brought
before such meeting has been acted upon by the stockholders and (D) provide
that any of the By-laws adopted pursuant to Ahmanson's Consent Statement may
not be subsequently amended unless majority approval of the Great Western
stockholders is obtained. Great Western has challenged the legality of
Ahmanson's proposed By-law amendment described in clause (A) above as an
improper intrusion into the statutory powers of the Board of Directors. Great
Western has set March 13, 1997 as the record date for the Ahmanson Consent
Solicitation.
 
  On March 4, 1997, Great Western disseminated to its stockholders a
Revocation of Consent Statement (the "Great Western Revocation Statement")
informing them that the Great Western Board unanimously opposes the Ahmanson
Consent Solicitation, detailing the reasons for the Great Western Board's
opposition to the Ahmanson Consent Statement and urging Great Western
stockholders not to sign the consent cards sent to the stockholders by
Ahmanson or to revoke any previously executed consent cards.
 
  Ahmanson has also indicated its intent to solicit proxies in connection with
the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Great Western (the "Ahmanson Proxy
Solicitation"). In that proxy solicitation, Ahmanson intends to seek to elect
three directors nominated by Ahmanson to the Great Western Board and to have
additional amendments to the Great Western By-laws adopted.
 
              LITIGATION RELATING TO THE AHMANSON MERGER PROPOSAL
 
  On February 18, 1997, Ahmanson filed a Verified Complaint for Declaratory
and Injunctive Relief against Great Western and its directors (the "Ahmanson
Complaint") in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. The Ahmanson
Complaint alleges, among other things, that: (i) the defendants have breached
their fiduciary duties with respect to the stockholder rights plan adopted by
the Board in June 1986, as amended in June 1995 (the "Rights Plan"); (ii) the
adoption of any defensive measure by the defendants which has the effect of
impeding, thwarting, frustrating or interfering with the Ahmanson Merger
Proposal would constitute a breach of the defendants' fiduciary duties; and
(iii) the individual directors of Great Western have breached their fiduciary
duties with respect to Section 203 (the "Delaware Business Combination
Statute") of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL").
 
  Ahmanson seeks declaratory and injunctive relief as follows: (i) an order
enjoining the defendants from adopting any defensive measure which has the
effect of impeding, thwarting, frustrating or interfering with the Ahmanson
Merger Proposal; (ii) an order compelling the defendants to redeem the rights
associated with the Rights Plan or to amend the Rights Plan so as to make it
inapplicable to the Ahmanson Merger Proposal; (iii) an order enjoining the
defendants from taking any action pursuant to the Rights Plan that would
dilute or interfere
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
with Ahmanson's voting rights or otherwise discriminate against Ahmanson; (iv)
an order compelling the defendants to approve the Ahmanson Merger Proposal for
the purposes of the Delaware Business Combination Statute; (v) an order
enjoining the defendants from taking any action to enforce or apply the
Delaware Business Combination Statute that would impede, thwart, frustrate or
interfere with the Ahmanson Merger Proposal; and (vi) an order awarding
Ahmanson its costs and expenses in the action.
   
  On February 26, 1997, Great Western filed its Answer, Affirmative Defenses
and Counterclaim to the Ahmanson Complaint. In the Counterclaim, Great Western
stated, among other things, that the proposed By-law amendment described
herein as Proposal 2 would impermissibly limit the Board's power, granted
under Delaware law and Great Western's Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
to manage the business and affairs of Great Western. Great Western also stated
that such By-law amendment is inequitable because it would impair the Board's
ability to negotiate an alternative transaction to the Ahmanson Proposal
should the Board choose to do so. Further, Great Western denied all of the
material allegations raised by the Ahmanson Complaint and asserted affirmative
defenses, including that: (i) the Ahmanson Complaint fails to state a claim on
which relief can be granted; and (ii) Ahmanson is acting in its own self
interest at the expense of Great Western and its stockholders and thus comes
to Court with unclean hands.     
 
  Great Western seeks declaratory and injunctive relief as to, among other
matters, the following: (i) dismissal of the Ahmanson Complaint with prejudice
and denial of the relief requested by Ahmanson; and (ii) an order declaring
the proposed By-law amendment to be invalid, illegal and inequitable. On
February 27, 1997, Vice-Chancellor Jacobs informed Great Western and Ahmanson
that he would rule on the legality and validity of the proposed By-law
amendment as soon as the issue becomes relevant.
 
  Between February 18, 1997 and February 26, 1997, six complaints (the
"Complaints") were filed against Great Western and its directors in the Court
of Chancery of the State of Delaware by Fred T. Isquith, Harry Lewis, Bernd
Bildstein, Charles Uttenreither, Melvyn Zupnick and Emil Schachter. Each
action was brought on behalf of the plaintiff, individually, and as a
purported class action on behalf of all stockholders of Great Western. The
Complaints allege, among other things, that the defendants are violating their
fiduciary duties owed to the stockholders of Great Western with respect to the
Ahmanson Merger Proposal. The plaintiffs generally seek: (i) an order
declaring that the action may be maintained as a class action; (ii) an order
preliminarily and permanently enjoining the defendants to consider and
negotiate with respect to all bona fide offers or proposals for Great Western
or its assets, in the best interests of Great Western stockholders; and
(iii) compensatory damages, the costs and disbursements of the action and such
other and further relief as may be just and proper. In addition, certain
plaintiffs seek judgments ordering Great Western's directors, individually, to
announce their intention with respect to certain matters relating to the
Ahmanson Merger Proposal. The plaintiffs filed a Motion to Consolidate the
Complaints on March 6, 1997. Great Western and its directors deny the
operative allegations of the Complaints; however, answers have not yet been
filed and discovery has not yet commenced.
 
  On March 3, 1997, Ahmanson filed a Complaint against Great Western (the
"Ahmanson Section 220 Complaint") in the Court of Chancery of the State of
Delaware. The Ahmanson Section 220 Complaint alleges, among other things,
that: (i) Ahmanson is entitled, pursuant to Section 220 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law, to inspect and copy certain books and records of
Great Western and (ii) that Great Western has failed to make available for
inspection and copying by Ahmanson a list of the stockholders of Great Western
and other related information. Ahmanson requested that the Court enter an
order directing Great Western to provide Ahmanson with the requested
information. On March 6, 1997, Great Western provided Ahmanson with all of the
information requested in the Ahmanson Section 220 Complaint. On March 7, 1997,
Great Western mailed a letter to Ahmanson requesting that Ahmanson dismiss the
Ahmanson Section 220 Complaint as mute.
 
  On March 7, 1997, Ahmanson filed a Motion for Leave to File Amended and
Supplemental Complaint against Great Western and its directors (the "Ahmanson
Supplemental Complaint") in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. In
addition to the allegations made in the Ahmanson Complaint, the Ahmanson
Supplemental Complaint further alleges, among other things, that: (i) the
defendants have failed to create a level
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
playing field by discriminatorily favoring other potential bidders to the
exclusion of Ahmanson and by entering into the Merger Agreement; (ii) the
defendants have actively and unlawfully sought to thwart its stockholders from
exercising certain of their rights for the purpose of entrenchment; (iii) the
defendants have failed to find the best value reasonably available; and (iv)
the defendants have irreparably harmed Ahmanson by depriving it of the unique
opportunity to acquire Great Western. Consequently, Ahmanson seeks additional
declaratory and injunctive relief enjoining Great Western and the individual
defendants from, among other things, discriminating against Ahmanson, delaying
Great Western's annual meeting of stockholders, or taking steps to consummate
the Merger or other transaction with Washington Mutual.
 
  Great Western and its directors intend to vigorously defend the claims in
the Ahmanson Complaint, the Ahmanson Supplemental Complaint and the
Complaints.
 
                         ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
 
  GWFC is, from time to time, engaged in discussions with other financial
institutions of various sizes in various locations throughout the United
States and with governmental agencies regarding mergers, acquisitions or
dispositions. No assurance can be given that GWFC will complete any particular
transaction.
 
  Information on specific acquisitions and dispositions is summarized in Note
2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, "Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data".
 
                     RELATED FINANCIAL SERVICES ACTIVITIES
 
  The principal non-depository business activities of GWFC and GWB are
described below.
 
  Consumer Finance Group. The Consumer Finance Group is comprised of Aristar
and the industrial banks listed below. Consumer finance activities are highly
regulated by federal and state laws of both general and specific
applicability. Federal regulations relate primarily to fair credit practice
matters. State regulations may include certain licensing requirements, which
vary from state to state and may require periodic examination to verify
compliance with, among other restraints, state interest rate and loan size
limits. The Company also has industrial bank subsidiaries, First Community
Industrial Bank in Denver, Colorado and Great Western Thrift & Loan in Salt
Lake City, Utah, which conduct activities similar to those of consumer finance
operations.
 
  Other Activities. GWFC and its direct and indirect subsidiaries also engage
in related service businesses, including investment company advisor and
administration activities, insurance operations, real estate development and
other lines of business. GWFC and its direct and indirect subsidiaries in the
future may also pursue other business opportunities, although no assurances
concerning the timing or nature of such activities can be given.
 
                                   INFLATION
 
  Inflation has not been a significant factor for the past several years.
However, the Company recognizes the adverse effects that inflation could bring
to its financial position and operations and consequently monitors its effects
closely.
 
                             CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
 
  The Company wishes to caution readers that the following important factors,
among others, in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect, the
Company's actual results and could cause the Company's actual results to
differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward looking
statement made herein or elsewhere by the Company or its directors, officers
or employees. The Company intends to take advantage of the "safe harbor"
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
ADEQUACY OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND REAL ESTATE LOSSES
 
  The Company regularly reviews its assets to determine that each category is
reasonably valued. In this review process, it monitors the loss exposure
relating to nonperforming assets, assets adversely classified for regulatory
purposes, delinquency trends and the market environment to identify potential
problems.
 
  The Company assesses the status of loss reserves on real estate and consumer
loans based upon expected future economic conditions and its current loss
experience as applied to the loan portfolio, including loans that are
delinquent or, in the case of real estate loans, adversely classified because
of declining collateral values. The amount of the Company's loss reserve
represents management's estimate of the amount of real estate loan losses
likely to be incurred by the Company, based upon various assumptions as to
future interest rate environments, economic trends and other conditions. As
such, the loss reserve does not represent the amount of such losses that could
be incurred under adverse conditions that management does not consider to be
the most likely to arise. In addition, management's classification of assets
and evaluation of the adequacy of the loss reserve is an ongoing process.
Consequently, there can be no assurance that material additions to the
Company's loss reserve will not be necessary, thereby adversely affecting
earnings.
 
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN THE COMPANY'S MARKET AREA
 
  The Company's business is subject to changes in local economic and business
conditions. The economic environment in California has shown improvement in
the past year. In particular, the real estate market has shown improvement
throughout the state, though most notably in Northern California. As a result
of the improving economy and the disposition of nonperforming loans and real
estate through bulk sales, the Company's nonperforming assets have
substantially declined. However, a worsening of economic conditions in the
State could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, including
reducing demand for new financing and increasing nonperforming assets and real
estate.
 
FLUCTUATIONS IN INTEREST RATES
 
  Prevailing economic conditions, particularly changes in market interest
rates, as well as governmental policies and regulations concerning, among
other things, monetary and fiscal affairs, significantly affect interest rates
and a savings institution's net interest income. The results of operations of
GWB depend to a large extent on net interest income, which is the differential
between interest GWB receives from its loans, securities and other interest
earning assets and the interest expense the Bank pays on its deposits and
other interest bearing liabilities. GWB is subject to risk from fluctuations
of interest rates to the extent its interest bearing liabilities mature or
reprice at different times or on a different basis than its interest earning
assets.
 
SIGNIFICANT REGULATION
 
  The financial institutions industry, including the Company and GWB, is
subject to significant regulation which has materially affected the financial
institutions industry in the past and will likely do so in the future. Such
regulations may be changed at any time, and the interpretation of the relevant
law and regulation is also subject to change by the authorities who examine
financial institutions and their holding companies and interpret those laws
and regulations. There can be no assurance that any present or future changes
in the laws or regulations or in their interpretation will not adversely
affect the Company or GWB.
 
RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTIONS
 
  OTS regulations impose certain limitations on capital distributions by
savings institutions, including the payment of cash dividends. The regulations
establish guidelines for categorizing institutions into three tiers for
purposes of determining eligibility to make distributions. These tiers are
based primarily on the institution's capital levels but also relate to an
institution's supervisory status with the OTS. Under these guidelines, the
ability to pay cash dividends is increasingly limited as an institution's
capital position, earnings and supervisory status worsens. In addition, the
OTS could prohibit a proposed capital distribution by any institution, which
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
would otherwise be permitted by the guidelines, if the OTS determines that
such a distribution would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. Also,
certain tax considerations limit the amount of dividends GWB would otherwise
be able to pay. See "Regulation--Capital Distributions by GWB."
 
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
 
  Under various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, a
current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the
costs of removal or remediation of hazardous substances on, under or in such
property. Pursuant to these laws and regulations, under certain circumstances,
a lender may become liable for the environmental liabilities in connection
with its borrower's properties if, among other things, it either forecloses or
participates in the management of its borrower's operations or hazardous
substance handling or disposal practices.
 
  If certain properties securing GWB loans and properties GWB has foreclosed
upon are found to be environmentally contaminated or contain hazardous
substances, including building materials containing asbestos or lead, GWB may
be required to remove or remediate such contamination or hazardous substances.
Although there can be no assurances that the costs of any required removal or
remediation or related liabilities on these properties or any other properties
would not be material and substantially exceed the value of the affected
properties or the loans secured by the properties or that GWB's ability to
sell any foreclosed property would not be adversely affected, management is
not aware of any environmental liability relating to these properties that it
believes would have a material adverse effect on its business or results of
operations.
 
COMPETITION
 
  Competition for deposits comes principally from other savings associations,
commercial banks, credit unions, corporations, governmental agencies and
governmental debt securities, insurance companies, pension funds, and other
investment media including money markets and mutual funds, many of which can
offer investment alternatives. Many of these institutions also have nationwide
retail networks.
 
  Competition in residential lending activities comes principally from other
savings associations, mortgage companies, commercial banks and, to a lesser
degree, from finance companies, insurance companies, governmental agencies,
pension funds and trusts, and sellers of properties.
 
  Competition in the provision of services being offered by GWFC and its
subsidiaries and affiliates in consumer lending, investment company advisor
and administration activities and other activities comes principally from the
traditional providers of such services and from other financial institutions.
 
                                  REGULATION
 
HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION
 
  General. The Company is a unitary savings and loan holding company as a
result of its control of GWB. As such, it is subject to regulation,
supervision, and examination by, and the reporting requirements of, the OTS
and is governed by the savings and loan holding company provisions of the Home
Owners' Loan Act, as amended.
 
  Restrictions on Activities. A savings and loan holding company is
prohibited, directly or indirectly, from obtaining control of a savings
association or savings and loan holding company without the prior approval of
the OTS. The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of
1989 ("FIRREA"), permits the acquisition by a savings and loan holding company
of up to 5% of the voting shares of a savings association or savings and loan
holding company which is not one of its present affiliates. No director,
officer, or controlling shareholder of the Company may, except with the prior
approval of the OTS, acquire control of any savings association which is not a
subsidiary of the Company.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  FIRREA empowers the OTS to impose restrictions when it determines that there
is reasonable cause to believe that the continuation by a savings and loan
holding company of any particular activity constitutes a serious risk to the
financial safety, soundness, or stability of a holding company's subsidiary
savings association. Thus, FIRREA confers on the OTS oversight authority for
all holding company affiliates, not just the savings association.
Specifically, the OTS may (i) limit the payment of dividends by a savings
association; (ii) limit transactions between a savings association, the
holding company and the subsidiaries or affiliates of either; and (iii) limit
any activities of the savings association that might create a serious risk
that the liabilities of the holding company and its affiliates may be imposed
on the savings association. Any such limits will be issued in the form of a
directive having the effect of a cease and desist order.
 
REGULATION OF SUBSIDIARIES
 
  General. Deposits in GWB and the Company's industrial banks, First Community
Industrial Bank in Denver, Colorado and Great Western Thrift & Loan in Salt
Lake City, Utah are separately insured by the FDIC up to $100,000 and those
institutions are regulated by the FDIC. GWB is a federally chartered savings
association which is also regulated by the OTS. The industrial banks are state
chartered institutions which are regulated by state authorities in addition to
being regulated by the FDIC. State laws specify the investments which these
state institutions may make and the activities in which they may engage. Under
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, as amended
("FDICIA"), however, insured state banks may not engage in activities not
permissible for national banks unless the FDIC determines that the activity
will pose no significant risk to the insurance fund and the bank complies with
applicable capital standards.
 
  The Company's consumer finance subsidiaries are governed by state and
federal laws. Federal laws relate primarily to fair credit practice matters.
State laws set out applicable licensing requirements, provide for periodic
examinations and establish maximum finance charges on credit extensions.
 
  The Company's insurance subsidiaries are governed by state law and the
Company's securities brokerage and investment advisory subsidiaries are
governed by federal and state laws relating to their operation, registration,
capital and other matters. The Company's securities brokerage subsidiary is
required to conduct its activities in compliance with the interagency
guidelines of the federal bank and thrift regulators on retail sales of
uninsured, nondeposit investment products by federally insured financial
institutions. The interagency guidelines require that, among other things,
customers are fully informed that investment products are not insured, are not
deposits of or guaranteed by GWB and involve investment risk including the
potential loss of principal.
 
  Qualified Thrift Lender. FDICIA imposes revised requirements for
qualification as a qualified thrift lender ("QTL"). The test requires that 65%
of a savings association's "portfolio assets" (all assets except goodwill,
intangibles, property used to conduct the thrift's business and certain liquid
assets up to 20% of assets) consist of "qualified thrift investments"
(including, subject to certain limits, residential mortgage and construction
loans, home improvement and repair loans, mortgage-backed securities, home
equity loans, Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLBank") stock, Federal Savings and
Loan Insurance Corporation ("FSLIC"), FDIC, and Resolution Trust Corporation
("RTC") obligations, Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation stock, education loans, credit card loans, consumer
loans, certain small business loans and loans to construct or purchase or
maintain churches, schools, nursing homes and hospitals, investments in
residential housing-oriented service corporations, and 50% of mortgages
originated and sold within 90 days). At December 31, 1996, the asset
composition of GWB was substantially in excess of that required to qualify it
to meet the QTL test.
 
  The following sanctions may apply as the result of failure of a savings
association to remain a QTL: (i) required conversion of the savings
association's charter to a national bank charter; (ii) limitations on new
investments and activities to those permissible for national banks; (iii)
imposition of branching restrictions applicable to national banks; (iv)
prohibitions on new advances to the savings association from its regional
FHLBank; and (v) imposition of dividend restrictions applicable to national
banks. Three years after a savings association ceases to be a QTL, it would be
required to divest all investments and cease all activities not
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
permissible for national banks and all FHLBank advances would have to be
repaid in a prompt and prudent manner. In addition, a savings and loan holding
company holding such a savings association would be required to register as a
bank holding company.
 
  Deposit Insurance. The FDIC maintains two separate deposit insurance funds--
the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") which insures the deposits of the industrial
banks (the "Company's BIF-insured institutions"), and the Savings Association
Insurance Fund ("SAIF") which insures the deposits of GWB.
 
  On September 30, 1996, the President signed into law the Deposit Insurance
Funds Act of 1996 ("Funds Act") which included provisions for the
recapitalization of the SAIF through a one-time special assessment of 65.7
basis points of SAIF deposits held by savings associations as of March 31,
1995. GWB's special assessment of $188 million was reflected in expense in the
third quarter of 1996.
 
  The current SAIF assessment schedule of premiums ranges from zero to 27
basis points of deposits, depending on risk classification. As authorized by
the Funds Act, the FDIC will collect assessments against BIF and SAIF-
assessable deposits to be paid to the Financing Corporation ("FICO") to
service interest on FICO debt issued during the 1980s. Savings associations,
in 1996, paid SAIF and BIF insurance premiums that covered approximately $780
million of interest on FICO debt. Beginning in 1997, such payments will drop
to $460 million annually, and in the year 2000, to about $180 million annually
or approximately two basis points of deposits.
 
  The Funds Act stipulates the rate of BIF-assessable deposits must equal one-
fifth of the FICO assessment rate on SAIF-assessable deposits. GWB expects its
FICO assessment will be approximately 6.48 basis points of deposits, while the
FICO assessment of banks will be approximately 1.30 basis points through 1999.
GWB expects to reduce its annual insurance premium from approximately $65
million in 1996 to approximately $18 million in each of the next three years.
 
  The Funds Act also requires the Treasury Department to conduct a survey of
all issues considered to be relevant to the development of a common charter
for all FDIC insured institutions and the abolition of separate and distinct
charters for banks and savings associations. The law specifies that the BIF
and SAIF are to be merged by 1999, if there are no savings associations in
existence at that time. A merger of the deposit insurance funds could
potentially occur prior to 1999 if certain conditions are met.
 
  FIRREA requires insured depository institutions to reimburse the FDIC for
any loss or anticipated loss to the FDIC that arises from a default of a
commonly controlled insured depository institution or assistance provided to
such an institution in danger of default.
 
  Capital Requirements. The capital standards applicable to savings
associations consist of three components--a leverage ratio requirement, a
tangible capital requirement and a risk-based capital requirement. All three
components are required by FIRREA to be no less stringent than the
corresponding requirements applicable to national banks, except that the risk-
based capital requirement for savings associations may deviate to reflect
interest-rate risk or other risks if such deviations do not, in the aggregate,
result in materially lower levels of capital being required of savings
associations than would be required under the risk-based capital standards
applicable to national banks.
 
  The capital regulations contain special capital rules affecting savings
associations with certain kinds of subsidiaries. For purposes of determining
compliance with each of the capital standards, a savings association's
investment in and extensions of credit to subsidiaries engaged in activities
not permissible for a national bank are, with certain exceptions, deducted
from the savings association's capital. At December 31, 1996, GWB's
investments in and extensions of credit to such subsidiaries aggregated $23
million, all of which was deducted from capital at December 31, 1996.
 
  The leverage ratio requirement requires a savings association to maintain
"core capital" of not less than 3% of adjusted total assets. As mentioned
below, the OTS proposed, but has not yet adopted, a stricter standard
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
which has become applicable to banks and under which banks are required to
maintain a core capital ratio of at least 3% and up to 5% depending upon their
condition and the rating they have received from the applicable regulatory
body.
 
  Under the current standard, "core capital" generally includes common
stockholders' equity, (including retained earnings, but excluding net
unrealized gain or loss on securities available-for-sale), noncumulative
perpetual preferred stock and any related surplus, and minority interests in
consolidated subsidiaries. Intangible assets (other than qualifying core
deposit intangible assets, mortgage servicing rights and purchased credit card
relationships) must be deducted from core capital. Certain deferred tax assets
must also be deducted. Core capital includes core deposit intangible assets,
mortgage servicing rights and purchased credit card relationships, subject to
certain limitations. GWB has no qualifying core deposit intangible assets or
purchased credit card relationships. At December 31, 1996, GWB had a core
capital ratio of 5.85%.
 
  The tangible capital requirement requires a savings association to maintain
"tangible capital" in an amount not less than 1.5% of adjusted total assets.
"Tangible capital" means core capital less qualifying core deposit intangible
assets and purchased credit card relationships. At December 31, 1996, GWB had
a ratio of tangible capital to total adjusted assets of 5.85%.
 
  The risk-based capital requirements for savings associations are similar in
many respects to the risk-based capital guidelines of the FRB, the Comptroller
of the Currency and the FDIC. Among other things, the risk-based capital
requirements provide that the capital ratio applicable to an asset will be
adjusted to reflect the degree of credit risk associated with such asset and
the asset base for computing a savings association's capital requirement will
include off-balance-sheet assets. The regulations require savings associations
to maintain capital equal to 8% of risk-weighted assets. A savings
association's supplementary capital may be used to satisfy the risk-based
capital ratios only to the extent of that association's core capital. At
December 31, 1996, GWB had a ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets of
11.23%.
 
  FDICIA requires the federal regulatory agencies to review the risk-based
capital standards to ensure that they adequately address interest-rate risk,
concentration of credit risk and risks from nontraditional activities. The OTS
amended its risk-based capital rules to incorporate interest-rate risk
requirements which require a savings association to hold additional capital if
it is projected to experience an excessive decline in "net portfolio value" in
the event interest rates increase or decrease by two percentage points. The
additional capital required is equal to one-half of the amount by which any
decline in net portfolio value exceeds two percent of the savings
association's estimated economic value of assets, as determined by the OTS.
The OTS, however, has not implemented these capital standards relating to
interest-rate risk, pending action of the bank regulatory agencies. As of
December 31, 1996, GWB believes it would have no additional capital
requirement for possible interest-rate risk.
 
  A savings association which fails to meet the capital standards must submit
to the OTS Director a business plan which describes the manner in which it
proposes to increase its capital and the activities in which it will engage.
Any increase in the savings association's assets must be met with a
commensurate increase in the savings association's tangible capital and risk-
based capital. As part of the submission of a capital plan, a savings
association will be required to certify that during the pendency of its
application for approval of its capital plan, it will adhere to certain asset
growth restrictions, and will not make any capital distributions or engage in
certain other prohibited or restricted activities. The OTS Director must, with
certain limited exceptions, limit the asset growth of any such savings
association. In addition, the OTS Director may issue a capital directive to
such a savings association which may contain restrictions the OTS Director
deems necessary or appropriate under the circumstances. GWB is not subject to
any capital directive at this time.
   
  GWB believes that it met all the capital adequacy requirements to which it
is subject as of December 31, 1996.     
 
  In addition to the above regulatory capital requirements and pursuant to
FDICIA, the federal banking agencies have adopted regulations which establish
a system of progressive constraints as capital levels decline at banks and
savings associations. The "prompt corrective action" rules classify banks and
savings associations into one of five categories based upon capital adequacy,
ranging from "well capitalized" to "critically
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
undercapitalized". Furthermore, FDICIA provides that under certain
circumstances a federal banking agency may reclassify an institution to the
next lower capital category based on supervisory information other than the
capital levels of the institution.
   
  The FDIC regulations implementing the prompt corrective action provisions of
FDICIA define the five capital categories as follows: (i) an institution is
"well capitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.00% or
greater, has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (core capital to risk-weighted
assets) of 6.00% or greater, has a core capital ratio of 5.00% or greater and
is not subject to any written capital order or directive to meet a specific
capital level or any capital measure; (ii) an institution is "adequately
capitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.00% or greater,
has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.00% or greater and has a core
capital ratio of 4.00% or greater (3.00% for certain highly rated
institutions); (iii) an institution is "undercapitalized" if it has a total
risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.00% or has either a Tier 1 risk-based
or a core capital ratio that is less than 4.00%; (iv) an institution is
"significantly undercapitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio
that is less than 6.00%, or has either a Tier 1 risk-based or a core capital
ratio that is less than 3.00%; and (v) an institution is "critically
undercapitalized" if its "tangible equity" (defined in the prompt corrective
action regulations to mean core capital plus cumulative perpetual preferred
stock) is equal to or less than 2.00% of its total assets. The OTS also has
authority, after an opportunity for a hearing, to downgrade an institution
from "well capitalized" to "adequately capitalized", or to subject an
"adequately capitalized" or "undercapitalized" institution to the supervisory
actions applicable to the next lower category, for supervisory concerns. The
Bank has met each of the quantitative measures of capital adequacy to be
classified as a "well capitalized" institution as of December 31, 1996. As of
December 31, 1996, the most recent notification from the OTS categorized the
Bank as "well capitalized" under the regulatory framework for prompt
corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification
that management believes have changed the institution's category.     
       
  FDICIA requires the appropriate federal banking agencies to take corrective
action to restrict asset growth, acquisitions, branching and new business with
respect to an "undercapitalized" institution and to take increasingly severe
additional actions if the institution becomes "significantly undercapitalized"
or "critically undercapitalized". FDICIA also prohibits dividends and other
capital distributions and the payment of management fees to a controlling
person if, following such distribution or payment, the institution would fall
within one of the three "undercapitalized" categories.
 
  FDICIA also requires an institution which is "undercapitalized" to submit a
capital restoration plan for improving its capital to the appropriate federal
banking agency. The holding company of such an institution must guarantee that
the institution will meet its capital restoration plan, subject to certain
limitations. If such a guarantee were deemed to be a commitment to maintain
capital under the federal Bankruptcy Code, a claim under such guarantee in a
bankruptcy proceeding involving the holding company would be entitled to a
priority over third party creditors of the holding company.
 
  As a condition of prior regulatory approval of certain transactions, the
Company has provided federal regulators with a commitment to maintain the
regulatory net worth of GWB at the minimum required amount and, if necessary,
to infuse sufficient additional capital to maintain such level.
 
  Under FDICIA, a bank or savings association that is "significantly
undercapitalized" is subject to severe restrictions on its activities, and may
be required, among other things, to issue additional debt or stock, to sell
assets or to be acquired by a depository institution holding company or
combine with another depository institution if one or more grounds exist for
appointing a conservator or receiver for the institution. A bank or savings
association that is "critically undercapitalized" will be subject, with
certain exceptions, to the mandatory appointment of a conservator or receiver
by the appropriate federal banking agency within 90 days after such
institution becomes "critically undercapitalized". In addition, a bank or
savings association that is "critically undercapitalized" is subject to more
severe restrictions on its activities and on payment of subordinated debt, and
may be prohibited, among other things, from entering into material investment,
expansion, acquisition or disposition transactions or paying interest on new
or renewed liabilities at a rate that would significantly increase the
institution's weighted average cost of funds.
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
  The FDIC has adopted a minimum core capital standard under which state
nonmember banks are required to hold core capital consisting generally of
common equity, minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated
subsidiaries, and qualifying perpetual preferred stock of at least 3% and up
to 5% of total assets. Banks receiving the highest rating from the FDIC are
permitted to maintain core capital of 3% of total assets, while less healthy
banks are required to maintain core capital of 4 to 5%. A bank with core
capital of less than 2% would be deemed to be in an unsafe and unsound
condition. The OTS has proposed to amend its leverage ratio requirement for
savings associations to adopt a similar standard.
 
  With respect to savings associations, the FDIC will use the core capital
standard in determining whether to approve applications for deposit insurance,
the right to exercise additional powers, or to merge or make acquisitions. The
FDIC may also use the new standard in determining whether to take enforcement
action against a savings association when an unsafe or unsound practice
exists.
 
  The Company's BIF-insured institutions are required to have risk-based
capital of 8% of risk-weighted assets, based on the credit risk deemed
inherent in institutions' assets, including certain off-balance-sheet assets.
In addition, core capital must be 4% of risk-weighted assets. At December 31,
1996, the BIF-insured industrial banks exceeded their required ratios.
 
  Capital Distributions by GWB. The Company is a legal entity separate and
distinct from the Bank and the Company's other subsidiaries. The primary
source of the Company's revenues on an unconsolidated basis has been dividends
from GWB. Various regulatory and tax considerations, however, limit directly
or indirectly the amount of dividends GWB can pay. Should GWB distribute
dividends in excess of the amount of its available earnings and profits (as
determined for federal income tax purposes), such excess would be subject to
federal income tax. At December 31, 1996, the Bank had approximately $628
million of retained earnings available for the payment of dividends without
adverse tax consequences. Dividend payments are further restricted by
regulations as discussed below.
 
  The OTS regulations impose limitations upon "capital distributions" by
savings associations, including cash dividends. The regulations establish a
three-tiered system: Tier 1 includes savings associations with capital at
least equal to their fully phased-in capital requirement which have not been
notified that they are in need of more than normal supervision; Tier 2
includes savings associations with capital above their minimum capital
requirement but less than their fully phased-in requirement; and Tier 3
includes savings associations with capital below their minimum capital
requirement. Tier 1 associations may, after prior notice but without approval
of the OTS, make capital distributions up to the higher of (1) 100% of their
net income during the calendar year plus the amount that would reduce by one
half their "surplus capital ratio" (the excess over their fully phased-in
capital requirement) at the beginning of the calendar year or (2) 75% of their
net income over the most recent four-quarter period. Tier 2 associations may,
after prior notice but without approval of the OTS, make capital distributions
of up to 25% to 75% of their net income over the most recent four-quarter
period depending upon their current risk-based capital position. Tier 3
associations may not make any capital distributions without prior approval.
The Company believes that GWB is a Tier 1 association as of December 31, 1996.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the regulatory authorities have broad
discretion to prohibit any payment of dividends and could take other actions
if they determine that the payment of such dividends would constitute an
unsafe or unsound practice. In addition, FDICIA prohibits dividends and other
capital distributions if, following such distribution, the savings association
would fall within one of three "undercapitalized" categories. See
"Regulation--Capital Requirements".
 
  Community Reinvestment Act. The Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") requires
each bank or savings association to identify the communities it serves and the
types of credit and other financial services the bank or savings association
is prepared to extend to those communities. The CRA also requires the OTS to
assess a savings association's record of helping to meet the credit needs of
its community and to take such assessment into consideration when evaluating
applications for mergers, acquisitions and other transactions. A less than
satisfactory CRA rating may be the basis for denying such applications.
 
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
  In connection with its assessment of CRA performance, the OTS and the bank
regulatory agencies assign a rating of "outstanding", "satisfactory", "needs
to improve" or "substantial noncompliance". Based on the most recent CRA
examination conducted in 1995, GWB received a rating of "outstanding."
 
  Restrictions on Transactions with Affiliates. FIRREA imposes on savings
associations the affiliate transaction restrictions contained in Sections 23A,
23B, 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act in the same manner and to the
same extent as such restrictions apply to member banks. Such restrictions are
also applicable to the BIF-insured industrial banks. These restrictions, among
other things, prohibit or limit an institution from extending credit to, or
entering into, certain transactions with its affiliates and the principal
shareholders, directors and executive officers of the institution under
certain circumstances. Further, a savings association may not purchase or
invest in securities issued by an affiliate other than a subsidiary. The OTS
is authorized to impose more stringent restrictions on a savings association's
affiliated transactions than those contained in Sections 23A and 23B.
 
  Subsidiary Investment Limits. The amount which a federal savings bank may
invest in service corporations and subsidiaries (whether in equity or debt of
such corporations) is limited to an amount equal to 3% of assets, provided
investments in excess of 2% of assets serve certain primarily community
purposes. The service corporation investment limit (for savings associations
like GWB which meet net worth and certain other requirements) is exclusive of
an amount which may be invested in "conforming" (i.e., otherwise authorized)
loans to service corporations subject to applicable regulatory requirements.
At December 31, 1996, GWB's aggregate investment in service corporations was
approximately .3% of its assets, and there were no conforming loans.
 
  Notice of Certain Activities. FIRREA requires a savings association seeking
to establish a new subsidiary, acquire control of an existing company (after
which it would be a subsidiary), or conduct a new activity through a
subsidiary, to provide 30 days prior notice to the FDIC and the OTS and
conduct any activities of the subsidiary in accordance with regulations and
orders of the OTS. The OTS has the power to force a savings association to
divest or terminate any activity that it determines is a serious threat to the
financial safety, soundness or stability of such savings association or is
otherwise inconsistent with sound banking practices. In addition, the FDIC is
authorized to determine whether any specific investment activity poses a
threat to the SAIF and to prohibit any SAIF member institution from engaging
directly in such activity, even if it is an activity that is an otherwise
permissible investment for a federal savings association.
 
  Loans-to-One Borrower Limitations. FIRREA conforms savings associations'
loans-to-one borrower limitations to those applicable to national banks. The
lending limits for national banks apply to all savings associations in the
same manner and to the same extent as they apply to national banks. The basic
lending limit is 15% of the amount of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital actually
included in risk-based capital, plus the allowance for loan and lease losses
not included in Tier 2 capital. It is not expected that this limitation will
have any significant effect upon GWB's lending activities as currently
conducted.
 
  Brokered Deposits. A rule adopted by the FDIC permits only "well
capitalized" institutions to obtain brokered deposits. "Adequately
capitalized" institutions may obtain brokered deposits if they receive a
waiver from the FDIC. The rule adopted by the FDIC also prohibits institutions
which are not "well capitalized" from soliciting deposits at rates
significantly higher than prevailing rates. GWB believes that it is a "well
capitalized" institution at December 31, 1996.
 
  Liquidity. OTS regulations require savings associations to maintain for each
calendar month an average daily balance of liquid assets (including cash and
certain time deposits, bankers' acceptances, specified corporate obligations
and specified United States government, state government and federal agency
obligations) of not less than 5% of the average daily balance of its net
withdrawable deposit accounts (the amount of all deposit accounts less the
unpaid balance of all loans made on the security of such accounts) plus short-
term debt (borrowings payable on demand or in one year or less) during the
preceding calendar month. This liquidity requirement may be changed from time
to time by the OTS within the statutory range of 4% to 10%. OTS regulations
also require
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
each savings association to maintain for each calendar month an average daily
balance of short-term liquid assets (generally those having maturities of 12
months or less) at an amount not less than 1% of the average daily balance of
its net withdrawable accounts plus such short-term debt during the preceding
calendar month. For the year ended December 31, 1996, average liquidity and
average short-term liquidity ratios of GWB were 5.48% and 3.06%, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 1995, average liquidity and average short-term
liquidity ratios were 5.46% and 2.29%, respectively.
 
  Federal Home Loan Bank System. GWB is a member of the FHLBank System, which
consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. Members of the FHLBank system
are required to own shares of capital stock in the applicable FHLBank in an
amount equal to the greater of 1% of the aggregate principal amount of the
member's unpaid residential mortgages, 5% of FHLBank advances to the member or
 .3% of total assets as of the close of each calendar year.
 
  The FHLBank serves as a reserve or central bank for the member institutions
within its assigned region. It makes advances (i.e. loans) to members in
accordance with its established policies and procedures. The maximum amount of
credit which the FHLBank will extend for purposes other than meeting
withdrawals varies from time to time in accordance with its policies. The
FHLBank interest rates charged for advances vary depending upon maturity, the
cost of funds to the FHLBank and the purpose of the borrowing.
 
  As of December 31, 1996, GWB held $378 million of FHLBank stock and received
dividends in the amount of $22.3 million in 1996 with respect to such stock.
 
  Federal Reserve Board Regulations. Pursuant to the Depository Institutions
Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980, the FRB adopted regulations
that require depository institutions to maintain reserves against their
transaction accounts and nonpersonal time deposits. In December 1990, the FRB
eliminated the reserve requirement on nonpersonal time deposits. The balances
maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the FRB may be used to
satisfy liquidity requirements imposed by the OTS. At December 31, 1996, GWB's
balances with the FRB totaled $127 million. The effect of this reserve
requirement is to decrease an institution's available investment funds. The
current reserve requirement on transaction accounts is 10%. Savings
associations have authority to use various FRB services and to borrow from the
Federal Reserve Bank's "discount window", but FRB regulations require them to
exhaust all FHLBank sources before borrowing from a Federal Reserve Bank. In
addition, FDICIA restricts the period during which discount advances may be
outstanding to "undercapitalized" depository institutions. As a creditor and a
financial institution, GWB is subject to additional regulations promulgated by
the FRB, including, without limitation, Regulation B (Equal Credit Opportunity
Act), Regulation E (Electronic Funds Transfers Act), Regulation F (Interbank
Liabilities), Regulation Z (Truth in Lending Act), Regulation CC (Expedited
Funds Availability Act) and Regulation DD (Truth in Savings Act).
 
  Safety and Soundness Standards. Pursuant to statutory requirements, the OTS
has issued a rule that sets forth guidelines, rather than a regulation, in the
areas of excessive compensation, internal controls, information systems,
documentation, credit underwriting, interest risk exposure, asset growth and
compliance with laws and regulations. Under the excessive compensation
standard, the OTS will analyze a person's compensation history, post-
employment benefits, the financial condition of the institution, compensation
practices at comparable institutions and other relevant information. The final
rule authorizes, rather than requires, the OTS to seek a compliance plan from
institutions failing to meet the safety and soundness guidelines. In addition
to the final rule on safety and soundness, the OTS has issued asset quality
and earnings standards that require monitoring and reporting systems to the
Board of Directors and management to identify emerging problems and corrective
actions to resolve them.
 
  Real Estate Lending Standards. The federal banking regulatory agencies,
including the OTS, adopted regulations which require institutions to adopt
written real estate lending policies that, among other things, must be
consistent with guidelines adopted by the agencies. Among the guidelines
adopted by the OTS and the other agencies are maximum loan-to-value ratios for
land loans (65%); land development loans (75%); construction loans (80-85%);
loans on owner-occupied 1-4 unit residential properties, including home equity
loans (no specific
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
required limit, but loans at or above 90% require private mortgage insurance
or readily marketable collateral); and loans on other improved property (85%).
 
  The guidelines permit institutions to make loans in excess of the
supervisory loan-to-value limits if such loans are supported by other credit
factors, but the aggregate of such nonconforming loans should not exceed the
institution's total capital, and the aggregate of nonconforming loans secured
by real estate other than 1-4 unit residential properties should not exceed
30% of total capital. Institutions are required to review, and update as
appropriate, their real estate lending policies on at least an annual basis.
 
  Classification of Assets. Savings associations are required to classify
their assets on a regular basis, to establish adequate allowances for losses
and report the results of such classification quarterly to the OTS. For
additional information see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".
 
  With respect to classified assets, if the OTS concludes that additional
assets should be classified or that the valuation allowances established by
the savings association are inadequate, the examiner may determine, subject to
review by the savings association's OTS Regional Director, the need for and
extent of additional classification or any increase necessary in the savings
association's general or specific valuation allowances.
 
  A savings association is also required to set aside adequate valuation
allowances to the extent that an affiliate or subsidiary holds assets posing a
risk to the savings association. A savings association must also establish
liabilities for off-balance-sheet items, such as letters of credit, when
losses become both probable and reasonably estimable.
 
  The OTS has issued guidance for the classification of assets and a policy on
the classification of collateral-dependent loans (where proceeds from
repayment can be expected to come only from the operation and/or sale of the
collateral). For troubled collateral-dependent loans where it is probable that
the lender will be unable to collect all amounts due, a savings association
must classify as "loss" any excess of the recorded investment in the loan over
its "value", and classify the remainder as "substandard". The "value" of a
loan is the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell.
 
  The federal banking agencies, including the OTS, have issued an interagency
policy statement on the allowance for loan and lease losses (the "Policy
Statement"). The Policy Statement requires that federally-insured depository
institutions maintain an allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL") adequate
to absorb credit losses associated with the loan and lease portfolio,
including all binding commitments to lend. Given the appropriate facts and
circumstances as of the evaluation date, the Policy Statement defines an
adequate ALLL as a level that is no less than the sum of (1) for loans and
leases classified as substandard or doubtful, credit losses over the remaining
effective lives of such loans and leases; (2) for loans and leases that are
not classified, all estimated credit losses forecasted for the upcoming 12
months; and (3) amounts for estimated losses from transfer risk on
international loans. Additionally, an adequate level of ALLL should reflect an
additional margin for imprecision inherent in most estimates of expected
credit losses.
 
  The Policy Statement also provides guidance to examiners in evaluating the
adequacy of the ALLL. Among other things, the Policy Statement directs
examiners to check the reasonableness of ALLL methodology by comparing the
reported ALLL against the sum of (1) 50% of the portfolio that is classified
doubtful, (2) 15% of the portfolio that is classified substandard; and (3) for
the portions of the portfolio that have not been classified (including those
loans and leases designated special mention), estimated credit losses over the
upcoming 12 months given the facts and circumstances as of the evaluation date
(based on the institution's average annual rate of net charge-offs experienced
over the previous two or three years on similar loans and leases, adjusted for
current conditions and trends).
 
  The Policy Statement specifies that the amount of ALLL determined by the sum
of the amounts above is neither a floor nor a "safe harbor". However, it is
expected that examiners will review a shortfall relative to this amount as
indicating a need to more closely review management's analysis to determine
whether it is reasonable, supported by the weight of reliable evidence and
that all relevant factors have been appropriately considered.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                                   EMPLOYEES
 
  GWFC employed 13,028 persons at December 31, 1996. Employees are not
represented by a union or collective bargaining group and GWFC considers its
employee relations to be satisfactory. Employees are provided retirement,
savings incentive and other benefits, including life, health and accident and
hospital insurance.
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
  The executive offices of both GWFC and GWB are located in the home office
building owned by GWB at 9200 Oakdale Avenue, Chatsworth, California. GWFC
owns approximately 47% of the 6.3 million square feet in which its
headquarters, administrative and branch offices are located throughout several
states, including California and Florida.
 
  During 1996, a strategic review of the corporate headquarters facilities was
completed to reduce the Company's premises costs. The restacking of the
corporate headquarters campus will be implemented throughout 1997 and will
include vacating three buildings which will improve the density of the
remaining buildings. The restack initiatives will result in a reduction of
272,000 useable square feet or 27% of the campus.
 
  See Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8,
"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data", for information on properties,
leases and property operations.
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  See Item 1, Business "Litigation Relating to the Ahmanson Merger Proposal".
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
  None.
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
        MATTERS
 
  The following information appears in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Item 8,
"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".
 
    (a) Market and market prices of the common stock--pages 107, 108 and
        109
 
    (b) Approximate number of common security holders--page 107
 
    (c) Common stock dividend history and restrictions--pages 107, 108 and
        109
 
    (d) Common stock dividend policy--pages 13, 92 and 93
 
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                              1996          1995          1994           1993          1992
                          -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, 
EXCEPT PER SHARE)
<S>                       <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
Interest income           $   3,233,931  $ 3,238,711  $   2,629,718  $   2,680,784  $ 3,091,093
Interest expense              1,855,914    1,936,582      1,307,448      1,297,930    1,668,731
                          -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
Net interest income           1,378,017    1,302,129      1,322,270      1,382,854    1,422,362
Provision for loan and
 lease losses                   196,158      177,050        206,379        462,080      420,000
                          -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
Net interest income af-
 ter provision for loan
 and lease losses             1,181,859    1,125,079      1,115,891        920,774    1,002,362
Noninterest income              319,012      317,018        367,076        326,935      282,131
Noninterest expense           1,314,249    1,019,975      1,076,433      1,155,662    1,188,981
                          -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
Earnings before taxes on
 income                         186,622      422,122        406,534         92,047       95,512
Federal and state taxes
 on income                       70,800      161,100        155,300         30,000       41,600
Accounting changes                   --           --             --             --       31,094
                          -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
Net earnings              $     115,822  $   261,022  $     251,234  $      62,047  $    85,006
                          =============  ===========  =============  =============  ===========
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL
 CONDITION
Cash and cash equiva-
 lents                    $     834,292  $ 1,094,417  $   1,148,565  $     975,706  $ 1,036,579
Securities available-
 for-sale                     1,279,283    1,092,459        917,095        871,074      623,906
Loans                        30,823,192   29,887,349     28,378,368     30,661,403   30,584,604
Mortgage-backed securi-
 ties                         7,788,551    9,803,441      9,269,607      3,189,396    3,168,057
Real estate                     159,997      217,112        256,967        434,077    1,153,383
Other assets                  1,989,257    2,491,986      2,247,655      2,216,704    1,872,657
                          -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
Total assets              $  42,874,572  $44,586,764  $  42,218,257  $  38,348,360  $38,439,186
                          =============  ===========  =============  =============  ===========
Deposits                  $  28,586,773  $29,234,928  $  28,700,947  $  31,531,563  $30,908,665
Borrowings                   10,501,813   11,345,634     10,120,660      3,479,341    4,151,052
Other liabilities             1,090,786    1,083,726        912,864        914,055      929,735
Company-obligated
 mandatorily redeemable
 preferred securities of
 the Company's
 subsidiary trust               100,000      100,000             --             --           --
Stockholders' equity-
 substantially re-
 stricted                     2,595,200    2,822,476      2,483,786      2,423,401    2,449,734
                          -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
Total liabilities and
 equity                   $  42,874,572  $44,586,764  $  42,218,257  $  38,348,360  $38,439,186
                          =============  ===========  =============  =============  ===========
PER COMMON SHARE DATA
Fully diluted earnings    $         .69  $      1.71  $        1.69  $         .28  $       .53
Dividends                           .98          .92            .92            .92          .91
Stock price range         31 1/8-21 1/8    27 1/8-16  20 7/8-15 3/8  20 3/8-15 5/8    19 3/4-13
Year-end closing price               29       25 3/8             16             20       17 1/2
Stockholders' equity              17.63        18.42          16.30          16.05        16.48
Tangible stockholders'
 equity                           15.55        16.06          13.59          12.80        14.01
Price earnings ratio                 42           15              9             71           33
Dividend rate of return             3.4%         3.6%           5.8%           4.6%         5.2%
Dividend rate as a per-
 cent of earnings                 142.0%        53.8%          54.4%         328.6%       171.7%
AT YEAR END
Average equity to aver-
 age assets                         6.3%         5.9%           6.2%           6.5%         6.2%
Return on average assets            .27%         .59%           .65%           .16%         .22%
Return on average equity           4.23%       10.03%         10.35%          2.53%        3.50%
Number of common shares
 issued                     137,875,955  137,279,331    134,315,592    132,616,172  130,814,018
Number of beneficial and
 record stockholders             49,124       51,178         52,633         55,469       42,332
Number of employees              13,028       14,393         15,644         17,029       16,016
Number of offices                 1,138        1,207          1,210          1,180        1,101
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
        RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                                   OVERVIEW
 
  Great Western reported consolidated net earnings of $115.8 million, or $.69
per share, for 1996 compared to $261 million, or $1.71 per share for 1995 and
$251.2 million, or $1.69 per share for 1994. The Company's net earnings for
1996 were reduced by a special one-time federal deposit insurance assessment
imposed on the nation's thrift industry. Without this $188.4 million special
insurance premium assessment and other nonrecurring charges taken in 1996,
including a $68.3 million pre-tax restructuring charge primarily to reengineer
the Company's loan origination operations and consolidate the Company's
corporate headquarters and a $50 million provision for loan and lease losses
on the bulk sale of nonperforming loans and real estate, annual earnings for
1996 would have been $310.7 million, or $2.09 per share. In 1994, the
Company's pre-tax earnings included a $62 million gain on the sale of certain
retail banking branches and a $12 million write-off of interstate banking
access rights. Without the $62 million gain and the $12 million write-off, the
annual earnings for 1994 would have been $220 million, or $1.65 per share.
   
  Provisions for losses on loans and leases in 1996 rose to $196.2 million, up
from $177.1 million in 1995. The provision was $206.4 million in 1994. The
$196.2 million provision in 1996 included a charge of $50 million attributable
to the bulk sale of $292.4 million of nonperforming loans and real estate
associated primarily with loans made in 1989 through 1992. Excluding the bulk
sale, the provision would have fallen to $146.2 million reflecting the
improvement in the real estate market. Net charge-offs of 1-4 unit residential
loans ("single-family" or "SFR") remained flat from 1995 to 1996. Excluding
the charge-off of $58.4 million attributable to the bulk sale of nonperforming
loans and real estate, net charge-offs for SFR's declined from $189 million in
1994 to $124.2 million in 1996. Nonperforming assets were $546 million, or
1.27% of assets at December 31, 1996, $768.3 million, or 1.72% of assets at
December 31, 1995 and $846 million, or 1.98% of assets at December 31, 1994.
    
  Net interest income was $1.38 billion for 1996 compared with $1.30 billion
for 1995 and $1.32 billion in 1994. The interest spread for 1996 was 3.15%
compared with 3.00% for 1995 and 3.50% for 1994. The Company's net interest
margin was 3.33% for 1996 compared with 3.13% for 1995 and 3.60% for 1994.
   
  Noninterest income was $319 million in 1996, $317 million in 1995 and $367.1
million in 1994. In 1996, banking fees increased $25.0 million and securities
operations increased $9.1 million. These increases were offset in part by
$30.7 million in write-downs of mortgage-backed securities, a $7.3 million
provision for mortgages sold with recourse, and a $4.1 million loss on
affordable housing investments. In 1996 a $22.5 million gain was recorded on
the sale of the student loan business. This gain was offset by a decrease from
1995 to 1996 in gains on sale of mortgages and mortgage-backed securities of
$5.1 million and a decrease in the gain on sale of leases of $14.1 million.
    
  Excluding the SAIF assessment and the restructuring expense, noninterest
expense was $1.1 billion in 1996, $1 billion in 1995 and $1.1 billion in 1994.
The increase of $37.6 million in 1996 was in part the result of increased
professional fees of $22.2 million attributable to new initiatives and
increased litigation fees and a $5.0 million decrease in telecommunications
costs.
 
                               LINE OF BUSINESS
 
  Great Western Financial Corporation is managed along four major lines of
business: Consumer Finance, Real Estate Services, Retail Banking and Treasury.
The financial performance of these business lines is measured by the Company's
profitability reporting system. The system uses various management accounting
principles to ensure each business line's financial results reflect the
underlying economics of that business.
 
  To properly assess the profitability of each business unit, charges for
funds employed and credits for funds generated are assigned on a matched
maturity basis to minimize interest-rate risk in the business line and
centralize that exposure in the Treasury unit where it is managed for the
Company as a whole. Expenses incurred
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
in the Company's support units are assigned to business lines based on
services provided to a particular business unit. Residual expenses, assets
employed and other overhead costs are allocated based on the ratio of a
business unit's noninterest expense to the Company total noninterest expense.
Loss provision and capital are allocated based on management's assessment of
the risk profile of each business line. Finally, loans originated in the Real
Estate unit are purchased by the Treasury unit at a transfer price that
reflects the risk-adjusted value of the loans.
 
  Since there is no authoritative guidance for management accounting
principles, the organizational structure of the institution and the allocation
methodologies it employs result in business line financial results that are
not necessarily comparable across companies. As such, Great Western's business
line performance may not be directly comparable with similar information from
other financial institutions. Results by line of business for 1995 and 1996
are presented on the following pages.
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS BY LINE OF BUSINESS
 
  Results of operations and financial highlights by line of business for 1996
and 1995 are presented below.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                             REAL ESTATE
                         CONSUMER FINANCE      SERVICES        RETAIL BANKING           TREASURY              CONSOLIDATED
                         ------------------  -------------   --------------------  ---------------------   --------------------
                           1996      1995    1996    1995      1996       1995       1996        1995        1996       1995
                         --------  --------  -----  ------   ---------  ---------  ---------   ---------   ---------  ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>       <C>       <C>    <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
SUMMARY INCOME
 STATEMENT
Net interest income      $  258.7  $  258.0  $17.8  $ 21.5   $   657.8  $   741.2  $   443.7   $   281.4   $ 1,378.0  $ 1,302.1
Provision for loan and
 lease losses                58.8      48.5     --      --         3.2        2.6      134.2       126.0       196.2      177.1
Noninterest income           27.2      29.2  151.6    93.3       251.7      205.7     (111.5)      (11.2)      319.0      317.0
Noninterest expense
 excluding nonrecurring
 items                      128.4     132.1  120.9   135.1       700.2      654.3      108.0        98.4     1,057.5    1,019.9
 Restructuring expense         --        --   37.3      --        29.8         --        1.2          --        68.3         --
 SAIF special
  assessment                   --        --     --      --          --         --      188.4          --       188.4         --
                         --------  --------  -----  ------   ---------  ---------  ---------   ---------   ---------  ---------
 Total noninterest
  expense                   128.4     132.1  158.2   135.1       730.0      654.3      297.6        98.4     1,314.2    1,019.9
                         --------  --------  -----  ------   ---------  ---------  ---------   ---------   ---------  ---------
 Earnings before tax         98.7     106.6   11.2   (20.3)      176.3      290.0      (99.6)       45.8       186.6      422.1
Income tax expense           37.0      42.3    4.5    (8.1)       70.5      116.0      (41.2)       10.9        70.8      161.1
                         --------  --------  -----  ------   ---------  ---------  ---------   ---------   ---------  ---------
 Net earnings            $   61.7  $   64.3  $ 6.7  $(12.2)  $   105.8  $   174.0  $   (58.4)  $    34.9   $   115.8  $   261.0
                         ========  ========  =====  ======   =========  =========  =========   =========   =========  =========
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET
 DATA
Real estate loans        $     --  $     --  $  --  $   --   $      --  $      --  $28,066.0   $27,055.0   $28,066.0  $27,055.0
Consumer loans            2,105.0   2,016.0     --      --       533.3      497.3        0.7         0.7     2,639.0    2,514.0
Assets                    2,419.1   2,365.1  137.3   150.8     1,308.9    1,533.2   39,809.7    39,928.9    43,675.0   43,978.0
Deposits                    153.9     146.0     --      --    28,751.0   28,856.6       74.1       208.4    28,979.0   29,211.0
Equity                      430.8     450.9  328.9   329.4     1,632.9    1,627.9      347.4       193.8     2,740.0    2,602.0
PERFORMANCE METRICS
Return on average
 equity                     14.33%    14.26%  2.05%  (3.71)%      6.48%     10.69%    (16.81)%     18.03 %      4.23%     10.03%
Efficiency ratio            44.91%    46.01% 93.36% 117.72 %     80.27%     69.10%     89.58 %     36.42 %     77.44%     62.99%
PERFORMANCE METRICS
 (EXCLUDING
 NONRECURRING ITEMS)
Return on average
 equity                     14.33%    14.26%  8.85%  (3.71)%      7.57%     10.69%     15.92 %     18.03 %      9.85%     10.03%
Efficiency ratio            44.91%    46.01% 71.36% 117.72 %     76.99%     69.10%     32.51 %     36.42 %     62.32%     62.99%
</TABLE>    
   
  In 1995, the Company instituted a management reporting system that enables
management to monitor the Company's performance on a line of business basis
instead of on a traditional legal entity basis. To better assess the true
profitability of its various business lines, the Company also applied
management accounting methodologies for the first time to its line of business
financial results. These methodologies augment the balances directly
attributable to each business line with balances allocated from traditionally
undistributed units. In this way, management can better assess the risk-based
return of a particular business. Great Western is constantly analyzing its
line of business performance and developing better ways to measure
profitability. Consistent with this, the Company refined its management
accounting methodologies in 1996, restating 1995 results to reflect the
revised methodologies. Results from 1994 are not available under the revised
methodologies.     
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
CONSUMER FINANCE
 
  The Consumer Finance line of business is made up of Blazer Financial
Services, City Finance Company, First Community Industrial Bank and Great
Western Thrift & Loan. These companies offer retail installment financing
primarily in the Southeast and Southwest areas of the United States. During
1996, the Consumer Finance line of business had net income of $61.7 million.
Despite growth in the loan portfolio, credit quality for the market served by
this line of business deteriorated in 1996 as evidenced by the year over year
increase in loan loss provision of $10.3 million. Efforts are underway at the
Consumer Finance group to aggressively pursue a more diversified customer base
through specialized training for sales staff, broadened product offerings and
increased use of technology. With return on assets of more than 2.5% and
return on equity of more than 14%, the 1996 financial performance of the
Consumer Finance line of business once again demonstrated the value of this
business unit to the Company.
 
REAL ESTATE SERVICES
 
  The Real Estate Services line of business houses the Company's residential
mortgage origination and loan servicing businesses. Loans are originated in
Great Western's nationwide retail lending offices and through the Company's
wholesale origination function. Fixed rate loans are sold in the secondary
market and adjustable rate loans are primarily transferred to the Treasury
line of business for portfolio investment.
 
  In 1996, this business unit embarked on a series of major re-engineering
efforts designed to improve efficiency, reduce cost and increase production
volume. These efforts will continue throughout 1997. Benefits of the re-
engineering are already being realized as noninterest expense in the Real
Estate line of business dropped 11%, or $14.2 million, during the year.
 
RETAIL BANKING
 
  The Retail Banking line of business includes Great Western's branch banking
franchise, direct banking business and diversified retail businesses including
Sierra Capital Management and Great Western Financial Securities Corporation.
Also in this business unit are Great Western's business banking and consumer
lending functions which figure prominently in the Company's evolution into a
full service bank.
 
  In 1996, the Retail Banking business line added $105.8 million to the
Company's net income. While net interest income declined, the internal credit
for funds generated was less in 1996 than in 1995 and the Retail Banking unit
realized significant growth in fee income. Broadened product offerings, focus
on reducing fee waivers and the introduction of various fee-generating
programs contributed to the 22% increase in noninterest income in the Retail
Banking unit over 1995 levels. The Retail Banking business line was allocated
$29.8 million of the restructuring charge for branch closures and its portion
of the restacking of the corporate headquarters facilities.
 
TREASURY
 
  The Treasury line of business houses the Company's mortgage loan and
investment securities portfolios and meets the wholesale funding needs of the
Company. Additionally, the Treasury function is responsible for hedging the
Company's interest-rate risk and as such, houses the funds transfer pricing
mismatch unit. The mismatch unit is counterparty to the internal charges and
credits for funds received by each of the other business lines. As noted in
the Retail Banking discussion, the credit for funds generated declined from
1995 to 1996. The mismatch unit benefits from such cycles in the internal
transfer pricing environment as evidenced by the increase in net interest
income in the Treasury unit in 1996 compared to 1995. Also contributing to the
net interest income increase in 1996 over 1995 is the increase in real estate
loans outstanding.
 
  Excluding the $188.4 million one-time SAIF assessment, the Treasury line of
business contributed $56.7 million to the Company's net income. Further
excluding Treasury's share of the Company's fourth quarter restructuring
charge, this business unit generated a return on allocated equity of 15.9%.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                             EARNINGS PERFORMANCE
 
NET INTEREST INCOME
 
  In 1996, net interest income rose to $1.38 billion from $1.30 billion in
1995 and $1.32 billion in 1994. The increase in net interest income of $75.9
million in 1996 was attributed to an increased interest rate spread. The
interest spread for 1996 was 3.15% compared with 3.00% for 1995 and 3.50% for
1994. The Company's net interest margin was 3.33% for 1996 compared with 3.13%
for 1995 and 3.60% for 1994. The increase in the spread was due to a decrease
in the cost of funds in the second and third quarters of 1996 and a slight
overall increase in the annual rate received on loans and investments. The
decrease in the cost of funds was a result of an overall decrease of 13 basis
points in the rate of interest paid and a decrease of $482 million in the
total amount of interest-bearing liabilities. The decrease in interest income
in 1996 was due to a $196.1 million decrease in average earning assets from
1995, partially offset by a 2 basis point increase in the overall rate. The
interest spread contracted in 1994 and the first half of 1995 as interest
rates rose sharply and the Company's margin was affected by the ARM repricing
lag. During the second half of 1995, the interest spread began to benefit from
declining interest rates.
 
  The following tables of net interest income display the average monthly
balances, interest income and expense and average rates by asset and liability
component for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                           --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     1996                     1995                     1994
                           ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------
                           AVERAGE          AVERAGE AVERAGE          AVERAGE AVERAGE          AVERAGE
                           BALANCE INTEREST  RATE   BALANCE INTEREST  RATE   BALANCE INTEREST  RATE
                           ------- -------- ------- ------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                        <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>
Earning Assets
 Certificates of deposit,
  repurchase agreements
  and federal funds and
  securities available-
  for-sale                 $ 1,824  $  114    6.24% $ 1,545  $   98    6.36% $ 1,121  $   61    5.44%
 Mortgage-backed
  securities                 8,875     638    7.19   10,486     753    7.18    4,763     276    5.79
 Loans
   Real estate              28,066   2,066    7.36   27,055   1,983    7.33   28,482   1,911    6.71
   Consumer Finance          2,105     370   17.59    2,016     364   18.07    1,868     342   18.31
   Other                       534      46    8.62      498      41    8.13      418      39    9.33
                           -------  ------   -----  -------  ------   -----  -------  ------   -----
     Total earning assets   41,404   3,234    7.81   41,600   3,239    7.79   36,652   2,629    7.17
Other assets                 2,271                    2,378                    2,289
                           -------                  -------                  -------
     Total assets           43,675                   43,978                   38,941
                           =======                  =======                  =======
Interest Bearing
 Liabilities
 Deposits
   Checking                  4,449      33    0.74    4,355      35    0.81    4,566      40    0.88
   Money market and other
    savings                  6,555     193    2.94    6,893     188    2.73    8,519     198    2.32
   Term                     17,640     945    5.36   17,420     973    5.58   16,623     699    4.21
   Wholesale                   336       9    2.68      543      21    3.92      478      13    2.72
                           -------  ------   -----  -------  ------   -----  -------  ------   -----
     Total deposits         28,980   1,180    4.07   29,211   1,217    4.17   30,186     950    3.15
 Borrowings
   Short-term borrowings
    from FHLB                1,493      82    5.49       15       1    5.67       80       4    5.00
   Securities sold under
    repurchase agreements    5,373     295    5.48    7,051     422    5.99    1,985      98    4.94
   Short-term borrowings     1,193      64    5.36    1,593     101    6.36      741      35    4.72
   Long-term borrowings      2,830     235    8.30    2,481     196    7.87    2,591     221    8.53
                           -------  ------   -----  -------  ------   -----  -------  ------   -----
     Total borrowings       10,889     676    6.21   11,140     720    6.46    5,397     358    6.63
                           -------  ------   -----  -------  ------   -----  -------  ------   -----
     Total interest
      bearing liabilities   39,869   1,856    4.66   40,351   1,937    4.79   35,582   1,308    3.67
                           -------  ------   -----  -------  ------   -----  -------  ------   -----
Other liabilities            1,066                    1,025                      931
Stockholders' equity         2,740                    2,602                    2,428
                           -------                  -------                  -------
     Total liabilities and
      equity               $43,675                  $43,978                  $38,941
                           =======                  =======                  =======
Interest spread                               3.15%                    3.00%                    3.50%
                                             =====                    =====                    =====
Effective yield summary
 Interest income/total
  earning assets           $41,404  $3,234    7.81% $41,600  $3,239    7.79% $36,652  $2,630    7.17%
 Interest expense/total
  earning assets            41,404   1,856    4.48   41,600   1,937    4.66   36,652   1,308    3.57
                                    ------   -----           ------   -----           ------   -----
Net interest income/net
 interest margin                    $1,378    3.33%          $1,302    3.13%          $1,322    3.60%
                                    ======   =====           ======   =====           ======   =====
</TABLE>
 
  The average balance of loans above includes nonaccrual loans and therefore
the interest income and average rate, as presented, are affected by the loss
of interest on such loans. Interest foregone on nonaccrual loans was $38.4
million for the year ended December 31, 1996, compared with $38.1 million for
the year ended December 31, 1995 and $46.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 1994.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  The following table shows the components of the change in net interest
income for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 that are included
in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in Item 8, "Financial Statements
and Supplementary Data."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                      -----------------------------------------
                                      1996 VS. 1995 1995 VS. 1994 1994 VS. 1993
                                      ------------- ------------- -------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                   <C>           <C>           <C>
Certificates of deposits, repurchase
 agreements and federal funds and
 securities available-for-sale
  Rate (1)                                $  (2)        $  10         $ (18)
  Volume (2)                                 18            23            17
  Rate/Volume (3)                            --             4            (5)
                                          -----         -----         -----
                                             16            37            (6)
                                          -----         -----         -----
Mortgage-backed securities
  Rate (1)                                    2            65           (14)
  Volume (2)                               (116)          332           113
  Rate/Volume (3)                            --            79            (8)
                                          -----         -----         -----
                                           (114)          476            91
                                          -----         -----         -----
Real estate loans
  Rate (1)                                    8           177           (66)
  Volume (2)                                 74           (96)          (67)
  Rate/Volume (3)                            --            (9)            2
                                          -----         -----         -----
                                             82            72          (131)
                                          -----         -----         -----
Consumer Finance and other loans
  Rate (1)                                  (10)           (5)          (17)
  Volume (2)                                 16            27            27
  Rate/Volume (3)                            (1)           --            (1)
                                          -----         -----         -----
                                              5            22             9
                                          -----         -----         -----
Other assets
  Rate (1)                                    3            (4)           (3)
  Volume (2)                                  3             7           (11)
  Rate/Volume (3)                            --            (1)           --
                                          -----         -----         -----
                                              6             2           (14)
                                          -----         -----         -----
Interest earning assets
  Rate                                        1           243          (118)
  Volume                                     (5)          293            79
  Rate/Volume                                (1)           73           (12)
                                          -----         -----         -----
                                             (5)          609           (51)
                                          -----         -----         -----
Deposits
  Rate (1)                                  (35)          266           (23)
  Volume (2)                                 (4)           (4)           35
  Rate/Volume (3)                             1             5            (1)
                                          -----         -----         -----
                                            (38)          267            11
                                          -----         -----         -----
Borrowings
  Rate (1)                                  (55)           17             8
  Volume (2)                                (14)          276            (9)
  Rate/Volume (3)                            26            69            --
                                          -----         -----         -----
                                            (43)          362            (1)
                                          -----         -----         -----
Interest bearing liabilities
  Rate                                      (90)          283           (15)
  Volume                                    (18)          272            26
  Rate/Volume                                27            74            (1)
                                          -----         -----         -----
                                            (81)          629            10
                                          -----         -----         -----
Change in net interest income             $  76         $ (20)        $ (61)
                                          -----         -----         -----
</TABLE>
--------
(1) The rate variance reflects the change in the average rate multiplied by
    the average balance outstanding during the prior period.
(2) The volume variance reflects the change in the average balance outstanding
    multiplied by the average rate during the prior period.
(3) The rate/volume variance reflects the change in the average rate
    multiplied by the change in the average balance outstanding.
(4) Nonaccrual loans are included in their respective loan categories.
    Amortized net deferred loan fees are included in the interest income
    calculations. The amortization of net deferred loan fees was $25.9 million
    in 1996, $33.5 million in 1995 and $53.4 million in 1994.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
NONINTEREST INCOME
 
  Income from noninterest sources for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                            ----------------------------
                                              1996      1995      1994
                                            --------  --------  --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                         <C>       <C>       <C>
Retail banking fees
  NSF and overdraft protection              $ 74,319  $ 57,140  $ 54,127
  Service charges-checking accounts           38,417    36,216    35,058
  ATM transaction fees                        27,905    25,220    17,866
  Other banking fees                          39,230    36,286    33,652
                                            --------  --------  --------
    Total banking fees                       179,871   154,862   140,703
                                            --------  --------  --------
Servicing fees                                45,684    55,159    50,853
Securities operations
  Brokerage                                   19,135    11,037    23,555
  Mutual fund asset management                11,040    10,055    16,347
                                            --------  --------  --------
    Total securities operations               30,175    21,092    39,902
                                            --------  --------  --------
Net insurance operations                      29,570    28,861    27,636
Real estate fees                              29,105    24,208    29,385
Net gain on sale of student loans             23,388       495     1,673
Net gain on sale of mortgages                  8,562     8,824     5,339
Gain on sale of mortgage-backed securities     8,790    13,585        --
Writedowns on mortgage-backed securities     (30,719)  (10,650)     (821)
Provision for mortgages sold with recourse    (7,300)       --        --
Net gain on sale of securities                    --        --       398
Loss on affordable housing investment         (4,052)   (7,611)       --
Gain on sale of leases                           811    14,909     1,507
Gain on sale of branches                          --        --    62,337
Other                                          5,127    13,284     8,164
                                            --------  --------  --------
                                            $319,012  $317,018  $367,076
                                            ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>    
 
  Retail banking fee income increased to $179.9 million in 1996 from $154.9
million in 1995 and $140.7 million in 1994, an increase of 16% and 28% over
1995 and 1994, respectively. NSF and overdraft protection fees for 1996
increased 30% over 1995. The customer overdraft product, added late in 1996,
is expected to sustain the 1996 growth rate in banking fees in 1997.
 
  Servicing fees totaled $45.7 million for 1996 compared with $55.2 million
for 1995 and $50.9 million in 1994. The servicing spread for 1996 was 41 basis
points on the $11.2 billion average servicing portfolio compared with a
servicing spread of 51 basis points on a $10.8 billion average servicing
portfolio in 1995 and 43 basis points on an $11.7 billion average servicing
portfolio in 1994.
 
  Income from brokerage operations was $19.1 million in 1996 compared to $11
million in 1995 and $23.6 million in 1994. The $8.1 million increase in income
in 1996 resulted primarily from the addition of non-proprietary mutual funds
which improved the product mix resulting in increased revenues.
 
  Income from mutual fund asset management was $11 million in 1996, compared
to $10.1 million in 1995 and $16.3 million in 1994. The Company managed mutual
funds with average assets aggregating $3.4 billion in 1996 compared with $3.1
billion in 1995 and $3.2 billion in 1994. The reduction in income in 1995 is a
result of reduced fees realized on funds management.
 
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
  Real estate fees were $29.1 million in 1996 compared with $24.2 million for
1995 and $29.4 million in 1994. Loan prepayment fees, included in real estate
fees, were $2.4 million for 1996 compared with $532,000 in 1995, and $342,000
in 1994.
 
  During 1996, the Company sold its student loan business to Crestar Bank for
$386.6 million. The Company sold a portfolio of $356.6 million of loans and
after expenses and costs, realized a gain of $22.5 million on the sale. At
December 31, 1996, there was a balance of student loans remaining of $21.5
million. These loans are being aggressively marketed. At February 28, 1997,
approximately $6.8 million of student loans remain to be sold.
 
  The net gain on sale of mortgages was $8.6 million in 1996, $8.8 million in
1995, and $5.3 million in 1994. Mortgage sales in 1996, primarily fixed-rate,
totaled $1.5 billion at a gain of .58% of the portfolio sold, compared to $1.1
billion in 1995 at a gain of .79% of the portfolio sold and $1.2 billion in
1994 at a gain of .48% of the portfolio sold. In conjunction with the sales of
mortgages, capitalized servicing rights of $8.2 million were recorded in 1996,
$4.7 million in 1995 and $604,000 in 1994.
 
  Gain on sale of mortgage-backed securities was $8.8 million in 1996 compared
to $13.6 million in 1995. Sales of mortgage-backed securities were $561.4
million in 1996 and $498.1 million in 1995. There were no mortgage-backed
securities sold in 1994. In conjunction with the sales of mortgage-backed
securities, capitalized servicing rights of $13.5 million were recorded in
1996 and $3.5 million in 1995.
          
  Impairment charge-offs on mortgage-backed securities are reflected in the
write-down on mortgage-backed securities shown as a charge to earnings in
noninterest income. Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with
the 1996 presentation. Write-downs on mortgage-backed securities were $30.7
million for the year ended December 31, 1996, $10.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 1995 and $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1994.     
 
  As a result of the loss experience on loans sold with recourse, an increase
to the contingent liability for losses on loans sold with recourse of $7.3
million was required and recorded in 1996. The outstanding balance of loans
sold with recourse at December 31, 1996 was $1.2 billion, and $1.4 billion at
both December 31, 1995 and 1994.
 
  The gain on sale of leases was $811,000 in 1996 compared with $14.9 million
in 1995 and $1.5 million in 1994. The gain on the sale of leases is the result
of dispositions throughout the year of Great Western Capital Corporation's
fast food leasing portfolio. In 1995, the majority of the portfolio was sold.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
 
  Noninterest expenses were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                    ----------------------------------
                                       1996        1995        1994
                                    ----------  ----------  ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>
Salaries and benefits
  Salaries                          $  369,350  $  365,758  $  381,036
  Taxes, benefits and other             69,254      75,608      88,079
                                    ----------  ----------  ----------
    Total salaries and benefits        438,604     441,366     469,115
SAIF special assessment                188,359          --          --
Premises and occupancy                 179,617     179,654     199,048
Restructure expense                     68,293          --          --
FDIC insurance premium                  65,100      66,365      77,451
Outside data processing                 57,292      60,847      32,512
Professional fees                       40,165      17,942      16,679
Communications                          39,810      44,783      38,856
Amortization of intangibles             37,722      40,286      58,689
Advertising and promotion               32,961      35,661      36,573
Operating losses and settlements        25,212      22,553      14,674
Retirement of subordinated debt         21,406          --          --
Office supplies                         20,718      17,943      16,386
Postage                                 13,982      13,508      17,476
Insurance                               11,413      10,286      11,946
Real estate operations
  Net (gain) on sale of real estate    (15,619)    (21,709)     (6,437)
  Interest recognized on advances       (5,981)     (2,337)     (1,341)
  Provisions for losses                (12,775)      1,500      12,000
  Writedowns                             2,254          --          --
  Operating expenses                    32,847      28,151      27,632
                                    ----------  ----------  ----------
    Total real estate operations           726       5,605      31,854
Other                                   72,869      63,176      55,174
                                    ----------  ----------  ----------
                                    $1,314,249  $1,019,975  $1,076,433
                                    ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Total noninterest expense for 1996, excluding the SAIF special assessment of
$188.4 million and the restructuring expense of $68.3 million was $1.1
billion.
 
  The Company employed 13,028 persons at December 31, 1996, a number of which
worked part-time. The full-time equivalent of employees at that date was
9,367. At December 31, 1995, the Company employed 14,393 persons and had
10,266 full-time equivalent employees.
 
  Total salaries and benefits were $438.6 million, $441.4 million and $469.1
million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The decrease from 1995 to 1996 of $2.8 million is due to reductions in pension
expense offset by an increase in earnings on the company-owned life insurance.
The decrease from 1994 to 1995 of $27.7 million was due to a workforce
reduction of approximately 1,300 positions in 1995.
 
  On September 30, 1996, the President signed into law an omnibus spending
bill which included provisions for the recapitalization of the SAIF through a
one-time special assessment of approximately 65.7 cents per $100 of SAIF
deposits held by savings associations as of March 31, 1995. GWB's special
assessment of $188.4 million was reflected in the Bank's third quarter
results.
 
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
  The Company's results of operations reflect a $68.3 million restructuring
charge. The restructuring initiatives are designed to improve the Company's
competitive position, accelerate expense reduction and enhance future revenue
growth by streamlining operations, making efficient use of premises and
modernizing GWFC's systems platform. The components of the restructuring
charge involve severance and write-off of premises and equipment. The
estimated cost savings for GWFC as a result of implementing the restructuring
initiatives is $39.5 million and $41.5 million in 1997 and 1998, respectively.
 
  The Company's plans to streamline operations, reconfigure the retail branch
network and improve information systems support and other back office
functions will result in the reduction of approximately 1,200 employees and a
charge to restructure expense of $17.0 million. As of December 31, 1996, 630
employee separations have occurred and the related severance expense of $4.6
million was applied against the 1996 restructure liability. Employee
separations related to the restructuring are planned to be completed by the
end of 1997.
 
  The Company's corporate headquarters campus was identified for consolidation
to make optimum use of building space. As a result, three buildings at the
corporate campus will be vacated freeing up 272,000 square feet to sublet to
third party tenants. Additionally, seven retail branch and 109 loan offices
were identified for closure or consolidation. The total effect of vacating
these premises is $29.5 million. Premises identified under the restructuring
initiatives are planned to be vacated by December, 1997.
 
  In order to meet GWFC's goal to modernize and replace its current systems
platform, certain computer hardware and software equipment were considered
obsolete or abandoned and written off. The upgrade and replacement of
equipment will allow the Company to increase operational efficiency, improve
processing capacity and establish a common user workstation environment. As of
December 31, 1996, $18.4 million of equipment was written off and applied
against the restructure liability. The balance of $3.4 million of equipment
will be retired in 1997 and applied against the restructure liability.
 
  Following is a reconciliation of restructuring reserve activity during 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               1996                 BALANCE
                           RESTRUCTURING   1996   DECEMBER 31,
                              CHARGE     ACTIVITY     1996
                           ------------- -------- ------------
   (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                     <C>           <C>      <C>
   Severance                  $ 17.0      $  4.6     $ 12.4
   Premises                     29.5          --       29.5
   Equipment                    21.8        18.4        3.4
                              ------      ------     ------
     Total                    $ 68.3      $ 23.0     $ 45.3
                              ======      ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
  In 1996, professional fees increased to $40.2 million from $17.9 million in
1995 and $16.7 million in 1994. The $22.2 million increase in 1996 was
primarily a result of an aggressive plan to increase income, improve
strategies and operations and reduce costs. Outside legal fees increased $4.4
million in 1996 mainly as a result of the increased level of securities
litigation.
 
  The net loss from real estate operations has decreased from $31.9 million in
1994 to $5.6 million in 1995 to $726,000 in 1996. The reversal of
$13.5 million to the provision for losses in 1996 is a result of the reduction
in non-performing real estate assets and improving prospects for the remainder
of the portfolio.
 
  Included in other operating expenses for 1996 is an $8 million recovery for
fraudulently over-billed marketing costs at Aristar which had occurred over a
number of years.
 
  In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company examined its businesses and began
exploring several options for its mutual fund subsidiary, Sierra Capital
Management Corporation, ranging from a joint venture partnership to a sale.
Due to the announced merger between Washington Mutual and the Company, any
transaction involving this or any other subsidiary is being reexamined, see
Item 1. Business "Merger Agreement with Washington Mutual, Inc.", "H. F.
Ahmanson & Company's Merger Proposal" and "Litigation Relating to the Ahmanson
Merger Proposal".
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
INCOME TAX
 
  The Company's effective tax rate was 37.9% in 1996 and 38.2% in 1995 and
1994.
 
  Under the Internal Revenue Code, GWB, as a qualified thrift institution, had
been allowed to claim deductions for bad debts under the reserve method, which
is more favorable than bad debt deduction methods allowed to claim by other
taxpayers.
 
  Under provisions of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, GWB lost
the use of the bad debt reserve method beginning in 1996. Since the reserve
balance at December 31, 1996 of $724.5 million arose prior to 1988, it is not
currently subject to federal income tax and would not be if GWB were to
convert to a commercial bank or otherwise lose its tax status as a qualified
thrift institution. However, it will be subject to such tax upon certain
occurrences (including its distribution to shareholders), none of which are
currently contemplated.
 
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
                            BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS
 
EARNING ASSETS
 
  The composition of earning assets for the five year period 1992 through 1996
is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DECEMBER 31
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                               1996          1995          1994          1993          1992
                           ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
                           AMOUNT    %   AMOUNT    %   AMOUNT    %   AMOUNT    %   AMOUNT    %
                           ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                        <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>
Certificates of deposit,
 repurchase agreements
 and federal funds and
 securities available-
 for-sale*                 $ 1,517  3.71 $ 1,286  3.08 $ 1,027  2.60 $ 1,027  2.86 $   915  2.57
Mortgage-backed
 securities                  7,789 19.06   9,803 23.47   9,286 23.49   3,196  8.91   3,177  8.92
Loans
 Real estate
 Single-family
  residential               26,079 63.81  24,697 59.13  23,365 59.10  25,682 71.64  25,333 71.14
 Apartments                  1,490  3.64   1,615  3.87   1,712  4.33   1,814  5.06   1,939  5.45
 Commercial                  1,192  2.92   1,374  3.29   1,393  3.52   1,589  4.43   1,553  4.36
                           ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
  Total real estate loans   28,761 70.37  27,686 66.29  26,470 66.95  29,085 81.13  28,825 80.95
Consumer Finance             2,186  5.35   2,136  5.11   1,999  5.06   1,831  5.11   1,723  4.84
Other loans                    240   .59     517  1.23     449  1.13     405  1.13     657  1.84
                           ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
  Total loans               31,187 76.31  30,339 72.59  28,918 73.14  31,321 87.37  31,205 87.63
Investment in FHLB stock       378   .92     341   .82     306   .77     307   .86     314   .88
                           ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
  Total earning assets     $40,871   100 $41,769   100 $39,537   100 $35,851   100 $35,611   100
                           ======= ===== ======= ===== ======= ===== ======= ===== ======= =====
</TABLE>
--------
* Securities exclude $62 million of securities held by the Company's life
  insurance subsidiary at December 31, 1996, $63 million at December 31, 1995,
  $57 million at December 31, 1994, $59 million at December 31, 1993 and $59
  million at December 31, 1992.
 
  Earning assets decreased $897 million from $41.8 billion in 1995 to $40.9
billion in 1996. The Company's investment in mortgage-backed securities
decreased by $2 billion in 1996 and was offset by a $1.1 billion increase in
real estate loans. Proceeds from payments and sales of mortgage-backed
securities were invested into ARM ("Adjustable Rate Mortgages") SFR loans and
other securities. The increase in single-family residential real estate loans
is due to customer demand for adjustable rate mortgage lending rather than
fixed-rate loans, which are sold shortly after origination.
 
Securities Available-For-Sale
 
  Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value. Marketable
securities available-for-sale at December 31, 1996 had both an amortized cost
and a fair value of $1.3 billion. See Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
In determining which security to invest in, the Company considers among other
factors, relative rates, liquidity and credit quality. At December 31, 1996,
there were no investment securities issued by a single issuer (excluding the
U.S. Government and its agencies and corporations) that exceeded 10% of
stockholders' equity.
 
Mortgage-Backed Securities
 
  Mortgage-backed securities consist largely of single-family residential
loans swapped for mortgage-backed securities in 1994 and 1995 to provide
collateral for borrowings. Underlying these securities are loans that were
originated by Great Western Bank. Mortgage-backed securities totaled $7.8
billion at December 31, 1996 compared with $9.8 billion at December 31, 1995.
Because the Company retained the credit risk on the loans underlying these
securities, delinquent loans totaling $145.6 million and $73.2 million in 1996
and 1995, respectively, were repurchased.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
  The composition of mortgage-backed securities for the five year period 1992
through 1996 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             DECEMBER 31
                        ------------------------------------------------------
                           1996       1995       1994       1993       1992
                        ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
                        AMOUNT  %  AMOUNT  %  AMOUNT  %  AMOUNT  %  AMOUNT  %
                        ------ --- ------ --- ------ --- ------ --- ------ ---
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                     <C>    <C> <C>    <C> <C>    <C> <C>    <C> <C>    <C>
Adjustable Rate
 COFI                   $6,073  78 $7,619  78 $6,712  72 $2,084  65 $1,969  62
 FCOFI                   1,335  17  1,565  16  1,752  19     --  --     --  --
 Other                      91   1     90   1     89   1     84   3     --  --
                        ------ --- ------ --- ------ --- ------ --- ------ ---
 Total adjustable rate
  mortgage-backed
  securities             7,499  96  9,274  95  8,553  92  2,168  68  1,969  62
                        ------ --- ------ --- ------ --- ------ --- ------ ---
Fixed-rate
 Long-term                 217   3    473   5    669   7    931  29  1,173  37
 Short-term                 73   1     56   *     64   1     97   3     35   1
                        ------ --- ------ --- ------ --- ------ --- ------ ---
 Total fixed-rate
  mortgage-backed
  securities               290   4    529   5    733   8  1,028  32  1,208  38
                        ------ --- ------ --- ------ --- ------ --- ------ ---
 Total mortgage-backed
  securities            $7,789 100 $9,803 100 $9,286 100 $3,196 100 $3,177 100
                        ====== === ====== === ====== === ====== === ====== ===
</TABLE>
--------
*Less than one percent
 
  At December 31, 1996, approximately 78% of mortgage-backed securities in the
portfolio were indexed to the Cost of Funds Index for financial institutions
comprising the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco ("FHLB")
Cost of Funds Index ("COFI"). The Company has also swapped products which are
indexed to the Federal Cost of Funds Index ("FCOFI"). The FCOFI is a
combination of the average interest rate on the combined marketable Treasury
bills and the average interest rate on the combined marketable Treasury notes.
At December 31, 1996, adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities comprised 96%
of the mortgage-backed securities portfolio compared with 95% in 1995 and 92%
in 1994.
 
  Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value. At
December 31, 1996, mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale of $6.2
billion included $96.2 million of fixed-rate securities and $6.1 billion of
adjustable rate securities.
 
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
Loans
 
  The composition of real estate, Consumer Finance and other loans for the
five years 1992 through 1996 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            DECEMBER 31
                              ---------------------------------------
                               1996    1995    1994    1993    1992
                              ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
      (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
      <S>                     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     
      Real Estate             $28,761 $27,686 $26,470 $29,085 $28,825
      Consumer Finance          2,186   2,136   1,999   1,831   1,723
      Other loans                 240     517     449     405     657
                              ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
                              $31,187 $30,339 $28,918 $31,321 $31,205
                              ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                DECEMBER 31
                        ------------------------------------------------------------
                          1996    %   1995    %   1994    %   1993    %   1992    %
                        -------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- ---
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                     <C>      <C> <C>     <C> <C>     <C> <C>     <C> <C>     <C>
REAL ESTATE
 ARM
  COFI                  $ 20,803  72 $20,961  75 $19,901  75 $20,160  69 $20,353  71
  FCOFI                    2,005   7   2,429   9   1,986   8   4,324  15   4,776  17
  LAMA                     3,318  12   1,668   6      --  --      --  --      --  --
  Other                    1,816   6   1,618   6   3,551  13   3,151  11   2,168   7
                        -------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- ---
   Total ARM loans        27,942  97  26,676  96  25,438  96  27,635  95  27,297  95
                        -------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- ---
 Fixed-rate
  Long-term                  411   2     525   2     582   2     903   3   1,043   3
  Short-term                 408   1     485   2     450   2     547   2     485   2
                        -------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- ---
   Total fixed-rate
    loans                    819   3   1,010   4   1,032   4   1,450   5   1,528   5
                        -------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- ---
   Total real estate
    loans               $ 28,761 100 $27,686 100 $26,470 100 $29,085 100 $28,825 100
                        ======== === ======= === ======= === ======= === ======= ===
Single-family           $ 26,079  91 $24,697  89 $23,365  88 $25,682  88 $25,333  88
Apartments                 1,490   5   1,615   6   1,712   7   1,814   6   1,939   7
Commercial properties      1,192   4   1,374   5   1,393   5   1,589   6   1,553   5
                        -------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- ---
                        $ 28,761 100 $27,686 100 $26,470 100 $29,085 100 $28,825 100
                        ======== === ======= === ======= === ======= === ======= ===
Number of real estate
 loans                   347,530     351,782     370,835     427,659     464,862
CONSUMER FINANCE        $  2,186 100 $ 2,136 100 $ 1,999 100 $ 1,831 100 $ 1,723 100
                        ======== === ======= === ======= === ======= === ======= ===
OTHER LOANS
  Lease financing       $     71  30 $    78  15 $   101  22 $   100  25 $   105  16
  Checking overdraft          62  26      37   7      26   6      28   6      19   3
  Savings account             52  22      56  11      60  13      69  17      72  11
  Student loans               21   9     327  63     239  53     180  44     165  25
  Mobile home loans           14   6      18   3      22   5      26   7      34   5
  Small business lines
   of credit                  13   5      --  --      --  --      --  --      --  --
  Bank cards                  --  --      --  --      --  --      --  --     256  39
  Other                        7   3       1  --       1  --       2  --       6   1
                        -------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- ---
   Total Other Loans    $    240 100 $   517 100 $   449 100 $   405 100 $   657 100
                        ======== === ======= === ======= === ======= === ======= ===
</TABLE>
 
  The origination and sale of real estate loans is dependent upon general
market conditions. In an active real estate market, loan originations may
increase. In such periods, mortgage sales are usually increased to fund a
portion of originations and to control asset growth. However, in some periods
mortgage sales occur to fund customer account outflows and repay borrowings
which result in asset shrinkage. Mortgage sales also occur to limit interest-
rate risk and for restructuring purposes.
 
  The ARM for single-family residential properties is the primary lending
product held for investment. At December 31, 1996, ARMs comprised 97% of the
real estate loan portfolio compared with 96% in the comparable period in 1995.
At December 31, 1996, approximately 72% of real estate loans in the portfolio
were
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
indexed to COFI. The Company also originates ARM products which are indexed to
one-year Treasury bills, the prime rate and FCOFI. In March 1995, the Company
introduced a new product, the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") Annual
Monthly Average ("LAMA") ARM. The LAMA ARM is indexed to a 12 month average of
the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") One Month LIBOR. The FCOFI
and LAMA ARMs are similar to the COFI ARM product with respect to interest-
rate caps and payment changes.
 
  Fixed-rate lending tends to increase during periods of relatively low
interest rates. Such loans are originated primarily for sale. The Company
sells loans forward into the secondary market and purchases short-term hedge
contracts for the commitment period to protect against rate fluctuations on
its commitments to fund fixed-rate
loans originated for sale. Hedge contracts are recorded at cost. At December
31, 1996, there were no open hedge contracts in the pipeline due to the
relatively low level of fixed-rate commitments.
 
  Commercial real estate loans continued to decrease as a result of the
Company's decision in 1987 to discontinue commercial real estate lending
except to finance the sale of foreclosed properties, or to refinance existing
loans in the normal course of business.
 
  As of December 31, 1996, net real estate loans available-for-sale, primarily
fixed-rate loans, were $84.4 million compared to $159 million on December 31,
1995. Unrealized holding gains on real estate loans available-for-sale totaled
$462,000 at December 31, 1996, compared to $1.4 million on December 31, 1995.
 
  The California real estate market requires continued review. There appear to
be regional differences in economic performance within California and among
property types which are attributable to differing recovery rates for the wide
range of economic activities within California.
 
  On a regional basis, the economic factors affecting the single-family market
appear to be somewhat more favorable in Northern California than in Southern
California. In particular, the median metropolitan area sales price of
existing single-family homes in the San Jose area increased from the third
quarter of 1995 to the third quarter of 1996 by 3%. During the same period,
the median sales price for the Los Angeles area declined 3% while the median
sales price for the San Diego area increased by approximately 1%.
 
  In the office space market, regional differences exist between Northern and
Southern California. In the San Francisco area, the vacancy rate declined to
7% at December 31, 1996 from 8% a year earlier. In the Los Angeles area, the
vacancy rate of the office space market was 18% at December 31, 1996 compared
with 19% at December 31, 1995. In San Diego County, the vacancy rate was 13%
at December 31, 1996 and 18% at December 31, 1995.
 
  In the industrial space market, Northern and Southern California vacancy
rates have been more comparable. In the San Francisco area, the vacancy rate
decreased to 8% at December 31, 1996, from 9% a year earlier. In the Los
Angeles area, the vacancy rate of the industrial space market was 7% at
December 31, 1996 and 8% at December 31, 1995. San Diego County's industrial
space market had a vacancy rate of 5% at December 31, 1996 compared with 4% at
December 31, 1995.
 
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
  The geographic distribution of the real estate loan portfolio and nonaccrual
and restructured loans at December 31, 1996 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           CONNECTICUT
                                                                          MASSACHUSETTS
                              CALIFORNIA              FLORIDA                NEW YORK
                        ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
                                  RESTRUCTURED           RESTRUCTURED           RESTRUCTURED
                                      AND                    AND                    AND
                        PORTFOLIO  NONACCRUAL  PORTFOLIO  NONACCRUAL  PORTFOLIO  NONACCRUAL
                        --------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------- ------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                     <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>
Real estate loans
 Single-family
  residential            $15,891      $231      $1,899       $18       $ 1,855      $ 17
 Apartments                1,260        30          54        --            --        --
 Commercial
  Offices                    337        12          14        --            --        --
  Retail                     184         2          13        --            --        --
  Hotel/Motel                 98        14           5        --            --        --
  Industrial                 228        10          11        --            --        --
  Other                      116         1          10         1            --        --
                         -------      ----      ------       ---       -------      ----
   Total                 $18,114      $300      $2,006       $19       $ 1,855      $ 17
                         -------      ----      ------       ---       -------      ----
Percent of total loans      63.0%                  7.0%                    6.4%
Nonaccrual as a % of
 total by state                        1.7%                  0.9%                    0.9%
<CAPTION>
                                OREGON
                              WASHINGTON               OTHER                  TOTAL
                        ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
                                  RESTRUCTURED           RESTRUCTURED           RESTRUCTURED
                                      AND                    AND                    AND
                        PORTFOLIO  NONACCRUAL  PORTFOLIO  NONACCRUAL  PORTFOLIO  NONACCRUAL
                        --------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------- ------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                     <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>
Real estate loans
 Single-family
  residential            $ 1,576      $  7      $4,858       $27       $26,079      $300
 Apartments                    7         1         169         7         1,490        38
 Commercial
  Offices                     16        --          15        --           382        12
  Retail                       4        --          10        --           211         2
  Hotel/Motel                 --        --          76        --           179        14
  Industrial                   1        --          25        --           265        10
  Other                        3        --          26         1           155         3
                         -------      ----      ------       ---       -------      ----
   Total                 $ 1,607      $  8      $5,179       $35       $28,761      $379
                         -------      ----      ------       ---       -------      ----
Percent of total loans       5.6%                 18.0%                    100%
Nonaccrual as a % of
 total by state                        0.5%                  0.7%                    1.3%
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 
  A comparison of California real estate loans and nonaccrual real estate
loans by region as of December 31, 1996 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                NORTHERN CALIFORNIA     CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
                               ---------------------- ----------------------
                                         RESTRUCTURED           RESTRUCTURED
                                             AND                    AND
                               PORTFOLIO  NONACCRUAL  PORTFOLIO  NONACCRUAL
                               --------- ------------ --------- ------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                            <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>
Real estate loans
 Single-family residential      $ 5,024      $ 52      $ 1,337      $ 12
 Apartments                         153         1          225         5
 Commercial
  Offices                            73         8           38        --
  Retail                             44         1           25        --
  Hotel/Motel                        34        --           19         2
  Industrial                         30         1           13         1
  Other                              37        --           17        --
                                -------      ----      -------      ----
   Total by region              $ 5,395      $ 63      $ 1,674      $ 20
                                -------      ----      -------      ----
% of total California loans        29.8%                   9.2%
Nonaccrual as a % of total by
 region                                       1.2%                   1.2%
<CAPTION>
                                SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA         CALIFORNIA
                               ---------------------- ----------------------
                                         RESTRUCTURED           RESTRUCTURED
                                             AND                    AND
                               PORTFOLIO  NONACCRUAL  PORTFOLIO  NONACCRUAL
                               --------- ------------ --------- ------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                            <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>
Real estate loans
 Single-family residential      $ 9,530      $167      $15,891      $231
 Apartments                         882        24        1,260        30
 Commercial
  Offices                           226         4          337        12
  Retail                            115         1          184         2
  Hotel/Motel                        45        12           98        14
  Industrial                        185         8          228        10
  Other                              62         1          116         1
                                -------      ----      -------      ----
   Total by region              $11,045      $217      $18,114      $300
                                -------      ----      -------      ----
Percent of total California
 loans                             61.0%                   100%
Nonaccrual as a % of total by
 region                                       2.0%                   1.7%
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
  The following table summarizes the Company's loan volume with real estate
loan volume composition by security type, purpose and loan type for the five
year period 1992 to 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                          --------------------------------------------------------------------
                           1996    %     1995    %     1994    %     1993    %     1992    %
                          ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                       <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>
LOAN VOLUME
Real estate loans         $ 6,146   72% $ 7,281   75% $ 7,921   77% $ 8,788   79% $ 9,216   81%
Consumer Finance            1,996   24    2,124   22    2,046   20    1,843   17    1,648   14
Other                         348    4      283    3      262    3      450    4      593    5
                          ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----
    Total new loan volume $ 8,490  100% $ 9,688  100% $10,229  100% $11,081  100% $11,457  100%
                          ======= ====  ======= ====  ======= ====  ======= ====  ======= ====
SECURITY TYPE
Single-family             $ 6,074   99  $ 7,162   98  $ 7,807   98  $ 8,623   98  $ 9,098   98
Apartments                     44    1       43    1       51    1       52    1       68    1
Commercial properties          28    *       76    1       63    1      113    1       50    1
                          ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----
                          $ 6,146  100% $ 7,281  100% $ 7,921  100% $ 8,788  100% $ 9,216  100%
                          ======= ====  ======= ====  ======= ====  ======= ====  ======= ====
PURPOSE
Purchase of property      $ 3,403   55  $ 4,546   63  $ 4,421   56  $ 3,152   36  $ 3,205   35
Refinance                   2,739   45    2,710   37    3,479   44    5,607   64    6,005   65
Construction                    4    *       25    *       21    *       29    *        6    *
                          ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----
                          $ 6,146  100% $ 7,281  100% $ 7,921  100% $ 8,788  100% $ 9,216  100%
                          ======= ====  ======= ====  ======= ====  ======= ====  ======= ====
LOAN TYPE
Long-term--essentially
 30-40 years
  ARM                     $ 4,769   78  $ 5,922   81  $ 6,868   87  $ 5,243   60  $ 4,734   51
  Fixed                       833   13      893   12      603    7    2,102   24    2,688   29
Short-term--essentially
 15 years or less
  ARM                         140    2      116    2      130    2      185    2      253    3
  Fixed                       404    7      350    5      320    4    1,258   14    1,541   17
                          ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----  ------- ----
                          $ 6,146  100% $ 7,281  100% $ 7,921  100% $ 8,788  100% $ 9,216  100%
                          ======= ====  ======= ====  ======= ====  ======= ====  ======= ====
Average new loan rate             6.58%         6.78%         5.89%         7.05%         8.25%
Average ARM differential          2.64%         2.62%         2.59%         2.47%         2.25%
</TABLE>
--------
*Less than one percent
 
  The composition of Consumer Finance loans receivable at December 31, 1996
and 1995 was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        DECEMBER 31
                                       --------------
                                        1996    1995
                                       ------  ------
         <S>                           <C>     <C>
         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
         Real estate secured loans     $  994  $  892
         Installment loans              1,109   1,183
         Retail installment contracts     401     399
         Deferred fees                   (318)   (338)
                                       ------  ------
                                       $2,186  $2,136
                                       ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  Consumer finance loans have maximum terms of 360 months, while retail
installment contracts have maximum terms of 60 months. The majority of loans
provide for a fixed rate of interest over the contractual life of the loan.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
Nonperforming Assets
 
  The following table summarizes nonaccrual and restructured loans and
nonperforming real estate for the five year period 1992 to 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              DECEMBER 31
                                      --------------------------------
                                      1996  1995  1994   1993    1992
                                      ----  ----  ----  ------  ------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>     <C>
Nonaccrual loans
 Real estate
  Single-family residential           $285  $432  $490  $  521  $  782
  Apartments                            12    13    40      40      31
  Commercial                             8    14    12      43      37
                                      ----  ----  ----  ------  ------
   Total nonaccrual real estate loans  305   459   542     604     850
 Consumer Finance                       46    25    21      20      22
 Other                                   1     2     2       2       8
                                      ----  ----  ----  ------  ------
   Total nonaccrual loans              352   486   565     626     880
Restructured loans
  Single-family residential             15    13    19       1       0
  Apartments                            26    28    28      30      72
  Commercial                            33    67    78     182      89
                                      ----  ----  ----  ------  ------
   Total restructured loans             74   108   125     213     161
                                      ----  ----  ----  ------  ------
Nonaccrual and restructured loans      426   594   690     839   1,041
As a percentage of total loans        1.38% 1.99% 2.43%   2.74%   3.41%
Nonperforming real estate*             120   174   156     293     970
                                      ----  ----  ----  ------  ------
   Total nonperforming assets         $546  $768  $846  $1,132  $2,011
                                      ====  ====  ====  ======  ======
As a percentage of total assets       1.27% 1.72% 1.98%   2.90%   5.12%
</TABLE>
--------
* In 1992, includes insubstance-foreclosed loans, the reporting of which has
  been subsequently discontinued.
 
  Management's classification of a loan as nonaccrual or restructured does not
necessarily indicate that the principal of the loan is uncollectible in whole
or in part. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become more than
90 days past due. Nonperforming real estate includes foreclosed and investment
properties which do not generate sufficient income to meet return on
investment criteria.
 
  Certain loans (where the Company works with borrowers encountering economic
difficulty) meet the criteria of, and are classified as, troubled debt
restructurings ("TDRs") because of modification to loan terms. TDRs totaled
$74.2 million at December 31, 1996 compared with $108.4 million at December
31, 1995.
 
  In addition to the ongoing monthly bulk sales of foreclosed properties, the
Company disposed of $292.4 million of nonperforming loans and real estate in
1996. The loans and properties were primarily associated with loans made
between 1989 and 1992.
 
Impaired Loans
 
  For information on the recorded investment in loans for which impairment has
been recognized in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan" (SFAS 114) and the
reserve for estimated losses related to such loans. See Note 6 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, "Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data."
 
  The impaired loan portfolio decreased from $268.4 million at December 31,
1995 to $210.1 million at December 31, 1996. The decrease was primarily the
result of the bulk sale of $274.9 million on nonperforming loans. Single-
family residential mortgage loans are generally evaluated for impairment as
homogeneous pools of
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
loans. Certain situations may arise leading to single-family residential
mortgage loans being evaluated for impairment on an individual basis.
 
  The Company's policy for recognizing income on impaired loans is to accrue
earnings until a loan becomes nonaccrual, at which time the accrued earnings
are reversed.
 
  A change in the fair value of an impaired loan is reported as an increase or
reduction to the provision for loan losses.
 
Delinquent Assets
 
  The Company continuously reviews the trends of loans and mortgage-backed
securities with full credit risk. The following summarizes the three year
trends in real estate loans, Consumer Finance and other loans and mortgage-
backed securities which are over 30 to 90 days delinquent:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       DECEMBER 31
                                    -------------------
                                    1996   1995   1994
                                    -----  -----  -----
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                 <C>    <C>    <C>
REAL ESTATE LOANS
  Single-family residential
   Over 30 to 60 days delinquent    $ 263  $ 194  $ 159
   Over 60 to 90 days delinquent       99     87     86
  Other
   Over 30 to 60 days delinquent        9      9     24
   Over 60 to 90 days delinquent        8      6      7
                                    -----  -----  -----
    Total                           $ 379  $ 296  $ 276
                                    =====  =====  =====
    Percentage of related portfolio  1.32%  1.07%  1.04%
CONSUMER FINANCE LOANS
  Over 30 to 60 days delinquent     $  44  $  43  $  38
  Over 60 to 90 days delinquent        18     17     13
                                    -----  -----  -----
    Total                           $  62  $  60  $  51
                                    =====  =====  =====
    Percentage to related portfolio  2.84%  2.81%  2.55%
OTHER LOANS
  Over 30 to 60 days delinquent     $   2  $   5  $   2
  Over 60 to 90 days delinquent         1      3      2
                                    -----  -----  -----
    Total                           $   3  $   8  $   4
                                    =====  =====  =====
    Percentage to related portfolio  1.25%  1.55%   .89%
TOTAL LOANS
  Over 30 to 60 days delinquent     $ 318  $ 251  $ 223
  Over 60 to 90 days delinquent       126    113    108
                                    -----  -----  -----
    Total                           $ 444  $ 364  $ 331
                                    =====  =====  =====
    Percentage to related portfolio  1.42%  1.20%  1.14%
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
  Over 30 to 60 days delinquent     $  47  $  25  $   9
  Over 60 to 90 days delinquent        17     11      4
                                    -----  -----  -----
    Total                           $  64  $  36  $  13
                                    =====  =====  =====
    Percentage to related portfolio   .82%   .37%   .14%
</TABLE>
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
  The increase in over 30 to 60 day delinquencies at December 31, 1996
compared with December 31, 1995 is partially due to a change in collection
processing as a result of the re-engineering of loan servicing and the related
installation of a new loan servicing system in 1996. In addition, borrower
performance continues to be weak on a portion of loans originated during the
late 1980's and early 1990's.
 
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
   
  Summarized below are loan balances by type, their reserve for estimated
losses and the percentage the reserve balance bears to the loan balance for
the periods ended December 31, 1996 and 1995.     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      1996                      1995
                            ------------------------- -------------------------
                              AMOUNT      ALLL    %     AMOUNT      ALLL    %
                            ----------- -------- ---- ----------- -------- ----
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                         <C>         <C>      <C>  <C>         <C>      <C>
Real estate loans
  SFR                       $26,078,926 $147,908  .57 $24,696,485 $156,016  .63
  Commercial and other        2,682,082   90,867 3.39   2,989,420  145,149 4.86
                            ----------- -------- ---- ----------- -------- ----
    Total real estate loans  28,761,008  238,775  .83  27,685,905  301,165 1.09
Consumer Finance              2,185,903   70,045 3.20   2,136,022   55,568 2.60
Other Loans                     240,535    4,879 2.03     516,837    6,116 1.18
                            ----------- -------- ---- ----------- -------- ----
Total loans                 $31,187,446 $313,699 1.01 $30,338,764 $362,849 1.20
                            =========== ======== ==== =========== ======== ====
</TABLE>
   
  At December 31, 1996, the ALLL was $313.7 million, or 1.01% of total loans,
compared with $362.8 million, or 1.2% at December 31, 1995. The provision for
loan losses was $196.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1996, up from
$177.1 million in 1995 due to the one-time addition of $50 million
attributable to the bulk sale of loans. Net charge-offs for single family
residential real estate loans for 1996 were $182.6 million or .72% compared
with $182.5 million or .76% for 1995.     
 
  The Company has a process to determine the adequacy of the allowance for
loan losses that assesses the risks and losses inherent in its portfolio. The
process provides an allowance consisting of two components, general and
specific. The specific component reflects inherent losses resulting from an
analysis of individual loans.
   
  Beginning in the third quarter of 1996, the Company stratified the SFR
portfolio based on such items as borrower performance, current credit scores
and estimated current loan to value ratios ("LTV"). The purpose of the
stratification was to assist the Company in its quarterly assessment of the
allowance for possible loan losses. In addition, the Company modified its
practice for recording charge-offs associated with full credit risk mortgage-
backed securities. Charge-offs related to credit risk on the Company's
mortgage-backed securities held as investments are reflected as a writedown of
the mortgage-backed security. Prior year amounts have been reclassified to
conform with this practice. Charge-offs related to loans and securities sold
with recourse are reflected in the related liability account. In addition, the
Company evaluated the current economic conditions, concentrations within the
portfolio and other subjective factors in assessing the adequacy of its
allowance for loan losses. The change in the allowance for SFR loans from $156
million at December 31, 1995, or .63% of the SFR portfolio to $147.9 million
at December 31, 1996, or .57% reflects the Company's assessment of the SFR
portfolio and the current economic conditions impacting the SFR portfolio.
    
  The allowance for commercial loans is developed through specific credit
allocations applying historical loss experience and loan category based on
asset quality for individual loans, including impaired loans subject to SFAS
114. The allowance for commercial real estate loans has decreased from $145.1
million at December 31, 1995, or 4.86% to $90.9 million at December 31, 1996,
or 3.39%. The reserve for commercial real estate and apartment loans was
reduced by a $40 million credit to the provision for loan and lease losses in
1996, primarily as a result of the Company's review of required levels for the
allowance of this portfolio. The commercial real estate loan portfolio has
continued to decrease as a result of a decision in 1987 to discontinue
commercial real estate lending except to finance the sale of foreclosed
properties or to refinance existing loans in the normal
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
course of business. The quality of the commercial real estate loan portfolio
continues to improve as a result of the recovery in the commercial real estate
markets nationwide and particularly in California. There has been a
substantial amount of liquidity that has returned to the real estate markets.
This liquidity has contributed significantly to the Company's progress in
reducing this portfolio. The Company expects this portfolio to continue to
decline and improve in quality.
 
  The allowance for Consumer Finance loans is based upon a percentage of loans
outstanding in relation to the loss experience within the loan categories
generally stratified by delinquency. The allowance for Consumer Finance loans
increased from $55.6 million at December 31, 1995, or 2.60% of the outstanding
portfolio, to $70 million at December 31, 1996, or 3.20% of the outstanding
portfolio, as a result of some deterioration in credit quality.
 
  The allowance for leases was $1 million at December 31, 1996, down from $3
million at December 31, 1995, or a decline of 67%. Provisions for losses on
the leasing portfolio for 1996, included in other loan loss provisions,
decreased as a result of the reversal of $1.8 million of excess reserves.
Provisions for losses on the leasing portfolio for 1995 decreased as a result
of the reversal of a $6 million reserve originally established for expected
losses which did not materialize.
 
  The general component includes management's judgment of the amounts
necessary for concentrations, economic uncertainties and other subjective
factors. Although management has allocated the allowance to specific loan
categories, the adequacy of the allowance must be considered in its entirety.
 
  The Company's determination of the level of the allowance and,
correspondingly, the provision for loan and lease losses rests upon various
judgments and assumptions, including general economic conditions, loan
portfolio composition, prior loan loss experience and the Company's ongoing
examination process and that of its regulators. The Company has an Internal
Asset Review Committee ("IARC") that reports to the Board of Directors and
continuously reviews loan quality. The Company also has internal staff
regularly review the classification of commercial loans and also reports to
the IARC. Such reviews also assist management in establishing the level of the
allowance. The Bank is examined by its primary regulator, the OTS. These
examinations generally occur annually and target various activities of the
Bank, including specific segments of the loan portfolio. In addition to the
Bank being examined by the OTS, Great Western Financial Corporation and the
nonbank subsidiaries are also subject to OTS examination.
 
  The Company considers the allowance for loan and lease losses of $313.7
million adequate to cover losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio at
December 31, 1996. However, no assurance can be given that the Company will
not, in any particular period, sustain loan and lease losses that are sizable
in relation to the amount reserved, or that subsequent evaluation of the loan
and lease portfolio, in light of the factors then prevailing, including
economic conditions and the Company's ongoing examination process and that of
its regulators, will not require significant increases in the allowances for
loan and lease losses. See Item 1, Business "Cautionary Statements."
 
  At December 31, 1996, the Company had $1.2 billion of loans sold with
recourse and a contingent liability of $9.4 million. The Company considers the
contingent liability for loans sold with recourse to be adequate to cover
losses in this portfolio. All of the loans sold in 1996 were without recourse.
The Company has not sold loans with recourse since February, 1995.
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
Real Estate
 
  Real estate available-for-sale or development was $160.8 million on December
31, 1996 compared to $238.9 million in 1995. The $78.1 million reduction was
primarily the result of the bulk sale of real estate properties completed in
1996.
 
  Real estate available-for-sale or development is recorded at the lower of
cost or fair value and is included in a periodic review of assets to determine
whether, in management's judgment, there has been any deterioration in value.
In 1996, the Company determined that its real estate portfolio was
appropriately valued at market and therefore the associated general reserve of
$13.5 million was reversed.
 
  The geographic distribution of real estate and nonperforming real estate at
December 31, 1996 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              CONNECTICUT
                                                                             MASSACHUSETTS
                              CALIFORNIA                FLORIDA                NEW YORK
                        ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
                        PORTFOLIO NONPERFORMING PORTFOLIO NONPERFORMING PORTFOLIO NONPERFORMING
                        --------- ------------- --------- ------------- --------- -------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                     <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>
Real estate
 Single-family residen-
  tial                    $  75       $  75        $ 1         $ 1         $ 2         $ 2
 Apartments                   9           8          3           3          --          --
 Commercial
  Offices                     4           4         --          --          --          --
  Retail                     14          13          2           2          --          --
  Industrial                  3          --         --          --          --          --
  Property development       36          --         --          --          --          --
  Other                       7           7         --          --          --          --
                          -----       -----        ---         ---         ---         ---
   Total                  $ 148       $ 107        $ 6         $ 6         $ 2         $ 2
                          -----       -----        ---         ---         ---         ---
Percent of total real
 estate                    91.9%                   3.7%                    1.3%
Real estate as a % of
 total by state                        72.3%                   100%                    100%
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                OREGON
                              WASHINGTON                 OTHER                   TOTAL
                        ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
                        PORTFOLIO NONPERFORMING PORTFOLIO NONPERFORMING PORTFOLIO NONPERFORMING
                        --------- ------------- --------- ------------- --------- -------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                     <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>           
Real estate
 Single-family residen-
  tial                     $ 1         $ 1         $ 4         $ 4        $  83       $ 83
 Apartments                 --          --          --          --           12         11
 Commercial
  Offices                   --          --          --          --            4          4
  Retail                    --          --          --          --           16         15
  Industrial                --          --          --          --            3         --
  Property development      --          --          --          --           36         --
  Other                     --          --          --          --            7          7
                           ---         ---         ---         ---        -----       ----
   Total                   $ 1         $ 1         $ 4         $ 4        $ 161       $120
                           ---         ---         ---         ---        -----       ----
Percent of total real
 estate                     .6%                    2.5%                     100%
Real estate as a % of
 total by state                        100%                    100%                   74.5%
</TABLE>
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
  A comparison of the California real estate portfolio and nonperforming real
estate by region as of December 31, 1996 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  NORTHERN CALIFORNIA      CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
                                ----------------------- -----------------------
                                PORTFOLIO NONPERFORMING PORTFOLIO NONPERFORMING
                                --------- ------------- --------- -------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                             <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>
Real estate
 Single-family residential        $  8        $  8        $  3        $  3
 Apartments                         --          --           4           4
 Commercial
  Offices                           --          --          --          --
  Retail                            --          --          --          --
  Industrial                        --          --          --          --
  Property development              11          --          12          --
  Other                              4           4          --          --
                                  ----        ----        ----        ----
   Total by region                $ 23        $ 12        $ 19        $  7
                                  ----        ----        ----        ----
Percentage of total California
 real estate                      15.5%                   12.8%
Nonperforming as a % of total
 by region                                    52.2%                   36.8%
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA         CALIFORNIA
                                ----------------------- -----------------------
                                PORTFOLIO NONPERFORMING PORTFOLIO NONPERFORMING
                                --------- ------------- --------- -------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                             <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>
Real estate
 Single-family residential        $ 64        $ 64        $ 75        $ 75
 Apartments                          5           4           9           8
 Commercial
  Offices                            4           4           4           4
  Retail                            14          13          14          13
  Industrial                         3          --           3          --
  Property development              13          --          36          --
  Other                              3           3           7           7
                                  ----        ----        ----        ----
   Total by region                $106        $ 88        $148        $107
                                  ----        ----        ----        ----
Percentage of total California
 real estate                      71.7%                    100%
Nonperforming as a % of total
 by region                                    83.0%                   72.3%
</TABLE>
 
  In 1996, bulk sales of foreclosed single-family properties totaled $190
million compared with $230 million in 1995. Auction sales have also been
utilized to accelerate the disposition of foreclosed properties.
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
 
  Deposits by product for the five year period 1992 through 1996 is summarized
in the tables below:
 
Deposits
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                DECEMBER 31
                        -----------------------------------------------------------
                         1996    %   1995    %   1994    %   1993    %   1992    %
                        ------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- ---
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                     <C>     <C> <C>     <C> <C>     <C> <C>     <C> <C>     <C>
BY PRODUCT
Checking accounts       $ 4,420  15 $ 4,365  15 $ 4,416  15 $ 4,341  14 $ 3,691  12
Money market and other
 savings                  6,633  23   6,594  22   7,439  26   8,845  28   8,802  28
Wholesale transaction       158   1     174   1     158   1     173   *     197   1
Public funds                 28  --     288   1     403   1     411   1     457   1
Brokered accounts            --  --      --  --       4   *       4   *      28  --
Tax-deferred accounts
Deferred compensation     1,197   4   1,361   5   1,372   5   1,349   5   2,974  10
IRA/Keogh                 2,570   9   2,766   9   2,712  10   2,894   9   2,825   9
Consumer term accounts   13,581  48  13,687  47  12,197  42  13,515  43  11,935  39
                        ------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- --- ------- ---
                        $28,587 100 $29,235 100 $28,701 100 $31,532 100 $30,909 100
                        ======= === ======= === ======= === ======= === ======= ===
</TABLE>
--------
* Less than one percent
 
  The Company concentrates its retail deposit-gathering activity in two
states: California and Florida. The total decrease in deposits reflects the
competitive environment of banking institutions and the wide array of
investment opportunities available to consumers.
 
Borrowings
 
  The following summarizes borrowings for the five year period 1992 through
1996:
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      DECEMBER 31
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                              1996           1995           1994           1993          1992
                          -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
                          AMOUNT    %    AMOUNT    %    AMOUNT    %    AMOUNT   %    AMOUNT   %
                          ------- -----  ------- -----  ------- -----  ------ -----  ------ -----
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                       <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Short-term borrowings
 from FHLB                $ 2,012 18.98  $   740  6.47  $    72  0.71% $  119  3.42% $  118  2.84%
Securities sold under
 agreements to
 repurchase                 4,198 39.60    6,868 60.00    6,299 62.26      --    --     717 17.27
Short-term borrowings       1,101 10.38    1,316 11.50    1,211 11.97     676 19.43     487 11.77
Long-term borrowings*       3,291 31.04    2,522 22.03    2,539 25.09   2,684 77.15   2,829 68.15
                          ------- -----  ------- -----  ------- -----  ------ -----  ------ -----
Total borrowings*         $10,602   100% $11,446   100% $10,121   100% $3,479   100% $4,151   100%
                          ------- -----  ------- -----  ------- -----  ------ -----  ------ -----
Average interest rate on
 borrowings at year end            6.03%          6.27%          6.42%         7.34%         7.60%
</TABLE>
--------
* Includes $100 million of Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
  securities of the Company's subsidiary trust in 1995 and 1996.
 
  At December 31, 1996, short-term borrowings from FHLB of $2 billion
increased by $1.3 billion over 1995. Other short-term borrowings at December
31, 1996 of $1.1 billion decreased by $215 million from 1995. At December 31,
1996, securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $4.2 billion,
decreased by $2.7 billion from 1995. Long-term borrowings at December 31, 1996
of $3.3 billion (including $100 million of Company-obligated mandatorily
redeemable preferred securities of the Company's subsidiary trust), increased
by $769.8 million over 1995.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
  The following summarizes borrowings by date of maturity as of December 31,
1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     LESS THAN  1-2     2-5    5-10   AFTER 10
                             TOTAL   ONE YEAR  YEARS   YEARS   YEARS   YEARS
                            -------  --------- ------  ------  -----  --------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                         <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>
Short-term borrowings from
 FHLB                       $ 2,012   $2,012   $   --  $   --  $ --     $ --
Securities sold under
 agreements to repurchase     4,198    3,704      192     302    --       --
Short-term borrowings         1,101    1,101       --      --    --       --
Long-term borrowings from
 FHLB                           758       --      554     204    --       --
Senior debt*                  2,533      352      500   1,336   199      146
                            -------   ------   ------  ------  ----     ----
Total borrowings*            10,602    7,169    1,246   1,842   199      146
                            =======   ======   ======  ======  ====     ====
Average interest rate on
 borrowings by maturity        6.03%    5.60%    6.16%   7.11% 8.67%    8.92%
</TABLE>
--------
* Includes $100 million of Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
  securities of the Company's subsidiary trust in 1995 and 1996.
 
  Total borrowings decreased $844 million from $11.4 billion at December 31,
1995 to $10.6 billion in 1996. The Company reduced its percentage of total
borrowings from securities sold under agreements to repurchase by 20.4%, from
60% to 39.6%, and increased its short-term borrowings from the FHLB, as a
percentage to total borrowings, to 19% and its long-term borrowings to 31%.
 
  Short-term borrowings from the FHLB increased from $72 million in 1994 to
$740 million in 1995 to $2 billion in 1996. Borrowings from securities sold
under agreements to repurchase decreased from $6.9 billion in 1995 to $4.2
billion in 1996 down from $6.3 billion in 1994. Short-term borrowings in 1996,
other than from the FHLB, decreased $215 million while long-term borrowings
increased $769 million.
 
                          ASSET LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
 
  The Company's principal ongoing objectives in managing its assets and
liabilities are to maintain and increase the spread that exists between the
return received on its interest-earning assets and the price paid on
liabilities to fund such assets, to reduce the volatility caused by changes in
interest rates, to ensure risk-taking is calculated and not excessive, and to
provide sufficient liquidity at all times.
 
  The Company employs numerous strategies and strict policies to accomplish
and maintain these objectives. As the Company's main earning assets are loans
and mortgage-backed securities, it primarily makes or invests in ARM loans or
securities. In so doing, it reduces the extreme volatility and loss in value
that would result by owning low fixed-rate loans during a period of rapidly
rising interest rates.
 
  Although it costs the Company during the "lag" that exists between the time
loan rates rise and when loan rates are adjusted upwards, the Company benefits
in the same measure from the lag when rates fall. Other financial risks exist
in the Company's operation and balance sheet. These main risks, including
basis, repricing, options, and yield curve twists, are more difficult to
quantify and manage.
 
  The cost of funds for GWB, relative to COFI, FCOFI and LAMA is shown as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      GWB COST OF
                         GWB                        FUNDS LESS THAN
                       COST OF                      ------------------
                        FUNDS  COFI   FCOFI  LAMA   COFI  FCOFI  LAMA
                       ------- -----  -----  -----  ----  -----  -----
   <S>                 <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>   <C>    <C>    
   December 31, 1996    4.416% 4.842% 5.940% 5.442% .426% 1.524% 1.026%
   September 30, 1996   4.468  4.834  5.991  5.512  .366  1.523  1.044
   June 30, 1996        4.396  4.809  5.935  5.636  .413  1.539  1.240
   March 31, 1996       4.463  4.874  5.957  5.766  .411  1.494  1.303
   December 31, 1995    4.658  5.059  6.152  5.940  .401  1.494  1.282
   December 31, 1994    4.019  4.589  5.971     --  .570  1.952     --
</TABLE>
 
  To accomplish its objectives, the Company stabilizes its balance sheet
primarily by matching various characteristics of the assets purchased with the
liabilities incurred. It also sells the low margin fixed rate loans
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
and ARMs it originates into the secondary market while retaining more
profitable ARMs. When necessary, off-balance sheet instruments allow the
Company to pursue marketing strategies consistent with customer needs while
compensating for the risk these strategies create. The most frequently used
instruments are various types of interest rate swaps, caps, floors, and
futures.
 
  To protect against rate fluctuations for items before they are put on the
balance sheet, items such as commitments to fund fixed-rate loans originated
for sale, the Company from time to time uses off balance sheet instruments
including interest rate forwards, caps, floors, and future contracts as
asset/liability management tools. They are used to reduce the Company's
exposure to interest rate fluctuations and provide more stable spreads between
asset yields and the rates on their funding sources.
 
  To evaluate the Company's current interest-rate position, it is necessary to
analyze the amount and proportionate share of each of its major earning
assets, including each major type of short-term or long-term real estate loan,
and the amount and proportionate share of each major category of short-term or
long-term deposits and borrowings. The Company utilizes a variety of
analytical tools including static gap, duration gap, risk point reports, net
interest income simulation and market value of equity sensitivity analysis.
The standard static gap report appears below.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
  The following table shows that the portfolio of short-term assets exceeded
liabilities maturing or subject to interest adjustment within one year by $2.3
billion, or 6.6% of earning assets at December 31, 1996 compared with $3.6
billion, or 8.7% total of earning assets at December 31, 1995. The Company is
better protected against rising rates with an excess of interest earning
assets maturing or repricing within one year.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         INTEREST/RATE SENSITIVITY
                                             DECEMBER 31, 1996
                            ----------------------------------------------------
                            WITHIN                          OVER           % OF
                            1 YEAR   1-5 YEARS 5-15 YEARS 15 YEARS  TOTAL  TOTAL
                            -------  --------- ---------- -------- ------- -----
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                         <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>     <C>
EARNING ASSETS
Certificates of deposit,
 repurchase agreements and
 federal funds
 and securities available-
 for-sale                   $ 1,517   $   --     $   --    $   --  $ 1,517    4%
Mortgage-backed securities    7,622       63         72        32    7,789   19
Loans
 Real estate
 Adjustable rate             25,578    2,364         --        --   27,942   68
 Fixed-rate
  Short-term                     26       13         30       339      408    1
  Long-term                      78       55        101       177      411    1
                            -------   ------     ------    ------  -------  ---
   Total real estate loans   25,682    2,432        131       516   28,761   70
 Consumer Finance               184    1,584        304       114    2,186    5
 Other loans                    178       57          1         4      240    1
                            -------   ------     ------    ------  -------  ---
   Total loans               26,044    4,073        436       634   31,187   76
Investment in FHLB stock         --       --         --       378      378    1
                            -------   ------     ------    ------  -------  ---
   Total earning assets      35,183    4,136        508     1,044   40,871  100
                            -------   ------     ------    ------  -------  ---
INTEREST BEARING
 LIABILITIES
Deposits
 Checking                     4,420       --         --        --    4,420   11
 Money market and other
  savings                     6,744       --         --        --    6,744   17
 Term accounts               14,843    2,393          1        --   17,237   44
 Wholesale                      186       --         --        --      186    1
                            -------   ------     ------    ------  -------  ---
   Total deposits            26,193    2,393          1        --   28,587   73
Borrowings
 Short-term borrowings
  from FHLB                   2,012       --         --        --    2,012    5
 Securities sold under
  agreement to repurchase     3,704      494         --        --    4,198   11
 Short-term borrowings        1,101       --         --        --    1,101    3
 Long-term borrowings            --    2,127      1,019        45    3,191    8
 Company-obligated
  mandatorily redeemable
  preferred securities of
  the Company's subsidiary
  trust                          --       --         --       100      100   --
 Impact of interest-rate
  swaps                        (109)     109         --        --       --   --
                            -------   ------     ------    ------  -------  ---
   Total borrowings           6,708    2,730      1,019       145   10,602   27
                            -------   ------     ------    ------  -------  ---
Total interest bearing
 liabilities                 32,901    5,123      1,020       145   39,189  100%
                            -------   ------     ------    ------  -------  ---
Excess of earning assets
 over interest bearing
 liabilities at
 December 31, 1996          $ 2,282   $ (987)    $ (512)   $  899  $ 1,682
                            =======   ======     ======    ======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                             LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT
 
  Liquidity refers to the capability of a company to fund its operations and
meet its obligations and commitments on both a timely and cost-effective basis
out of its cash flow.
 
  Customer deposits provide the Company with a sizeable source of stable low-
cost funds. Customer deposits and stockholders' equity funded 72.6% and 72.3%
of its average total assets in 1996 and 1995, respectively. The remaining
funding is provided by a combination of wholesale short-term funding sources
including reverse repurchase agreements and intermediate-term sources
including senior debt.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
  The Company's real estate loans totaled $28.8 billion at December 31, 1996.
Of this amount, $552 million matures within one year and $2.9 billion matures
within one to five years on a contractual basis.
 
  GWB, at December 31, 1996, had excess borrowing capacity at the FHLB of
approximately $10 billion which includes a $200 million overnight federal
funds line. Other sources of liquidity include extending maturities on short-
term borrowings and the sale of assets.
 
  As presented in the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows, the
sources of liquidity vary between years. The primary sources of funds in 1996
were sales and principal payments on mortgage-backed securities and loans held
for investment of $7.2 billion. New loans originated for investment required
$6.9 billion in 1996. Operating activities provided $1.2 billion in 1996.
 
  The Bank maintains liquidity balances each period in excess of funding and
legal requirements. Cash, certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements and
federal funds and securities available for sale totaled $1.9 billion at
December 31, 1996 and $1.9 billion at December 31, 1995. GWB had funds in
excess of required liquidity levels. The amounts over those required for
regulatory purposes will fluctuate between periods and are a source of short-
term funding.
 
                           PARENT COMPANY LIQUIDITY
 
  GWFC, the parent company, derives substantially all of its cash income from
dividends received from its subsidiaries. During 1996, it received cash
dividends in the amount of $274.8 million. Of that amount, $151.3 million was
received from GWB, $116.8 million was received from Aristar and $6.7 million
from other subsidiaries.
 
  In July, 1996, GWFC renewed its July, 1994 $200 million syndicated multi-
year credit facility with 21 banks. This is a revolving line of credit which
is a contingent source of liquidity. This line is used to backup commercial
paper for the Company's issuances. To date, there have been no borrowings
under this agreement.
 
  Short-term liquidity can also be generated by the Company's ability to raise
funds in a number of capital and money markets as well as by liquidating
short-term investments.
 
                               CAPITAL ADEQUACY
 
  Capital (stockholders' equity) was $2.6 billion at December 31, 1996 and
$2.8 billion at December 31, 1995. At the end of calendar year 1996, the ratio
of capital to total assets was 6.1% compared with 6.3% a year ago.
 
  In September 1996, the Company called for the redemption of its $129
million, 8.75% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. These shares were
issued in May 1991. The holders had the option to redeem their shares or
convert them into shares of the Company's common stock. In the third quarter,
2,561,642 depositary shares or 512,328 shares were converted to 6,278,421
shares of common stock with a conversion price of $20.40 per share while
19,058 depositary shares or 3,812 shares were redeemed for cash at $994,589 or
$260.94 per share. In the second quarter of 1996, 6,800 depositary shares or
1,360 shares were converted to 16,666 shares of common stock at $340,000 or
$20.40 per share.
 
  On July 23, 1996, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to
7.5 million shares of outstanding common stock, representing approximately 5%
of the total number of shares outstanding as of June 30, 1996. On July 29,
1996, 6.5 million shares were repurchased at a weighted average price of
$26.85 per share. By February 20, 1997, the remaining balance of 1.0 million
shares had been repurchased at a weighted average price of $31.91 per share.
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
  On January 28, 1997, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up
to 5 million shares of outstanding common stock, representing approximately
3.6% of the total number of outstanding shares at December 31, 1996. As of
February 28, 1997, there had been no repurchases under this program. On March
5, 1997 the Board of Directors voted to discontinue the repurchase program.
 
  GWB is subject to certain capital requirements under applicable regulations
and meets all such requirements. GWB's total risk-based capital was $2.7
billion, including eligible subordinated notes of $157.7 million at December
31, 1996 and $3.0 billion, including eligible subordinated notes of $373.5
million at December 31, 1995. The decrease in eligible subordinated notes is
due primarily to partial early redemptions of two issues in the fourth quarter
of 1996.
 
  The following ratios compare GWB with the capital requirements under
regulations issued by the OTS:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             DECEMBER 31, 1996          DECEMBER 31, 1995
                         -------------------------- --------------------------
                            ACTUAL  OTS BENCHMARK      ACTUAL  OTS BENCHMARK
                         ------------ ------------- ------------ -------------
                         AMOUNT   %   AMOUNT    %   AMOUNT   %   AMOUNT    %
                         ------ ----- ------------- ------ ----- -------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>    <C>   <C>     <C>   <C>    <C>   <C>     <C>
Leverage/tangible ratio  $2,327  5.85 $ 1,192  3.00 $2,366  5.66 $ 1,254  3.00
Tier 1 risk-based ratio   2,322  9.77     950  4.00  2,361  9.40   1,004  4.00
Total risk-based ratio    2,669 11.23   1,901  8.00  2,966 11.81   2,008  8.00
</TABLE>
 
  The OTS previously proposed to amend its capital rule on the leverage ratio
requirement to reflect amendments made by the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency ("OCC") to the capital requirements for national banks. The proposal
would establish a 3% leverage ratio (defined as the ratio of core capital to
adjusted total assets) for savings associations in the strongest financial and
managerial condition. All other savings associations would be required to
maintain leverage ratios of at least 4%. Only savings associations rated
composite 1 under the OTS CAMELS rating system will be permitted to operate at
or near the regulatory minimum leverage ratio of 3%. For all other savings
associations, the minimum core capital leverage ratio will be 3% plus an
additional 100 to 200 basis points.
 
  In determining the amount of additional capital, the OTS will assess both
the quality of risk management systems and the level of overall risk in each
individual savings association through the supervisory process on a case-by-
case basis. The OTS' supervisory judgment on a savings association's capital
adequacy, both in terms of risk-based capital and the minimum leverage ratio,
will continue to be based upon an assessment of the relevant factors present
in each institution.
 
  Savings associations that do not pass the minimum capital standards
established under the new core capital leverage ratio requirements will be
required to submit capital plans detailing steps to be taken to reach
compliance.
 
  GWB currently meets these proposed requirements.
 
  The following table presents the debt ratings of the Company and GWB at
December 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             MOODY'S
                                                            INVESTORS
                                          STANDARD & POOR'S  SERVICE    FITCH
                                          ----------------- ---------- --------
                                            GWFC     GWB    GWFC  GWB  GWFC GWB
                                          ----------------- ----- ---- ---- ---
<S>                                       <C>      <C>      <C>   <C>  <C>  <C>
Unsecured short-term debt                      A-2      A-2   P-2  P-1      F-1
Senior term debt                              BBB+       A-  Baa1   A2  A-    A
Subordinated term debt                                 BBB+         A3       A-
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
 preferred securities of the Company's
 subsidiary trust                             BBB-           Baa2      BBB
Preferred stock                               BBB-           Baa2      BBB
</TABLE>
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
DIVIDENDS
 
  Quarterly cash dividends have been paid since 1977. At its April 1996
meeting, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend from
$.23 to $.25 per common share. The quarterly cash dividend of $.23 per common
share had previously been paid at that level since the second quarter of 1992.
The dividend increase in April was due to the Company's improved earnings
outlook.
 
  The principal source of operating income of the Company on an unconsolidated
basis is dividends from GWB and Aristar. In 1996, cash dividends received from
GWB and Aristar totaled $151.3 million and $116.8 million, respectively.
 
  GWB is subject to the regulations of the OTS and FDIC. The OTS regulations
impose limitations upon "capital distributions" by savings associations,
including cash dividends. The regulations establish a three-tiered system:
Tier 1 includes savings associations with capital at least equal to their
fully phased-in capital requirement which have not been notified that they are
in need of more than normal supervision; Tier 2 includes savings associations
with capital above their minimum capital requirement but less than their fully
phased-in requirement; and Tier 3 includes savings associations with capital
below their minimum capital requirement. Tier 1 associations may, after prior
notice but without approval of the OTS, make capital distributions up to the
higher of (1) 100% of their net income during the calendar year plus the
amount that would reduce by one half their "surplus capital ratio" (the excess
over their fully phased-in capital requirement) at the beginning of the
calendar year or (2) 75% of their net income over the most recent four-quarter
period. Tier 2 associations may, after prior notice but without approval of
the OTS, make capital distributions of up to 75% of their net income over the
most recent four-quarter period depending upon their current risk-based
capital position. Tier 3 associations may not make capital distributions
without prior approval. An association subject to more stringent restrictions
imposed by agreement may apply to remove the more stringent restrictions.
 
  The Company believes that GWB is a Tier 1 association. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the regulatory authorities have broad discretion to prohibit any
payment of dividends and take other actions if they determine that the payment
of such dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. Among the
circumstances posing such risk would be a capital distribution by a Tier 1 or
Tier 2 association whose capital is decreasing because of substantial losses.
 
  At January 1, 1997, GWB could declare dividends or make other capital
distributions of approximately $384 million, without obtaining prior
regulatory approval. Thereafter, the limitation in 1997 will increase by year-
to-date net income less dividends paid to date.
 
               ADOPTION OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
  In 1996, the Company adopted disclosure requirements for stock-based
compensation plans required by the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS 123). The Company
continues to apply Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25 ("APB 25") in
measuring stock compensation but has provided the footnote disclosures
required by SFAS 123. See Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements in Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
 
  The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 122,
"Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights" ("SFAS 122") as of April 1, 1995.
SFAS 122, an amendment to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 65
("SFAS 65"), "Accounting for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities," requires an
entity that originates or purchases loans with the intent of selling or
securitizing such loans to capitalize the mortgage servicing rights. The value
of these servicing rights is based on the assumption that a normal servicing
fee will be received for the estimated life of the loans.
 
  SFAS 122 also requires that all capitalized mortgage servicing rights be
measured for impairment. Impairment is measured by stratifying the underlying
loans based on one or more predominant risk
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
characteristics, including interest rate, product type and geographic area.
Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance.
 
  In 1995, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to Be Disposed Of" ("SFAS 121"). SFAS 121 establishes accounting
standards for the impairment of long-lived assets and certain identifiable
intangibles. The adoption of SFAS 121 did not have a material impact on the
Company's financial statements. As a result of SFAS 121, real estate available
for development is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. Real estate
available for development was previously recorded at the lower of cost or net
realizable value.
 
                IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
  In June 1996, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities," ("SFAS
125"). The Statement provides consistent accounting and reporting standards
for the (1) transfers and servicing of financial assets and (2) extinguishment
of liabilities. The Company will adopt SFAS 125 effective January 1, 1997 and
does not expect the adoption of SFAS 125 to have a material impact on its
financial statements.
 
                               SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
  On January 27, 1997, Great Western Financial Trust II (the "subsidiary
trust"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Western Financial Corporation,
issued $300 million of 8.206% Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the
"preferred securities"). In connection with the subsidiary trust's issuance of
the preferred securities, Great Western Financial Corporation issued to the
subsidiary trust $309 million principal amount of its 8.206% subordinated
deferrable interest notes, due 2027 (the "subordinated notes"). The sole
assets of the subsidiary trust are and will be the subordinated notes. Great
Western Financial Corporation's obligations under the subordinated notes and
related agreements, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional
guarantee by the Company of the subsidiary trust's obligations under the
preferred securities.
 
  On February 3, 1997, the Company received preliminary approval in Federal
Court of a $17.2 million settlement reached with plaintiffs in connection with
the sale of uninsured investment products. Final approval of the settlement is
set for April 14, 1997.
 
  Effective February 25, 1997, GWFC's Board of Directors approved a Broad
Based Plan (the Plan) for eligible employees who are not covered by an
existing severance plan and are not offered a comparable position by an
acquiring company or whose employment is terminated within 12 months of a
change in control, as defined by the Plan. The minimum pay will equate to six
months with the maximum of 18 months obtainable under the Plan. As a result of
the adoption of this Plan, the Company will record an increase to the
restructuring liability in the first quarter of 1997 of approximately
$10,000,000.
 
  On January 28, 1997, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up
to 5 million shares of outstanding common stock, representing approximately
3.6% of the total number of outstanding shares at December 31, 1996. As of
February 28, 1997, there had been no repurchases under this program. On March
5, 1997 the Board of Directors voted to discontinue the repurchase program.
 
  On March 5, 1997, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
with Washington Mutual, Inc. (Washington Mutual), and New American Capital,
Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Washington Mutual. Washington
Mutual is a regional financial services company headquartered in Seattle,
Washington. With consolidated assets of $44.6 billion at December 31, 1996,
this Washington corporation operates through its principal subsidiaries,
Washington Mutual Bank, American Savings Bank, F.A., and Washington Mutual
Bank
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
fsb. Under the Agreement and Plan of Merger, the Company will merge with and
into New American Capital, Inc. in a tax-free exchange, pursuant to which,
among other things, each outstanding share of common stock of the Company will
be converted into .9 shares of common stock of Washington Mutual. Based upon
the closing price of Washington Mutual's common stock on March 5, 1997,
stockholders of the Company would receive shares of Washington Mutual common
stock with a value of $47.93 per share of common stock of the Company. This
transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies. It
is anticipated that this transaction will be accounted for as a pooling of
interests. The Company expects the merger to be completed during the third
quarter of 1997, pending the receipt of regulatory approval from the OTS and
the approval of the stockholders of both companies. For additional information
on the proposed merger, see Item 1. Business "Merger Agreement with Washington
Mutual, Inc.", "H. F. Ahmanson & Company's Merger Proposal" and "Litigation
Relating to the Ahmanson Merger Proposal" in Part I of this Form 10-K.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three years ended December
 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.................................................  52
Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at December 31, 1996 and
 1995....................................................................  53
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three years ended December
 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.................................................  54
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the three
 years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994............................  56
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................  57
Report of Independent Accountants........................................ 105
Management's Commentary on Financial Statements.......................... 106
Quarterly Financial Data................................................. 107
</TABLE>
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                          ----------------------------------------
                                              1996          1995          1994
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE)
<S>                                       <C>           <C>           <C>
INTEREST INCOME
 Securities available-for-sale            $     66,360  $     53,972  $     28,774
 Mortgage-backed securities                    638,424       752,524       276,112
 Loans
   Real estate                               2,066,854     1,985,346     1,913,602
   Consumer Finance                            370,314       364,161       342,329
   Other                                        44,472        38,430        35,953
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
     Total loan interest income              2,481,640     2,387,937     2,291,884
 Other                                          47,507        44,278        32,948
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
     Total interest income                   3,233,931     3,238,711     2,629,718
INTEREST EXPENSE
 Deposits                                    1,179,479     1,217,085       950,299
 Borrowings
   Short-term borrowings                       440,887       523,366       135,988
   Long-term borrowings                        235,548       196,131       221,161
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
     Total interest expense                  1,855,914     1,936,582     1,307,448
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
NET INTEREST INCOME                          1,378,017     1,302,129     1,322,270
Provision for loan and lease losses            196,158       177,050       206,379
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
Net interest income after provision
 for loan and lease losses                   1,181,859     1,125,079     1,115,891
Noninterest Income
 Retail banking fees                           179,871       154,862       140,703
 Servicing fees                                 45,684        55,159        50,853
 Securities operations                          30,175        21,092        39,902
 Net insurance operations                       29,570        28,861        27,636
 Real estate fees                               29,105        24,208        29,385
 Net gain on sale of student loans              23,388           495         1,673
 Net gain on sale of mortgages                   8,562         8,824         5,339
 Gain on sale of mortgage-backed
  securities                                     8,790        13,585            --
 Write-downs of mortgage-backed
  securities                                   (30,719)      (10,650)         (821)
 Provision for mortgages sold with
  recourse                                      (7,300)           --            --
 Net gain on sale of securities                     --            --           398
 Loss on affordable housing investment          (4,052)       (7,611)           --
 Gain on sale of leases                            811        14,909         1,507
 Gain on sale of branches                           --            --        62,337
 Other                                           5,127        13,284         8,164
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
     Total noninterest income                  319,012       317,018       367,076
Noninterest Expense
 Salaries and benefits                         438,604       441,366       469,115
 SAIF special assessment                       188,359            --            --
 Premises and occupancy                        179,617       179,654       199,048
 Restructure expense                            68,293            --            --
 FDIC insurance premium                         65,100        66,365        77,451
 Outside data processing                        57,292        60,847        32,512
 Professional fees                              40,165        17,942        16,679
 Communications                                 39,810        44,783        38,856
 Amortization of intangibles                    37,722        40,286        58,689
 Advertising and promotion                      32,961        35,661        36,573
 Operating losses and settlements               25,212        22,553        14,674
 Retirement of subordinated debt                21,406            --            --
 Office supplies                                20,718        17,943        16,386
 Postage                                        13,982        13,508        17,476
 Insurance                                      11,413        10,286        11,946
 Net real estate operations                        726         5,605        31,854
 Other                                          72,869        63,176        55,174
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
     Total noninterest expense               1,314,249     1,019,975     1,076,433
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES                          186,622       422,122       406,534
Income tax expense                              70,800       161,100       155,300
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
NET EARNINGS                              $    115,822  $    261,022  $    251,234
                                          ============  ============  ============
Average common shares outstanding
 Without dilution                          138,505,046   137,111,074   133,769,724
 Fully diluted                             139,250,206   137,951,442   133,769,724
Earnings per share based on average
 common shares outstanding
 Primary                                  $        .69  $       1.72  $       1.69
 Fully diluted                                     .69          1.71          1.69
Cash dividends per common share                    .98           .92           .92
</TABLE>    
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           DECEMBER 31
                                                     ------------------------
                                                        1996         1995
                                                     -----------  -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE)
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Cash                                                 $   534,192  $   837,292
Certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements and
 federal funds                                           300,100      257,125
Securities available-for-sale                          1,279,283    1,092,459
Mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity (fair
 value $1,622,573 and $1,941,918)                      1,618,709    1,886,736
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale          6,169,842    7,916,705
                                                     -----------  -----------
                                                       7,788,551    9,803,441
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan and
 lease losses                                         30,717,320   29,401,644
Loans available-for-sale                                 105,872      485,705
                                                     -----------  -----------
  Net loans                                           30,823,192   29,887,349
Investment in FHLB                                       377,946      341,102
Real estate available-for-sale or development, net       159,997      217,112
Interest receivable                                      245,539      298,640
Premises and equipment, net                              552,422      604,672
Intangibles arising from acquisitions                    285,991      323,713
Other assets                                             527,359      923,859
                                                     -----------  -----------
    Total assets                                     $42,874,572  $44,586,764
                                                     ===========  ===========
LIABILITIES
Deposits                                             $28,586,773  $29,234,928
Short-term borrowings from FHLB                        2,011,733      740,080
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase         4,197,666    6,868,296
Short-term borrowings                                  1,101,506    1,316,413
Long-term borrowings                                   3,190,908    2,420,845
Accrued interest payable                                 172,324      104,607
Taxes on income, principally deferred                    226,075      378,381
Other liabilities and accrued expenses                   692,387      600,738
                                                     -----------  -----------
    Total liabilities                                 40,179,372   41,664,288
                                                     -----------  -----------
Company-obligated manditorily redeemable preferred
 securities of the Company's subsidiary trust,
 holding solely $103,092,800 aggregate principal
 amount of 8.25% subordinated deferrable interest
 notes, due 2025, of the Company                         100,000      100,000
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share;
 Authorized 10,000,000 shares; Cumulative
 Convertible issued none and 517,500; Cumulative
 issued 660,000 and 660,000                              165,000      294,375
Common stock, par value $1.00 per share; Authorized
 200,000,000 shares; Issued 137,875,955 and
 137,279,331                                             137,876      137,279
Additional paid-in-capital                               680,428      713,889
Retained earnings-substantially restricted             1,535,264    1,572,782
Unearned compensation                                       (327)      (4,282)
Securities valuation allowance                            76,959      108,433
                                                     -----------  -----------
Total stockholders' equity                             2,595,200    2,822,476
                                                     -----------  -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity           $42,874,572  $44,586,764
                                                     ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                          ------------------------------------
                                             1996         1995         1994
                                          -----------  -----------  ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings                              $   115,822  $   261,022  $  251,234
Noncash adjustments to net earnings:
  Provisions for loan and lease losses        196,158      177,050     206,379
  Net decrease (increase) in interest
   receivable                                  53,101      (67,715)    (15,970)
  Net increase in interest payable             67,717            6      29,829
  Depreciation and amortization                87,350       74,245      88,439
  Amortization of intangibles                  37,722       40,286      58,689
  Retirement of subordinated debt              21,406           --          --
  Writedowns of mortgage-backed
   securities                                  30,719       10,650         821
  Writedowns of real estate available-
   for-sale                                     2,254           --          --
  Net gain on sale of securities                   --           --        (398)
  Gain on sale of branches                         --           --     (62,337)
  (Gain) loss on sale of mortgage-backed
   securities                                     925       (8,926)         --
  Gain on sale of leases                         (811)     (14,909)     (1,507)
  Provisions for real estate losses           (12,775)       1,500      12,000
  Gain on sale of real estate                 (15,619)     (21,709)     (6,437)
  (Gain) loss on sale of loans
   available-for-sale                         (16,413)         597       1,414
  Capitalized interest                        (55,625)     (61,746)     (8,431)
  Income taxes                               (136,828)      72,445      65,441
  Other                                       438,870     (235,960)   (166,977)
Sales and repayments of loans available-
 for-sale                                   1,616,630    1,189,955   1,203,636
Originations and purchases of loans
 available-for-sale                        (1,191,263)  (1,234,399)   (894,870)
                                          -----------  -----------  ----------
Net cash provided by operating
 activities                                 1,239,340      182,392     760,955
                                          -----------  -----------  ----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(Decrease) increase in deposits              (648,155)     533,981  (1,849,091)
Disposition of deposits, net                       --           --    (981,525)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term
 borrowings                                 1,098,577      199,906   1,174,643
Repayments of long-term borrowings           (349,920)    (290,205) (1,366,357)
Net change in securities sold under
 agreements to repurchase                  (2,670,630)     569,241   6,299,055
Net change in short-term borrowings from
 FHLB                                       1,271,653      740,080          --
Net change in short-term borrowings          (214,907)     105,952     533,978
Other financing activity
  Common stock repurchased                   (176,732)          --          --
  Common stock issued                          24,452       60,195      29,842
  Redemption of preferred stock                  (998)          --          --
  Payment of cash dividends on common
   stock                                     (133,045)    (124,673)   (122,524)
  Payment of cash dividends on preferred
   stock                                      (20,295)     (25,015)    (25,015)
                                          -----------  -----------  ----------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
 activities                                (1,820,000)   1,769,462   3,693,006
                                          -----------  -----------  ----------
</TABLE>    
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                          -------------------------------------
                                             1996         1995         1994
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Securities available-for-sale
  Proceeds from sales and maturities      $ 2,080,781  $ 1,436,303  $ 1,147,471
  Purchases of securities available-for-
   sale                                    (2,272,801)  (1,585,030)  (1,218,586)
Mortgage-backed securities available-
 for-sale
  Proceeds from sales                         561,400      498,099           --
  Purchases                                   (39,669)          --   (1,041,300)
  Payments received                         1,021,499      445,871      561,365
Mortgage-backed securities held-to-
 maturity
  Purchases                                        --           --     (498,049)
  Payments received                           268,597      768,208      268,051
Real estate loans
  Payments received on loans                2,970,406    2,240,941    3,202,021
  Proceeds from sale of loans                 292,472           --       55,243
  Loans originated for investment          (4,655,316)  (5,816,535)  (6,506,744)
  Repurchases                                 (44,118)    (116,547)    (547,674)
Consumer Finance and other loans
  Loans originated for investment          (2,229,945)  (2,284,775)  (2,168,029)
  Proceeds from sale of loans                   2,430       34,997        6,438
  Dispositions (acquisitions), net                 --           --        2,094
  Payments received on loans                2,104,004    2,097,401    1,966,211
Other investing activity
  Purchases and sales of premises and
   equipment, net                             (36,856)     (86,094)     (82,559)
  Proceeds from sale of real estate           376,325      390,807      468,304
  Acquisition and disposition of retail
   banking assets, net                             --           --       74,159
  Net change in investment in FHLB            (36,844)     (35,061)       1,311
  Other                                       (41,830)       5,413       29,171
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
 activities                                   320,535   (2,006,002)  (4,281,102)
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
 equivalents                                 (260,125)     (54,148)     172,859
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
 of period                                  1,094,417    1,148,565      975,706
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
 period                                   $   834,292  $ 1,094,417  $ 1,148,565
                                          ===========  ===========  ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE
Cash paid for
  Interest on deposits                    $ 1,147,510  $ 1,214,881  $   951,140
  Interest on borrowings                      656,164      721,695      326,479
  Income taxes                                157,952       86,338      111,656
Noncash financing activities
  Conversion of preferred stock to
   common stock                               128,377           --           --
Noncash investing activities
  Loans transferred to real estate
   available-for-sale                         418,398      420,973      504,585
  Loans originated to finance the sale
   of real estate available-for-sale           76,320       86,366       92,586
  Loans originated to refinance existing
   loans                                      337,396      266,135      567,119
  Loans exchanged for mortgage-backed
   securities                                      --    1,997,585    5,502,401
</TABLE>    
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                            ----------------------------------
                                               1996        1995        1994
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>
PREFERRED STOCK
  Balance, beginning of period              $  294,375  $  294,375  $  294,375
  Preferred stock redeemed                        (953)         --          --
  Preferred stock converted to common stock   (128,422)         --          --
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
  Balance, end of period                       165,000     294,375     294,375
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
COMMON STOCK
  Balance, beginning of period                 137,279     134,316     132,616
  Common stock converted from preferred
   stock                                         6,295          --          --
  Common stock issued upon exercise of
   options                                       1,047         704         282
  Common stock issued under dividend
   reinvestment plan                               102       2,283       1,418
  Common stock acquired                           (340)         --          --
  Restricted stock awards granted, net of
   cancellations                                    (7)        (24)         --
  Common stock repurchased under repurchase
   plan                                         (6,500)         --          --
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
  Balance, end of period                       137,876     137,279     134,316
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL
  Balance, beginning of period                 713,889     656,644     627,717
  Common stock converted from preferred
   stock                                       122,082          --          --
  Common stock issued upon exercise of
   options                                      20,858      12,341       4,576
  Common stock issued under dividend
   reinvestment plan                             2,445      44,867      23,566
  Common stock acquired                         (8,491)         --          --
  Restricted stock awards granted, net of
   cancellations                                  (123)       (350)         --
  Tax benefit of restricted stock awards            --         387         785
  Common stock repurchased under repurchase
   plan                                       (170,232)         --          --
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
  Balance, end of period                       680,428     713,889     656,644
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
RETAINED EARNINGS
  Balance, beginning of period               1,572,782   1,461,448   1,357,753
  Net earnings                                 115,822     261,022     251,234
  Preferred stock dividends                    (20,295)    (25,015)    (25,015)
  Common stock dividends                      (133,045)   (124,673)   (122,524)
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
  Balance, end of period                     1,535,264   1,572,782   1,461,448
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
UNEARNED COMPENSATION
  Balance, beginning of period                  (4,282)     (7,913)    (11,711)
  Amortization of restricted stock               3,934       3,257       3,798
  Restricted stock awards granted, net of
   cancellations                                    21         374          --
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
  Balance, end of period                          (327)     (4,282)     (7,913)
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
SECURITIES VALUATION ALLOWANCE
  Balance, beginning of period                 108,433     (55,084)     22,651
  Change in unrealized net gain (loss), net
   of taxes                                    (31,474)    163,517     (77,735)
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
  Balance, end of period                        76,959     108,433     (55,084)
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
    Total stockholders' equity              $2,595,200  $2,822,476  $2,483,786
                                            ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1: STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING AND CONSOLIDATION
 
  The accounts of Great Western Financial Corporation and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries, Great Western Bank, Aristar, a consumer finance holding company,
and companies operating in related fields, are included in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements and are referred to collectively as the
Company. Significant intercompany items have been eliminated. Certain prior-
year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 1996 presentation.
 
  The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
ADOPTION OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
  In 1996, the Company adopted disclosure requirements for stock-based
compensation plans required by SFAS 123. SFAS 123 allows for two methods of
valuing stock based compensation. The first method allows for the continuing
application of APB 25 in measuring stock compensation, while complying with
the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123. The second method uses an option
pricing model to value stock compensation and record as such within the
financial statements. The Company will comply with the former and continue to
apply APB 25 while complying with SFAS 123 disclosure requirements. See Note
19.
 
  The Company adopted SFAS 122 as of April 1, 1995. SFAS 122 requires an
entity that originates or purchases loans with the intent of selling or
securitizing such loans to capitalize the mortgage servicing rights. SFAS 122
also requires that all capitalized mortgage servicing rights be measured for
impairment.
 
  In 1995, the Company adopted SFAS 121 which establishes accounting standards
for the impairment of long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles.
 
  The adoption of these accounting standards did not materially affect
comparability of the financial statements.
 
IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
  In June 1996, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities," ("SFAS
125"). The Statement provides consistent accounting and reporting standards
for the (1) transfers and servicing of financial assets and (2) extinguishment
of liabilities.
 
  Beginning in 1997, SFAS 125 supersedes Statement of Financial Accounting
Standard No. 76, "Extinguishment of Debt," ("SFAS 76"), Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 77, "Reporting by Transferors for Transfers of
Receivables with Recourse," ("SFAS 77"), SFAS 122, and several Technical
Bulletins and amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" ("SFAS
115") and both amends and extends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 65, "Accounting for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities" ("SFAS 65"). The
Company will adopt SFAS 125 effective January 1, 1997 and does not expect the
adoption of SFAS 125 to have a material impact on its financial statements.
 
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURE
 
  Quoted market prices are used, where available, to estimate the fair value
of financial instruments. Because no quoted market prices exist for a
significant portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value is
estimated using comparable market prices for similar instruments or using
management's estimates of discounted cash flows for the underlying asset or
liability. A change in management's assumptions could significantly affect
these estimates and, accordingly, fair value is not necessarily indicative of
the value which would be realized upon disposition of the financial
instruments.
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
  For the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents
include cash, certificates of deposit, federal funds and repurchase
agreements. Certificates of deposit, federal funds and repurchase agreements
purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to
be cash equivalents. Cash includes cash on hand and cash in banks.
 
SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
  Securities available-for-sale, which are securities that may be sold prior
to maturity, are carried at fair value with any valuation adjustments reported
in a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of deferred income taxes.
The estimated fair value of investments is based on current quotations where
available. Where current quotations are not available, the estimated fair
value is based primarily on the present value of the future cash flows,
adjusted for the quality rating of the securities, prepayment assumptions and
other factors.
 
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
 
  The Company's mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") portfolio consists of real
estate loan receivables originated by the Bank and subsequently securitized
primarily through the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") or the
Federal National Mortgage Association. Loans are also securitized for sale
directly in the public market. The Company purchases, for investment and
liquidity purposes, FNMA and FHLMC securities, Collateralized Mortgage
Obligations ("CMOs") and Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits ("REMICs").
In 1994 and 1995, the Company swapped single-family residential ARMs for
mortgage-backed securities to provide collateral for borrowings. These
securities are subject to full credit recourse and the swaps can be unwound at
the option of the Company. Certain ARMs swapped in 1994 and 1995, REMICs and
GWB-originated pass-through certificates are held-to-maturity based on
management's positive intent and ability to hold these securities until
maturity and are recorded at amortized cost as adjusted for permanent
impairment. All other mortgage-backed securities are available-for-sale and
recorded at fair value with any valuation adjustments reported in a separate
component of stockholders' equity, net of deferred income taxes. Fair value is
generally determined on the aggregate method giving effect to servicing rights
and estimated losses from credit recourse. Discounts or premiums on mortgage-
backed securities recorded at cost are amortized using the interest method.
Gains and losses on mortgage-backed securities are calculated on the specific
identification method.
 
LOANS
 
 Real Estate Loans
 
  The Company's real estate loan portfolio consists primarily of long-term
loans secured by first trust deeds on single-family residences, other
residential property, commercial property and land. The ARM is the Bank's
primary loan investment. Real estate loans available-for-sale, primarily fixed
rate, are valued at the lower of cost or fair value.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Fees are charged for originating loans at the time the loan is granted. Loan
origination fees, partially offset by the deferral of certain expenses
associated with such loans originated, are amortized to interest income over
the life of the loan using the interest method. ARMs with a lower rate during
the introductory period (usually three months) will reflect the amortization
of a substantial portion of the net deferred fee as a yield adjustment during
the introductory period. Amortization is discontinued for nonperforming loans
and loans available-for-sale and is realized upon the ultimate disposition of
the assets.
 
  Loan fee income represents income from the prepayment of loans, delinquent
payments or miscellaneous loan services and is recorded when collected.
 
  Interest receivable represents, for the most part, the current month's
interest which will be included as a part of the borrower's next monthly loan
payment. Interest receivable is accrued only if deemed collectible. Loan
payments generally are deemed to be in nonaccrual status when they become more
than 90 days past due. When a loan is designated as nonaccrual, previously
accrued interest is reversed.
 
  Below-market-rate loans are made to facilitate the sale of certain
foreclosed real estate. These transactions reduce the gain on sale and provide
a loan discount which is amortized on the interest method resulting in a
market yield on the new loan.
 
 Consumer Finance Loans
 
  The Company makes direct consumer installment loans and purchases retail
installment contracts from local retail establishments. These consumer credit
transactions are primarily for personal, family or household purposes. Loan
fees and directly related lending costs are deferred and amortized using the
interest method over the contractual life of the related loans.
 
 Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
 
  The Company continually evaluates numerous factors in estimating the amount
of the allowance for loan and lease losses. Specific factors, unique to
individual loans, such as borrower performance, credit scores and loan to
value ratio are considered, as well as general factors, including general
economic conditions, prior loan loss experience and composition of the loan
portfolio. The Company also maintains an ongoing examination process to
periodically evaluate the allowance, as do its regulators.
 
  Loans made by consumer finance subsidiaries are also reviewed on a
systematic basis. In evaluating the adequacy of the allowance, consideration
is given to recent loan loss experience and such other factors which, in
management's judgment, deserve current recognition in estimating losses. Non-
real estate secured accounts are charged off based on the number of days
contractually delinquent (180 days for substantially all loans).
 
  The Company's determination of the level of the allowance for loan and lease
losses rests upon various judgments and assumptions, including general
economic conditions, loan and lease portfolio composition, prior loan and
lease loss experience, evaluation of credit risk related to certain individual
borrowers and the Company's ongoing examination process and that of its
regulators. The Company considers the allowance for loan and lease losses
adequate to cover losses inherent in loans and leases.
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
MORTGAGE BANKING ACTIVITIES
 
  Real estate loans are originated principally for investment. Since the
Company is primarily an ARM portfolio lender for its own investment, most
other products are originated and available-for-sale.
 
  As of December 31, 1996 the following loans were designated as available-
for-sale and were carried at the lower of cost or fair value:
 
    1. Single-family, fixed-rate product in the portfolio originated
  subsequent to January 1, 1989.
 
    2. Single-family, adjustable rate product designated as available-for-
  sale.
 
    3. Loans other than single-family which have been designated at the date
  of origination.
 
  The Company sells loans or participating interests in loans to generate
servicing income, to limit interest-rate risk and to provide funds for
additional investment. Under the servicing agreements, the Company continues
to service the loans and the investor is paid its share of principal
collections together with interest at an agreed upon rate, which generally
differs from the loan's contractual interest rate. Such difference results in
a "loan servicing spread". Gains or losses on sales of loans are recognized at
the time of sale and are generally determined by: 1) the difference between
the net sales proceeds and the book value of the loans sold; 2) recognition of
deferred loan fees; 3) an adjustment, if necessary, to increase or decrease
the loan servicing spread in order to provide for normal servicing; and 4) the
capitalization of mortgage servicing rights.
 
REAL ESTATE AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE OR DEVELOPMENT
 
  Real estate available-for-sale or development comprises both purchased and
foreclosed properties. Foreclosed properties are carried at cost at
acquisition, which is the lower of the net loan value on the property or the
fair value of the property, less estimated costs to sell, at the date of
foreclosure. Thereafter, specific valuation allowances have been established
for changes in the fair value of real estate. Acquisition costs are generally
expensed when incurred. Certain costs which represent a structural change or
significant refurbishment which enhances the value of property are
capitalized. Other real estate available-for-sale is carried at the lower of
cost or fair value. Property development projects, carried at the lower of
cost or fair value, are accounted for on the equity method. Gains on the sale
of real estate financed by the Company are recognized giving consideration to
down payment and other investment criteria. Losses are recognized when
identified.
 
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
 
  Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and
amortization. The Company capitalizes expenditures for improvements and major
refurbishments and charges ordinary maintenance and repairs to earnings as
incurred. Depreciation and amortization are computed principally on the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated
useful lives are 30 years for buildings, 4 to 10 years for furniture, fixtures
and equipment, 3 to 7 years for software and the lesser of the lease term or
useful life of the property for leasehold improvements.
 
INTANGIBLES ARISING FROM ACQUISITIONS
 
  Because of the earnings power or other identifiable values of certain
purchased companies or businesses, the Company paid amounts in excess of
identifiable fair value for businesses, core deposits and tangible assets
acquired. Generally, such amounts are being amortized by systematic charges to
income (primarily for periods from six to 25 years) over a period no greater
than the estimated remaining life of the assets acquired or not exceeding the
estimated average remaining life of the existing deposit base assumed. The
Company periodically reviews intangibles to assess recoverability and
impairment is recognized in operations if permanent loss of value occurs.
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
DEPOSITS
 
  Deposits comprise primarily the Bank's checking, money market and other
savings, term and wholesale accounts. Deposits vary as to terms, with the
major differences being minimum balance required, maturity, interest rates and
the provisions for payment of interest. The Bank's customer accounts are
insured by the FDIC, through either the BIF or the SAIF for up to an aggregate
amount of $100,000 per customer.
 
  The Bank may offer large denomination negotiable certificates of deposit.
The negotiable certificates of deposit are primarily sold through brokers and
may subsequently be traded on the open market.
 
  Interest is accrued and either paid to the customer or added to the
customer's account on a periodic basis. On term accounts, the forfeiture of
interest (because of withdrawal prior to maturity) is offset as of the date of
withdrawal against interest expense.
 
FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAXES
 
  Taxes are provided on substantially all income and expense items included in
earnings, regardless of the period in which such items are recognized for tax
purposes. Tax benefits are recognized for general loss reserve additions.
 
  Taxes on income are determined by using the liability method. This approach
requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the
expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the
Company's financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax
consequences, consideration is given to expected future events other than
enactments of changes in the tax law or rates.
 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
 
  Income for the calculation of primary earnings per common share is based on
net income less preferred stock dividend requirements. Fully diluted earnings
per common share give effect to the dilutive effect of stock options and
assume the conversion of convertible securities into common stock at the later
of the beginning of the year or the date of issuance (unless antidilutive).
 
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  The Company uses interest rate derivative financial instruments (forward
sales contracts and swaps) primarily to hedge mismatches in the rate maturity
of deposits and short-term borrowings and their uses of funds. Amounts payable
or receivable for swaps are accrued with the passage of time, the effect of
which is included in interest expense reported on the liability hedged; fees
on these financial contracts are amortized over their contractual life as a
component of the interest reported on the liability hedged.
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 2: ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND RESTRUCTURING
 
  In December 1994, GWB completed the sale of $1 billion of deposits and 31
branches in West Florida to First Union National Bank. The deposits were sold
for a net pretax gain of $62,300,000, which included the write-off of
intangibles related to the sold branches of $10,000,000 and other sale related
expenses of $2,200,000.
 
  In October 1994, GWB purchased the deposits of six branches located in San
Diego County from Citibank, F.S.A., totaling $52,000,000. The deposits were
acquired for a premium of $1,000,000.
 
  Intangibles arising from acquisitions as shown on the Consolidated Statement
of Financial Condition consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   DECEMBER 31
                          -------------------------------
                            1996       1995       1994
                          ---------  ---------  ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>        <C>        <C>
Balance at acquisition    $ 575,603  $ 575,603  $ 575,603
Accumulated amortization   (289,612)  (251,890)  (211,604)
                          ---------  ---------  ---------
                          $ 285,991  $ 323,713  $ 363,999
                          =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
  The results of operations in 1996 reflect a $68,300,000 restructuring
charge. The restructuring initiatives are designed to improve the Company's
competitive position, accelerate expense reduction and enhance future revenue
growth by streamlining operations, making efficient use of premises and
modernizing the Company's systems platform. The components of the
restructuring charge involve severance and write-off of premises and
equipment.
 
  The Company's plans to streamline operations, reconfigure the retail branch
network and improve information systems support and other back office
functions will result in the reduction of approximately 1,200 employees and a
charge to restructure expense of $17,000,000. As of December 31, 1996, 630
employee separations have occurred and the related severance expense of
$4,600,000 was applied against the 1996 restructure liability. Employee
separations related to the restructuring are planned to be completed by the
end of 1997.
 
  The Company's corporate headquarters campus was identified for consolidation
to make optimum use of building space. As a result, three buildings at the
corporate campus will be vacated freeing up 272,000 square feet to sublet to
third party tenants. Additionally, seven retail branch and 109 loan offices
were identified for closure or consolidation. The total effect of vacating
these premises is $29,500,000. Premises identified under the restructuring
initiatives are planned to be vacated by December, 1997.
 
  In order to meet the Company's goal to modernize and replace its current
systems platform, certain computer hardware and software equipment were
considered obsolete or abandoned and written off. The upgrade and replacement
of equipment will allow the Company to increase operational efficiency,
improve processing capacity and establish a common user workstation
environment. As of December 31, 1996, $18,400,000 of equipment was written off
and applied against the restructure liability. The balance of $3,400,000 of
equipment will be retired in 1997 and applied against the restructure
liability.
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Following is a reconciliation of restructuring reserve activity during 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               1996                 BALANCE
                           RESTRUCTURING   1996   DECEMBER 31,
                              CHARGE     ACTIVITY     1996
                           ------------- -------- ------------
   (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                     <C>           <C>      <C>
   Severance                  $ 17.0      $  4.6     $ 12.4
   Premises                     29.5          --       29.5
   Equipment                    21.8        18.4        3.4
                              ------      ------     ------
     Total                    $ 68.3      $ 23.0     $ 45.3
                              ======      ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 3: CASH, CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT, REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND FEDERAL FUNDS
 
  An analysis of cash, certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements and
federal funds at December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           RATE AT                    DECEMBER 31
                         DECEMBER 31, --------------------------------------------
                             1996       1996     1995     1994     1993     1992
                         ------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                      <C>          <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Cash                           --     $534,192 $837,292 $983,440 $758,581 $686,028
                                      ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Repurchase agreements        6.37%     250,000  257,000  115,000  210,000  345,000
Federal Funds                5.44       50,000       --   50,000       --       --
Certificates of Deposit      5.10          100      125      125    7,125    5,349
                                      -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
  Total                               $300,100 $257,125 $165,125 $217,125 $350,349
                                      ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
  The Company purchases securities under agreements to resell ("repurchase
agreements") having terms of up to 90 days; however, they are typically
overnight investments. The Company generally takes possession of collateral
supporting securities sold under agreements to resell. Repurchase agreements
outstanding at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             DECEMBER 31,
                             ----------------------------------------------
                                  1996            1995            1994
                             --------------  --------------  --------------
                              AMOUNT  YIELD   AMOUNT  YIELD   AMOUNT  YIELD
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)       -------- -----  -------- -----  -------- -----
<S>                          <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>
Morgan Stanley and Company,
 Inc.                        $150,000 7.00%  $125,000 5.88%  $     --   --%
J. P. Morgan                   50,000 5.42         --   --     65,000 6.08
Merrill Lynch Government
 Securities, Inc.              50,000 5.43         --   --         --   --
Smith Barney, Inc.                 --   --     50,000 5.87         --   --
Goldman Sachs and Company          --   --     37,000 5.76         --   --
CS First Boston Corporation        --   --     25,000 5.67     50,000 5.78
CS First Boston Corporation        --   --     20,000 5.57         --   --
                             --------        --------        --------
                             $250,000        $257,000        $115,000
                             ========        ========        ========
</TABLE>
 
  The repurchase agreements were collateralized by federal agency securities
with market values at least two percent above the face amounts of the
repurchase agreements. The highest month-end balances outstanding were
$375,000,000 in 1996, $337,000,000 in 1995 and $350,000,000 in 1994. The
average balances outstanding were $275,769,000 at a rate of 6.14% in 1996,
$236,308,000 at a rate of 6.65% in 1995 and $207,308,000 at 5.16% in 1994.
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  GWB is required to maintain certain minimum reserve balances with the FRB.
Included in cash were deposits at the FRB of $126,802,000 at December 31,
1996, $152,893,000 at December 31, 1995 and $328,809,000 at December 31, 1994.
 
NOTE 4: SECURITIES
 
  An analysis of securities available-for-sale by type, maturity (fair value)
and maturity (amortized cost) and weighted average yield at December 31, 1996,
1995, 1994, 1993, and 1992 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          RATE AT                       DECEMBER 31
                        DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------------------------------
                            1996        1996        1995       1994      1993      1992
                        ------------ ----------  ----------  --------  --------  --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                     <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>
Type (Fair value)
  U.S. government
   securities               5.88%    $   10,525  $   10,874  $  9,828  $335,625  $  3,902
  Federal agency
   securities               6.26        595,258     605,794   514,579    41,565    49,550
  Corporate debt
   securities               5.97        638,854     445,314   364,254   432,780   459,870
  Other securities          5.99         34,646      30,477    28,434    61,104   119,349
                                     ----------  ----------  --------  --------  --------
    Total                            $1,279,283  $1,092,459  $917,095  $871,074  $632,671
                                     ==========  ==========  ========  ========  ========
Yield to maturity on
 interest-earning
 securities at year
 end, excluding
 insurance subsidiary                      6.10%       6.34%     6.33%     5.02%     6.35%
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1-LESS         5-LESS        10 YEARS
                        LESS THAN         THAN           THAN           AND
                        ONE YEAR        5 YEARS        10 YEARS        AFTER           TOTAL
                        ---------       --------       --------       --------       ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                     <C>       <C>   <C>      <C>   <C>      <C>   <C>      <C>   <C>        <C>
Maturity (Fair Value)
 U.S. government
  securities            $  1,145  6.35% $  5,927 5.81% $ 3,453  5.87% $   --    -- % $   10,525 5.88%
 Federal agency
  securities             257,377  6.47   329,733 6.09    6,072  6.84    2,076  7.02     595,258 6.26
 Corporate debt
  securities             321,382  5.67   237,068 6.01   61,759  7.21   18,645  6.34     638,854 5.97
 Other securities         17,982  5.51     8,077 6.18    5,032  6.60    3,555  7.10      34,646 5.99
                        --------  ----  -------- ----  -------  ----  -------  ----  ---------- ----
                        $597,886  6.01% $580,805 6.05% $76,316  7.08% $24,276  6.51% $1,279,283 6.10%
                        ========  ====  ======== ====  =======  ====  =======  ====  ========== ====
Maturity (Amortized
 Cost)
 U.S. government
  securities            $  1,139        $  5,949       $ 3,435        $   --         $   10,523
 Federal agency
  securities             256,745         328,722         6,050          2,076           593,593
 Corporate debt
  securities             321,308         236,598        60,947         18,567           637,420
 Other securities         18,106           8,063         4,879          3,555            34,603
                        --------        --------       -------        -------        ----------
                        $597,298        $579,332       $75,311        $24,198        $1,276,139
                        ========        ========       =======        =======        ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    GROSS
                            WEIGHTED              UNREALIZED
                            AVERAGE  AMORTIZED  --------------    FAIR
                             YIELD      COST    GAINS  LOSSES    VALUE
                            -------- ---------- ------ ------- ----------
                                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
                            ---------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                         <C>      <C>        <C>    <C>     <C>
U.S. government securities    5.88%  $   10,523 $   38 $    36 $   10,525
Federal agency securities     6.26      593,593  1,923     258    595,258
Corporate debt securities     5.97      637,420  2,203     769    638,854
Other securities              5.99       34,603    175     132     34,646
                              ----   ---------- ------ ------- ----------
                              6.10%  $1,276,139 $4,339 $ 1,195 $1,279,283
                              ====   ========== ====== ======= ==========
<CAPTION>
                                          DECEMBER 31, 1995
                            ---------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>      <C>        <C>    <C>     <C>
U.S. government securities    5.55%  $   10,810 $   84 $    20 $   10,874
Federal agency securities     6.43      599,940  6,237     383    605,794
Corporate debt securities     6.19      442,943  2,564     193    445,314
Other securities              6.10       30,425    170     118     30,477
                              ----   ---------- ------ ------- ----------
                              6.32%  $1,084,118 $9,055 $   714 $1,092,459
                              ====   ========== ====== ======= ==========
<CAPTION>
                                          DECEMBER 31, 1994
                            ---------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>      <C>        <C>    <C>     <C>
U.S. government securities    6.89%  $   10,580 $    3 $   755 $    9,828
Federal agency securities     6.40      523,211     59   8,691    514,579
Corporate debt securities     6.44      372,013    267   8,026    364,254
Other securities              5.67       29,587     50   1,203     28,434
                              ----   ---------- ------ ------- ----------
                              6.40%  $  935,391 $  379 $18,675 $  917,095
                              ====   ========== ====== ======= ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The Company purchases only investment grade or higher rated securities. In
order to determine impairment, these ratings are reviewed quarterly.
 
  At December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, there were no securities held-to-
maturity.
 
  Realized gains and losses on the available-for-sale portfolio are calculated
on the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses on sales of
securities were $457,000 and $59,000, respectively, in 1994. There were no
sales of securities available-for-sale in 1996 or 1995.
 
  The unrealized net gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net of
income taxes (securities valuation allowance), included as a component of
stockholders' equity, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                 --------------------------
                                                  1996     1995      1994
                                                 -------  -------  --------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                              <C>      <C>      <C>
Balance at beginning of period                   $ 4,952  $(9,235) $  4,262
Change in unrealized net gains (losses), net of
 taxes                                            (2,929)  14,187   (13,497)
                                                 -------  -------  --------
Balance at end of period                         $ 2,023  $ 4,952  $ (9,235)
                                                 =======  =======  ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 5: MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
 
  Mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 GROSS
                        WEIGHTED               UNREALIZED
                        AVERAGE  AMORTIZED  ----------------    FAIR
                         YIELD      COST     GAINS   LOSSES    VALUE
                        -------- ---------- ------- -------- ----------
                                       DECEMBER 31, 1996
                        -----------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                     <C>      <C>        <C>     <C>      <C>
FNMA                      7.97%  $   34,971 $   176 $    167 $   34,980
FHLMC                     8.10    1,469,488  20,257    7,566  1,482,179
Other                     5.78      114,250      23    8,859    105,414
                          ----   ---------- ------- -------- ----------
                          7.93%  $1,618,709 $20,456 $ 16,592 $1,622,573
                          ====   ========== ======= ======== ==========
<CAPTION>
                                       DECEMBER 31, 1995
                        -----------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>      <C>        <C>     <C>      <C>
FNMA                      9.87%  $   39,967 $ 5,427 $     -- $   45,394
FHLMC                     8.50    1,735,016  56,765       --  1,791,781
Other                     5.91      111,753      38    7,048    104,743
                          ----   ---------- ------- -------- ----------
                          8.38%  $1,886,736 $62,230 $  7,048 $1,941,918
                          ====   ========== ======= ======== ==========
<CAPTION>
                                       DECEMBER 31, 1994
                        -----------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>      <C>        <C>     <C>      <C>
FNMA                      6.57%  $2,385,128 $    -- $ 38,640 $2,346,488
FHLMC                     6.79    3,288,789      --   50,101  3,238,688
REMIC                     5.24      387,126       3   12,535    374,594
Other                     5.80      274,061      --   22,100    251,961
                          ----   ---------- ------- -------- ----------
                          6.57%  $6,335,104 $     3 $123,376 $6,211,731
                          ====   ========== ======= ======== ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Impairment charge-offs on mortgage-backed securities are reflected in the
write down on mortgage-backed securities shown as a charge to earnings in
noninterest income. Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with
the 1996 presentation. Write-downs on mortgage-backed securities were
$30,719,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, $10,650,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1995 and $821,000 for the year ended December 31, 1994.
 
                                      66
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 GROSS
                        WEIGHTED               UNREALIZED
                        AVERAGE  AMORTIZED  ----------------    FAIR
                         YIELD      COST     GAINS   LOSSES    VALUE
                        -------- ---------- -------- ------- ----------
                                       DECEMBER 31, 1996
                        -----------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                     <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>     <C>
FNMA                      6.75%  $2,297,611 $ 51,812 $ 2,846 $2,346,577
FHLMC                     6.81    3,297,051   94,183  17,569  3,373,665
REMIC                     5.26       33,546       --     286     33,260
RTC                       6.57      159,461       --   1,688    157,773
Other                     6.75      263,728       --   5,161    258,567
                          ----   ---------- -------- ------- ----------
                          6.77%  $6,051,397 $145,995 $27,550 $6,169,842
                          ====   ========== ======== ======= ==========
<CAPTION>
                                       DECEMBER 31, 1995
                        -----------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>     <C>
FNMA                      7.33%  $2,585,802 $ 66,326 $    -- $2,652,128
FHLMC                     7.11    4,356,331  112,203      --  4,468,534
REMIC                     4.96      226,305       10   1,366    224,949
RTC                       6.72      228,180       --   5,387    222,793
Other                     6.66      352,217      290   4,206    348,301
                          ----   ---------- -------- ------- ----------
                          7.09%  $7,748,835 $178,829 $10,959 $7,916,705
                          ====   ========== ======== ======= ==========
<CAPTION>
                                       DECEMBER 31, 1994
                        -----------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>     <C>
FNMA                      6.02%  $1,055,152 $    416 $19,125 $1,036,443
FHLMC                     6.83    1,379,856      114  40,991  1,338,979
RTC                       6.62      186,028       --   7,743    178,285
Other                     6.66      390,750       --   9,954    380,796
                          ----   ---------- -------- ------- ----------
                          6.51%  $3,011,786 $    530 $77,813 $2,934,503
                          ====   ========== ======== ======= ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Proceeds from the sales of mortgage-backed securities were $555,719,000 in
1996 and $507,018,000 in 1995. There were no mortgage-backed securities sold
in 1994. Net realized gains on the sale of mortgage-backed securities were
$8,790,000 in 1996 and $13,585,000 in 1995. There were no realized losses on
the sale of mortgage-backed securities in 1996 and 1995.
 
 
                                      67
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The unrealized net gains (losses) on mortgage-backed securities, net of
income taxes (securities valuation allowance), included as a component of
stockholders' equity, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                 ----------------------------
                                                   1996      1995      1994
                                                 --------  --------  --------
   (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
   Balance at beginning of period                $103,481  $(45,849) $ 18,389
   Change in unrealized net gains (losses), net
    of taxes                                      (28,545)  149,330   (64,238)
                                                 --------  --------  --------
   Balance at end of period                      $ 74,936  $103,481  $(45,849)
                                                 ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  The contractual maturities of mortgage-backed securities as of December 31,
1996 follow:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 DECEMBER 31, 1996
                              -----------------------
                              ADJUSTABLE FIXED
                                 RATE    RATE  TOTAL
                              ---------- ----- ------
   (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                        <C>        <C>   <C>
   One year or less             $  109   $ 86  $  195
   Over one to two years           116     30     146
   Over two to three years         124     21     145
   Over three to five years        265     35     300
   Over five to ten years          796     80     876
   Over ten to fifteen years     1,065     29   1,094
   Over fifteen years            5,024      9   5,033
                                ------   ----  ------
                                $7,499   $290  $7,789
                                ======   ====  ======
</TABLE>
 
  At December 31, 1995, certain mortgage-backed securities were reclassified
in accordance with the guide to implementing SFAS 115 issued by the FASB. The
following table presents the effect of the reclassification:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   UNREALIZED
                                      HELD-TO- AVAILABLE-        GAINS/(LOSSES)
                                      MATURITY  FOR-SALE  TOTAL   NET OF TAXES
                                      -------- ---------- ------ --------------
   (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                                <C>      <C>        <C>    <C>
   Balance prior to reclassification   $7,563    $2,097   $9,660      $ 24
   Reclassified from held-to-
    maturity to available-for-sale     (5,920)    5,920       --        --
   Reclassified from available-for-
    sale to held-to-maturity              244      (244)      --        --
   Unrealized gains                        --       143      143       143
   Tax effect of unrealized gains          --        --       --       (59)
                                       ------    ------   ------      ----
   Balance at December 31, 1995        $1,887    $7,916   $9,803      $108
                                       ======    ======   ======      ====
</TABLE>
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 6: LOANS
 
  The composition of real estate and Consumer Finance and other loans for the
five years 1992 through 1996 is included in the table on page 31.
 
  The following comprised loans receivable:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                DECEMBER 31
                                          ------------------------
                                             1996         1995
                                          -----------  -----------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                    <C>          <C>
   Loans receivable
     Real estate
       Held-for-investment                $28,675,327  $27,525,966
       Available-for-sale                      85,681      159,939
     Consumer Finance                       2,185,903    2,136,022
     Other loans
       Held-for-investment                    219,044      189,442
       Available-for-sale                      21,491      327,395
                                          -----------  -----------
                                           31,187,446   30,338,764
                                          -----------  -----------
     Loans in process                          10,371         (487)
     Unearned income                          (60,926)     (88,079)
     Allowance for loan and lease losses     (313,699)    (362,849)
                                          -----------  -----------
                                             (364,254)    (451,415)
                                          -----------  -----------
                                          $30,823,192  $29,887,349
                                          ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The contractual maturities of loans as of December 31, 1996 follow:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        DECEMBER 31, 1996
                           --------------------------------------------
                             REAL ESTATE LOANS
                           ---------------------
                                   FIXED         CONSUMER        TOTAL
                             ARM   RATE   TOTAL  FINANCE  OTHER  LOANS
                           ------- ----- ------- -------- ----- -------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                        <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>      <C>   <C>
One year or less           $   520 $ 32  $   552  $  723  $144  $ 1,419
Over one to two years          767   44      811     587     8    1,406
Over two to three years        714   39      753     418     6    1,177
Over three to five years     1,168  148    1,316     165     5    1,486
Over five to ten years       3,608  285    3,893     200    19    4,112
Over ten to fifteen years    4,560   93    4,653      91    58    4,802
Over fifteen years          16,605  178   16,783       2    --   16,785
                           ------- ----  -------  ------  ----  -------
  Total                    $27,942 $819  $28,761  $2,186  $240  $31,187
                           ======= ====  =======  ======  ====  =======
</TABLE>
 
  In accordance with SFAS 114, a loan is impaired when, based on current
information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to
collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan
agreement. The Company measures impairment based on the fair value of the
loan's collateral. A change in the fair value of an impaired loan is reported
as an increase or reduction to the provision for loan losses. Charge-offs
occur upon modification of the loan terms or in the event of foreclosure. The
Company's policy for recognizing income on impaired loans is to accrue
earnings unless a loan is in foreclosure or becomes nonperforming, at which
time the accrued earnings are reversed. Cash receipts for impaired loans are
allocated to principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms
of the loan.
 
                                      69
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The recorded investment in loans for which impairment has been recognized
and the related reserves for estimated losses follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           IMPAIRED LOANS
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------
                     HAVING                              HAVING
                    RELATED   RESERVES FOR  NET WITH   NO RELATED
                    RESERVES   ESTIMATED    RESERVES  RESERVES FOR NET OF RESERVES
                   FOR LOSSES    LOSSES    FOR LOSSES    LOSSES      FOR LOSSES
                   ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ---------------
                                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
Real estate loans
 Residential
  Single-family     $ 42,310    $ 9,281     $ 33,029    $39,666       $ 72,695
  Apartments          67,936     13,080       54,856      8,002         62,858
 Commercial
  Offices             29,202      9,570       19,632      3,364         22,996
  Retail              11,863      3,173        8,690        759          9,449
  Hotel/motel         34,082      9,032       25,050         --         25,050
  Industrial          16,633      4,210       12,423      1,170         13,593
  Other                1,451         --        1,451      2,017          3,468
                    --------    -------     --------    -------       --------
                    $203,477    $48,346     $155,131    $54,978       $210,109
                    ========    =======     ========    =======       ========
<CAPTION>
                                          DECEMBER 31, 1995
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
Real estate loans
 Residential
  Single-family     $ 52,189    $11,889     $ 40,300    $31,690       $ 71,990
  Apartments          81,222     18,797       62,425     25,595         88,020
 Commercial
  Offices             24,196      8,958       15,238      9,793         25,031
  Retail              31,758      6,812       24,946      5,875         30,821
  Hotel/motel         38,727      9,292       29,435         --         29,435
  Industrial          22,509      5,515       16,994      3,004         19,998
  Other                1,836        526        1,310      1,823          3,133
                    --------    -------     --------    -------       --------
                    $252,437    $61,789     $190,648    $77,780       $268,428
                    ========    =======     ========    =======       ========
<CAPTION>
                                          DECEMBER 31, 1994
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
Real estate loans
 Residential
  Single-family     $ 31,011    $ 6,456     $ 24,555    $17,063       $ 41,618
  Apartments          77,934     16,418       61,516     28,395         89,911
 Commercial
  Offices             26,698      9,303       17,395      5,426         22,821
  Retail              25,916      5,547       20,369      3,902         24,271
  Hotel/motel         19,659      3,194       16,465      2,207         18,672
  Industrial          12,646      3,018        9,628      1,728         11,356
  Other                4,671      1,090        3,581        329          3,910
                    --------    -------     --------    -------       --------
                    $198,535    $45,026     $153,509    $59,050       $212,559
                    ========    =======     ========    =======       ========
</TABLE>
 
  Single-family residential mortgage loans are generally evaluated for
impairment as homogeneous pools of loans. Certain situations may arise leading
to single-family residential mortgage loans being evaluated for impairment on
an individual basis.
 
                                      70
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The average recorded investment in impaired loans and the related amount of
interest income recognized during the period of impairment follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                  --------------------------
                                                    1996     1995     1994
                                                  -------- -------- --------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                            <C>      <C>      <C>
   Average recorded investment in impaired loans  $256,650 $243,079 $298,315
   Interest income recognized                       21,271   17,809   24,733
   Interest income recognized on cash-basis         21,410   17,758   25,061
</TABLE>
 
  Loans receivable totaling $8,008,384,000 at December 31, 1996 were pledged
to secure FHLB borrowings, certain deposits, securities sold under agreements
to repurchase and other obligations and accounts.
 
  Gross unrealized gains on real estate loans available-for-sale totaled
$462,000 at December 31, 1996 and $1,443,000 at December 31, 1995.
 
  A significant portion of the ARM portfolio is subject to lifetime interest-
rate caps and floors as well as periodic interest-rate caps. Each loan is
priced separately with a maximum cap and a minimum floor. The weighted-average
cap was 12.92% and the weighted-average floor was 4.81% at December 31, 1996.
At December 31, 1996, $459,299,000 of ARMs with an average yield of 7.31% had
reached their periodic cap rate. Without the cap, the average yield on those
ARMs would have been 7.64%. Periodic interest-rate caps are generally in
effect for three years. The loss to interest income from real estate loans
which have reached their ceiling interest rate was approximately $2,098,000 in
1996. At December 31, 1996, $417,467,000 of ARMs with an average yield of
7.76% had reached their floor rate. Without the floor, the average yield on
those ARMs would have been 7.36%. The benefit to interest income from real
estate loans which have reached their floor interest rate was approximately
$1,675,000 in 1996 compared with $3,152,000 in 1995. The contract amount on
ARMs subject to interest-rate caps and floors does not represent the exposure
to market loss.
 
  The amortization of deferred loan fees included in interest income totaled
$25,866,000 in 1996, $33,493,000 in 1995 and $53,378,000 in 1994.
 
  Certain loans meet the criteria of TDRs. TDRs totaled $74,196,000 at
December 31, 1996. This compared with $126,147,000 at the end of 1995 and
$148,244,000 at the end of 1994. There were no additional funds committed at
December 31, 1996.
 
  Interest on nonaccrual loans totaled $38,426,000 for the year ended December
31, 1996 compared with $38,058,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995 and
$46,909,000 for the year ended December 31, 1994.
 
                                      71
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Following is a summary of the reserve for estimated losses and charge-off
experience for loans receivable:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                          REAL ESTATE LOANS     CONSUMER LOANS
                         --------------------  ------------------
                                               CONSUMER    BANK     OTHER
                            SFR       OTHER    FINANCE     CARD     LOANS     TOTAL
                         ---------  ---------  --------  --------  -------  ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31,
 1991                    $ 100,353  $  87,641  $ 45,416  $ 21,173  $ 8,467  $ 263,050
Provision for losses       113,408    228,492    41,900    30,254    5,946    420,000
Charge-offs                (53,031)  (117,611)  (55,436)  (28,150)  (8,497)  (262,725)
Recoveries                     212      5,008    14,661     2,022    2,669     24,572
                         ---------  ---------  --------  --------  -------  ---------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31,
 1992                      160,942    203,530    46,541    25,299    8,585    444,897
Adoption of SFAS 114         3,153     44,821        --        --       --     47,974
                         ---------  ---------  --------  --------  -------  ---------
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1,
 1993                      164,095    248,351    46,541    25,299    8,585    492,871
Provision for losses       298,565    123,468    37,900    (6,533)   8,680    462,080
Charge-offs               (252,766)  (151,700)  (50,174)  (20,794)  (2,300)  (477,734)
Recoveries                   2,025      4,273    15,523     2,028    1,203     25,052
                         ---------  ---------  --------  --------  -------  ---------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31,
 1993                      211,919    224,392    49,790        --   16,168    502,269
Provision for losses       165,828        693    41,900        --   (2,042)   206,379
Charge-offs               (190,469)   (42,981)  (54,041)       --   (3,762)  (291,253)
Recoveries                   1,420      2,924    15,568        --      744     20,656
                         ---------  ---------  --------  --------  -------  ---------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31,
 1994                      188,698    185,028    53,217        --   11,108    438,051
Provision for losses       149,775    (18,000)   48,500        --   (3,225)   177,050
Charge-offs               (183,955)   (22,739)  (62,206)       --   (2,017)  (270,917)
Recoveries                   1,498        860    16,057        --      250     18,665
                         ---------  ---------  --------  --------  -------  ---------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31,
 1995                      156,016    145,149    55,568        --    6,116    362,849
Provision for losses       174,531    (39,908)   58,800        --    2,735    196,158
Charge-offs               (183,895)   (14,602)  (60,520)       --   (4,488)  (263,505)
Recoveries                   1,256        228    16,197        --      516     18,197
                         ---------  ---------  --------  --------  -------  ---------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31,
 1996                    $ 147,908  $  90,867  $ 70,045  $     --  $ 4,879  $ 313,699
                         =========  =========  ========  ========  =======  =========
</TABLE>    
 
  As a result of the Company's review of reserve levels which showed an excess
of commercial and apartment loan reserves, the Company reallocated $40,000,000
of commercial real estate loan reserves, which is included in the other real
estate loan provisions for losses, to SFR in 1996. Provisions for losses on
the leasing portfolio, included in other loan loss provisions, were reduced by
$1,800,000 in 1996 and $6,000,000 in 1995 as a result of the reversal of
provisions originally established for expected losses which did not
materialize.
   
  The following table presents the Company's ALLL as a percent of the
respective loans receivable portfolios.     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              REAL ESTATE LOANS     CONSUMER LOANS
              -------------------   ------------------
                                    CONSUMER   BANK     OTHER
                SFR       OTHER      FINANCE   CARD     LOANS  TOTAL
              --------  ---------   ---------  -------  -----  -----
<S>           <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>    <C>
December 31,
  1996             .57%      3.39%       3.20%      --% 2.03%  1.01%
  1995             .63       4.86        2.60       --  1.18   1.20
  1994             .66       5.96        2.66       --  2.47   1.28
  1993             .83       6.59        2.72       --  3.99   1.60
  1992             .63       5.83        2.70     9.88  2.14   1.43
</TABLE>
 
                                      72
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The average loan receivable balances and the ratio of net charge-offs to the
respective average loan receivable portfolios are presented in the table
below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           DECEMBER 31
                             -------------------------------------------
                              1996     1995     1994     1993     1992
                             -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                          <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Average balance
  Real estate loans
    SFR                      $25,212  $23,980  $25,227  $25,689  $25,321
    Other                      2,854    3,075    3,255    3,719    3,686
  Consumer Finance             2,105    2,016    1,868    1,728    1,686
  Bank card                       --       --       --      180      272
  Other loans                    534      498      418      386      423
Ratio of net charge-offs to
 average loans
  Real estate loans
    SFR                          .72%     .76%     .75%     .98%     .21%
    Other                        .50      .71     1.23     3.96     3.07
  Consumer Finance              2.11     2.29     2.06     2.01     2.42
  Bank card                       --       --       --    10.44     9.62
  Other loans                    .74      .35      .72      .27     1.38
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 7: MORTGAGE BANKING
 
  The following summarizes the sale of loans and mortgage-backed securities by
type:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                 --------------------------------
                                    1996       1995       1994
                                 ---------- ---------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>
Loans sold
  Adjustable rate                $       -- $       -- $   55,243
  Fixed-rate                      1,478,008  1,113,259  1,115,751
Mortgage-backed securities sold
  Adjustable rate                   561,400    498,099         --
                                 ---------- ---------- ----------
                                 $2,039,408 $1,611,358 $1,170,994
                                 ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The following table summarizes the average loans serviced for others and the
related loan servicing spread:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                   -------------------------------------
                                      1996         1995         1994
                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>
Average loans serviced for others  $11,152,957  $10,807,163  $11,723,525
Loan servicing spread                      .41%         .51%         .43%
</TABLE>
 
  Loan servicing spread represents net servicing income as a percentage of the
average portfolio serviced.
 
  Custodial balances maintained in connection with the foregoing loan
servicing are included in wholesale transaction accounts and totaled
$157,954,000 at December 31, 1996 and $173,856,000 at December 31, 1995.
 
  At December 31, 1996 GWB serviced loans for GWFC and Aristar of $27,166,000
and $14,801,000, respectively. At December 31, 1995, GWB serviced loans for
GWFC and Aristar of $23,292,000 and $12,252,000, respectively.
 
                                      73
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The present value of retained yield on loans sold is amortized using the
interest method adjusted quarterly for actual prepayment experience. Following
is a summary of capitalized excess and short servicing included in other
assets and other liabilities, respectively:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   DECEMBER 31
                            ----------------------------
                              1996      1995      1994
                            --------  --------  --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                         <C>       <C>       <C>
Excess servicing            $ 28,241  $ 24,830  $ 25,934
Short servicing              (20,714)  (21,214)  (25,356)
                            --------  --------  --------
Capitalized servicing, net  $  7,527  $  3,616  $    578
                            ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  An impairment adjustment was recorded to short servicing of $1,643,000 in
1996.
 
  Following is a summary of the net unamortized balance of excess and short
servicing on loans sold:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                 -----------------------
                                                  1996     1995   1994
                                                 -------  ------ -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                              <C>      <C>    <C>
Balance at beginning of year                     $ 3,616  $  578 $ 9,160
Additions from sales                               9,445     994     604
Amortization of excess and short servicing, net   (5,534)  2,044  (9,186)
                                                 -------  ------ -------
Balance at end of year                           $ 7,527  $3,616 $   578
                                                 =======  ====== =======
</TABLE>
 
  The value of servicing rights is based on the assumption that a normal
servicing fee will be received for the estimated life of the loans. The
following is a summary of capitalized mortgage servicing rights:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR ENDED
                                                   DECEMBER 31
                                                  ---------------
                                                   1996     1995
                                                  -------  ------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                               <C>      <C>
Balance at beginning of year                      $ 7,034  $   --
Originated mortgage servicing rights capitalized   12,323   7,248
Amortization                                       (2,339)   (214)
                                                  -------  ------
Balance at end of year                            $17,018  $7,034
                                                  =======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  Capitalized mortgage servicing rights are analyzed for impairment by
stratifying the underlying loans based on the predominant risk characteristics
of rate, geographic area and product type on a pool by pool basis. A valuation
allowance is provided for identified impairment. There was no impairment
identified in 1996 and 1995.
 
                                      74
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Gain on sales of loans and mortgage-backed securities were comprised of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                            -----------------------------------------------
                                  1996               1995           1994
                            -----------------  -----------------  ---------
                            MORTGAGES   MBS    MORTGAGES   MBS    MORTGAGES
                            --------- -------  --------- -------  ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                         <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
Mortgage servicing spread
  Gains                      $ 8,240  $13,530   $4,730   $ 3,512   $ 1,922
  Losses                          --       --       --        --    (1,318)
                             -------  -------   ------   -------   -------
  Net                          8,240   13,530    4,730     3,512       604
Premiums (discounts), net     (6,130)  (1,390)    (992)   12,264    (4,628)
Deferred loan fees             6,346   (3,815)   4,736     1,147     8,879
Gain on servicing              1,888       --       --        --        --
Adjust to lower of cost or
 market                         (937)      --      450        --    (1,057)
Net hedging gains                 --       --       --        --     1,472
Miscellaneous fees              (845)     465     (100)   (3,338)       69
                             -------  -------   ------   -------   -------
                             $ 8,562  $ 8,790   $8,824   $13,585   $ 5,339
                             =======  =======   ======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
  Mortgage banking servicing income consisted of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                           -------------------------
                                            1996     1995     1994
                                           -------  -------  -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>      <C>      <C>
Collections                                $61,144  $61,980  $68,968
Guarantee fees                              (7,587)  (8,651)  (8,929)
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights   (7,873)   1,830   (9,186)
                                           -------  -------  -------
                                           $45,684  $55,159  $50,853
                                           =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  GWB, as seller and servicer, issued mortgage pass-through certificates
comprised of Class A certificates and Class B certificates. The Class B
certificates, which GWB retained, and classified as mortgage-backed
securities, are subordinated to the rights of the Class A certificate holders.
GWB also sold loans to FNMA and FHLMC whereby a portion or all of the credit
risk was retained. Following are data related to loans sold with credit
enhancements and the accompanying exposure related thereto:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      DECEMBER 31
                                            --------------------------------
                                               1996       1995       1994
                                            ---------- ---------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Loans sold with credit enhancements
 outstanding                                $1,188,717 $1,397,411 $1,409,631
Maximum exposure under credit enhancements     660,048    779,902    778,705
</TABLE>
 
  To facilitate the servicing of delinquent loans under these commitments and
to minimize losses to the Company, loans in the amount of $180,337,000 in
1996, $115,636,000 in 1995 and $71,400,000 in 1994 have been repurchased from
investors. Repurchased loans are included in the Company's periodic analysis
of the adequacy of ALLL. Delinquent interest of approximately $4,914,000 in
1996, $2,939,000 in 1995 and $1,669,000 in 1994 was repurchased and
subsequently written off. Periodically, the Company repurchases, for
investment, loans which were previously sold. The Company repurchased
$6,410,000 in 1996, $1,061,000 in 1995 and $476,274,000 in 1994. The reserve
for the contingent liability for loans sold with recourse was $9,358,000 at
December 31, 1996 and $6,000,000 at December 31, 1995.
 
                                      75
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 8: REAL ESTATE AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE OR DEVELOPMENT, NET
 
  Real estate available-for-sale or development, net, consisted of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31
                                                            ------------------
                                                              1996      1995
                                                            --------  --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>
Real estate available-for-sale
  Real estate acquired through foreclosure net of reserves
   of $1,861 and $26,850, respectively                      $119,780  $161,953
  Other, net of reserves of $2,744 and $1,210, respectively    8,741    21,806
  Accumulated depreciation                                    (3,634)   (6,081)
                                                            --------  --------
                                                             124,887   177,678
Property development, net of reserves of $18,623 and
 $29,002, respectively                                        35,110    39,434
                                                            --------  --------
                                                            $159,997  $217,112
                                                            ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  Interest capitalized on property development totaled $3,073,000 at December
31, 1996, $4,088,000 at December 31, 1995 and $4,581,000 at December 31, 1994.
 
  Net real estate operations are summarized below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                        ----------------------------
                                          1996      1995      1994
                                        --------  --------  --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                     <C>       <C>       <C>
Net (gain) on sales of real estate      $(15,619) $(21,709) $ (6,437)
Interest recognized on advances           (5,981)   (2,337)   (1,341)
Provision for losses                     (12,775)    1,500    12,000
Write-downs                                2,254        --        --
Net operating losses and holding costs    32,847    28,151    27,632
                                        --------  --------  --------
                                        $    726  $  5,605  $ 31,854
                                        ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  In the third quarter of 1996, the Company determined that its real estate
portfolio was appropriately valued at market. As a result of this
determination, reserves of $13,504,000 were reversed.
 
  Following is a summary of the reserve for estimated losses:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                1996      1995      1994      1993      1992
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Balance at beginning of year  $ 57,062  $ 77,025  $123,551  $185,204  $  6,862
Adoption of SFAS 114                --        --        --   (66,102)       --
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Adjusted balance at
 beginning of year              57,062    77,025   123,551   119,102     6,862
Provision for losses           (12,775)    1,500    12,000    92,000   220,000
Charge-offs                    (21,223)  (21,469)  (65,769)  (87,673)  (41,658)
Recoveries                         164         6     7,243       122        --
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Balance at end of year        $ 23,228  $ 57,062  $ 77,025  $123,551  $185,204
                              ========  ========  ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      76
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 9: INTEREST RECEIVABLE
 
  Following is a summary of interest receivable:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  DECEMBER 31
                               -----------------
                                 1996     1995
                               -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                            <C>      <C>
Real estate loans              $149,593 $147,758
Mortgage-backed securities       65,764   88,628
Securities available-for-sale    15,398   15,411
Other loans                      11,838   19,473
Consumer Finance                  2,161    2,327
Interest rate swaps                 785      846
Taxes                                --   24,197
                               -------- --------
                               $245,539 $298,640
                               ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
  There was no accrued interest for taxes at December 31, 1996.
 
NOTE 10: INVESTMENT IN FHLB
 
  The investment in FHLB consisted of capital stock, at cost, totaling
$377,946,000 at December 31, 1996 and $341,102,000 at December 31, 1995.
 
  The Company earned 6.11% in 1996, 4.93% in 1995 and 5.18% in 1994 from
dividends on its investment in FHLB stock. FHLB capital stock is pledged to
secure FHLB borrowings. Earnings on FHLB stock will presumably continue to be
restricted due to the funding requirements imposed on the Federal Home Loan
Banks for affordable housing programs and the Resolution Funding Corporation.
 
NOTE 11: PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET
 
  Premises and equipment, net, consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                DECEMBER 31
                                           ----------------------
                                              1996        1995
                                           ----------  ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>         <C>
Land                                       $   88,837  $   89,044
Buildings and leasehold improvements          453,462     435,204
Furniture, fixtures and equipment             498,841     554,256
Software                                       41,968      31,060
Construction in progress                       13,151      13,218
                                           ----------  ----------
                                            1,096,259   1,122,782
Accumulated depreciation and amortization    (543,837)   (518,110)
                                           ----------  ----------
                                           $  552,422  $  604,672
                                           ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Unamortized software was $33,496,000 and $29,615,000 at December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively.
 
                                      77
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The Company leases various branch offices under capital and noncancellable
operating leases which expire at various dates through 2043. Some leases
contain escalation provisions for adjustments in the consumer price index and
provide for renewal options for five-to-10 year periods. Future minimum lease
payments under all noncancellable leases at December 31, 1996 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          OPERATING CAPITAL
                                           LEASES    LEASES
                                          --------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                       <C>       <C>
Year ending December 31,
  1997                                    $ 47,744  $  8,034
  1998                                      40,968     8,034
  1999                                      32,648     8,034
  2000                                      27,261     8,034
  2001                                      24,442     8,034
  Thereafter                               116,600    78,729
                                          --------  --------
  Total minimum lease payments            $289,663   118,899
                                          ========
  Amount representing interest                        78,131
                                                    --------
  Present value of minimum lease payments           $ 40,768
                                                    ========
</TABLE>
 
  Rental expense charged to earnings was $59,005,000 in the year ended
December 31, 1996, $60,279,000 in the year ended December 31, 1995 and
$55,011,000 in the year ended December 31, 1994. Rental sublease income was
$8,007,000, $8,111,000 and $7,027,000 in the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
NOTE 12: DEPOSITS
 
  The following summarizes deposit balances at December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     DECEMBER 31
                                   ----------------
                                    1996     1995
   (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)           -------  -------
   <S>                             <C>      <C>
   Checking                        $ 4,420  $ 4,488
   Money market and other savings    6,744    6,589
   Term                             17,237   17,696
   Wholesale                           186      462
                                   -------  -------
                                   $28,587  $29,235
                                   =======  =======
 
  The following table shows the change in deposit balances at December 31,
1996 and 1995:
 
<CAPTION>
                                     DECEMBER 31
                                   ----------------
                                    1996     1995
   (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)           -------  -------
   <S>                             <C>      <C>
   Checking                        $   (68) $   (85)
   Money market and other savings      155     (851)
   Term                               (459)   1,572
   Wholesale                          (276)    (102)
                                   -------  -------
                                   $  (648) $   534
                                   =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      78
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The average interest rate is based upon stated interest rates without giving
consideration to daily compounding of interest or forfeiture of interest
because of premature withdrawals. Noninterest bearing checking accounts
represented 6.07% of total deposits at December 31, 1996 and 5.40% at December
31, 1995. Accrued but unpaid interest on deposits included in other
liabilities totaled $44,060,000 at December 31, 1996 and $12,091,000 at
December 31, 1995.
 
  An analysis of term deposits by interest rate and maturity at December 31,
1996 is presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   OVER       OVER       OVER       OVER
                                 3 MONTHS   6 MONTHS  12 MONTHS  24 MONTHS              DECEMBER 31
                       3 MONTHS BUT WITHIN BUT WITHIN BUT WITHIN BUT WITHIN   OVER    ------------------
                       OR LESS   6 MONTHS  12 MONTHS  24 MONTHS  36 MONTHS  36 MONTHS  1996       1995
                       -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- -------    -------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                    <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
DECEMBER 31, 1996
INTEREST RATE
Under 3%                $   38    $   --     $   --     $   --     $  --      $  --   $    38    $    52
3 to 3.99%                  75        19          9          3         6         --       112        147
4 to 4.99%               3,129     1,735        928         87        33         32     5,944      3,704
5 to 5.99%               2,155     1,693      3,617        907       222        492     9,086      9,121
6 to 6.99%                 363       272        173        121       142        297     1,368      3,697
7 to 7.99%                 615        14         34         16        12         19       710      1,066
8 to 8.99%                  --         1          1          1         1          1         5          8
9 to 9.99%                  --        --         --         --        --         --        --        184
Over 10%                    --        --         --         --         2         --         2          5
                        ------    ------     ------     ------     -----      -----   -------    -------
 Total                  $6,375    $3,734     $4,762     $1,135     $ 418      $ 841   $17,265(1) $17,984(1)
                        ======    ======     ======     ======     =====      =====   =======    =======
$100,000 accounts
 included above         $1,876    $  713     $  923     $  227     $ 104      $ 175   $ 4,018    $ 3,502
</TABLE>
--------
(1)This includes wholesale term accounts of $28 at December 31, 1996 and $289
   at December 31, 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          NO      WITHIN
                       MATURITY  ONE YEAR   1998   1999  2000  2001  AFTER 2001  TOTAL
                       --------  --------   ----   ----  ----  ----  ----------  -----
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                    <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>        <C>
YEAR-END BY MATURITY
Balances               $11,322   $14,871   $1,135  $418  $365  $475     $  1    $28,587
Average coupon rate       2.12%     5.38%    5.73% 5.75% 6.29% 5.63%    4.89%      4.13%
</TABLE>
 
  The following is a summary of interest expense on deposits:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                ------------------------------
                                   1996       1995      1994
                                ---------- ---------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>
Checking                        $   32,871 $   35,286 $ 40,034
Money market and other savings     192,668    187,855  197,451
Term                               944,924    972,691  699,424
Wholesale                            9,016     21,253   13,390
                                ---------- ---------- --------
                                $1,179,479 $1,217,085 $950,299
                                ========== ========== ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      79
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 13: SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE
 
  Securities sold under agreements to repurchase generally represent
borrowings of less than one year. The book value of these agreements
approximates fair value. Agreements to repurchase are secured by mortgage
loans and securities held by the Company.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   DECEMBER 31
                                         ----------------------------------
                                            1996        1995        1994
                                         ----------  ----------  ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>
Securities sold under agreements to re-
 purchase
  Balance at year end                    $4,197,666  $6,868,296  $6,299,055
  Maximum outstanding at any month end    6,116,426   7,536,524   6,299,055
  Average balance during the year         5,373,218   7,050,882   1,984,652
  Weighted average rate during the year        5.48%       5.99%       4.93%
  Weighted average rate at year end            5.48        5.78        5.80
 
  The collateral supporting securities sold under agreements to repurchase is
as follows:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                   DECEMBER 31
                                         ----------------------------------
                                            1996        1995        1994
                                         ----------  ----------  ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>
Mortgage-backed securities
  Book value                             $4,368,296  $7,041,492  $6,719,178
  Fair value                              4,356,046   7,102,655   6,481,469
</TABLE>
 
  Securities sold by the Company under agreements to repurchase are generally
short-term obligations. On December 31, 1996, the Company had $3,703,578,000
of obligations contracted for 120 days or less with an average maturity of 86
days. The remaining $494,088,000 of the repurchase obligations contractually
matures from one to three years.
 
NOTE 14: SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
 
  The following is a summary of short-term borrowings:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 DECEMBER 31
                            ---------------------
                               1996       1995
                            ---------- ----------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                      <C>        <C>
   Commercial paper         $  472,506 $1,036,413
   Federal funds               629,000    280,000
                            ---------- ----------
                            $1,101,506 $1,316,413
                            ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Commercial paper has original maturities of less than 270 days, and at
December 31, 1996, the average maturity was 34 days. Federal funds have
maturities of periods of up to 12 months and at December 31, 1996 the average
maturity was 71 days.
 
                                      80
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Short-term borrowings are summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                DECEMBER 31
                                        ------------------------------
                                          1996       1995       1994
                                        --------  ----------  --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                     <C>       <C>         <C>
Commercial paper
  Balance at year end                   $472,506  $1,036,413  $745,461
  Maximum outstanding at any month end   967,962   1,551,200   887,514
  Average balance during the year        699,409   1,142,851   431,021
  Weighted average rate during the year     5.38%       6.39%     4.56%
  Weighted average rate at year end         5.70        5.88      6.06
Federal funds
  Balance at year end                   $629,000  $  280,000  $465,000
  Maximum outstanding at any month end   768,000     727,000   540,000
  Average balance during the year        493,538     450,154   328,383
  Weighted average rate during the year     5.34%       6.27%     4.18%
  Weighted average rate at year end         5.44        5.85      6.29
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 15: LONG TERM BORROWINGS
 
  Debt issue costs are amortized on the interest method over the term of the
debt.
 
  The following is a summary of long term borrowings:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      DECEMBER 31
                                 ---------------------
                                    1996       1995
                                 ---------- ----------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                           <C>        <C>
   Senior and subordinated debt  $2,432,708 $2,305,845
   FHLB long-term borrowings        758,200    115,000
                                 ---------- ----------
                                 $3,190,908 $2,420,845
                                 ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                       81
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The Company has the following senior and subordinated debt outstanding:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31
                                   MATURITY    INTEREST  ---------------------
                                     DATE        RATE       1996       1995
                                -------------- --------  ---------- ----------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                          <C>            <C>       <C>        <C>
   SENIOR
     GWFC:                          June, 1998    6.125% $  149,845 $  149,746
                                December, 1998    8.625      99,961     99,943
                                    July, 2000    6.375     224,166    223,960
                                February, 2002    8.600     199,410    199,321
                                                         ---------- ----------
                                                            673,382    672,970
                                                         ---------- ----------
     GWB:                           July, 1997    9.500     152,323    152,179
                                                         ---------- ----------
     Aristar:                       July, 1996    6.250          --     99,995
                                     May, 1996    8.750          --      5,000
                                February, 1997    7.375      99,997     99,974
                                December, 1997    8.125      99,909     99,812
                                    July, 1998    5.750     149,922    149,875
                                February, 1999    7.875      99,904     99,864
                                     May, 1999    6.750      99,986         --
                                    July, 2000    6.300      99,930     99,913
                                December, 2000    6.125     149,610         --
                                    June, 2001    7.750     149,930    149,917
                                    June, 2001    7.250      99,857         --
                                  August, 2001    6.750      99,917         --
                                                         ---------- ----------
                                                          1,148,962    804,350
                                                         ---------- ----------
     Obligations of
      subsidiaries:                            7.6-10.7      45,473     47,428
                                                         ---------- ----------
       Total Senior Debt                                  2,020,141  1,676,927
                                                         ========== ==========
   SUBORDINATED
     GWB:                       February, 1999   10.500      38,172    129,801
                                   March, 1999   10.250      25,081    150,000
                                    June, 2001    9.875     149,708    149,658
                                                         ---------- ----------
                                                            212,961    429,459
                                                         ---------- ----------
     Aristar:                     August, 1998    8.875      99,948     99,920
                                    July, 1999    7.500      99,659     99,539
                                                         ---------- ----------
                                                            199,607    199,459
                                                         ---------- ----------
       Total Subordinated Debt                              412,568    628,918
                                                         ========== ==========
       Total Senior and
        Subordinated Debt                                $2,432,708 $2,305,845
                                                         ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
  During 1996, Aristar issued the following senior debt:
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  MONTH OF                 INTEREST     DATE OF
    ISSUE        AMOUNT      RATE       MATURITY
  --------    ------------ -------- ----------------
   <S>        <C>          <C>      <C>
   May        $100,000,000   6.75%      May 15, 1999
   June        100,000,000   7.25      June 15, 2001
   August      100,000,000   6.75    August 15, 2001
   December    150,000,000   6.125  December 1, 2000
</TABLE>
 
                                       82
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 16: FHLB BORROWINGS
 
  An analysis of borrowings by maturity is included in the table on page 43.
 
  The maximum amount of credit which the FHLB will extend for purposes other
than meeting withdrawals varies from time to time in accordance with its
policies. The FHLB interest rates charged for advances vary depending upon
maturity, the cost of funds in the FHLB and the purpose of borrowing.
 
  FHLB borrowings are secured by pledges of real estate loans and the capital
stock of the FHLB. FHLB borrowings are summarized below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                DECEMBER 31
                            -------------------
                               1996      1995
                            ---------- --------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                      <C>        <C>
   Short-term borrowings    $2,011,733 $740,080
   Long-term borrowings        758,200  115,000
                            ---------- --------
                            $2,769,933 $855,080
                            ========== ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1996       1995      1994
                                               ----------  --------  --------
   <S>                                         <C>         <C>       <C>
   Balance at year end                         $2,769,933  $855,080  $187,000
   Maximum outstanding at any month end         2,769,933   855,080   862,000
   Average balance during year                  1,854,786   186,698   306,431
   Weighted average interest rate during the
    year                                             5.45%     5.39%     5.63%
   Weighted average interest rate at year end        5.52      5.60      5.47
</TABLE>
 
  GWB has various borrowing alternatives with the FHLB, with capacity of
approximately $10 billion, inclusive of a $200 million facility for overnight
advances.
 
NOTE 17: COMPANY-OBLIGATED MANDITORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SECURITIES OF THE
         COMPANY'S SUBSIDIARY TRUST, HOLDING SOLELY $103,092,800 AGGREGATE
         PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF 8.25% SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST NOTES, DUE
         2025, OF THE COMPANY
 
  In December 1995, Great Western Financial Trust I (the "subsidiary trust"),
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Western Financial Corporation, issued
$100,000,000 of 8.25% Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the "preferred
securities"). In connection with the subsidiary trust's issuance of the
preferred securities, Great Western Financial Corporation issued to the
subsidiary trust $103,092,800 principal amount of its 8.25% subordinated
deferrable interest notes, due 2025 (the "subordinated notes"). The sole
assets of the subsidiary trust are and will be the subordinated notes. Great
Western Financial Corporation's obligations under the subordinated notes and
related agreements, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional
guarantee by the Company of the subsidiary trust's obligations under the
preferred securities.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            DECEMBER 31
                                                         -----------------
                                                           1996     1995
                                                         -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                      <C>      <C>
Company-obligated manditorily redeemable preferred
 securities of the Company's subsidiary trust, holding
 solely $103,092,800 aggregate principal amount of 8.25%
 subordinated deferrable interest notes, due 2025, of
 the Company                                             $100,000 $100,000
                                                         ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      83
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 18: FEDERAL AND STATE TAXES ON INCOME
 
  Following is a summary of the provision for taxes on income:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                --------------------------
                                 1996      1995     1994
                                -------  -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                             <C>      <C>      <C>
Current tax expense
  Federal                       $58,400  $ 80,800 $120,100
  State                          11,700    24,400   32,500
                                -------  -------- --------
                                 70,100   105,200  152,600
                                -------  -------- --------
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
  Federal                        (1,900)   51,400      900
  State                           2,600     4,500    1,800
                                -------  -------- --------
                                    700    55,900    2,700
                                -------  -------- --------
                                $70,800  $161,100 $155,300
                                =======  ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
  The following table reconciles the statutory income tax rate to the
consolidated effective income tax rate:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                  -------------------------
                                                   1996     1995     1994
                                                  -------  -------  -------
<S>                                               <C>      <C>      <C>
Federal income tax rate                              35.0%    35.0%    35.0%
State franchise tax rate, net of federal income
 tax effect                                           6.5      6.1      6.0
                                                  -------  -------  -------
Statutory income tax rate                            41.5     41.1     41.0
Increase (reduction) in tax rate resulting from:
  Amortization of intangibles                          .8       .9      1.3
  Reversal of taxes previously provided                --      (.6)    (2.9)
  Low income housing                                   --     (1.2)      --
  Adjustment of deferred tax rate                    (1.2)      .1      (.2)
  Other items, net                                   (3.2)    (2.1)    (1.0)
                                                  -------  -------  -------
                                                     37.9%    38.2%    38.2%
                                                  =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       84
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Deferred tax liabilities (assets) are comprised of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31
                                                         --------------------
                                                           1996       1995
                                                         ---------  ---------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                   <C>        <C>
   Deferred tax liabilities
     Loan fees and interest income                       $ 188,122  $ 202,816
     FHLB dividends                                         86,728     63,050
     Financial leases                                       70,035     74,772
     Depreciation                                           49,441     42,303
     Unrealized holding gains on securities                 48,311     72,619
     Amortization of intangibles                            22,616     23,872
     Accrued interest income                                16,439     16,919
     Cash method of accounting for income tax reporting      8,131      8,325
     Election to reduce basis                                5,843      6,186
     Sales of unearned interest income                       2,488      2,488
     Other deferred income items                            56,994     65,554
                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                           555,148    578,904
                                                         ---------  ---------
   Deferred tax assets
     Loss reserves                                        (104,244)  (117,504)
     State taxes                                           (32,581)   (31,761)
     Postemployment benefits                               (24,908)   (27,433)
     Deferred compensation                                 (17,370)   (11,456)
     Unearned insurance commission                         (10,285)   (11,084)
     Partnership income                                     (3,230)     1,871
     Gain (loss) on mortgage sales                             271     (6,615)
     Other deferred deduction items                       (110,006)   (98,560)
                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                          (302,353)  (302,542)
   Deferred tax assets valuation allowance                      --         --
                                                         ---------  ---------
   Net deferred tax liabilities                          $ 252,795  $ 276,362
                                                         =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
  Taxes on income included the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  DECEMBER 31
                               ------------------
                                 1996      1995
                               --------  --------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                         <C>       <C>
   Net deferred liability
     Federal income tax        $172,990  $193,588
     State franchise tax         79,805    82,774
                               --------  --------
                                252,795   276,362
   Taxes payable (receivable)   (26,720)  102,019
                               --------  --------
                               $226,075  $378,381
                               ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  Under the Internal Revenue Code, GWB, as a qualified thrift institution, had
been allowed to claim deductions for bad debts under the reserve method, which
is more favorable than bad debt deduction methods allowed to other taxpayers.
 
                                      85
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Under provisions of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, GWB lost
the use of the bad debt reserve method beginning in 1996.
 
  Since the reserve balance at the end of 1996 of $724,488,000 arose prior to
1988, it is not currently subject to federal income tax and would not be if
GWB were to convert to a commercial bank or otherwise lose its tax status as a
qualified thrift institution. However, it will be subject to such tax upon
certain occurrences (including its distribution to shareholders), none of
which are currently contemplated. Consequently, in accordance with Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes," a federal deferred
tax liability of $253,571,000 has not been recognized for the temporary
differences relating to the tax bad debt reserve of GWB.
 
  The Company's tax returns have been examined by the Internal Revenue Service
through December 31, 1987 and by the California Franchise Tax Board through
December 31, 1991.
 
NOTE 19: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
 Pension Plans
 
  The Great Western Retirement Plan ("the plan") covers a majority of
employees. In 1996, the plan was converted from a final average pay plan to a
cash balance plan, under which participants' accounts are credited with pay-
related contributions and interest. The Company's general funding policy is to
contribute the maximum amount deductible for federal income tax purposes.
 
  The net periodic pension cost is computed as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                 ----------------------------
                                                   1996      1995      1994
                                                 --------  --------  --------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
   Return on plan assets:
     Actual return                               $(42,002) $(37,162) $  1,877
     Expected return lower (higher) than actual
      return                                       22,439    21,459   (17,559)
                                                 --------  --------  --------
     Expected return                              (19,563)  (15,703)  (15,682)
   Service cost                                     8,211     9,360    11,400
   Interest cost                                   13,781    14,266    13,981
   Net amortization of initial unrecognized net
    (asset) as of January 1, 1987                      --      (676)     (676)
   Net amortization and deferral                   (1,989)      530     1,398
   Amortization of unrecognized prior service
    cost                                               --      (185)     (185)
                                                 --------  --------  --------
                                                 $    440  $  7,592  $ 10,236
                                                 ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  Assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension cost were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                     -------------------------
                                                      1996     1995     1994
                                                     -------  -------  -------
   <S>                                               <C>      <C>      <C>
   Weighted average discount rate                       7.81%    8.25%    7.75%
   Rate of increase in future compensation levels       5.25     5.50     5.50
   Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets     9.00     9.00     9.00
</TABLE>
 
  Although the actual return on plan assets is shown, the expected long-term
rate of return is used in determining net periodic pension cost. The
difference between the actual return and expected return is included in net
amortization and deferral.
 
                                      86
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Accumulated plan benefit information and the funded status of the plan
follow:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     DECEMBER 31
                                                  ------------------
                                                    1996      1995
                                                  --------  --------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                            <C>       <C>
   Accumulated benefit obligation
     Vested                                       $170,028  $165,016
     Nonvested                                       9,393     4,516
                                                  --------  --------
                                                  $179,421  $169,532
                                                  ========  ========
   Projected benefit obligation                   $179,421  $201,421
   Fair value of plan assets                       241,345   212,084
                                                  --------  --------
   Plan assets in excess of benefit obligation      61,924    10,663
   Unrecognized prior service costs                (28,869)       --
   Unrecognized net loss                            10,103    20,467
                                                  --------  --------
   Prepaid pension cost included in other assets  $ 43,158  $ 31,130
                                                  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  The assumptions used in determining the actuarial present value of the
projected benefit obligation at December 31 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      DECEMBER 31
                                                     ----------------
                                                     1996  1995  1994
                                                     ----  ----  ----
   <S>                                               <C>   <C>   <C>
   Weighted average discount rate                    7.50% 7.50% 8.25%
   Rate of increase in future compensation levels    5.25  5.25  5.50
   Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets  9.00  9.00  9.00
   Interest crediting rate on participant accounts   5.50    --    --
   Annuity conversion rate                           6.75    --    --
</TABLE>
 
  Assumptions for interest crediting and annuity conversion rates are not
presented for December 31, 1995 and 1994, because they are not applicable to a
final average pay plan.
 
  Plan assets include equity securities, mutual funds, mortgage-backed
securities and other fixed-income securities.
 
  The Company has unfunded retirement restoration plans for employees whose
benefits under the principal funded plan are reduced because of compensation
deferral elections or limitations under federal tax laws. Pension expense for
these plans totaled $587,000 in 1996, $945,000 in 1995 and $213,000 in 1994.
At December 31, 1996, the projected benefit obligation for these plans was
$3,695,000.
 
  The Company also sponsors a nonqualified, unfunded, supplemental executive
retirement plan for certain senior officers and a nonqualified unfunded
directors' retirement plan. Data related to these plans follow:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                DECEMBER 31
                              ---------------
                               1996    1995
                              ------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                           <C>     <C>
Projected benefit obligation  $34,267 $28,074
Unrecognized net obligation     2,773   3,280
</TABLE>
 
  Pension expense for these plans totaled $4,333,000 in 1996, $4,231,000 in
1995 and $4,590,000 in 1994.
 
                                      87
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The Company provides an optional deferred compensation plan for certain
employees. Eligible employees can defer a portion of their compensation and
the Company agrees to pay interest on the balance of funds deferred. An
enhanced rate is paid on funds deferred over three years.
 
  The Company has purchased cost recovery life insurance, primarily with one
carrier, on the lives of the participants of the supplemental executive
retirement plan, directors' retirement plan and deferred compensation plan and
it is sole owner and beneficiary of said policies. The amount of coverage is
designed to provide sufficient revenues to fund said plans. The net cash
surrender value of this life insurance, recorded in other assets, was
$180,319,000 at December 31, 1996 and $163,736,000 at December 31, 1995, and
net premium income related to insurance purchased was $8,359,000 in 1996,
$6,846,000 in 1995 and $2,646,000 in 1994.
 
POSTRETIREMENT PLANS
 
  The Company sponsors unfunded defined benefit postretirement plans that
provide medical and life insurance coverage to eligible employees and
dependents based on age and length of service. Medical coverage options are
the same as available to active employees. The cost of plan coverage for
retirees and their qualifying dependents is based upon a point system that
combines age and years of service which results, generally, in lower costs to
retirees in conjunction with higher accumulated points within limits.
 
  The following table shows the plan's status reconciled to the accrued
postretirement benefit cost included in other liabilities on the Consolidated
Statement of Financial Condition.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    DECEMBER 31
                                                  ---------------
                                                   1996    1995
                                                  ------- -------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                            <C>     <C> 
   Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
     Retirees                                     $25,700 $29,000
     Fully eligible active employees                4,100   4,300
     Other active employees                        22,300  19,700
                                                  ------- -------
                                                   52,100  53,000
   Unrecognized net gain                            4,746     728
                                                  ------- -------
   Accrued postretirement benefit                 $56,846 $53,728
                                                  ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
  The net postretirement medical and life insurance costs follow:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                      -------------------------
                                                       1996     1995     1994
                                                      -------  -------  -------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                <C>      <C>      <C>
   Service cost                                       $ 2,196  $ 2,307  $ 2,349
   Interest cost of accumulated postretirement bene-
    fit obligation                                      3,614    3,896    3,730
   Curtailment gain                                      (580)    (570)      --
                                                      -------  -------  -------
                                                      $ 5,230  $ 5,633  $ 6,079
                                                      =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  During 1996 and 1995, the Company recognized curtailment gains as a result
of ongoing work force reductions.
 
  For measurement purposes, the cost of medical benefits was projected to
increase at a rate of 9.00% in 1996, and 8.00% in 1997 thereafter decreasing
1% per year until a stable 5.00% medical inflation rate is reached in 2000.
Increasing the assumed health care cost trend by 1% in each year would
increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31,
1996 by approximately $3,500,000 and the aggregate of the
 
                                      88
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
service and interest components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost
for the year ended December 31, 1996 by $700,000. The present value of the
accumulated benefit obligation assumed a 7.50% discount rate compounded
annually at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995.
 
 Stock-based Compensation Plans
 
  The Company currently has a stock option plan in effect: the 1988 Stock
Option and Incentive Plan ("stock option plan"). Options are granted at the
market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The stock option plan
consists of two separate plans: the Key Employee Program under which options
(both incentive and nonqualified), stock appreciation rights, dividend
equivalents and certain other performance and incentive awards may be granted
to officers, key employees and certain other individuals; and the Non-employee
Director Program under which non-qualified options will be automatically
granted to non-employee directors under certain circumstances. The Company has
set aside 12,500,000 shares of common stock to be delivered pursuant to the
stock option plan, of which a maximum of 750,000 may be delivered under the
Non-employee Director Program. Options may be exercised either by payment of
cash, or the optionee may deliver GWFC common stock of an equivalent market
value at the date of exercise. The exercise price of each option equals the
market price of the Company's stock on the date of grant, and an option's
maximum term is 10 years. Depending upon the year of grant, options become
exercisable in equal installments over a four or five year period, beginning
one year from the date of grant. Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
are credited to common stock for the aggregate par value of shares issued, and
the excess is credited to additional capital.
 
  The Company has granted performance-based restricted stock awards to
encourage and reward high levels of performance of the Company as measured by
returns to shareholders. The shares will fully vest 10 years after the award
date, and prior to such time, they are subject to accelerated vesting based on
the Company's performance. At December 31, 1996, a total of 1,115,244 shares
with a value of $20,709,000 had been granted. The unearned compensation is
recorded as a separate reduction of stockholders' equity and is being
amortized to expense over 60 months. The total amount of compensation expense
related to restricted stock awards, recorded in accordance with APB 25, was
$3,825,000 in 1996, $3,257,000 in 1995 and $3,798,000 in 1994.
 
  Stock appreciation rights ("SAR") may be granted in conjunction with certain
options previously granted or with future options. A SAR entitles the holder,
at the discretion of the Company, to receive cash or shares of GWFC common
stock, or a combination thereof, at a value equal to the excess of the fair
market value on the date of exercise over the option price. Exercise of an
option or companion SAR automatically cancels the related option or right.
 
                                      89
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  A summary of the Company's stock option plan as of December 31, 1996, 1995
and 1994, and changes during the years then ended is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   WEIGHTED-
                                         OPTION       OPTION        AVERAGE
                                         SHARES     PRICE RANGE  EXERCISE PRICE
                                       ----------  ------------- --------------
   <S>                                 <C>         <C>           <C>
   1994
     Outstanding at beginning of year   5,316,595  $ 7.70-$22.15     $16.33
     Granted                            2,287,806   16.63- 20.25      17.22
     Forfeited                           (209,860)  14.75- 18.88      18.08
     Exercised                           (282,300)  10.38- 18.88      15.33
                                       ----------  -------------     ------
     Outstanding at end of year         7,112,241    7.70- 22.15      16.66
                                       ----------  -------------     ------
   1995
     Granted                              451,548   16.00- 21.38      20.36
     Exercised                           (704,985)   7.70- 20.50      16.15
     Forfeited                           (254,960)  10.38- 18.88      17.71
                                       ----------  -------------     ------
     Outstanding at end of year         6,603,844    7.70- 22.15      16.86
                                       ----------  -------------     ------
   1996
     Granted                            3,752,599   21.13- 30.88      26.83
     Exercised                         (1,048,777)   7.70- 22.15      17.35
     Forfeited                           (157,595)  14.75- 23.38      19.17
                                       ----------  -------------     ------
     Outstanding at end of year         9,150,071  $10.38-$30.88     $20.85
                                       ==========  =============     ======
</TABLE>
 
  The number of options exercisable at December 31, 1996 and 1995 was
4,023,247 and 4,236,288, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of
options granted during 1996 and 1995 was $8.18 and $5.75, respectively.
 
  Information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 1996 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                         OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
                              WTD. AVG.  WEIGHTED                           WEIGHTED-
                              REMAINING  AVERAGE    RANGE OF                 AVERAGE
   RANGE OF        NUMBER    CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE   EXERCISE      NUMBER    EXERCISE
EXERCISE PRICES  OUTSTANDING    LIFE      PRICE      PRICES     EXERCISABLE   PRICE
---------------  ----------- ----------- -------- ------------- ----------- ---------
<S>              <C>         <C>         <C>      <C>           <C>         <C>
$10.38-$14.88       971,950   2.3 years   $13.44  $10.38-$14.88    971,950   $13.44
 15.25- 19.38     3,919,554   6.0          17.01   15.25- 19.38  2,821,535    16.86
 20.25- 24.88     2,487,236   8.7          22.77   20.25- 24.88    229,762    20.78
 25.13- 30.88     1,771,331   9.9          30.70   25.13- 30.88         --       --
                  ---------                                      ---------
$10.38-$30.88     9,150,071   7.1         $20.85  $10.38-$30.88  4,023,247   $16.26
                  =========                                      =========
</TABLE>
 
                                      90
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  The Company applies APB Opinion 25 and related interpretations in accounting
for its stock-based compensation plans, which are described above.
Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock option
plan. Had compensation cost for the stock option plan been determined based on
the fair value at the grant dates for awards under this plan consistent with
the method prescribed by SFAS 123, the Company's net income and earnings per
share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1996         1995
                                       ------------ ------------
         <S>                           <C>          <C>
         Net income
          As reported                  $115,822,000 $261,022,000
          Pro forma                     113,622,000  260,790,000
         Primary earnings per share
          As reported                          $.69        $1.72
          Pro forma                             .68         1.72
         Fully diluted earnings per
          share
          As reported                           .69         1.71
          Pro forma                             .67         1.71
</TABLE>
 
  The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   1996     1995
                                  -------  -------
         <S>                      <C>      <C>
         Dividend yield                 3%       3%
         Expected volatility        21-44    21-24
         Risk-free interest rate  5.5-6.9  6.3-7.9
         Expected life of option  7 years  7 years
</TABLE>
 
  During the initial phase-in period, the effects of applying SFAS 123 for
these pro forma disclosures are not likely to be representative of the effects
on pro forma disclosures for future years because options vest over several
years and additional awards are generally made each year.
 
 Savings Plans
 
  The Company has an Employee Savings Incentive Plan which grants to all
eligible employees the opportunity to invest up to 14% of their earnings in
certain investment alternatives. For investments by employees of up to 6% of
their earnings, the Company is obligated to and has contributed an amount
equal to one-half thereof for credit to the employees' accounts. Further, the
board of directors, at its discretion, may increase the Company's contribution
to match up to 100% of the Company's obligated contribution. In 1996, 1995 and
1994 discretionary awards were made. The Company contributed approximately
$7,742,000, $7,342,000, and $7,886,000 in 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively,
including a discretionary addition of $1,811,000, $1,794,000, and $1,877,000
in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
                                      91
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
NOTE 20: PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The following is a summary of Preferred Stock (Convertible and
Nonconvertible):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          SHARES ISSUED
                         AND OUTSTANDING   CARRYING AMOUNT    DIVIDENDS DECLARED
                           DECEMBER 31       DECEMBER 31    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                        ----------------- ----------------- -----------------------
                         1996     1995      1996     1995    1996    1995    1994
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)  ------- --------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
<S>                     <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>
8.30% Cumulative
 Nonconvertible
 (Liquidation
 preference $250)       660,000   660,000 $165,000 $165,000 $13,695 $13,695 $13,695
8.75% Cumulative
 Convertible
 (Liquidation
 preference $260.94)
 (1)                         --   517,500       --  129,375   6,600  11,320  11,320
                        ------- --------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
                        660,000 1,177,500 $165,000 $294,375 $20,295 $25,015 $25,015
                        ======= ========= ======== ======== ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
--------
(1) In September 1996, the Company redeemed all $129 million of its 8.75%
    Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
  In September 1996, the Company called for the redemption of its $129
million, 8.75% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. These shares were
issued in May 1991 (see discussion below). The holders had the option to
redeem their shares or convert them into shares of the Company's common stock.
In the third quarter, 2,561,642 depositary shares, or 512,328 shares, were
converted to 6,278,421 shares of common stock with a conversion price of
$20.40 per share while 19,058 depositary shares, or 3,812 shares, were
redeemed for cash totaling $994,589 or $260.94 per share. In the second
quarter of 1996, 6,800 depositary shares, or 1,360 shares, were converted to
16,666 shares of common stock totaling $340,000, or $20.40 per share.
 
  In September 1992, the Company issued 6,600,000 depositary shares, each
representing a one-tenth interest in a share of 8.30% cumulative preferred
stock. The preferred stock has a liquidation value of $250 per share. The
preferred stock will not be redeemable prior to November 1, 1997. Each share
of preferred stock, $1.00 par value, will be redeemable at the option of the
Company on or after November 1, 1997 at $250 per share, plus accrued and
unpaid dividends. Dividends are cumulative from the date of issue and are
payable quarterly.
 
  In May 1991, the Company issued 2,587,500 depositary shares, each
representing a one-fifth interest in a share of 8.75% cumulative convertible
preferred stock. The preferred stock had a liquidation value of $250 per
share. The preferred stock was redeemable prior to May 1, 1996. Each share of
preferred stock, $1.00 par value, will be redeemable for cash at the option of
the Company, in whole or in part, at prices declining to $250 per share on or
after May 1, 2001, from $260.94 per share on or after May 1, 1996, plus
accrued and unpaid dividends. Each share of preferred stock will be
convertible at the option of the holder into shares of common stock of the
Company at a conversion price of $20.40 per share of common stock, subject to
adjustment in certain events. Dividends are cumulative from the date of issue
and are payable quarterly.
 
  Of the 10,000,000 shares authorized, shares of preferred stock issued and
outstanding at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 were 660,000 and
1,177,500, respectively.
 
NOTE 21: STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  Authorized but unissued shares of common stock reserved for stock options
were 10,529,369 at December 31, 1996 and 11,562,521 at December 31, 1995. In
addition, 4,143,928 shares of common stock had been reserved for the Dividend
Reinvestment Plan.
 
  Parent company equity in retained earnings of subsidiaries was
$1,230,221,000 at December 31, 1996 and $1,377,535,000 at December 31, 1995.
 
  The payment of dividends to the parent company from its subsidiaries is
subject to certain regulatory requirements, restrictions imposed by lenders
and federal income tax consequences.
 
                                      92
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  Thrift institutions that met certain tests prescribed by the Internal
Revenue Code were allowed a bad debt deduction for federal income tax
purposes. Because of such deductions, only $628,000,000 of retained earnings
of the Bank at December 31, 1996 were available for use without adverse tax
consequences. This amount represents the earnings and profits of the Bank
which, in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code, are available for the
payment of dividends. If retained earnings in excess of earnings and profits
are subsequently used by the Bank for purposes other than to absorb loan
losses, including distributions in liquidation, the amounts used will be
subject to federal income taxes at the then prevailing corporate tax rates. It
is not contemplated that retained earnings will be used in a manner which will
create federal income tax liabilities even in the event the Bank was to
convert its charter.
 
 Rights Plan
 
  On June 27, 1995, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend
distribution of one Right (each a "Right") for each outstanding share of
common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on July 14,
1996, which was the expiration date of the rights issued under the rights plan
adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on June 24, 1986. Each Right
will initially entitle the holder to purchase from the Company a unit of one
one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par
value $1.00 per share, at a purchase price of $80.00 per unit, subject to
adjustment. The Rights will expire July 14, 2006. The Rights may not be
exercised and will not detach or trade separately from the common stock except
as described below.
 
  The Rights will detach from the common stock and may be exercised only if a
person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the common
stock (a "Stock Acquisition"). If a Stock Acquisition occurs (except pursuant
to an offer for all outstanding shares of the common stock which the Company's
independent directors determine is fair to and otherwise in the best interest
of the Company and its stockholders), the Rights flip-in and each Right not
owned by such person will entitle the holder to purchase, at the Right's then
current exercise price, common stock (or, if the number of shares of
authorized common stock is insufficient to permit the full exercise of the
Rights, cash, property or other securities of the Company) having a formula
value equal to twice the Right's exercise price. In addition, if at any time
following a Stock Acquisition, (i) the Company is acquired in a merger or
other business combination transaction in which the Company is not the
surviving corporation (other than a merger which follows an offer at the same
price and for the same consideration as the offer approved by the Board of
Directors of the Company as described in the immediately preceding sentence),
or (ii) 50% or more of the Company's assets or earnings power is sold or
transferred, the Rights flip-over and each unexercised Right will entitle its
holder to purchase, at the Right's then current exercise price, common shares
of the other person having a formula value equal to twice the Right's exercise
price. The Rights may be redeemed by the Company at any time prior to ten days
following the date of a Stock Acquisition (which period may be extended by the
Company's Board of Directors at any time while the Rights are still
redeemable). Upon the occurrence of a flip-in or flip-over event, if the
Rights are not redeemed, the Rights would result in substantial dilution to
any person who has acquired 15% or more of the outstanding common stock or who
attempts to merge or consolidate with the Company. As a result, the Rights may
deter potential attempts to acquire control of the Company without the
approval of the Company's board of directors.
 
NOTE 22: CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
 
  GWB is subject to minimum capital requirements as set forth by the OTS. The
capital standards applicable to savings associations consist of three
components--a leverage ratio requirement, a tangible capital requirement, and
a risk-based capital requirement. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements
can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions
by regulators, including asset growth restrictions and capital distribution
limitations. As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company believes GWB meets
all minimum capital requirements to which it is subject.
 
                                      93
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  In addition to the minimum capital requirements, GWB is subject to federal
banking agency regulations which establish a system of progressive constraints
as capital levels decline at banks and savings associations. The "prompt
corrective action" rules classify banks and savings institutions into one of
five categories based upon capital adequacy, ranging from "well capitalized"
to "critically undercapitalized." The OTS has authority, after an opportunity
for a hearing, to downgrade an institution to a lower category, based on
supervisory concerns. Institutions which are "undercapitalized" (i.e., not
"well capitalized" or "adequately capitalized") are subject to restrictions on
asset growth, acquisitions, branching and new business, and are subject to
increasingly severe additional actions if they become "significantly
undercapitalized" or "critically undercapitalized."
 
  As of December 31, 1996, the most recent notification from the OTS
categorized GWB as well capitalized under the prompt corrective action rules.
To be well capitalized, GWB must maintain minimum Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1
risk-based and total risk-based capital ratios as set forth in the table
below. There are no conditions or events since that notification that the
Company believes have changed GWB's category.
 
  The following table summarizes GWB's actual capital and required capital as
of December 31, 1996 and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            MINIMUM REQUIRED   AMOUNT REQUIRED
                                              FOR CAPITAL         TO BE WELL
                                 ACTUAL         ADEQUACY         CAPITALIZED
                              ------------  ----------------   ----------------
                              AMOUNT RATIO   AMOUNT   RATIO     AMOUNT   RATIO
                              ------ -----  ----------------   -------- -------
   (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                        <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
   December 31, 1996
     Leverage/tangible ratio  $2,327  5.85% $   1,192   3.00%  $  1,987    5.00%
     Tier 1 risk-based ratio   2,322  9.77        950   4.00      1,426    6.00
     Total risk-based ratio    2,669 11.23      1,901   8.00      2,377   10.00
   December 31, 1995
     Leverage/tangible ratio   2,366  5.66      1,254   3.00      2,090    5.00
     Tier 1 risk-based ratio   2,361  9.40      1,004   4.00      1,506    6.00
     Total risk-based ratio    2,966 11.81      2,008   8.00      2,510   10.00
</TABLE>
 
                                      94
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  The following table reconciles GWB's capital in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") to GWB's tangible, core and risk-based
capital as of December 31, 1996 and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          DECEMBER 31
                                                     ----------------------
                                                        1996        1995
                                                     ----------  ----------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                               <C>         <C>
   Tangible capital
     Capital in accordance with GAAP                 $2,609,015  $2,717,788
     Less:
       Goodwill                                        (182,758)   (214,367)
       Investments in and advances to non-
        permissible subsidiaries                        (22,524)    (29,810)
       Unrealized net gain on available-for sale
        investment securities carried at fair value     (76,497)   (107,640)
                                                     ----------  ----------
   Total tangible capital                             2,327,236   2,365,971
   Adjustments for core capital                              --          --
                                                     ----------  ----------
         Total core capital                           2,327,236   2,365,971
     Less:
       Fully capitalized items (limited recourse
        liability on loans sold with recourse)           (4,772)     (5,357)
                                                     ----------  ----------
         Total Tier 1 risk-based capital              2,322,464   2,360,614
     Qualifying subordinated debt                       157,718     373,499
     Allowance for loan and lease losses                193,897     256,851
     Less assets required to be deducted:
       Real estate held for investment                   (5,115)    (22,356)
       Certain loans secured by land                       (249)     (2,784)
                                                     ----------  ----------
         Total risk-based capital                    $2,668,715  $2,965,824
                                                     ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 23: CONTINGENCIES
 
  In the normal course of its business, the Company is named a defendant in
various legal proceedings and claims. In the opinion of management, after
consultation with outside legal counsel representing the Company in these
lawsuits, their outcomes will not have a material effect on the Company's
financial position, liquidity or results of operations. See Note 28.
 
  The operations of the Company are significantly influenced by general
economic conditions, by the related monetary and fiscal policies of the
federal government, and by the regulatory policies of financial institution
regulatory authorities. Deposit flows and cost of funds are influenced by
interest rates on competing investments and general market rates of interest.
Lending and other investment activities are affected by the demand for
mortgage financing and consumer and other types of loans, which in turn are
affected by the interest rates at which such financing may be offered and
other factors affecting the supply of housing and the availability of funds.
 
                                      95
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
NOTE 24: PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  Effective December 31, 1996, Blazer Financial Corporation ("BFC"), became a
wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company. This realignment was in the
form of a dividend from GWB to GWFC in the amount of BFC's book value of
$34,830,000 and the subsequent sale of BFC to Aristar.
 
  Effective March 31, 1994, Bryant Financial Corporation ("Bryant"), a
property development subsidiary, became a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of
the Company. This realignment was in the form of a dividend from GWB to GWFC
in the amount of Bryant's book value of $38,442,000.
 
  The following summarizes dividends received by GWFC from GWB:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                            -------------------------
                              1996    1995     1994
                            -------- ------- --------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                      <C>      <C>     <C>
   Cash dividends           $151,320 $71,320 $101,322
   Noncash dividends          34,830      --   38,442
                            -------- ------- --------
                            $186,150 $71,320 $139,764
                            ======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                -----------------------------
                                                  1996       1995      1994
                                                ---------  --------  --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                             <C>        <C>       <C>
INCOME
  Dividends from Great Western Bank             $ 186,150  $ 71,320  $139,764
  Dividends from Aristar                          116,800    22,500    25,000
  Dividends from other nonbanking subsidiaries      6,700     5,000     4,500
  Management fees and interest charged to sub-
   sidiaries                                        7,986     6,814     6,959
  Income from securities and investments            6,296     8,895     8,188
  Other                                             1,219     1,136     1,848
                                                ---------  --------  --------
                                                  325,151   115,665   186,259
                                                ---------  --------  --------
EXPENSES
  Interest expense on borrowings                   67,983    59,125    56,567
  Noninterest expense                              31,491    18,036    21,703
  Federal and state taxes (credits) on income     (37,484)  (26,008)  (24,294)
                                                ---------  --------  --------
                                                   61,990    51,153    53,976
                                                ---------  --------  --------
  Earnings before undistributed net earnings of
   subsidiaries                                   263,161    64,512   132,283
  Undistributed (overdistributed) net earnings
   of subsidiaries                               (147,339)  196,510   118,951
                                                ---------  --------  --------
                                                $ 115,822  $261,022  $251,234
                                                =========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      96
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The parent company joins with its subsidiaries in filing a consolidated
federal income tax return. In the return, the parent company's taxable income
or loss is consolidated with the taxable income or loss of its subsidiaries.
The parent company's share of income taxes is generally based on the amount of
tax which would be payable if separate returns were filed, adjusted for some
deficits or benefits arising from consolidation. Therefore, the parent
company's equity in net earnings of subsidiaries is excluded from its
computation of the provision for taxes on income for financial statement
purposes. Taxes receivable consist primarily of amounts due from subsidiaries
for taxes paid on their behalf.
 
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            DECEMBER 31
                                                       ---------------------
                                                          1996       1995
                                                       ---------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                    <C>        <C>
ASSETS
Cash                                                   $    1,927 $      831
Certificates of deposit and federal funds                      --     82,000
Securities available-for-sale                              47,482     57,913
Investment in subsidiaries at cost plus equity in un-
 distributed earnings
  Great Western Bank                                    2,608,989  2,717,788
  Aristar                                                 390,358    451,570
  Other nonbanking subsidiaries                            98,945     97,882
Company owned life insurance                              179,685    163,354
Advances to subsidiaries                                  140,133     96,741
Taxes receivable                                           45,733     38,433
Other assets                                              127,201    104,223
                                                       ---------- ----------
                                                       $3,640,453 $3,810,735
                                                       ========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued expenses                  $  194,278 $  162,467
Commercial paper                                           74,500     49,729
Fixed-rate notes                                          673,382    672,970
Subordinated notes                                        103,093    103,093
                                                       ---------- ----------
                                                        1,045,253    988,259
Stockholders' equity-substantially restricted (see
 Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition)         2,595,200  2,822,476
                                                       ---------- ----------
                                                       $3,640,453 $3,810,735
                                                       ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Following is a summary of the parent company long-term debt by maturity:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            DECEMBER 31, 1996
                            -----------------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                      <C>
   1998                         $249,806
   2000                          224,166
   2001 and thereafter           302,503
                                --------
                                $776,475
                                ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      97
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   1996       1995       1994
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                              <C>        <C>        <C>
Operating Activities
  Net earnings                                   $ 115,822  $ 261,022  $ 251,234
  Noncash adjustments to net earnings
    Overdistributed (undistributed) net earnings
     of subsidiaries                               147,339   (196,510)  (118,951)
    Noncash dividends from subsidiaries            (33,768)        --    (38,380)
    Income taxes                                   (16,016)    (8,303)    31,528
    Other                                          (46,653)    (2,432)   (40,044)
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net cash provided by operating activities        166,724     53,777     85,387
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
Financing Activities
  Common stock repurchased                        (176,732)        --         --
  Common stock issued                               24,452     60,195     29,842
  Redemption of preferred stock                       (998)        --         --
  Payment of cash dividends on common stock       (133,045)  (124,673)  (122,524)
  Payment of cash dividends on preferred stock     (20,295)   (25,015)   (25,015)
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                  (306,618)   (89,493)  (117,697)
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings        --    103,093         --
  Repayments of long-term borrowings                    --    (28,250)        --
  Net change in short-term borrowings               24,771     36,298     13,431
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                    24,771    111,141     13,431
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash (used in) provided by financing
     activities                                   (281,847)    21,648   (104,266)
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
Investing Activities
  Proceeds from maturities                          58,073     49,852     24,863
  Purchases of securities available-for-sale       (47,922)   (19,532)   (87,754)
  Investment in subsidiaries                        24,068   (139,847)   (11,797)
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net cash provided by (used in) investing
   activities                                       34,219   (109,527)   (74,688)
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents        (80,904)   (34,102)   (93,567)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year      82,831    116,933    210,500
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year         $   1,927  $  82,831  $ 116,933
                                                 =========  =========  =========
Supplemental cash flow disclosure
Cash paid (received) for
  Interest on borrowings                         $  68,035  $  59,195  $  56,300
  Income taxes                                     (21,353)   (17,937)   (54,594)
Noncash financing activities
  Conversion of preferred stock to common stock    128,377         --         --
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       98
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 25: FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  The following summarizes the Company's financial instruments as defined by
SFAS 107:
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               DECEMBER 31
                             --------------------------------------------------
                                      1996                      1995
                             ------------------------  ------------------------
                              CARRYING     ESTIMATED    CARRYING     ESTIMATED
                               AMOUNT     FAIR VALUE     AMOUNT     FAIR VALUE
                             -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
FINANCIAL ASSETS
Cash                         $   534,192  $   534,192  $   837,292  $   837,292
Certificates of deposit,
 repurchase agreements and
 federal funds                   300,100      300,100      257,125      257,125
Securities available for
 sale                          1,279,283    1,279,283    1,092,459    1,092,459
Mortgage-backed securities     7,788,551    7,688,846    9,803,441    9,858,623
Loans receivable
  Real estate                 28,471,678   28,680,595   27,296,174   27,304,438
  Consumer Finance and other
    Term                       1,731,796    1,794,761    2,064,555    2,052,536
    Nonterm                      549,969      441,388      451,848      457,237
Originated mortgage
 servicing rights                 17,018       28,260        7,034        7,034
Excess/short servicing
 rights                            7,527       15,678        3,616        6,286
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Deposits
  Term                       $17,236,632  $17,232,603  $17,983,752  $18,022,943
  Nonterm                     11,321,836   11,321,836   11,251,176   11,251,176
Short-term borrowings from
 FHLB                          2,011,733    2,011,733      740,080      740,080
Securities sold under
 repurchase agreements         4,197,666    4,197,666    6,868,296    6,868,296
Short-term borrowings          1,101,506    1,101,506    1,316,413    1,316,413
Long-term borrowings           3,190,908    3,357,772    2,420,845    2,603,936
Company-obligated
 mandatorily redeemable
 preferred securities of
 subsidiary trust                100,000       99,520      100,000      101,520
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL
 INSTRUMENTS
Loan commitments
  Fixed                      $       --   $      (267) $       --   $       (76)
  Variable                           --         8,000          --        13,164
Forward sales contracts              --            83          --           384
Standby letters of credit            --           (42)         --           (62)
Interest rate swaps                   52          739          113          320
Cash flow swaps                     (498)       9,835         (796)       9,672
</TABLE>
 
  See the accompanying text for a discussion on items presented above.
 
  The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk
and other derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business to
meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to
fluctuations in interest rates. All financial instruments are held or issued
for purposes other than trading. These financial instruments include
commitments to extend credit, at both fixed and variable rates, loans sold
with credit enhancements, standby letters of credit, interest-rate caps and
floors written, and interest-rate
 
                                      99
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

and cash flow swap agreements. These instruments involve, to varying degrees,
elements of credit and interest-rate risk in excess of the amount recognized
in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. The contract or notional
amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has
in particular classes of financial instruments. For interest-rate caps,
floors, swap transactions, loans sold with credit enhancements, purchased put
options and forward sales, the contract or notional amounts do not represent
exposure to risk of loss.
 
  The Company extends credit and requires collateral for loans sold with
credit enhancements under the same lending policies as for other real estate
loans.
 
INTEREST RATE RISKS
 
  The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to
interest rate changes related to its portfolio of loans and borrowings. The
Company's objective is to manage the impact of interest rate changes on
earnings.
 
  The Company, from time to time, uses purchased put options to hedge its
exposure to increasing interest rates with respect to its fixed-rate loan
commitments. Put options grant the Company, for a premium payment, the right
to sell to the writer a specified financial instrument at a predetermined
price for a predetermined period of time. The cost is recorded in other assets
and amortized to gains and losses on loan sales over the life of the hedged
assets. Realized gains from option contracts are recorded at the time the
hedged instrument expires.
 
  The Company's credit risk exposure in the event of nonperformance by a
counterparty is the loss of potential gains on the exercise of the option. The
Company's exposure to risk of accounting loss is limited to the premium paid
for the option.
 
  The Company uses forward sales contracts to hedge its exposure to increasing
interest rates with respect to its fixed-rate commitments. The notional amount
of forward sales contract was $8,003,000 and $60,700,000 at December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively. Forward sales contracts are used to sell specific
financial instruments (fixed-rate loans) at a future date for a specified
price. Gains or losses are recognized at the time the contracts mature and are
recorded as a component of gain on mortgages.
 
  The Company uses interest-rate swaps to manage interest-rate risk and reduce
interest expense by improving the execution of borrowings to which the
interest-rate swap is tied. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had
outstanding $109,000,000 of interest-rate swaps related to FHLB borrowings in
which the Company paid a fixed rate and received a rate tied to three month
LIBOR. At December 31, 1996, the rate paid was 5.26% and the rate received was
5.52%. Interest receivable on these swaps is recorded in interest receivable
and interest payable is recorded in other liabilities. The income and expense
related to these interest-rate swaps was recorded as a decrease or increase to
interest expense on borrowings. The net benefit of interest-rate swap
agreements was $369,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, compared to a
net benefit of $953,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995 and a net cost of
$775,000 for the year ended December 31, 1994.
 
  The Company's current credit exposure on swaps is limited to the value of
interest-rate swaps that have become favorable to the Company. The Company
manages the potential credit exposure through careful evaluation of
counterparty credit standing.
 
  The Company uses cash flow swap agreements to reduce its interest-rate
exposure with regard to its Investor CD, an insured account which is indexed
to the Standard and Poor's (S&P) 500 performance. The Company agreed to pay a
fixed or variable rate in exchange for the customer receiving a return tied to
the S&P 500. The notional amount of cash flow swaps was $119,481,000 and
$180,711,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
 
                                      100
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

respectively. The average interest rate paid by GWB was 4.85% at December 31,
1996 and 5.13% at December 31, 1995. The monthly payment is recorded in
interest expense on customer accounts and the amount received is passed to the
customer as the yield on the Investor CD. The exposure to accounting loss on
the cash flow swap agreements in the event of the failure of a counterparty to
perform according to the terms of the contract would approximate the amount of
interest to be paid to the Bank's customers on the Investor CD portfolio.
 
CREDIT COMMITMENTS
 
  The Company enters into commitments to fund real estate loans to meet the
financing needs of its customers. Commitments to extend credit are agreements
to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition
established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates
or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Fees received
in connection with loan commitments are deferred in other liabilities until
the loan is advanced and are then recognized over the term of the loan as an
adjustment of the yield. Fees on commitments that expire unused are recognized
in loan fees at expiration. Since a portion of the commitments may expire
without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily
represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer's
credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained
upon extension of credit is based on management's credit evaluation of the
counterparty. The value of the property as security for a mortgage loan is
determined by qualified real estate appraisers.
 
  The Company had outstanding commitments to fund real estate loans of
$791,564,000 at December 31, 1996 which consisted of $102,497,000 fixed-rate
and $689,067,000 adjustable rate and $716,924,000 at December 31, 1995 which
consisted of $144,587,000 fixed-rate and $572,337,000 adjustable rate.
 
  The Company has issued standby letters of credit from time to time to meet
the credit needs of its customers. The letters of credit outstanding are
generally performance guarantees supporting certain property development
projects and totaled $6,970,000 at December 31, 1996 and $10,410,000 at
December 31, 1995. The notional value of letters of credit does not
necessarily represent future cash requirements.
 
  The Company's maximum potential exposure to credit loss in the event of
nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments
to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the
contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same
credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does
for on-balance-sheet instruments.
 
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
 
  The Company primarily originates real estate loans of which a substantial
portion of the portfolio is secured by real estate located in California and
Florida.
 
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  Fair value estimates and the methods and assumptions used to determine the
fair value of the Company's financial instruments follow:
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AND DEBT SECURITIES
 
  The carrying amount of short-term instruments is a reasonable estimate of
their fair value. The fair value of securities available-for-sale and
mortgage-backed securities is principally based on quoted market prices from
various sources. For securities which have no quoted market price and are
short-term in nature, the fair value is determined to be the book value at the
reporting date.
 
                                      101
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
LOANS RECEIVABLE
 
  The fair value of loans is predominantly based on discounted future cash
flows. The discount rate is based upon a projected treasury yield curve
adjusted for various risk factors depending on the type of loan. The fair
value of the portfolio will fluctuate with changes in interest rates.
 
MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS
 
  The fair value of mortgage servicing rights, which includes excess/short
servicing fees and originated mortgage servicing rights, is determined by
recalculation of the discounted cash flows at market rates.
 
DEPOSITS
 
  Term deposits are stratified by remaining maturity, and fair value is
calculated based on discounted future cash flows. The discount rate used was
based upon a projected treasury yield curve. Fair value includes the effects
of compounding where applicable.
 
  The fair value of nonterm deposits has been determined to be the amount
payable on demand at the reporting date. Nonterm deposits include all deposits
without defined maturities, such as checking, money market savings and regular
savings.
 
SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE AND SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
 
  Because of the short-term nature of these borrowings, fair value
approximates book value.
 
LONG-TERM BORROWINGS
 
  Long-term borrowings are stratified by remaining maturity, and fair value is
calculated based on discounted future cash flows. The discount rate used was
based upon a projected treasury yield curve. The maturity used in the present
value calculation of long-term, variable-rate borrowings is the date at which
the borrowing would next be repriced.
 
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK
 
  The fair value of forward sales contracts, interest rate swaps, cash flow
swaps, put options purchased as a hedge of fixed-rate commitments and
commitments to fund real estate loans is estimated using current market prices
adjusted for various risk factors and market volatility. The fair value of
letters of credit is based on the estimated cost to terminate or otherwise
settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date. The fair
value of outstanding interest-rate swaps is based on expected remaining net
cash flows discounted at three-month LIBOR.
 
  The carrying value of off-balance-sheet financial instruments represents
accruals or deferred income arising from those financial instruments.
 
NOTE 26: SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
  Selected quarterly financial operating data are included in "Stockholder
Data and Quarterly Information (Unaudited)" on pages 107 through 109 of this
annual report on Form 10-K.
 
  Fourth quarter 1996 earnings included a $22.5 million gain ($14 million, or
$.10 per share after tax) on the sale of the $356.6 million portfolio of
student loans, which is the greater portion of the student loan business, in
December. The fourth quarter also included a $68.3 million charge ($42.4
million, or $.31 per share after tax)
 
                                      102
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
for restructuring, a $50 million provision ($31 million, or $.22 per share
after tax) relating to the bulk sale of nonperforming assets in the real
estate loan portfolio, a $21.4 million charge ($13.3 million, or $.10 per
share after tax) for the early extinguishment of a portion of two issues of
the Bank's subordinated notes and an $8.4 million charge ($5.2 million, or
$.04 per share after tax) for litigation.
 
  The third quarter 1996 loss included a $188.4 million charge ($115 million,
or $.83 per share after tax) to recapitalize the Savings Association Insurance
Fund ("SAIF").
 
  Fourth quarter 1994 earnings included a $62.3 million pretax gain ($37.1
million, or $.28 per share after tax) on the sale of 31 Florida West Coast
retail banking branches sold in December. In addition, the Company wrote off
approximately $11.7 million ($7.5 million, or $.06 per share, after tax) of
intangibles related to interstate banking access rights.
 
NOTE 27: BUSINESS SEGMENTS
 
  Information on the Company's business segments follows:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                    REAL
                        CONSUMER   ESTATE     RETAIL
(DOLLARS IN             FINANCE   SERVICES   BANKING    TREASURY    CONSOLIDATED
THOUSANDS)             ---------- --------  ---------- -----------  ------------
<S>                    <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>
1996
Revenue(1)             $  285,900 $169,400  $  909,500 $   332,200  $ 1,697,000
Earnings before taxes      98,700   11,200     176,300     (99,600)     186,600
Average assets          2,419,100  137,300   1,308,900  39,809,700   43,675,000
Depreciation and
 amortization               9,400   30,000      83,400       2,300      125,100
Capital expenditures        3,000   17,800      29,600      11,300       61,700
1995
Revenue(1)                287,200  114,800     946,900     270,200    1,619,100
Earnings before taxes     106,600  (20,300)    290,000      45,800      422,100
Average assets          2,365,100  150,800   1,533,200  39,928,900   43,978,000
Depreciation and
 amortization              10,600   25,300      76,700       1,900      114,500
Capital expenditure           500    5,200      38,900      42,500       87,100
</TABLE>    
--------
(1) Revenue is comprised of net interest income and total non-interest income.
   
  The Treasury segment is being separately reported for 1996. For consistency,
the 1995 disclosure has been revised to conform with this presentation. During
1995, the Company underwent a fundamental change in the way it manages and
measures its lines of business. The mortgage bank and retail bank segments
were separately reported for 1995. Segment data along these lines is not
available for 1994.     
 
NOTE 28: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
  On January 27, 1997, Great Western Financial Trust II (the "subsidiary
trust"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Western Financial Corporation,
issued $300 million of 8.206% Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the
"preferred securities"). In connection with the subsidiary trust's issuance of
the preferred securities, Great Western Financial Corporation issued to the
subsidiary trust $309 million principal amount of its 8.206% subordinated
deferrable interest notes, due 2027 (the "subordinated notes"). The sole
assets of the subsidiary trust are and will be the subordinated notes. Great
Western Financial Corporation's obligations under the subordinated notes and
related agreements, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional
guarantee by the Company of the subsidiary trust's obligations under the
preferred securities.
 
  On February 3, 1997, the Company received preliminary approval in Federal
Court of a $17.2 million settlement reached with plaintiffs in connection with
the sale of uninsured investment products. Final approval of the settlement is
set for April 14, 1997.
 
 
                                      103
<PAGE>
 
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Effective February 25, 1997, GWFC's Board of Directors approved a Broad
Based Plan (the Plan) for eligible employees who are not covered by an
existing severance plan and are not offered a comparable position by an
acquiring company or whose employment is terminated within 12 months of a
change in control, as defined by the Plan. The minimum pay will equate to six
months with the maximum of 18 months obtainable under the Plan. As a result of
the adoption of this Plan, the Company will record an increase to the
restructuring liability in the first quarter of 1997 of approximately
$10,000,000.
 
  On January 28, 1997, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up
to 5 million shares of outstanding common stock, representing approximately
3.6% of the total number of outstanding shares at December 31, 1996. As of
February 28, 1997, there had been no repurchases under this program. On March
5, 1997 the Board of Directors voted to discontinue the repurchase program.
 
  On March 5, 1997, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
with Washington Mutual, Inc. (Washington Mutual), and New American Capital,
Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Washington Mutual. Washington
Mutual is a regional financial services company headquartered in Seattle,
Washington. With consolidated assets of $44.6 billion at December 31, 1996,
this Washington corporation operates through its principal subsidiaries,
Washington Mutual Bank, American Savings Bank, F.A., and Washington Mutual
Bank fsb. Under the Agreement and Plan of Merger, the Company will merge with
and into New American Capital, Inc. in a tax-free exchange, pursuant to which,
among other things, each outstanding share of common stock of the Company will
be converted into .9 shares of common stock of Washington Mutual. Based upon
the closing price of Washington Mutual's common stock on March 5, 1997,
stockholders of the Company would receive shares of Washington Mutual common
stock with a value of $47.93 per share of common stock of the Company. This
transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies. It
is anticipated that this transaction will be accounted for as a pooling of
interests. The Company expects the merger to be completed during the third
quarter of 1997, pending the receipt of regulatory approval from the OTS and
the approval of the stockholders of both companies. For additional information
on the proposed merger and other related activities, see Item 1. Business
"Merger Agreement with Washington Mutual, Inc.," "H. F. Ahmanson & Company's
Merger Proposal" and "Litigation Relating to the Ahmanson Merger Proposal" in
Part I of this Form 10-K.
 
 
                                      104
<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP]
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
 Great Western Financial Corporation
 
  In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statement of financial
condition and the related consolidated statements of operations, of changes in
stockholders' equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Great Western Financial Corporation and
its subsidiaries ("the Company") at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
  As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company adopted
accounting standards that changed its methods of accounting for mortgage
servicing rights and long lived assets in 1995.
 

/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
Los Angeles, California
January 22, 1997, except as to Note 28,
 which is as of March 7, 1997
 
                                      105
<PAGE>
 
                MANAGEMENT'S COMMENTARY ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  Management is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the financial
statements and other information in this report. The statements were prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the
circumstances. They meet the requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The financial statements reflect management's judgment and
estimates relating to events not concluded by year end.
 
  The Company's code of conduct, communicated to all officers and employees,
requires adherence to high ethical standards in the conduct of the Company's
business.
 
  Management is responsible for maintaining a system of internal control and
has established a system of internal accounting control designed to provide
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded properly to permit
preparation of financial statements, that transactions are executed in
accordance with management's authorizations and that assets are safeguarded
from significant loss or unauthorized use.
 
  Management supports an extensive program of internal audits to evaluate the
adequacy of internal controls as well as to monitor compliance with
management's directives and regulatory agencies' requirements. The audit
committee of the board of directors is composed of nine outside directors,
none of whom is an officer or employee of the Company. The audit committee
meets with the internal and external auditors to review the scope of audits,
findings and actions to be taken by management.
 
 
                                          /s/ Carl F. Geuther
                                          Carl F. Geuther
                                          Vice Chairman and Chief Financial
                                           Officer
 
January 22, 1997
 
                                      106
<PAGE>
 
                     QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996
                                          ------------------------------------------------
                                                      FOURTH    THIRD     SECOND   FIRST
                                            TOTAL    QUARTER   QUARTER   QUARTER  QUARTER
                                          ---------- -------- ---------  -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE)
<S>                                       <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>
Interest income                           $3,233,931 $801,547 $ 800,514  $806,942 $824,928
Interest expense                           1,855,914  466,536   461,742   454,994  472,642
                                          ---------- -------- ---------  -------- --------
Net interest income                        1,378,017  335,011   338,772   351,948  352,286
Noninterest income                           319,012  114,096    63,713    71,369   69,834
Provision for loan losses                    196,158   85,900    41,671    32,566   36,021
Noninterest expense                        1,314,249  357,675   429,089   260,180  267,305
                                          ---------- -------- ---------  -------- --------
Earnings (loss) before taxes                 186,622    5,532   (68,275)  130,571  118,794
Taxes (benefit) on income                     70,800      400   (28,400)   51,300   47,500
                                          ---------- -------- ---------  -------- --------
Net earnings (loss)                       $  115,822 $  5,132 $ (39,875) $ 79,271 $ 71,294
                                          ========== ======== =========  ======== ========
Per common share:
  Primary earnings (loss)                 $      .69 $    .01 $    (.31) $    .52 $    .47
  Fully diluted earnings (loss)                  .69      .01      (.31)      .52      .47
  Dividends                                      .98      .25       .25       .25      .23
  Stock price:
    High                                             $ 31 1/8 $26 3/4    $ 24 1/2 $ 26 1/8
    Low                                                27      21 1/8      21 3/4   22 1/2
    End of period                                      29      26 1/2      23 7/8   24 1/8
Per preferred depositary share:
  Dividends
    Cumulative convertible                $    2.552 $     -- $  .36450  $1.09375 $1.09375
    Cumulative                                 2.075   .51875    .51875    .51875   .51875
  Stock price
    Cumulative convertible
      High                                                    $62 1/4    $ 61 3/8 $ 65 1/4
      Low                                                      56 3/8      56 1/4   58
    Cumulative
      High                                           $ 26     $25 57/64  $ 26     $ 26 1/8
      Low                                              25 3/8  25 1/4      25 1/8   25 3/8
</TABLE>    
 
  Exchange Listings: New York Stock Exchange, Pacific Stock Exchange and
London Stock Exchange. Approximate number of common stockholders of record at
December 31, 1996: 9,724.
 
  Under regulations, retained earnings are subject to substantial restrictions
for the payment of dividends. See Note 21 in Item 8, "Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data."
 
                                      107
<PAGE>
 
               QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)--(CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                               1995
                                          -----------------------------------------------
                                                      FOURTH    THIRD    SECOND   FIRST
                                            TOTAL    QUARTER   QUARTER  QUARTER  QUARTER
                                          ---------- -------- --------- -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE)
<S>                                       <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
Interest income                           $3,238,711 $834,887 $ 839,097 $807,661 $757,066
Interest expense                           1,936,582  484,046   505,498  497,064  449,974
                                          ---------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Net interest income                        1,302,129  350,841   333,599  310,597  307,092
Noninterest income                           317,018  102,098    72,726   72,468   69,726
Provision for loan losses                    177,050   45,927    43,167   40,811   47,145
Noninterest expense                        1,019,975  253,445   249,823  259,018  257,689
                                          ---------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Earnings (loss) before taxes                 422,122  153,567   113,335   83,236   71,984
Taxes (benefit) on income                    161,100   55,000    44,800   32,800   28,500
                                          ---------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Net earnings (loss)                       $  261,022 $ 98,567 $  68,535 $ 50,436 $ 43,484
                                          ========== ======== ========= ======== ========
Per common share:
  Primary earnings (loss)                 $     1.72 $    .67 $     .45 $    .32 $    .28
  Fully diluted earnings (loss)                 1.71      .66       .45      .32      .28
  Dividends                                      .92      .23       .23      .23      .23
  Stock price:
    High                                             $ 27 1/8 $23 3/4   $ 22 1/2 $ 18 7/8
    Low                                                22 5/8  20 1/4     18 7/8   16
    End of period                                      25 3/8  23 3/4     20 5/8   18 5/8
Per preferred depositary share:
  Dividends
    Cumulative convertible                $    4.375 $1.09375 $ 1.09375 $1.09375 $1.09375
    Cumulative                                 2.075   .51875    .51875   .51875   .51875
  Stock price
    Cumulative convertible
      High                                           $ 67 7/8 $62 3/4   $ 60 3/8 $ 55 5/8
      Low                                              58 1/4  57 1/2     55 1/2   50 3/8
  Cumulative
      High                                           $ 26 1/8 $26 13/64 $ 25 7/8 $ 24 7/8
      Low                                              25 3/8  25 1/4     24 3/8   22 3/4
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                      108
<PAGE>
 
               QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)--(CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1994
                                              ----------------------------------------------
                                                          FOURTH   THIRD    SECOND   FIRST
                                                TOTAL    QUARTER  QUARTER  QUARTER  QUARTER
                                              ---------- -------- -------- -------- --------
   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE)
   <S>                                        <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
   Interest income                            $2,629,718 $704,611 $661,312 $633,803 $629,992
   Interest expense                            1,307,448  385,076  330,544  296,080  295,748
                                              ---------- -------- -------- -------- --------
   Net interest income                         1,322,270  319,535  330,768  337,723  334,244
   Noninterest income                            367,076  134,192   74,451   81,169   77,264
   Provision for loan losses                     206,379   52,661   49,428   52,691   51,599
   Noninterest expense                         1,076,433  265,192  264,361  271,146  275,734
                                              ---------- -------- -------- -------- --------
   Earnings (loss) before taxes                  406,534  135,874   91,430   95,055   84,175
   Taxes (benefit) on income                     155,300   47,200   34,200   39,200   34,700
                                              ---------- -------- -------- -------- --------
   Net earnings (loss)                        $  251,234 $ 88,674 $ 57,230 $ 55,855 $ 49,475
                                              ========== ======== ======== ======== ========
   Per common share:
     Primary earnings (loss)                  $     1.69 $    .61 $    .38 $    .38 $    .32
     Fully diluted earnings (loss)                  1.69      .61      .38      .38      .32
     Dividends                                       .92      .23      .23      .23      .23
     Stock price:
       High                                              $ 19     $ 20 7/8 $ 19 3/8 $ 20 1/2
       Low                                                 15 3/4   18 3/8   15 3/8   16 1/8
       End of period                                       16       19 1/4   18 3/8   16 1/8
   Per preferred depositary share:
     Dividends
       Cumulative convertible                 $    4.375 $1.09375 $1.09375 $1.09375 $1.09375
       Cumulative                                  2.075   .51875   .51875   .51875   .51875
     Stock price
       Cumulative convertible
         High                                            $ 56 5/8 $ 59 1/8 $ 58 1/4 $ 62 5/8
         Low                                               50 1/8   55 1/4   53 3/4   55 3/4
       Cumulative
         High                                            $ 24 3/8 $ 25 1/8 $ 25     $ 26 7/8
         Low                                               22 1/8   24       23       24 1/8
</TABLE>    
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
  None.
 
                                      109
<PAGE>
 
                                   PART III
 
  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have
the respective meanings assigned to such terms in Great Western's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
 
                                   DIRECTORS
 
  The Great Western Board is divided into three classes: Class I, Class II and
Class III. Generally, each director (other than those elected to fill
vacancies on the Great Western Board) serves until the date of the third
annual meeting following his or her election and until his or her successor is
elected and qualified. The term of office for each of the Class II, Class III
and Class I directors ends on the date of the annual meetings in 1997, 1998
and 1999, respectively, and the election and qualification of their respective
successors occurs on the same dates.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 SHARES OWNED
                                                    FIRST YEAR  BENEFICIALLY AT
        NAME         AGE   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION      ELECTED   MARCH 31, 1997(1)
        ----         ---   --------------------     ---------- -----------------
 CLASS II DIRECTORS
 <C>                 <C> <S>                        <C>        <C>
 John V. Giovenco     60 Consultant                    1985          41,250(4)
 Firmin A. Gryp       69 Retired, formerly             1982         103,644(2)
                          Executive Vice
                          President, Great
                          Western
 James F. Montgomery  62 Chairman and former           1975         680,488(3)
                          Chief Executive
                          Officer, Great Western
 Alberta E. Siegel    66 Professor Emerita of          1976          25,000(4)
                          Psychology, Stanford
                          University School of
                          Medicine
 CLASS III DIRECTORS
 Stephen E. Frank     55 President and Chief           1993          10,750(5)
                          Operating Officer,
                          Edison International, a
                          public utility company
 Enrique Hernandez,   41 President, Inter-Con          1993           9,250(5)
  Jr.                     Security Systems, Inc.,
                          a worldwide provider of
                          security and facility
                          support services
 John F. Maher        53 President and Chief           1976         611,762(6)
                          Executive Officer,
                          Great Western
 Willis B. Wood, Jr.  62 Chairman and Chief            1990          16,750(7)
                          Executive Officer,
                          Pacific Enterprises,
                          the holding company of
                          Southern California Gas
                          Company
 CLASS I DIRECTORS
 David Alexander      64 President Emeritus and        1973          22,675(4)
                          Trustees' Professor,
                          Pomona College
 H. Frederick Chris-  63 Consultant                    1984          26,250(4)
  tie
 Charles D. Miller    69 Chairman and Chief            1981          30,460(8)
                          Executive Officer,
                          Avery Dennison
                          Corporation, a
                          manufacturer of self-
                          adhesive materials and
                          office products
</TABLE>
 
                                      110
<PAGE>
 
--------
(1) Certain directors share with their spouses voting and investment powers
    with respect to these shares. The percentage of shares beneficially owned
    by any director does not exceed one percent of the outstanding shares of
    Great Western Common Stock.
(2) Includes 21,250 shares subject to options granted to this director under
    the 1988 Stock Option and Incentive Plan which are exercisable within 60
    days of May 9, 1997 and 112 shares held by the trustee under the Employee
    Savings Incentive Plan.
(3) Includes 570,600 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
    May 9, 1997 and 945 shares held by the Trustee under the Employee Savings
    Incentive Plan.
(4) Includes 21,250 shares subject to options granted to this director under
    the 1988 Stock Option and Incentive Plan which are exercisable within 60
    days of May 9, 1997.
(5) Includes 8,750 shares subject to options granted to this director under
    the 1988 Stock Option and Incentive Plan which are exercisable within 60
    days of May 9, 1997.
(6) Includes 396,137 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
    May 9, 1997 and 25 shares held by the trustee under the Employee Savings
    Incentive Plan.
(7) Includes 16,250 shares subject to options granted to this director under
    the 1988 Stock Option and Incentive Plan which are exercisable within 60
    days of May 9, 1997.
(8) Includes 18,750 shares subject to options granted to this director under
    the 1988 Stock Option and Incentive Plan which are exercisable within 60
    days of May 9, 1997.
 
  Mr. Giovenco is a consultant and former President and Director of ITT
Sheraton Corporation which he joined in 1993. Previously he was an officer and
director of Hilton Hotels Corporation serving in various capacities since
1972, including serving as the President of the Hilton Gaming Division from
1986 to 1993. He was formerly a partner at Pannel Kerr Forster, Certified
Public Accountants. Mr. Giovenco is a graduate of Loyola University in
Chicago, Illinois. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the University of
Nevada, Las Vegas Foundation and American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and is the Former Chairman of the Nevada Resort Association. Mr.
Giovenco, a director since 1985, advised the Company in late 1996 that he
would not stand for reelection to the Great Western Board.
 
  Mr. Gryp retired from his position as Executive Vice President of Great
Western and its principal subsidiary, GWB, in 1987. He began his savings and
loan career at Salinas Valley Savings-Loan Association in 1950. He was named
Executive Vice President and Managing Officer of that association in 1952, a
position he held until the association merged with Palo Alto Savings and Loan
Association (later known as Northern California Savings, a Federal Savings and
Loan Association ("NCS")) in 1969. Mr. Gryp was President, Managing Officer
and a Director of NCS after that merger. He has served as President and as a
Director of the Western League of Savings Institutions. He is Vice President
and Director of the Community Foundation of Monterey County and President of
Public Recreation Unlimited.
 
  Mr. Montgomery is Chairman of the Great Western Board, a position he has
held since 1981. He served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from 1979
until his retirement on December 28, 1995. Prior to becoming Chief Executive
Officer, he served as a Director and President of the Company beginning in
1975, and as Chief Operating Officer from 1975-1979. Mr. Montgomery commenced
his savings and loan career in 1960 with Great Western. Before rejoining Great
Western, he was a Director and President of United Financial Corporation and
its subsidiary, Citizens Savings and Loan Association, having served those
companies from 1964 to 1975. A graduate of the University of California at Los
Angeles, he is a former Chairman of America's Community Bankers and a Director
of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Local Initiatives Support
Corporation and UCLA's Chancellor's Associates and a former director of the
Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. He is a Trustee of the Neighborhood
Housing Services of America and the Founding Director of the Hollywood
Presbyterian Medical Center. He is also a member of the Los Angeles Sports
Council and the UCLA Board of Visitors.
 
  Dr. Siegel was Professor of Psychology, Stanford University School of
Medicine, where she served on the faculty from 1963 until 1997. A graduate of
Stanford University, she is past President of the Stanford Faculty Club and of
the Board of the Stanford Historical Society and past Governor of Stanford
Associates. She has held numerous consulting and advisory positions with
federal agencies in the fields of science and health and is past Editor of the
Journal Child Development, published by the Society for Research in Child
Development, and co-Editor of its book Child Development Research and Social
Policy. She is also past President of the Division on Developmental Psychology
of the American Psychological Association and past President of the Board of
the Senior Coordinating Council of Palo Alto. Dr. Siegel serves on the
Professional Advisory Committees of the
 
                                      111
<PAGE>
 
Peninsula Children's Center and the Children's Health Council, both of Palo
Alto, and is a Trustee of the Menninger Foundation, Topeka, Kansas and a
member of its Board of Directors for the Menninger Clinic. She is also
Director of the Board of the Children's Television Resource and Education
Center, San Francisco.
 
  Mr. Frank is President and Chief Operating Officer of Edison International
(formerly, Southern California Edison). Prior to joining Edison International,
Mr. Frank was President and Chief Operating Officer of Florida Power & Light
Company, the principal subsidiary of the FPL Group from which he resigned in
1995. He was formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
TRW, Inc. and Vice President, Treasurer and Controller of GTE Corporation. A
graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Michigan Business School,
Mr. Frank is a Director of Edison International, SCEcorp and the Business and
Industry Political Action Committee and a former Director of FPL Group.

  Mr. Hernandez has been President of Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc., a
worldwide provider of security and facility support services, since 1986,
having previously served as Executive Vice President and as Vice President and
Assistant General Counsel. He is also a co-founder and principal partner of
Interspan Communications. Mr. Hernandez is Vice Chairman and Director of the
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Director of McDonald's Corporation,
founding Director and interim Chief Executive Officer of California Healthcare
Foundation, nominee for Director of Nordstrom, Trustee of Pomona College and
of Notre Dame University and former President of the Los Angeles Police
Commission. Mr. Hernandez is a graduate of Harvard University and the Harvard
Law School.
 
  Mr. Maher is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Great Western and
GWB and the Chairman of the Board of GWB. He served as President and Chief
Operating Officer of the Company from 1986 until his promotion to Chief
Executive Officer on December 27, 1995. Before returning to the Company in
1986, he was a Managing Director of Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb Incorporated, an
investment banking firm, and its successor, having joined that firm in 1979.
Mr. Maher served as Executive Vice President, Finance of Great Western from
1973 until 1976, when he resigned to renew his association with Blyth Eastman
Dillon & Co. Inc., an investment banking firm, where he served as Executive
Vice President, Director and member of the Executive Committee until 1979. Mr.
Maher is a Director of Baker Hughes Incorporated, a diversified provider of
products and services to the petroleum and continuous process industries. A
graduate of Menlo College and the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce,
University of Pennsylvania, he is a Director and past President of Big
Brothers of Greater Los Angeles, a member of the Board of Trustees of Trout
Unlimited, a Trustee of the Cate School, a member of the California Business
Roundtable, a member of the National Board of Trustees of the Boys and Girls
Clubs of America and Overseer of the Huntington Library, Art Collections and
Gardens.
 
  Mr. Wood is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Pacific
Enterprises, the holding company of Southern California Gas Company of which
he is also a Director. Mr. Wood served in various operating and staff
positions, including as an executive officer of Pacific Enterprises'
subsidiaries since 1960 and was named President of Pacific Enterprises in
1989, Chief Executive Officer in 1991 and Chairman in 1992. A graduate of the
University of Tulsa, he is Vice Chairman of Harvey Mudd College and a Trustee
of the University of Southern California and the Southwest Museum. Mr. Wood is
also a Director of the California Medical Center Foundation, the Automobile
Club of Southern California, the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, the
National Association of Manufacturers, and the California Chamber of Commerce,
as well as a member of the California Business Roundtable and the RAND
Graduate School Committee of Visitors.
 
  Dr. Alexander is President Emeritus and Trustees' Professor of Pomona
College and served as President of Pomona College from 1969 to 1991. He is
also American Secretary of the Rhodes Scholarship Trust, and a Trustee of the
Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, the Seaver Institute, the Woodrow
Wilson National Fellowship Foundation and the Wenner Gren Foundation for
Anthropological Research (New York). Dr. Alexander is Overseer of the
Huntington Library, Art Collections and Gardens and Director of the Children's
Hospital Los Angeles. He also served as a Director of the Los Angeles Area
Chamber of Commerce and as a Director of KCET, Community Television of
Southern California. A graduate of Rhodes College, he served as its President
from 1965 to 1969. Dr. Alexander received his doctorate from Oxford
University.
 
  Mr. Christie is a consultant specializing in strategic and financial
planning. He retired in 1990 as President and Chief Executive Officer of The
Mission Group, the non-utility subsidiaries of SCEcorp. Prior to that he
 
                                      112
<PAGE>
 
served as President of Southern California Edison Company, having joined that
company as a financial analyst in 1957. A graduate and post-graduate of the
University of Southern California, Mr. Christie is a Director or Trustee of
eighteen mutual funds(/1/) advised by the Capital Research and Management
Company and a Director of AECOM Technology Corporation, International House of
Pancakes, Inc., Ultramar Diamond Shamrock Corporation, Southwest Water Company
and Ducommun Incorporated. He is Chairman and Trustee of the Natural History
Museum of Los Angeles County, and a member of the Board of Councilors for the
School of Public Administration at the University of Southern California.
 
  Mr. Miller is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Avery
Dennison Corporation, a manufacturer of self-adhesive materials, tapes and
office products. He has served in that capacity since 1983, having joined that
firm in 1964 and served as its Chief Operating Officer from 1975 to 1977 and
as President and Chief Executive Officer from 1977 to 1983. A graduate of
Johns Hopkins University, he also serves as Chairman of the Board of United
Way of Greater Los Angeles, and as a Director of Edison International, Pacific
Mutual Life Insurance Company, and Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. Mr.
Miller is a Trustee of Johns Hopkins University and Occidental College and a
member of the Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles and the Korn/Ferry
International advisory board. He has also served as the chairman of the Los
Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
 
BOARD COMMITTEES
 
  The Company has standing Audit and Finance, Compensation, Director Affairs
and Public Policy Committees of the Great Western Board. Except for Mr. Maher,
who serves on the Director Affairs Committee, the directors serving on these
committees are not executive officers or employees of the Company.
 
  The Audit and Finance Committee makes recommendations to the Great Western
Board regarding the selection of independent accountants, as well as the
services to be performed and fees to be paid, and maintains effective
communication with the accountants. The committee also reviews the scope and
results of internal and external audits, and the status and effectiveness of
internal controls, as well as financial statements to be included in the
Company's annual reports. It reviews and concurs in the appointment or
replacement of the director of internal audit and reviews and approves the
Company's liquidity investment policies and asset/liability management
policies. It also authorizes debt and equity financing and recommends dividend
policy and action to the Great Western Board.
 
  The Compensation Committee reviews and recommends to the Great Western Board
of levels of compensation for executive officers and material terms of
employment agreements for executive officers, as well as the adoption of, or
major amendments to, executive and employee benefit plans. The committee also
administers the Company's benefit programs for directors and executive
officers, authorizes bonus awards and payments under the Company's Annual
Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive Officers, and authorizes the grants
of stock options, restricted stock and similar awards under the Company's
Stock Incentive Plans. The committee also reviews and approves investment
policy for the Company's retirement plans and savings incentive plans.
 
  The Director Affairs Committee evaluates, in consultation with the Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, qualifications of prospective Great
Western Board members and recommends nominees for election or reelection as
directors at the annual meeting of stockholders. While the Director Affairs
Committee normally is able to identify from its own resources an ample number
of qualified candidates, it will consider stockholder suggestions of persons
to be considered as nominees to fill future vacancies on the Great Western
--------
(1)  American Funds Tax-Exempt Series, American Funds Income Series, American
     High Income Municipal Bond Fund, American High-Income Trust, American
     Mutual Fund, Inc., American Variable Insurance Series, Bond Fund of
     America, Inc., Capital Income Builder, Inc., Capital World Bond Fund,
     Inc., Capital World Growth and Income Fund, Inc., Cash Management Trust
     of America, Intermediate Bond Fund of America, Limited Term Tax-Exempt
     Bond Fund of America, New Economy Fund, Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America,
     Small Cap World Fund, Inc., Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America, and U.S.
     Treasury Money Fund of America.
 
                                      113
<PAGE>
 
Board. Such suggestions must be sent in writing to the Secretary at the
Company's address and must be accompanied by detailed biographical and
occupational data on the prospective nominee, along with a written consent of
the prospective nominee to consideration of his or her name by the committee.
The committee will consider the age of the prospective nominee and whether he
or she possesses integrity and moral responsibility, sound business judgment,
good health, breadth of business or other experience, leadership in the
nominee's field of endeavor, an appreciation of the role of a publicly held
corporation in society, a willingness to represent the interests of all
stockholders rather than the special interests of a particular group, and
other qualities which facilitate an independent, consultive and deliberative
Great Western Board and there must be no legal impediment to the nominee
serving as a director. However, the selection of nominees of the Great Western
Board remains solely within the discretion of the Great Western Board. The
Company's By-laws include additional requirements regarding nominations at a
stockholders' meeting of persons other than nominees of the Great Western
Board. In addition to the foregoing, the committee recommends to the Great
Western Board changes in Great Western Board compensation and makes
recommendations regarding the assignment of Great Western Board members to
various committees. It reviews annually with the Great Western Board the
skills and characteristics of current Great Western Board members and its
assessment of the Great Western Board's performance. It also monitors the
Great Western Board's independence and reviews every three years, in
consultation with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, each director's
continued membership on the Great Western Board. The committee also assesses
the appropriateness of continued Great Western Board membership for directors
who change their existing job responsibilities.
 
  The Public Policy Committee reviews the Company's compliance with the
Community Reinvestment Act and related fair housing and fair lending laws. It
also reviews and recommends to the Great Western Board corporate policy
regarding community and government relations, codes of conduct (including the
Company's ethics and conflicts of interest policies), equal opportunity
matters, charitable contributions and other broad social, political and public
issues.
 
  The Great Western Board met eleven times in 1996 and the aggregate number of
meetings of the Great Western Board and of the Audit and Finance,
Compensation, Director Affairs and Public Policy Committees totaled 26. The
members of these committees and the number of meetings held during 1996 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE      COMPENSATION COMMITTEE      DIRECTOR AFFAIRS COMMITTEE    PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE
         (6 MEETINGS)                   (6 MEETINGS)                   (1 MEETING)                (2 MEETINGS)
  <S>                           <C>                           <C>                           <C>
  Stephen E. Frank, Chair-
   man                          Willis B. Wood, Jr., Chairman Alberta E. Siegel, Chairman   David Alexander, Chairman
  David Alexander, Secre-
   tary                         H. Frederick Christie         Firmin A. Gryp, Vice Chairman Firmin A. Gryp
  H. Frederick Christie         Stephen E. Frank              David Alexander               Enrique Hernandez, Jr.
  John V. Giovenco              John V. Giovenco              Stephen E. Frank              Alberta E. Siegel
  Firmin A. Gryp                Enrique Hernandez, Jr.        John F. Maher
  Enrique Hernandez, Jr.        Charles D. Miller             James F. Montgomery
  Charles D. Miller                                           Willis B. Wood, Jr.
  Alberta E. Siegel
  Willis B. Wood, Jr.
</TABLE>
 
                                      114
<PAGE>
 
                              EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
  The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of the
executive officers of the Company, the date each became an officer of the
Company and GWB, and the number of shares of Great Western Common Stock
beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by each of them on March 31, 1997.
Executive officers are elected annually, have employment agreements as
described below and, except for Mr. Pappas, hold the same positions with GWB
as they hold with Great Western.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   SHARES OWNED
                                                         OFFICER  BENEFICIALLY AT
           NAME           AGE         POSITION            SINCE  MARCH 31, 1997(1)
           ----           ---         --------           ------- -----------------
 <C>                      <C> <S>                        <C>     <C>
 John F. Maher             53 President and Chief         1986       611,762(2)
                              Executive Officer
 Carl F. Geuther           51 Vice Chairman and Chief     1986       220,350(3)
                               Financial Officer
 Michael M. Pappas         64 Vice Chairman and           1986       249,525(4)
                               President, Consumer
                               Finance Division
 A. William Schenck III    53 Vice Chairman               1995        68,288(5)
 J. Lance Erikson          54 Executive Vice              1982       119,959(6)
                               President, Secretary
                               and General Counsel
 Ray W. Sims               42 Executive Vice President    1997             --
 Jaynie M. Studenmund      42 Executive Vice President    1996        23,100(7)
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Certain executive officers share with their spouses voting and investment
    powers with respect to these shares. The percentages of shares
    beneficially owned by any executive officer does not exceed one percent of
    the outstanding shares of Great Western Common Stock.
(2) Includes 396,137 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
    May 9, 1997 and 25 shares held by the Trustee under the Employee Savings
    Incentive Plan.
(3) Includes 179,845 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
    May 9, 1997.
(4) Includes 172,500 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
    May 9, 1997.
(5) Includes 49,762 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
    May 9, 1997.
(6) Includes 99,010 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
    May 9, 1997 and 112 shares held by the Trustee under the Employee Savings
    Incentive Plan.
(7) Includes 12,500 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
    May 9, 1997.
 
  As of March 31, 1997, all directors and executive officers as a group
beneficially owned 2,238,251 shares of Great Western Common Stock, or
approximately 1.62% of the class.(1)
 
  Biographical information concerning Mr. Maher is given under the caption
"DIRECTORS."
 
  Mr. Erikson has been Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
since 1986 and has been with Great Western and its predecessors for 28 years.
He is in charge of the Company's Legal Division.
 
  Mr. Geuther became Vice Chairman in 1996 and has been Chief Financial
Officer since 1986. He previously was the Chief Financial Officer of Aristar
and has been with Great Western and Aristar for 22 years.
 
  Mr. Pappas became Vice Chairman in 1996 and is President of the Consumer
Finance Division which was acquired as part of the Aristar acquisition in
1983. Mr. Pappas was made President of the Consumer Finance Division of
Aristar in 1976 and he has been with Great Western and Aristar for 42 years.
 
  Mr. Schenck became Vice Chairman in 1996, after joining Great Western on
August 1, 1995. Mr. Schenck is in charge of the Retail Banking, Real Estate
Services and Great Western Financial Securities Corporation. Prior to joining
the Company, he served as Executive Vice President of Consumer Banking at PNC
Bank Corp., a position he held since 1991. Mr. Schenck's career with PNC Bank
Corp. and its predecessor, Pittsburgh National Bank, spanned 26 years.
--------
(1) Includes options to purchase 2,013,991 shares under employee stock options
    which are exercisable on or within 60 days of May 9, 1997, and 1,219
    shares held in trust under the Employee Savings Incentive Plan with
    respect to which such persons have the right to direct the vote.
 
                                      115
<PAGE>
 
  Ms. Studenmund joined Great Western and GWB on April 15, 1996, as an
Executive Vice President and director of GWB Retail Banking Division. Her
responsibilities include all branch operations in California and Florida,
business banking, consumer lending, direct banking, branch administration
services and marketing. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Studenmund served as
Executive Vice President and retail banking group manager at First Interstate
Bank of California, a position she held since 1995. Her career with First
Interstate Bank spanned 11 years and included various line and staff
positions.
 
  Mr. Sims joined Great Western and GWB on January 6, 1997, as Executive Vice
President of the Real Estate Services Division. Prior to joining the Company,
Mr. Sims served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Knutson Mortgage
Corporation in Minneapolis, a position he held since 1995, and as President of
the Residential Express Division of GE Capital Mortgage Services, Inc., in
Cherry Hill, New Jersey from 1992 until 1995. Before joining GE Capital, Mr.
Sims served as President of First Prime Mortgage Corporation, a New England
mortgage banking firm.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The following table and accompanying notes show for John F. Maher, Chief
Executive Officer, and the four next highest paid executive officers of the
Company as of December 31, 1996 (the "named Executive Officers"), the
aggregate indicated compensation paid by the Company and its subsidiaries to
such persons during the three fiscal years then ending.
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                ANNUAL COMPENSATION          LONG TERM COMPENSATION
                         --------------------------------- --------------------------
                                                              AWARDS       PAYOUTS
                                                           ------------ -------------
          (A)            (B)    (C)     (D)       (E)          (F)           (G)          (H)
                                                 OTHER
                                                 ANNUAL     SECURITIES                 ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL            SALARY   BONUS  COMPENSATION  UNDERLYING      LTIP      COMPENSATION
     POSITION            YEAR ($)(1)  ($)(1)     ($)(2)    OPTIONS/SARS PAYOUTS($)(3)    ($)(4)
------------------       ---- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
<S>                      <C>  <C>     <C>     <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
John F. Maher            1996 780,000 369,720   196,380      375,000      3,396,094      33,594
 President and Chief     1995 650,000 303,225   165,505            0             --      27,780
 Executive Officer       1994 650,000 295,750   239,966      150,000             --      27,638
Michael M. Pappas        1996 437,500 157,500    63,072      120,000      1,455,469      17,500
 Vice Chairman and Pres-
  ident,                 1995 420,000 163,850        --            0             --      16,800
 Consumer Finance Divi-
  sion                   1994 410,000 176,988       832       70,000             --      16,400
A. William Schenck III   1996 416,000 131,456    61,950      150,000        423,475      14,800
 Vice Chairman           1995 399,996 153,500    45,178            0             --           0
Carl F. Geuther          1996 385,000 121,660    89,022      130,000      1,164,375      15,400
 Vice Chairman and Chief 1995 372,000 129,018    70,035            0             --      14,900
 Financial Officer       1994 360,000 131,040    81,316       70,000             --      14,400
J. Lance Erikson         1996 300,000  94,800    42,301       90,000        582,188      12,000
 Executive Vice Presi-
  dent,                  1995 285,000 106,362    50,835            0             --      11,400
 Secretary and General
  Counsel                1994 275,000 100,100    55,464       40,000             --      11,000
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Amounts shown include cash compensation earned and received by executive
    officers as well as amounts earned but deferred at the election of those
    officers.
 
(2) Amounts shown include, when applicable, that portion of interest earned on
    deferred compensation accounts above 120% of the applicable federal rate,
    country club dues, personal use of corporate aircraft, the estimated
    economic benefit of preferential loans made under the Home Loan Program
    shown in the table on page 128 and described further at pages 126 and 127,
    and the incremental cost to the Company of (a) Company provided
    automobiles; (b) tax and financial planning advice by third parties; and
    (c) insurance which provides reimbursement for health and dental costs in
    excess of the amount payable under the Company's group health and dental
    plans. Perquisites in excess of 25% of the total perquisites reported in
    column (e) for 1996 include the following: Mr. Maher: economic benefit of
    personal use of aircraft--$46,665; Mr. Pappas: economic benefit of company
    automobiles--$17,931, excess medical and dental coverage--$19,189,
    economic benefit of preferential loans--$25,952; Mr. Schenck: economic
    benefit of preferential loans--$42,888; Mr. Geuther: economic benefit of
    excess medical and dental coverage--$28,661, economic benefit of
    preferential loans--$35,044; Mr. Erikson: economic benefit of preferential
    loans--$23,726.
 
                                      116
<PAGE>
 
(3) Mr. Schenck was awarded a total of 21,544 shares of performance-based
    restricted stock in 1995. Such restricted shares generally vest in three
    to ten years; vesting may be accelerated upon the occurrence of certain
    events, including the achievement of performance goals, and all such
    restricted shares vest immediately upon the occurrence of a Change in
    Control (as described under the caption "EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS--
    Restricted Stock"). On January 23, 1996, shares of restricted stock held
    by the named Executive Officers, valued at the then current market value
    of $23.375 per share, vested as follows: Mr. Maher, 87,500 shares, valued
    at $2,045,313; Mr. Pappas, 37,500 shares, valued at $876,563; Mr. Geuther,
    30,000 shares, valued at $701,250; and Mr. Erikson, 15,000 shares, valued
    at $350,625. On February 1, 1996, 10,772 shares of restricted stock held
    by Mr. Schenck vested, valued at $257,182 (based on the then current
    market value of $23.875 per share). On December 9, 1996, shares of
    restricted stock held by the named Executive Officers, valued at the then
    current market value of $30.875 per share, vested as follows: Mr. Maher,
    43,750 shares, valued at $1,350,781; Mr. Pappas, 18,750 shares, valued at
    $578,906; Mr. Schenck, 5,386 shares, valued at $166,293; Mr. Geuther,
    15,000 shares, valued at $463,125; and Mr. Erikson, 7,500 shares, valued
    at $231,563. At year-end 1996, the named Executive Officers held shares of
    restricted stock, valued at the then current market value of $29.00 per
    share, as follows: Mr. Maher, 43,750 shares, valued at $1,268,750; Mr.
    Pappas, 18,750 shares, valued at $543,750; Mr. Schenck, 5,386 shares,
    valued at $156,194; Mr. Geuther, 15,000 shares, valued at $435,000; and
    Mr. Erikson, 7,500 shares, valued at $217,500. Dividends are paid on
    restricted stock at the same rate payable to common stockholders and are
    not reflected in the amount reported.
 
(4) The amounts shown in this column for 1996 consist of the following
    respective amounts: (a) Mr. Maher: Employee Savings Incentive Plan and
    related supplemental matches--$31,200; Split Dollar Term Insurance
    Premium--$2,394; (b) Mr. Pappas: Employee Savings Incentive Plan and
    related supplemental matches--$17,500; (c) Mr. Schenck: Employee Savings
    Incentive Plan and related supplemental matches--$14,800; (d) Mr. Geuther:
    Employee Savings Incentive Plan and related supplemental matches--$14,476;
    deferred compensation plan matches and makeups--$924; (e) Mr. Erikson:
    Employee Savings Incentive Plan and related supplemental matches--$12,000.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
  Mr. Maher's employment agreement with Great Western, as amended to date,
provides for a rolling three-year term and provides for various benefits,
including a current annual salary of $860,000 which is subject to periodic
review and increase, but not decrease. The agreement provides for various
payments to Mr. Maher or his beneficiaries in the event of his death,
disability, or termination without "Cause" (as defined in the agreement),
including a death benefit payment to his beneficiaries equal to 250% of his
then current salary, reduced by the amount of company-provided life insurance
proceeds. Mr. Maher's beneficiaries would also be entitled to receive
continued payment of 50% of his then current salary until the time when he
would have been age 65 but in no event for a period less than ten years, as
well as continuation of certain insurance benefits for two years. Upon
termination due to disability, Mr. Maher would continue to receive, until
death or his 65th birthday, whichever occurs first, 50% of the sum of his
current salary plus his average bonus over the prior three years, less
benefits payable under the Company's long-term disability plan, and
continuation of certain other benefits. In the event of a termination without
Cause, Mr. Maher would receive his current salary for the remaining term of
the agreement and a full or partial bonus payment for the year of termination,
without offset for subsequent employment. He would also be entitled to
continuation of certain other benefits for the same period, and a pro-rata
payment of long-term incentive benefits. In the event of a qualifying
termination following a Change in Control (as hereinafter defined) (or during
the pendency of a Potential Change in Control (as hereinafter defined) or
during the 6-month period thereafter), Mr. Maher is entitled to a lump-sum
severance payment equal to three times the sum of his salary and target bonus;
payment of a pro-rata target bonus to the date of termination (if termination
occurs in the same year in which a Change in Control occurs, such payment will
be offset by amounts received under the Annual Incentive Compensation Plan for
Executive Officers in connection with such Change in Control); continuation of
welfare-type benefits for three years; immediate vesting of restricted shares
and stock options (where such qualifying termination occurs during the
pendency of a Potential Change in Control or during the 6-month period
thereafter); and credit for years of service and years of age equal to the
remaining term of his agreement for purposes of calculating his benefits under
the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. For purposes of Mr. Maher's
employment agreement: (i) a "Change in Control" is defined generally as (a) a
change in the majority of the Great Western Board, subject to certain
exceptions; (b) any Person (as defined in the agreement) becoming the
beneficial owner of 25% or more of either the outstanding shares of Great
Western Common Stock or the combined voting power of the Company's then
outstanding securities; (c) consummation of the sale of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company; (d) consummation of a merger or
consolidation of the Company other than one immediately following which the
Company's stockholders continue to hold at least 75% of the combined voting
power of the voting securities of
 
                                      117
<PAGE>
 
the Company or the surviving corporation or any parent thereof (provided, that
if a February 20, 1997 amendment to Mr. Maher's agreement which raised the
threshold percentage to 75% would prevent a transaction intended to qualify as
a "pooling of interests" from so qualifying, such threshold percentage will be
60%); or (e) stockholder approval of the liquidation or dissolution of the
Company; and (ii) a "Potential Change in Control" generally occurs upon (a)
any Person becoming the beneficial owner of 15% or more of either the
outstanding shares of Great Western Common Stock or the combined voting power
of the Company's then outstanding securities; (b) the execution by the Company
of an agreement, or the public announcement by the Company or any Person of an
intention to take (or to consider taking) actions the consummation of which
would result in a Change in Control; (c) the filing with the FDIC or the OTS
of an application for Change in Control; or (d) the Great Western Board's
adoption of a resolution to the effect that a Potential Change in Control has
occurred. Mr. Maher's agreement provides that he may elect to terminate his
employment, without a material breach by the Company, and receive the benefits
described above during the period commencing no earlier than eighteen months
following a Change in Control and ending no later than the second anniversary
of such Change in Control; provided, that the eighteen-month minimum period
will not apply if, at any time during the first year following such Change in
Control, more than 50% of the non-employee members of the Great Western Board
as of the date immediately preceding the Change in Control are no longer
members of the Great Western Board; and provided further, that, if Mr. Maher
elects to so terminate his agreement, cash benefits which would become payable
will be reduced by 25%. In addition, the Company will pay any additional
amount necessary to make Mr. Maher whole with respect to any excise tax that
may be assessed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), in respect of payments made to Mr. Maher under his
employment agreement and any other Great Western plan, agreement or
arrangement in which Mr. Maher participates. If all of the payments and
benefits to which Mr. Maher may become entitled in connection with a Change in
Control are in the aggregate less than the maximum amount he is entitled to
receive without incurring a liability under Section 4999 of the Code for any
reason (including that some or all of such entitlements do not constitute
parachute payments), then he will be entitled to receive such maximum amount.
In the event of a good-faith dispute regarding interpretation of the terms or
enforcement of the provisions of his employment agreement, Mr. Maher is
entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees. Under the terms of the Merger
Agreement, consummation of the Merger will constitute a Change in Control for
purposes of Mr. Maher's employment agreement.
 
  Great Western has employment agreements with the other named Executive
Officers (and with Jaynie M. Studenmund and Ray W. Sims, the other executive
officers of Great Western that are not named Executive Officers), which have
initial terms of three years and provide for rolling two-year terms at the end
of the first contract year unless earlier terminated. The base annual salaries
for Messrs. Pappas, Schenck, Geuther, Erikson and Sims and Ms. Studenmund
under their employment agreements are $450,000, $450,000, $400,000, $315,000,
$340,000 and $350,000, respectively, subject to periodic review and increase,
but not subject to decrease unless done in conjunction with a pro-rata salary
reduction applicable to all Great Western officers.
 
  The employment agreements, as amended to date, provide for various benefits
to each other executive officer or such officer's beneficiaries in the event
of death, disability, or termination without "Cause" (as defined in the
agreements) and in the event of a qualifying termination following a Change in
Control or during the pendency of a Potential Change in Control (or during the
6-month period thereafter). In the event of the executive officer's death, his
or her beneficiaries would be entitled to payment of the executive officer's
salary and continuation of certain insurance benefits for one year. Upon
termination due to disability, the executive officer would receive 50% of the
sum of his or her current salary plus average bonus over the prior three
years, less benefits under the Company's long term disability plan, until the
disability ends, but not later than age 65 or for a period greater than ten
years. In all other respects, the terms of these agreements are substantially
similar to those contained in Mr. Maher's employment agreement, except that
the agreements do not provide the right to terminate the agreements without a
material breach by the Company during the period commencing eighteen months
following a Change in Control and ending twenty-four months following such
Change in Control. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, consummation of
the Merger will constitute a Change in Control for purposes of these
employment agreements.
 
                                      118
<PAGE>
 
  In December 1996, the Board adopted amendments to the employment agreements
with the executive officers which, among other things, revised the definition
of a Change in Control and provided for severance and other benefits to become
payable upon a qualifying termination of employment during the pendency of a
Potential Change in Control or during the 6-month period thereafter. In
February 1997, the Board adopted an amendment to these agreements which
further revised the definition of a Change in Control, with the proviso that
if such revision would prevent a transaction intended to qualify as a pooling
of interests from so qualifying, such amendment would have no force in effect.
The definition of a Change in Control, as amended, and the provision of
certain benefits as described above, are as set forth in the description of
Mr. Maher's employment agreement.
 
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
  Directors Fees. Mr. Maher is the only director who is an employee of Great
Western. See "--Employment Agreements" for a description of Mr. Maher's
employment contract. Directors, other than Mr. Maher, are paid an annual
retainer of $25,000 for service to both the Great Western Board and the GWB
Board and combined attendance fees totalling $1,800 for each Great Western
Board and GWB Board meeting attended. Chairpersons of committees receive an
attendance fee of $1,500 for presiding over their committee meetings, vice
chairs receive an attendance fee of $1,250 and committee members receive an
attendance fee of $1,000. Additionally, each chairperson of a committee
receives an annual fee of $3,000, vice chairs receive an annual fee of $1,500
and the secretary of the Audit and Finance Committee receives an annual fee of
$2,000. Directors are also offered insurance coverage similar to that provided
under the Company's health and dental plans and are provided with travel and
accident insurance coverage for travel to and from Board and committee
meetings at no cost to them. Mr. Maher is not paid any fees or additional
remuneration for his service as a member of the Great Western Board or any
committee, but he is eligible to receive benefits under the Directors'
Retirement Plan, described below. The amounts referred to above do not include
the economic benefit of preferential loans under the Company's Home Loan
Program described on pages 126 and 127.
 
  Consulting Agreement with Mr. Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery's consulting
agreement with Great Western (the "Consulting Agreement"), effective December
29, 1995 for an initial term of five years (the "Consulting Period"),
contemplates that Mr. Montgomery serve as Chairman of the Great Western Board
through December 31, 1997, and thereafter upon election by the Great Western
Board (but he shall continue in any case to serve as a director of Great
Western and GWB during the Consulting Period). Pursuant to the terms of the
Consulting Agreement, during the Consulting Period, Mr. Montgomery will devote
substantial time and attention as required, but no less than half time (if and
to the extent requested), to promoting the business affairs and interests of
Great Western and its affiliates. In addition to his compensation as a
director (including non-employee director stock options under the Company's
stock incentive plans, and benefits under the Director's Retirement Plan
described below), Mr. Montgomery receives an annual consulting fee of
$485,000. He is not entitled to receive awards under any bonus plan or
incentive plan for employees of Great Western during the Consulting Period.
The Consulting Agreement extends Mr. Montgomery's outstanding $500,000
personal, unsecured loan maturity to December 31, 1999 or, under certain
circumstances, to the end of the Consulting Period.
 
  In connection with his retirement as Chief Executive of Great Western and
GWB, the Company granted to Mr. Montgomery a stock option (the "Special
Option") to purchase 300,000 Common Shares, which will generally become
exercisable at the rate of 25% per year commencing April 26, 1996, and, once
exercisable, the Special Option may be exercised at any time thereafter until
the first to occur of (i) April 24, 2005, (ii) termination for cause (as
defined in the Consulting Agreement), (iii) termination of the Consulting
Agreement, or if it is deemed terminated in accordance with its terms, two
years after the Consulting Agreement would have otherwise terminated (until
the assumed date of termination, the Special Option will continue to vest as
provided therein), or (iv) two years after a termination of all services
(including services as a Director) for any other reason (except that the
Special Option will be exercisable only to the extent exercisable on the date
of a termination by reason of death or disability (as defined in the
Consulting Agreement) or a termination of such
 
                                      119
<PAGE>
 
services by Mr. Montgomery (other than a termination to which clause (iii)
applies)). During the term of the Consulting Agreement, awards of restricted
stock granted to Mr. Montgomery while he was an employee of Great Western and
GWB will continue to vest in accordance with the terms of the related
restricted stock award agreement and generally will vest in full on December
31, 2000 if Mr. Montgomery has continued to provide services to Great Western
in accordance with the terms of the Consulting Agreement.
 
  Mr. Montgomery's payments under the Company's Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan commenced on January 1, 1996, without any offset for benefits
payable under the Retirement Plan, which generally will not be payable until
he ceases to perform services for Great Western and GWB. The Consulting
Agreement provides that, in the event of his death, Mr. Montgomery's
beneficiaries would be entitled to a payment equal to 250% of Mr. Montgomery's
then current annual consulting fee, reduced by the amount of Company-provided
life insurance proceeds. Mr. Montgomery's beneficiaries would also be entitled
to receive continued payment of 50% of his then current annual consulting fee
for a period of 10 years, also reduced by life insurance proceeds. In
addition, Mr. Montgomery's family would be entitled to continuation of certain
insurance benefits for two years. Upon termination of the Consulting Agreement
due to disability, Mr. Montgomery would continue to receive, until the
disability ends, but no later than age 65, 50% of his then current annual
consulting fee, less benefits payable under the Company's long-term disability
plan. He would also be entitled to continuation of certain other benefits. In
the event of a termination without cause, or if Mr. Montgomery voluntarily
terminates the Consulting Agreement following a material breach by the
Company, he will receive his consulting fees at the current rate for what
would have been the remainder of the term of the Consulting Agreement absent
such termination, and the Special Option and awards of restricted stock
previously granted to Mr. Montgomery would continue to vest during the same
period. In the event of a voluntary termination of Mr. Montgomery's service
following a material breach by the Company after a Change in Control (as
defined in the Consulting Agreement), all restricted shares and that portion
of the Special Option which is then unvested shall immediately vest. In no
event will payments to Mr. Montgomery which are contingent upon a Change in
Control under applicable tax rules ("parachute payments") exceed limits
specified by the Code, that currently approximate three times the average of
his compensation for the prior five years (the "Section 280G Limit").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the value of such aggregate entitlement
constituting parachute payments is less than the Section 280G Limit for any
reason (including that some or all of such entitlement does not constitute a
parachute payment), Mr. Montgomery is entitled to receive the Section 280G
Limit. A Change in Control occurs under the Consulting Agreement when anyone
acquires ownership of 25% or more of the Company's outstanding voting stock
and the directors of the Company immediately before such acquisition cease to
constitute five-sixths of the Great Western Board or any successor board of
directors. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, consummation of the Merger
will constitute a Change in Control for purposes of the Consulting Agreement.
 
  Directors' Retirement Plan. The Great Western Directors' Retirement Plan, as
amended to date ("Directors' Retirement Plan"), provides retirement benefits
to directors. Upon termination of service on the Great Western Board, each
eligible director is entitled to an annual retirement benefit equal to the sum
of the annual retainer paid to members of the Great Western Board plus twelve
times the monthly meeting fee, both as in effect at the time of the director's
termination. Benefits are payable for a period equal to the number of years
that the eligible director served as a director. Such benefits will be
provided to the surviving spouse or other designated beneficiary following the
death of an eligible director.
 
  Director Stock Option Program. Upon adoption of the 1988 Stock Option and
Incentive Plan, as amended to date (the "1988 Stock Plan"), each non-employee
director was granted automatically, subject to stockholder approval of such
Plan, a nonqualified option under the 1988 Stock Plan's Non-Employee Director
Program to purchase 2,500 shares of Great Western Common Stock at the then
fair market value of such shares. Each non-employee who thereafter becomes a
director is also automatically granted such an option upon becoming a
director. Annually, each non-employee director automatically is granted an
option (an "Annual Option") to purchase 2,500 shares of Great Western Common
Stock. No non-employee director may receive options to purchase more than
2,500 shares in any calendar year. The purchase price per shares of Great
Western Common Stock covered by each Annual Option, payable in cash and/or
shares, is the fair market value of the shares of
 
                                      120
<PAGE>
 
Great Western Common Stock on the date the option is granted. Annual Options
become exercisable in 50% installments on the first and second anniversary of
their grant, and, unless earlier terminated, terminate ten years after they
are granted. The exercise prices of Annual Options granted in 1995, 1996 and
1997 were $16.00, $26.125, and $28.75, respectively.
 
  If a non-employee director's services as a Great Western Board member are
terminated as a result of death, disability or retirement after age 72, Annual
Options will become immediately exercisable in full and will remain
exercisable for a period of two years or until the expiration of the stated
term of the option, whichever period is shorter. If a non-employee director's
services are terminated for any other reason, any then exercisable portion of
an Annual Option will be exercisable for a period of three months or the
balance of the option's term, whichever period is shorter.
 
  The 1988 Stock Plan provides for full vesting and exercisability of the
Annual Options in the event of a Change in Control of the Company. The term
"Change in Control" is defined in the 1988 Stock Plan as it is defined in Mr.
Maher's employment agreement (described on pages 117, 118 and 119 of this Form
10-K/A). Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, consummation of the Merger
will constitute a Change in Control for purposes of the 1988 Stock Plan.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
  The following table shows for each member of the Compensation Committee: (i)
the largest aggregate amount of indebtedness to the Company in excess of
$60,000 outstanding from January 1, 1996 to March 31, 1997; (ii) the nature of
the indebtedness; (iii) the outstanding balance of the indebtedness on March
31, 1997; and (iv) the annual rate of interest charged on the indebtedness.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       NAME OF
     COMPENSATION           LARGEST                        INDEBTEDNESS
      COMMITTEE            AGGREGATE        NATURE OF     OUTSTANDING AT    INTEREST
        MEMBER          INDEBTEDNESS ($) INDEBTEDNESS(1) MARCH 31, 1997($) RATE (%)(2)
     ------------       ---------------- --------------- ----------------- -----------
<S>                     <C>              <C>             <C>               <C>
H. Frederick Christie       769,068.70     Residential         741,808        4.71
                            285,190.10     Residential         278,473        4.71
Stephen E. Frank          1,390,895.85     Residential       1,362,415        4.81
                          1,063,300.00     Residential       1,052,602        4.81
John V. Giovenco            533,642.54     Residential         520,222        4.71
Enrique Hernandez, Jr.      918,988.05     Residential         903,101        4.81
                          1,400,000.00     Residential       1,384,214        4.81
Charles D. Miller         1,072,418.58     Residential       1,049,981        4.81
Willis B. Wood, Jr.         714,366.89     Residential         698,764        4.71
                            396,966.62     Residential         389,192        4.81
</TABLE>
--------
(1)Loans secured by the same residence are aggregated.
 
(2) Interest on these loans is generally at monthly adjustable rates equal to
    the Company's cost of funds plus .25%. This rate was approximately 2.22%
    to 2.42% below that on similar loans to the public during 1996.
 
  The residential loans described above were made pursuant to the Company's
Home Loan Program described on pages 126 and 127 and are secured by trust
deeds or mortgages on the respective residences of the members of the
Compensation Committee.
 
                            EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
  The material which follows in this section describes certain provisions made
by the Company and its subsidiaries pursuant to certain stock option,
restricted stock, deferred compensation, employee savings, pension or other
incentive plans now in effect, that provide for severance, termination or
Change in Control benefits to
 
                                      121
<PAGE>
 
the named Executive Officers, other than group life and accident insurance,
group hospitalization and similar group payments and benefits.
 
STOCK BENEFIT PLANS
 
  The 1988 Stock Plan provides for various types of stock incentives,
including stock options, restricted shares, bonus stock and performance
shares. The only awards granted to date under the 1988 Stock Plan have been
stock options and restricted stock (with performance vesting features). With
respect to options granted under the 1988 Stock Plan, the Administrator may,
with the consent of a holder, substitute awards or modify the terms and
conditions of any outstanding award to extend the exercisability and term
(subject to the maximum term limits), reduce the price, accelerate
exercisability or vesting or preserve benefits of the award. The 1988 Stock
Plan provides for automatic acceleration of the exercisability of awards and
accelerated vesting of awards upon a Change in Control or upon a qualifying
termination of employment during the pendency of a Potential Change in Control
(or during the six-month period thereafter). Under the 1988 Stock Plan, the
terms "Change in Control" and "Potential Change in Control" are defined as
they are in Mr. Maher's employment agreement. Under the terms of the Merger
Agreement, consummation of the Merger will constitute a Change in Control for
purposes of the 1988 Stock Plan.
 
OPTIONS
 
  There were no grants of SARs to the named Executive Officers in 1996 and the
following market priced stock options were granted to the named Executive
Officers in 1996 based in part on performance in 1995 and 1996 (the first
number in each column represents the award for 1995 performance and the second
number represents the award for 1996 performance):
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         (a)                 (b)           (c)           (d)             (e)           (f)
                          NUMBER OF
                          SECURITIES    % OF TOTAL
                          UNDERLYING    GRANTED TO                                 GRANT DATE
                           OPTIONS     EMPLOYEES IN EXERCISE PRICE                   PRESENT
   NAME                 GRANTED (#)(1) FISCAL YEAR   ($/SHARE)(2)  EXPIRATION DATE VALUE($)(3)
   ----                 -------------- ------------ -------------- --------------- -----------
<S>                     <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>             <C>
John F. Maher              175,000         4.58         23.375        01/23/06     $  971,250
                           200,000         5.23         30.875        12/09/06     $1,334,000
Michael M. Pappas           70,000         1.83         23.375        01/23/06     $  388,500
                            50,000         1.31         30.875        12/09/06     $  333,500
A. William Schenck III      70,000         1.83         23.375        01/23/06     $  388,500
                            80,000         2.09         30.875        12/09/06     $  533,600
Carl F. Geuther             60,000         1.57         23.375        01/23/06     $  333,000
                            70,000         1.83         30.875        12/09/06     $  466,900
J. Lance Erikson            40,000         1.05         23.375        01/23/06     $  222,000
                            50,000         1.31         30.875        12/09/06     $  333,500
</TABLE>
--------
(1) These options vest and become exercisable in 25% installments on each of
    the first four anniversaries of their grant, subject to acceleration in
    certain circumstances such as a Change in Control. The options have a 10-
    year term, subject to earlier termination in certain circumstances related
    to termination of employment. The instrument setting forth the terms of
    the option may provide that the exercise price of the option may be
    satisfied by delivery of previously owned shares or by the withholding of
    shares having a fair market value at the date of exercise equal to such
    exercise price. At the election of the optionee, the Company's tax
    withholding obligation with respect to the exercise of the option may also
    be satisfied by the withholding of shares having a fair market value at
    the date of exercise equal to such obligation.
(2) All stock options were granted at the fair market value on the date of
    grant.
(3) The shares were valued based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model
    adapted for use in valuing executive stock options using the following
    assumptions for the January 23, 1996 grant: the 52 week average stock
    price of $19.82, three year historical average stock price volatility of
    .2288, a three year historical average dividend yield of 3.63%, a risk-
    free rate equal to the 52 week average of ten-year Treasury Bonds of 6.60%
    and an option term of 10 years. The shares granted on December 9, 1996,
    were valued based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model adapted for
    use valuing executive stock options using the following assumptions: the
    52 week average stock price of $24.37, three year historical average stock
    price volatility of .2319, a three year historical average dividend yield
    of 3.69%, a risk free rate equal to the 52 week average of ten year
    Treasury Bonds of 6.53% and an option term of 10 years. The valuation
    method is hypothetical.
 
 
                                      122
<PAGE>
 
  The following table shows for each of the named Executive Officers the
shares acquired on exercise of options during 1996, the difference between the
exercise price and the market value of the underlying shares on the date of
exercise, and (as to outstanding options at December 31, 1996) the number of
unexercised options and the aggregate unrealized appreciation on "in-the-
money," unexercised options held at such date:
 
   AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         (a)                (b)        (c)           (d)                (e)
                                                  NUMBER OF
                                                 SECURITIES           VALUE OF
                                                 UNDERLYING         UNEXERCISED
                                                 UNEXERCISED        IN-THE-MONEY
                           SHARES             OPTIONS AT FY-END  OPTIONS AT FY-END
                        ACQUIRED ON   VALUE   (#) EXERCISABLE/      EXERCISABLE/
      NAME              EXERCISE (#) REALIZED UNEXERCISABLE(1)    UNEXERCISABLE(2)
      ----              ------------ -------- ----------------- --------------------
<S>                     <C>          <C>      <C>               <C>
John F. Maher              62,500    $433,241  358,542/450,000  $4,967,373/1,912,500
Michael M. Pappas          50,000    $485,688  155,000/155,000     2,149,375/826,875
A. William Schenck III          0           0   32,262/246,786     245,998/1,131,743
Carl F. Geuther            35,000    $252,125  171,000/165,000     2,381,625/770,625
J. Lance Erikson           25,000    $139,767   89,010/110,000       122,604/472,500
</TABLE>
--------
(1) The numbers shown in column (d) include all unexercised options held by
    the named Executive Officers, 1,482,600 of which were "in the money." None
    of the named Executive Officers holds any outstanding SARs.
(2) All values are based solely on the market value of the Common Shares at
    the end of 1996, minus the exercise price of "in the money" options.
 
RESTRICTED STOCK
 
  In January 1992, the Administrator first authorized awards of performance-
based restricted stock under the 1988 Stock Plan and established the specific
vesting provisions for such awards as described below. If the recipient
remained with the Company, the shares would vest completely 10 years after the
award date. Prior to that, they were subject to both accelerated vesting and
risk of forfeiture to the Company, in whole or in part, upon certain events.
The vesting was and is accelerated if and to the extent that the Company's
common stock performance, as measured by appreciation, dividends and other
distributions ("stockholder return"), over three-year performance cycles,
representing the three-year period ending December 31, 1995 and periodically
thereafter, exceeded and exceeds by specified amounts the stockholder return
(subject to certain adjustments) on common stocks of other designated banks,
savings associations or related holding companies (the "Peer Group"). If the
Company's percentile ranking relative to the Peer Group for the applicable
three-year period equals or exceeds the 50th percentile, the remaining
performance-based restricted shares vest in amounts ranging from 25% to 100%
of the original award. Seventy-five percent of the original awards vested in
1996, based on the Company's stockholder return. The remainder will continue
to vest under the terms of the related agreement and a portion of the
remaining award will vest in the event of death or disability of the holder,
at the rate of 20% per year. Vesting of these awards may be accelerated in
certain other circumstances, including upon a Change in Control, or in the
case of a qualifying termination of employment during the pendency of a
Potential Change in Control (or during the six-month period thereafter) or
upon retirement. Except as noted above, the unvested performance-based
restricted shares generally will be forfeited upon a termination of employment
(or, in Mr. Montgomery's case, termination of service as a consultant and a
Director). The performance-based restricted shares are registered to the
recipient subject to transfer and forfeiture restrictions, but are held by the
Company until such restrictions lapse. The recipients are entitled to
dividends and have voting rights on these performance-based restricted shares
prior to the time the restrictions lapse. Under the terms of the Merger
Agreement, consummation of the Merger will constitute a Change in Control for
purposes of the 1988 Stock Plan.
 
  No awards of performance-based restricted stock or other long-term incentive
awards were granted to the named Executive Officers in 1996.
 
 
                                      123
<PAGE>
 
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS
 
  Under the Great Western deferred compensation plans, as amended to date,
participants are entitled to defer compensation until retirement, death, other
termination of employment or service, or until specified dates. Participants
receive a fixed rate yield based on the average annual interest rate of ten-
year United States Treasury Notes for the previous ten years. An enhanced
yield of up to 125% of the fixed rate yield will be payable in the event of
death, under certain circumstances upon retirement after age 55, and upon
termination of employment after plan participation for a specified number of
years. The plans also provide for Company matching contributions on deferred
compensation similar to that provided under the Employee Savings Incentive
Plan described below. The Senior Officers' Deferred Compensation Plan
supplements benefits payable to Executive Officers participating in the
Employee Savings Incentive Plan (the "Savings Plan") to the extent that
Savings Plan benefits are reduced under applicable Code limitations. The
deferred compensation plans provide for full vesting of employer matching
contributions upon a Change in Control or upon a qualifying termination of
employment during the pendency of a Potential Change in Control (or during the
six-month period thereafter). (Under the deferred compensation plans, the
terms "Change in Control" and "Potential Change in Control" are defined as
they are in Mr. Maher's employment agreement.) The plans also permit
participants to make an advance irrevocable election to receive a cash lump
sum payment of their account balance within 45 days after a Change in Control,
and to elect within two years after a Change in Control to withdraw their
account balance in a lump sum with a 5% penalty; if a participant's employment
or service has terminated because of Retirement (as defined in the plans) at
the time of such election, such participant is entitled to the enhanced yield
on his or her account. During the pendency of a Potential Change in Control,
and for six months thereafter, and for a period of two years following a
Change in Control, the plans may not be terminated, nor may they be adversely
amended without the consent of two-thirds of the participants. Mr.
Montgomery's Consulting Agreement and Mr. Maher's employment agreement,
however, provide for the preservation of previously elected deferrals and
payment options in the event of a Change in Control. The plans also provide
for pension benefits based on deferred compensation similar to those provided
under the Company's Retirement Plan (described below). Under the terms of the
Merger Agreement, consummation of the Merger will constitute a Change in
Control for purposes of the deferred compensation plans.
 
EMPLOYEE SAVINGS INCENTIVE PLAN
 
  Under the Savings Plan, eligible employees may authorize payroll deductions
for contributions which, at the participant's direction, may be invested in
money market, equity, debt, balanced and Company stock funds. Under the
Savings Plan, employee contributions are matched by the Company in an amount
equal to 50% of such contribution up to a maximum contribution of 6% of the
employee's base salary, including overtime. The Great Western Board may
authorize annually an additional contribution in an amount not to exceed the
Company's mandatory contribution. Matching contributions vest at the rate of
30% for each of the first two years of participation in the Savings Plan and
the remaining 40% vests in the third year of participation. Certain
participant borrowings against vested benefits are permitted under the Savings
Plan.
 
RETIREMENT PLAN
 
  The Retirement Plan is a non-contributory group pension plan providing for
monthly benefits in the event of retirement or, at the election of the
participant, a cash balance at retirement or termination of employment. On
January 1, 1997, the Company converted the Retirement Plan to a cash balance
plan based upon the results of extensive research regarding employee
demographics and competitive practices among the Company's peers. Benefits
under the Retirement Plan depend on factors such as length of service, average
monthly wage base and certain Social Security benefits. Employees over age 21
are eligible to participate after one year of service. Contributions to the
plan trust are made by the Company on an actuarial basis and in an amount to
obtain the maximum federal income tax deduction. Accrued benefits vest fully
after five years of participation and employees may elect to take the value of
their account as a lump sum payment if they terminate their employment with
the Company. Forfeitures of non-vested benefits are applied to reduce the
Company's contributions.
 
                                      124
<PAGE>
 
SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
 
  The Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended to date (the "SERP"),
provides a target retirement benefit at the participant's Normal Retirement
Date (defined under the SERP as following the later to occur of the attainment
of age 60 or 20 years of service for Mr. Maher and the later to occur of the
attainment of age 62 or 25 years of service for the other named Executive
Officers) equal to a percentage of average salary and bonus (65% for Mr. Maher
and 60% for the other named Executive Officers). The SERP provides that
Mr. Schenck will be credited for service with a previous employer. Under the
terms of the SERP, upon a qualifying termination of employment within the two-
year period following a Change in Control (or during the pendency of a
Potential Change in Control or during the six-month period thereafter), the
named Executive Officers will become entitled to receive retirement benefits
with no reduction for early retirement. (Under the SERP, the terms "Change in
Control" and "Potential Change in Control" are defined as they are in Mr.
Maher's employment agreement.) In addition, the SERP provides that during the
pendency of a Potential Change in Control, and for six months thereafter, and
for a period of two years following a Change in Control, the SERP may not be
terminated, nor may it be adversely amended without the approval of two-thirds
of SERP participants. The SERP also provides the participants with retirement
benefits that would otherwise exceed the annual limit on such benefits imposed
by the Code. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, consummation of the
Merger will constitute a Change in Control for purposes of the SERP.
 
PENSION TABLES
 
  The amounts shown in the summary compensation table do not include any
amounts expensed by the Company under the Company's Retirement Plan or under
the SERP, both of which are defined benefit plans, since the amount of the
accruals thereunder were not determined on an individual basis by the
actuaries for either of the plans during 1996. The following table illustrates
the total annual retirement benefits which would be provided under the benefit
formula described in the Retirement Plan and SERP to the named Executive
Officers (other than Mr. Maher) in various earnings classifications upon
normal retirement in 1996. The benefit formula presently in both plans
provides for an offset of certain Social Security benefits, and Mr. Schenck's
benefits under the SERP will be offset by benefits payable under retirement
plans of a previous employer. The amounts shown in the following table do not
reflect these offsets.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       AVERAGE PAY
      FOR RETIREMENT                                                                  25 YEARS
      PLAN PURPOSES             15 YEARS                   20 YEARS                   OR MORE
      --------------            --------                   --------                   --------
      <S>                       <C>                        <C>                        <C>
         $350,000               126,000                    168,000                    210,000
          400,000               144,000                    192,000                    240,000
          500,000               180,000                    240,000                    300,000
          600,000               216,000                    288,000                    360,000
          700,000               252,000                    336,000                    420,000
          800,000               288,000                    384,000                    480,000
</TABLE>
 
  The following table illustrates the total annual retirement benefits which
would be provided under both plans to Mr. Maher. The table below does not
include the amount of the annual benefit ($46,600 based on present directors'
fees) that will be payable to Mr. Maher under the Directors' Retirement Plan.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             AVERAGE PAY FOR                                 YEARS OF CREDITED
               RETIREMENT                                         SERVICE
              PLAN PURPOSES                                  20 YEARS OR MORE
             ---------------                                 -----------------
             <S>                                             <C>
               $1,400,000                                          910,000
                1,600,000                                        1,040,000
                1,800,000                                        1,170,000
</TABLE>
 
  Except as noted in the immediately succeeding sentence, the compensation
covered by the benefit formula under the combined retirement plans is salary
and bonus compensation (reduced by Social Security benefits), which is
reported for the past three fiscal years in columns (c) and (d) in the summary
compensation table
 
                                      125
<PAGE>
 
on page 116. Mr. Maher's employment agreement provides that, for purposes of
calculating his benefits under the SERP, the following levels of compensation
will be assumed: on any date in 1997, SERP benefits will be based on annual
compensation of $1,462,000; on any date in 1998, SERP benefits will be based
on actual compensation for 1997; on any date in 1999, SERP benefits will be
based on the average actual compensation for 1997 and 1998; and for any date
after 1999, SERP benefits will be based on the definition of "average monthly
compensation" set forth in the SERP. The named Executive Officers have the
following number of years of credited service: Mr. Maher, 23 years; Mr.
Pappas, 42 years; Mr. Schenck, 28 years; Mr. Geuther, 22 years; and Mr.
Erikson, 28 years.
 
UMBRELLA TRUSTS
 
  The Great Western Board has authorized the establishment of two separate
Umbrella Trusts (the "Trusts") as a security arrangement for some or all of
the participants in the Company's SERP, Retirement Restoration Plan,
Director's Retirement Plan, supplemental retirement benefit for Mr. Gryp, the
employment agreements with the executive officers, the consulting agreement
with Mr. Montgomery and the deferred compensation plans (collectively, the
"Plans").
 
  The Trusts, as amended to date, provide for the full funding of benefits
provided through the Trusts upon a Potential Change in Control, subject to
return following the expiration of the Potential Change in Control Period
(generally defined in the Trusts as six months following the date on which
such Potential Change in Control ceases to exist, if no Change in Control has
occurred during such period). (Under the Trusts, the terms "Change in Control"
and "Potential Change in Control" are defined as they are in Mr. Maher's
employment agreement.) In addition, the Trusts provide that within 30 days
following the end of each year following a Change in Control, the Company
shall be required to contribute to the Trusts the amount, when added to the
assets in the Trusts, needed to provide the benefits under the Plans.
Following a Change in Control or during the pendency of a Potential Change in
Control (and for 6 months thereafter), the amended Trusts may not be adversely
amended without the consent of two-thirds of the participants in the Plans.
 
  Under the terms of the Trusts, the Trustee shall hold the trust assets for
the benefit of the participants in the Plans unless the Company is unable to
pay its debts as they become due or the Company is the subject of a pending
proceeding as a debtor under the federal Bankruptcy Code. If either of those
events occurs, the Trustee shall hold the trust assets for the benefit of the
general creditors of the Company, which may include participants in the Plans.
For purposes of the Trusts, a Potential Change in Control has occurred.
 
HOME LOAN PROGRAM
 
  The Company has a Home Loan Program (the "Program") permitting secured loans
to employees, officers and directors at adjustable rates beginning at .25%
over the Company's cost of funds. Loans under the Program may be made to
finance the employee participant's principal residence and generally must be
secured by a first trust deed or mortgage on such residence. Executive
officers and directors may obtain loans from Great Western for a primary
residence in amounts up to 90% of the first $1,000,000 of appraised value and
80% of the excess appraised value. Executive officers and directors may also
obtain loans for secondary residences in amounts up to 90% of the first
$500,000 in appraised value, 80% of the next $500,000 in appraised value and
70% of the excess appraised value. Loans granted under the Program to
executive officers and directors are reviewed and approved by the Board of
Directors. See "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation"
and "CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS" for information
regarding loans to directors and executive officers of the Company. Program
participants are disqualified from further participation after certain
terminations of employment or service, however, the Program, as amended to
date, provides all participants with protection from adverse amendments to the
terms of existing loans or suspension of the Program following a Change in
Control, protection against disqualification from participation following a
termination without cause or a reduction in hours to less than 20 1/2 per week
following a Change in Control, and protection against disqualification from
participation following a termination during the pendency of a Potential
Change in Control (or during the six-month period thereafter). Under the
Program, the terms "Change in
 
                                      126
<PAGE>
 
Control" and "Potential Change in Control" are defined as they are in Mr.
Maher's employment agreement. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement,
consummation of the Merger will constitute a Change in Control for purposes of
the Program. The Company does not expect to approve any additional loans under
the Program pending consummation of the Merger.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
                            PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
  The following table sets forth information as of March 31, 1997 with respect
to the only persons known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of
the outstanding shares of Great Western Common Stock, based upon reports filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of the persons listed below
which has reported that it may be considered a beneficial owner of more than
5% of the Company's outstanding shares of Great Western Common Stock has
certified that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, the shares were
acquired in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired for the
purpose of and do not have the effect of changing or influencing the control
of the Company and were not acquired in connection with or as a participant in
any transaction having such purpose or effect. The number of shares of Great
Western Common Stock beneficially owned by each director is set forth in
"DIRECTORS" and by each Executive Officer is set forth in "EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  AMOUNT AND
                                                  NATURE OF
                                                  BENEFICIAL
     TITLE OF CLASS   NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER    OWNERSHIP     PERCENT OF CLASS
     --------------   ------------------------    ----------    ----------------
     <C>            <S>                           <C>           <C>
     Common Stock   Wellington Management         8,771,730(1)       6.37%
                    Company
                    75 State Street
                    Boston, Massachusetts 02109
     Common Stock   Vanguard/Windsor Fund, Inc.   8,236,786(2)       5.98%
                    100 Vanguard Boulevard
                    P. O. Box 2600
                    Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Wellington Management Company ("WMC") has reported that it is an
    investment adviser and, as such, is considered beneficial owner in the
    aggregate of the shares listed in the table. WMC has declared that it has
    shared power to vote 53,902 of the shares and shared dispositive power
    over all of the shares shown in the table. The shares shown in the table
    for the Vanguard/Windsor Funds, Inc. are also included in the total amount
    reported in the table for WMC.
 
(2) The Vanguard/Windsor Funds, Inc. ("Vanguard/Windsor") has reported that it
    is an investment company and, as such, is considered the beneficial owner
    in the aggregate of the shares listed in the table. Vanguard/Windsor has
    declared that it has sole power to vote or direct the vote and shared
    power to dispose or to direct the disposition of the shares shown in the
    table.
 
                                      127
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
LOAN TRANSACTIONS
 
  The following table shows as to certain of the Company's executive officers
and directors: (i) the largest aggregate amount of indebtedness to the Company
in excess of $60,000 outstanding from January 1, 1996 to March 31, 1997; (ii)
the nature of the indebtedness; (iii) the outstanding balance of the
indebtedness on March 31, 1997; and (iv) the annual rate of interest charged
on the indebtedness. Information concerning the indebtedness to the Company by
members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is given under
the caption "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" on
page 121.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 LARGEST                       INDEBTEDNESS
       NAME OF EXECUTIVE        AGGREGATE       NATURE OF     OUTSTANDING AT    INTEREST
      OFFICER OR DIRECTOR    INDEBTEDNESS($) INDEBTEDNESS(1) MARCH 31, 1997($) RATE(%)(2)
      -------------------    --------------- --------------- ----------------- ----------
     <S>                     <C>             <C>             <C>               <C>
     David Alexander              249,485      Residential         240,829        4.71
     J. Lance Erikson             787,500      Residential         782,598        4.81
                                  222,098      Residential         215,340        4.71
     Carl F. Geuther              156,154      Residential         150,763        4.71
                                1,335,074      Residential       1,304,735        4.71
     John F. Maher                417,003      Residential         403,012        4.71
                                  751,391      Residential         726,200        4.71
     James F. Montgomery          958,390      Residential               0
                                1,498,197      Residential       1,467,615        4.81
                                  690,000      Residential         683,058        4.81
                                  500,000      Unsecured           500,000        8.50
     Michael M. Pappas            900,000      Residential         893,330        4.81
                                  204,347      Residential         198,323        4.71
     A. William Schenck III       613,000      Residential         600,502        4.81
                                1,212,000      Residential       1,188,638        4.81
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Loans secured by the same residence are aggregated.
 
(2) Interest on these loans, except for Mr. Montgomery's prime rate unsecured
    loan, is generally at monthly adjustable rates equal to the Company's cost
    of funds plus .25%. This rate was approximately 2.22% to 2.42% below that
    on similar loans to the public during 1996.
 
  The residential loans described above were made pursuant to the Company's
Home Loan Program described on pages 126 and 127 and are secured by trust
deeds or mortgages on the respective residences of the named directors and
executive officers.
 
  Interest on Mr. Montgomery's unsecured, personal loan is payable annually
and the entire principal amount is payable on December 31, 1999 or, under
certain circumstances, at the end of the Consulting Period on December 31,
2000.
 
  From time to time, directors, executive officers, members of their immediate
families and entities with which such persons are known by Great Western or
GWB to be affiliated or associated may obtain "margin" loans from a subsidiary
of Great Western, obtain secured and unsecured loans from GWB, place interest
bearing deposits with GWB, maintain checking accounts with GWB and avail
themselves of check guarantee and overdraft features allowed on these
accounts, all in accordance with applicable law. The transactions described in
this paragraph are all in the ordinary course of Great Western's or GWB's
business and are made on terms substantially the same, including interest rate
and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions
with other persons and do not involve more than the normal risk of
collectibility or present other unfavorable features.
 
 
                                      128
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
   
Note: Exhibits were previously filed as part of the Form 10-K filed March 10,
1997.     
 
(a) 1. Financial Statements
 
  See index to Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" on page
51.
 
  2.   Financial Statement Schedules
 
  No financial statement schedules are required because they are not
applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or
notes thereto included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data".
 
  3.   Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements indicated by asterisk in
next section.
 
  4.   Exhibits Required by Securities and Exchange Commission Regulations S-K
 
     
  3.1  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of GWFC, as in effect on the
       date of this report (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on
       Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated herein
       by reference).
 
  3.2  Certificate of Designations of GWFC's 8.30% Cumulative Preferred Stock
       (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
       September 9, 1992, event date September 2, 1992, and incorporated
       herein by reference).
 
  3.3  By-laws of GWFC as in effect on the date of this report (filed as an
       exhibit to GWFC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1995,
       event date June 27, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
  3.4  Amendments to By-laws of GWFC (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's current
       report on Form 8-K dated February 20, 1997, event date February 20,
       1997, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
  4.1  GWFC agrees to furnish the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon
       request, with copies of all instruments defining rights of holders of
       long-term debt of GWFC and its consolidated subsidiaries.
  
  4.2  Indenture dated as of May 31, 1988, as amended and supplemented as of
       June 14, 1988 and October 31, 1988, between GWB and Morgan Guaranty
       Trust Company of New York (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report
       on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1989 and
       incorporated herein by reference).
 
 10.1  Rights Agreement dated as of June 27, 1995, between GWFC and First
       Chicago Trust Company of New York (filed as an exhibit to the
       Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1995, event date
       June 27, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 10.2  Consulting Agreement between GWFC and James F. Montgomery dated April
       25, 1995 (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
       for the quarter ended June 30, 1995, and incorporated herein by
       reference).
 
 10.3* Employment Agreement between GWFC and John F. Maher dated December 19,
       1989 (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
       fiscal year ended December 31, 1989 and incorporated herein by
       reference).
 
 10.4* Amendment to Employment Agreement between GWFC and John F. Maher
       effective December 10, 1996.
  
 10.5* Employment Agreement between GWFC and Carl F. Geuther dated as of
       March 1, 1988 (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form 10-
       K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1989 and incorporated herein
       by reference).
 
                                      129
<PAGE>
 
   10.6*  Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between GWFC and Carl F.
          Geuther effective December 10, 1996.
 
   10.7*  Employment Agreement between GWFC and Michael M. Pappas dated as of
          March 1, 1988 (filed as an exhibit to GFWC's Annual Report on Form 10-
          K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1989 and incorporated herein
          by reference).
 
   10.8*  Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between GWFC and Michael M.
          Pappas effective December 10, 1996.
 
   10.9*  Employment Agreement between GWFC and A. William Schenck III dated as
          of July 31, 1995 (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly Report on
          Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1995, and incorporated
          herein by reference).
 
   10.10* Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between GWFC and A. William
          Schenck, III effective December 10, 1996.
 
   10.11* Employment Agreement between GWFC and J. Lance Erikson dated as of
          March 1, 1988 (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form 10-
          K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1989 and incorporated herein
          by reference).
 
   10.12* Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between GWFC and J. Lance
          Erikson effective December 10, 1996.
 
   10.13* Employment Agreement between GWFC and Jaynie M. Studenmund dated as of
          April 15, 1996 (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly Report on Form
          10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996 and incorporated herein by
          reference).
 
   10.14* Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between GWFC and Jaynie M.
          Studenmund effective December 10, 1996.
 
   10.15* Employment Agreement between GWFC and Ray W. Sims dated as of January
          6, 1997.
 
   10.16* Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as amended through July 25,
          1995 (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
          the quarter ended September 30, 1995, and incorporated herein by
          reference).
   
   10.17* Amendment No. 1996-1 to GWFC Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
          1988 Restatement (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly Report on
          Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996)
 
   10.18* Amendment No. 1996-2 to GWFC Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
          effective December 10, 1996.
 
   10.19* 1979 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option and Appreciation Plan as
          amended (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
          the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992, and incorporated herein by
          reference).
 
   10.20* Addendum to the 1979 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option and
          Appreciation Plan (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form
          10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated
          herein by reference).
 
   10.21* Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement relating to the 1979
          Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option and Appreciation Plan utilized
          from April 20, 1982 to April 22, 1986 (filed as an exhibit to Post-
          Effective Amendment No. 3 to GWFC's Registration Statement No. 2-67233
          on Form S-8, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
                                      130
<PAGE>
 
   10.22* Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement relating to the 1979
          Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option and Appreciation Plan utilized
          from April 22, 1986 through 1988 (filed as an exhibit to Post-
          Effective Amendment No. 3 to GWFC's Registration Statement No. 2-67233
          on Form S-8, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
   10.23* The 1988 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (as amended effective July
          26, 1994), (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-
          Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1994 and incorporated herein by
          reference).
 
   10.24* Amendment No. 1996-1 to the 1988 Stock Option and Incentive Plan,
          effective December 10, 1996.
 
   10.25* Form of Director Stock Option Agreement (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's
          Registration Statement No. 33-21469 on Form S-8 pertaining to GWFC's
          1988 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and incorporated herein by
          reference).
 
   10.26* Form of Director Stock Option Agreement effective January 3, 1994,
          (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
          fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by
          reference).
 
   10.27* Form of Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (filed as an
          exhibit to GWFC's Registration Statement No. 33-21469 on Form S-8
          pertaining to GWFC's 1988 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and
          incorporated herein by reference).
 
   10.28* Revised Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective January
          28, 1992 (filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to
          GWFC's Registration Statement No. 33-21469 on Form S-8 pertaining to
          GWFC's 1988 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and incorporated herein by
          reference).
 
   10.29* Revised Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective January
          25, 1994, (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K
          for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by
          reference).
 
   10.30* Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Early Vesting
          Provisions), (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K
          for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by
          reference).
 
   10.31* Revised Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective
          December 12, 1994, (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on
          Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated
          herein by reference).
 
   10.32* Form of Great Western Financial Corporation Employee Nonqualified
          Stock Option Agreement, effective December 10, 1996.
 
   10.33* Amendment No. 1996-1 to Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement,
          effective December 10, 1996.
 
   10.34* Form of Great Western Financial Corporation Senior Officer's Non-
          Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective January 23, 1996, (filed as
          an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
          ended December 31, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
   10.35* Form of Great Western Financial Corporation Senior Officer's
          Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, effective December 10, 1996.
 
   10.36* Special Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement dated as of April 25,
          1995 and amendments to Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements dated
          February 26, 1991, January 25, 1994, and December 12, 1994 with James
          F. Montgomery (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly Report on Form
          10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1995 and incorporated herein by
          reference).
 
                                      131
<PAGE>
 
   10.37* Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement and General Provisions
          Applicable to Restricted Stock Awards Granted Under the 1988 Stock
          Option and Incentive Plan (filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective
          Amendment No. 3 to GWFC's Registration Statement No. 33-21469 on Form
          S-8, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
   10.38* General Provisions applicable to Performance Restricted Stock Awards
          granted under the Great Western Financial Corporation 1988 Stock
          Option and Incentive Plan, as amended (March 1994) (filed as an
          exhibit to GWFC's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
          March 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
   10.39* General Provisions applicable to Performance Restricted Stock Award
          granted to James F. Montgomery, as amended effective December 28, 1995
          (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the
          quarter ended September 30, 1995 and incorporated herein by
          reference).
 
   10.40  Amendment No. 1996-1 to General Provisions Applicable to Performance
          Restricted Stock Awards Granted Under 1988 Stock Option and Incentive
          Plan, effective December 10, 1996.
 
   10.41* GWFC Deferred Compensation Plan (1992 Restatement) (filed as an
          exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
          December 31, 1991, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
   10.42* Amendment No. 2 to GWFC Deferred Compensation Plan 1992 Restatement
          (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
          quarter ended March 31, 1996).
 
   10.43* Amendment No. 1996-2 to GWFC Deferred Compensation Plan, dated
          December 10, 1996.
 
   10.44* GWFC Senior Officers' Deferred Compensation Plan (1992 Restatement)
          (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
          fiscal year ended December 31, 1991, and incorporated herein by
          reference).
 
   10.45* Amendment No. 2 to Senior Officer's Deferred Compensation Plan 1992
          Restatement (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly Report on Form 
          10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996).
 
   10.46* Amendment No. 1996-2 to Senior Officer's Deferred Compensation Plan,
          dated December 10, 1996.
 
   10.47* GWFC Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (1992 Restatement) (filed
          as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
          ended December 31, 1991, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
   10.48* Amendment to GWFC Directors', Senior Officers' and basic Deferred
          Compensation Plans (1992 Restatement) (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's
          Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
          1994, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
   10.49* Amendment No. 2 to Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan 1992
          Restatement. (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly Report on Form
          10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996).
 
   10.50* Amendment No. 1996-2 to Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, dated
          December 10, 1996.
 
   10.51* GWFC Umbrella Trust for Senior Officers (filed as an exhibit to
          GWFC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
          1989, and incorporated herein by reference).

   10.52* Amendment to GWFC Umbrella Trust for Senior Officers effective
          October 25, 1994 (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on
          Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, and
          incorporated herein by reference).
 
                                      132
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<C>        <S> 
    10.53* Amendment No. 1996-1 to Umbrella Trust for Senior Officers, effective December
           10, 1996.
    10.54* GWFC Umbrella Trust for Directors (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly
           Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1989, and incorporated
           herein by reference).
    10.55  Amendment No. 1996-1 to Umbrella Trust for Directors, dated December 10, 1996.
    10.56  Omnibus Amendment 1995-1 to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan,
           Deferred Compensation Plans, Retirement Restoration Plan, and Umbrella Trusts
           replacing the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors with the Compensation
           Committee of the Board of Directors as administrator of the plans (filed as an
           exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
           1995, and incorporated herein by reference).
    10.57* Restated Retirement Plan for Directors (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly
           Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993, and incorporated
           herein by reference).
    10.58* Summary of certain additional executive benefits (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's
           Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992, and
           incorporated herein by reference).
    10.59* Employee Home Loan Program (filed as an exhibit to GWFC's Quarterly Report on
           Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993, and incorporated herein by
           reference).
    10.60* Amendment No. 1996-1 to Employee Home Loan Program, effective December 10,
           1996.
    10.61* GWFC Annual Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive Officers, (filed as an
           exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
           31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference).
    10.62* Amendment no. 1996-1 to Annual Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive
           Officers, effective December 10, 1996.
    10.63* GWFC Retirement Restoration Plan effective January 1, 1994, (filed as an
           exhibit to GWFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
           December 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference).
    10.64* Amendment 1996-1 to GWFC Retirement Restoration Plan (filed as an exhibit to
           GWFC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996).
    10.65* Amendment No. 1996-2 to Retirement Restoration Plan effective December 10,
           1996.
    10.66  Special Severance Plan adopted December 10, 1996.
    10.67  Broad Based Plan adopted February 24, 1997.
    10.68  Omnibus Amendment 1997-1 amending the definition of change in control in the
           Employment Agreements, amended and restated as of December 10, 1996 between
           GWFC and John Maher, J. Lance Erikson, Carl F. Geuther, Michael M. Pappas,
           A. William Schenck III, and Jaynie M. Studenmund, the Employment Agreement
           between GWFC and Ray W. Sims, effective January 6, 1997, the GWFC 1988 Stock
           Option and Incentive Plan, as amended December 10, 1996, the GWFC Annual
           Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive Officers, as amended December 9,
           1996, the GWFC Senior Officers' Deferred Compensation Plan (1992 Restatement),
           as amended December 10, 1996, the GWFC Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan
           (1992 Restatement), as amended December 10, 1996, the GWFC Supplemental
           Executive Retirement Plan (1988 Restatement), as amended December 10, 1996, the
           Great Western Retirement Restoration Plan, as amended December 10, 1996, the
           GWFC Umbrella Trust for Senior Officers, as amended December 10, 1996 and
           Umbrella Trust for Directors, as amended December 10, 1996, the Employee Home
           Loan Program (revised and restated as of April 27, 1993), as amended December
           10, 1996, the GWFC Special Severance Plan, effective December 10, 1996,
           approved and adopted by the Board of Directors on February 20, 1997.
</TABLE>
 
                                      133
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
 <C>      <S>
    10.69 Agreement and Plan of Merger By and Among Washington Mutual, Inc.,
          New American Capital, Inc., and Great Western Financial Corporation,
          dated as of March 5, 1997.
    11.1  Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings.
    12.1  Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
    21.1  Subsidiaries.
    23.1  Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP included on page 137 of this Form 10-
          K.
    24.1  Power of Attorney included on page 117 of the Form 10-K previously
          filed on March 10, 1997.
    27.1  Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>    
 
  Exhibits will be supplied to any such stockholder at a charge equal to the
Company's cost of copying, postage and handling. Written requests should be
directed to:
 
                              CORPORATE SECRETARY
                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                              9200 OAKDALE AVENUE
                       CHATSWORTH, CALIFORNIA 91311-6519
 
  (b) Reports on Form 8-K
 
    A Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 20, 1997 was filed with the
  SEC reporting the adoption of an amendment to Great Western Financial
  Corporation's Bylaws.
 
    A Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 27, 1997, included exhibits
  relating to the 8.206% Capital Securities, Series A, of the Great Western
  Financial Trust II.
 
    A Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 22, 1997, reporting the
  Company's earnings for the fourth quarter of 1996 and annual earnings for
  1996.
 
    A Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 2, 1996 reported that the
  Company would take a pre-tax restructuring charge of between $65 and $70
  million in the fourth quarter of 1996.
 
 
                                      134
<PAGE>
 
         
                                    
                                SIGNATURES       
    
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(d) 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.      
    
                                         Great Western Financial Corporation

  May 9, 1997                                   /s/ Carl F. Geuther    
  -----------                            By: ________________________________
     DATE                                     CARL F. GEUTHER, VICE CHAIRMAN 
                                              AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER      
         
     
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below on May 9, 1997, by the following persons on behalf
of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.      

<TABLE>     
<S>                                    <C> 
               * 
-------------------------------------
   JOHN F. MAHER, PRESIDENT AND 
     CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 
  (PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER) 
      
      /s/ Carl F. Geuther 
-------------------------------------
 CARL F. GEUTHER, VICE CHAIRMAN AND
    CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 
 (PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER) 
               
               * 
-------------------------------------
    BARRY R. BARKLEY, SENIOR VICE
         PRESIDENT AND 
  CONTROLLER (PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING
            OFFICER) 
               
               * 
-------------------------------------
  JAMES F. MONTGOMERY, DIRECTOR AND
     CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD 
                                                  
               *                                        * 
-------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
 DR. DAVID ALEXANDER, DIRECTOR            ENRIQUE HERNANDEZ, JR., DIRECTOR
                                                      
                                                        * 
-------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
H. FREDERICK CHRISTIE, DIRECTOR             CHARLES D. MILLER, DIRECTOR 
                                                  
               *                                        * 
-------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
   STEPHEN E. FRANK, DIRECTOR             DR. ALBERTA E. SIEGEL, DIRECTOR 
                                                  
               *                                        *   
-------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
   JOHN V. GIOVENCO, DIRECTOR              WILLIS B. WOOD, JR., DIRECTOR 
               
               * 
-------------------------------------
    FIRMIN A. GRYP, DIRECTOR 
      
      */s/ Carl F. Geuther 
-------------------------------------
 *AS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT PURSUANT TO A
 POWER-OF-ATTORNEY PREVIOUSLY FILED.
</TABLE>      
                
                                      135
<PAGE>
 
                       
                    INDEX OF ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL DATA     
                                
                             DECEMBER 31, 1996     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGES
                                                                           -----
<S>                                                                        <C>
Consent of Independent Accountants........................................  137
</TABLE>    
 
                                      136
<PAGE>
 
                       
                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS     
   
  We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectuses
constituting part of the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 33-19884,
33-63535, 33-60206 and 333-19711), on Form S-4 (Nos. 33-15135 and 33-17705)
and on Form S-8 (Nos. 2-67233, 2-90750, 33-6174, 33-21469 and 333-12655) of
Great Western Financial Corporation of our report dated January 22, 1997,
except as to Note 28, which is as of March 7, 1997, appearing on page 105 of
this Form 10-K/A.     
                                             
                                          /s/ Price Waterhouse LLP     
   
Los Angeles, California     
   
May 9, 1997     
 
                                      137