REPUBLIC BANCSHARES INC
424B3, 1998-05-18
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
Previous: CASINOVATIONS INC, NT 10-Q, 1998-05-18
Next: BATTERIES BATTERIES INC, NT 10-Q, 1998-05-18



<PAGE>   1
                                               Filed pursuant to Rule 424 (b)(3)
                                               Registration No. 333-50087

 
                             (REPUBLIC BANCSHARES)
 
                                2,400,000 SHARES
 
                           REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                             ---------------------
 
     All of the 2,400,000 shares of Common Stock, $2.00 par value per share (the
"Common Stock"), offered hereby (the "Offering") are being issued and sold by
Republic Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company"). The Common Stock is traded on the
Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market (the "Nasdaq National Market") under the
symbol "REPB." On May 14, 1998, the last reported sale price of the Company's
Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $30.25 per share. See "Price
Range of Common Stock."
 
                             ---------------------
 
     SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 13 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED
HEREBY.
                             ---------------------
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
                               CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                             ---------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==================================================================================================================
                                                PRICE TO          UNDERWRITING DISCOUNT         PROCEEDS TO
                                                 PUBLIC             AND COMMISSIONS(1)           COMPANY(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>                      <C>                      <C>
Per Share..............................          $29.50                   $1.75                    $27.75
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3)...............................       $70,800,000               $4,200,000              $66,600,000
==================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
    liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
    amended. See "Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting estimated expenses of $300,000, payable by the Company.
(3) The Company has granted the Underwriters a 30-day over-allotment option to
    purchase, in the aggregate, up to 360,000 additional shares of Common Stock
    on the same terms and conditions as set forth above to cover overallotments,
    if any. If the Underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full, the
    total Price to Public will be $81,420,000, the total Underwriting Discounts
    and Commissions will be $4,830,000 and the total Proceeds to Company will be
    $76,590,000. See "Underwriting."
                             ---------------------
 
     The Common Stock is offered by the Underwriters, subject to prior sale,
when, as and if delivered to and accepted by them, and subject to certain other
conditions, including the right of the Underwriters to withdraw, cancel, modify
or reject any order in whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of the
Common Stock will be made on or about May 20, 1998, at the offices of William R.
Hough & Co., St. Petersburg, Florida.
 
WILLIAM R. HOUGH & CO.                                          RYAN, BECK & CO.
 
                  THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 15, 1998.
<PAGE>   2
 
 (MAP OF FLORIDA AND SOUTH GEORGIA WITH SHADED PORTIONS INDICATING THE COUNTIES
IN WHICH THE COMPANY HAS BRANCHES OR WILL HAVE BRANCHES, AND MARKERS INDICATING
                 THE CITIES IN WHICH SUCH BRANCHES ARE LOCATED)
 
     CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK,
INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENTS, STABILIZING AND SHORT-COVERING TRANSACTIONS. FOR A
DISCUSSION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 
     IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY ENGAGE IN PASSIVE
MARKET MAKING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET IN
ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 103 OF REGULATION M. SEE "UNDERWRITING."
<PAGE>   3
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, the information in
this Prospectus assumes that the Underwriters' over-allotment option will not be
exercised.
 
                            THE COMPANY AND THE BANK
 
     Republic Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") is a registered bank holding
company whose principal subsidiary is Republic Bank (the "Bank"), a
Florida-chartered commercial bank headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida. As a
result of the sale of several Florida-based banking organizations to
out-of-state bank holding companies in January 1998, the Company is now the
largest independent commercial bank holding company headquartered in Florida,
based on its December 31, 1997 assets of $1.6 billion. The Bank provides a broad
range of traditional commercial banking services, emphasizing real estate and
business lending. The Bank is also active in mortgage banking through its
mortgage banking division, Flagship Mortgage Services ("Flagship"), which
originates first lien residential mortgages and high loan-to-value debt
consolidation and home improvement loans ("High LTV Loans"). Flagship's High LTV
Loans are secured by junior liens on residential real estate where the combined
amount of indebtedness secured by the residence may be up to 125% of the value
of the residence and often exceeds 100%. Currently, the Bank's branch network
consists of 46 branches in Brevard, Hernando, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco,
Pinellas, Sarasota and Seminole counties. At December 31, 1997, the Company's
consolidated assets totaled $1.6 billion, loans held in portfolio totaled $1.1
billion, deposits totaled $1.4 billion and stockholders' equity was $95.5
million. The Company is currently regulated by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve (the "Federal Reserve"), and the Bank is regulated by the
Florida Department of Banking and Finance (the "Department") and the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"). The Bank's deposits are insured by
the FDIC up to applicable limits, and the Bank is a member of the Federal Home
Loan Bank of Atlanta ("FHLB").
 
     In May 1993, William R. Hough and John W. Sapanski (together, the
"Controlling Stockholders") acquired from the Bank's prior controlling
stockholder more than 99.0% of the Bank's outstanding common stock (the "Change
in Control"). As of December 31, 1997, the Controlling Stockholders (and their
respective affiliates and immediate family members) owned shares of the
Company's voting stock representing approximately 50.2% and 6.4%, respectively,
of the total voting rights of the Company. Following the consummation of this
Offering, Messrs. Hough and Sapanski will own 41.3% and 5.0%, respectively, of
the total voting rights of the Company (if, as anticipated, the Controlling
Stockholders do not purchase any shares of Common Stock in this Offering). Mr.
Hough is a member of the Company's and the Bank's Board of Directors and Mr.
Sapanski serves as the Company's and the Bank's Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and President.
 
     Following the Change in Control, the Bank began to implement a program of
expanding its branches and lines of business. In December 1993, the Bank
acquired 12 branches from CrossLand Savings FSB, a federal stock savings bank
("CrossLand"), assumed deposit liabilities of $327.7 million and purchased loans
secured by real estate and other real estate owned ("ORE") amounting to $201.6
million (the "CrossLand Purchase and Assumption"). The CrossLand Purchase and
Assumption almost tripled the Bank's size, increasing total assets to $531.3
million and total deposits to $494.3 million at December 31, 1993. Additionally,
the 12 CrossLand branches expanded the Bank's market coverage to include Manatee
and Sarasota counties and more than doubled the Bank's branch network to a total
of 19 branches.
 
     During the latter part of 1994 and throughout 1995, the Bank continued to
pursue a strategy of increasing its retail banking presence on the west central
coast of Florida. The Bank opened 13 additional new branches, expanding its
market coverage in existing counties and providing entry into Pasco County.
 
     In January 1996, the Bank organized the Company and became its wholly-owned
subsidiary.
 
     During 1996 and 1997, the Company focused on increasing its residential
lending capabilities. In conjunction with the establishment of Flagship in April
1996 and its internal growth, the Company added eight residential loan
production offices in Florida, one residential loan production office in Boston,
                                        1
<PAGE>   4
 
Massachusetts, as well as wholesale loan production operations in St.
Petersburg, Florida and in Irvine, California. These offices expanded the
Company's product line to include government-insured first mortgage loans, and,
beginning in the fourth quarter of 1996, High LTV Loans. At the same time, the
Bank also began purchasing residential mortgage loans from mortgage brokers and
other third-party originators for resale. The strategy of the Company is to sell
or securitize substantially all of the loans it originates and purchases through
Flagship. The Company has engaged in various whole loan sales and consummated
its first securitization of High LTV Loans totalling $60.0 million in December
1997. The Company currently anticipates further whole loan sales and/or
securitizations on a quarterly or other periodic basis during 1998, depending
upon then-prevailing market conditions and other factors.
 
     In addition to expanding its mortgage banking activities, the Company
continued its geographic expansion strategy throughout 1997. In January 1997,
the Company opened a new branch in Hernando County. In April 1997, the Company
acquired Firstate Financial, F.A. ("Firstate"), a federal savings association
headquartered in Orlando, Florida, for a cash purchase price of $5.5 million
(the "Firstate Acquisition"). The Firstate Acquisition increased the Company's
presence in central Florida, where the Company previously operated a loan
production office but had no branches. On the date of acquisition, Firstate had
total assets of $72.1 million and total deposits of $68.1 million. The Firstate
Acquisition was accounted for using purchase accounting rules.
 
     On September 19, 1997, F.F.O. Financial Group, Inc. ("FFO"), St. Cloud,
Florida, the holding company parent of First Federal Savings and Loan
Association of Osceola County, which was also majority controlled by Mr. Hough,
was merged into the Company in a stock-for-stock transaction (the "FFO Merger").
The FFO Merger expanded the Company's presence in central Florida by adding 11
branches in Brevard, Orange and Osceola counties. On the date of the FFO Merger,
FFO had total assets of $328.4 million, total loans of $222.4 million and total
deposits of $281.3 million. The FFO Merger was accounted for as a corporate
reorganization in which Mr. Hough's interests in FFO and the Company were
combined at historical cost in a manner similar to a pooling of interests, while
the minority interests in FFO were combined with the Company at fair market
value using purchase accounting rules.
 
     On December 15, 1997, the Company and NationsBank Corporation
("NationsBank") entered into two purchase and assumption agreements (the
"NationsBank Branch Agreements") for the Company to acquire three branches of
NationsBank's subsidiary bank, NationsBank, N.A. ("NationsBank Subsidiary") and
five branches of Barnett Bank, N.A. ("Barnett Bank"), which NationsBank acquired
in January 1998. The Company has agreed to pay NationsBank approximately $37.8
million (based on August 31, 1997 data) for these eight branches. The Company
will purchase certain of the loans and other assets booked at those branches and
assume the deposits and other liabilities assigned to such branches (the
"NationsBank Branch Acquisition"). Of the branches being purchased, three are
located in Monroe County (Key West, Marathon and Plantation Key), two are
located in Marion County (Ocala and Silver Springs), one is located in Columbia
County (Lake City) and one is located in Suwannee County (Live Oak)
(collectively, the "Florida Branches"). The eighth branch is located in Glynn
County (Brunswick), Georgia (the "Georgia Branch" and with the Florida Branches,
collectively, the "NationsBank Branches"). At August 31, 1997, the Florida
Branches and the Georgia Branch had deposit liabilities of $225.5 million and
$29.2 million, respectively, and total loans of $163.9 million and $19.4
million, respectively. The NationsBank Branch Acquisition will be accounted for
using purchase accounting rules. See "Unaudited Combined Financial Data" and
"Proposed Acquisitions."
 
     The Company anticipates that it will be able to obtain all required
regulatory approvals by the June 30, 1998 termination date set forth in the
NationsBank Branch Agreements, and the Company does not anticipate that any of
the regulatory authorities will impose any approval conditions that would have a
material adverse impact on the business or operations of the Company.
 
     On March 2, 1998, the Company entered into a merger agreement (the "Bankers
Merger Agreement") with Bankers Savings Bank, F.S.B. of Coral Gables, Florida
("Bankers"), providing for the merger of Bankers into the Bank (the "Bankers
Acquisition"). Bankers has two branches in Dade County, Florida, and, as of
December 31, 1997, had total assets of $67.1 million, total loans of $51.1
million and total deposits of $56.0
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   5
 
million. As of February 28, 1998, it is estimated that the stockholders of
Bankers would have received 0.44 of a share of Common Stock for each of the
692,333 outstanding shares of Bankers' common stock if the Bankers Acquisition
had been consummated on that date. It is anticipated that the Bankers
Acquisition will be accounted for as a pooling of interests. The Bankers
Acquisition may be terminated by either Bankers or the Company if it is not
consummated by November 1, 1998. See "Unaudited Combined Financial Data" and
"Proposed Acquisitions."
 
     In March 1998, the Company entered into a purchase and assumption agreement
with The Dime Savings Bank, F.S.B. (the "Dime Branch Agreement"), to acquire a
Dime branch (the "Dime Branch") in Deerfield Beach, Florida (the "Dime Branch
Acquisition"), including the assumption of the deposits and other liabilities
assigned to such branch, the assumption of the leasehold on the branch property,
and the purchase of the personal property and equipment of the branch. The
Company is not acquiring any loans in the transaction. As of March 31, 1998, the
Dime Branch had total deposits of $202.9 million and the Company's purchase
price based on that deposit amount would have been approximately $9.8 million.
The transaction will be accounted for using purchase accounting rules and must
be consummated within 30 days of receiving regulatory approval. See "Unaudited
Combined Financial Data" and "Proposed Acquisitions."
 
     On May 6, 1998, the Company entered into a merger agreement (the "Lochaven
Agreement") with Lochaven Federal Savings and Loan Association of Orlando,
Florida ("Lochaven"), providing for the merger of Lochaven with and into
Republic (the "Lochaven Acquisition," and with the Bankers Acquisition, the Dime
Branch Acquisition and the NationsBank Branch Acquisition, collectively, the
"Proposed Acquisitions"). Lochaven has one branch in Orange County, Florida, and
as of December 31, 1997, had total assets of $58.3 million, total loans of $49.6
million and total deposits of $56.0 million. Under the terms of the Lochaven
Agreement, stockholders of Lochaven are to receive 169,804 shares of Common
Stock. It is anticipated that the Lochaven Acquisition will be accounted for as
a pooling of interests. The Lochaven Agreement may be terminated by either
Lochaven or the Company if it is not consummated by December 1, 1998. See
"Unaudited Combined Financial Data" and "Proposed Acquisitions."
 
     If consummated, the Proposed Acquisitions and the Offering will increase
the total assets of the Company to approximately $2.2 billion (based on most
recent available data) and expand the Bank's branch network from 46 to 57
branches in Florida, located in Brevard, Broward, Columbia, Dade, Hernando,
Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Seminole
and Suwannee counties, and one branch in Georgia, located in Glynn County. See
"Unaudited Combined Financial Data." There can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to consummate, or, if consummated, successfully integrate the
operations and management of the Proposed Acquisitions. See "Risk
Factors -- Proposed Acquisitions and Ability to Manage Growth and Integrate
Operations."
 
     The Company anticipates continuing its strategy of geographic expansion for
the foreseeable future through whole bank and thrift acquisitions, branch
acquisitions and de novo branching, depending upon various factors, including
whether (i) the transaction will be accretive to the Company's earnings per
share no later than one year following the acquisition; (ii) the transaction
will provide the Company with a new or additional location in a desirable market
area; (iii) the transaction will close an existing gap in the Company's Florida
branch network; or (iv) the transaction will present competitive opportunities,
such as branches becoming available due to bank mergers and other
consolidations.
 
     On March 31, 1998, the Company sold on a non-recourse basis $95.2 million
of High LTV Loans (the "Repo Loans") to Republic SPC 1 Corp. (the "SPC"), a
wholly owned, second-tier subsidiary of the Company that was formed for the
purpose of purchasing and holding the loans. The Repo Loans were sold on a whole
loan basis with the Company retaining servicing rights. The SPC purchased the
loans utilizing a capital contribution from the Company to the SPC and the $81.3
million in proceeds from a 90-day repurchase agreement (the "Repurchase
Agreement") simultaneously entered into between the SPC and a New York based
investment banking firm. On April 1, 1998, the Company used this funding to
reduce its FHLB advance borrowings. The capital contribution was treated for
accounting purposes as an investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary carried at
the lower of cost or market. The transaction was accounted for as a
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   6
 
sale, and a gain was recognized in connection therewith. See "Recent
Developments -- Republic SPC 1 Corp."
 
     The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 111 Second
Avenue N.E., Suite 300, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33701, and its telephone number
is (813) 823-7300.
 
                               BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     The Company's business strategy entails (i) originating and purchasing real
estate-secured loans for portfolio and sale, (ii) originating business and
consumer loans for portfolio; (iii) improving market share and expanding market
coverage through acquisitions of other financial institutions, branch purchases
and de novo branching; (iv) increasing non-interest income through expanded
mortgage banking activities and increased emphasis on commercial and retail
checking relationships; and (v) increasing its range of products and services.
While pursuing this strategy, management remains committed to improving asset
quality, managing interest rate risk, enhancing profitability and maintaining
its status as a well-capitalized institution for regulatory capital purposes.
 
     The results of the Company's business strategy include:
 
     - Expanded Branch Network -- Since the Change in Control, the Company has
       expanded its retail banking presence from seven branches in northern
       Pinellas County to its current 46 branches in Brevard, Hernando, Manatee,
       Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Seminole counties. In
       December 1997, the Company entered into the NationsBank Branch Agreements
       to acquire seven additional branches located in Columbia, Marion, Monroe
       and Suwannee counties in Florida and one branch in Glynn County, Georgia.
       In March 1998, the Company entered into the Bankers Merger Agreement to
       acquire Bankers, which operates two branches in Dade County, and the Dime
       Branch Agreement to acquire the Dime Branch located in Broward County. In
       April 1998, the Company entered into the Lochaven Agreement to acquire
       Lochaven, which operates one branch in Orange County.
 
     - Substantial Asset Growth -- Since the Change in Control, the Company has
       increased in asset size from approximately $168.7 million to
       approximately $1.6 billion at year-end 1997. The Proposed Acquisitions,
       if all are consummated, will increase the total asset size of the Company
       to approximately $2.2 billion. This asset growth is largely attributable
       to bulk purchases of loan portfolios and deposit assumptions such as the
       CrossLand Purchase and Assumption, acquisitions of other financial
       institutions such as Firstate, FFO and Bankers, branch purchases such as
       the NationsBank and Dime Branch Acquisitions, the opening of new branches
       and internally-generated deposit and loan growth.
 
     - Increased Mortgage Banking and Other Fee-Generating Activities --
       Primarily through the establishment of Flagship, with its emphasis on
       mortgage banking activities, the Company has dramatically increased its
       levels of non-interest income, both in absolute terms and as a relative
       percentage of its net income. In 1997, Flagship contributed approximately
       $15.3 million in non-interest income (over 60% of total non-interest
       income) and $2.8 million in pre-tax income to the Company. The Company
       has also increased its non-interest income through improved revenue from
       expanded deposit products. As a result of the Company having expanded its
       sources and amounts of fee income, total non-interest income was 1.85% of
       average assets in 1997, as compared to 0.63% in 1994, the first full year
       after the Change in Control.
 
     - Improved Asset Quality Ratios -- A significant portion of the assets of
       the Bank at the time of the Change in Control and the assets acquired in
       the CrossLand Purchase and Assumption were nonperforming. As a result,
       the Company's nonperforming assets were $44.2 million, or 5.66% of total
       assets, at year-end 1993. At December 31, 1997, nonperforming assets had
       been reduced to $34.2 million, or 2.20% of total assets, primarily
       through the implementation of consistent loan underwriting policies and
       procedures, centralization of all credit decision functions, increased
       size of the loan portfolio, write-offs and sales of ORE. However, the
       level of the Company's nonperforming assets
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   7
 
continues to be higher than that of peer group institutions. See "Risk
Factors -- Nonperforming Assets."
 
     - Management of Financial Risks -- One of the Company's primary objectives
       is to reduce the financial risk from fluctuations in net interest income
       caused by changes in market interest rates and changes in the value of
       its mortgage loans held for sale. To manage interest rate risk, the
       Company generally limits holding loans in its portfolio to those that
       have variable interest rates tied to interest-sensitive indices and
       actively manages the maturities within the investment portfolio. The
       Company also engages in various hedging activities to reduce its exposure
       to the risks attributable to mortgage loans held pending subsequent sale
       or securitization. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
       Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Asset/Liability
       Management."
 
                                     THE OFFERING
 
Common Stock offered by the
  Company.....................   2,400,000 shares
 
Common Stock to be outstanding
  after the Offering..........   9,447,812 shares(1)
 
Use of Proceeds...............   The net proceeds from the Offering will be
                                 contributed by the Company to the Bank to
                                 maintain the regulatory capital ratios of the
                                 Company and the Bank in conjunction with the
                                 consummation of the Proposed Acquisitions and
                                 to support future growth.
 
Nasdaq National Market
  Symbol......................   REPB
- ---------------
 
(1) Does not include the 750,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion
    of the 75,000 shares of the Company's noncumulative convertible perpetual
    preferred stock, $20.00 par value per share (the "Preferred Stock"), or any
    of the 411,249 shares of Common Stock subject to options currently
    outstanding.
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Before making an investment decision, prospective investors should consider
all of the information contained in this Prospectus. In particular, prospective
investors should evaluate the factors discussed under "Risk Factors."
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   8
 
                 SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
 
     The Summary Consolidated Financial and other Data presented below has been
derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and,
prior to 1996, the Bank, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the
more detailed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, included
elsewhere herein. For additional information relating to the financial and other
data below, see "Selected Consolidated Financial Data."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           SEVEN          FIVE
                                                                                           MONTHS        MONTHS
                                                                                           ENDED         ENDED
                                                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                DECEMBER 31,    MAY 31,
                                    -------------------------------------------------   ------------   ----------
                                       1997         1996         1995         1994          1993          1993
                                    ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ------------   ----------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
OPERATING DATA:
  Interest income.................  $  108,457   $   88,944   $   77,593   $   53,997    $   11,885    $    4,848
  Interest expense................      54,923       44,949       40,112       24,423         5,120         1,970
                                    ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net interest income.............      53,534       43,995       37,481       29,574         6,765         2,878
  Loan loss provision.............       2,628        2,582        2,162          172         3,222           379
                                    ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net interest income after loan
    loss provision................      50,906       41,413       35,319       29,402         3,543         2,499
  Other noninterest income........      25,031        6,745        5,353        5,099         1,677           743
  Gain on sale of ORE held for
    investment....................          --        1,207           --           --            --            --
  General and administrative
    ("G&A") expenses..............      57,484       36,829       30,963       23,678         6,481         2,699
  Merger expenses.................       1,144           --           --           --            --            --
  SAIF special assessment.........          --        4,005           --           --            --            --
  Provision for losses on ORE.....         530          111           --           --            --         1,214
  Other noninterest expense.......         273         (490)         902        4,216           331           443
  Amortization of goodwill &
    premium on deposits...........         464          491          450        1,269            --            --
                                    ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net income before income taxes,
    negative goodwill accretion &
    minority interest.............      16,042        8,419        8,357        5,338        (1,592)       (1,114)
  Accretion of negative
    goodwill......................          --           --        1,578        2,705         1,578            --
                                    ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net income before income taxes &
    minority interest.............      16,042        8,419        9,935        8,043           (14)       (1,114)
  Income tax expense (benefit)....       6,096        3,035        2,516          702        (2,844)           --
  Minority interest in income from
    subsidiary trust..............        (701)          --           --           --            --            --
  Minority interest in FFO........        (674)        (505)        (503)        (131)         (197)           --
                                    ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net income (loss)...............  $    8,571   $    4,879   $    6,916   $    7,210    $    2,633    $   (1,114)
                                    ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========
  Earnings (loss) per share,
    diluted.......................  $     1.21   $     0.74   $     1.10   $     1.28    $     1.01    $    (1.00)
                                    ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========
  Weighted average shares
    outstanding, diluted..........   7,301,499    6,626,604    6,261,368    5,632,437     2,594,923     1,117,192
                                    ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========
  Earnings (loss) per
    share -- basic................  $     1.40   $     0.83   $     1.26   $     1.48    $     1.10    $    (1.11)
                                    ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========
  Weighted average shares
    outstanding -- basic..........   6,128,014    5,857,174    5,491,250    4,868,211     2,398,066     1,002,794
                                    ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   9
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           SEVEN          FIVE
                                                                                           MONTHS        MONTHS
                                                                                           ENDED         ENDED
                                                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                DECEMBER 31,    MAY 31,
                                    -------------------------------------------------   ------------   ----------
                                       1997         1996         1995         1994          1993          1993
                                    ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ------------   ----------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
  (at period end):
  Total assets....................  $1,552,405   $1,224,357   $1,103,480   $  879,873    $  780,711    $  168,741
  Investment & mortgage backed
    securities....................     108,593      161,357      155,345      101,028        74,042        27,433
  Loans held for sale.............     151,404       46,593       27,476        7,930        11,346            --
  Loans held in portfolio, net of
    unearned income...............   1,149,731      920,782      831,033      680,604       479,600       111,292
  Allowance for loan losses.......      20,776       18,747       20,048       15,272        15,872         1,866
  Goodwill & premium on
    deposits......................       4,855          527        1,017          820         1,966            --
  Deposits........................   1,361,312    1,114,907      992,041      794,717       705,584       153,660
  Stockholders' equity............      95,531       68,178       63,833       47,618        34,003         8,058
  Book value per share............       12.27        10.32         9.65         8.16          6.11           N/A
SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS(2):
  Return on average assets........        0.63%        0.43%        0.68%        0.90%         0.97%        (1.61)%
  Return on average equity........       11.44         7.41        12.62        16.73         36.97        (21.75)
  Net interest spread.............        3.71         3.63         3.65         3.87          3.88          4.21
  Net interest margin.............        4.18         4.02         3.95         4.06          4.30          4.66
  G&A expense to average assets...        4.26         3.21         3.06         2.95          2.38          6.28
  G&A efficiency ratio............       73.17        72.58        72.29        68.29         76.77         74.54
  Loan/deposit ratio(1)...........       84.46        82.59        83.77        85.64         67.97         72.43
  Nonperforming loans to loans....        2.36         2.12         2.18         2.44          4.03          2.27
  Nonperforming assets to total
    assets........................        2.20         2.27         2.78         3.96          5.66          5.89
  Loan loss allowance to
    loans(1)(3)...................        1.81         2.04         2.40         2.24          3.31          1.68
  Loan loss allowance applicable
    to nonperforming loans
    from(3):
    Originated portfolio..........       93.66        73.15       106.51       177.30        129.06         73.03
    March 1995 purchase...........      373.91       488.78       647.83          N/A           N/A           N/A
    CrossLand portfolio...........      421.88       126.12        41.77        23.73         39.88           N/A
    Other purchased portfolios....       22.28        89.80        41.84        82.99           N/A           N/A
    Total loans...................       76.51        96.03       110.73        91.98         82.20         73.03
OTHER DATA (at period end):
  Number of branches..............          45           43           43           31            29             7
  Number of full-time equivalent
    employees.....................       1,045          795          573          451           373            96
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Ratio excludes loans held for sale.
(2) Information is annualized, where applicable, for the periods ended December
    31, 1993 and May 31, 1993.
(3) See "Business -- Asset Quality" for a discussion of the allocation and
    availability of loan loss reserves among portfolios of loans within the
    Bank.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   10
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
     The following table sets forth unaudited selected consolidated financial
and other data at the dates and for the periods indicated. The data at March 31,
1998, and for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, are unaudited and,
in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (none of which were other
than normal recurring entries) necessary for a fair presentation of the results
for such unaudited periods. The selected operations data for the three months
ended March 31, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations
for the entire fiscal year. This information should be read in conjunction with
the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto presented elsewhere in
this Prospectus.
 
            UNAUDITED SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                       MARCH 31,
                                                                 1998           1997
                                                              -----------   -------------
                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Interest income.............................................  $   33,778     $   23,878
Interest expense............................................      17,115         12,142
Net interest income.........................................      16,663         11,736
Loan loss provision.........................................         493          1,138
Net interest income after loan loss provision...............      16,170         10,598
Noninterest income..........................................      12,529          3,703
General and administrative (G&A) expenses...................      22,923         10,482
Provision for losses (recoveries) on ORE....................         (80)           170
Other noninterest expense...................................         190            144
Net income before income taxes..............................       5,666          3,505
Income tax expense..........................................       2,175          1,315
Net income before minority interest.........................       3,491          2,190
Minority interest in income from subsidiary trust...........        (420)            --
Minority interest in FFO....................................          --           (188)
  Net income................................................       3,071          2,002
Earnings per share -- diluted...............................  $      .39     $      .30
Weighted average shares outstanding diluted.................   7,968,984      6,987,074
Earnings per share -- basic.................................         .44            .34
Weighted average shares outstanding basic...................   7,043,024      5,854,414
Return on average assets....................................        .75%           .66%
Return on average equity....................................       13.60          11.76
Equity to assets............................................        5.34           6.14
Equity and minority interest in preferred subsidiary to
  assets....................................................        6.90           8.01
Net interest spread.........................................        3.85           3.52
Net interest margin.........................................        4.24           4.10
G&A expense to average assets (commercial banking segment
  only).....................................................        2.34           2.94
G&A efficiency ratio (commercial banking segment only)......       59.71          64.93
</TABLE>
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   11
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                              MARCH 31, 1998   DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                              --------------   -----------------
                                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>              <C>
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA AND RATIOS (AT PERIOD END):
Total assets................................................    $1,841,143        $1,552,405
Investment and mortgage backed securities...................        99,341           108,593
Loans held for sale.........................................       311,749           151,404
Loans held in portfolio, net of unearned income.............     1,158,251         1,149,731
Allowance for loan losses...................................        20,557            20,776
Deposits....................................................     1,418,555         1,361,312
Goodwill and premium on deposits............................         4,679             4,855
Stockholders' equity........................................        98,281            95,531
Book value per share (dollars)..............................    $    12.60        $    12.28
Loan/deposit ratio(1).......................................         81.65             84.46
Nonperforming loans to loans(1).............................          2.51              2.36
Nonperforming assets to total assets........................          2.03              2.20
Loan loss allowance to loans(1).............................          1.77              1.81
Loan loss allowance to nonperforming loans:
  Originated portfolio......................................         76.60             93.66
  March 1995 purchase.......................................        459.97            373.91
  CrossLand portfolio.......................................         71.39            421.88
  Other purchased portfolios................................         27.24             22.28
  Total portfolio loans.....................................         70.62             76.51
OTHER DATA (AT PERIOD-END):
Number of branches..........................................            46                46
Number of full time equivalent employees....................         1,256             1,045
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Ratio excludes loans held for sale
 
COMPARISON OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
AND 1997
 
  Overview
 
     Net income for the three months ended March 31, 1998 was $3.1 million or
$0.39 per share compared to $2.0 million or $0.30 per share for the first
quarter of 1997 (prior period data has been restated for the FFO Merger). Return
on average assets was 0.75% for the first quarter of 1998 compared to 0.66% for
the first quarter of 1997 and the return on average equity was 13.60% for the
first quarter of 1998 compared to 11.76% for the same period last year. Net
interest spread for the first quarter of 1998 was 3.85%, a 33 basis point
increase over 3.52% for the same period last year, and net interest margin,
which includes the benefit of noninterest bearing funds, was 4.24% for the first
quarter of 1998, compared to 4.10% for the same period last year.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   12
 
  Business Segment Information
 
     The Company's operations are divided into two business segments, commercial
banking and mortgage banking. Commercial banking activities include the
Company's lending for portfolio purposes, deposit gathering through the retail
branch network, investment and liquidity management. Mortgage banking
activities, which operate through Flagship, a separate division of the Bank,
include originating and purchasing mortgage loans for sale or securitization.
The Bank provides support for its mortgage banking division in areas such as
secondary marketing, data processing and financial management. All funding for
the mortgage banking division is provided through the Bank. The following are
the business segment results of operation for the three months ended March 31,
1998 and 1997. The Company has elected to report its business segments without
allocation of income taxes and minority interests.
 
                             BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
                   THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1997
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1998                                 1997
                                ----------------------------------   ----------------------------------
                                COMMERCIAL   MORTGAGE    COMPANY     COMMERCIAL   MORTGAGE    COMPANY
                                 BANKING     BANKING      TOTALS      BANKING     BANKING      TOTALS
                                ----------   --------   ----------   ----------   --------   ----------
<S>                             <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
Total assets (at
  period-end).................  $1,529,394   $311,749   $1,841,143    1,186,682    44,774     1,231,456
OPERATING DATA:
Interest income...............      26,305      7,473       33,778   $   22,852    $1,025    $   23,877
Interest expense..............      13,424      3,691       17,115       11,665       477        12,142
                                ----------   --------   ----------   ----------    ------    ----------
Net interest income...........      12,881      3,782       16,663       11,187       548        11,735
Loan loss provision                    493         --          493        1,138        --         1,138
                                ----------   --------   ----------   ----------    ------    ----------
Net interest income after loan
  loss provision..............      12,388      3,782       16,170       10,049       548        10,597
Other noninterest income......       2,691      9,838       12,529        2,717       986         3,703
General and administrative
  (G&A) expenses..............      10,061     12,862       22,923        9,028     1,454        10,482
Merger expenses...............           9         --            9           --        --            --
Provision for losses
  (recoveries) on ORE.........         (80)        --          (80)         170        --           170
Other noninterest expense.....          22         --           22           21        --            21
Amort. of goodwill & premium
  on deposits.................         159         --          159          123        --           123
                                ----------   --------   ----------   ----------    ------    ----------
Net income before income,
  before taxes and minority
  interest....................  $    4,908   $    758        5,666   $    3,424    $   80         3,504
                                ----------   --------                ----------    ------
Income tax (expense)..........                              (2,175)                              (1,315)
Minority interest in income
  from subsidiary trust.......                                (420)                                  --
Minority interest in FFO......                                  --                                 (188)
                                                        ----------                           ----------
Net income....................                          $    3,071                           $    2,001
                                                        ==========                           ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Commercial Banking Activities
 
     Income from commercial banking activities in the first quarter of 1998 was
$4.9 million compared to $3.4 million for the same period last year ago, an
increase of $1.5 million or 44.1%. Net interest income from commercial banking
activities was $12.9 million for the first quarter of 1998 compared to $11.2
million for the first quarter of 1997. Other improvements came from growth in
the loan portfolio and earnings on the assets acquired in the Firstate
Acquisition. General and Administrative ("G&A") expenses in this business
segment increased by $1.0 million over the same period last year. However, the
ratio of G&A expenses to average assets assigned to commercial banking
activities was 2.34% for the first quarter of 1998, a reduction of 60 basis
points from 2.94% one year ago. This reduction resulted primarily from the
reduction of expenses achieved through the FFO Merger. G&A expenses attributable
to the branches acquired from FFO amounted to $1.1 million in the first quarter
of 1998. FFO's G&A expenses in the first quarter of 1997 were $2.3 million.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   13
 
  Mortgage Banking Activities
 
     Pre-tax net income from mortgage banking activities was $758,000 for the
first quarter of 1998, which included a $695,000 charge to G&A expenses to
record compensation expense on stock options issued to management of the
mortgage banking division. For the same period last year, pre-tax income from
mortgage banking activities was $80,000. The improvement was largely the result
of the introduction of the High LTV Loan product, which accounted for income of
$2.2 million during the first quarter of 1998 compared to $310,000 for the same
period last year. Loan originations of High LTV Loans were $120.9 million in
1998, while loan sales of High LTV Loans were $95.6 million during the same
period. A $1.5 million net loss was incurred on first lien residential loans in
the first quarter of 1998, compared to a $230,000 net loss for the same period
last year. Originations of first lien loans held for sale amounted to $202.4
million, while sales from this category totaled $91.3 million. See
"-- Subsequent Events."
 
COMPARISON OF BALANCE SHEETS AT MARCH 31, 1998 AND DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
  Overview
 
     Total assets were $1.8 billion at March 31, 1998, an increase of $288.7
million from December 31, 1997. Loans held for sale increased $160.3 million to
$311.7 million, federal funds sold increased $72.0 million, while sales reduced
the balance of mortgage-backed securities by $26.4 million. Deposits increased
$57.2 million from the prior year-end, primarily from a $21.0 million increase
in savings accounts, and advance borrowings from the FHLB totaled $260.0
million, an increase of $225.0 million. The Company currently uses FHLB advances
secured by a blanket lien on its portfolio of residential loans to fund most of
its loans held for sale. The Company's FHLB line of credit was increased to
$350.0 million in April 1998. The Company anticipates changing to a warehouse
credit arrangement with the FHLB in May 1998, which will permit its loans held
for sale to be used as collateral for borrowings.
 
  Loans and Loans Held for Sale
 
     Total loans held for portfolio were largely unchanged from December 31,
1997, amounting to $1.2 billion at March 31, 1998. Loans held for sale increased
$160.3 million to $311.7 million at March 31, 1998. One-to-four family first
lien residential loans held for sale increased by $105.2 million, and High LTV
Loans held for sale increased $54.6 million. See "-- Subsequent Events."
 
  Allowance for Loan Losses
 
     The allowance for loan losses amounted to $20.6 million at March 31, 1998,
compared with $20.8 million at December 31, 1997. Activity in the allowance in
the first quarter of 1998 included a $493,000 provision for loan losses and
$712,000 of loan charge-offs (net of recoveries).
 
  Nonperforming Assets
 
     Nonperforming assets amounted to $37.3 million, or 2.03% of total assets at
March 31, 1998, compared with $34.2 million, or 2.20% of total assets at
December 31, 1997. Nonperforming loans totaled $29.1 million at March 31, 1998,
an increase of $3.3 million from December 31, 1997. Other real estate decreased
by $47,000 to $7.0 million at March 31, 1998.
 
  Stockholders' Equity
 
     Stockholders' equity was $98.3 million at March 31, 1998, or 5.34% of total
assets, compared to $95.5 million or 6.15% of total assets at December 31, 1997.
At March 31, 1998, the Bank's Tier 1 ("Leverage") Capital ratio was 6.70%, its
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio was 9.46%, and its Total Risk-Based Capital
ratio was 10.72%, all in excess of minimum FDIC capital guidelines for an
institution to be considered a "well-capitalized" bank. At December 31, 1997,
the Company's ratios were 6.58%, 9.30%, and 10.71%, respectively.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   14
 
REPUBLIC SPC 1 CORP.
 
     On March 31, 1998, the Company sold on a non-recourse basis the $95.2
million of Repo Loans to SPC, a wholly owned, second-tier subsidiary of the
Company. The Repo Loans were sold on a whole loan basis with the Company
recording a gain on sale and retaining servicing rights. The SPC purchased the
loans utilizing the Company's $10.7 million capital contribution to the SPC and
the proceeds of a Repurchase Agreement simultaneously entered into between SPC
and a New York based investment banking firm. The capital contribution will be
treated for accounting purposes by the Company as an investment in an
unconsolidated subsidiary, carried at the lower of cost or market. The
Repurchase Agreement provides for the SPC to repurchase the Repo Loans within a
period of 90 days from the date it was effective (the "Repurchase Date") at a
price (the "Repurchase Price") equal to the original purchase price plus an
additional amount based on a "pricing rate" of the London Interbank Offered Rate
plus a spread.
 
     Because the SPC was organized as a qualified special purpose entity
("QSPE") and satisfies all the requirements applicable to QSPEs under Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125 ("SFAS 125"), the Company was able to
account for its loan sale transaction with the SPC as a sale, and in connection
therewith recognized in mortgage banking income a gain on sale of $8.9 million.
It is anticipated that on or before the Repurchase Date, the SPC will either (1)
sell the Repo Loans to a trust or other affiliated entity that will securitize
the loans, or (2) sell all or part of the Repo Loans to one or more third
parties on a whole loan basis.
 
     Following the SPC's repurchase and subsequent sale of the Repo Loans, it is
anticipated that the SPC will be liquidated and any remaining funds held by the
SPC will be distributed to the Company in its capacity as sole shareholder. To
the extent that the Repo Loans are sold for an amount that is less than the sum
of the Repurchase Price plus the Company's investment in the SPC, the Company
will incur a loss on its $10.7 million investment.
 
     Based on preliminary discussions with a New York based investment banking
firm, the Company anticipates that such firm will agree to provide the Company a
warehouse line of credit for its High LTV Loans and other loans held for sale
and to assist the Company with a second quarter 1998 securitization of both the
Repo Loans and the loans financed with proceeds from the warehouse line of
credit. However, there can be no assurance that such warehouse line of credit
will be entered into or that such a securitization will occur. If either of such
events does not occur, the Company could be materially adversely affected. See
"Risk Factors -- Increased Emphasis on Mortgage Banking Activities and High LTV
Loans -- Dependence on Loan Securitizations and Sales and -- Dependence on
Origination and Purchase of Mortgage Loans."
 
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
     On March 31, 1998, the Company sold on a whole loan basis $36.1 million of
subprime residential mortgage loans held for sale to a private investor. Under
the terms of the sale, the investor exercised the right to put back $20.1
million of the loans. The Company expects to sell the loans that were put back
to another investor and to adjust in the second quarter the $448,000 pre-tax
gain on sale on the $20.1 million loans recorded in the first quarter.
 
     In May 1998, the Company recorded a charge against pre-tax earnings of
$252,000 for an equivalent principal amount of High LTV Loans held for sale that
had been delinquent 90 days or more at March 31, 1998.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   15
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Prospective investors should carefully consider, together with the other
information contained and incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, the
following factors in evaluating the Company before purchasing the Common Stock
offered hereby. Prospective investors should note, in particular, that this
Prospectus contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"),
that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. When used in this Prospectus,
or in the documents incorporated by reference herein, the words "anticipate,"
"believe," "estimate," "may," "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions
identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance
or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or
implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. The considerations
listed below represent certain important factors the Company believes could
cause such results to differ. These considerations are not intended to represent
a complete list of the general or specific risks that may affect the Company. It
should be recognized that other risks, including general economic factors and
business strategies, may be significant, presently or in the future, and the
risks set forth below may affect the Company to a greater extent than indicated.
 
PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS AND ABILITY TO MANAGE GROWTH AND INTEGRATE OPERATIONS
 
     Since the Change in Control, the Company has rapidly expanded its
operations through acquisitions, loan purchases, the opening of loan production
offices and de novo branches and the establishment of Flagship, the Bank's
mortgage banking division. There can be no assurance that the Company will not
encounter unforeseen difficulties and complications in integrating expanded
operations and new employees, resulting in the disruption of overall operations.
In addition, such rapid growth may adversely affect the Company's operating
results because of many factors, including unforeseen start-up costs, diversion
of management resources, deterioration of asset quality and required operating
adjustments. There can be no assurance that the Company will successfully
achieve the anticipated benefits of its growth or expanded operations.
 
     Following consummation of the Proposed Acquisitions, the Company may
encounter unanticipated operational or organizational difficulties. The
successful integration of the Proposed Acquisitions will require, among other
things, consolidation of certain operations, elimination of duplicative
corporate and administrative expense, elimination of certain positions and the
chartering by the Company of a new federal savings bank subsidiary (the "Savings
Bank"), which will operate the Georgia Branch. There can be no assurance that
integration will be accomplished effectively or in a timely manner.
Additionally, there can be no assurance that, following the consummation of the
Proposed Acquisitions, the branches purchased in the Proposed Acquisitions will
be able to retain existing customers or deposits. In addition, the integration
of certain operations following the Proposed Acquisitions will require the
dedication of management resources, which may temporarily distract attention
from the day-to-day business of the Company. Failure to accomplish effectively
the integration of operations could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's regulatory capital, business, financial condition and results of
operations following the Proposed Acquisitions. See "Proposed Acquisitions."
 
INCREASED EMPHASIS ON MORTGAGE BANKING ACTIVITIES AND HIGH LTV LOANS
 
     In 1996, the Company began its emphasis on mortgage banking operations,
both as the primary focus of its residential mortgage lending activities and the
key business strategy to increase substantially its levels of non-interest
income. As a result, the Company's mortgage banking operations represented
approximately 9.8% of the Company's assets at year-end 1997 and 17.5% of its
pre-tax profits in 1997. The Company continues to devote significant resources
to and to incur significant expenses operating Flagship and expanding its
mortgage loan origination and purchase capabilities.
 
     Mortgage banking is fundamentally different from other traditional kinds of
real estate-secured residential and commercial lending in that substantially all
of the mortgage loans directly originated or purchased
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   16
 
from mortgage brokers are re-sold into the secondary market instead of being
held in portfolio until maturity. Such sales may take the form of either whole
loan sales or securitizations.
 
     Approximately 50% of the dollar amount of mortgage loans originated or
purchased by Flagship in 1997 were second-mortgage High LTV Loans made to
borrowers who may have had historical credit problems but are now considered by
the Company to be acceptable credit risks. These borrowers generally have little
or no equity in their homes. Because High LTV Loans generally pose a higher
credit risk to the lender, they normally carry significantly higher interest
rates and origination fees than conventional mortgage loans. At the same time,
overhead and origination costs incurred by Flagship are substantially higher on
a per loan basis than the costs incurred in the Company's other lending
operations due to the nationwide scope of Flagship's mortgage banking activities
and the substantial amount of advertising, direct mail and other marketing
expenses that it incurs.
 
     In a securitization of High LTV Loans, an intermediate entity such as a
trust or special purpose corporation is typically organized to purchase a pool
of mortgage loans from a financial institution or other party owning the loans.
The entity funds its purchase of the loans by selling tiered levels or
"tranches" of debt securities that entitle the holders to receive, in order of
priority, payments at a set percentage rate until all principal is repaid.
Payments are made to the debt holders out of the entity's collection of interest
payments and principal repayments on the loans. Because there is generally no
recourse to the transferor of the loans in a securitization transaction,
third-party investors typically require "over-collateralization" such that the
principal amount of the loans in the pool exceeds the total amount of
indebtedness issued by the entity. The party transferring the loans may retain a
subordinated debt interest in the pool of securitized High LTV Loans as well as
an "interest-only," "principal-only" or other type of residual interest in the
pool. Any such interest retained by the party transferring loans will be valued
in accordance with SFAS No. 125.
 
     Certain aspects of the Company's mortgage banking operations that
distinguish that operation from other traditional forms of lending pose risks
that are unique to this type of business. Set forth below are certain risks to
the Company associated with Flagship's mortgage banking activities:
 
  Dependence on Origination and Purchase of Mortgage Loans
 
     The future profitability of Flagship's mortgage banking operations will
depend upon the extent to which the Company is able to originate and/or purchase
and sell and/or securitize High LTV Loans and other mortgage loans. The
Company's ability to do so is affected by a number of factors beyond its
control, including general economic conditions, conditions and values in
residential real estate markets, interest rates and competition. For example,
periods of economic slowdown or recession and high interest rates may be
accompanied by decreased demand for consumer credit and declining real estate
and other asset values. Any material decline in real estate values, in turn,
reduces the ability of borrowers to use home equity to support borrowings.
 
     The Company's ability to originate and purchase mortgage loans will also
depend upon its own financial condition. In this regard, Flagship's mortgage
loan production could be constrained or sharply limited if the Company were to
lack sufficient regulatory capital or liquidity to support Flagship's
operations. The Company's regulatory capital and liquidity position, in turn,
will be substantially affected by its mortgage loan sales and securitization
activities and the extent to which it retains residual interests in packages of
securitized loans. If, for whatever reason, the Company is unable to sell or
securitize mortgage loans in an efficient manner and on a timely basis, or finds
it necessary to retain a larger-than-anticipated residual interest in loans that
are securitized, Flagship's future loan origination and purchase activities
could be significantly impaired and financial results would be adversely
affected.
 
     As a result, in part, of Flagship's expanded mortgage banking activities
during the first quarter of 1998, the level of the Company's liquid assets, as
well as the amount of funds available for borrowing from the FHLB, have
declined. As of April 24, 1998, the Company had $235 million in advances from
and $115 million remaining on its $350 million credit line with the FHLB, as
compared to $35 million and $215 million, respectively, at December 31, 1997.
Based on Flagship's current levels of loan production, unless other credit
sources are obtained, the Company anticipates that it will reach its recently
increased FHLB borrowing limit
                                       14
<PAGE>   17
 
of $350 million by the end of May 1998. The Company intends to seek additional
funding either through further loan sales or securitizations or other
third-party borrowings, such as warehouse lines of credit, but has not yet
finalized any such arrangements. To the extent such alternatives are not
available to the Company, the Company's ability to originate and purchase loans
would be impaired. See "Recent Developments -- Republic SPC 1 Corp."
 
     Should events arise in the future that prevent or otherwise adversely
affect Flagship's ability to originate or purchase mortgage loans, gains derived
from sales and securitizations of loans and revenues from the Company's
servicing of securitized loans will be reduced accordingly. Moreover, until it
implements any decision it might make to reduce the time and financial resources
devoted to its mortgage banking activities in response to such events, the
Company will continue to incur ongoing expenses associated with such activities.
During this period, the Company's diminished revenues from Flagship may not be
sufficient to offset the expenses (primarily, salary, occupancy, advertising and
mailing costs) associated with Flagship's operations, causing the Company to
incur operating losses therefrom. In addition, if Flagship's loan origination
and purchase activities are reduced or eliminated, the Company may not be able
to recover its investment in Flagship.
 
  Dependence on Loan Securitizations and Sales
 
     Mortgage loans originated and purchased by Flagship are generally sold as
whole loans or securitized as market conditions permit. The Company anticipates
that revenues generated by its mortgage banking operations will be derived
primarily from gains realized on sale and, to a lesser extent, interest income
on the loans while they are held in portfolio pending sale or securitization and
servicing fees on loans that are sold with servicing rights retained.
 
     The revenues from sales of loans generated by Flagship's activities are
primarily from the sale or securitization of High LTV Loans. Prior to September
30, 1997, the Company generally sold its High LTV Loans and other mortgage loans
originated or purchased by Flagship on a whole loan basis. In the fourth quarter
of 1997, the Company completed a securitization of $60.0 million of High LTV
Loans originated during the period, while retaining servicing rights and an $8.2
million residual interest, including an initial $2.4 million
over-collateralization. The Company currently plans to consummate additional
loan sales and securitizations utilizing a significant portion of Flagship's
loan production on a periodic basis throughout 1998.
 
     Several factors affect the Company's ability to complete loan sales or
securitizations, including general economic conditions, conditions in the
securities markets and secondary mortgage markets generally, conditions in the
asset-based securities market specifically, perceptions of the credit quality of
the mortgage loans the Company offers for sale or securitization, changes in
interest rates and the effect of such factors as mortgage loan refinancings,
delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures. If the Company fails to securitize or
sell a sufficient number of loans in a particular financial reporting period at
or near its historical profit levels for such sales, the Company's gain on sale
of loans and other related income may not offset Flagship's overhead and
origination costs, particularly the costs associated with originating High LTV
Loans, resulting in the Company reporting lower net income or a net loss for
such period. The Company's costs and risks associated with carrying its loans,
including hedging costs, interest rate risk and credit risk could also increase
if loan sales or securitizations fail to occur or are delayed. The ability of
the Company to sell or securitize loans in the secondary market is essential for
the continuation of Flagship's mortgage banking activities, and any event
adversely affecting the Company's ability to complete securitizations or loan
sales on a regular basis could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
regulatory capital, business, financial condition and results of operations. See
"Recent Developments -- Republic SPC 1 Corp."
 
  Valuation of Capitalized Excess Interest-Only Spread and Mortgage Related
Securities
 
     At December 31, 1997, the Company's statement of financial condition
reflected an excess interest-only spread of $2.1 million, mortgage related
securities of $26.7 million, which resulted from 1997 securitizations of the
Company's loan production, and a residual interest in the cash flows from the
December 1997 securitization valued at $8.2 million. The Company derives an
increasingly larger portion of its income by realizing gains upon the sale of
loans due to the excess interest-only spread associated with such loans
                                       15
<PAGE>   18
 
recorded at the time of sale and the capitalization of mortgage servicing rights
recorded at sale. Excess interest-only spread as capitalized on the Company's
statement of financial condition represents the present value of the excess of
the interest rate payable by an obligor on a loan over the interest rate passed
through to the purchaser acquiring an interest in such loan, less the Company's
normal servicing fee and other applicable recurring fees.
 
     The Company records gains on sale of loans through securitizations and
whole loan sales based in part on the estimated fair value of the mortgage
related securities (residual interest and interest-only spread) retained by the
Company and on the estimated fair value of retained mortgage servicing rights
related to such loans. When loans are sold, the Company recognizes as a gain the
present value of the excess cash flow expected to be realized after the payment
of all principal and interest to the security holders. These present values are
computed using prepayment, default and interest rate assumptions that the
Company believes are reasonable. The amount of gain recognized upon the sale of
loans will vary depending on the assumptions utilized. The weighted average
discount rate used to determine the present value of the excess cash flows
reflected on the Company's statement of financial condition at December 31, 1997
was approximately 14.0%.
 
     Although the Company believes that it has made reasonable estimates of the
fair values of the residual interest, mortgage servicing rights and excess
interest-only spread likely to be realized, the rate of prepayment and the
amount of defaults utilized by the Company are estimates and actual experience
may vary from its estimates. Increases in interest rates or higher levels of
future prepayments and defaults could result in the actual value of residual
interest, mortgage servicing rights and excess interest-only spread falling
below their estimated values, thereby requiring a write down and a resulting
charge to earnings in the period of adjustment. The Company periodically reviews
its prepayment and default assumptions in relation to current rates of
prepayment and default and, if necessary, reduces the remaining excess
interest-only spread, residual interest and mortgage servicing rights assets to
the net present value of the estimated remaining future net cash flows,
resulting in a charge to earnings in the period of adjustment. Rapid increases
in interest rates or competitive pressures may result in a reduction of gain
recognized by the Company upon the sale of loans in the future.
 
     Increases in interest rates or higher than anticipated rates of loan
prepayments or credit losses on the underlying loans of the Company's residual
interest, mortgage servicing rights and excess interest-only spread may require
the Company to write down the value of these assets and result in a material
adverse impact on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
The Company is not aware of any active market for the Company's residual
interest, mortgage servicing rights and excess interest-only spread. No
assurance can be given that the residual interest, mortgage servicing rights and
excess interest-only spread could in fact be sold at their carrying value, if at
all.
 
  Contingent Risks Relating to the Company's Beneficial Interest in the Loans
 
     Although the Company intends to sell or securitize substantially all High
LTV Loans and other residential mortgage loans that Flagship originates or
purchases, the Company retains some degree of risk on most of these mortgage
loans. During the period of time that loans are held in portfolio pending sale
or securitization, the Company is subject to the various business risks
associated with lending, including the risk of borrower delinquency, default or
loss and the risk that an increase in interest rates would reduce the value of
loans to potential purchasers. In May 1998, the Company recorded a pre-tax
charge against earnings of $252,000 for an equivalent principal amount of High
LTV Loans held for sale that had been delinquent 90 days or more at March 31,
1998.
 
     Although whole loans are sold on a non-recourse basis, the Company
continues to be subject to the risks of delinquency, default and loss following
the securitization of mortgage loans. The agreements governing the Company's
December 1997 securitization and securitizations in general require the initial
principal amount of the pool of mortgage loans that is securitized to exceed the
aggregate principal amount of the senior interests sold to third-party
investors. Thereafter, the trustee of the securitization is required to maintain
over-collateralization levels through retention of cash otherwise payable to the
interest-only spread and residual interest owners. Such excess amounts serve as
credit enhancement for the related senior interests and are
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   19
 
available to fund losses realized on loans in the pool. Because the residual
interest in the pool retained by the Company is subordinated to the senior
interests in the loans purchased by third-party investors, the Company continues
to have a first-loss exposure with respect to the loans to the extent of the
over-collateralization amount. The Company also continues to be subject to the
risks of delinquency, default and loss insofar as interest-only spread
distributions are reduced by loan losses. In addition, agreements effecting
whole loan sales and securitizations require the Company to commit to repurchase
or replace loans that do not conform to the representations and warranties made
by the Company at the time of transfer. In May 1998, a private investor that had
purchased from the Company $36.1 million of subprime loans put back $20.1
million of the loans that did not satisfy the investor's pre-established
purchase criteria. There can be no assurance that in the future the Company will
not be required to repurchase or replace loans previously sold or securitized.
Any higher than expected loan losses or repurchases could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's regulatory capital, business, financial
condition and results of operation.
 
  Loss of Right to Service Securitized Loans
 
     The agreements entered into in connection with the Company's securitization
of High LTV Loans generally set forth certain conditions under which the insurer
or the trustee of the loan securitization can terminate the Company's right to
act as servicer. If, at any measuring date, the loss and delinquency performance
of the mortgage loans in a particular pool of loans exceeds certain levels,
servicing rights may be terminated. The Company's servicing rights can also be
terminated with respect to a loan securitization (i) if the Company were to
breach its obligations under the related servicing agreement, (ii) if losses on
foreclosures of loans included in the pool were to exceed specified limits,
(iii) if the insurer were required to make payments under its policy, or (iv) if
the Company failed to meet certain financial tests, including a minimum net
worth test. There can be no assurance that the Company's servicing rights with
respect to mortgage loans included in any securitization will not be terminated
in the future. In addition, if any loan included in a securitization is prepaid,
the Company will no longer be entitled to loan servicing fees with respect to
such loan. Any termination or reduction of the Company's right to act as
servicer with respect to securitized loans would result in a loss of servicing
revenue and could adversely affect its ability to participate in future
securitizations.
 
  Borrowers With Limited Home Equity
 
     In the High LTV Loan market and certain other markets, the Company targets
borrowers with little equity in their homes. Loans made to such borrowers may
entail a higher risk of delinquency, default and loss than other types of
mortgage loans. While the Company believes that the underwriting policies and
collection methods it employs enable it to control the higher risks inherent in
High LTV Loans, no assurance can be given that such criteria or methods will
afford adequate protection against such risks. Additionally, because of the
Company's recent entrance into the High LTV Loan market, there is limited
performance history on which to base various assumptions by the Company with
respect to defaults and prepayments of such loans. If loans originated or
purchased by the Company experience higher delinquencies, defaults or losses
than anticipated, the Company's regulatory capital, business, financial
condition or results of operation could be adversely affected.
 
  Risks Relating to Growth Strategy
 
     The Company's strategic plan contemplates the continued expansion of its
Flagship operations. The Company's implementation of its expansion strategy
depends on its ability to increase the volume of loans it originates and
purchases while maintaining credit quality and managing its resulting growth.
The Company's ability to increase its loan production will depend on, among
other factors, its ability to (i) obtain and maintain increasingly larger
amounts of funding and liquidity in the form of federally-insured deposits, FHLB
advances and other borrowings and proceeds from loan sales and securitizations,
(ii) effectively securitize pools of loans for sale, (iii) offer attractive
products to prospective borrowers, (iv) attract and retain qualified
underwriting, servicing and other personnel, (v) market its loan products
successfully and (vi) establish and maintain relationships with correspondents
and mortgage brokers in states in which the Company is currently active and
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   20
 
in additional states. The Company's ability to manage growth as it pursues its
Flagship expansion strategy will be dependent upon, among other things, its
ability to (i) maintain appropriate procedures, policies and systems to ensure
that the Company's loan portfolio does not have an unacceptable level of credit
risk and loss, (ii) satisfy its need for additional capital, funding and
liquidity on reasonable terms, (iii) manage the costs associated with expanding
its infrastructure, (iv) retain key personnel and (v) continue operating in
competitive, economic, regulatory and judicial environments that are conducive
to the Company's business activities. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to expand Flagship's mortgage lending operations successfully.
 
  Competition
 
     The home equity loan market, and particularly the High LTV Loan market, is
highly competitive. The Company faces competition from commercial banks, savings
and loan associations, consumer finance lenders, mortgage lenders and mortgage
brokers. Many of these competitors and potential competitors are substantially
larger and have more capital and other resources than the Company. Competition
can take many forms, including convenience in obtaining a loan, customer
service, marketing and distribution channels and interest rates charged to
borrowers. In addition, the current level of gains realized by the Company and
its competitors on High LTV Loans could attract additional competitors into this
market, with the possible effect of lowering the interest rates and origination
fees that the Company can charge borrowers as well as gains that may be realized
on the Company's future loan sales. To the extent that existing competitors
significantly expand their operations or new competitors enter this segment of
the mortgage lending market, the Company's results of operations and financial
condition could be materially adversely affected.
 
IMPACT OF CHANGES IN REAL ESTATE VALUES
 
     A significant portion of the Company's loan portfolio consists of
residential mortgage loans and commercial real estate loans. At December 31,
1997, 55.85% of the Company's loans were secured by one-to-four family
residential real estate, 30.31% were secured by commercial real estate and
multifamily residential and 4.37% were real estate-secured construction loans,
and the Company had ORE with a book value of $7.0 million, or .50% of assets.
Further, a substantial portion of the properties securing the Company's loans
are located in Florida. Real estate values and real estate markets generally are
affected by, among other things, changes in national, regional or local economic
conditions, fluctuations in interest rates and the availability of loans to
potential purchasers, changes in the tax laws and other governmental statutes,
regulations and policies, demographic trends and acts of nature. Any decline in
real estate prices, particularly in Florida, could significantly reduce the
value of the real estate collateral securing the Company's loans, increase the
level of the Company's nonperforming loans, require writedowns in the book value
of its ORE, and have a material adverse effect on the Company's regulatory
capital, business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
     In recent years, the Company has increased its level of construction and
commercial real estate loans, which are generally considered to involve a higher
degree of credit risk than that for one-to-four family residential mortgage
loans. Further, the Company's retention of High LTV Loans in anticipation of
later sale or securitization, increases its credit risk and vulnerability to
changes in real estate values.
 
DEPENDENCE ON EXISTING MANAGEMENT
 
     The Company's ability to operate as a profitable enterprise has depended,
and will continue to depend in large part, upon the management and banking
abilities of the Company's senior management, including John W. Sapanski, the
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company and the Bank. The
Company does not currently have a Chief Operating Officer. If, for any reason,
the services of Mr. Sapanski were to become unavailable to the Company, such
event would likely have an adverse impact upon the future results of operations
of the Company in light of Mr. Sapanski's experience and reputation in the
banking industry, his stature within the Company, his extensive knowledge of and
familiarity with the Company's operations, and the critical role played by Mr.
Sapanski within the Company. Mr. Sapanski is 67 years old. Neither the Company
nor the Bank maintains a key man life insurance policy for Mr. Sapanski.
Additionally,
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   21
 
neither Mr. Sapanski nor any other member of senior management has an employment
or noncompetition agreement with the Company.
 
     The Company believes that its results will also depend in part upon its
ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified management, sales and
marketing personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and there can be
no assurance that the Company will be successful in attracting and retaining
such personnel. Departures and additions of key personnel may be disruptive to
the Company's business and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
NONPERFORMING ASSETS
 
     At the time of the Change in Control, the Bank had a relatively high ratio
of nonperforming assets to total assets. In addition, the Company has purchased,
at a discount, certain loans that it placed in non-performing status shortly
after purchase. Although the Company has reduced its non-performing assets ratio
from 5.66% at year-end 1993 to 2.20% at December 31, 1997, its current level of
non-performing assets is still significantly above 0.95%, which is the average
level for all commercial banks with assets between $1.0 billion and $3.0
billion, according to the most recently available data from the Uniform
Performance Banking Report issued by federal bank regulators. There is no
assurance that this ratio will continue to decline, particularly if general
economic conditions or Florida real estate values deteriorate.
 
ADEQUACY OF LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCE
 
     Industry experience indicates that a portion of the Company's loans will
become delinquent and a portion of the loans will be partially or completely
charged-off. Regardless of the underwriting criteria utilized by the Company,
losses may be experienced as a result of various factors beyond the Company's
control, including, among other things, changes in market conditions affecting
the value of properties and problems affecting the credit of the borrower. The
Company's determination of the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses is
based on various considerations, including an analysis of the risk
characteristics of various classifications of loans, previous loan loss
experience, specific loans that would have loan loss potential, delinquency
trends, the estimated fair market value of the underlying collateral, current
economic conditions, the view of the Company's regulators, and geographic and
industry loan concentration. However, if delinquency levels were to increase as
a result of adverse general economic conditions, especially in Florida where the
Company's exposure is greatest, the loan loss allowance so determined by the
Company may not be adequate. A substantial portion of the Company's loan loss
allowances are allocated to specific portfolios or pools of loans purchased by
the Company. Accordingly, such allocations would not be available to cover
losses related to originated loans or other purchased loans. To the extent that
losses in certain pools or portfolios of loans exceed the loan loss allowances
and unamortized loan discount allocated to such pool or portfolio, or available
as a general reserve, the Company's results of operations would be adversely
affected. There can be no assurance that the Company's allowance for loan losses
will be adequate to cover its loan losses or that the Company will not
experience significant losses in its loan portfolios that may require
significant increases to the allowance for loan losses in the future.
Additionally, the Company's policy is to record its loans held for sale at the
lower of cost or market. Accordingly, no allowances are allocated to loans that
are held for sale or securitization.
 
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES
 
     The Company's profitability is dependent to a large extent on its net
interest income, which is the difference between its interest income on
interest-earning assets and its interest expense on interest-bearing
liabilities. The Company, like most financial institutions, is affected by
changes in general interest rate levels, which are currently relatively low, and
by other economic factors beyond its control. Interest rate risk arises from
mismatches (i.e., the interest rate sensitivity gap) between the dollar amount
of repricing or maturing assets and liabilities, and is measured in terms of the
ratio of the interest rate sensitivity gap to total assets. More assets
repricing or maturing than liabilities over a given time frame is considered
asset-sensitive and is reflected as a positive gap, and more liabilities
repricing or maturing than assets over a given time frame is
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   22
 
considered liability-sensitive and is reflected as a negative gap. An
asset-sensitive position (i.e., a positive gap) will generally enhance earnings
in a rising interest rate environment and will negatively impact earnings in a
falling interest rate environment, while a liability-sensitive position (i.e., a
negative gap) will generally enhance earnings in a falling interest rate
environment and negatively impact earnings in a rising interest rate
environment. Fluctuations in interest rates are not predictable or controllable.
The Company has attempted to structure its asset and liability management
strategies to mitigate the impact on net interest income of changes in market
interest rates. The Company believes that, based on certain assumptions and
experience, its one-year cumulative gap was positive at December 31, 1997. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Asset/Liability Management."
 
REGULATORY OVERSIGHT
 
     The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by
the Department as its chartering authority and primary regulator, and by the
FDIC as its federal regulator and administrator of the insurance fund that
insures the Bank's deposits up to applicable limits. The Bank is a member of the
FHLB and is subject to certain limited regulation by the Federal Reserve. In
order to acquire the Georgia Branch, the Company elected to charter the Savings
Bank. After it is organized, the Savings Bank will be subject to regulation,
supervision and examination by the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS") as its
chartering authority and primary regulator and by the FDIC as the administrator
of the Savings Bank's insurance fund. As a federally-chartered thrift, the
Savings Bank will automatically be a member of the FHLB. As the holding company
of the Bank and the Savings Bank, the Company is also subject to regulation and
oversight by the Federal Reserve. Such regulation and supervision governs the
activities in which an institution may engage and is intended primarily for the
protection of the FDIC insurance funds and depositors. Regulatory authorities
have been granted extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and
enforcement activities, and regulations have been adopted that have increased
capital requirements, commercial bank insurance premiums and administrative,
professional and compensation expenses. Any change in the regulatory structure
or the applicable statutes or regulations could have a material adverse impact
on the Company, the Bank, the Savings Bank and their respective operations.
Additional legislation and regulations may be enacted or adopted in the future
which could significantly affect the powers, authority and operations of the
Bank and the Savings Bank and their competitors, which in turn could have a
material adverse effect on both institutions and their regulatory capital,
business, financial condition and results of operations. See
"Business -- Supervision and Regulation."
 
     In the course of a recent review of the Bank's operations by the FDIC,
issues arose as to the software and procedures used by the Bank to record and
calculate the charges and other information for certain types of mortgage loans,
and the amounts of interest due on one class of deposit accounts. Management
believes the Bank has taken the necessary actions to address these issues,
including the payment of refunds or additional interest as appropriate.
 
CONTROL BY THE CONTROLLING STOCKHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     As of December 31, 1997, the Company's Controlling Stockholders, William R.
Hough and John W. Sapanski (and their respective affiliates and immediate family
members) owned shares of the Company's capital stock representing approximately
50.2% and 6.4%, respectively, of the total voting rights of the Company.
Following the consummation of this Offering, Messrs. Hough and Sapanski will own
41.3% and 5.0%, respectively, of the total voting rights of the Company (if, as
anticipated, the Controlling Stockholders do not purchase any shares of Common
Stock in this Offering). On the basis of such ownership, the Controlling
Stockholders will likely still be able to elect the Company's Board of Directors
and, through their control of the Company's Board, will be able to direct the
affairs of the Company and the Bank. It is reasonable to expect that the
Controlling Stockholders will continue to be able to exert a controlling
influence over the Company's policies and operations following consummation of
this Offering. The Company and the Bank have engaged in numerous transactions
with affiliates of Mr. Hough, and it is likely that the Company and the Bank
will in the future continue to engage in such transactions. Generally,
transactions with affiliates can involve conflicts of interests. However, the
Company believes that its transactions with its affiliates were
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   23
 
on terms as or more favorable as those that could have been obtained in
arm's-length transactions. See Note 17 to the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements included elsewhere herein.
 
CAPITAL LIMITATIONS ON FUTURE GROWTH
 
     Since the Change in Control, one of the Company's primary business
objectives has been to increase its total asset size, expand into new market
areas, and increase market share in its existing markets. The Company has sought
to accomplish this goal through a combination of internal growth, loan and other
asset purchases, deposit assumptions, the opening of de novo branches and
acquisitions of other financial institutions and branches. The Company's ability
to continue to grow is constrained by, among other things, its regulatory
capital levels. See Note 16 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements
included elsewhere herein. The Company recently entered into (i) the NationsBank
Branch Agreements to acquire eight branches having total deposits of $255.0
million at August 31, 1997, (ii) the Bankers Merger Agreement to acquire two
branches having total deposits of $56.0 million at August 31, 1997, (iii) the
Dime Branch Agreement to acquire a branch having total deposits of $202.9
million at March 31, 1998 and (iv) the Lochaven Agreement to acquire a branch
having total deposits of $56.0 million at December 31, 1997. One of the primary
reasons for this Offering is to increase the Company's regulatory capital to
permit it to consummate the Proposed Acquisitions and to continue to expand
Flagship's mortgage banking activities while maintaining its "well capitalized"
status. The Company intends to continue its current growth strategy for the
foreseeable future. Since the Change in Control, the Company has raised capital
four times to accommodate its growth. There can be no assurance that the Company
will in the future have sufficient capital or the ability to obtain additional
sufficient capital on acceptable terms to continue to pursue its growth
strategy.
 
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
 
     In the next two years, many companies, including financial institutions
such as the Company, will face potentially serious issues associated with the
inability of existing data processing hardware and software to appropriately
recognize calendar dates beginning in the year 2000. Many computer programs that
can only distinguish the final two digits of the year entered may read entries
for the year 2000 as the year 1900 and compute payment, interest or delinquency
based on the wrong date, or are expected to be unable to compute payment,
interest or delinquency. In 1997, the Company began the process of identifying
the many software applications and hardware devices expected to be impacted by
this issue. The Company outsources its principal data processing activities to
one or more third parties and purchases most of its software applications from
third party vendors. The Company believes that its vendors and its significant
customers are actively addressing the problems associated with the "Year 2000"
issue. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be adversely
affected by the failure of such third party vendors or significant customers of
the Bank to become Year 2000 compliant. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Year 2000
Considerations."
 
COMPETITION
 
     The Company competes with various types of financial institutions,
including other commercial banks, savings institutions, finance companies,
mortgage banking companies, money market funds and credit unions, many of which
have substantially greater financial resources than the Company and, in some
cases, operate under fewer regulatory constraints. The Company not only competes
with other financial institutions that operate in Florida but, through Flagship,
also competes nationwide with a number of finance companies, mortgage banking
companies and other financial institutions located throughout the United States.
As the Company expands its retail banking operations to additional markets in
Florida and into Georgia and its mortgage banking activities to additional
states, it will encounter other larger and well-established financial
institutions in those markets. While the Company believes that it has been able
to compete successfully with larger financial institutions in its current
geographic and product markets, there can be no assurance that it will be able
to compete effectively in the new markets it is entering. See
"Business -- Competition" and "-- Supervision and Regulation."
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   24
 
LIMITED HISTORICAL TRADING MARKET
 
     Because a majority of the Common stock has been closely held prior to the
Offering, there has been only a limited market for the Common Stock and there
can be no assurance that an active public trading market for the Common Stock
will develop after the Offering or that, if developed, it will be sustained. The
public offering price of the Common Stock offered hereby has been determined by
negotiations between the Company and the Underwriters and may not be indicative
of the price at which the Common Stock will trade after the Offering. See
"Underwriting." Consequently, there can be no assurance that the market price
for the Common Stock will not fall below the public offering price.
 
POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF SHARE PRICE
 
     The market price of the Common Stock may experience fluctuations that are
unrelated to the operating performance of the Company. In particular, the price
of the Common Stock may be affected by general market price movements as well as
developments specifically related to the Company's mortgage banking activities
such as, among other things, sales and securitizations of High LTV Loans. See
"Business -- Mortgage Banking Activities." In addition, the Company's operating
income on a quarterly basis is significantly dependent upon the successful
completion of the Company's loan sales or securitizations, and the inability of
the Company to complete significant loan sale transactions or securitizations in
a particular quarter may have a material adverse impact on the Company's results
of operations for that quarter and could, therefore, negatively impact the price
of the Common Stock.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The net proceeds to be received by the Company from the sale of 2,400,000
shares of Common Stock offered hereby, after deducting the estimated
underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by the Company, are
estimated to be approximately $66.3 million ($76.3 million if the underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised in full). The net proceeds from the sale of
the Common stock will be contributed by the Company to the capital of the Bank.
A primary purpose of the Offering is to maintain the regulatory capital ratios
of the Bank and the Company in conjunction with the Proposed Acquisitions, and
to support future growth. The specific use of the proceeds by the Bank, as well
as the timing of such uses, will be a function of the funding needs of the Bank
and the availability of other funds to the Bank. Initially, such proceeds will
be invested by the Bank in short-term obligations.
 
                          PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
 
     The Company's Common Stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq National
Market under the symbol "REPB." The table below sets forth, for the periods
indicated, the high and low bid information for the Common Stock as regularly
quoted on the Nasdaq National Market for the periods indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               HIGH     LOW
                                                              ------   ------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
1996:
  First Quarter.............................................  $14.25   $13.25
  Second Quarter............................................   14.94    12.25
  Third Quarter.............................................   12.88    11.75
  Fourth Quarter............................................   15.50   13.625
1997:
  First Quarter.............................................   16.00    14.00
  Second Quarter............................................   18.50    17.25
  Third Quarter.............................................   27.63    16.88
  Fourth Quarter............................................   27.88    23.75
1998:
  First Quarter.............................................   32.00    24.63
  Second Quarter (to May 14, 1998)..........................   35.25    28.75
</TABLE>
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   25
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the actual and adjusted consolidated
capitalization of the Company at December 31, 1997. The adjusted capitalization
gives effect to (i) the Proposed Acquisitions and (ii) this Offering. The
information set forth below should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Company included elsewhere in this Prospectus. See
"Combined Financial Data."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                              ----------------------
                                                               COMPANY        AS
                                                               ACTUAL      ADJUSTED
                                                              ---------    ---------
                                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities
  of subsidiary trust(1)....................................  $ 28,750     $ 28,750
Stockholders' Equity:
  Perpetual preferred convertible stock, 100,000 shares
     authorized, 75,000 shares issued and outstanding.......     1,500        1,500
  Common Stock, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 7,035,886
     shares and 9,435,886 issued and outstanding at December
     31, 1997, Actual and As Adjusted, respectively.........    14,072       18,872
  Capital surplus...........................................    50,322      111,845
  Retained earnings.........................................    29,155       29,155
  Net unrealized gain on debt securities available for
     sale -- net of deferred income taxes...................       482          482
                                                              --------     --------
  Total stockholders' equity................................  $ 95,531     $161,854
Total Capitalization........................................  $124,281     $190,604
                                                              ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Represents beneficial interests in an aggregate amount of $28.8 million of
    Junior Subordinated Debentures of the Company. See Note 1 to the Company's
    Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   26
 
                             PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS
 
     On December 15, 1997, the Company entered into the NationsBank Branch
Agreements to acquire three branches of NationsBank Subsidiary and five branches
of Barnett Bank, including the loans and other assets booked at those branches,
and to assume the deposits and other liabilities assigned to such branches. Of
the branches being purchased, three are located in Monroe County (Key West,
Marathon and Plantation Key), two are located in Marion County (Ocala and Silver
Springs), one is located in Columbia County (Lake City) and one is located in
Suwannee County (Live Oak). The eighth branch is located in Glynn County
(Brunswick), Georgia. As a condition to receiving regulatory approval of its
acquisition of Barnett Bank, NationsBank agreed to divest itself of a
significant number of branches, including these eight branches. The NationsBank
Branch Acquisition will be accounted for using purchase accounting rules. See
"Unaudited Combined Financial Data."
 
     The Florida Branches will be merged into, and become a part of, the Bank's
existing Florida branch network. In order to facilitate the acquisition of the
Georgia Branch, the Company elected to charter the Savings Bank as a de novo
federally-chartered thrift. The Georgia Branch will be operated as an interstate
branch of the Savings Bank, which will be headquartered in St. Petersburg. It is
anticipated that in connection with the chartering of the Savings Bank, certain
of the Bank's out-of-state mortgage banking operations may be transferred to the
Savings Bank. See "Business--Supervision and Regulation."
 
     As of August 31, 1997, the Florida Branches had deposit liabilities of
$225.5 million and loans of $163.9 million. Under the terms of the NationsBank
Branch Agreement for the Florida Branches (the "Florida Agreement"), the Company
will (i) purchase the real estate and personal property associated with the
Florida Branches for a price equal to the net book value of such assets at the
closing plus a premium of $5.5 million, (ii) purchase the performing loans
booked at these branches for a price equal to 102.81% of the net book value of
such loans at the closing, and (iii) pay a deposit premium of 12.13% of total
deposits at the closing to assume all of the deposit liabilities assigned to the
Florida Branches. Based on the loans, other assets and deposit liabilities
associated with the Florida Branches as of August 31, 1997, the Company's
purchase price for the Florida Branches would have been $37.5 million if the
Company's acquisition of the Florida Branches had been consummated on that date.
Under the terms of the Florida Agreement, the Company will offer to retain all
of the individuals employed at the Florida Branches at the time its acquisition
of the Florida Branches is consummated and will pay severance to any such
employee terminated within a 12-month period thereafter. The Florida Agreement
also provides that the Company must consummate its acquisition of the Florida
Branches by no later than June 30, 1998.
 
     As of August 31, 1997, the Georgia Branch had deposit liabilities of $29.2
million and loans of $19.4 million. Under the terms of the NationsBank Branch
Agreement for the Georgia Branch (the "Georgia Agreement"), the Company will (i)
purchase the performing loans and other assets associated with the Georgia
Branch at a price equal to their net book value at the closing and (ii) pay a
deposit premium of 1.0% of total deposits at the closing to assume all of the
deposit liabilities assigned to the Georgia Branch. Based on the loans, other
assets and deposit liabilities associated with the Georgia Branch as of August
31, 1997, the Company's total purchase price for the Georgia Branch would have
been $290,000 if the Company's acquisition of the Georgia Branch had been
consummated on that date. The Georgia Agreement contains employee retention and
severance provisions identical to those set forth in the Florida Agreement. The
Georgia Agreement also provides that the Company must consummate its acquisition
of the Georgia Branch by no later than June 30, 1998.
 
     The NationsBank Branch Agreements also contain non-solicitation provisions
under which NationsBank and its subsidiaries are prohibited for a one-year
period from (i) specifically targeting or soliciting customers assigned to the
acquired branches using any customer or mailing list consisting primarily of
such customers and (ii) soliciting for employment any individual who remains
employed by the Company following its acquisition of the branches. The Company
reciprocally agreed for such one-year period not to solicit any of NationsBank's
credit card customers for credit card products or any of NationsBank's business
customers for credit and debit card processing and other similar merchant
services.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   27
 
     The Company anticipates that it will be able to obtain all required
regulatory approvals by the applicable deadlines set forth in the NationsBank
Branch Agreements, and the Company does not anticipate that any of the
regulatory authorities will impose any approval conditions that would have a
material adverse impact on the Company. The Savings Bank will be subject to
supervision and regulation by the OTS, and its deposits will be insured by the
FDIC. For a further discussion of the regulatory framework as applicable to the
Bank and the Savings Bank, see "Business -- Supervision and Regulation."
 
     In March 1998, the Company and Bankers entered into the Bankers Merger
Agreement, which provides for the merger of Bankers into the Bank. Bankers has
two branches in Dade County, Florida, and at December 31, 1997, had total assets
of $67.1 million, total loans of $51.1 million and total deposits of $56.0
million. It is anticipated that the transaction will be accounted for as a
pooling of interests. The Bankers Acquisition may be terminated by either
Bankers or the Company it if is not consummated by November 1, 1998. See
"Unaudited Combined Financial Data."
 
     Pursuant to the terms of the Bankers Merger Agreement, the stockholders of
Bankers will receive a fraction of a share of the Company's Common Stock for
each outstanding share of Bankers' common stock based on the sum of (i) the book
value of Bankers' total common equity at December 31, 1997 (plus Bankers' 1998
earnings and less certain change of control payments to Bankers' directors,
senior officers and key employees) multiplied by 1.7, plus (ii) the difference
between the appraised value of Bankers' headquarters building (or sales price,
if the building is sold or a contract for sale is entered into prior to the
closing) and the $4.2 million book value of the building as of December 31,
1997. This sum will be divided by the total number of outstanding shares of
Bankers' common stock, thereby producing a dollar value per share. This dollar
value, in turn, will be divided by the "Market Value" of the Company's Common
Stock to determine the actual exchange ratio. If the twenty consecutive day
average (the "Average Price") of the closing prices of the Common Stock on the
National Market is between $22.50 and $27.50, the Market Value will be $25.00.
If the Average Price is either greater than $27.50 or less than $22.50, the
Market Value will be the mean of $25.00 and the Average Price. As of February
28, 1998, and assuming a $6.0 million valuation of Bankers' headquarter's
building, the stockholders of Bankers would have received 0.44 of a share of
Common Stock for each of the 692,333 outstanding shares of Bankers' common
stock, if the closing for the Bankers Acquisition had taken place on that date.
 
     Also in March 1998, the Company entered into the Dime Branch Agreement to
acquire the Dime Branch in Deerfield Beach, Broward County, including the
assumption of the deposits and other liabilities assigned to such branch, the
assumption of the leasehold on the branch property, and the purchase of the
personal property and equipment of the branch. The Company is not acquiring any
loans in the transaction. As of March 31, 1998, the Dime Branch had total
deposits of $202.9 million, and the Company's purchase price would have been
approximately $9.8 million based on that deposit amount. The transaction will be
accounted for using purchase accounting rules and must be consummated within 30
days of receiving regulatory approval. See "Unaudited Combined Financial Data."
 
     On April 21, 1998, the Company entered into the Lochaven Agreement
providing for the merger of Lochaven with and into the Bank. Lochaven has one
branch in Orange County, Florida, and as of December 31, 1997, had total assets
of $59.4 million, total loans of $49.6 million and total deposits of $56.0
million. Under the terms of the Lochaven Agreement, stockholders of Lochaven are
to receive 0.2776 of a share of Common Stock for each of the 609,094 outstanding
shares of Lochaven's common stock. It is anticipated that the Lochaven
Acquisition will be accounted for as a pooling of interests. The Lochaven
Agreement may be terminated by either Lochaven or the Company if it is not
consummated by December 1, 1998. See "Unaudited Combined Financial Data."
 
     If consummated, the Proposed Acquisitions and the Offering will increase
the total assets of the Company to approximately $2.2 billion (based on most
recent available data), expand the Company's branch network from 46 to 57
branches in Florida and one branch in Georgia and increase the number of
counties served by the Company's branches from nine to 15 counties in Florida
and one county in Georgia. See "Unaudited Combined Financial Data." The
Company's total deposits will increase to $1.9 billion and total portfolio loans
will increase to $1.4 billion. Premium on deposits from the NationsBank Branch
Acquisition
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   28
 
and the Dime Branch Acquisition will amount to $36.9 million, bringing the total
amount of goodwill and premium on deposits to $41.7 million. Nonperforming
assets from the Bankers Acquisition totaled approximately $1.7 million at
December 31, 1997. There are no nonperforming assets being purchased in
connection with the NationsBank Branch and Dime Branch Acquisitions.
 
     There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to consummate, or,
if consummated, successfully integrate the operations and management of the
Proposed Acquisitions. See "Risk Factors -- Proposed Acquisitions and Ability to
Manage Growth and Integrate Operations."
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   29
 
                       UNAUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The unaudited combined balance sheet as of December 31, 1997, gives effect
to the Offering and the Proposed Acquisitions. See "Proposed Acquisitions" for a
description of the Proposed Acquisitions. The NationsBank Branch Acquisition and
the Dime Branch Acquisition will each be accounted for using purchase accounting
rules. The Bankers Acquisition and Lochaven Acquisition are each anticipated to
be accounted for as a pooling of interests. The data is based upon available
information and upon certain assumptions that the Company believes are
reasonable under the circumstances. The combined financial data should be read
in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and notes
thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. The combined financial data is
not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the
Proposed Acquisitions actually occurred on the dates indicated, nor can they be
used to predict the Company's future results of operations.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                     COMPANY,
                                                                                                                     PROPOSED
                                                         NATIONSBANK        DIME                                   ACQUISITIONS
                                            BANKERS         BRANCH         BRANCH       LOCHAVEN                     AND THE
                              COMPANY     ACQUISITION   ACQUISITION(A)   ACQUISITION   ACQUISITION   OFFERING(B)     OFFERING
                             ----------   -----------   --------------   -----------   -----------   -----------   ------------
                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                          <C>          <C>           <C>              <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Assets:
 
Cash and due from banks....  $   45,998     $ 1,247        $  4,911       $     --       $   817       $    --      $   52,973
Investment securities......      16,751       8,032              --             --         1,110            --          25,893
Mortgage backed
  securities...............      55,467          --              --             --            --            --          55,467
Trading securities.........      37,046          --              --             --            --            --          37,046
FHLB stock.................       8,148         500              --             --           368            --           9,016
Federal funds sold.........      33,000         192          20,716        183,205         5,036        66,323         308,472
Loans held for sale........     151,404       3,924              --             --        31,898            --         187,226
Loans receivable, net......   1,128,955      47,188         189,760             --        17,734            --       1,383,637
Premises and equipment,
  net......................      33,303       4,381          11,997            100           742            --          50,523
Real estate owned..........       6,997         763              --             --           431            --           8,191
Goodwill and premium on
  deposits.................       4,855          --          27,646          9,242            --            --          41,743
Other assets...............      30,481         833              --             --         1,230            --          32,544
                             ----------     -------        --------       --------       -------       -------      ----------
        Total assets.......  $1,552,405     $67,060        $255,030       $192,547       $59,366       $66,323      $2,192,731
                             ==========     =======        ========       ========       =======       =======      ==========
Liabilities:
  Deposits:
    Noninterest-bearing
      checking.............  $   93,843     $ 2,770        $ 76,229       $    212       $ 1,807       $    --      $  174,861
    Interest checking......     137,240       2,157          22,649          4,585         4,708            --         171,339
    Money market...........      30,389       4,901          21,657          9,654        22,816            --          89,417
    Savings................     291,604       2,981          28,695          4,629         1,254            --         329,163
    Time deposits..........     808,236      43,207         105,800        173,467        25,459            --       1,156,169
                             ----------     -------        --------       --------       -------       -------      ----------
        Total deposits.....   1,361,312      56,016         255,030        192,547        56,044            --       1,920,949
  Other borrowings.........      54,654       6,100              --             --            --            --          60,754
  Other liabilities........      12,158         707              --             --           560            --          13,425
                             ----------     -------        --------       --------       -------       -------      ----------
        Total
          liabilities......   1,428,124      62,823         255,030        192,547        56,604            --       1,995,128
Company-obligated
  mandatorily redeemable
  securities of subsidiary
  trust....................      28,750          --                                                         --          28,750
Stockholders' equity:
  Perpetual preferred
    convertible stock......       1,500          --                                                         --           1,500
  Common stock.............      14,072       2,761                                            6         4,800          21,639
  Capital surplus..........      50,322       1,233                                        3,365        61,523         116,443
  Retained earnings........      29,155         243                                         (609)           --          28,789
  Net unrealized gain on
    AFS securities.........         482          --                                                         --             482
                             ----------     -------        --------       --------       -------       -------      ----------
        Total stockholders'
          equity...........      95,531       4,237              --             --         2,762        66,323         168,853
                             ----------     -------        --------       --------       -------       -------      ----------
        Total liabilities
          and stockholders'
          equity...........  $1,552,405     $67,060        $255,030       $192,547       $59,366       $66,323      $2,192,731
                             ==========     =======        ========       ========       =======       =======      ==========
Certain Regulatory Capital Ratios:
Tier 1 (leverage) ratio....        6.94%                                                                                  6.45%
Tier 1 (risk-based)
  ratio....................       10.05                                                                                   9.70
Total capital ratio........       11.66                                                                                  10.99
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Most recent branch loan and deposit information as of August 31, 1997.
(b) The offering assumes the Company receives proceeds from the sale of
    2,400,000 shares of Company Common Stock in the Offering at a price of
    $29.50 less estimated Underwriters' commission and offering expenses.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   30
 
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The Selected Consolidated Financial Data presented below has been derived
from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and, prior to
1996, the Bank, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the more
detailed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, included elsewhere
herein. Financial data for interim periods include all adjustments, consisting
of normal accruals, that management considers necessary for a fair presentation
of the financial condition and results of operations for such interim periods.
In light of the significant mark-to-market adjustments and other adjusting
entries to its financial statements that were made following the Change in
Control, management believes that the usefulness of comparisons between (i) the
financial statements and the financial data derived therefrom as of the dates
and for the period prior to June 1, 1993, and (ii) the financial statements and
the financial data derived therefrom as of the dates and for the periods since
June 1, 1993, may be limited. In addition, subsequent to consummation of the
Company's initial public offering in December 1993 and the CrossLand Purchase
and Assumption in that month, the Company has operated in a significantly
different manner from that which it had previously operated. Accordingly, the
financial results for periods prior to the CrossLand Purchase and Assumption
differ significantly from periods since then.
 
     The FFO Merger, completed on September 19, 1997, was accounted for as a
corporate reorganization in which the majority stockholder's interest in FFO was
combined at historical cost in a manner similar to a pooling of interest while
the minority interest in FFO was combined using purchase accounting rules. This
accounting treatment required that all prior period financial information be
restated as if the FFO Merger had been completed in those previous years. The
financial information at and for the period ended May 31, 1993 is not restated
to reflect the FFO Merger as the Change in Control did not occur until May 1993.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             SEVEN
                                                                                             MONTHS      FIVE MONTHS
                                                                                             ENDED          ENDED
                                                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                DECEMBER 31,     MAY 31,
                                      -------------------------------------------------   ------------   -----------
                                         1997         1996         1995         1994          1993          1993
                                      ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ------------   -----------
                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                   <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
OPERATING DATA:
  Interest income...................  $  108,457   $   88,944   $   77,593   $   53,997    $   11,885    $    4,848
  Interest expense..................      54,923       44,949       40,112       24,423         5,120         1,970
                                      ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net interest income...............      53,534       43,995       37,481       29,574         6,765         2,878
  Loan loss provision...............       2,628        2,582        2,162          172         3,222           379
                                      ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net interest income after loan
    loss provision..................      50,906       41,413       35,319       29,402         3,543         2,499
  Other noninterest income..........      25,031        6,745        5,353        5,099         1,677           743
  Gain on sale of ORE held for
    investment......................          --        1,207           --           --            --            --
  General and administrative ("G&A")
    expenses........................      57,484       36,829       30,963       23,678         6,481         2,699
  Merger expenses...................       1,144           --           --           --            --            --
  SAIF special assessment...........          --        4,005           --           --            --            --
  Provision for losses on ORE.......         530          111           --           --            --         1,214
  Other noninterest expense.........         273         (490)         902        4,216           331           443
  Amortization of goodwill & premium
    on deposits.....................         464          491          450        1,269            --            --
                                      ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net income before income taxes,
    negative goodwill accretion &
    minority interest...............      16,042        8,419        8,357        5,338        (1,592)       (1,114)
  Accretion of negative goodwill....          --           --        1,578        2,705         1,578            --
                                      ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net income before income taxes &
    minority interest...............      16,042        8,419        9,935        8,043           (14)       (1,114)
  Income tax expense (benefit)......       6,096        3,035        2,516          702        (2,844)           --
  Minority interest in income from
    subsidiary trust................        (701)          --           --           --            --            --
  Minority interest in FFO..........        (674)        (505)        (503)        (131)         (197)           --
                                      ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net income (loss).................  $    8,571   $    4,879   $    6,916   $    7,210    $    2,633    $   (1,114)
                                      ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   31
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             SEVEN
                                                                                             MONTHS      FIVE MONTHS
                                                                                             ENDED          ENDED
                                                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                DECEMBER 31,     MAY 31,
                                      -------------------------------------------------   ------------   -----------
                                         1997         1996         1995         1994          1993          1993
                                      ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ------------   -----------
                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                   <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
  Earnings (loss) per share,
    diluted.........................  $     1.21   $     0.74   $     1.10   $     1.28    $     1.01    $    (1.00)
                                      ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========
  Weighted average shares
    outstanding, diluted............   7,301,499    6,626,604    6,261,368    5,632,437     2,594,923     1,117,192
                                      ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========
  Earnings (loss) per
    share -- basic..................  $     1.40   $     0.83   $     1.26   $     1.48    $     1.10    $    (1.11)
                                      ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========
  Weighted average shares
    outstanding -- basic............   6,128,014    5,857,174    5,491,250    4,868,211     2,398,066     1,002,794
                                      ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========
BALANCE SHEET DATA (at period end):
  Total assets......................  $1,552,405   $1,224,357   $1,103,480   $  879,873    $  780,711    $  168,741
  Investment & mortgage backed
    securities......................     108,593      161,357      155,345      101,028        74,042        27,433
  Loans held for sale...............     151,404       46,593       27,476        7,930        11,346            --
  Loans held in portfolio, net of
    unearned income.................   1,149,731      920,782      835,744      680,604       479,600       111,292
  Allowance for loan losses.........      20,776       18,747       20,048       15,272        15,872         1,866
  Goodwill & premium on deposits....       4,855          527        1,017          820         1,966            --
  Deposits..........................   1,361,312    1,114,907      992,041      794,717       705,584       153,660
  Stockholders' equity..............      95,531       68,178       63,833       47,618        34,003         8,058
  Book value per share..............       12.27        10.32         9.65         8.16          6.11           N/A
SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS(1):
  Return on average assets..........       0.63%        0.43%        0.68%        0.90%         0.97%         (1.61)%
  Return on average equity..........       11.44         7.41        12.62        16.73         36.97        (21.75)
  Net interest spread...............        3.71         3.63         3.65         3.87          3.88          4.21
  Net interest margin...............        4.18         4.02         3.95         4.06          4.30          4.66
  G&A expense to average assets.....        4.26         3.21         3.06         2.95          2.38          6.28
  G&A efficiency ratio..............       73.17        72.58        72.29        68.29         76.77         74.54
  Loan/deposit ratio(2).............       84.46        82.59        83.77        85.64         67.97         72.43
  Nonperforming loans to loans(1)...        2.36         2.12         2.18         2.44          4.03          2.27
  Nonperforming assets to total
    assets..........................        2.20         2.27         2.78         3.96          5.66          5.89
  Loan loss allowance to
    loans(2)(3).....................        1.81         2.04         2.40         2.24          3.31          1.68
  Loan loss allowance applicable to
    nonperforming loans from(3):
    Originated portfolio............       93.66        73.15       106.51       177.30        129.06         73.03
    March 1995 purchase.............      373.91       488.78       647.83          N/A           N/A           N/A
    CrossLand portfolio.............      421.88       126.12        41.77        23.73         39.88           N/A
    Other purchased portfolios......       22.28        89.80        41.84        82.99           N/A           N/A
         Total loans................       76.51        96.03       110.73        91.98         82.20         73.03
OTHER DATA (at period end):
  Number of branches................          46           43           43           31            29             7
  Number of full-time equivalent
    employees.......................       1,045          795          573          451           373            96
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Information is annualized, where applicable, for the periods ended December
    31, 1993 and May 31, 1993.
(2) Ratio excludes loans held for sale.
(3) See "Business -- Asset Quality" for a discussion of the allocation and
    availability of loan loss reserves among portfolios of loans within the
    Bank.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   32
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following discussion and analysis of the Company's balance sheets and
statements of operations should be read in conjunction with "Selected
Consolidated Financial Data" and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the
related notes included elsewhere herein.
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
 
COMPARISON OF BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
  Overview
 
     Total assets of the Company were $1.6 billion at December 31, 1997, and
$1.2 billion at December 31, 1996, an increase of $328.0 million. This increase
was primarily the result of the Company's acquisition of Firstate, growth in
volume of loans originated for portfolio and for sale and the Company's purchase
of $75.0 million of residential loans from the FDIC in July 1997 (the "July 1997
Purchase"). The growth was primarily funded through an increase in deposits and
the completion of an offering by RBI Capital Trust I ("RBI Capital"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, of $28.75 million cumulative trust
preferred securities (the "Preferred Securities").
 
  Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities
 
     Investment and mortgage-backed securities, consisting of U.S. Treasury and
federal agency securities, were $108.6 million at December 31, 1997, compared to
$161.4 million at December 31, 1996, a decrease of $52.8 million. The Company
has recorded all its purchased investment and mortgage-backed securities as of
December 31, 1997, as "available for sale" and all mortgage-backed securities
resulting from securitization of the Company's loans as trading securities. The
Company has also included in the trading asset category the excess spread on
mortgage servicing rights which amounted to $2.1 million at year-end 1997, $8.7
million of securities purchased from the Company's securitization of High LTV
Loans in December 1997, and the $8.2 million residual interest in cash flows
from that securitization. The Company has recorded these assets at their fair
market value. The Company recorded $1.3 million in net gains on $150.7 million
in investments and mortgage-backed securities.
 
  Loans and Loans Held for Sale
 
     Total loans held for portfolio were $1.1 billion at December 31, 1997, and
$920.8 million at December 31, 1996, an increase of $229.0 million. One-to-four
family first lien residential loans increased by $149.9 million, primarily as a
result of the July 1997 Purchase and $24.8 million of residential loans from the
Firstate Acquisition. Commercial real estate loans were $398.7 million and
$344.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 1997 and 1996.
 
  Allowance for Loan Losses
 
     The allowance for loan losses amounted to $20.8 million at December 31,
1997, compared to $18.7 million at December 31, 1996. At December 31, 1997, the
allowance for loan losses included $13.9 million allocated to loans originated
by the Company, $3.5 million allocated to the loan purchase made in March 1995
(the "March 1995 Purchase"), $1.0 million allocated to loans purchased from
CrossLand, $1.0 million allocated to the July 1997 Purchase, and $1.4 million
allocated to other loan purchases. Other activity to the allowance in 1997
included $2.6 million of provisions for loan losses (based generally on the
growth in the loan portfolio), $769,000 of loan charge-offs (net of recoveries),
$39,000 reallocated from loan discounts to the allowance and $132,000 in
allowances obtained through the Firstate Acquisition. The net charge-off amount
for the period included $115,000 assessed against the allowance for loan losses
on loans allocated to the March 1995 Purchase as properties securing certain
nonperforming loans in that purchase were acquired through foreclosure and
recorded at their fair value.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   33
 
  Nonperforming Assets
 
     Nonperforming assets amounted to $34.2 million, or 2.20% of total assets at
December 31, 1997, compared to $27.8 million, or 2.27% of total assets at
December 31, 1996. Nonperforming loans totaled $27.0 million at December 31,
1997, an increase of $7.6 million from December 31, 1996. This increase was
primarily the result of a $1.6 million increase in one-to-four residential
nonperforming loans which were purchased from the FDIC in July, $1.0 million
increase in other residential loans purchased, $2.2 million increase in
originated residential loans, $1.1 million in commercial real estate and
multifamily loans, and $1.3 million in Small Business Association ("SBA") claims
receivable. Other real estate decreased by $1.3 million from $8.3 million at
December 31, 1996, to $7.0 million at December 31, 1997. This improvement was
primarily the result of sales of $3.6 million of ORE properties at an aggregate
net gain of $109,000, which exceeded the amount of foreclosures on properties.
 
  Deposits
 
     Total deposits were $1.4 billion at December 31, 1997, compared to $1.1
billion at December 31, 1996, an increase of $246.4 million. Excluding the
Firstate Acquisition, which comprised $67.9 million in deposits at year end
1997, total deposits would have increased by $178.5 million. Compared to
December 31, 1996, retail and commercial checking balances increased by $64.5
million and certificates of deposit increased by $181.9 million.
 
  Minority Interest in Mandatorily-Redeemable Securities of Subsidiary Trust
 
     On May 29, 1997, the Company formed RBI Capital to issue the Preferred
Securities to the public. The Preferred Securities, issued through an
underwritten public offering on July 28, 1997, were sold at their $10 par value.
RBI Capital issued 2,875,000 shares of the Preferred Securities bearing a
dividend rate of 9.10% for net proceeds of $27.4 million, after deducting
underwriting commissions and other costs. RBI Capital invested the proceeds in
junior subordinated debentures of the Company ("Junior Subordinated Debentures")
which had an interest rate of 9.10%. The Company used the net proceeds from the
Junior Subordinated Debentures to increase the equity capital of the Bank.
 
  Minority Interest in FFO
 
     The FFO Merger, which was accounted for as a corporate reorganization,
required the restatement of periods prior to the September 19, 1997 merger date
as if the FFO Merger had been completed in prior years. A portion of FFO's net
income was allocated to FFO's minority shareholders. The cumulative amount of
that allocation is reflected on the balance sheet as a minority interest in FFO.
 
  Convertible Subordinated Debentures
 
     On December 27, 1996, the Company issued $6.0 million in convertible
subordinated debentures (the "Debentures") at a fixed rate of 6.0%, interest
payable semi-annually with a maturity of December 1, 2011. Under the terms of
the indenture, the Company had the right to redeem, without payment of a
premium, all or any of the Debentures if the closing price of the Company's
Common Stock equaled or exceeded 130% of the conversion price, which was
$17.78514, for not less than 20 consecutive trading days. During September 1997,
the closing price of the common stock remained above that price for the
requisite number of consecutive trading days. The Company then exercised its
option to redeem all of the outstanding Debentures on the next interest payment
date, December 1, 1997. All of the holders elected to convert the Debentures
into an aggregated 336,000 shares of Common Stock.
 
  Stockholders' Equity
 
     Stockholders' equity was $95.5 million at December 31, 1997, or 6.15% of
total assets, compared to $68.2 million, or 5.57% of total assets at December
31, 1996. At December 31, 1997, the Bank's Tier 1 ("Leverage") Capital ratio was
7.07%, its Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio was 10.25%, and its Total Risk-
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   34
 
Based Capital ratio was 11.52%, all in excess of minimum FDIC guidelines for an
institution to be considered a "well-capitalized" bank. The Company's ratios
were 6.94%, 10.05% and 11.66%, respectively.
 
COMPARISON OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND
1996
 
  Overview
 
     Net income for the year ended December 31, 1997, was $8.6 million, or $1.21
per share, compared to $4.9 million, or $0.74 per share, for the same period in
1996. Pre-tax net income before minority interest reductions for the Company
included $13.2 million from commercial banking activities and $2.8 million from
Flagship which commenced operations in April 1996. Return on average assets for
the year ended December 31, 1997, was 0.63%, compared to 0.43% for the same
period in 1996, while return on average equity was 11.44%, compared to 7.41% for
the same period in 1996.
 
  Business Segment Information
 
     The Company's operations are divided into two business segments, commercial
banking and mortgage banking. Commercial banking activities include the
Company's lending for portfolio purposes, deposit gathering through the retail
branch network, investment and liquidity management. Mortgage banking
activities, which operate through Flagship, a separate division of the Bank,
include originating and purchasing mortgage loans for sale or securitization.
The Bank provides support for Flagship in areas such as secondary marketing,
data processing and financial management. All funding for Flagship is provided
through the Bank. The following are the business segment results of operation
for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996. The Company has elected to
report its business segments without allocation of income taxes and minority
interests.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1997                                 1996
                                ----------------------------------   ----------------------------------
                                COMMERCIAL   MORTGAGE    COMPANY     COMMERCIAL   MORTGAGE    COMPANY
                                 BANKING     BANKING      TOTAL       BANKING     BANKING      TOTAL
                                ----------   --------   ----------   ----------   --------   ----------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                             <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
Total assets (at period
  end):.......................  $1,401,001   $151,404   $1,552,405   $1,177,764   $46,593    $1,224,357
OPERATING DATA:
  Interest income.............      99,327      9,130      108,457       87,473     1,471        88,944
  Interest expense............      50,772      4,151       54,923       43,986       963        44,949
                                ----------   --------   ----------   ----------   -------    ----------
  Net interest income.........      48,555      4,979       53,534       43,487       508        43,995
  Loan loss provision.........       2,628         --        2,628        2,582        --         2,582
                                ----------   --------   ----------   ----------   -------    ----------
  Net interest income after
     loan loss provision......      45,927      4,979       50,906       40,905       508        41,413
  Other noninterest income....       9,728     15,303       25,031        5,671     1,074         6,745
  Gain on sale of ORE held for
     investment...............          --         --           --        1,207        --         1,207
  General and administrative
     expenses ................      40,002     17,482       57,484       34,773     2,056        36,829
  Merger expenses.............       1,144         --        1,144           --        --            --
  SAIF special assessment.....          --         --           --        4,005        --         4,005
  Provision for losses on
     ORE......................         530         --          530          111        --           111
  ORE expense, net of ORE
     income...................         273         --          273         (490)       --          (490)
  Amort. of goodwill & prem.
     on deposits..............         464         --          464          491        --           491
                                ----------   --------   ----------   ----------   -------    ----------
  Net income (loss) before
     income taxes & minority
     interest.................  $   13,242   $  2,800       16,042   $    8,893   $  (474)        8,419
                                ==========   ========                ==========   =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   35
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1997                                 1996
                                ----------------------------------   ----------------------------------
                                COMMERCIAL   MORTGAGE    COMPANY     COMMERCIAL   MORTGAGE    COMPANY
                                 BANKING     BANKING      TOTAL       BANKING     BANKING      TOTAL
                                ----------   --------   ----------   ----------   --------   ----------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                             <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
  Income tax expense
     (benefit)................                               6,096                                3,035
  Minority interest in income
     from subsidiary trust....                                (701)                                  --
  Minority interest in FFO....                                (674)                                (505)
                                                        ----------                           ----------
  Net income..................                          $    8,571                           $    4,879
                                                        ==========                           ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Commercial Banking Activities
 
     Income from commercial banking activities (before income taxes and minority
interests) was $13.2 million for 1997, compared to $8.9 million for 1996, an
increase of $4.3 million. Commercial banking results for 1996 included the $4.0
million one-time SAIF special assessment, while results for 1997 included $1.1
million of expense related to merger activity. Excluding these items, income
from commercial banking would have increased $1.4 million or 10.86%.
 
  Mortgage Banking Activities
 
     Income from mortgage banking, an activity which began in April 1996,
improved from a pre-tax net loss of $474,000 for 1996 to net income of $2.8
million for 1997. Net interest income for this segment increased by $3.5 million
from $508,000 in 1996 to $5.0 million in 1997. Noninterest income, primarily
gains on sale and securitizations of loans, increased by $14.2 million, from
$1.1 million in 1996 to $15.3 million in 1997. The cost of producing mortgage
loans for sale or securitization also increased substantially, from $2.1 million
in 1996 to $17.5 million in 1997.
 
     The improvement in the results of operations from mortgage banking was
primarily due to the introduction of the High LTV Loan in the latter part of
1996. Income from the High LTV Loan product was $3.3 million for 1997 while
first lien mortgage loans contributed a $518,000 loss to results of operations.
A portion of the loss contribution for first lien loans resulted from the
continued expansion of mortgage banking activities into products such as
construction loans which have an extended period between cost and revenue
recognition.
 
  Analysis of Net Interest Income
 
     Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 1997, was $53.5
million, compared to $44.0 million for the same period in 1996. This $9.5
million, or 21.7% increase, was primarily the result of $9.5 million in
additional income from increased net interest rates spread partially offset by a
$163,000 increase in interest bearing liabilities over interest earning assets.
Interest income was $108.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1997, an
increase of $19.5 million from the same period in 1996. For the year ended
December 31, 1997, interest expense increased by $10.0 million to $54.9 million
from $45.0 million for the same period in 1996. The average interest earning
asset yield increased 37 basis points from 8.20% for the year ended December 31,
1996, to 8.57% for the same period in 1997 and average earning assets increased
$181.2 million from $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 1996, to $1.3
billion for the same period in 1997. During this same period, the average cost
of interest-bearing liabilities increased 28 basis points from 4.54% to 4.82%.
As a result, the Company's net interest spread increased nine basis points to
3.75%. Net interest margin, which includes the benefit of noninterest bearing
funds, increased from 4.05% for the year ended December 31, 1996, to 4.23% for
the same period in 1997.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   36
 
     The following table summarizes the average yields earned on
interest-earning assets and the average rates paid on interest-bearing
liabilities for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 (dollars in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1997                              1996
                                         -------------------------------   -------------------------------
                                          AVERAGE                AVERAGE    AVERAGE                AVERAGE
                                          BALANCE     INTEREST    RATE      BALANCE     INTEREST    RATE
                                         ----------   --------   -------   ----------   --------   -------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>
Summary of average rates/interest
  earning assets:
  Interest earning assets:
    Loans, net.........................  $1,094,363   $97,810     8.94%    $  911,669   $78,955     8.65%
    Investment securities..............      35,098     2,155     6.14         39,314     2,097     5.33
    Mortgage backed securities.........      80,348     5,252     6.54         87,224     5,375     6.16
    Trading securities.................       1,505        59     3.92             --        --     0.00
    Interest bearing deposits in
      banks............................       3,293       158     4.79          6,454       291     4.50
    FHLB stock.........................       7,918       576     7.28          6,994       512     7.32
    Federal funds sold.................      42,351     2,447     5.78         32,085     1,714     5.33
                                         ----------   -------              ----------   -------
    Total interest-earning assets......   1,264,916   108,457     8.57      1,083,740    88,944     8.20
    Non interest-earning assets........      72,228                            46,351
                                         ----------                        ----------
         Total assets..................  $1,337,144                        $1,130,091
                                         ==========                        ==========
  Interest-bearing liabilities:
    Interest checking..................  $  102,173     1,058     1.04     $  104,828   $ 1,283     1.22
    Money market.......................      33,367       647     1.94         37,778       809     2.14
    Savings............................      41,797     1,058     2.53         66,027     1,189     1.80
    Passbook gold......................     222,957    10,901     4.89        142,008     6,689     4.71
    Time deposits......................     691,922    38,647     5.59        624,787    34,166     5.47
    FHLB advances......................      22,384     1,169     5.22          6,583       365     5.54
    Other borrowings...................      25,636     1,443     5.63          8,885       448     5.04
                                         ----------   -------              ----------   -------
    Total interest-bearing
      liabilities......................   1,140,236    54,923     4.82        990,896    44,949     4.54
                                                      -------                           -------
    Non interest-bearing liabilities...     123,631                            73,190
    Stockholders' equity...............      73,277                            66,005
                                         ----------                        ----------
         Total liabilities and
           equity......................  $1,337,144                        $1,130,091
                                         ==========                        ==========   -------
  Net interest income & net interest
    spread.............................               $53,534     3.75%                 $43,995     3.66%
                                                      =======     ====                  =======     ====
  Net interest margin..................                           4.23%                             4.05%
                                                                  ====                              ====
</TABLE>
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   37
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       INCREASE
                                                                 (DECREASE) DUE TO (1)
                                                              ---------------------------
                                                              VOLUME     RATE      TOTAL
                                                              -------   -------   -------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME
Interest earning assets:
  Loans, net................................................  $13,749   $ 5,106   $18,855
  Investment securities.....................................     (101)      159        58
  Mortgage backed securities................................     (439)      316      (123)
  Trading securities........................................       59        --        59
  Interest bearing deposits in banks........................     (151)       18      (133)
  FHLB stock................................................       67        (3)       64
  Federal funds sold........................................      579       154       733
                                                              -------   -------   -------
         Total change in interest income....................   13,763     5,750    19,513
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Interest checking.........................................      (35)     (190)     (225)
  Money market..............................................      (91)      (71)     (162)
  Savings...................................................     (522)      391      (131)
  Passbook gold.............................................    3,948       264     4,212
  Time deposits.............................................    8,841    (4,360)    4,481
  FHLB advances.............................................      943      (139)      804
  Other borrowings..........................................      962        33       995
                                                              -------   -------   -------
         Total change in interest expense...................   14,046    (4,072)    9,974
                                                              -------   -------   -------
         Increase (decrease) in net interest income.........  $  (283)  $ 9,822   $ 9,539
                                                              =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Changes in net interest income due to changes in rate and/or volume are
    calculated at the individual product level (i.e., residential, commercial,
    etc.). The amounts above represent the sum of the individual amounts.
 
  Noninterest Income
 
     Noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 1997, was $25.0 million,
compared to $8.0 million for the same period in 1996, an increase of $17.1
million. This increase is primarily the result of higher income from mortgage
banking activities which increased $14.0 million, and $1.5 million of gains on
the sale of portfolio loans. Additional improvements resulted from increases in
service fees on deposit accounts of $511,000, gain on redemption of stock in a
data processing cooperative of $757,000, and Generations Gold fee income of
$317,000.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   38
 
     The following table reflects the components of noninterest income for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                            -----------------------------
                                                                                INCREASE
                                                             1997      1996    (DECREASE)
                                                            -------   ------   ----------
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>      <C>
Income from mortgage banking activities...................  $15,009   $1,002    $14,007
Service charges on deposit accounts.......................    3,358    2,847        511
Loan fee income...........................................    1,394    1,327         67
Gain on sale of loans, net................................    1,491      144      1,347
Unrealized gain (loss) on loans held for sale.............      150     (150)       300
Gain on sale of securities, net...........................      544      457         87
Net trading account profit (loss).........................      764     (196)       960
Gain on sale of ORE held-for-investment...................       --    1,207     (1,207)
Generations Gold fee income...............................      517      200        317
Merchant charge card processing fees......................      265      108        157
Foreign exchange income...................................       72       57         15
Other income..............................................    1,467      949        518
                                                            -------   ------    -------
          Total noninterest income........................  $25,031   $7,952    $17,079
                                                            =======   ======    =======
</TABLE>
 
  Noninterest Expense
 
     Total noninterest expenses for the year ended December 31, 1997, were $59.9
million, compared to $40.9 million for the same period in 1996, an increase of
$18.9 million. General and administrative ("G & A") expenses for the year ended
December 31, 1997, included in the noninterest expense total, were $57.5
million, compared to $36.8 million for the same period in 1996, an increase of
$20.7 million. This increase was primarily the result of increased costs from an
overall expansion of the Company's loan production and mortgage banking
capabilities.
 
     The following table reflects the components of noninterest expense for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  FOR THE YEARS
                                                                ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         --------------------------------
                                                                                INCREASE
                                                           1997       1996     (DECREASE)
                                                         --------   --------   ----------
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
Salaries and benefits..................................  $ 27,253   $ 18,505    $  8,748
Net occupancy expense..................................     8,118      6,381       1,737
Advertising and marketing..............................     4,638        900       3,738
FDIC and state assessments.............................       824      1,606        (782)
Data processing fees and services......................     2,605      2,119         486
Telephone expense......................................     1,421        917         504
Legal and professional.................................     1,976        922       1,054
Postage and supplies...................................     5,349      1,634       3,715
Other operating expense................................     5,300      3,845       1,455
                                                         --------   --------    --------
          Total G & A expenses.........................    57,484     36,829      20,655
Merger expenses........................................     1,144         --       1,144
SAIF special assessment................................        --      4,005      (4,005)
Provision for losses on ORE............................       530        111         419
ORE expense, net of ORE income.........................       273       (490)        763
Amortization of premium on deposits....................       464        491         (27)
                                                         --------   --------    --------
          Total noninterest expense....................  $ 59,895   $ 40,946    $ 18,949
                                                         ========   ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   39
 
  Minority Interests
 
     The minority interest reduction from a subsidiary trust, which represents
the after-tax cost of borrowings through RBI Capital, was $701,000 for 1997. The
minority interest reduction representing the portion of FFO's earnings allocable
to its minority shareholders prior to the FFO Merger, was $674,000 for 1997,
compared to $505,000 for 1996.
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
COMPARISON OF BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
  Overview
 
     Total assets of the Company were $1.2 billion at December 31, 1996, and
$1.1 billion at December 31, 1995, an increase of $120.9 million. This growth
was primarily the result of the expansion of the Company's residential and
commercial real estate loan production and mortgage banking capabilities. Total
loans increased by $104.2 million from $863.2 million at the end of 1995, to
$967.4 million at the end of 1996. Total deposits increased by $108.0 million,
from $992.0 million at year end 1995, to $1.1 billion at year end 1996.
 
  Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities
 
     The Company's investment securities consisted of U.S. Treasury Bills and
Notes. Mortgage-backed securities amounted to $82.9 million, including $15.3
million held to maturity, $62.0 million available for sale and $5.5 million as
trading.
 
  Loans and Loans Held for Sale
 
     Total loans at December 31, 1996, included $920.8 million of loans held for
portfolio and $46.6 million held for sale, a total of $967.4 million. At
December 31, 1995, these amounts were $835.7 million and $27.5 million,
respectively. The $85.0 million increase in total portfolio loans was primarily
comprised of a $45.0 million increase in commercial real estate loans to $224.7
million (24.4% of total loans), and a $33.7 million increase in other real
estate-secured loans. At December 31, 1996, loans secured by first liens on real
estate constituted 92.3% of the total loan portfolio. Commercial (business)
loans not secured by real estate increased $4.3 million while consumer loans
increased $7.8 million. Residential loan sales for 1996 amounted to $132.5
million and totaled $8.9 million for 1995.
 
  Allowance for Loan Losses
 
     The allowance for loan losses amounted to $18.7 million at December 31,
1996, compared to $20.0 million at December 31, 1995. The total amount of loans
for determining the adequacy of the allowance includes $645.3 million of loans
originated by the Company and purchased loans amounting to $275.5 million.
 
     The Company made various loan purchases totaling $157.4 million during
1994, $102.3 million during 1995 and $8.2 million in 1996. The Company allocated
a portion of the discount on its purchased loans to the allowance in amounts
consistent with loan loss allowance policy guidelines and recorded the remainder
as an unearned discount to be accredited to income as a yield adjustment. In
1995, such allocation included $7.2 million related solely to the March 1995
Purchase. Subsequently, the principal balance of the March 1995 Purchase had
declined to $39.9 million and losses on certain nonperforming loans in this pool
had reduced the allowance allocated to this purchase to $5.9 million. The
Company's history of administering this loan purchase indicates that the
expected loss rate on the remaining loans in this portfolio will be less than
the amount remaining in the allowance. Consequently, the Company reallocated
$1.5 million from the allowance to unearned discount in the fourth quarter of
1996, reducing the December 31, 1996, allowance allocated to the March 1995
Purchase to $4.4 million. The overall allowance at year end 1996 of $18.7
million also included $1.0 million allocated to loans purchased from CrossLand,
$1.8 million allocated to other loan purchases and $11.5 million allocated to
originated loans.
 
     Activity to the allowance during 1996, included a $2.6 million provision
for loan losses, loan charge-offs (net of recoveries) of $2.2 million, and $1.7
million allocated from the allowance to unearned discount. The
                                       37
<PAGE>   40
 
net charge-off amount for 1996 included $1.0 million assessed against the
allowance for loans acquired in the March 1995 Purchase as properties securing
certain nonperforming loans, which were purchased at a substantial discount,
were acquired through foreclosure and recorded at their fair value. At December
31, 1996, the amount of unearned discount on purchased loans not allocated to
allowance totaled $4.7 million.
 
  Nonperforming Assets
 
     Nonperforming assets amounted to $27.8 million, or 2.27% of total assets at
December 31, 1996, compared to $30.7 million, or 2.78% of total assets at
December 31, 1995. Nonperforming loans totaled $19.5 million at the end of 1996,
an increase of $1.4 million from the prior year end total of $18.1 million. The
ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans declined from 2.18% at the end of
1995, to 2.12% at year end 1996. Nonperforming loans at December 31, 1996 and
1995, included troubled debt restructurings of $1.1 million and $1.0 million,
respectively. ORE acquired through foreclosure decreased by $4.2 million from
$12.5 million at the end of 1995, to $8.3 million at year end 1996.
 
  Deposits
 
     Total deposits were $1.1 billion at December 31, 1996, compared to $992.0
million at the prior year end, an increase of $108.0 million. Passbook savings
accounts offered to higher-balance customers at a premium rate of 5.0% increased
by $156.5 million. The Company reduced its reliance on time deposits through a
less aggressive pricing strategy which resulted in $41.2 million decline in
certificates of deposits and a decline in other interest-bearing balances of
$7.4 million. At December 31, 1996, jumbo ($100,000 and over) deposits totaled
$62.5 million or 5.6% of total deposits. There were no brokered deposits.
 
  Convertible Subordinated Debentures
 
     In December 1996, the Company completed a private offering of $6.0 million
of 6.0% Convertible Subordinated Debentures (the "Debentures"). The proceeds
were used to increase the capital of the Bank. The Debentures were convertible
by the holder at any time prior to maturity into shares of Common Stock at a
conversion price of $17.85714 per share (equivalent to a conversion rate of 56
shares per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures). The Debentures were sold at
par and the Company incurred $213,000 in expenses associated with the offering.
The Company had the right to redeem the Debentures beginning in 2001 at 106.0%
of face value, with the premium declining 1.0% per year thereafter and without
any premium if the price of the Company Common Stock equals or exceed 130.0% of
the conversion price for not less than 20 consecutive trading days. In November
1997, the Company exercised its right to redeem all the Debentures on December
1, 1997 (the "Redemption Date"). Prior to the Redemption Date, the holders of
all the Debentures exercised their right to conversion of the Debentures into a
total of 336,000 shares of Common Stock.
 
  Stockholders' Equity
 
     Stockholders' equity of the Company was $68.2 million at December 31, 1996,
or 5.57% of total assets compared to $63.8 million, or 5.78% of total assets at
December 31, 1995. At December 31, 1996, the Company's and the Bank's capital
ratios were all in excess of minimum regulatory guidelines for an institution to
be considered "well-capitalized."
 
COMPARISON OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
  Overview
 
     Consolidated net income for 1996, was $4.9 million, or $.74 per share,
compared to $6.9 million or $1.10 per share for 1995. Consolidated net income
excluding the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") special assessment
would have been $7.4 million, or $1.11 per share for 1996, compared to $5.3
million, or $.85 per share for 1995, excluding negative goodwill accretion.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   41
 
  Analysis of Net Interest Income
 
     Net interest income for 1996, was $44.0 million, compared to $37.5 million
for 1995. This $6.5 million, or 17.4% increase was primarily the result of
additional income from balance sheet growth. Interest income was $88.9 million
for 1996, an increase of $11.4 million over 1995. During the same period,
interest expense increased by $4.8 million, from $40.1 million for 1995, to
$44.9 million for 1996. Asset yield decreased three basis points from 8.23% for
1995, to 8.20% for 1996, and average earning assets increased $140.4 million.
The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased one basis point from
4.55% to 4.54%. Net interest spread decreased two basis points from 3.68% for
1995, to 3.66% for 1996, but net interest margin, which includes the benefit of
noninterest bearing funds, increased from 3.98% for 1995, to 4.05% for 1996.
 
     The following table summarizes the average yields earned on
interest-earning assets and the average rates paid on interest-bearing
liabilities for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 (dollars in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1996                              1995
                                -------------------------------   -------------------------------
                                 AVERAGE                AVERAGE    AVERAGE                AVERAGE
                                 BALANCE     INTEREST    RATE      BALANCE     INTEREST    RATE
                                ----------   --------   -------   ----------   --------   -------
<S>                             <C>          <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>
Summary of average
  rates/interest earning
  assets:
  Interest earning assets:
     Loans, net...............  $  911,669   $78,955     8.65%    $  778,769   $67,769     8.67%
     Investment securities....      39,314     2,097     5.33         54,898     3,171     5.78
     Mortgage backed
       securities.............      87,224     5,375     6.16         45,174     2,869     6.35
     Trading securities.......          --        --     0.00             --        --     0.00
     Interest bearing deposits
       in banks...............       6,454       291     4.50          6,316       272     4.30
     FHLB stock...............       6,994       512     7.32          5,641       418     7.40
     Federal funds sold.......      32,085     1,714     5.33         52,536     3,117     5.88
                                ----------   -------              ----------   -------     ----
     Total interest-earning
       assets.................   1,083,740    88,944     8.20        943,334    77,616     8.23
     Non interest-earning
       assets.................      46,351                            62,584
                                ----------                        ----------
          Total assets........  $1,130,091                        $1,005,918
                                ==========                        ==========
  Interest-bearing
     liabilities:
     Interest checking........  $  104,828     1,283     1.22     $   96,713     1,522     1.57
     Money market.............      37,778       809     2.14         58,987     1,736     2.94
     Savings..................      66,027     1,189     1.80         65,722     1,596     2.43
     Passbook gold............     142,008     6,689     4.71         61,102     2,599     4.25
     Time deposits............     624,787    34,166     5.47        592,541    32,369     5.46
     FHLB advances............       6,583       365     5.54          2,705       163     6.03
     Other borrowings.........       8,885       448     5.04          3,304       127     3.85
                                ----------   -------              ----------   -------
     Total interest-bearing
       liabilities............     990,896    44,949     4.54        881,074    40,112     4.55
     Non interest-bearing
       liabilities............      73,190                            58,838
     Stockholders' equity.....      66,005                            66,006
                                ----------                        ----------
          Total liabilities
            and equity........  $1,130,091                        $1,005,918
                                ==========   -------              ==========   -------
  Net interest income/net
     interest spread..........               $43,995     3.66%                 $37,504     3.68%
                                             =======     ====                  =======     ====
  Net interest margin.........                           4.05%                             3.98%
                                                         ====                              ====
</TABLE>
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   42
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     INCREASE
                                                           ----------------------------
                                                              (DECREASE) DUE TO (1)
                                                           ----------------------------
CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME                             VOLUME      RATE      TOTAL
- ------------------------------                             -------   --------   -------
<S>                                                        <C>       <C>        <C>
Interest earning assets:
  Loans, net.............................................  $10,317   $    892   $11,209
  Investment securities..................................     (662)      (412)   (1,074)
  Mortgage backed securities.............................    2,594        (88)    2,506
  Trading securities.....................................       --         --        --
  Interest bearing deposits in banks.....................        7         12        19
  FHLB stock.............................................       99         (5)       94
  Federal funds sold.....................................   (1,108)      (295)   (1,403)
                                                           -------   --------   -------
          Total change in interest income................   11,247        104    11,351
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Interest checking......................................      124       (363)     (239)
  Money market...........................................     (526)      (401)     (927)
  Savings................................................       12       (419)     (407)
  Passbook gold..........................................    3,784        306     4,090
  Time deposits..........................................   14,175    (12,378)    1,797
  FHLB advances..........................................      222        (20)      202
  Other borrowings.......................................      249         72       321
                                                           -------   --------   -------
          Total change in interest expense...............   18,040    (13,203)    4,837
                                                           -------   --------   -------
          Increase (decrease) in net interest income.....  $(6,793)  $ 13,307   $ 6,514
                                                           =======   ========   =======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Changes in net interest income due to changes in rate and/or volume are
    calculated at the individual product level (i.e., residential, commercial,
    etc.). The amounts above represent the sum of the individual amounts.
 
  Noninterest Income
 
     Noninterest income for 1996, was $8.0 million, compared to $5.4 million for
1995, an increase of $2.6 million. The gain on sale of the former headquarters
building accounted for $1.2 million of the increase. Income from the Company's
expanded mortgage banking activities provided $1.0 million, service fees on
deposit accounts and Generations Gold fee income increased $383,000, loan
service and other ancillary fees increased $308,000, and net gains on sale of
investments increased $364,000. Other sources of income increased $380,000 and
merchant charge card processing fees, a program which has been discontinued,
declined $425,000.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   43
 
     The following table reflects the components of noninterest income for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                             ----------------------------
                                                                                INCREASE
                                                              1996     1995    (DECREASE)
                                                             ------   ------   ----------
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>      <C>
Income from mortgage banking operations....................  $1,002   $   --     $1,002
Service charges on deposit accounts........................   2,847    2,664        183
Loan fee income............................................   1,327    1,019        308
Gain on sale of loans, net.................................     144      210        (66)
Unrealized loss on loans held for sale.....................    (150)      --       (150)
Gain on sale of securities, net............................     457       93        364
Net trading account profit (loss)..........................    (196)     229       (425)
Gain on sale of ORE held-for-investment....................   1,207       --      1,207
Generations Gold fee income................................     200       --        200
Merchant charge card processing fees.......................     108      533       (425)
Foreign exchange income....................................      57       36         21
Other income...............................................     949      569        380
                                                             ------   ------     ------
          Total noninterest income.........................  $7,952   $5,353     $2,599
                                                             ======   ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
  Noninterest Expense
 
     Total noninterest expenses for 1996, were $40.9 million, compared to $32.3
million for the same period in 1995, an increase of $8.6 million. Noninterest
expenses for 1996, include a $4.0 million charge for the one-time SAIF Special
Assessment. See "Business -- Supervision and Regulation -- Regulation of the
Bank and the Savings Bank". G&A expenses for 1996, included in the noninterest
expense total, were $36.8 million, compared to $30.9 million, an increase of
$5.9 million. The increase was primarily the result of establishing the
Company's mortgage banking activities and related administrative support units.
 
     The following table reflects the components of noninterest expense for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                           ------------------------------
                                                                                INCREASE
                                                            1996      1995     (DECREASE)
                                                           -------   -------   ----------
<S>                                                        <C>       <C>       <C>
Salaries and benefits....................................  $18,505   $15,294    $ 3,211
Net occupancy expense....................................    6,381     5,025      1,356
Advertising..............................................      900       738        162
FDIC and state assessments...............................    1,606     2,212       (606)
Data processing fees.....................................    2,119     1,716        403
Telephone expense........................................      917       736        181
Legal and professional...................................      922       894         28
Postage and supplies.....................................    1,634     1,227        407
Other operating expense..................................    3,845     3,121        724
                                                           -------   -------    -------
Total G & A expenses.....................................   36,829    30,963      5,866
Merger expenses..........................................       --        --         --
SAIF special assessment..................................    4,005        --      4,005
Provision for losses on ORE..............................      111       240       (129)
ORE expense, net of ORE income...........................     (490)      662     (1,152)
Amortization of premium on deposits......................      491       450         41
                                                           -------   -------    -------
          Total noninterest expense......................  $40,946   $32,315    $ 8,631
                                                           =======   =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   44
 
LIQUIDITY AND ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
 
  Liquidity
 
     The Asset/Liability Management Committee ("ALCO") reviews the Company's
liquidity, which is its ability to generate sufficient cash to meet the funding
needs of current loan demand, deposit withdrawals, and other cash demands. The
primary sources of funds consist of deposits, amortization and prepayments of
loans, sales of investments, other funds from operations and the Company's
capital. The Bank is a member of the FHLB and has the ability to borrow to
supplement its liquidity needs.
 
     When the Company's primary sources of funds are not sufficient to meet
deposit outflows, loan originations and purchases and other cash requirements,
the Company may supplementally borrow funds from the FHLB and from other
sources. The FHLB acts as an additional source of funding for banks and thrift
institutions that make residential mortgage loans.
 
     FHLB borrowings, known as "advances," are secured by the Bank's mortgage
loan portfolio, and the terms and rates charged for FHLB advances vary in loan
portfolio, and the terms and rates charged for FHLB advances vary in response to
general economic conditions. As a shareholder of the FHLB, the Bank is
authorized to apply for advances from this bank. A wide variety of borrowing
plans are offered by the FHLB, each with its own maturity and interest rate. The
FHLB will consider various factors, including an institution's regulatory
capital position, net income, quality and composition of assets, lending
policies and practices, and level of current borrowings from all sources, in
determining the amount of credit to extend to an institution. As of April 24,
1998, the Company had $235 million in FHLB advances outstanding, with an
aggregate FHLB borrowing limit of $350 million. Based on Flagship's current
levels of loan production, unless other credit sources are obtained, the Company
anticipates that it will reach such limit by the end of May 1998. See
"Business -- Supervision and Regulation -- Federal Home Loan Bank System" and
"-- Liquidity."
 
     At December 31, 1997, the liquidity ratio, consisting of net cash and
investments of $275.8 million divided by net deposits and short-term liabilities
of $1.4 billion, was 19.8%, compared to 13.42% at December 31, 1996. (The
liquidity ratio as of December 31, 1996, has not been recomputed to incorporate
FFO as of that date.) Net liquid assets were $25.4 million in excess of the
amount required by Florida banking regulations.
 
  Asset/Liability Management
 
     One of the primary objectives of the Company is to reduce fluctuations in
net interest income caused by changes in interest rates. To manage interest rate
risk, the Board of Directors has established interest-rate risk policies and
procedures which delegate to ALCO the responsibility to monitor and report on
interest-rate risk, devise strategies to manage interest-rate risk, monitor loan
originations and deposit activity, and approve all pricing strategies.
 
     The management of interest-rate risk is one of the most significant factors
affecting the ability to achieve future earnings. The measure of the mismatch of
assets maturing or repricing within certain periods, and liabilities maturing or
repricing within the same period, is commonly referred to as the "gap" for such
period. Controlling the maturity or repricing of an institution's assets and
liabilities in order to minimize interest rate risk is commonly referred to as
gap management. "Negative gap" occurs when, during a specific time period, an
institution's liabilities are scheduled to reprice more rapidly than its assets,
so that, barring other factors affecting interest income and expense, in periods
of rising interest rates the institution's interest expense would increase more
rapidly than its interest income, and in periods of falling interest rates the
institution's interest expense would decrease more rapidly than its interest
income. "Positive gap" occurs when an institution's assets are scheduled to
reprice more rapidly than its liabilities, so that, barring other factors
affecting interest income and expense, in periods of falling interest rates the
institution's interest income would decrease more rapidly than its interest
expense, and in periods of rising interest rates the institution's interest
income would increase more rapidly than its interest expense. It is common to
focus on the one-year gap, which is the difference between the dollar amount of
assets and the dollar amount of liabilities maturing or repricing within the
next 12 months.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   45
 
     ALCO uses an industry standard computer modeling system to analyze the
impact of financial strategies prior to their implementation. The system
attempts to simulate the asset and liability base and project future operating
results under a variety of interest rate and spread assumptions. Through this
management tool, management can also, among other things, project the effects of
changing its asset and liability mix and modifying its balance sheet, and
identify appropriate investment opportunities. The results of these simulations
are evaluated within the context of the interestrate risk policy, which sets out
target levels for the appropriate level of interest-rate risk.
 
     The policy is to maintain a cumulative one-year gap of no more than 15% of
total assets. Management attempts to conform to this policy primarily by
managing the maturity distribution of the investment portfolio and emphasizing
loan originations and loan purchases carrying variable interest rates tied to
interest-sensitive indices. Additionally, the Bank has joined the FHLB to
enhance its liquidity position and to provide it with the ability to utilize
long-term fixed-rate advances to improve the match between interest-earning
assets and interest-bearing liabilities in certain periods. Currently,
off-balance-sheet hedging instruments are not used to manage overall interest
rate risk but such instruments are used to limit the exposure to changes in the
value of residential loans held for resale and estimated loan commitments to
originate and close fixed rate residential and mortgage loans. However, there
continues to be a risk that such loan commitments do not close or are
renegotiated in a declining interest rate environment. Management may expand its
use of off-balance sheet hedging instruments to manage exposure to overall
interest rate risk in the future, subject to Board approval.
 
     The cumulative one-year gap at December 31, 1997, was $115.6 million or a
positive 7.45% (expressed as a percentage of total assets). Management will
attempt to moderate any lengthening of the repricing structure of earning assets
by emphasizing variable-rate assets and, where appropriate, match-funding
longer-term fixed rate loans with FHLB advances. See "Business -- Sources of
Funds."
 
     The following table presents the maturities or repricing of
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at December 31, 1997.
The balances shown have been derived based on the financial characteristics of
the various assets and liabilities. Adjustable and floating-rate assets are
included in the period in which interest rates are next scheduled to adjust
rather than their scheduled maturity dates. Fixed-rate loans are shown in the
periods in which they are scheduled to be repaid according to contractual
amortization and, where appropriate, prepayment assumptions based on the coupon
rates in the portfolio have been used to adjust the repayment amounts. Repricing
of time deposits is based on their scheduled maturities. Based on management's
experience in the markets in which the Company operates, statement savings
deposits are assumed to reprice at 8.3% of the total balance in the first three
months, 25.0% in the four-to-twelve month category and the remaining 66.7% from
one to five years. Passbook savings deposits are assumed to reprice equally over
a 24-month period. Repricing of interest checking is assumed to occur at 12.7%
of the total
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   46
 
balance for every three-month interval over a five-year period and repricing of
money market accounts is assessed at 25.0% of the total balance over a 12-month
period.
 
                         INTEREST SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          0-3 MONTHS          4-12 MONTHS          1-5 YEARS          OVER 5 YEARS
                                       -----------------   -----------------   ------------------   -----------------
                                                  YIELD/              YIELD/               YIELD/              YIELD/
                                        AMOUNT     RATE     AMOUNT     RATE     AMOUNT      RATE     AMOUNT     RATE
                                       --------   ------   --------   ------   ---------   ------   --------   ------
                                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                    <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>        <C>
Interest-earning assets:
  U.S. Treasury securities and
    government agencies..............  $     --    0.00%   $ 10,512    5.68%   $      --      --    $  4,024    7.45%
  Revenue bonds......................        --      --          --      --        1,545    8.60          --      --
  Mortgage backed securities.........     3,961    6.64      69,266    6.65           --      --       2,339    6.77
  Trading securities.................    16,946    8.60          --      --           --      --          --      --
  Federal funds sold.................    33,000    5.55          --      --           --      --          --      --
  Interest bearing deposits in
    banks............................       672    5.46          --      --           --                  --      --
  FHLB stock.........................        --      --          --      --           --      --       8,148    7.25
  Loans held for sale................   110,000   10.78      41,403   10.78           --      --          --      --
  Portfolio loans....................   314,265    9.21     285,875    8.27      294,674    8.62     255,187    8.45
                                       --------            --------            ---------            --------
         Total interest-earning
           assets....................  $478,844    8.96    $407,056    8.18    $ 296,219    8.62    $269,698    8.17
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Deposits
    Interest checking................  $ 13,722    1.09    $ 41,166    1.09    $  82,352    1.09    $     --      --
    Money market.....................     7,593    2.08      22,780    2.08           --      --          --      --
    Savings..........................     4,446    1.98      13,338    1.98       35,551    1.98          --      --
    Generations Gold.................    19,854    4.88      59,562    4.88      158,852    4.88          --      --
    Time deposits....................   175,593    5.44     357,470    5.51      272,823    5.97       2,350    5.80
  FHLB advances......................    35,000    5.90          --      --           --      --          --      --
  Obligations under capital leases...        30    7.49          90    7.49          184    7.49          --      --
  Repurchase agreements..............    19,654    4.99          --      --           --      --          --      --
Minority interest in consolidated
  subsidiary.........................        --      --          --      --           --      --      28,750    9.10
                                       --------            --------            ---------            --------
         Total interest-bearing
           liabilities...............  $275,892    5.06    $494,406    4.81    $ 549,762    4.67    $ 31,100    8.64
                                       --------            --------            ---------            --------
Excess (deficiency) of
  interest-earning assets over
  interest-bearing liabilities.......  $202,952    3.90%   $(87,350)   3.37%   $(253,543)   3.95%   $238,598   (0.47)%
                                       ========   =====    ========   =====    =========   =====    ========   =====
Cumulative excess (deficiency) of
  interest-earning assets over
  interest-bearing liabilities.......  $202,952    3.90%   $115,602    3.70%   $(137,941)   3.80%   $100,657    3.61%
                                       ========   =====    ========   =====    =========   =====    ========   =====
Cumulative excess (deficiency) of
  interest-earning assets over
  interest-bearing liabilities as a
  percent of total assets............             13.07%               7.45%               (8.89)%              6.48%
                                                  =====               =====                =====               =====
</TABLE>
 
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
 
     As a financial institution, the majority of the Company's assets are
monetary in nature and, therefore, differ greatly from those of most industrial
or commercial companies that have significant investments in fixed assets. The
effects of inflation on the financial condition and results of operations,
therefore, are less significant than the effects of changes in interest rates.
The most significant effect of inflation is on noninterest expense, which tends
to rise during periods of general inflation.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   47
 
YEAR 2000 CONSIDERATIONS
 
     In the next two years, many companies, including financial institutions
such as the Company, will face potentially serious issues associated with the
inability of existing data processing hardware and software to appropriately
recognize calendar dates beginning in the year 2000. Many computer programs that
can only distinguish the final two digits of the year entered may read entries
for the year 2000 as the year 1900 and compute payment, interest or delinquency
based on the wrong date, or are expected to be unable to compute payment,
interest or delinquency. In 1997, the Company began the process of identifying
the many software applications and hardware devices expected to be impacted by
this issue. The Company outsources its principal data processing activities to
one or more third parties and purchases most of its software applications from
third party vendors. The Company believes that its vendors are actively
addressing the problems associated with the "Year 2000" issue. While the Company
expects that efforts on the part of current employees of the Company will be
required to continue to monitor Year 2000 activities, the Company does not
expect the cost of addressing any Year 2000 issue will be a material event or
uncertainty that would cause reported financial information not to be
necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial condition.
However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be adversely
affected by the failure of any third party vendors or significant customers of
the Bank to become Year 2000 compliant.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   48
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
     The Company is a registered bank holding company formed in February 1996
under the laws of the State of Florida, whose principal subsidiary is the Bank,
a Florida-chartered, FDIC-insured commercial bank headquartered in St.
Petersburg, Florida. As a result of the sale of several Florida-based banking
organizations to out-of-state bank holding companies in January 1998, the
Company is now the largest independent commercial bank holding company in
Florida, based on its December 31, 1997 assets of $1.6 billion. The Bank
provides a broad range of traditional commercial banking services, emphasizing
real estate and business lending. The Bank is also active in mortgage banking
through its mortgage banking division, Flagship, which originates first lien
residential mortgages and High LTV Loans. Currently, the Bank's branch network
consists of 46 branches in Brevard, Hernando, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco,
Pinellas, Sarasota and Seminole counties. At December 31, 1997, the Company's
consolidated assets totaled $1.6 billion, loans held in portfolio totaled $1.1
billion, deposits totaled $1.4 billion and stockholders' equity was $95.5
million. The Company is regulated by the Federal Reserve, and the Bank is
regulated by the Department and the FDIC. The Bank's deposits are insured by the
FDIC up to applicable limits, and the Bank is a member of the FHLB. Upon the
consummation of the NationsBank Branch Acquisition, the Savings Bank will be
subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the OTS and the FDIC.
 
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR OPERATING HISTORY
 
     In May 1993, the Controlling Stockholders, William R. Hough and John W.
Sapanski, acquired from the prior controlling stockholder more than 99.0% of the
Bank's outstanding common stock. As of December 31, 1997, the Controlling
Stockholders (and their respective affiliates and immediate family members)
owned shares of the Company's voting stock representing approximately 54.0% and
6.5%, respectively, of the total voting rights of the Company. Following the
consummation of the Offering, Messrs. Hough and Sapanski will own 43.0% and
5.2%, respectively, of the total voting rights of the Company (if, as
anticipated, the Controlling Stockholders do not purchase any shares of Common
Stock in this Offering. Mr. Hough is a member of the Company's and the Bank's
Board of Directors and Mr. Sapanski serves as the Company's and the Bank's
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President.
 
     Following the Change in Control, the Bank began to implement a program of
expanding its branches and lines of business. In December 1993, the Bank
purchased 12 branches in Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties from CrossLand,
assumed deposit liabilities of $327.7 million, and purchased performing and non-
performing loans secured by real estate and ORE amounting to $201.6 million. The
Bank paid CrossLand $11.5 million for the branches and related furniture,
fixtures, equipment and other assets, plus a $1.9 million premium on the dollar
amount of the deposits assumed. The CrossLand Purchase and Assumption almost
tripled the Bank's size, increasing total assets to $531.3 million and total
deposits to $494.3 million at December 31, 1993. Additionally, the 12 CrossLand
branches expanded the Bank's market coverage to include Manatee and Sarasota
counties and more than doubled the Bank's branch network to a total of 19
branches.
 
     Also in December 1993, the Bank sold 1,398,200 shares of its common stock
in an initial public offering at a price of $8.00 per share. The net proceeds
from the offering totaled $10.3 million. In addition, the Bank sold 75,000
shares of its preferred stock for a purchase price of $6.6 million (or $88.00
per share). In June 1995, the Bank sold 800,000 shares of its common stock in a
combined subscription rights and public offering at $12.50 per share, with net
proceeds totaling $9.1 million.
 
     During the latter part of 1994 and throughout 1995, the Bank continued to
pursue a strategy of increasing its retail banking presence on the west central
coast of Florida. The Bank opened 13 additional new branches, expanding its
market presence in existing counties and providing entry into Pasco County.
 
     In January 1996, the Bank's shareholders approved a reorganization under
which the Bank became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. All holders of
shares of the Bank's common and preferred stock received one share of Common
Stock or Preferred Stock, as appropriate, for each share of the Bank's common or
preferred stock held of record. Holders of outstanding options to purchase or
acquire the Bank's common stock received options to purchase an equal number of
shares of Common Stock.
                                       46
<PAGE>   49
 
     During 1996 and 1997, the Company focused on increasing its residential
lending capabilities. In conjunction with the establishment of Flagship in April
1996 and its internal growth, the Company added eight residential loan
production offices in Florida, one residential loan production office in Boston,
Massachusetts, as well as wholesale loan production operations in St.
Petersburg, Florida and in Irvine, California. These offices expanded the
Company's product line to include government-insured first mortgage loans, and,
beginning in the fourth quarter of 1996, High LTV Loans. At the same time, the
Company also began purchasing residential mortgage loans from mortgage brokers
and other third-party originators for resale. The strategy of the Company is to
sell or securitize substantially all of the loans it originates and purchases
through Flagship. The Company has engaged in various whole loan sales and
consummated its first securitization of High LTV Loans totaling $60.0 million in
December 1997. The Company currently anticipates further whole loan sales and/or
securitizations on a quarterly or other periodic basis during 1998, depending
upon then-prevailing market conditions and other factors.
 
     In addition to expanding its mortgage banking activities, the Company also
continued its geographic expansion strategy throughout 1997. In January 1997,
the Company opened a new branch in Hernando County. In April 1997, the Company
acquired Firstate for a cash purchase price of $5.5 million. The Firstate
Acquisition increased the Company's presence in central Florida, where the
Company previously operated a loan production office but had no branches. On the
date of acquisition, Firstate had total assets of $71.1 million and total
deposits of $67.9 million. The Firstate Acquisition was accounted for using
purchase accounting rules.
 
     In July 1997, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, RBI Capital
completed an offering by RBI Capital of $28.8 million of Preferred Securities.
The proceeds from the Preferred Securities were used to purchase an equivalent
amount of the Company's Junior Subordinated Debentures. The net proceeds from
the sale of the Junior Subordinated Debentures were contributed by the Company
to the regulatory capital of the Bank. See Note 3 of the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.
 
     On September 19, 1997, FFO was merged into the Company in the FFO Merger.
The FFO Merger further increased the Company's presence in central Florida by
adding 11 branches in Brevard, Orange and Osceola counties. On the date of the
FFO Merger, FFO had total assets of $328.4 million, total loans of $222.4
million and total deposits of $281.3 million. The FFO Merger was accounted for
as a corporate reorganization in which Mr. Hough's interests in FFO and the
Company were combined at historical cost in a manner similar to a pooling of
interests, while the minority interests in FFO were combined with the Company
using purchase accounting rules.
 
     On March 31, 1998, the Company sold on a non-recourse basis the Repo Loans
to SPC, a wholly owned, second-tier subsidiary of the Company, which was formed
for the purpose of purchasing and holding the loans. The Repo Loans were sold on
a whole loan basis with the Company retaining servicing rights. The SPC
purchased the loans utilizing a capital contribution from the Company and the
$81.3 million in proceeds from the Repurchase Agreement simultaneously entered
into between the SPC and a New York based investment banking firm. The capital
contribution was treated for accounting purposes as an investment in an
unconsolidated subsidiary carried at the lower of cost or market. See "Recent
Developments -- Republic SPC 1 Corp."
 
     The Company anticipates continuing its strategy of geographic expansion for
the foreseeable future through whole bank and thrift acquisitions, branch
acquisitions and de novo branching, depending upon various factors, including
whether (i) the transaction will be accretive to earnings no later than one year
following the acquisition; (ii) the transaction will provide the Company with a
new or additional location in a desirable market area; (iii) the transaction
will close an existing gap in the Company's branch network; or (iv) the
transaction will present competitive opportunities, such as branches becoming
available due to bank mergers and other consolidations.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     The Company's business strategy entails (i) originating and purchasing real
estate-secured loans for portfolio and sale, (ii) originating business and
consumer loans for portfolio; (iii) improving market share and expanding its
market coverage through acquisitions of other financial institutions, branch
purchases and de
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   50
 
novo branching; (iii) increasing non-interest income through expanded mortgage
banking activities and increased emphasis on commercial and retail checking
relationships; and (v) increasing its range of products and services. While
pursuing this strategy, management remains committed to improving asset quality,
managing interest rate risk, enhancing profitability and maintaining its status
as a well-capitalized institution for regulatory capital purposes.
 
     The results of the Company's business strategy include:
 
     - Expanded Branch Network -- Since the Change in Control, the Company has
       expanded its retail banking presence from seven branches in northern
       Pinellas County to its current 46 branches in Brevard, Hernando, Manatee,
       Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Seminole counties. In
       December 1997, the Company entered into the NationsBank Branch Agreements
       to acquire seven additional branches located in Columbia, Marion, Monroe
       and Suwannee counties in Florida and one branch in Glynn County, Georgia.
       In March 1998, the Company entered into the Bankers Merger Agreement to
       acquire Bankers, which operates two branches in Dade County, and the Dime
       Branch Agreement to acquire the Dime Branch located in Broward County. In
       April 1998, the Company entered into the Lochaven Agreement to acquire
       Lochaven, which operates one branch in Orange County.
 
     - Substantial Asset Growth -- Since the Change in Control, the Company has
       increased in asset size from approximately $168.7 million to
       approximately $1.6 billion at year-end 1997. The Proposed Acquisitions,
       if all are consummated, will increase the total asset size of the Company
       to approximately $2.2 billion. This asset growth is largely attributable
       to bulk purchases of loan portfolios and deposit assumptions such as the
       CrossLand Purchase and Assumption, acquisitions of other financial
       institutions such as Firstate, FFO and Bankers, branch purchases such as
       the NationsBank Branch Acquisition and the Dime Branch Acquisition, the
       opening of new branches and internally-generated deposit and loan growth.
 
     - Increased Mortgage Banking and Other Fee-Generating
       Activities -- Primarily through the establishment of Flagship, with its
       emphasis on mortgage banking activities, the Company has dramatically
       increased its levels of non-interest income, both in absolute terms and
       as a relative percentage of its net income. In 1997, Flagship contributed
       approximately $15.3 million in non-interest income (over 60% of total
       non-interest income) and $2.8 million in pre-tax income to the Company.
       The Company has also increased its non-interest income through improved
       revenue from expanded deposit products. As a result of the Company having
       expanded its sources and amounts of fee income, total non-interest income
       was 1.85% of average assets in 1997, as compared to 0.63% in 1994, the
       first full year after the Change in Control.
 
     - Improved Asset Quality Ratios -- A significant portion of the assets of
       the Bank at the time of the Change in Control and the assets acquired in
       the CrossLand Purchase and Assumption were nonperforming. As a result,
       the Company's nonperforming assets were $44.2 million, or 5.66% of total
       assets, at year-end 1993. At December 31, 1997, nonperforming assets had
       been reduced to $34.2 million, or 2.20% of total assets, primarily
       through the implementation of consistent loan underwriting policies and
       procedures, centralization of all credit decision functions, increased
       size of the loan portfolio, write-offs and sales of ORE. However, the
       level of the Company's nonperforming assets continues to be higher than
       that of peer group institutions. See "Risk Factors -- Nonperforming
       Assets."
 
     - Management of Financial Risks -- One of the Company's primary objectives
       is to reduce the financial risk from fluctuations in net interest income
       caused by changes in market interest rates and changes in the value of
       its mortgage loans held for sale. To manage interest rate risk, the
       Company generally limits holding loans in its portfolio to those that
       have variable interest rates tied to interest-sensitive indices and
       actively manages the maturities within the investment portfolio. The
       Company also engages in various hedging activities to reduce its exposure
       to the risks attributable to mortgage loans held pending subsequent sale
       or securitization. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
       Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Asset/Liability
       Management."
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   51
 
MARKET AREA
 
     Currently, the Company has 46 branches in Florida, including three branches
in Pasco County, 20 branches in Pinellas County, seven branches in Manatee
County, five branches in each of Osceola and Brevard counties, two branches in
each of Sarasota and Orange counties, and one branch in each of Hernando and
Seminole counties. As a multi-branch institution, the Company's market area
encompasses all of the counties in which it operates. If consummated, the
Proposed Acquisitions will increase the Bank's branch network from 46 branches
in nine counties in Florida to 57 branches in 15 counties in Florida and the
Savings Bank will have one branch in Glynn County, Georgia, with its
headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Company also operates eight
residential loan production offices in Florida, one residential loan production
office in Boston, Massachusetts, and one wholesale loan production office in
Irvine, California.
 
     Florida is a highly competitive state for financial services of all kinds.
Competition for deposits also exists from money market funds and credit unions.
Competition for mortgage loans is extremely strong from specialized lenders,
other mortgage bankers and independent brokers capable of selling qualified
mortgage loans to the highest bidder. Similarly, consumers can choose from a
wide range of suppliers of personal credit, including credit card companies,
consumer finance companies and credit unions.
 
SOURCES OF FUNDS
 
     Deposit accounts are the primary source of funds for lending, investment,
and other general business purposes. In addition to deposits, funds are derived
from loan repayments and loan sales. Scheduled loan payments on the residential
loan portfolio are a relatively stable source of funds, while residential loan
prepayments and deposit in-flows and out-flows are significantly influenced by
general interest rate and money market conditions. Funding needs may be
supplemented through borrowings from the FHLB which are secured by a blanket
lien on the portfolio of residential loans. Management believes that current
funding requirements can be met through retail deposits and borrowings from the
FHLB, without reliance on brokered deposits. To the extent there are
requirements for short-term financing beyond liquid assets, the Company intends
to rely on repurchase agreements, FHLB advances, and other traditional money
market sources of funding. For additional discussion of asset/liability
management policies and strategies, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Asset/Liability
Management."
 
     A full range of deposit services is offered, including checking and other
transaction accounts, savings accounts, and time deposits. At December 31, 1997,
the Company had no brokered deposits, and time deposits in amounts of $100,000
or more constituted 8.52% of total deposits.
 
     The following table sets forth the principal types of deposit accounts
offered and the aggregate amounts of such accounts at December 31, 1997 (dollars
in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      WEIGHTED
                                                       AVERAGE                     PERCENT OF
                                                    INTEREST RATE     AMOUNT     TOTAL DEPOSITS
                                                    -------------   ----------   --------------
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>          <C>
Noninterest bearing...............................      0.00%       $   93,843          6.9%
Interest checking.................................      1.09           137,240         10.1
Passbook savings..................................      2.08            30,389          2.2
Statement savings.................................      4.89           238,268         17.5
Money market......................................      1.98            53,336          3.9
Time deposits with original maturities of:
  One year or less................................      5.37           166,878         12.3
  Over 1 year through 5 years.....................      5.60           513,546         37.7
  Over 5 years....................................      6.25           127,812          9.4
                                                                    ----------       ------
          Total time deposits (1).................      5.65           808,236         59.4
                                                                    ----------       ------
          Total deposits..........................      4.36%       $1,361,312       100.00%
                                                                    ==========       ======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Includes time deposits greater than $100,000 of $116.0 million.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   52
 
     At December 31, 1997, scheduled maturities of total time deposits were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED                                                               PERCENT OF TOTAL
DECEMBER 31,                                                   AMOUNT     TIME DEPOSITS
- ------------                                                  --------   ----------------
                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
         1998...............................................  $533,606          66.0%
         1999...............................................   171,234          21.2
         2000...............................................    59,772           7.4
         2001...............................................    31,634           3.9
         2002...............................................    10,974           1.4
         Thereafter.........................................     1,016           0.1
                                                              --------        ------
              Total time deposits...........................  $808,236        100.00%
                                                              ========        ======
</TABLE>
 
    LENDING AND LOAN PORTFOLIO PURCHASE ACTIVITIES
 
     The Company originates a full range of lending products for its portfolio
and real estate-secured loans for sale in the secondary market. Portfolio
lending efforts are focused on customers located along the west coast of Florida
and in central Florida. During 1995, the Company opened commercial loan
production offices in central and southwest Florida. The Company's portfolio
objective is to maintain a one-to-four family, primarily adjustable-rate,
residential loan portfolio of at least 50% of its total loans and to achieve,
over time, a level of approximately 10% of its total loan portfolio in consumer
loans, consisting of home equity loans as well as extensions of credit for other
household purposes such as automobile loans and secured personal loans. The
approximate 40% remainder of the loan portfolio will consist of commercial real
estate loans, multifamily residential loans and commercial (business) loans in
relatively the same proportions as they currently are represented.
 
     For 1997, originations of residential mortgage loans totaled $482.3
million, including $401.8 million in fixed rate loans and $80.5 million of
adjustable rate loans. Contributing to this increase in residential mortgage
loan originations was the employment of a commissioned sales force experienced
in loan originations and a support staff whose compensation is also
significantly incentive based. Sales of residential loans totaled $389.9 million
for 1997. Originations of commercial real estate and commercial (business) loans
totaled $297.6 million for 1997.
 
     In addition to the CrossLand Purchase and Assumption and the Firstate
Acquisition, which included $193.5 million and $56.8 million of loans,
respectively, the Company made various loan purchases totalling $102.3 million
in 1995, $8.2 million in 1996 and $95.4 million in 1997.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   53
 
     The following tables set forth information concerning the loan portfolio,
based on total dollars and percent of portfolio, by collateral type as of the
dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       AT DECEMBER 31,
                                    ------------------------------------------------------
                                       1997        1996       1995       1994       1993
                                    ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
<S>                                 <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Real estate mortgage loans:
  One-to-four family
     residential..................  $  642,178   $492,269   $465,924   $351,417   $206,960
  Multifamily residential.........      83,302     88,115     93,703    106,495     85,349
  Commercial real estate..........     265,153    224,715    179,716    139,687    122,877
  Construction/land development...      50,203     31,382     24,262     25,564     11,642
  Home equity loans...............      45,663     13,704      7,871      7,568      7,324
                                    ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
          Total real estate
            mortgage loans........   1,086,499    850,185    771,476    630,731    434,152
Commercial loans..................      36,263     37,417     33,121     29,479     25,212
Consumer loans....................      26,527     31,886     24,069     17,150     16,183
Lease financing receivables.......         442      1,294      2,367      3,244        945
Other loans.......................          --         --         --         --      3,108
                                    ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
          Total portfolio loans...   1,149,731    920,782    831,033    680,604    479,600
Allowance for loan losses.........     (20,776)   (18,747)   (20,048)   (15,272)   (15,872)
                                    ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Portfolio loans, net of
     allowance....................   1,128,955    902,035    810,985    665,332    463,728
Loans held for sale:
Residential first mortgage
  loans...........................     105,734     41,082     27,476      7,930     11,346
Title I/Debt consolidation loans
  (High LTV's)....................      45,670      5,511         --         --         --
                                    ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Loans held for sale.............     151,404     46,593     27,476      7,930     11,346
                                    ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
          Total loans.............  $1,280,359   $948,628   $838,461   $673,262   $475,074
                                    ==========   ========   ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the balance of loans purchased included in
portfolio totals amounted to $322.8 million and $286.5 million, respectively.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                    ------------------------------------------
                                                     1997     1996     1995     1994     1993
                                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
<S>                                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Based on percent of portfolio:
Real estate mortgage loans:
  One-to-four family residential..................   55.85%   53.46%   56.07%   51.63%   43.15%
  Multifamily residential.........................    7.25     9.57    11.28    15.65    17.80
  Commercial real estate..........................   23.06    24.40    21.63    20.52    25.62
  Construction/land development...................    4.37     3.41     2.92     3.76     2.42
  Home equity loans...............................    3.97     1.49     0.93     1.11     1.53
                                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
          Total real estate mortgage loans........   94.50    92.33    92.83    92.67    90.52
Commercial loans..................................    3.15     4.06     3.99     4.33     5.26
Consumer loans....................................    2.31     3.47     2.90     2.52     3.37
Lease financing receivables.......................    0.04     0.14     0.28     0.48     0.20
Other loans.......................................    0.00     0.00     0.00     0.00     0.65
                                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
          Total portfolio loans...................  100.00%  100.00%  100.00%  100.00%  100.00%
                                                    ======   ======   ======   ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   54
 
     The following table sets forth the contractual amortization of real estate
and commercial loans at December 31, 1997. Loans having no stated schedule of
repayments and no stated maturity are reported as due in one year or less. The
table also sets forth the dollar amount of loans scheduled to mature after one
year, according to their interest rate characteristics (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               DECEMBER 31, 1997          DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                            ------------------------   ------------------------
                                            REAL ESTATE   COMMERCIAL   REAL ESTATE   COMMERCIAL
                                            -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------
<S>                                         <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>
Amounts due:
  One year or less........................  $   64,668     $15,156      $ 91,174      $18,730
  After one through five years............     273,650      17,728       178,746       16,580
  More than five years....................     748,181       3,380       580,265        2,107
                                            ----------     -------      --------      -------
          Total...........................  $1,086,499     $36,264      $850,185      $37,417
                                            ==========     =======      ========      =======
Interest rate terms on amounts due after
  one year:
  Adjustable..............................  $  689,181     $ 6,806      $511,222      $12,053
  Fixed...................................     332,650      14,302       247,789        6,634
                                            ----------     -------      --------      -------
          Total...........................  $1,021,831     $21,108      $759,011      $18,687
                                            ==========     =======      ========      =======
</TABLE>
 
MORTGAGE BANKING ACTIVITIES
 
     In April 1996, the Company started Flagship, which currently has eight
residential loan production offices in Florida, one residential loan production
office in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as wholesale lending operations in St.
Petersburg, Florida and in Irvine, California. The Company's wholesale lending
operation is engaged in acquiring whole loans from third-party mortgage brokers
and originators. Substantially all of the loans generated by the mortgage
banking division are intended for sale into the secondary market via
securitization or a whole loan basis, depending upon individual loan
characteristics, securities market conditions, and the relative profitability of
either sales approach. A securitization is the packaging of whole loans into an
asset-backed security for sale to investors. Most of the first lien residential
mortgage loans originated by Flagship are securitized using one of the federal
guarantee agencies which purchases the loans from the Bank and issues a security
in their place, assessing a guarantee fee to assume the credit risk associated
with the loans. The Bank normally retains the right to service the loans after
securitization.
 
     In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company's mortgage banking division also
began to originate High LTV Loans secured by junior liens on real estate and
selling these loans to investors. These loans are typically solicited using
direct mail and television or radio advertising and origination is made via a
telemarketing program. The interest rate on these loans averages approximately
14% and the combined first and second lien loan-to-value ratio of these High LTV
Loans typically ranges from 110% to 125%. These loans are made to borrowers who
lack sufficient equity in their homes but have a credit profile and
debt-to-income level meeting certain standards established by the Company. In
December 1997, the Company consummated its first securitization of $60.0 million
of High LTV Loans via a private placement, retaining the servicing rights to the
loans and ownership of the residual interest in cash flows from the securities.
 
CREDIT ADMINISTRATION
 
     The loan approval process provides for various levels of lending authority
to loan officers, the Officers' Loan Committee, and the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer. In addition, loans in excess of $1.5 million require the
approval of the Board of Directors' Loan Committee or a majority of the full
Board prior to funding. Loan purchases are generally made subject to the same
underwriting standards as loan originations. All loan purchases must be approved
in advance of funding by the Company's Chief Executive Officer and are reported
to the full Board following purchase. To achieve consistency in underwriting
policies and procedures, the supervision of all credit decision functions is
centralized.
 
     Real estate lending is defined as extensions of credit secured by liens on
interests in real estate or made for the purpose of financing the construction
of a building or other improvements to real estate, regardless of
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   55
 
whether a lien has been taken on the property. Applicable regulations require
that comprehensive written real estate lending policies be adopted and
maintained that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices. These
lending policies must reflect consideration of the Interagency Guidelines for
Real Estate Lending Policies adopted by the federal banking agencies in December
1992 (the "Guidelines"). Pursuant to the mandates of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA"), the Guidelines set
forth regulations prescribing standards for real estate lending, which the
Company has incorporated into its lending policy.
 
     The Company's lending policy addresses certain lending considerations set
forth in the Guidelines, including LTV limits,1oan administration procedures,
underwriting standards, portfolio diversification standards and documentation,
approval and reporting requirements. The LTV ratio framework, with an LTV ratio
being the total amount of credit to be extended divided by the appraised value
or purchase price of the property at the time the credit is originated, has been
established for each category of real estate loans. The Company's policy,
subject to certain approval exceptions, establishes, among other things, the
following LTV limits: raw land (65%); land development (75%); construction
(commercial, multifamily and non-residential) (80%); and improved property
(85%). For portfolio purposes, loans on one-to-four family residential (owner
occupied) mortgages where the LTV exceeds 95% are not made, and any LTV ratio in
excess of 80% generally requires appropriate insurance or additional security
from readily marketable collateral. Loans with a LTV higher than 95% may be made
if saleable to investors at an acceptable premium. The policy is reviewed and
approved by the Board of Directors at least annually.
 
     The Company's commercial (business) lending is based on a strategy of
extending credit to the local business community, and the Company's policy has
been to make corporate and commercial loans to borrowers with satisfactory cash
flows.
 
     The loan portfolio is managed on an ongoing basis pursuant to written
portfolio management strategies, guidelines for underwriting standards and risk
assessment, and procedures for ongoing identification and management of credit
deterioration. Regular portfolio reviews are undertaken to estimate loss
exposure and ascertain compliance with policies. See "-- Asset Quality."
 
ASSET QUALITY
 
  Allowance/Provision for Loan Losses
 
     The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of an amount
adequate to provide for potential losses inherent in the loan portfolio.
However, it is likely that there are additional risks of future losses which
cannot be quantified precisely or attributed to particular loans or classes of
loans. Because those risks include general economic trends, as well as
conditions affecting individual borrowers, management's judgment of the reserve
is necessarily approximate and imprecise. The allowance is also subject to
regulatory examinations and determinations as to adequacy, which may take into
account such factors as the methodology used to calculate the allowance and the
size of the allowance in comparison to peers identified by the regulatory
agencies.
 
     The Company believes that its loan loss allowance policy is both consistent
with policies established by the FDIC and commensurate with historical loss
experience. Provisions for loan losses charged to expense during each period
will be the result of management's assessment of the adequacy of the allowance
when compared to the inherent risk of the portfolio. As part of the risk
assessment for loans purchased in the CrossLand Purchase and Assumption and for
loans purchased in subsequent years, management allocated a portion of the
discount on such loan purchases to the allowance in amounts which are consistent
with loan loss allowance policy guidelines. Amounts resulting from discount
allocation to the allowance are available to absorb potential losses only on
those purchased loans and are not available for losses from other loans. To the
extent that losses in certain pools or portfolios of loans exceed the loan loss
allowance and any remaining unearned loan discount, or available as a general
allowance, the Company's results of operations would be adversely effected.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   56
 
     Management conducts an ongoing evaluation and grading of its loan portfolio
according to an eight point rating system. The loan ratings serve as a guideline
in assessing the risk level of a particular loan and provide a basis for the
establishment of the overall allowance. The Loan Review Department independently
rates loans and, on a quarterly basis, meets with senior management and the loan
officers to discuss all loans which have been identified for potential credit
quality problems. The Loan Review Department also reports its findings to the
Directors' Audit Committee to ensure independence of the loan grading function.
 
     In addition to the CrossLand Purchase and Assumption which included $193.5
million of loans, various loan purchases were made totaling $157.4 million
during 1994, $102.3 million during 1995, $8.2 million during 1996 and $95.4
million during 1997. A portion of the discount on those purchased loans was
allocated to the allowance in amounts consistent with the Company's loan loss
allowance policy guidelines. The remainder of the discount arising from the
purchase price is recorded as unearned discount and subsequently accreted to
income as a yield adjustment over the life of the loans. In 1995, such
allocation included $7.2 million related solely to one particular portfolio
purchase in the aggregate principal amount of $48.1 million. Subsequently, the
principal balance of the March 1995 Purchase had declined to $39.9 million and
the allowance allocated to this purchase was reduced to $4.4 million. This was
principally the result of charges to the reserve for loans which were
nonperforming when acquired and subsequently taken into foreclosure and recorded
at their fair value. The Company's history of administering this loan purchase
indicates that the expected loss rate on the remaining loans in this portfolio
will be less than the amount remaining in the allowance. Consequently, the
Company reallocated $1.5 million from the allowance to unearned discount in the
fourth quarter of 1996, reducing the December 31, 1996 allowance allocated to
the March 1995 Purchase to $4.4 million. In the third quarter of 1997, the
Company sold $7.2 million of loans previously purchased and transferred $773,000
of the amount originally allocated to the allowance for purchased loans into the
allocation for originated loans. At December 31, 1997, $3.4 million was
allocated to the March 1995 Purchase, $1.0 million was allocated to loans
purchased from CrossLand, $1.0 million was allocated to the July 1997 Purchase,
$1.4 million was allocated to other loan purchases, and $13.9 million was
allocated to originated loans (including any loans acquired through acquisition
of other financial institutions). At December 31, 1997, the amount of unearned
discount on purchased loans which had not been allocated to the allowance
totaled $4.6 million.
 
     Adjustments to the allowance during 1997 included a $2.6 million provision
for loan losses, $769,000 of loan chargeoffs (net of recoveries), $39,000
reallocated from loan discounts to the allowance and $132,000 in allowances
obtained through the Firstate Acquisition. Adjustments to the allowance during
1996 included a $2.6 million provision for loan losses, loan charge-offs (net of
recoveries) of $2.2 million, and $1.7 million transferred to unearned discount.
The net charge-off amount for 1996 included $1.0 million assessed against the
allowance for loans acquired in the March 1995 Purchase as properties securing
certain nonperforming loans, which were purchased at a substantial discount,
were acquired through foreclosure and recorded at their fair value.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   57
 
     The following table sets forth information concerning the activity in the
allowance for loan losses during the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SEVEN         FIVE
                                                                            MONTHS       MONTHS
                                                                            ENDED        ENDED
                                       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,            DEC. 31,    MAY 31,(1)
                               ----------------------------------------    --------    ----------
                                1997       1996       1995       1994        1993         1993
                               -------    -------    -------    -------    --------    ----------
<S>                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
Allowance at beginning of
  period.....................  $18,746    $20,048    $15,272    $15,872    $ 8,293       $1,958
Reserves from Firstate
  acquisition................      132         --         --         --         --           --
Allowance activity related to
  minority interest..........       --         --         --         --      2,294           --
Loan discount (net) allocated
  to/(from) the allowance for
  loans acquired in the:
  CrossLand Purchase and
     Assumption..............       --         --         --       (757)     4,046           --
  CrossLand Loans purchased
     in 1994.................       --       (202)        --      1,400         --           --
  Loans purchased in 1995....     (773)    (1,541)     7,658         --         --           --
  Loans purchased in 1996....       --         11         --         --         --           --
  Loans purchased in 1997....      812         --         --         --         --           --
                               -------    -------    -------    -------    -------       ------
          Total loan discount
            allocated
            to/(from)
            allowance........       39     (1,732)     7,658        643      4,046           --
Charge-offs:
Residential loans (1-4
  family)....................     (590)    (1,736)      (275)      (119)      (745)          --
Commercial real estate/multi-
  family.....................       --       (170)    (4,054)    (1,612)    (1,586)         (43)
Commercial (business)........     (125)      (249)    (1,000)      (320)      (437)        (439)
Consumer and other loans.....     (288)      (292)      (207)      (141)      (268)         (50)
                               -------    -------    -------    -------    -------       ------
          Total
            charge-offs......   (1,003)    (2,447)    (5,536)    (2,192)    (3,036)        (532)
Recoveries:
  Residential loans (1-4
     family).................        3         31         50         62        928            1
  Commercial real
     estate/multi-family.....       54         35        379        113         19            1
  Commercial loans
     (business)..............      152        168         53         64         91           44
  Consumer and other loans...       25         62         10          1         15           15
                               -------    -------    -------    -------    -------       ------
          Total recoveries...      234        296        492        240      1,053           61
Net charge-offs..............     (769)    (2,151)    (5,044)    (1,952)    (1,983)        (471)
Reclassification of allowance
  for foreclosures under
  adoption of SFAS Nos. 114
  and 118....................       --         --         --        537         --           --
Provisions for loan losses...    2,628      2,582      2,162        172      3,222          379
                               -------    -------    -------    -------    -------       ------
Allowance at end of period...  $20,776    $18,747    $20,048    $15,272    $15,872       $1,866
                               =======    =======    =======    =======    =======       ======
Charges to allocated loan
  discount...................     0.04%      0.16%      0.10%      0.23%      0.00%        0.00%
Other net charge-offs........     0.03       0.08       0.55       0.12       0.59         0.43
                               -------    -------    -------    -------    -------       ------
          Total net
            charge-offs to
            average loans....     0.07%      0.24%      0.65%      0.35%      0.59%        0.43%
                               =======    =======    =======    =======    =======       ======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Restatement to include FFO for the five months ended May 31, 1993, is not
    required.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   58
 
     The following table sets forth the allocation of the allowance based on
management's subjective estimates and the percent of the loan portfolio for each
category presented. The amount allocated to a particular segment should not be
construed as the only amount available for future charge-offs that might occur
within that segment. In addition, the amounts allocated by segment may not be
indicative of future charge-off trends. The allocation of the allowance may
change from year to year should management determine that the risk
characteristics of the loan portfolio and off-balance sheet commitments have
changed.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DECEMBER 31, 1997        DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                       ----------------------   ----------------------
                                                                   PERCENT                  PERCENT
ALLOWANCE ALLOCATION                                   AMOUNT    OF PORTFOLIO   AMOUNT    OF PORTFOLIO
- --------------------                                   -------   ------------   -------   ------------
                                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                    <C>       <C>            <C>       <C>
Performing/not classified:
  Residential loans:
     March 1995 Purchase.............................  $ 3,421        2.3%      $ 4,171        1.9%
     All other residential...........................    1,344       57.6         2,058       58.0
Commercial (business)................................      347        2.7           370        2.5
Commercial real estate...............................    3,340       28.4         3,137       28.1
Consumer & other.....................................    1,383        5.5           931        6.1
                                                       -------      -----       -------      -----
          Subtotal...................................  $ 9,835       96.5       $10,667       96.6
Non-performing/classified:
Special mention......................................      181        0.7           124        0.6
Substandard & nonperforming..........................    5,050        2.6         3,488        2.6
Doubtful.............................................      722        0.1           674        0.1
Loss.................................................      992        0.1           800        0.1
                                                       -------      -----       -------      -----
          Subtotal...................................    6,945        3.5         5,086        3.4
Off balance sheet risk(1)............................      946         --           434         --
Unallocated..........................................    3,050         --         2,560         --
                                                       -------      -----       -------      -----
          Total......................................  $20,776      100.0%      $18,747      100.0%
                                                       =======      =====       =======      =====
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Includes unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit.
 
  Nonperforming Assets
 
     Nonperforming assets include (i) loans which are 90 days or more past due
and have been placed into non-accrual status, (ii) restructured loans that have
not yet demonstrated a sufficient payment history to warrant return to
performing status and therefore, are not accruing interest, (iii) accruing loans
that are 90 days or more delinquent that are deemed by management to be
adequately secured and in the process of collection, and (iv) ORE (i.e., real
estate acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure). All
delinquent loans are reviewed on a regular basis and are placed on non-accrual
status when, in the opinion of management, the possibility of collecting
additional interest is deemed insufficient to warrant further accrual. As a
matter of policy, interest is not accrued on loans past due 90 days or more
unless the loan is both well secured and in process of collection. When a loan
is placed in non-accrual status, interest accruals cease and uncollected accrued
interest is reversed and charged against current income. Additional interest
income on such loans is recognized only when received.
 
     Loans classified as non-accrual totaled $19.4 million at December 31, 1996
compared to $27.0 million at December 31, 1997, an increase of $7.6 million.
This increase was primarily the result of a $1.6 million increase in one-to-four
family residential nonperforming loans from the July 1997 Purchase, a $1.0
million increase in other purchased residential loans, a $2.2 million increase
in originated residential loans, $1.3 million in SBA claims receivable recorded
as nonperforming following the FFO Merger and an increase of $1.1 million in
commercial real estate and multifamily loans. At December 31, 1997 and December
31, 1996, the Company had nonperforming assets (including loans classified as
non-accrual) of $34.2 million or 2.20% of total assets and $27.8 million or
2.27% of total assets, respectively. The ratio of nonperforming assets to total
assets was 2.78% at year end 1995 and 3.96% at year end 1994. Accruing loans
which were 90 days past due
                                       56
<PAGE>   59
 
amounted to $196,000 at December 31, 1997 and $113,000 at December 31, 1996, and
primarily consisted of loans in process of renewal. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Comparison of
Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996."
 
     The following table sets forth information regarding the components of
nonperforming assets at the dates indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       AT DECEMBER 31,
                                       -----------------------------------------------
NON-ACCRUAL LOANS                       1997      1996      1995      1994      1993
- -----------------                      -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                    <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Residential loans (1-4 family)(1)...   $13,675   $ 9,446   $10,427   $ 9,433   $ 5,000
Multifamily residential.............       194        55       129     1,160    10,670
Commercial real estate..............     9,121     8,140     4,119     3,907     1,769
Commercial (business)...............     2,031     1,604     1,059     1,179     1,002
Home equity and consumer............       619       164       495       632       143
SBA claims receivable...............     1,319        --        --        --        --
                                       -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
          Total non-accrual loans...    26,959    19,409    16,229    16,311    18,584
ORE acquired through foreclosure....     6,997     8,320    12,546    18,205    24,853
Accruing loans 90 days past due ....       196       113     1,876       293       725
                                       -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Nonperforming assets..............   $34,152   $27,842   $30,651   $34,809   $44,162
                                       =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
  Nonperforming loans to loans......      2.37%     2.12%     2.18%     2.44%     4.03%
                                       =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
  Nonperforming assets to assets....      2.20%     2.27%     2.78%     3.96%     5.66%
                                       =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Net of $157,000, $184,000 and $950,000 of loan loss allowances at December
    31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, allocated to nonaccrual loans
    acquired in the March 1995 Purchase.
 
  Other Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure
 
     All ORE assets are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value
based on appraisal information that is updated when a property is taken into ORE
and thereafter when determined appropriate by management. As of December 31,
1997, in no case did the book value of any ORE property exceed 90% of the most
recent appraisal. The following table sets forth information regarding the
Company's ORE balances, net of allowances, as of the dates indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        AT DECEMBER 31,
                                         ---------------------------------------------
                                          1997     1996     1995      1994      1993
                                         ------   ------   -------   -------   -------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
Vacant undeveloped residential land...   $1,145   $1,334   $ 1,755   $ 2,444   $ 4,137
Vacant developed residential lots.....      254      254       265       434       600
Residential houses....................    1,654    2,541       860     1,313       795
Vacant commercial undeveloped land....      855      821     1,357     6,419     4,716
Commercial land developed for sale....    2,600    3,200     4,823     6,771     9,545
Income-producing commercial
  buildings...........................      427       12     2,801        --     3,534
Vacant commercial buildings...........       62       --       685       824     1,526
                                         ------   ------   -------   -------   -------
          Total ORE...................   $6,997   $8,162   $12,546   $18,205   $24,853
                                         ======   ======   =======   =======   =======
ORE to total assets...................     0.45%    0.68%     1.14%     2.07%     3.18%
                                         ======   ======   =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1997, ORE properties with book values in excess of $1.0
million included a tract of land in Holiday, Florida, currently carried at $2.6
million, that has been developed as a shopping center site. This tract was
obtained in 1988 through foreclosure in connection with a $1.8 million loan. The
tract contains wetlands, some of which were required to be filled, and the
resultant permitting process took approximately five years to complete. During
that time, more than $2.0 million was spent in engineering, environmental, and
legal costs (which costs were capitalized) and approximately $500,000 for the
purchase of several additional
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   60
 
parcels of land required for environmental mitigation purposes pursuant to the
permit requirements. The Company is offering for sale the completed shopping
center sites and other commercial pad sites. One shopping center site was sold
to a developer who constructed the retail space for the anchor tenants, Publix
and Walgreens. The Company presently operates a branch banking facility on the
tract. Federal regulations had required the Bank to dispose of the tract no
later than December 31, 1996, but the FDIC has approved two extensions of the
holding period to December 1998. While the current appraisal indicates that the
fair market value of the tract exceeds book value, a sale to a party other than
an end-user could result in proceeds below the current book value.
 
  Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
     A troubled debt restructuring ("TDR") is a situation in which the creditor
allows the debtor certain concessions that would not normally be allowed, such
as modifying the terms of the debt to a basis more favorable than those offered
to other creditors or accepting third-party receivables to reduce the debt. At
December 31, 1997 and 1996, the loan portfolio included TDRs amounting to $7.2
million and $7.4 million, respectively. Restructured, nonperforming loans (all
in non-accrual status), included in total TDRs, for those same periods were $4.9
million and $6.0 million, respectively.
 
REGULATORY LIABILITY REQUIREMENTS
 
     State law requires that a specified minimum amount of liquid assets be
maintained, based on the level of deposits, which are subject to certain
restrictions. At all times during 1997, the amount of liquid assets maintained
exceeded the regulatory minimum.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     At December 31, 1997, there were 1,045 full-time equivalent employees, none
of whom were represented by a union or other collective bargaining agreement.
The Company makes use of part-time and flex-time employees in connection with
its branch operations. One of the Company's primary operating principles is to
nurture its staff through, among other things, fair compensation, a good working
environment and career development and enhancement opportunities. Management
considers its relations with its employees to be good.
 
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
 
     The Company and the Bank are, and the Savings Bank once chartered will be,
extensively regulated under both federal and state law. The following is a brief
summary of certain statutes, rules and regulations affecting the Company, the
Bank and the Savings Bank. This summary is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provisions referenced below
and is not intended to be an exhaustive description of the statutes or
regulations applicable to the Company's business. Supervision, regulation and
examination of the Company, the Bank and the Savings Bank by the bank regulatory
agencies are intended primarily for the protection of depositors rather than
stockholders.
 
     Regulation of the Company.  The Company is a bank holding company
registered with the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956,
as amended ("BHC Act"). As such, the Company is subject to the supervision,
examination and reporting requirements of the BHC Act and the regulations of the
Federal Reserve.
 
     The BHC Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior
approval of the Federal Reserve before: (i) it may acquire direct or indirect
ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank if, after such
acquisition, the bank holding company will directly or indirectly own or control
more than 5.0% of the voting shares of the bank; (ii) it or any of its
subsidiaries, other than a bank, may acquire all or substantially all of the
assets of the bank; or (iii) it may merge or consolidate with any other bank
holding company. Similar federal statutes require bank holding companies and
other companies to obtain the prior approval of the OTS before acquiring
ownership or control of a savings association.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   61
 
     The BHC Act further provides that the Federal Reserve may not approve any
transaction that would result in a monopoly or would be in furtherance of any
combination or conspiracy to monopolize or attempt to monopolize the business of
banking in any section of the United States, or the effect of which may be
substantially to lessen competition or to tend to create a monopoly in any
section of the country, or that in any other manner would be in restraint of
trade, unless the anticompetitive effects of the proposed transaction are
clearly outweighed by the public interest in meeting the convenience and needs
of the community served. The Federal Reserve is also required to consider the
financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the bank holding
companies and banks concerned and the convenience and needs of the communities
to be served. Consideration of financial resources generally focuses on capital
adequacy, and consideration of convenience and needs issues includes the
parties' performance under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (the "CRA").
 
     The BHC Act, as amended by the interstate banking provisions of the
Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the
"Interstate Banking Act"), authorizes the Company, and any other bank holding
company located in Florida to acquire a bank located in any other state, and any
bank holding company located outside Florida may lawfully acquire any
Florida-based bank, regardless of state law to the contrary, in either case
subject to certain deposit-percentage, aging requirements, and other
restrictions. The Interstate Banking Act also generally provides that national
and state-chartered banks may branch interstate through acquisitions of banks in
other states, unless a state has "opted out" of the interstate branching
provisions of the Interstate Banking Act prior to June 1, 1997. Neither Florida
nor any other state in the southeastern United States has "opted out."
Accordingly, the Company would have the ability to acquire a bank in a state in
the Southeast and thereafter consolidate all of its bank subsidiaries into a
single bank with interstate branches.
 
     The BHC Act generally prohibits the Company from engaging in activities
other than banking or managing or controlling banks or other permissible
subsidiaries and from acquiring or retaining direct or indirect control of any
company engaged in any activities other than those activities determined by the
Federal Reserve to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling
banks as to be a proper incident thereto. While these activity restrictions are
not applicable to the Bank, they will apply to the Savings Bank. Thus, the
Savings Bank and its subsidiaries will not be able to engage in certain
insurance- and real estate development-related activities that could otherwise
be conducted if the thrift were a stand-alone entity or were owned by a unitary
savings and loan holding company.
 
     In determining whether a particular activity is permissible, the Federal
Reserve must consider whether the performance of such an activity reasonably can
be expected to produce benefits to the public, such as greater convenience,
increased competition, or gains in efficiency, that outweigh possible adverse
effects, such as undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair
competition, conflicts of interest, or unsound banking practices. For example,
operating a thrift subsidiary, factoring accounts receivable, acquiring or
servicing loans, leasing personal property, conducting discount securities
brokerage activities, performing certain data processing services, acting as
agent or broker in selling credit life insurance and certain other types of
insurance in connection with credit transactions, and performing certain
insurance underwriting activities all have been determined by the Federal
Reserve to be permissible activities of bank holding companies. The BHC Act does
not place territorial limitations on permissible nonbanking activities of bank
holding companies. Despite prior approval, the Federal Reserve has the power to
order a bank holding company or its non-bank subsidiaries to terminate any
activity or to terminate its ownership or control of any subsidiary when it has
reasonable cause to believe that continuation of such activity or such ownership
or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness, or
stability of any bank subsidiary of the holding company.
 
     Under Federal Reserve policy, bank holding companies are expected to act as
a source of financial strength and support to their subsidiary banks. This
support may be required at times when, absent such Federal Reserve policy, the
holding company may not be inclined to provide it. In addition, any capital
loans by a bank holding company to any bank subsidiary are subordinate in right
of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary
bank. In the event of a bank holding company's bankruptcy, any commitment by the
bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital
of a subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a
priority payment.
                                       59
<PAGE>   62
 
     Regulation of the Bank and the Savings Bank.  The Bank is organized as a
Florida-chartered commercial bank and is regulated and supervised by the
Department. In addition, the Bank is regulated and supervised by the FDIC, which
serves as its primary federal regulator and the administrator of the fund that
insures the Bank's deposits. Accordingly, the Department and the FDIC conduct
regular examinations of the Bank, reviewing the adequacy of the loan loss
reserves, quality of loans and investments, propriety of management practices,
compliance with laws and regulations, and other aspects of the Bank's
operations. In addition to these regular examinations, the Bank must furnish to
the FDIC quarterly reports containing detailed financial statements and
schedules. Once organized, the Savings Bank will be subject to regulation,
supervision and examination by the OTS as its chartering authority and primary
regulator, and by the FDIC as the administrator of the Savings Bank's insurance
fund. The OTS' examinations of the Savings Bank will be similar to the current
examinations of the Bank by the FDIC and the Department.
 
     Federal and Florida banking laws and regulations govern all areas of the
operations of the Bank, including reserves, loans, mortgages, capital, issuances
of securities, payment of dividends, and establishment of branches. As its
primary federal regulator, the FDIC has authority to impose penalties, initiate
civil and administrative actions and take other steps intended to prevent the
Bank from engaging in unsafe or unsound practices. The Bank is a member of the
Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") and, as such, deposits in the Bank are insured by
the FDIC to the maximum extent permissible by law.
 
     As a federally-chartered institution, the Savings Bank and its
deposit-taking and lending activities will be governed primarily by federal law,
although certain aspects of Florida and Georgia law will be applicable to the
Savings Bank and its branch banking facility in Brunswick. The OTS will exercise
supervision and enforcement authority over the Savings Bank similar to that
currently exercised by the FDIC with respect to the Bank. The Savings Bank will
be a member of the SAIF, and deposits in the Savings Bank will be insured by the
FDIC to the same extent as those of the Bank.
 
     The Bank is, and the Savings Bank will be, subject to the provisions of the
CRA. Under the CRA, the Bank and the Savings Bank have a continuing and
affirmative obligation consistent with their safe and sound operation to help
meet the credit needs of their entire communities, including low- and
moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending
requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit the Bank's
or the Savings Bank's discretion to develop the types of products and services
that it believes are best suited to their particular communities, consistent
with the CRA. The CRA requires the appropriate federal bank regulatory agency
(in the case of the Bank, the FDIC, and in the case of the Savings Bank, the
OTS), in connection with their regular examinations, to assess a financial
institution's record in meeting the credit needs of the community serviced by
it, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. A federal banking agency's
assessment of a financial institution's CRA record is made available to the
public. Further, such assessment is required whenever the institution applies
to, among other things, establish a new branch that will accept deposits,
relocate an existing office or merge or consolidate with, or acquire the assets
of or assume the liabilities of, a federally-regulated financial institution. In
the case where Republic applies for approval to acquire a bank or other bank
holding company, the federal regulator approving the transaction will also
assess the CRA records of the Bank (and, after it is chartered, the Savings
Bank). The Bank received a "Satisfactory" CRA rating in its most recent
examination.
 
     In April 1995, the federal banking agencies adopted amendments revising
their CRA regulations, with a phase-in schedule applicable to various
provisions. Among other things, the amended CRA regulations, which became fully
effective on July 1, 1997, substitute for the prior process-based assessment
factors a new evaluation system that will rate an institution based on its
actual performance in meeting community needs. In particular, the system now
focuses on three tests: (i) a lending test, to evaluate the institution's record
of making loans in its service areas; (ii) an investment test, to evaluate the
institution's record of investing in community development projects; and (iii) a
service test, to evaluate the institution's delivery of services through its
branches and other offices. The amended CRA regulations also clarify how an
institution's CRA performance will be considered in the application process. The
Company does not anticipate that the revised CRA regulations will have any
material impact on the Bank's or the Savings Bank's operations or that they will
have any impact on either institution's CRA rating.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   63
 
     Deposit Insurance.  The Bank is, and the Savings Bank will be, subject to
FDIC deposit insurance assessments. In 1994, the Bank became subject to a new
risk-based assessment system for insured depository institutions that takes into
account the risks attributable to different categories and concentrations of
assets and liabilities. The new system assigns an institution to one of three
capital categories: (i) well capitalized; (ii) adequately capitalized; and (iii)
undercapitalized. An institution is also assigned, by the FDIC, to one of three
supervisory subgroups within each capital group. The supervisory subgroup to
which an institution is assigned is based on a supervisory evaluation provided
to the FDIC by the institution's primary federal regulator and information the
FDIC determines to be relevant to the institution's financial condition and the
risk posed to the deposit insurance funds (which may include, if applicable,
information provided by the institution's state supervisor). An institution's
insurance assessment rate is then determined based on the capital category and
supervisory category to which it is assigned. Under the risk-based assessment
system, there are nine assessment risk classifications (i.e., combinations of
capital groups and supervisory subgroups) to which different assessment rates
are applied. Assessment rates on deposits for an institution in the highest
category (i.e., "well capitalized" and "healthy") are less than assessment rates
on deposits for an institution in the lowest category (i.e., "undercapitalized"
and "substantial supervisory concern").
 
     Prior to enactment of the Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 (the "Funds
Act"), the SAIF assessments were used to pay interest on bonds issued by the
Financing Corporation (the "FICO") in the late 1980s to fund the resolution of
troubled thrifts, and only insurance payments by SAIF-member institutions were
available to satisfy FICO's interest payment obligations. A second provision of
the Funds Act severs the linkage that had existed between the SAIF and the FICO
funding requirements, authorizing the FICO to impose its own assessments
separate and apart from any insurance fund assessment. The Funds Act also shifts
a portion of the FICO funding obligations to BIF-member institutions beginning
in 1997. Through the end of 1999, the FICO assessment rate on BIF-assessable
deposits is required by the statute to be one-fifth of the SAIF rate.
Thereafter, FICO assessment rates for members of both insurance funds will
presumably be equalized.
 
     Currently, the FICO assessment rate for BIF-assessable deposits is 0.013
percent (or 1.3 basis points) and the FICO assessment rate for SAIF assessable
deposits is 0.0648 percent (or 6.48 basis points). In 1997, the Bank's total
FICO payment obligation was $824,000, $782,000 of which was attributable to the
Bank's SAIF-assessable deposits, and the balance of which was attributable to
its BIF-assessable deposits. As noted above, because all of the Savings Bank's
initial deposits are being acquired from a BIF-insured bank, it is anticipated
that all of the Savings Bank's deposits will be subject to the BIF's 1.3 basis
point assessment rate in 1998 and 1999 (rather than the SAIF's rate) barring any
assumption of SAIF-assessed deposits by the Savings Bank during such period.
 
     The Bank, as a state-chartered commercial bank, is a member of the BIF.
However, as part of the CrossLand Purchase and Assumption, the Bank acquired
$327.7 million in deposits insured by the SAIF and thereby became a so-called
Oakar bank. Based on the CrossLand Purchase and Assumption and the Firstate
Acquisition, the Bank is required to pay insurance premiums to the FDIC on a
substantial portion of its deposits at the SAIF assessment rate notwithstanding
its status as a BIF member. As of December 31, 1996, the most recent measurement
date for assessment purposes, approximately 76.0% of the Bank's deposits were
treated as SAIF-insured deposits, with the remaining 24.0% of deposits being
assessed at the BIF rate. The Savings Bank, once chartered, will technically be
a member of the SAIF. However, since all of its initial deposits will be
deposits assumed by the Savings Bank from Barnett Bank, a BIF-member bank, it is
anticipated that all of the Savings Bank's deposits will be assessed at the BIF
assessment rate. It is also anticipated that the deposits assumed in the Dime
Branch Acquisition will be assessed at the BIF assessment rate.
 
     Until recently, the FDIC had established separate risk-based assessment
schedules for the BIF and the SAIF. In December 1996, the FDIC established the
current assessment schedule for BIF-assessed and SAIF-assessed deposits, with
assessment rates ranging from zero percent to 0.27 percent (or 27 basis points)
of deposits.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   64
 
     As part of the omnibus budget legislation passed in 1996, Congress enacted
the Funds Act. With certain exceptions, the Funds Act imposed a one-time special
assessment on SAIF-assessable deposits held by all depository institutions in an
aggregate amount that would cause the SAIF to meet its designated reserves-to-
deposits ratio of 1.25 percent. Pursuant to the Funds Act, the Bank on November
27, 1996 paid a special assessment to the SAIF of $4.0 million.
 
     Capital Requirements.  The Company and the Bank are, and the Savings Bank
will be, required to comply with the capital adequacy standards established by
the Federal Reserve (for the Company), the FDIC (for the Bank) and the OTS (for
the Savings Bank). There are three basic measures of capital adequacy for banks
that have been promulgated by the Federal Reserve; two risk-based measures and a
leverage measure. All applicable capital standards must be satisfied for a bank
holding company to be considered in compliance.
 
     The risk-based capital standards are designed to make regulatory capital
requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profile among banks and bank
holding companies, to account for off-balance-sheet exposure, and to minimize
disincentives for holding liquid assets. Assets and off-balance-sheet items are
assigned to broad risk categories each with appropriate weights. The resulting
capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets
and off-balance-sheet items.
 
     The minimum guidelines for the ratio of total capital ("Total Capital") to
risk-weighted assets (including certain off-balance-sheet items, such as standby
letters of credit) is 8.0%. At least half of Total Capital (i.e., 4.0% of
riskweighted assets) must comprise common stock, minority interests in the
equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, noncumulative perpetual preferred
stock, and a limited amount of cumulative perpetual preferred stock, less
goodwill and certain other intangible assets ("Tier 1 Capital"). The remainder
may consist of subordinated debt, other preferred stock, and a limited amount of
loan loss reserves ("Tier 2 Capital"). In addition, the Federal Reserve has
established minimum leverage ratio guidelines for bank holding companies. These
guidelines provide for a minimum ratio of Tier 1 Capital to average assets, less
goodwill and certain other intangible assets, of 3.0% for banks that meet
certain specified criteria, including having the highest regulatory rating. All
other bank holding companies generally are required to maintain a leverage ratio
of at least 3.0%, plus an additional cushion of 100 to 200 basis points. The
guidelines also provide that bank holding companies experiencing internal growth
or making acquisitions will be expected to maintain strong capital positions
substantially above the minimum supervisory levels, without significant reliance
on intangible assets. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve has indicated that it
will consider a "tangible Tier 1 Capital leverage ratio" (deducting all
intangibles) and other indicators of capital strength in evaluating proposals
for expansion or new activities.
 
     The Bank had previously undertaken in writing to the FDIC to achieve a
leverage ratio of at least 5.5% by December 31, 1995, which it did, and the
Company will consider raising additional capital or reducing internal growth in
order to maintain the Bank's leverage ratio at or above that level, should the
ratio fall below that level in the future. Other than the foregoing commitment,
the Bank has not been advised by the FDIC of any specific minimum capital ratio
requirement applicable to it. As a condition to obtaining its charter and FDIC
insurance of accounts, the Savings Bank will be required to maintain a Tier 1
Capital-to-average assets ratio of at least 8.0% during its first three years of
operations. See Note 16 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements
included elsewhere herein.
 
     Dividends.  As a Florida-chartered commercial bank, the Bank is subject to
the laws of Florida as to the payment of dividends. Under the Florida Financial
Institutions Code, the prior approval of the Department is required if the total
of all dividends declared by a bank in any calendar year will exceed the sum of
the bank's net profits for that year and its retained net profits for the
preceding two years.
 
     As a federally-chartered thrift institution, the Savings Bank will be
subject to the OTS' regulations applicable to the payment of dividends and other
capital distributions by savings associations. Under these regulations, a thrift
that is well-capitalized (i.e., has risk-based capital of 10.0% or more, Tier 1
Capital of 5.0% or more and Tier 1 risk-based capital of 6.0% or more), both
before and after the proposed distribution, and that has not been designated by
the OTS as being "in need of more than normal supervision" may distribute in a
calendar year the greater of (i) 100.0% of net income for the current calendar
year plus 50.0% of its "capital surplus" or (ii) 75.0% of its net income over
the most recent four quarters. The percentages of
                                       62
<PAGE>   65
 
income that may be distributed are lower for thrifts that are adequately
capitalized. It is the Company's current intention to maintain the Savings Bank
at a well-capitalized level such that it will be able to upstream as much of its
net income as is not required for the thrift's current operations and future
growth.
 
     Under Federal law, if, in the opinion of the federal banking regulator, a
bank or thrift under its jurisdiction is engaged in or is about to engage in an
unsafe or unsound practice (which, depending on the financial condition of the
depository institution, could include the payment of dividends), such regulation
may require, after notice and hearing, that such institution cease and desist
from such practice. The federal banking agencies have indicated that paying
dividends that deplete a depository institution's capital base to an inadequate
level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. Under the Prompt
Corrective Action regulations adopted by the federal banking agencies in
December 1992, a depository institution may not pay any dividend to its holding
company if payment would cause it to become undercapitalized or if it already is
undercapitalized.
 
     Federal Reserve System.  The Federal Reserve regulations require banks to
maintain non-interest-earning reserves against their transaction accounts
(primarily NOW and regular checking accounts). The new Federal Reserve
regulations, effective April 1, 1997, generally require that reserves be
maintained against aggregate transaction accounts as follows: (i) for accounts
aggregating $49.3 million or less (subject to adjustment by the Federal Reserve)
the reserve requirement is 3.0%; and (ii) for accounts greater than $49.3
million, the reserve requirement is $1,479,000 plus 10.0% (subject to adjustment
by the Federal Reserve between 8.0% and 14.0%) against that portion of total
transaction accounts in excess of $49.3 million. The first $4.4 million of
otherwise reservable balances (subject to adjustments by the Federal Reserve)
are exempted from the reserve requirements. The Company anticipates that the
Bank and the Savings Bank will be in compliance with the foregoing requirements.
The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the Federal
Reserve may be used to satisfy liquidity requirements imposed by the Department.
Because required reserves must be maintained in the form of either vault cash, a
noninterest-bearing account at a Federal Reserve Bank or a pass-through account
as defined by the Federal Reserve, the effect of this reserve requirement is to
reduce the Bank's interest-earning assets. The FHLB System members also are
authorized to borrow from the Federal Reserve "discount window," but Federal
Reserve regulations require institutions to exhaust all Federal Home Loan Bank
sources before borrowing from a Federal Reserve Bank.
 
     Federal Home Loan Bank System.  The Bank is a member of the FHLB System,
which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks governed and regulated by
the Federal Housing Finance Board (the "FHFB"). The Federal Home Loan Banks
provide a central credit facility for member institutions. The Bank, as a member
of the FHLB, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB
in an amount at least equal to the greater of 1% of the aggregate principal
amount of its unpaid residential mortgage loans, home purchase contracts and
similar obligations as of the close of each calendar year, or 5% of its
borrowings from the FHLB (including advances and letters of credit issued by the
FHLB on the Bank's behalf). Once it is chartered, the Savings Bank will be
required to become a member of the FHLB and to purchase stock in the FHLB.
 
     The FHLB makes advances to members in accordance with policies and
procedures periodically established by the FHFB and the Board of Directors of
the FHLB. Currently outstanding advances from the FHLB are required to be
secured by a member's shares of stock in the FHLB and by certain types of
mortgages and other assets. Interest rates charged for advances vary depending
on maturity, the cost of funds to the FHLB and the purpose of the borrowing. As
of December 31, 1997, the Bank had $35.0 million of outstanding advances from
the FHLB.
 
     Liquidity.  Under Florida banking regulations, the Bank is required to
maintain a daily liquidity position equal to at least 15.0% of its total
transaction accounts and 8.0% of its total nontransaction accounts, less those
deposits of public funds for which security has been pledged as provided by law.
The Bank may satisfy its liquidity requirements with cash on hand (including
cash items in process of collection), deposits held with the Federal Reserve,
demand deposits due from correspondent banks, Federal funds sold,
interest-bearing deposits maturing in 31 days or less and the market value of
certain unencumbered, rated, investment-grade securities and securities issued
by Florida or any county, municipality or other political subdivision within
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   66
 
Florida. The FDIC also reviews the Bank's liquidity position as part of its
examination and imposes similar requirements on the Bank. Any Florida-chartered
commercial bank that fails to comply with its liquidity requirements generally
may not further diminish liquidity either by making any new loans (other than by
discounting or purchasing bills of exchange payable at sight) or by paying
dividends. At December 31, 1997, the Bank's net liquid assets exceeded the
minimum amount required under the applicable Florida regulations.
 
     The OTS' regulations currently require all savings associations to maintain
an average daily balance of liquid assets (cash, certain time deposits, banker's
acceptances, specified United States government, state or federal agency
obligations and other corporate debt obligations and commercial paper) equal to
5.0% of the sum of the average daily balance during the preceding calendar month
of net withdrawable accounts and short-term borrowings payable in one year or
less. All savings associations are also required to maintain an average daily
balance of short-term liquid assets (generally having maturities of 12 months of
less) equal to at least 1.0% of the average daily balance of net withdrawable
accounts and current borrowings.
 
     Qualified Thrift Lender.  The Savings Bank, like all savings associations,
will be required to meet the qualified thrift lender or "QTL" test for, among
other things, future eligibility for advances from the FHLB. The QTL test
requires that a savings association's qualified thrift investments equal or
exceed 65.0% of the savings association's portfolio assets calculated on a
monthly average basis in nine out of every twelve months. For the purposes of
the QTL test, portfolio assets are total assets less intangibles, properties
used to conduct business and liquid assets (up to 20.0% of total assets). The
following assets are included as qualified thrift investments without limit: (i)
domestic residential housing or manufacturing housing loans; (ii) home equity
loans and mortgage-backed securities secured by residential housing or
manufacturing housing loans; and (iii) certain obligations of the FDIC and other
related entities. Other qualifying assets which may be included up to an
aggregate of 20.0% of portfolio assets are: (i) 50.0% of originated residential
mortgage loans sold within 90 days of origination; (ii) investments in debt or
equity securities of service corporations that derive at least 80.0% of their
gross revenues from housing-related activities; (iii) 200.0% of certain loans to
and investments in low-cost, one-to-four family housing; (iv) 200.0% of loans
for residential real property, churches, nursing homes, schools and small
businesses in areas where credit needs of low-to-moderate income families are
not met; (v) other loans for churches, schools, nursing homes and hospitals; and
(vi) consumer and education loans up to 10.0% of total portfolio assets.
 
     Any savings association that fails to meet the QTL test must convert to a
commercial bank charter or limit its future investments and activities to those
permitted for both savings associations and national banks. Additionally, any
such savings association that does not convert to a commercial bank charter will
be ineligible to receive future advances from the FHLB and, beginning three
years after the loss of QTL status, will be required to repay all outstanding
advances from the FHLB except for special liquidity advances and dispose of or
discontinue all preexisting investments and activities not permitted for both
savings associations and national banks. The Company anticipates that the
Savings Bank will be able to satisfy its QTL requirements.
 
     Monetary Policy and Economic Controls.  The banking business is affected
not only by general economic conditions, but also by the monetary policies of
the Federal Reserve. Changes in the discount rate on member bank borrowing,
availability of borrowing at the "discount window," open market operations, the
imposition of changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits and the
imposition of and changes in reserve requirements against certain borrowings by
banks and their affiliates are some of the instruments of monetary policy
available to the Federal Reserve. The monetary policies have had a significant
effect on the operating results of commercial banks and are expected to continue
to do so in the future. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve are
influenced by various factors, including inflation, unemployment and short-and
long-term changes in the international trade balance and in the fiscal policies
of the United States Government. Future monetary policies and the effect of such
policies on the future business and earnings of the Bank cannot be predicted.
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   67
 
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
     The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") recently adopted or
issued proposals and guidelines that may have a significant impact on the
accounting practices of commercial enterprises in general and financial
institutions in particular.
 
     In May 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage
Servicing Rights," which requires that a mortgage banking enterprise recognize
as a separate asset the right to service mortgage loans for others, regardless
of the manner in which such servicing rights are acquired. Moreover, this
statement requires that the total cost of acquiring mortgage loans be allocated
to the servicing rights and the loans based on their relative fair values, if
practicable. This standard was effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1995. Management implemented SFAS No. 122 beginning July 1, 1995.
The impact upon the results of operations of the Bank was not material.
 
     During 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities," which is
effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 1997. SFAS 125
provides standards for distinguishing transfers of financial assets that are
sales from transfers that are secured borrowings. In addition to providing
further guidance related to the recording of mortgage servicing rights, SFAS No.
125 required that the Company classify loans securitized which are retained in
the Company's portfolio and excess spread related to mortgage servicing rights
as trading assets. As a result, the Company is required to carry those assets at
their current market value as of the balance sheet date with the resulting
valuation adjustment recorded in the statement of operations.
 
     In February 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share," which
is effective for the Company's fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 1997.
Early application is not permitted and after the effective date, prior period
earnings per share presented must be restated. SFAS No. 128 establishes new
standards for computing and presenting earnings per share. Specifically, SFAS
No. 128 replaces the presentation of primary earnings per share with basic
earnings per share, requires dual presentation for companies with complex
capital structures of basic and diluted earnings per share and requires a
reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic earnings per share
computation to those of the diluted earnings per share computation. The impact
of the adoption of SFAS No. 128 on the results of operations of the Company was
not material.
 
     In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income," which is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1,
1998. SFAS 130 establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive
income, its components and accumulated balances in the financial statements.
Comprehensive income is defined to include those revenues, expenses, gains, and
losses of a normal, recurring nature, as well as items which are non-recurring,
unusual and infrequent. Management believes SFAS No. 130 will have no material
effect on the Company's financial statements.
 
     Also in June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," which is effective for the
Company's fiscal year beginning July 1, 1998. SFAS No. 131 establishes standards
for the way the Company reports information about operating segments in annual
financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about
operating segments in interim financial statements. The Company's commercial
banking and mortgage banking activities constitute operating segments for which
the Company has provided disclosure regarding their respective assets, revenues,
profit or loss and other operating data.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     The Company is party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of
its business. Based on information presently available, management does not
believe that the ultimate outcome of such proceedings, in the aggregate, would
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   68
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
     The table below sets forth the names and ages of the directors and
executive officers of the Company and the Bank as well as the positions and
offices held by such persons. All of the Company's directors also serve on the
Bank's Board of Directors. The Company's and the Bank's directors are elected
for a one-year term.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      YEAR FIRST
                                                                                       BECAME A
NAME                                    AGE                  POSITION                  DIRECTOR
- ----                                    ---                  --------                 ----------
<S>                                     <C>   <C>                                     <C>
John W. Sapanski......................  67    Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive     1993
                                                Officer and President of the Company
                                                and the Bank
Fred Hemmer...........................  43    Director of the Bank, Senior Executive     1986
                                                Vice President of the Bank
William R. Falzone....................  50    Treasurer of the Company and Executive
                                                Vice President and Chief Financial
                                                Officer of the Bank
John W. Fischer, Jr...................  50    Executive Vice President of the Bank
Steve McWhorter.......................  36    Head of Mortgage Banking Division
William R. Hough......................  71    Director                                   1993
Marla Hough...........................  40    Director                                   1995
Alfred T. May.........................  60    Director                                   1993
William J. Morrison...................  65    Director                                   1980
</TABLE>
 
     John W. Sapanski.  Mr. Sapanski has been Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and President of the Bank since June 1993 and Chairman of the
Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company since March 1996. He
has 45 years of banking experience, including service with the Dime Savings Bank
in New York, New York, from 1949 to 1987, where he served as President and Chief
Operating Officer from 1981 to 1987 and with Florida Federal Savings Bank in St.
Petersburg, Florida ("Florida Federal") from 1988 to 1991 where he served as
President and Chief Executive Officer from 1988 to 1991. Mr. Sapanski was
President and Chief Executive Officer of Florida Federal at the time the Office
of Thrift Supervision placed Florida Federal in conservatorship. Mr. Sapanski
was retained by the Resolution Trust Corporation (the "RTC"), the conservator
for Florida Federal, to assist in managing the institution in conservatorship
until it was sold by the RTC to First Union Corporation in August 1991.
 
     Fred Hemmer.  Mr. Hemmer has served as Executive Vice President of the Bank
in charge of Corporate Banking and Special Assets since joining the Bank in
1991. He previously served as Executive Vice President of Rutenberg Corporation,
a real estate development company based in Clearwater, Florida, from 1980 to
1991. Mr. Hemmer is a certified public accountant and was employed by Arthur
Andersen & Co. from 1976 to 1980. Mr. Hemmer is also a licensed real estate
broker and certified general contractor.
 
     William R. Falzone.  Mr. Falzone has served as Treasurer of the Company
since March 1996 and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Bank since February 1994. He was employed at Florida Federal from 1983 through
1991 where he served as Senior Vice President and Controller and as Director of
Financial Services. Most recently, he was a Senior Consultant for Stogniew and
Associates, a nationwide consulting firm. He has more than 20 years of banking
experience and is also a certified public accountant.
 
     John W. Fischer, Jr.  Mr. Fischer has served as Executive Vice President of
the Bank in charge of Consumer Banking since December 1994, having previously
served as Senior Vice President of the Bank since December 1993. He has more
than 20 years of banking experience in retail branch management and consumer and
residential lending. Mr. Fischer formerly served as Regional Marketing Director
for Western Reserve Life in Clearwater, Florida, Regional Vice President of
Great Western Bank in Miami and Executive Vice President/Consumer Financial
Services for Florida Federal. Mr. Fischer holds life, health, annuity and Series
7 securities licenses.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   69
 
     Steve McWhorter.  Mr. McWhorter has served as Executive Vice
President/Division Director in charge of the Company's mortgage banking division
since April 1996, having previously served as Regional Manager of FT Mortgage
Company since 1992. He has more than 14 years of experience in the mortgage
banking industry.
 
     William R. Hough.  Mr. Hough has served as Director of the Bank since May
1993. He has served as Chairman of William R. Hough & Co., St. Petersburg,
Florida, an investment banking firm specializing in state, county, and municipal
bonds, since 1962, President of WRH Mortgage since May 1993, Director of FFO
from September 1993 to September 1997 and President of Royal Palm Center, II,
Inc., Port Charlotte, Florida, a privately-held retirement center, since
September 1991.
 
     Marla Hough.  Mrs. Hough has served as Director of the Bank since July
1995. She has served as President of Hough Engineering, Inc., an engineering
consulting firm, Bradenton, Florida, since March 1997 and Vice President of
Bishop & Associates, Bradenton, Florida, an engineering, planning and surveying
firm, since 1992. From 1984 to 1992, Mrs. Hough served as Project Manager at
Zoller, Najjar and Shroyer, Inc., an engineering, planning, surveying and
landscape architecture firm, Bradenton, Florida. Mrs. Hough is married to a
cousin of William R. Hough.
 
     Alfred T. May.  Mr. May served as Director of the Bank since May 1993. He
has served as Director and Chairman of the Board of FFO and its subsidiary,
First Federal, from September 1993 to September 1997. From 1989 to 1992, Mr. May
served as President of Mid-State Federal Savings Bank, Ocala, Florida.
 
     William J. Morrison.  Mr. Morrison has served as Director of the Bank since
June 1980. He has served as Senior Partner of Morrison & Company, P.A., Tampa,
Florida, a certified public accounting firm, since 1995, as General Partner of
Best-Morrison Properties, Tampa, Florida, a real estate investment firm since
1975 and as Managing Partner of Morrison Investments, Ltd. Tampa, Florida, a
real estate and securities investment firm, since 1991.
 
                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
     The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 1997, certain
information with respect to the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by (i) each
person known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock, (ii) each director of the Company, and (iii) each of the
directors and officers named in the Management table. Each of the holders listed
below has sole voting power and investment power over the shares beneficially
owned.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              PERCENT OF VOTING SHARES
                                                                              -------------------------
                                                               SHARES         PRIOR TO
                                                            BENEFICIALLY         THE         AFTER THE
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                                       OWNED          OFFERING        OFFERING
- ------------------------                                    ------------      ---------      ----------
<S>                                                         <C>               <C>            <C>
William R. Falzone........................................       3,600          *               *
John W. Fischer, Jr.......................................       7,760          *               *
Fred Hemmer...............................................      20,225(1)       *               *
William R. Hough..........................................   3,967,391(2)       50.2%           41.3%
Marla Hough...............................................       3,000(3)       *               *
Steve McWhorter...........................................       7,315          *               *
Alfred T. May.............................................      71,675          *               *
William J. Morrison.......................................      99,850(4)        1.4%           *
John W. Sapanski..........................................     503,092(5)        6.4%            5.0%
All directors and principal officers as a group (11
  persons)................................................   4,722,220(6)       47.7%           47.8%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
 *  Less than 1.0% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding.
(1) Includes 10,800 shares that may be acquired by exercise of options
    exercisable within 60 days and 1,600 shares held in Mr. Hemmer's individual
    retirement account.
(2) Includes 600,000 shares that may be acquired upon conversion of the
    Company's Preferred Stock and excludes ownership by adult children of
    Company Preferred Stock convertible into 150,000 shares of Common Stock.
(3) Includes 2,500 shares that may be acquired by exercise of options
    exercisable within 60 days
(4) Includes 67,500 shares held in a trust for which trust Mr. Morrison serves
    as trustee, 11,000 shares held by a partnership for which Mr. Morrison
    serves as a general partner, and 3,750 shares that may be acquired by
    exercise of options exercisable within 60 days.
(5) Includes 30,800 shares that may be acquired by exercise of options
    exercisable within 60 days.
(6) Includes an aggregate of 64,080 shares that may be acquired by exercise of
    options exercisable within 60 days.
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   70
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
     The Company is authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock
and 100,000 shares of Preferred Stock, of which 7,035,886 and 75,000 shares,
respectively, were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 1997. Each share of
Preferred Stock is convertible at any time into 10 shares of Common Stock and is
redeemable at any time by the Company upon 30 days prior written notice at a
price of $96.80 per share.
 
     Unless otherwise required by law or the Company's Articles of Incorporation
(the "Articles"), holders of Common and Preferred Stock vote together as a
single class on all matters presented to the Company's stockholders. Each share
of Preferred Stock is entitled to 10 votes for all purposes, and each share of
Common Stock is entitled to one vote. No cash dividend may be declared or paid
on shares of Common Stock unless, simultaneously therewith or prior thereto,
there is or has been declared or paid the quarterly dividend payable on
Preferred Stock.
 
     In any liquidation or dissolution of the Company, the holders of Preferred
Stock will be entitled to receive, out of the assets available for distribution
to stockholders, an amount equal to $88.00 per share before any amount is paid
to holders of Common Stock. After the above preference amount has been paid to
the holders of Preferred Stock, such holders will not be entitled to any further
distributions. The holders of Common Stock will then be entitled to participate,
pro rata in accordance with the number of shares owned by them, in the
distribution of the Company's remaining assets.
 
     The Company's Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of additional
authorized but unissued shares of the Company's Common and Preferred Stock
without further action by the Company's stockholders, unless such action is
required in a particular case by applicable laws or regulations or by any stock
exchange upon which the Company's capital stock may be listed. The Company's
Articles do not provide any preemptive rights to the Company's stockholders.
 
     The authority to issue additional shares of the Company's Common Stock
provides the Company with the flexibility necessary to meet its future needs
without the delay resulting from seeking stockholder approval. The authorized
but unissued shares of Common and Preferred Stock will be issuable from time to
time for any corporate purpose, including, without limitation, stock splits,
stock dividends, employee benefit and compensation plans, acquisitions, and
public or private sales for cash as a means of raising capital.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   71
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting
Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell to each of the underwriters named
below (the "Underwriters"), and each of the Underwriters has severally agreed to
purchase from the Company the respective number of shares of common stock set
forth opposite its name below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NUMBER OF
UNDERWRITERS                                                  COMMON SHARES
- ------------                                                  -------------
<S>                                                           <C>
William R. Hough & Co.......................................      750,000
Ryan, Beck & Co., Inc.......................................      750,000
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.............................      180,000
Advest, Inc.................................................       60,000
Allen C. Ewing & Co.........................................       60,000
J. W. Charles Securities, Inc...............................       60,000
Everen Securities, Inc......................................       60,000
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc.......................       60,000
J. J. B. Hillard, W. L. Lyons, Inc..........................       60,000
Interstate/Johnson Lane Corporation.........................       60,000
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc................................       60,000
Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc.................................       60,000
Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P.............................       60,000
Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc...................................       60,000
Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.............................       30,000
James I. Black & Co.........................................       30,000
                                                                ---------
          Total.............................................    2,400,000
                                                                =========
</TABLE>
 
     In the Underwriting Agreement, the Underwriters have agreed, subject to the
terms and conditions set forth therein, to purchase all 2,400,000 shares of
Common Stock offered hereby if any such Common Stock are purchased. In the event
of a default by any Underwriter, the Underwriting Agreement provides that, in
certain circumstances, purchase commitments of the non-defaulting Underwriters
may be increased or the Underwriting Agreement may be terminated.
 
     The Company has been advised by the Underwriters that the several
Underwriters propose to offer such Common Stock to the public at the public
offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, and to certain
dealers at such price less a concession not in excess of $1.05 per share. The
Underwriters may allow and such dealers may re-allow a concession not in excess
of $.25 per share to other dealers. After the shares of Common Stock are
released for sale to the public, the offering price and other selling terms may
be changed by the Underwriters.
 
     The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, expiring 30 days from
the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to 360,000 additional shares of
Common Stock at the public offering price less underwriting discounts and
commissions set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus. The Underwriters may
exercise such option solely to cover over-allotments, if any, made in connection
with the sale of the Common Stock that the Underwriters have agreed to purchase.
To the extent the Underwriters exercise such option, each of the Underwriters
will have a firm commitment, subject to certain conditions, to purchase a number
of option shares proportionate to such Underwriter's initial commitment.
 
     The Company and certain of its officers and directors have agreed that,
except with the prior written consent of the Underwriters, during the 90 days
following the date of this Prospectus that they will not directly or indirectly
offer for sale, sell, grant any options, rights or warrants with respect to any
shares of Common Stock or any other Company capital stock, securities or
instruments convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock or other Company
capital stock, securities or instruments convertible into or exchangeable for
common stock of other company capital stock, or otherwise dispose of, or reduce
any risk of ownership, directly or indirectly, of any shares of Common Stock,
such other capital stock or any other securities,
 
                                       69
<PAGE>   72
 
instruments, options or rights convertible into or exchangeable for, or
otherwise exercisable for Common Stock or other Company capital stock, except
for the Common Stock offered hereby. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company
may (i) grant options pursuant to the Company's stock option plans in the
ordinary course consistent with past practice and issue shares of Common Stock
upon the exercise of any such options or under options currently outstanding and
(ii) issue shares of Common Stock or other securities convertible into Common
Stock or any other capital stock of any company solely to owners of capital
stock of any company acquired by the Company subsequent to the date 45 days from
the date of this Prospectus. Any permitted shortening of such periods and any
related sales of Common Stock would not necessarily be preceded by a public
announcement of the Company or the Underwriters that such consent has been
given.
 
     The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Company will indemnify the
Underwriters against certain liabilities under the Securities Act or contribute
to payments the Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
     In connection with the Offering, the Underwriters and dealers may engage in
transactions effected in accordance with Rule 104 of the Securities and Exchange
Commission's (the "Commission") Regulation M that are intended to stabilize,
maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the Common Stock. Such
transactions may include over-allotment transactions in which the Underwriters
create a short position for their own account by selling more Common Stock than
they are committed to purchase from the Company. In such case, to cover all or
part of the short position, the Underwriters may exercise the over-allotment
option described above or may purchase Common Stock in the open market following
completion of the Offering. The Underwriters also may engage in stabilizing
transactions in which they bid for, and purchase, shares of the Common Stock at
a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market for the
purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the Common
Stock. The Underwriters also may reclaim any selling concessions allowed to an
Underwriter or dealer if the Underwriters repurchase shares distributed by the
underwriter or dealer. Any of the foregoing transactions may result in the
maintenance of a price for the Common Stock at a level above that which might
otherwise prevail in the open market. Neither the Company nor any of the
Underwriters makes any representation or prediction as to the direction or
magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the
price of the Common Stock. The Underwriters are not required to engage in any of
the foregoing transactions and, if commenced, such transaction may be
discontinued at any time without notice.
 
     The Underwriters and dealers may also engage in passive market making
transactions in the Common Stock in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M
promulgated by the Commission. In general, a passive market maker may not bid
for, or purchase, the Common Stock at a price that exceeds the higher
independent bid. In addition, the net daily purchases made by any passive market
maker generally may not exceed 30% of its average daily trading volume in the
Common Stock during a specified two-month prior period, or 200 shares, whichever
is greater. A passive market maker must identify passive market making bids as
such on the Nasdaq National Market electronic inter-dealer reporting system.
Passive market making may stabilize or maintain the market price of the Common
Stock above independent market levels. Underwriters and dealers are not required
to engage in passive market making and may end passive market making activities
at any time.
 
     Under the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers
("NASD"), no member of the NASD or an affiliate of such member may participate
in the distribution of a public offering of equity securities issued by a
company if the member and/or its affiliates have a conflict of interest (as
defined) unless the price at which such equity securities are to be distributed
to the public is no higher than that recommended by a qualified independent
underwriter ("QIU") meeting certain standards. As defined by the NASD, a
"conflict of interest" exists when, among other things, a member and/or its
affiliates in the aggregate beneficially own 10% or more of any class of equity
of a company. William R. Hough, a controlling stockholder of William R. Hough &
Co., owns more than 10% of the Company's common and preferred stock.
Accordingly, William R. Hough & Co. is deemed by the NASD to be an affiliate of
the Company.
 
     Because the Offering is of a class of equity securities listed on the
Nasdaq National Market, the provisions of Rule 2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules,
which requires the opinion of a QIU with respect to the
 
                                       70
<PAGE>   73
 
price of a security, do not apply to this Offering. However, the Company and
Ryan, Beck & Co., Inc. have agreed that Ryan, Beck & Co., Inc. will act as a QIU
in connection with the Offering even though a QIU is not required by the NASD
Conduct Rules. The price of the Common Stock will be no more than that
recommended by Ryan, Beck & Co., Inc., acting as QIU. Ryan, Beck & Co., Inc. has
participated in the preparation of this Prospectus and the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is part and has exercised the appropriate
standards of due diligence with respect thereto and will receive a fee of
$10,000 in connection with its services as QIU, which will be paid in addition
to the underwriting discounts set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus.
The Company has agreed to indemnify Ryan, Beck & Co., Inc. as the QIU against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
     For a description of certain relationships between the Company and William
R. Hough and certain of his affiliates, including William R. Hough & Co., see
Note 17 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     Certain legal matters in connection with the sale of the shares of Common
Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Holland & Knight
LLP, Tampa, Florida, and for the Underwriters by Smith, Mackinnon, Greeley,
Bowdoin & Edwards, P.A., Orlando, Florida.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31,
1997 and 1996, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December
31, 1997, included herein and in the Registration Statement have been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified public accountants, as indicated in
their reports with respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance and upon
the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act, and in accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other
information can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities of
the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; and
at the Commission's regional offices at Suite 1400, 500 West Madison Street,
Chicago, Illinois 60661 and 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York
10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from the Public Reference Section
of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at
prescribed rates. The Commission maintains an Internet web site that contains
reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding
issuers who file electronically with the Commission. The address of that site is
http://www.sec.gov.
 
     The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-2 (together with all amendments thereto, (the "Registration Statement"), of
which this Prospectus is a part, under the Securities Act, with respect to the
Common Stock. This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth
in the Registration Statement, certain portions of which have been omitted as
permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. In addition, certain
documents filed by the Company with the Commission have been incorporated in
this Prospectus by reference. See "Incorporation of Certain Documents by
Reference." For further information with respect to the Company, reference is
made to the Registration Statement, including the exhibits thereto and the
documents incorporated herein by reference. Any statements contained herein
concerning the provisions of any document filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the Commission or incorporated by
reference herein are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference
is made to the copy of such document so filed for a more complete description of
the matter involved. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such
reference. The Registration
 
                                       71
<PAGE>   74
 
Statement may be inspected without charge at the principal office of the
Commission in Washington, D.C., and copies of all or part of it may be obtained
from the Commission upon payment of the prescribed fees.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents previously filed with the Commission are hereby
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference and made a part hereof:
 
          (1) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
     December 31, 1997, filed with the Commission on March 30, 1998.
 
          (2) Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
     the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Commission on April 13,
     1998.
 
          (3) Amendment No. 2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
     the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Commission on April 17,
     1998.
 
     Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein,
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of the Registration
Statement and this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of the Registration Statement or this Prospectus.
 
     The Company will provide without charge to any person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, on the written or oral request of such person, a copy
of any or all of the foregoing documents incorporated by reference, other than
certain exhibits to such documents. Written requests should be directed to
Republic Bancshares, Inc., 111 Second Avenue N.E., St. Petersburg, Florida
33701, Attention: Secretary, telephone: (813) 823-7300.
 
                                       72
<PAGE>   75
 
                           REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.
  Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants........   F-2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and
     1996...................................................   F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
     December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995......................   F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the
     years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995...........   F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
     December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995......................   F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................   F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   76
 
               REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Republic Bancshares, Inc.:
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Republic
Bancshares, Inc. (a Florida corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31,
1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997. 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 did not audit the financial statements of F.F.O. Financial Group, Inc.,
a company acquired during 1997 in a transaction accounted for as a corporate
reorganization, as discussed in Note 1. Such statements are included in the
consolidated financial statements of Republic Bancshares, Inc. and reflect total
assets and total revenues of 27% and 25%, in 1997, 26% and 25% in 1996,
respectively, and total revenues of 22% in 1995, of the related consolidated
totals. These statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been
furnished to us and our opinion, insofar as it relates to amounts included for
F.F.O. Financial Group, Inc., is based solely upon the report of the other
auditors.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards 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. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits and the report of the other auditors provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, based on our audit and the report of the other auditors,
the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Republic Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Tampa, Florida
March 13, 1998
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   77
 
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS -- DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PAR VALUES)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------------
                                                                 1997         1996
                                                              ----------   ----------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>
                                       ASSETS
Cash and due from banks.....................................  $   45,998   $   34,109
Interest bearing deposits in banks..........................         671       11,783
Federal funds sold..........................................      33,000        8,000
Investment securities:
  Available for sale........................................      16,080       74,397
  Trading...................................................          --        4,032
Mortgage-backed securities:
  Held to maturity..........................................          --       15,343
  Available for sale........................................      55,467       62,037
  Trading...................................................      37,046        5,548
FHLB stock..................................................       8,148        7,209
Loans held for sale.........................................     151,404       46,593
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses.....................   1,128,955      902,035
Premises and equipment, net.................................      33,303       25,039
Other real estate owned acquired through foreclosure, net...       6,997        8,162
Accrued interest receivable.................................       9,611        7,160
Goodwill and premium on deposits............................       4,855          527
Other assets................................................      20,870       12,383
                                                              ----------   ----------
          Total assets......................................  $1,552,405   $1,224,357
                                                              ==========   ==========
                        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
  Deposits --
     Noninterest-bearing checking...........................  $   93,843   $   64,363
     Interest checking......................................     137,240       87,639
     Money market...........................................      30,389       32,665
     Savings................................................     291,604      303,932
     Time deposits..........................................     808,236      626,308
                                                              ----------   ----------
          Total deposits....................................   1,361,312    1,114,907
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase..............      19,654       15,372
FHLB advances...............................................      35,000        7,000
Subordinated debt...........................................          --        6,000
Other liabilities...........................................      12,158        6,479
                                                              ----------   ----------
          Total liabilities.................................   1,428,124    1,149,758
                                                              ----------   ----------
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities
  of subsidiary trust holding soley junior subordinated
  debentures of the Company.................................      28,750           --
                                                              ----------   ----------
Minority interest in F.F.O. Financial Group, Inc............          --        6,421
                                                              ----------   ----------
Stockholders' equity:
  Perpetual preferred convertible stock ($20.00 par, 100,000
     shares authorized, 75,000 shares issued and
     outstanding:
  Liquidation preference $6,600 at December 31, 1997 and
     1996...................................................       1,500        1,500
Common stock ($2.00 par, 20,000,000 shares authorized,
  7,035,886 and 5,854,414 shares issued and outstanding at
  December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively).................      14,072       11,708
Capital surplus.............................................      50,322       34,225
Retained earnings...........................................      29,155       20,847
Net unrealized gain (losses) on available-for-sale
  securities, net of tax effect.............................         482         (102)
                                                              ----------   ----------
          Total stockholders' equity........................      95,531       68,178
                                                              ----------   ----------
          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity........  $1,552,405   $1,224,357
                                                              ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
                                    sheets.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   78
 
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------------------
                                                                 1997         1996         1995
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>
INTEREST INCOME:
Interest and fees on loans..................................  $   97,810   $   78,955   $   67,746
  Interest on investment securities.........................       2,155        2,097        3,171
  Interest on mortgage-backed securities....................       5,252        5,375        2,869
  Interest on trading securities............................          59           --           --
  Interest on federal funds sold............................       2,447        1,714        3,117
  Interest on other investments.............................         734          803          690
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
        Total interest income...............................     108,457       88,944       77,593
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
INTEREST EXPENSE:
  Interest on deposits......................................      52,311       44,136       39,822
  Interest on FHLB advances.................................       1,169          365          163
  Interest on subordinated debt.............................         392            5           --
  Interest on other borrowings..............................       1,051          443          127
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
        Total interest expense..............................      54,923       44,949       40,112
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
        Net interest income.................................      53,534       43,995       37,481
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES...................................       2,628        2,582        2,162
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
  Net interest income after provision for possible loan
    losses..................................................      50,906       41,413       35,319
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
NONINTEREST INCOME:
  Income from mortgage banking activities...................      15,159          852           --
  Gain on sale of loans.....................................       1,491          144          210
  Service charges and fees on deposits......................       3,358        2,847        2,644
  Loan fee income...........................................       1,394        1,327        1,019
  Gain on sale of ORE -- held for investment................          --        1,207           --
  Gain on sale of securities, net...........................       1,308          261          322
  Other operating income....................................       2,321        1,314        1,138
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
        Total noninterest income............................      25,031        7,952        5,353
NONINTEREST EXPENSES:
  Salaries and employee benefits............................      27,253       18,505       15,294
  Net occupancy expense.....................................       8,118        6,381        5,025
  Data processing fees......................................       2,605        2,119        1,716
  FDIC and state assessments................................         824        1,606        2,212
  Other operating expense...................................      18,684        8,218        6,716
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
        Total general and administrative expenses...........      57,484       36,829       30,963
  Merger expenses...........................................       1,144           --           --
  SAIF special assessment...................................          --        4,005           --
  Provisions for losses on ORE..............................         530          111          240
  ORE expense, net of ORE income............................         273         (490)         662
  Amortization of goodwill & premium on deposits............         464          491          450
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
        Total noninterest expenses..........................      59,895       40,946       32,315
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
Income before negative goodwill accretion, income taxes and
  minority interest.........................................      16,042        8,419        8,357
Negative goodwill accretion.................................          --           --        1,578
Income tax provision........................................      (6,096)      (3,035)      (2,516)
Minority interest in income from subsidiary trust...........        (701)          --           --
Minority interest in F.F.O..................................        (674)        (505)        (503)
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
        NET INCOME..........................................  $    8,571   $    4,879   $    6,916
                                                              ==========   ==========   ==========
PER SHARE DATA:
  Net income per common and common equivalent
    share -- diluted........................................  $     1.21   $       74   $     1.10
                                                              ==========   ==========   ==========
  Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
    outstanding -- diluted..................................   7,301,499    6,626,604    6,261,368
                                                              ==========   ==========   ==========
        Net income per common share -- basic................  $     1.40   $      .83   $     1.26
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
        Weighted average common shares
          outstanding -- basic..............................   6,128,014    5,857,174    5,491,250
                                                              ==========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   79
 
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       NET
                                     PERPETUAL                                                      UNREALIZED
                                     PREFERRED                                                        GAINS
                                 CONVERTIBLE STOCK                                                   (LOSSES)
                                 -----------------   COMMON STOCK                                  ON AVAILABLE
                                 SHARES                 SHARES                CAPITAL   RETAINED     FOR SALE
                                 ISSUED    AMOUNT       ISSUED      AMOUNT    SURPLUS   EARNINGS    SECURITIES     TOTAL
                                 -------   -------   ------------   -------   -------   --------   ------------   -------
<S>                              <C>       <C>       <C>            <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>            <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994.....  75,000    $1,500      5,082,782    $10,166   $26,843   $ 9,577       $(549)      $47,537
  Net income...................      --        --             --         --        --     6,918          --         6,918
  Net unrealized gains on
    available-for-sale
    securities, net of tax
    effect.....................      --        --             --         --        --        --         651           651
  Issuance of common stock.....      --        --        800,000      1,600     7,537        --          --         9,137
  Exercise of stock options....      --        --          3,170          6        23        --          --            29
  Dividends on preferred
    stock......................                                                            (263)                     (263)
  Net change in minority
    interest...................      --        --        (23,200)       (47)     (129)       --          --          (176)
                                 ------    ------     ----------    -------   -------   -------       -----       -------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995.....  75,000     1,500      5,862,752     11,725    34,274    16,232         102        63,833
  Net income...................      --        --             --         --        --     4,879          --         4,879
  Net unrealized loss on
    available-for-sale
    securities, net of tax
    effect.....................      --        --             --         --        --        --        (204)         (204)
  Dividends on preferred
    stock......................      --        --             --         --        --      (264)         --          (264)
  Net change in minority
    interest...................      --        --         (8,338)       (17)      (49)       --          --           (66)
                                 ------    ------     ----------    -------   -------   -------       -----       -------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996.....  75,000     1,500      5,854,414     11,708    34,225    20,847        (102)       68,178
  Net income...................      --        --             --         --        --     8,571          --         8,571
  Net unrealized gains on
    available-for-sale
    securities, net of tax
    effect.....................      --        --             --         --        --        --         584           584
  Exercise of stock options....      --        --         21,300         43       197        --          --           240
  Net change in minority
    interest...................      --        --         (2,537)        (5)     (487)       --          --          (492)
  Issuance of common stock in
    merger transaction.........      --        --        826,709      1,654    11,211        --          --        12,865
  Conversion of subordinated
    debentures.................      --        --        336,000        672     5,176        --          --         5,848
  Dividends on preferred
    stock......................      --        --             --         --        --      (263)         --          (263)
                                 ------    ------     ----------    -------   -------   -------       -----       -------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997.....  75,000    $1,500      7,035,886    $14,072   $50,322   $29,155       $ 482       $95,531
                                 ======    ======     ==========    =======   =======   =======       =====       =======
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   80
 
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ---------------------------------
                                                                1997        1995        1996
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income................................................  $   8,571   $   4,879       6,916
    Reconciliation of net income to net cash (used in)
      provided by operating activities:
    Provision for loan and ORE losses.......................      3,235       2,693       2,402
    Depreciation and amortization, net......................      5,297      (1,165)        592
    Amortization of premium (accretion) of fair value,
      net...................................................       (918)        712      (1,111)
    Gain on sale of loans...................................    (16,500)       (996)       (210)
    Gain on sale of investment securities...................       (724)       (457)        (93)
    Gain on sale of other real estate owned.................        (27)     (1,810)        (39)
    Capitalization of mortgage servicing....................     (6,826)     (1,741)         --
    Loss (gain) on disposal of premises and equipment.......         14          (2)         --
    Net decrease (increase) in deferred tax benefit.........     (3,768)       (755)        (12)
    Net (increase) decrease in other assets.................     (4,339)      1,803      (4,027)
    Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities............      4,554      (1,248)      1,800
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
         Net cash (used in) provided by operating
           activities.......................................    (11,430)      1,919       6,218
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from excess of deposit liabilities assumed on
    assets acquired, net of cash acquired...................      7,223          --          --
Proceeds from sales and maturities of:
    Investment securities held to maturity..................         --       7,000      36,526
    Investment securities available for sale................    126,544     109,218      11,727
    Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity.............         --      15,455          --
    Mortgage-backed securities available for sale...........     50,627       6,393       9,732
    Mortgage-backed securities in trading portfolio.........      2,764      13,496          --
  Purchase of investment securities available for sale......    (66,771)   (156,036)    (68,187)
  Purchase of mortgage backed securities in trading
    portfolio...............................................     (4,468)    (20,105)    (16,106)
  Principal repayment on mortgage backed securities.........      9,809      25,606       3,073
  Purchase of FHLB stock....................................       (131)     (1,155)     (2,248)
  Net increase in loans.....................................   (324,605)   (118,650)   (203,262)
  Purchase of premises and equipment........................     (9,993)     (2,379)     (6,783)
  Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned.............      4,739      10,271      10,623
  Investments in other real estate owned (net)..............      2,276         101         315
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
         Net cash used in investing activities..............   (201,986)   (110,785)   (224,590)
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net increase in deposits..................................    177,540     122,866     197,316
  Net increase in repurchase agreements.....................      4,282      12,301         991
  Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt...............         --       6,000          --
  Net change of minority interest in FFO....................        645          --          --
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock....................        240          --       9,166
  Proceeds from issuance of minority interest in trust
    subsidiary..............................................     28,750          --          --
  Proceeds from FHLB advances...............................     28,000     (23,000)      8,600
  Dividends on perpetual preferred stock....................       (264)       (264)       (263)
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
         Net cash provided by financing activities..........    239,193     117,903     215,810
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS........     25,777       9,037      (2,562)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year................     53,892      44,855      47,417
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year......................  $  79,669   $  53,892      44,855
                                                              =========   =========   =========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
  Cash paid during the year for interest....................  $  47,342   $  45,080      39,376
  Cash paid during the year for income taxes................      5,674       4,010       2,066
  Noncash transactions:
    Conversion of subordinated debt.........................      5,888          --          --
    Stock issued for minority interest in FFO...............      5,307          --          --
</TABLE>
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   81
 
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
1.  BUSINESS:
 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ORGANIZATION
 
     The consolidated financial statements of Republic Bancshares, Inc. (the
Company) include the accounts of the Company, RBI Capital Trust I, Republic
Insurance Agency, Inc., and Republic Bank (the "Bank") and the Bank's
wholly-owned subsidiaries, RBREO, Inc., Tampa Bay Equities, Inc., and VQH
Development, Inc. restated for the acquisition of FFO Financial Group, Inc. as
discussed below. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have
been eliminated. On November 21, 1995, the Bank's Board of Directors approved
for shareholder consideration an Amended and Restated Plan of Share Exchange and
Reorganization (the "Reorganization") under which the Bank became a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Company. On the effective date and time of the Reorganization, all
holders of shares of the Bank's Common and Preferred Stock -- at the November
30, 1995, record date -- received one share of Company Common Stock for each
share of the Bank's Common Stock held and one share of Company Preferred Stock
for each share of the Bank's Preferred Stock held. Holders of outstanding
options to purchase or acquire the Bank's Common Stock received options to
purchase an equal number of shares of Company Common Stock. All necessary
governmental and shareholder approvals for the Reorganization were received. The
Company's primary source of income is from its banking subsidiary which operates
46 branches throughout west central Florida. The Bank's primary source of
revenue is derived from net interest income on loans and investments and income
from mortgage banking activities.
 
NEGATIVE GOODWILL
 
     On May 28, 1993 (the "Purchase Date"), 99 percent of the Company's
outstanding common stock was acquired for $4,450,000 (the "Purchase Price").
Also, on May 28, 1993, 583,334 additional shares of common stock were issued for
$3,500,000. The acquisition was accounted for by the purchase method of
accounting. Assets and liabilities were adjusted based upon their fair value as
of the Purchase Date. The excess of the adjusted net book value over the
Purchase Price was recorded as a reduction of the non current assets, to the
extent available. The remaining difference was recorded as excess of fair value
over purchase price ("negative goodwill").
 
     The negative goodwill was accreted into income on a straight-line basis
over 26 months beginning May 28, 1993, and ending July 31, 1995, which was based
on the estimated life of the loans, investments and deposits acquired. The
premiums on loans and investment securities and the discount on demand and other
time deposits were amortized into income on a straight-line basis over periods
based on the estimated life of the related loans, securities or deposits ranging
from 12 to 30 months.
 
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
 
     Firstate Financial, F.A.  On April 18, 1997, the Company acquired Firstate
Financial, F.A. ("Firstate"), a thrift institution headquartered in Orlando,
Florida, for a cash purchase of $5.5 million. At April 18, 1997, Firstate had
total assets of $71.1 million, total deposits of $67.9 million and operated a
branch in each of Orange and Seminole counties. The acquisition was accounted
for using the purchase accounting rules which do not require prior period
restatement. The amount of goodwill recorded was $130,000. Accordingly, the
consolidated results of operations only reflect activity subsequent to the
acquisition data.
 
     F.F.O. Financial Group, Inc.  On September 19, 1997, F.F.O. Financial
Group, Inc. ("FFO"), St. Cloud, Florida, the parent company for First Federal
Savings and Loan Association of Osceola County ("First Federal"), was merged
into the Company in a stock transaction (the "FFO Merger"). William R. Hough,
one of the Company's controlling stockholders, also owned a majority interest in
FFO.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   82
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The FFO Merger was accounted for as a corporate reorganization in which the
controlling stockholder's interest in FFO was combined at historical cost in a
manner similar to a pooling of interests while the minority interest in FFO was
combined using purchase accounting rules. The excess of the purchase price of
the minority interest over the market value was first assigned to individual
assets and liabilities with the remaining $4.5 million considered unidentifiable
goodwill, which will be amortized over 10 years. The Company issued 1,668,370
shares of common stock to the controlling interest and 826,709 shares of common
stock to the minority interest.
 
     The pooling of interests method of accounting, which is used to account for
the controlling interest in the FFO merger, requires the restatement of
financial results for all prior periods presented. The Company's previously
reported components of consolidated income and the amounts reflected in the
accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the two years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEARS ENDED
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------
NET INTEREST INCOME:                                           1996      1995
- --------------------                                          -------   -------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>
As Previously Reported:
  Republic Bancshares, Inc. ................................  $34,021   $27,862
  F.F.O. Financial Group, Inc. .............................    9,974     9,619
                                                              -------   -------
Combined as restated........................................  $43,995   $37,481
                                                              =======   =======
Net Income:
  As previously reported:
     Republic Bancshares, Inc. .............................  $ 3,784   $ 5,777
     F.F.O. Financial Group, Inc. ..........................    1,600     1,646
     Minority interest decrease.............................     (505)     (503)
                                                              -------   -------
Combined as restated........................................  $ 4,879   $ 6,916
                                                              =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
RBI CAPITAL TRUST I ("RBI CAPITAL")
 
     RBI Capital is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company which was formed on
May 29, 1997, to issue Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities (the "Preferred
Security or Securities") to the public. The Preferred Securities, issued through
an underwritten public offering on July 28, 1997, were sold at their $10 par
value. RBI Capital issued 2,875,000 shares of the Preferred Securities bearing a
dividend rate of 9.10% for net proceeds of $27.4 million, after deducting
underwriting commissions and other costs. RBI Capital invested the proceeds in
junior subordinated debt of the Company which also has an interest rate of
9.10%. The Company used the proceeds from the junior subordinated debt to
increase the equity capital of the Bank. Interest on the junior subordinated
debentures and distributions on the Preferred Securities are payable quarterly
in arrears, with the first payment having been paid on September 30, 1997.
Distribution on the Preferred Securities are cumulative and based upon the
liquidation value of $10 per Preferred Security. The Company has the right, at
any time, so long as no event of default has occurred and is continuing, to
defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, which will
require deferral of distribution on the preferred securities, for a period not
exceeding 20 consecutive quarters, provided, that such deferral may not extend
beyond the stated maturity of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. If payments
are deferred, the Company will not be permitted to declare cash dividends. The
Preferred Securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part,
upon repayment of the Junior Subordinated Debentures at maturity or their
earlier redemption. The Company has the right to redeem the Junior Subordinated
Debentures in whole (but not in part) within 180 days following certain events
whether occurring before or after June 30, 2002. The exercise of such right is
subject to the Company having received regulatory approval to do so if then
required under applicable capital
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   83
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
guidelines or regulatory policies. In addition to the above right, the Company
has the right, at any time, to shorten the maturity of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures to a date not earlier than June 30, 2002. Exercise of this right is
also subject to the Company having received regulatory approval to do so if then
required under applicable capital guidelines or regulatory policies.
 
     The Company has reported its obligation, with respect to the holders of the
Preferred Securities, as a separate line item on its audited consolidated
balance sheet under the caption "Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
capital securities of subsidiary trust holding solely junior subordinated
debentures of the Company". The related dividend expense, net of the tax
benefit, is reported as a separate line item on the statement of operations
under the caption "minority interest in income from subsidiary trust."
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
ESTIMATES, APPRAISALS AND EVALUATIONS
 
     The financial statements include, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles, estimates, appraisals and evaluations of loans, other
real estate owned and other assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities. Changes in such estimates, appraisals and evaluations
might be required because of rapidly changing economic conditions, changing
economic prospects of borrowers and other factors. Actual results may differ
from those estimates.
 
INVESTMENT SECURITIES
 
     Securities that the Company has both the positive intent and ability to
hold to maturity are classified as Held to Maturity and are carried at
historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of
discounts. Securities Available for Sale, which are those securities that may be
sold prior to maturity as part of asset/liability management or in response to
other factors, are carried at fair value with any valuation adjustment reported
in a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of tax effect.
 
     Investments identified as trading securities, include mortgage backed
securities resulting from the securitization of residential and High LTV loans,
the resulting residual interest in cash flows from those securitizations, where
applicable, and the excess spread on mortgage servicing rights. Trading
securities are carried at market value with any unrealized gains or losses
included in the statement of operations under "Gain on sale of securities, net."
 
     Interest and dividends on investment securities and amortization of
premiums and accretion of discounts are reported in interest on investment
securities. Gains (losses) realized on sales of investment securities are
generally determined on the specific identification method and are reported as a
component of other noninterest income.
 
LOANS
 
     Interest on commercial and real estate loans and substantially all
installment loans is recognized monthly on the loan balance outstanding. The
Company's policy is to discontinue accruing interest on loans 90 days or more
delinquent and restructured loans that have not yet demonstrated a sufficient
payment history, which, in the opinion of management, may be doubtful as to the
collection of interest or principal. These loans are designated as "non-accrual"
and any accrued but unpaid interest previously recorded is reversed against
current period interest revenue.
 
     Loan origination and commitment fees net of certain costs are deferred, and
the amount is amortized as an adjustment to the related loan's yield, generally
over the contractual life of the loan. Unearned discounts and premiums on loans
purchased are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest income on a
basis that approximates level rates of return over the terms of the loan.
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   84
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
HEDGING CONTRACTS AND LOANS HELD FOR SALE
 
     The Company manages its interest rate market risk on the loans held for
sale and its estimated future commitments to originate and close mortgage loans
for borrowers at fixed prices ("Locked Loans") through hedging techniques which
include listed options and fixed price forward delivery commitments ("Forward
Commitments") to sell mortgage-backed securities or specific whole loans to
investors on a mandatory or best efforts basis. The Company records the
inventory of loans held for sale at the lower of cost or market on an aggregate
basis after considering any market value changes in the loans held for sale,
Locked Loans, and Forward Commitments.
 
MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS
 
     On July 1, 1995, SFAS No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights,
an amendment of FASB Statement No. 65," was adopted. SFAS No. 122 permits an
allocation of a portion of the cost of loan origination to the rights to service
mortgage loans. Approximately $5.5 million, $1.9 million, and $117,000 was
capitalized relating to mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs") during 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively. Also included in the balance of mortgage servicing rights is
approximately $225,000 of rights acquired through the Firstate acquisition. As
of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the unamortized portion of these MSRs were
$7.1 million, $2.0 million, and $113,000, respectively. For purposes of
measuring impairment, MSRs are stratified based on the loan type, interest rate
and maturity of the underlying loans.
 
ACCOUNTING FOR TRANSFERS AND SERVICING OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND EXTINGUISHMENT OF
LIABILITIES
 
     The FASB has issued SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing
of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities," which was effective for
the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 1997. SFAS 125 provides standards
for distinguishing transfers of financial assets that are sales from transfers
that are secured borrowings. In addition to providing further guidance related
to the recording of mortgage servicing rights, SFAS 125 required that the
Company classify loans held for sale which are securitized and retained in the
Company's portfolio, residual interest retained and excess spread interest only
strip receivable as trading assets. As a result, the Company is required to
carry these assets at their current market value as of the balance sheet date
with the resulting valuation adjustment recorded in the statement of operations.
 
     The Company uses an automated portfolio analysis system to value its
mortgage servicing rights at the individual loan level. The model uses current
market assumptions to determine default probabilities and prepayment speed
assumptions based upon current factors to include interest rate, age, loan type,
geography and demographic factors. The automated foreclosure probabilities also
take into consideration the regional, demographic and behavorial
characteristics. These factors are applied to each loan based on its own
individual characteristics. The following table shows the amount of servicing
assets which were capitalized and amortized, and the fair value of those assets
as of December 31, for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1997      1996     1995
                                                             ------    ------    ----
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>       <C>
Balance, beginning of year.................................  $1,968    $  113    $ --
Rights acquired through Firstate acquisition...............     225        --      --
Capitalized servicing assets...............................   5,504     1,923     117
Amortization...............................................    (572)      (68)     (4)
                                                             ------    ------    ----
Balance, end of year.......................................  $7,125    $1,968    $113
                                                             ------    ------    ----
Fair Value of assets.......................................  $7,505    $2,289    $113
                                                             ======    ======    ====
</TABLE>
 
     During December, 1997, the Company completed a securitization of $60
million of High LTV home equity loans. The assets were sold to Republic Bank
Home Loan Owner Trust 1997-1 and the trust then issued
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   85
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
$57.6 million of asset backed notes and certificates. As part of that
transaction the Company recorded $5.7 million of residual interest on these
securities. The calculation used to determine the value of the residual interest
assumed a 14% discount rate, a default rate of 2.25%, and a prepayment rate
ranging from 12% through 15%.
 
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
     The allowance for loan losses provides for risks of losses inherent in the
credit extension process. Losses and recoveries are either charged or credited
to the allowance. The Company's allowance is an amount that management believes
will be adequate to absorb possible losses on existing loans that may become
uncollectible, based on evaluations of the collectibility of loans and prior
loan loss experience. The evaluations take into consideration such factors as
changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio
quality, review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions that
may affect the borrower's ability to pay. The evaluations are periodically
reviewed and adjustments are recorded in the period in which changes become
known.
 
ACCOUNTING FOR IMPAIRMENT OF LOANS
 
     The Company's measurement of impaired loans includes those loans which are
nonperforming and have been placed on non-accrual status and those loans which
are performing according to all contractual terms of the loan agreement but may
have substantive indication of potential credit weakness. As of December 31,
1997, $22.8 million of loans were considered impaired by the Company.
Approximately $16.0 million of these loans required valuation allowances,
totaling $2.8 million, which are included within the overall allowance for loan
losses at December 31, 1997. Residential mortgages and consumer loans and leases
outside the scope of SFAS 114 are collectively evaluated for impairment.
 
     As of December 31, 1996, $19.2 million of loans were considered impaired by
the Company. Approximately $16.9 million of these loans required valuation
allowances, totaling $2.9 million, which were included within the overall
allowance for loan losses at December 31, 1996.
 
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation
and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets,
except for leasehold improvements for which the lesser of the estimated useful
life of the asset or the term of the lease is used. The useful lives used in
computing depreciation and amortization are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEARS
                                                              ------
<S>                                                           <C>
Buildings and improvements..................................      39
Furniture and equipment.....................................       7
Leasehold improvements......................................  5 - 15
</TABLE>
 
     Gains and losses on routine dispositions are reflected in current
operations. Maintenance, repairs and minor improvements are charged to operating
expenses, and major replacements and improvements are capitalized.
 
OTHER REAL ESTATE
 
     Other real estate owned ("ORE") represents property acquired through
foreclosure proceedings held for sale and real estate held for investment. ORE
is net of a valuation allowance established to reduce cost to fair value. Losses
are charged to the valuation allowance and recoveries are credited to the
allowance. Declines in market value and gains and losses on disposal are
reflected in current operations in ORE expense. Recoverable
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   86
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
costs relating to the development and improvement of ORE are capitalized whereas
routine holding costs are charged to expense. The sales of these properties are
dependent upon various market conditions. Management is of the opinion that such
sales will result in net proceeds at least equal to present carrying values.
 
ACCOUNTING FOR IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
 
     The FASB issued SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of," which was effective for the
Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 1996. SFAS No. 121 requires that
long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be held and used be
reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected
future cash flows from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition is less
than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. SFAS
No. 121 also requires that certain assets to be disposed of be measured at the
lower of carrying amount or the net realizable value. The impact of adopting
SFAS No. 121 upon the results of operations of the Company was not material.
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
     In February 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share," SFAS
No. 128 simplifies the method for computing and presenting earnings per share
("EPS") previously required by APB Opinion No. 15, "Earnings Per Share", and
makes them comparable to international EPS standards. SFAS No. 128 is effective
for periods ending after December 15, 1997, and requires restatement of all
prior period EPS data and has been implemented by the Company. It replaces the
presentation of primary EPS with a presentation of basic EPS. It also requires
dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement
for all entities with complex capital structures and requires a reconciliation
of the numerator and denominator of the basic EPS computation to the numerator
and denominator of the diluted EPS computation.
 
REPORTING COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
     In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income," SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income. A specific reporting format is not required, provided the
financial statements show the amount of total comprehensive income for the
period. Those items which are not included in net income are required to be
shown in the financial statements with appropriate footnote disclosure and the
aggregate balance of such items must be shown separately from retained earnings
and additional paid-in-capital in the equity section of the balance sheet. SFAS
No. 130 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997.
Reclassification of financial statements for earlier periods is required. SFAS
No. 130 will have no material effect on the Company's financial statements.
 
DISCLOSURES ABOUT BUSINESS SEGMENTS
 
     In June 1997, the FASB adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for
the way the Company reports information about operating segments in annual
financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about
operating segments in interim financial reports. SFAS No. 131 is effective for
periods beginning after December 15, 1997. Management has implemented SFAS No.
131 in the year ended December 31, 1997, and believes its commercial banking and
mortgage banking activities constitute operating segments which require
additional disclosure about their respective assets, revenues, profit or loss
and other operating data.
 
DISCLOSURES ABOUT PENSIONS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
 
     In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132 "Employers' Disclosure about
Pensions and Other Retirement Benefits," (SFAS No. 132). SFAS No. 132 revises
the disclosure requirements for employees'
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   87
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
pensions and other post-retirement benefit plans. SFAS No. 132 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997, earlier application is
encouraged. Management has implemented SFAS No. 132 in the year ended December
31, 1997.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
     The Company follows the liability method which establishes deferred tax
assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between the financial
reporting bases and the tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities at
enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or
settled. Net deferred tax assets, whose realization is dependent on taxable
earnings of future years, are recognized when a more-likely-than-not criterion
is met, that is, unless a greater than 50% probability exists that the tax
benefits will not actually be realized sometime in the future.
 
     Effective April 1, 1995, federal regulations restricted the amount of
deferred tax assets that can be used to meet regulatory capital requirements to
an amount that the institution expects to realize within one year, or 10% of
Tier 1 capital, whichever is less.
 
     The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated tax returns with the
federal and state taxing authorities. A tax sharing agreement exists between the
Company and its subsidiaries whereby taxes for the subsidiaries are computed as
if the subsidiaries were separate entities. Amounts to be paid or credited with
respect to current taxes are paid to or received from the Company.
 
PREMIUM ON DEPOSITS
 
     A premium on deposits is recorded for the difference between cash received
and the carrying value of deposits acquired in purchase transactions. This
premium is being amortized on a straight-line basis over three to four years.
Approximately $202,000 and $527,000 was included in other assets in the
accompanying financial statements, as of December 31, 1997, and 1996.
 
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
 
     The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans under
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees". Effective in 1996, the Company adopted the disclosure option of SFAS
No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS No. 123), which
requires that companies not electing to account for stock-based compensation as
prescribed by the statement, disclose the pro forma effects on earnings and
earnings per share as if SFAS No. 123 had been adopted. Additionally, certain
other disclosures are required with respect to stock compensation and the
assumptions used are to determine the pro forma effects of SFAS No. 123.
 
CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
     For purposes of preparing the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash
equivalents are defined to include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing
deposits in banks, and federal funds sold.
 
RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
     Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period financial
statements to conform with the 1997 financial statement presentation.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   88
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
3.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES:
 
     The Company's investment securities consisted primarily of U.S. Treasury
Bills, Notes, and Agencies. The investment securities of the Company at December
31, 1997 and 1996, are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 AMORTIZED   UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED   MARKET
                                                   COST        GAINS        LOSSES      VALUE
                                                 ---------   ----------   ----------   -------
<S>                                              <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
AT DECEMBER 31, 1997:
  Available-for-sale securities:
     U.S. Government Treasuries................   $10,512       $ 9          $ --      $10,521
     U.S. Agencies.............................     4,000        14            --        4,014
     Revenue bond..............................     1,545        --            --        1,545
                                                  -------       ---          ----      -------
          Total U.S. Treasuries & Federal
            Agency Notes.......................   $16,057       $23          $ --      $16,080
                                                  =======       ===          ====      =======
AT DECEMBER 31, 1996:
  Available-for-sale securities:
     U.S. Government Treasuries................   $72,905       $--          $(53)     $72,852
     Revenue Bond..............................     1,545        --            --        1,545
                                                  -------       ---          ----      -------
          Total available for sale.............    74,450        --           (53)      74,397
  Trading securities:
     U.S. Agencies.............................     4,000        32            --        4,032
                                                  -------       ---          ----      -------
          Total U.S. Treasuries & Federal
            Agency Notes.......................   $78,450       $32          $(53)     $78,429
                                                  =======       ===          ====      =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997       1996
                                                              -------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
BOOK VALUE AT DECEMBER 31:
  Available-for-sale securities:............................  $16,080    $74,397
  Trading Securities........................................       --      4,032
                                                              -------    -------
          Total U.S. Treasuries & Federal Agency Notes......  $16,080    $78,429
                                                              =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
     The amortized cost and estimated market value of investment securities at
December 31, 1997, by contractual maturity are shown below (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
                                                       ----------------------------------
                                                                    ESTIMATED    WEIGHTED
                                                       AMORTIZED     MARKET      AVERAGE
                                                         COST         VALUE       YIELD
                                                       ---------    ---------    --------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>          <C>
Due in 1 year or less................................   $10,512      $10,521       5.68%
Due after 1 year through 5 years.....................     1,545        1,545       8.60
Due after 5 years....................................     4,000        4,014       7.45
                                                        -------      -------
          Total......................................   $16,057      $16,080       6.40%
                                                        =======      =======
</TABLE>
 
     Proceeds from sales of U.S. Treasury and Federal Agency Notes during the
years ended 1997, 1996 and 1995, were $55,092,000, $7,545,000, and $2,972,000,
respectively. Gross losses of $7,109, $0, and $27,891 were realized for the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995. Gross gains of $193,218, $45,404,
and $0, were realized during the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. U.S. Treasuries and Federal Agency Notes with a par value of
$10,500,000 and $19,000,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were
pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes. Net unrealized holding
gains on
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   89
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
trading securities of $764,000, $26,000, and $101,000 were included in income
during 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.
 
4.  MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES:
 
     Mortgage-backed securities ("MBS"), sometimes referred to as pass-through
certificates, represent an interest in a pool of loans. The securities are
issued by three government agencies or corporations: (i) the Government National
Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), (ii) the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
("FHLMC") and (iii) the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"). During
1997 and 1996 the Company securitized loans with a carrying value of $17,923,000
and $6,282,000, respectively. MBS securities held to maturity are recorded at
amortized cost, while securities available-for-sale and trading are recorded at
estimated market value. Mortgage-backed securities are summarized as follows (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 AMORTIZED   UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED   MARKET
                                                   GAINS       GAINS        LOSSES      VALUE
                                                 ---------   ----------   ----------   -------
<S>                                              <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
AT DECEMBER 31, 1997:
  Available for sale securities:
     GNMA securities...........................   $41,395      $ 648        $  --      $42,043
     FHLMC securities..........................     5,963         --           (9)       5,954
     FNMA securities...........................     6,644        104           (2)       6,746
     Other MBS securities......................       716          8           --          724
                                                  -------      -----        -----      -------
          Total MBS available for sale.........   $54,718      $ 760        $ (11)     $55,467
                                                  =======      =====        =====      =======
  Trading securities:
     GNMA securities...........................   $16,346      $ 478        $  --      $16,824
     FNMA Title 1 securities...................     1,200         --           --        1,200
     Republic Bank Owner Trust 1997-1 M2.......     4,350         --           --        4,350
     Republic Bank Owner Trust 1997-1 B........     4,350         --           --        4,350
     Republic Bank Owner Trust 1997-1-
       Overcollateralization...................     2,400         --           --        2,400
     Residual interest.........................     5,845         --           --        5,845
     Excess spread interest only strip
       receivable..............................     2,077         --           --        2,077
                                                  -------      -----        -----      -------
          Total MBS trading securities.........   $36,568      $ 478        $  --      $37,046
                                                  =======      =====        =====      =======
AT DECEMBER 31, 1996:
  Available for sale securities:
     Mortgage-backed securities................   $61,560      $ 108        $(219)     $61,449
     Collateralized mortgage backed
       obligations.............................        --         --           --           --
     Excess spread interest only strip
       receivable..............................       588         --           --          588
                                                  -------      -----        -----      -------
          Total MBS available for sale.........   $62,148      $ 108        $(219)     $62,037
                                                  =======      =====        =====      =======
     Trading Securities:
     Mortgage-backed securities................   $    --      $  --        $  --      $    --
     Collateralized mortgage backed
       obligations.............................     5,554         --           (6)       5,548
     Excess spread interest only strip
       receivable..............................        --         --           --           --
                                                  -------      -----        -----      -------
          Total MBS trading securities.........   $ 5,554      $  --        $  (6)     $ 5,548
                                                  =======      =====        =====      =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   90
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 AMORTIZED   UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED   MARKET
                                                   GAINS       GAINS        LOSSES      VALUE
                                                 ---------   ----------   ----------   -------
<S>                                              <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
  Held to maturity securities:
     Mortgage-backed securities................   $15,343      $ 218        $ (47)     $15,514
     Collateralized mortgage backed
       obligations.............................        --         --           --           --
     Excess spread interest only strip
       receivable..............................        --         --           --           --
                                                  -------      -----        -----      -------
          Total MBS securities held to
            maturity...........................   $15,343      $ 218        $ (47)     $15,514
                                                  =======      =====        =====      =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997      1996
                                                              -------   -------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>
BOOK VALUE AT DECEMBER 31:
  Held to maturity securities...............................  $    --   $15,343
  Available for sale securities.............................   55,467    62,037
  Trading securities........................................   37,046     5,548
                                                              -------   -------
          Total MBS.........................................  $92,513   $82,928
                                                              =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997      1996
                                                              -------   -------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>
BOOK VALUE AT DECEMBER 31:
  Held to maturity securities...............................  $    --   $15,343
  Available for sale securities.............................   55,467    62,037
  Trading securities........................................   37,046     5,548
                                                              -------   -------
          Total MBS.........................................  $92,513   $82,928
                                                              =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
     The trading asset category at December 31, 1997, included $2.1 million in
excess spread on mortgage servicing rights, $8.7 million of securities purchased
from the Company's securitization of High LTV Loans in December 1997 and the
$8.2 million residual interest in cash flows from that securitization. The
Company has recorded these assets at what it believes to be their fair market
value, however, there is no ready market for residuals in cash flows from
securitization of High Loan-to-Value Loans.
 
     At December 31, 1997, all MBS securities available for sale were scheduled
to reprice in one year or less. The amortized cost and estimated market value of
the MBS portfolio at December 31, 1997, by contractual maturity are shown below
(in thousands). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities as a
result of prepayments of the underlying mortgages:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       ESTIMATED   WEIGHTED
                                                           AMORTIZED    MARKET     AVERAGE
                                                             COST        VALUE      YIELD
                                                           ---------   ---------   --------
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>         <C>
Due 5 -- 10 years........................................   $   716     $   724      7.39%
Due after 10 years.......................................    90,570      91,789      6.86%
                                                            -------     -------
          Total..........................................   $91,286     $92,513      6.87%
                                                            =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     Proceeds from sales of MBS securities during the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995 were $59,111,000, $47,750,000 and $17,487,000, respectively.
Gross gains of $359,511, $495,837 and $130,038 and gross losses of $1,890,
$85,845 and $9,000, respectively, were realized on these sales. Mortgage backed
securities with a par value of $29.3 million and a market value of $30.0 million
were pledged to secure repurchase agreements at December 31, 1997.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   91
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
5.  LOANS AND LOANS HELD FOR SALE:
 
     Loans and loans held for sale at December 31, 1997 and 1996, are summarized
as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997         1996
                                                              ----------   ----------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>
Real estate mortgage loans:
One-to-four family residential..............................  $  644,235   $  494,955
Multi-family residential....................................      86,835       90,745
Commercial real estate......................................     265,153      224,715
Construction/land development...............................      50,203       42,206
Home equity loans...........................................      44,389       23,622
Commercial loans............................................      36,515       37,626
Consumer loans..............................................      26,072       21,845
Other loans.................................................         442        1,294
                                                              ----------   ----------
          Total gross portfolio loans.......................   1,154,031      937,008
Less-allowance for loan losses..............................     (20,776)     (18,747)
Less-undisbursed loans in process...........................          --      (10,824)
Less-premiums and unearned discounts on loans purchased.....      (3,273)      (4,731)
Less-unamortized loan fees..................................      (1,027)        (671)
                                                              ----------   ----------
          Total loans held for portfolio....................   1,128,955      902,035
Residential loans held for sale.............................     151,404       46,593
                                                              ----------   ----------
          Total loans.......................................  $1,280,359   $  948,628
                                                              ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
     Mortgage loans serviced for others as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, were
$370,106,000 and $224,311,000, respectively. Loans on which interest was not
being accrued totaled approximately $26,959,000, $19,409,000, and $16,229,000 at
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Had interest been accrued on
these loans at their originally contracted rates, interest income would have
been increased by approximately $2,138,000, $1,661,000, and $1,729,000 in the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Loans past due 90
days or more and still accruing interest at December 31, 1997 and 1996, totaled
approximately $196,000 and $113,000, respectively. The Company restructured
loans totaling $0 and $2,516,000 during 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
6.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES:
 
     Changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                            ---------------------------
                                                             1997      1996      1995
                                                            -------   -------   -------
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>       <C>
  BALANCE, beginning of year..............................  $18,747   $20,048   $15,272
Provision for possible loan losses........................    2,628     2,582     2,162
Allowance from Firstate acquisition.......................      132        --        --
Discount on purchased loans allocated to (from) allowance
  for loan losses.........................................       39    (1,732)    7,658
Loans charged off.........................................   (1,003)   (2,448)   (5,536)
Recoveries of loans charged off...........................      223       297       492
                                                            -------   -------   -------
  BALANCE, end of year....................................  $20,776   $18,747   $20,048
                                                            =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
     While management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate at
December 31, 1997, based on currently available information, future additions to
the allowance may be necessary due to changes in
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   92
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
economic conditions, deterioration of creditworthiness of the borrower, the
value of underlying collateral or other factors. Additionally, the Florida
Department of Banking and Finance, the FDIC, and the Federal Reserve, as an
integral part of their regular examination process, periodically review the
allowance for loan losses. These agencies may require additions to the allowance
based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of
examination.
 
     The portion of the allowance for loan losses which arose due to the
allocation of discounts on purchased loans may only be used to absorb losses on
the related acquired loans. As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, approximately
$6,197,000 and $7,150,000 of the allowance had arisen through an allocation of
discounts on purchased loans.
 
7.  PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:
 
     Premises and equipment at December 31, 1997 and 1996, included (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1997      1996
                                                              --------   -------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Land........................................................  $  7,202   $ 6,249
Buildings and improvements..................................    19,354    14,370
Furniture and equipment.....................................    16,008    12,634
Leasehold improvements......................................     2,279     1,051
Construction in progress....................................     1,137       268
                                                              --------   -------
          Total premises and equipment......................    45,980    34,572
Less-accumulated depreciation and amortization..............   (12,677)   (9,533)
                                                              --------   -------
  Premises and equipment, net...............................  $ 33,303   $25,039
                                                              ========   =======
</TABLE>
 
8.  OTHER REAL ESTATE (ORE):
 
     State banking regulations require the Company to dispose of all ORE
acquired through foreclosure within five years of acquisition, with a
possibility for additional extensions, each of up to five years. Failure to
receive additional extensions could result in losses on ORE. There were three
ORE properties totaling approximately $3,451,000 at December 31, 1997, which
were required to be disposed of by year end. The Company has been granted an
extension on these properties by the State of Florida. The largest piece of
these properties is a tract of land carried at $2.6 million acquired through
foreclosure in 1988 that has partially been developed as a shopping center site.
The FDIC has also granted an extension of the holding period on this property.
The Bank currently has a firm commitment to sell a substantial portion of the
second largest property, with a book value of approximately $597,000, for an
amount in excess of the current book value. While the current appraisal on this
property indicates that the market value of the tract exceeds its book value, a
sale to a party other than an end-user could result in proceeds below the
current book value.
 
     During 1995, the former headquarter building was vacated and that space was
leased to a third party. Since that building was no longer used for banking
purposes, approximately $2,498,000 was transferred from premises and equipment
to ORE held for investment. During 1996, this building was sold and a gain of
$1,207,000 was recorded.
 
     Loans converted to ORE through foreclosure proceedings totaled $6,471,000,
and $7,249,000, for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Sales of ORE that were financed by the Company totaled $113,000 and $6,572,000
for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   93
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Changes in the valuation allowance for ORE were as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -------------------------
                                                               1997     1996     1995
                                                              ------   ------   -------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>      <C>
BALANCE, beginning of year..................................  $2,672   $2,090   $ 4,043
Provision...................................................     530      111       240
Charge-offs, net............................................      77      471    (2,193)
                                                              ------   ------   -------
BALANCE, end of year........................................  $3,279   $2,672   $ 2,090
                                                              ======   ======   =======
</TABLE>
 
9.  INCOME TAXES:
 
     Income taxes are comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -------------------------
                                                               1997      1996     1995
                                                              -------   ------   ------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>      <C>
Current provision...........................................  $ 7,991   $3,728   $2,528
Deferred benefit............................................   (1,895)    (693)     (12)
                                                              -------   ------   ------
                                                              $ 6,096   $3,035   $2,516
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately $7,061,000 of remaining
federal and $8,784,000 of state net operating loss carryforwards. These
carryforwards expire in the years 2005 through 2012.
 
     Following the change of ownership in 1993, and the two acquisitions in
1997, recognition of net operating loss carryforwards are limited to
approximately $571,000 each year under the rules of IRC Section 382. If the full
amount of the limitation is not used in any years, the amount not used increases
the allowable limit in the subsequent year.
 
     Deferred tax assets and liabilities were comprised of the following at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997      1996
                                                              -------   -------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>
Gross deferred tax assets:
  Tax bases over financial bases for loans (loan loss
     allowance and discounts)...............................  $ 6,091   $ 3,643
  Financial amortization of premium over tax amortization...      701       646
  Interest on non-accrual loans.............................      522       452
  Tax bases over financial bases for ORE....................    1,516     1,346
  Net operating losses and tax credit carryforward..........    2,717     2,039
  Mark-to-market-loans held for sale........................    1,268       232
  Other.....................................................      457       149
                                                              -------   -------
          Gross deferred tax asset..........................   13,272     8,507
          Gross deferred tax liabilities....................   (3,315)   (2,318)
                                                              -------   -------
          Net deferred tax asset............................  $ 9,957   $ 6,189
                                                              =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
     There were no valuation allowances against the deferred tax asset as
management has determined that it is more likely than not that all of the
deferred tax asset recorded will be realized. The net deferred tax asset
increased during 1997 and 1996 by approximately $352,000 and $63,000,
respectively, relating to the unrealized gain on available for sale securities
which is recorded directly to stockholders' equity.
 
     Through the merger of FFO, the Company acquired an unrecognized deferred
tax liability of approximately $2,700,000 related to base year reserves
calculated under the thrift bad debt percentage method. If
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   94
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
during any taxable year, the Company ceases to be a bank, these reserves shall
be taken into account ratably over the six taxable year period beginning with
such taxable year.
 
     The Company's effective tax rate varies from the statutory rate of 34%. The
reasons for this difference are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------
                                                               1997     1996     1995
                                                              ------   ------   ------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>      <C>
Computed "expected" tax provision...........................  $5,454   $2,862   $ 3,37
Increase (reduction) of taxes:..............................     (20)     (22)     (27)
  Tax-exempt interest income
     Valuation allowance....................................      --       --     (355)
Goodwill amortization.......................................     122       --       --
Amortization of excess of fair value over purchase price....      --       --     (536)
State taxes.................................................     578      304      298
Other.......................................................     (38)    (109)    (241)
                                                              ------   ------   ------
          Total.............................................  $6,096   $3,035   $2,516
                                                              ======   ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
10.  OTHER BORROWINGS:
 
     At December 31, 1997, the Company was required by its collateral agreement
with the FHLB to maintain qualifying first mortgage loans in an amount equal to
at least 100% of the FHLB advances outstanding as collateral. The FHLB advances
at December 31, 1997 and 1996, were collateralized by such loans and securities
totaling $35.0 million and $32.2 million, respectively. In addition, all of the
Company's FHLB stock is pledged as collateral for such advances.
 
     Maturities and average interest rates of advances from the FHLB as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, were as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            BALANCE AT
                     MATURITIES IN                                         DECEMBER 31,
                      YEAR ENDING                           WEIGHTED     ----------------
                      DECEMBER 31,                        AVERAGE RATE    1997      1996
- --------------------------------------------------------  ------------   -------   ------
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>       <C>
  1997..................................................       6.95%     $    --   $7,000
  1998..................................................       6.50       35,000       --
                                                                         -------
          Total.........................................    $35,000                $7,000
                                                            =======                ======
</TABLE>
 
     On December 27, 1996, the Company issued $6,000,000 in convertible
subordinated debentures at a fixed interest rate of 6.00%, interest payable
semi-annually, with a maturity of December 1, 2011. The Company had the right to
redeem the debentures beginning in 2001 at 106% of face value, with the premium
declining 1% per year thereafter and without any premium if the price of the
Company's common stock equals or exceeds 130% of the conversion price for not
less than 20 consecutive trading days. During 1997, the Company's common stock
exceeded 130% of the conversion price of $17.85714 for more than 20 consecutive
days. As a result, the Company notified the trustee of its intention to redeem
the debentures as of December 1, 1997. All of the holders converted their
debentures prior to this date into a total of 336,000 shares of common stock.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   95
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
11.  OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
 
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
 
     The Company's core customer loan origination base is located along the west
coast and in central Florida. The majority of the Company's purchased loan
portfolio is concentrated in the states of Florida, California, Texas, and in
the northeastern United States. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, approximately 95%
and 94%, respectively, of the Company's loan portfolio was secured by real
estate. Mortgage loans secured by 1-4 family properties comprised approximately
56% and 53%, respectively, of total mortgage loans at December 31, 1997 and
1996.
 
OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ITEMS
 
     The Company enters into financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk
in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers
and to limit exposure to changes in the value of loans held for sale. These
financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, commercial and
standby letters of credit, and forward contracts for the delivery of loans.
These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and
interest-rate risk that are not recognized in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets.
 
     The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the
other party to the financial instruments discussed above is represented by the
contractual 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.
 
     A summary of financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk at December
31, 1997, is as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              CONTRACTUAL
                                                                AMOUNT
                                                              -----------
<S>                                                           <C>
Commitments to extend credit................................   $ 76,698
Unfunded lines of credit....................................    156,013
Commercial and standby letters of credit....................     12,168
                                                               --------
          Total.............................................   $244,879
                                                               ========
</TABLE>
 
     Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long
as there is no violation of any condition established in the agreement.
Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses
and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to
expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily
represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer's
creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained if
deemed necessary upon extension of credit is based on management's credit
evaluation of the counter party. Collateral held varies but may include premises
and equipment, inventory and accounts receivable. Unfunded lines of credit
represent the undisbursed portion of lines of credit which have been extended to
customers.
 
     Commercial and standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued
by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party which
typically do not extend beyond one year. The credit risk involved in issuing
letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan
facilities to customers. The Company typically holds certificates of deposit as
collateral supporting those commitments, depending on the strength of the
borrower. Outstanding unsecured standby letters of credit at December 31, 1997,
totaled approximately $3,269,000.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   96
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     At December 31, 1997, in connection with managing the interest rate market
risk on its loans held for sale of $151,404,000 and locked loans (without
consideration for any fallout) of $56,097,000, the Company had outstanding
$32,040,000 (estimated fair value of $31,910,000) of Forward Commitments which
expire over the next two months, the period when the loans are expected to be
sold and locked loans are expected to close.
 
     The Company reduces its risk of nonperformance under the hedging contracts
by entering into those contracts with reputable security dealers and investors
and evaluating their financial condition. However, there is a risk that certain
of the locked loans do not close or are renegotiated in a declining interest
rate market and close at lower prices. The Company reduces this risk by
collecting nonrefundable commitment fees on certain of the locked loans and
enters into forward commitments to deliver loans to investors primarily on a
best efforts basis.
 
COMMITMENTS
 
     The Company has entered into a number of noncancelable operating leases
primarily for branch banking locations. At December 31, 1997, minimum rental
commitments based on the remaining noncancelable lease terms were as follows (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
1998........................................................  $ 3,077
1999........................................................    2,895
2000........................................................    2,403
2001........................................................    2,197
2002........................................................    1,891
Thereafter..................................................       --
                                                              -------
          Gross operating lease commitments.................   12,463
Less-sublease rentals.......................................    (1,60)
          Net operating lease commitments...................  $10,843
                                                              =======
</TABLE>
 
     Total rent expense for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
was $2,546,000, $2,031,000, and $1,372,000, respectively. Total rental income
from subleases for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, was
$582,000, $1,031,000, and $1,190,000, respectively.
 
     During 1994 a capital lease obligation of approximately $981,000 was
incurred related to the leasing of data processing equipment with an implicit
rate of 7.49%. Minimum lease payments under this capital lease are approximately
$214,000 in 1998 and $107,000 in 1999. In addition, the Company is obligated to
make processing payments in relation to its computer facilities of approximately
$1,545,000 in 1998, $1,653,000 in 1999, $1,759,000 in 2000, and $293,000 in
2001.
 
CONTINGENCIES
 
     The Company is subject to various other legal proceedings and claims which
arise in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount
of liability with respect to these other proceedings would not have a material
effect on the financial statements.
 
12.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
 
     On January 1, 1987, a retirement plan was adopted, covering substantially
all employees, which includes a 401(k) arrangement. The Company's contributions
were $437,200, $186,900, and $107,200 in the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995, respectively.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   97
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
13.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
 
     Generally, the Company's practice and intent is to hold its financial
instruments to maturity, unless otherwise designated. Where available, quoted
market prices are used to determine fair value. However, many of the Company's
financial instruments lack quoted market prices. Although the Company has
incorporated what it considers to be appropriate estimation methodologies for
those financial instruments which lack quoted market prices, a significant
number of assumptions must be used in determining such estimated fair values.
Such assumptions include subjective assessments of current market conditions,
perceived risks associated with these financial instruments and other factors.
Different assumptions might be considered by the user of the financial
statements to be more appropriate, and the use of alternative assumptions or
estimation methodologies could have a significant effect on the resulting
estimated fair values. The estimated fair values presented neither include nor
give effect to the values associated with the Company's business, existing
customer relationships, and branch banking network, among other things.
 
     The following estimates of the fair value of certain financial instruments
held by the Company include only instruments that could reasonably be evaluated.
The investment and mortgage backed securities portfolio was evaluated using
market quotes, where available, or fair market value calculations as of December
31, 1997 and 1996. The fair value of the loan portfolio was evaluated using
market quotes for similar financial instruments, where available. Otherwise,
discounted cash flows at current market, after adjusting for credit
deterioration and an average prepayment assumption, were used based upon current
rates the Company would use in extending credit with similar characteristics.
These rates may not necessarily be the same as those which might be used by
other financial institutions for similar loans. Cash and due from banks and
federal funds sold were valued at cost. The fair values disclosed for checking
accounts, savings accounts, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and
certain money market accounts are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on
demand at the reporting date, i.e., their carrying amounts. Fair values for time
deposits are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies
current interest rates to aggregated expected maturities. Standby letters of
credit and commitments to extend credit were valued at book value as the
majority of these instruments are based on variable rates. The value of the
Company's mortgage servicing rights was determined using the net discounted cash
flows from servicing.
 
     These evaluations may incorporate specific value to the Company in
accordance with its asset/liability strategies, interest rate projections and
business plans at a specific point in time and therefore, should not necessarily
be viewed as liquidation value. They should also not be used in determining
overall value of the Company due to undisclosed and intangible aspects such as
business and franchise value, and due to changes to assumptions of interest
rates and expected cash flows which might need to be made to reflect
expectations of returns to be earned on instruments with higher credit risks.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   98
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The table below illustrates the estimated fair value of the Company's
financial instruments as of December 31 using the assumptions described above
(in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1997        1996
                                                              ---------   ---------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Cash and due from banks.....................................  $  45,998   $  34,109
                                                              =========   =========
Interest bearing deposits in banks..........................        671      11,783
                                                              =========   =========
Federal funds sold..........................................     33,000       8,000
                                                              =========   =========
Investment and mortgage backed securities...................    108,593     161,304
                                                              =========   =========
Loans and loans held for sale (net of allowance for loan
  losses)...................................................  1,306,678     991,635
                                                              =========   =========
Mortgage servicing rights...................................        269       1,690
                                                              =========   =========
Deposits....................................................  1,365,824   1,119,888
                                                              =========   =========
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase..............     19,654      15,372
                                                              =========   =========
FHLB stock..................................................     35,000       7,000
                                                              =========   =========
Subordinated debt...........................................         --       6,000
                                                              =========   =========
Standby letters of credit...................................     12,168       7,415
                                                              =========   =========
Commitments to extend credit and unfunded lines of credit...    232,711     121,420
                                                              =========   =========
</TABLE>
 
14.  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
PERPETUAL PREFERRED CONVERTIBLE STOCK
 
     The Company has 75,000 outstanding shares of perpetual preferred
convertible stock. The preferred stock has a liquidation preference of $88 per
share and carries a noncumulative dividend of $3.52 per year, payable quarterly.
Dividends on the preferred stock must be paid before any dividends on common
stock can be paid. Beginning December 16, 1994, and thereafter, the preferred
stock can be converted by the holders into 10 shares of common stock for each
share of preferred stock. The holders of the preferred stock vote with the
holders of the common stock and are entitled to 10 votes per share of preferred
stock.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     Florida Statutes limit the amount of dividends the Bank can pay in any
given year to that year's net income plus retained net income from the two
preceding years. Additionally, the Bank and the Company cannot pay dividends
which would cause either to be undercapitalized as defined by federal
regulations.
 
1993 NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
     On May 28, 1993, the Company adopted a non-qualified stock option plan (the
Option Plan) which reserved 80,000 shares of common stock for future issuance
under the Option Plan to eligible employees of the Company. As of December 31,
1997, 60,000 options were granted under the Option Plan and 30,000 were
outstanding. The per share exercise price of each stock option is determined by
the Board of Directors at the date of grant. The plan terminates in 2003 or at
the discretion of the Board of Directors.
 
1995 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
     On April 29, 1994, the shareholders approved a qualified incentive stock
option plan to certain key employees. In connection with the Company's holding
company reorganization and share exchange in which all of the Company's
stockholders became stockholders of the Company, the Company adopted the
Republic
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   99
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Bancshares, Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") as a replacement for the
Company's 1994 Stock Option Plan. The Plan was approved by the stockholders of
the Bank at the Bank's Special Meeting held on February 27, 1996. On April 23,
1996, the shareholders approved certain amendments to the Plan (the
"Amendment"). Under the Amendment, the total number of shares that may be
purchased pursuant to the plan cannot exceed 525,000 over the life of the plan
and provides that the maximum number of options granted to any one individual in
any fiscal year under the plan cannot exceed 62,000. There is no limitation on
the annual aggregate number of options to be granted in any fiscal year. Each
option granted under the plan will be exercisable by the grantee during a term,
not to exceed 10 years, fixed by the compensation committee of the Board of
Directors ("the Committee"). However, no more than 20% of the shares subject to
such options shall vest annually beginning at date of grant. However, in the
event of a change in control, or termination of employment without cause, all
options granted become exercisable immediately. Options under the plan, which
have been granted to the employees of the Flagship/Capital mortgage banking
division of the Company, vest at the rate of 20% at the end of each 12-month
period over five years, contingent upon that division meeting specified net
income performance goals as set by the Board of Directors. If the performance
goal for each year is not met, then the options that would have become
exercisable at the end of the 12-month period shall expire and be null and void.
In addition, options granted to employees of this division shall not vest and
become exercisable if there is a change in control or a termination of
employment without cause, until the performance goal for at least one year has
been met.
 
     Upon the grant of an option to a key employee, the Committee will fix the
number of shares of common stock that the grantee may purchase upon exercise of
the option, and the price at which the shares may be purchased. The exercise
price for all options shall not be less than the fair market value. During 1997,
1996 and 1995, options to purchase 80,500, 270,900 and 59,700 shares,
respectively, under the incentive stock option plan were granted. Of the options
previously granted, 59,380 shares have expired, thereby making these options
available for future grants. As of December 31, 1997, 408,750 options remained
outstanding under this plan, with 116,250 available to be granted at a future
time.
 
1997 STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS PLAN
 
     On October 21, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a Stock
Appreciation Rights Plan (the "SAR Plan"). Under the SAR Plan, certain key
employees have been granted the right to receive cash equal to the excess of the
fair market value of a share of the Company's common stock at the time of
exercise, over the fair market value of a share of the Company's common stock at
date of grant, times the number of rights exercised. As of December 31, 1997,
40,250 SAR's had been granted at the then current market value of $26.675. No
more than 20% of the shares may vest annually by beginning at date of grant. The
term of an SAR may vary, but shall not be less than one year nor more than 10
years from the date of grant.
 
     The Company records compensation expense equal to the appreciation of the
fair market value of the stock times the number of outstanding stock
appreciation rights. As of December 31, 1997, there had been no appreciation of
the Company's common stock over the fair market value at date of grant.
Therefore, no compensation expense had been recorded.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   100
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
AGGREGATE STOCK OPTION ACTIVITY
 
     The Company adopted SFAS No. 123 for disclosure purposes in 1996. For SFAS
No. 123 purposes, the fair value of each option grant has been estimated as of
the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the
following assumptions (weighted averages) for 1997, 1996 and 1995: risk-free
interest rate of 5.35%, 6.50% and 6.03%, respectively, expected life of seven
years, dividend rate of zero percent, and expected volatility of 30.9% for 1997
and 25% for 1996 and 1995. The approximate fair value of the stock options
granted in 1997, 1996, and 1995 is $959,000, $1,583,000 and $347,000,
respectively, which would be amortized as compensation expense over the vesting
period of the options. Options vest equally over five years. Had compensation
cost been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, utilizing the assumptions
detailed above, the Company's net income and earnings per share as reported
would have been the following pro forma amounts (in thousands except share
data):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997     1996     1995
                                                              ------   ------   ------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>      <C>
Net Income
  As reported...............................................  $8,571   $4,879   $6,916
  Pro Forma.................................................   8,210    4,683    6,873
Earnings per share-diluted
  As reported...............................................    1.21      .74     1.10
  Pro forma.................................................    1.16      .71     1.10
Earnings per share-basic
  As reported...............................................    1.40      .83     1.26
  Pro forma.................................................    1.34      .80     1.25
</TABLE>
 
     Because the SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has not been applied to
options granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation
cost may not be representative of that expected in future years. A summary of
the status of the Company's stock option plans at December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, and for the years then ended is presented in the table below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1997                 1996                 1995
                                    ------------------   ------------------   ------------------
                                    WTD AVG              WTD AVG              WTD AVG
                                    SHARES    EX PRICE   SHARES    EX PRICE   SHARES    EX PRICE
                                    -------   --------   -------   --------   -------   --------
<S>                                 <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
Fixed Options
Outstanding -- beginning of
  year............................  196,470    $11.87    131,810    $11.00     81,500    $ 8.75
Granted...........................   82,999     25.94     70,900     13.63     59,700     14.00
Exercised.........................  (21,300)    11.80         --        --     (3,170)     9.58
Forfeited/Expired.................   (6,920)    13.04     (6,240)    13.42     (6,220)    11.06
                                    -------              -------              -------
Outstanding -- end of year........  251,249     16.38    196,470     11.87    131,810     11.00
                                    =======              =======              =======
Exercisable -- end of year........  118,979     12.52     92,530     10.29     45,112      9.07
Wtd. avg. fair value of options
  granted.........................              11.91                 5.84                 5.81
Performance Options
Outstanding -- beginning of
  year............................  200,000    $13.63    200,000    $13.63         --        --
Granted...........................       --        --         --        --         --        --
Exercised.........................       --        --         --        --         --        --
Forfeited/Expired.................  (40,000)    13.63         --        --         --        --
                                    -------              -------              -------
Outstanding -- end of year........  160,000     13.63    200,000     13.63         --        --
                                    =======              =======              =======
Exercisable -- end of year........       --        --         --        --         --        --
Wtd. avg. fair value of options
  granted.........................                 --                 5.84         --
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   101
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                                   OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
- ----------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------
    NUMBER       WEIGHTED-AVERAGE                           NUMBER        EXERCISABLE
   RANGE OF        OUTSTANDING         REMAINING       WEIGHTED-AVERAGE       AT        WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE     AT 12/31/97      CONTRACTUAL LIFE    EXERCISE PRICE     12/31/97      EXERCISE PRICE
- --------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   -----------   ----------------
<S>              <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>           <C>
          2.13         2,499          1.00 years            $ 2.13           2,499           $ 2.13
    5.40-10.50        61,610          5.89 years              8.02          54,040             7.67
   13.63-14.00       266,640          8.19 years             13.69          46,340            13.83
         26.68        80,500          9.79 years             26.68          16,100            26.68
</TABLE>
 
15.  EARNINGS PER SHARE:
 
NET INCOME PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE
 
     Diluted earnings per common and common equivalent share has been computed
by dividing net income by the weighted average common and common equivalent
shares outstanding during the periods. The weighted average common and common
equivalent shares outstanding has been adjusted to include the number of shares
that would have been outstanding if the stock options granted had been
exercised, at the average market price for period, with the proceeds being used
to buy shares from the market (i.e., the treasury stock method) and the
perpetual preferred stock and the convertible subordinated debentures had been
converted to common stock at the earlier of the beginning of the year or the
issue date (i.e., the if-converted method). Basic earnings per common share was
computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of
common stock outstanding during the year. The table below reconciles the
calculation of diluted and basic earnings per share (dollars in thousands,
except share data):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1997
                                                            -------------------------------
                                                                      WEIGHTED     EARNINGS
                                                             NET       SHARES        PER
                                                            INCOME   OUTSTANDING    SHARE
                                                            ------   -----------   --------
<S>                                                         <C>      <C>           <C>
Net Income................................................  $8,571    6,128,014
Basic earnings per share..................................                          $1.40
Options exercised during the period -- incremental effect
  prior to exercise.......................................      --        5,198
Options outstanding at end of period......................      --      117,835
Convertible perpetual preferred stock.....................      --      750,000
Convertible subordinated debentures -- incremental effect
  prior to conversion.....................................     245      300,452
                                                            ------    ---------     -----
Diluted earnings per share................................  $8,816    7,301,499     $1.21
                                                            ======    =========     =====
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1996
                                                            -------------------------------
                                                                      WEIGHTED     EARNINGS
                                                             NET       SHARES        PER
                                                            INCOME   OUTSTANDING    SHARE
                                                            ------   -----------   --------
<S>                                                         <C>      <C>           <C>
Net Income................................................  $4,879    5,857,174
Basic earnings per share..................................                          $0.83
Options exercised during the period -- incremental effect
  prior to exercise.......................................      --           --
Options outstanding at end of period......................      --       19,430
Convertible perpetual preferred stock.....................      --      750,000
Convertible subordinated debentures -- incremental effect
  prior to conversion.....................................      --           --        --
                                                            ------    ---------     -----
Diluted earnings per share................................  $4,879    6,626,604     $0.74
                                                            ======    =========     =====
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>   102
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1995
                                                            -------------------------------
                                                                      WEIGHTED     EARNINGS
                                                             NET       SHARES        PER
                                                            INCOME   OUTSTANDING    SHARE
                                                            ------   -----------   --------
<S>                                                         <C>      <C>           <C>
Net income................................................  $6,916    5,491,250
Basic earnings per share..................................                          $1.26
Options exercised during the period -- incremental effect
  prior to exercise.......................................      --          388
Options outstanding at end of period......................      --       19,730
Convertible prepetual preferred stock.....................      --      750,000
Convertible subordinated debentures -- incremental effect
  prior to conversion.....................................      --           --        --
                                                            ------    ---------     -----
Diluted earnings per share................................  $6,916    6,261,368     $1.10
                                                            ======    =========     =====
</TABLE>
 
     In 1997, the Company adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share," effective
December 15, 1997. As a result, the Company's reported earnings per share for
1996 and 1995 were restated. The effect of this accounting change on previously
reported earnings per share ("EPS") data was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996    1995
                                                              -----   -----
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>
Primary EPS as Reported.....................................  $.074   $1.10
Effect of SFAS No. 128......................................   0.09    0.16
                                                              -----   -----
Basic EPS as restated.......................................  $0.83   $1.26
                                                              =====   =====
Fully diluted EPS as Reported...............................  $0.74   $1.10
Effect of SFAS No. 128......................................     --      --
                                                              -----   -----
Diluted EPS as restated.....................................  $0.74   $1.10
                                                              =====   =====
</TABLE>
 
16.  REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS:
 
     The Company and the Bank are required to comply with the capital adequacy
standards established by the Federal Reserve (for the Company) and the FDIC (for
the Bank). There are three basic measures of capital adequacy for banks that
have been promulgated by the Federal Reserve; two risk-based measures and a
leverage measure. All applicable capital standards must be satisfied for a bank
holding company to be considered in compliance.
 
     The minimum guidelines for the ratio ("Risk-Based Capital Ratio") of total
capital ("Total Capital") to risk-weighted assets (including certain
off-balance-sheet items, such as standby letters of credit) is 8.0%. At least
half of Total Capital (i.e., 4.0% of risk-weighted assets) must comprise common
stock, minority interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries,
noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, and a limited amount of cumulative
perpetual preferred stock, less goodwill and certain other intangible assets
("Tier 1 Capital"). The remainder may consist of subordinated debt, other
preferred stock, and a limited amount of loan loss reserves ("Tier 2 Capital").
In addition, the Federal Reserve has established minimum leverage ratio
guidelines for bank holding companies. These guidelines provide for a minimum
ratio (the "Leverage Ratio") of Tier 1 Capital to average assets, less goodwill
and certain other intangible assets, of 3.0% for banks that meet certain
specified criteria, including having the highest regulatory rating. All other
bank holding companies generally are required to maintain a Leverage Ratio of at
least 3.0%, plus an additional cushion of 100 to 200 basis points. The
guidelines also provide that bank holding companies experiencing internal growth
or making acquisitions will be expected to maintain strong capital positions
substantially above the minimum supervisory levels without significant reliance
on intangible assets. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve has indicated that it
will consider a "tangible Tier I Capital leverage ratio" (deducting all
intangibles) and other
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>   103
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
indicators of capital strength in evaluating proposals for expansion or new
activities. The Bank had previously undertaken in writing to the FDIC to achieve
a Leverage Ratio of at least 5.50% by September 30, 1995, which it did, and will
consider raising additional capital or reducing internal growth should the ratio
fall below that level in the future. The Company's leverage ratio requirement
remains at 5.00%. Other than the foregoing commitment, the Bank has not been
advised by the FDIC of any specific minimum capital ratio requirement applicable
to it.
 
     Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject a bank or a bank holding
company to a variety of enforcement remedies, including issuance of a capital
directive, the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, a prohibition on
the taking of brokered deposits, and certain other restrictions on its business.
Substantial additional restrictions can be imposed upon FDIC-insured depository
institutions that fail to meet applicable capital requirements under the federal
prompt corrective action regulations.
 
     As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company and the Bank were considered
"well capitalized" under the federal banking agencies for prompt corrective
action regulations. Regulatory capital ratios for 1996 have not been restated to
include FFO, as the accounting methodology for a pooling of interest does not
apply under regulatory guidelines. The table which follows sets forth the
amounts of capital and capital ratios of the Company and the Bank as of December
31, 1997 and 1996, and the applicable regulatory minimums (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         COMPANY              BANK
                                                    -----------------   -----------------
                                                     AMOUNT    RATION    AMOUNT    RATIO
                                                    --------   ------   --------   ------
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997:
RISK-BASED CAPITAL:
  Tier 1 Capital
     Actual.......................................  $101,350   10.05%   $103,162   10.25%
     Minimum required to be "Adequately
       Capitalized"...............................    40,329    4.00      40,265    4.00
     Excess over minimum to be "Adequately
       Capitalized"...............................    61,021    6.05      62,897    6.25
     To be "Well Capitalized".....................    60,494    6.00      60,398    6.00
     Excess over "Well Capitalized"
       requirements...............................    40,856    4.05      42,764    4.25
  Total Capital
     Actual.......................................   117,603   11.66     115,983   11.52
     Minimum required to be "Adequately
       Capitalized"...............................    80,658    8.00      80,530    8.00
     Excess over minimum to be "Adequately
       Capitalized"...............................    36,945    3.66      35,453    3.52
     To be "Well Capitalized".....................   100,823   10.00     100,663   10.00
     Excess over "Well Capitalized"
       requirements...............................    16,780    1.66      15,320    1.52
TIER 1 CAPITAL TO TOTAL ASSETS (LEVERAGE):
  Actual..........................................   101,350    6.94     103,162    7.07
  Minimum required to be "Adequately
     Capitalized".................................    58,456    4.00      58,392    4.00
  Excess over minimum to be "Adequately
     Capitalized".................................    42,894    2.94      44,770    3.07
  To be "Well Capitalized"........................    73,070    5.00      72,990    5.00
  Excess over "Well Capitalized" requirements.....    28,280    1.94      30,172    2.07
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>   104
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         COMPANY              BANK
                                                    -----------------   -----------------
                                                     AMOUNT    RATION    AMOUNT    RATIO
                                                    --------   ------   --------   ------
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996:
RISK-BASED CAPITAL:
  Tier 1 Capital
     Actual.......................................  $ 51,325    8.82%   $ 57,113    9.82%
     Minimum required to be "Adequately
       Capitalized"...............................    23,268    4.00      23,260    4.00
     Excess over minimum to be "Adequately
       Capitalized"...............................    28,057    4.82      33,853    5.82
     To be "Well Capitalized".....................    34,902    6.00      34,890    6.00
     Excess over "Well Capitalized"
       requirements...............................    16,423    2.82      22,223    3.82
  Total Capital
     Actual.......................................    64,630   11.11      64,418   11.08
     Minimum required to be "Adequately
       Capitalized"...............................    46,536    8.00      46,519    8.00
     Excess over minimum to be "Adequately
       Capitalized"...............................    18,094    3.11      17,899    3.08
     To be "Well Capitalized".....................    58,170   10.00      58,149   10.00
     Excess over "Well Capitalized"
       requirements...............................     6,460    1.11       6,269    1.08
TIER 1 CAPITAL TO TOTAL ASSETS (LEVERAGE):
  Actual..........................................    51,325    5.90      57,113    6.57
  Minimum required to be "Adequately
     Capitalized".................................    34,807    4.00      34,798    4.00
  Excess over minimum to be "Adequately
     Capitalized".................................    16,518    1.90      22,315    2.57
  To be "Well Capitalized"........................    43,509    5.00      47,848    5.50
  Excess over "Well Capitalized" requirements.....     7,816    0.90       9,265    1.07
</TABLE>
 
17.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     William R. Hough, a director and one of the two controlling shareholders,
is President and the controlling shareholder of William R. Hough & Co. ("WRHC"),
an NASD-member investment banking firm. As part of the normal course of business
the Company solicits competitive bids for the sales of mortgage securities from
approved broker/dealers, including William R. Hough & Company. During 1997, the
Company placed $115,410,000 of forward sales on mortgage backed securities
through William R. Hough & Company. Additionally, the Company periodically
purchased securities under agreement to repurchase at a rate based on the
prevailing federal funds rate plus 1/8 of 1% per an agreement entered into on
August 15, 1995.
 
     In addition, WRH Mortgage, Inc., a related interest of William R. Hough,
acted as the Company's agent in the purchase of two loan pools from the
Resolution Trust Corporation on May 23, 1995, and was paid due diligence fees
totaling $39,997.
 
     In June 1995, in connection with a rights offering of the Company Common
Stock conducted by the Company, William R. Hough & Co. participated as a
soliciting dealer, and as such was entitled to receive solicitation fees in an
amount equal to approximately $11,900. William R. Hough & Co. also participated
in the selling group for the public offering of the Company Common Stock that
took place in conjunction with the rights offering. In connection with the
public offering, William R. Hough & Co. received approximately $18,000 in
discounts and other fees.
 
     In July 1996, William R. Hough & Co. began offering sales of insurance and
mutual fund products and investment advisory services on the premises of the
Company. The Company was paid a monthly fee of $300 for each banking office
participating in the program plus a fee of 15% of the gross commissions earned
from sales of non-insurance products. On January 1, 1997, this agreement was
terminated and replaced with a new
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>   105
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
agreement where the Company will be paid 50% of the net profits earned from
sales of investment products on the Company's premises.
 
     In December 1996, the Company offered $6,000,000 of convertible
subordinated debentures through a private placement on a "best efforts" basis
exclusively through William R. Hough & Co. as "Sales Agent" for the Company. The
sales agent agreement provided for the payment to William R. Hough & Co. of a
fee of 1.50% for each $1,000 principal amount of debentures sold to directors of
the Company or their spouses and 3% for each $1,000 of debentures sold to all
others. The total amount of fees paid to William R. Hough & Company for the sale
of the debentures was $162,000. In addition, the Company agreed to indemnify the
sales agent against and contribute toward certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act, and to reimburse William R. Hough & Co.
for certain expenses and legal fees related to the sale of the debentures of
approximately $51,000.
 
     During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, FFO purchased
approximately $53.3 million, and $69.5 million of securities through WRHC,
respectively. During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, FFO sold
approximately $46.0 million and $19.7 million of securities through WRHC,
respectively. In connection with such transactions, FFO paid WRHC an aggregate
of $118,000 and $92,000, in commissions during the years ended December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively.
 
     In July 1997, in connection with an offering of trust preferred securities,
William R. Hough & Company participated as co-manager, and as such was entitled
to receive one-half of an underwriting fee of 3.75% of the dollar amount of
preferred stock issued in an amount equal to approximately $539,063. In
addition, the Company agreed to reimburse William R. Hough & Company for certain
expenses and legal fees not to exceed $65,000.
 
     In December 1997, the Company completed a securitization of $60 million of
high loan-to-value home equity loans. William R. Hough & Company participated as
co-underwriters and was paid one-half of an amount equal to 1.5% of the
principal amount of senior securities; 1.5% of the principal amount of
subordinated securities; and 2.5% of the gross proceeds from the sale of
interest only securities totaling $450,000. The Company also reimbursed William
R. Hough & Company for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Certain directors and
executive officers of the Company and Bank, members of their immediate families,
and entities with which such persons are associated are customers of the Bank.
As such, they had transactions in the ordinary course of business with the Bank
during 1997. All loans and commitments to lend included in those transactions
were made in the ordinary course of business, upon substantially the same terms,
including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for
comparable transactions with other persons and, in the opinion of management,
have not involved more than the normal risk of collectibility or presented other
unfavorable features.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>   106
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
18.  BANK HOLDING COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
 
     Condensed financial statements of the Company (Republic Bancshares, Inc.)
at December 31 are presented below. Amounts shown as investment in the
wholly-owned subsidiaries and equity in earnings of subsidiaries are eliminated
in consolidation.
 
                           REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.
 
                      PARENT-ONLY CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              AS OF DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -------------------
                                                                1997       1996
                                                              --------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
ASSETS
  Cash......................................................  $     --    $    --
  Investment in wholly-owned subsidiaries...................   124,307     80,391
  Prepaid issuance costs -- subordinated debt...............        --        212
                                                              --------    -------
          Total.............................................  $124,307    $80,603
                                                              ========    =======
LIABILITIES
  Subordinated debt.........................................  $     --    $ 6,000
  Junior subordinated debt to subsidiary....................    28,750         --
  Intercompany payable to subsidiary........................        26         --
  Accrued interest on subordinated debt.....................        --          4
                                                              --------    -------
          Total liabilities.................................        --          4
  Minority interest.........................................        --      6,421
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Perpetual preferred convertible stock.....................     1,500      1,500
  Common stock..............................................    14,072     11,708
  Capital surplus...........................................    50,322     34,225
  Retained earnings.........................................    29,155     20,847
  Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for sale
     securities.............................................       482       (102)
          Total stockholders' equity........................    95,531     68,178
                                                              --------    -------
          Total.............................................  $124,307    $80,603
                                                              ========    =======
</TABLE>
 
                           REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.
 
                      PARENT-ONLY CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              AS OF DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -------------------
                                                                1997       1996
                                                              --------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
INCOME
  Dividends from bank.......................................  $   828     $  264
  Interest expense on subordinated debt.....................     (392)        (5)
  Interest on borrowings from subsidiary....................   (1,090)        --
  Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary..........    9,225      4,620
                                                              -------     ------
          Net income........................................  $ 8,571     $4,879
                                                              =======     ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>   107
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
                   PARENT-ONLY CONDENSED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                              --------------------
                                                                1997        1996
                                                              --------    --------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income..................................................  $  8,571    $  4,879
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (Used in)
  provided by operating activities:
  Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary..........    (9,225)     (4,620)
  Net decrease (increase) in other assets...................       212          --
  Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities..............        22           5
                                                              --------    --------
          Net cash (used in) provided by operating
            activities:.....................................      (420)        264
                                                              --------    --------
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES:
  Equity investment in banking subsidiary...................   (33,322)    (56,648)
  Equity investment in trust subsidiary.....................      (889)         --
  Equity investment in insurance subsidiary.................       (10)         --
                                                              --------    --------
          Net cash used in investing activities:............   (34,221)    (56,648)
                                                              --------    --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Issuance of stock in merger...............................    12,374      50,860
  Decrease in minority interest.............................    (6,421)         --
  Increase in retained earnings from merger.................         1          --
  Conversion/Issuance of subordinated debt..................      (152)      5,788
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options...................       240          --
  Proceeds of borrowings from subsidiary....................    28,750          --
  Dividend payments on perpetual preferred stock............      (264)       (264)
                                                              --------    --------
          Net cash provided by financing activities.........    34,528      56,384
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS........        --          --
                                                              ========    ========
Cash balance beginning......................................        --          --
                                                              ========    ========
Cash balance ending.........................................        --          --
                                                              ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
19.  BUSINESS SEGMENTS
 
     The Company's operations are divided into two business segments; commercial
banking and mortgage banking. Commercial banking activities include the
Company's lending for portfolio purposes, deposit gathering through the retail
branch network, investment and liquidity management. Mortgage banking
activities, which began in 1996, operate through a separate division of the
Bank, include originating and purchasing mortgage loans for sale as well as
selling those loans. The Company provides support for its mortgage banking
division in areas such as secondary marketing, data processing and financial
management. All funding for the mortgage banking division is provided through
the Bank. The following are business
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>   108
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
segment results of operation for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996. The
Company has elected to report its business segments without allocation of income
taxes and minority interests.
 
                           REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.
 
                             BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1997                                 1996
                               ----------------------------------   ----------------------------------
                               COMMERCIAL   MORTGAGE    COMPANY     COMMERCIAL   MORTGAGE    COMPANY
                                BANKING     BANKING      TOTAL       BANKING     BANKING      TOTAL
                               ----------   --------   ----------   ----------   --------   ----------
<S>                            <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
TOTAL ASSETS (AT YEAR-
  END).......................  $1,401,001   $151,404   $1,552,405   $1,177,764   $ 46,593   $1,224,357
OPERATING DATA:
Interest income..............      99,327      9,130      108,457       87,473      1,471       88,944
Interest expense.............      55,772      4,151       54,923       43,986        963       44,949
                               ----------   --------   ----------   ----------   --------   ----------
Net interest income..........      48,555      4,979       53,534       43,487        508       43,995
Provision for loan losses....       2,628         --        2,628        2,582         --        2,582
                               ----------   --------   ----------   ----------   --------   ----------
Net interest income after
  provision for loan
  losses.....................      45,927      4,979       50,906       40,905        508       41,413
Other noninterest income.....       9,728     15,303       25,031        5,671      1,074        6,745
Gain on sale of ORE held for
  investment.................          --         --           --        1,207         --        1,207
General and administrative
  (G & A) expenses...........      40,002     17,482       57,484       34,773      2,056       36,829
Merger expenses..............       1,144         --        1,144           --         --           --
SAIF special assessment......          --         --           --        4,005         --        4,005
Provision for losses on
  ORE........................         530         --          530          111         --          111
ORE expense, net of ORE
  income.....................         273         --          273         (490)        --         (490)
Amort. of goodwill & prem. on
  deposits...................         464         --          464          491         --          491
                               ----------   --------   ----------   ----------   --------   ----------
Income before income taxes &
  minority interest..........  $   13,242   $  2,800       16,042   $    8,893   $   (474)       8,419
                               ==========   ========                ==========   ========
Income tax provision.........                              (6,096)                              (3,035)
Minority interest in income
  from subsidiary trust......                                (701)                                  --
Minority interest in F.F.O...                                (674)                                (505)
                                                       ----------                           ----------
Net income...................                          $    8,571                           $    4,879
                                                       ==========                           ==========
</TABLE>
 
20.  PROPOSED MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS (UNAUDITED):
 
NATIONSBANK AND BARNETT BRANCHES
 
     In December 1997, the Company entered into two purchase and assumption
agreements with NationsBank Corporation ("NationsBank"), to acquire three
branches of NationsBank's subsidiary bank, NationsBank, N.A. ("NationsBank
Subsidiary"), and five branches of Barnett Bank, N.A. ("Barnett Subsidiary"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Barnett Banks, Inc. ("BBI"), including the loans and
other assets recorded at those branches, and to assume the deposits and other
liabilities assigned to such branches for a
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>   109
                    REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
purchase price of approximately $37.5 million, based on the most recent data
available (the "NationsBank Subsidiary Acquisition"). The first purchase and
assumption agreement (the "Florida Agreement") is for three NationsBank
Subsidiary and four Barnett Subsidiary branches located throughout Florida (the
"Florida Branches"), consisting of three in Monroe County (Key West, Marathon
and Plantation Key), two in Marion County (Ocala and Silver Springs), one in
Columbia County (Lake City) and one in Suwannee County (Live Oak). The second
purchase and assumption agreement (the "Georgia Agreement" and with the Florida
Agreement, collectively, the "NationsBank Subsidiary Agreements") is for a
Barnett Subsidiary branch located in Glynn County, Georgia (the "Georgia Branch"
and with the "Florida Branches," collectively, the "NationsBank Subsidiary
Branches"). At August 31, 1997, the Florida Branches had deposit liabilities of
$225.5 million and loans of $163.9 million, and the Georgia Branch had deposit
liabilities of $24.2 million and loans of $19.4 million. The NationsBank
Subsidiary Acquisition will be accounted for using purchase accounting rules.
 
BANKERS SAVINGS BANK
 
     In February 1998, the Company and Bankers Savings Bank, Inc. ("BSB"), Coral
Gables, Florida, entered into a definitive agreement (the "BSB Agreement") for
the merger of BSB into the Bank stock by the Company (the "BSB Acquisition") at
an exchange ratio of 0.54 of a share of the Company's Common Stock for each
share of BSB's Common Stock, subject to certain changes in the price of the
Company's Common Stock and a final valuation of BSB's headquarters building. BSB
has two branches in Dade County and, as of December 31, 1997, had total assets
of $67.1 million, total loans of $47.4 million and total deposits of $56.0
million. It is anticipated that the BSB Acquisition will be accounted for as a
pooling of interests. The BSB Acquisition may be terminated by either BSB or the
Company if it is not consummated by November 1, 1998.
 
DIME SAVINGS BANK
 
     In March 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with Dime Savings
Bank, F.S.B. (the "DSB Agreement" and "DSB", respectively), to acquire a DSB
branch in Deerfield Beach, Florida (Broward County) and to assume the deposits
and other liabilities of approximately $192.5 million, assume the leasehold on
the branch property and purchase the personal property and equipment of the
branch for $100,000. The transaction will be accounted for using purchase
accounting rules and must be consummated within 30 days of receiving regulatory
approval.
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>   110

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

                                  FORM 10-Q
(Mark one)
   [x]         QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1998

   [ ]         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 0-27652

                           REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.
           (Exact Name of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)

             FLORIDA                                    59-1463900
(State or other jurisdiction of                       (IRS Employer 
incorporation or organization)                      Identification No.)

111 2nd Avenue N.E., St. Petersburg, FL                  33701 
    (Address of Principal Office)                      (Zip Code)

                                 (813) 823-7300
              (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year,
                        if Changed Since Last Report

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 
                                               -----    -----

               APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
                  PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and
reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan
confirmed by a court.  Yes       No 
                           -----    -----

                     APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

     Common stock,                       7,049,552 shares outstanding    
 par value $2.00 per share                      at March 31, 1998    


<PAGE>   111

                           REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.


                                     INDEX


PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION (all financial information for prior periods
          has been restated for the merger with F.F.O. Financial Group, Inc.)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                      PAGE
                                                                                                                      ----
<S>       <C>                                                                                                        <C> 
ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                                                                                       
                                                                                                                    

              Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 1998 (unaudited)
               and December 31, 1997  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

              Consolidated Statements of Operations -
               Three month periods
               ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 (all unaudited)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

              Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity -
               Year ended December 31, 1997 and
               Three months ended March 31, 1998 (unaudited)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

              Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
               Three month periods
               ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 (all unaudited)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

              Selected Quarterly Financial and Other Data (unaudited)   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11


ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17


ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17


SIGNATURES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
                                                                                                                         
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   112

                          REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.
      CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - MARCH 31, 1998 AND DECEMBER 31, 1997
                     ($ IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PAR VALUES)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        MARCH 31,         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                          1998               1997
                                                                                         ------           ------------
                                                                                      (UNAUDITED)              
<S>                                                                                    <C>                <C>
ASSETS                                                                                 
- ------                                                                                            
Cash and due from banks                                                                $    36,713        $    45,998
Interest bearing deposits in banks                                                           2,164                671
Federal funds sold                                                                         105,000             33,000
Investment securities:
  Available for sale                                                                        34,114             16,080
  Trading                                                                                        -                  -
Mortgage-backed securities:
  Available for sale                                                                        25,597             55,467
  Trading                                                                                   39,630             36,189
  Held to maturity                                                                               -                  -
FHLB stock                                                                                  13,000              8,148
Loans held for sale                                                                        311,749            151,404
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses (Notes 3 and 4)                                  1,137,694          1,128,955
Premises and equipment, net                                                                 34,948             34,168
Other real estate owned acquired through foreclosure, net                                    6,950              6,997
Accrued interest receivable                                                                 10,288              9,611
Goodwill and premium on deposits                                                             4,679              4,855
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary                                                     10,817                  -
Other assets                                                                                67,800             20,862
                                                                                       -----------        -----------
       Total assets                                                                    $ 1,841,143        $ 1,552,405
                                                                                       ===========        ===========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- ------------------------------------
Liabilities:
  Deposits-
     Noninterest-bearing checking                                                      $    96,311        $    93,843
     Interest checking                                                                     134,109            137,240
     Money market                                                                           33,170             30,389
     Savings                                                                               311,036            291,604
     Time deposits                                                                         843,929            808,236
                                                                                       -----------        -----------
       Total deposits                                                                    1,418,555          1,361,312
  Securities sold under agreements to repurchase                                            24,640             19,654
  FHLB advances                                                                            260,000             35,000
  Other liabilities                                                                         10,917             12,158
                                                                                       -----------        -----------
       Total liabilities                                                                 1,714,112          1,428,124
                                                                                       -----------        -----------

Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
     securities of subsidiary trust solely holding junior
     subordinated debentures of the Company                                                 28,750             28,750
                                                                                       -----------        -----------

Stockholders' equity:
  Perpetual preferred convertible stock ($20.00 par, 100,000 shares authorized,
     75,000 shares issued and outstanding.  Liquidation preference $6,660
     at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997.)                                               1,500              1,500
  Common stock ($2.00 par, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 7,049,552 and
      7,035,886 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 1998 and
     December 31, 1997, respectively)                                                       14,099             14,072
  Capital surplus                                                                           50,457             50,322
  Retained earnings                                                                         32,159             29,155
  Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect                       66                482
                                                                                       -----------        -----------
       Total stockholders' equity                                                           98,281             95,531
                                                                                       -----------        -----------
       Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                      $ 1,841,143        $ 1,552,405
                                                                                       ===========        ===========

</TABLE>


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.





                                       1
<PAGE>   113


                          REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                   ($ IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         For the Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                                         ------------------------------------
                                                                             1998                     1997
                                                                         ------------              ----------
                                                                                       (unaudited)
<S>                                                                     <C>                        <C>
INTEREST INCOME:
  Interest and fees on loans                                             $    31,204              $    21,097
  Interest on investment securities                                              433                      583
  Interest on mortgage-backed securities                                         625                    1,290
  Interest on trading securities                                                 910                        -
  Interest on federal funds sold                                                 423                      731
  Interest on other investments                                                  183                      176
                                                                         -----------              -----------
     Total interest income                                                    33,778                   23,877
                                                                         -----------              -----------

INTEREST EXPENSE:
  Interest on deposits                                                        14,913                   11,825
  Interest on FHLB advances                                                    1,900                       10
  Interest on subordinated debt                                                    -                      108
  Interest on other borrowings                                                   302                      199
                                                                         -----------              -----------
     Total interest expense                                                   17,115                   12,142
                                                                         -----------              -----------
     Net interest income                                                      16,663                   11,735

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES                                                        493                    1,138
                                                                         -----------              -----------
     Net interest income after
       provision for possible loan losses                                     16,170                   10,597
                                                                         -----------              -----------

NONINTEREST INCOME:
  Income from mortgage banking activities                                      9,985                      898
  Gain on sale of portfolio loans, net                                             -                    1,326
  Service charges on deposit accounts                                            799                      745
  Loan fee income                                                                680                      331
  Gain (loss) on sale of securities, net                                         222                      (96)
  Other operating income                                                         843                      499
                                                                         -----------              -----------
     Total noninterest income                                                 12,529                    3,703

NONINTEREST EXPENSES:
  General and administrative ("G&A") expenses                                 22,923                   10,482
  Merger expenses                                                                  9                        -
  Provision for losses on ORE                                                    (80)                     170
  Other ORE expense, net                                                          22                       21
  Amortization of premium on deposits                                            159                      123
                                                                         -----------              -----------

     Total noninterest expenses                                               23,033                   10,796
                                                                         -----------              -----------

Income before income taxes                                                     5,666                    3,504
Income tax provision                                                          (2,175)                  (1,315)
Minority interest in income from subsidiary trust (net of tax)                  (420)                       -
Minority interest in FFO (net of tax)                                              -                     (188)
                                                                         -----------              -----------
NET INCOME                                                               $     3,071              $     2,001
                                                                         ===========              ===========

PER SHARE DATA:
   Net income per common share and common
     equivalent share - diluted                                          $       .39              $       .30
                                                                         ===========              ===========
   Weighted average common and common
     equivalent shares outstanding - diluted                               7,968,984                6,987,074
                                                                         ===========              ===========

   Net income per common share - basic                                   $       .44              $       .34
                                                                         ===========              ===========
   Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic                      7,043,024                5,854,414
                                                                         ===========              ===========


</TABLE>


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.




                                      2
<PAGE>   114

                          REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.
               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                   FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND
              THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 (UNAUDITED)
                               ($ IN THOUSANDS)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                          
                                  Perpetual Preferred                                                  Net Unrealized 
                                  Convertible Stock           Common Stock                             Gains (Losses)   
                                 ---------------------     ------------------                           on Available 
                                 Shares                    Shares                 Capital    Retained    for Sale
                                 Issued       Amount       Issued     Amount      Surplus    Earnings   Securities       Total
                                 ------       ------       ------     ------      -------    --------   ----------       -----
<S>                              <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>             <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996        75,000      $ 1,500      5,854,414   $11,708    $ 34,225   $ 20,847     $ (102)      $ 68,178

 Net income for the twelve
  months ended December 31,
  1997                                 -            -              -         -           -      8,571          -          8,571 
 Net unrealized gains on
   available-for-sale securities
   net of tax effect                   -            -              -         -           -          -        584            584 
Exercise of stock options              -            -         21,300        43         197          -          -            240
Net change in minority interest        -            -         (2,537)       (5)       (487)         -          -           (492)
Issuance of common stock
   in merger transaction               -            -        826,709     1,654      11,211          -          -         12,865
Conversion of subordinated
   debentures                          -            -        336,000       672       5,176          -          -          5,848
 Dividends on preferred
  stock                                -            -              -         -           -       (263)         -           (263)
                                  ------      -------      ---------   -------    --------   --------     ------       --------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997        75,000      $ 1,500      7,035,886   $14,072    $ 50,322   $ 29,155     $  482       $ 95,531

 Net income for the three
  months ended March 31,
  1998                                 -            -              -         -           -      3,071          -          3,071

 Net unrealized loss on
  available-for-sale securities,
   net of tax                          -            -              -         -           -          -       (416)          (416)

 Exercise of stock options             -            -         13,666        27         135          -          -            162

 Dividends on preferred
  stock                                -            -              -         -           -        (67)         -            (67)
                                  ------      -------      ---------   -------    --------   --------     ------       --------
BALANCE, MARCH 31, 1998           75,000      $ 1,500      7,049,552   $14,099    $ 50,457   $ 32,159     $   66       $ 98,281
                                  ======      =======      =========   =======    ========   ========     ======       ========
</TABLE>
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements







                                      3
<PAGE>   115

                           REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                ($ IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      For the Three
                                                                                                 Months Ended March 31,
                                                                                           --------------------------------
                                                                                               1998                1997
                                                                                               ----                ----
                                                                                           (unaudited)          (unaudited)

<S>                                                                                        <C>                 <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income                                                                                  $   3,071          $  2,001
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in):
  Provision for losses on loans and ORE                                                           614             1,308
  Depreciation and amortization, net                                                            1,090              (125)
  Amortization of premium and accretion of fair value                                             901               289
  (Gain) loss on sale of loans                                                                 (9,985)           (2,224)
  (Gain) on sale of investment securities                                                        (638)              (42)
  (Gain) loss on sale of ORE                                                                       (7)             (108)
  Capitalization of mortgage servicing                                                            543              (839)
  Net increase in deferred tax benefit                                                          1,676              (897)
  Gain on disposal of premises & equipment                                                         (2)               (1)
  Net (increase) decrease in other assets                                                      (3.709)              596
  Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities                                                 (1,241)            2,145
                                                                                            ---------          --------
     Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                                       (7,687)            2,103
                                                                                            ---------          -------- 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from sales & maturities of:
    Mortgage-backed securities available for sale                                              28,468                 -
    Investment securities available for sale                                                        -            68,447
  Purchase of securities available for sale                                                   (20,137)          (39,803)
  Purchase of mortgage-backed securities in trading portfolio                                       -            (3,589)
  Principal repayment on mortgage backed securities                                             3,023             1,225
  Purchase of FHLB stock                                                                       (4,852)             (251)
  Net increase in loans                                                                      (210,283)           (5,948)
  Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries                                                   (10,817)                -
  Purchase of premises and equipment, net                                                      (1,512)             (777)
  Proceeds from sale of ORE                                                                     1,064               844
  (Investments) disposals in other real estate owned (net)                                       (555)               21
                                                                                            ---------          --------
     Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities                                     (215,601)           20,169      
                                                                                            ---------          --------
                                                                                                                   
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net increase (decrease) in deposits                                                          57,415               637
  Net increase (decrease) in repurchase agreements                                              4,986               787
  Reduction of minority interest in FFO                                                             -               224
  Proceeds from FHLB Advances, net                                                            225,000             2,000
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                                          162                 -
  Dividends on perpetual preferred stock                                                          (67)              (66)
                                                                                            ---------          --------  
     Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                                      287,496             3,582
                                                                                            ---------          --------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and
  cash equivalents                                                                             64,208            25,854
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                                                 79,669            53,892
                                                                                            ---------          --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                                                    $ 143,877          $ 79,746
                                                                                            =========          ========

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
     Cash paid during the period for-
        Interest                                                                            $  28,162          $ 11,819
        Income taxes                                                                            1,921               531


</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements





                                       4
<PAGE>   116



                           REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 1998

1.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Basis of Presentation and Organization

In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of
normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial
position of the Company as of March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, and the
results of operations and cash flows, for the three month periods ended March
31, 1998 and 1997.  The accounting and reporting policies of the Company and
the Bank are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and
prevailing practices within the financial services industry.  The preparation
of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period.  Such estimates are
subject to change in the future as additional information becomes available or
previously existing circumstances are modified.

The consolidated financial statements of Republic Bancshares, Inc. (the
Company) include the accounts of the Company, RBI Capital Trust I ("RBI"), and
Republic Bank (the "Bank") and the Bank's wholly-owned subsidiaries, Republic
Insurance Agency, Inc., RBREO, Inc., Tampa Bay Equities, Inc., and VQH
Development, Inc.  The consolidated financial statements have been restated for
the acquisition of FFO Financial Group, Inc., as discussed below.  All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  The
Company's primary source of income is from its banking subsidiary which
operates 46 branches throughout west central Florida. The Bank's primary source
of revenue is derived from net interest income on loans and investments and
income from mortgage banking activities.

These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's Annual
Report for the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Form 10-K.  The results for the three months
ended March 31, 1998, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be
expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1998.

Recent Accounting Developments

Reporting Comprehensive Income

In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income,"
which was effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 1998.
SFAS 130 establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive
income, its components and accumulated balances in a financial statement.
Comprehensive income is defined to include those revenues, expenses, gains and
losses of a normal, recurring nature, as well as items which are nonrecurring,
unusual and infrequent.   The reconciliation of the Company's net income to
comprehensive income, as defined in SFAS 130, for the three months ended March
31, 1998 and 1997 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Three Months Ended March 31,          
                                                                               -------------------------------------        
                                                                                    1998                     1997      
                                                                               -----------              ------------    
<S>                                                                            <C>                       <C>           
Net Income                                                                      $     3,071              $     2,001   
Unrealized gains on securities:                                                                                        
  Unrealized holding gains, net of tax effect, during period                           (416)                     584               
  Less reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income                    (222)                      96   
                                                                               ------------              -----------   
Net unrealized gains                                                                   (638)                     680
                                                                               ------------              -----------
    Comprehensive income                                                       $      2,433              $     2,681
                                                                               ============              ===========

</TABLE>



                                      5

<PAGE>   117

Disclosures About Business Segments

Also in June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information," which was effective for the Company's
fiscal year beginning January 1, 1998.  SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for
the way the Company reports information about operating segments in annual
financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about
operating segments in interim financial statements.  The Company's commercial
banking and mortgage banking activities constitute operating segments for which
the Company has provided additional disclosure regarding their respective
assets, revenues, profit or loss and other operating data.

Accounting for Costs of Computer Software for Internal Use

In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued
Statement of Position 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use" ("SOP 98-1").  SOP 98-1 provides
guidance for capitalizing and expensing the costs of somputer software
developed or obtained for internal use.  SOP 98-1 is effective for financial
statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998.  Management
believes the effect of adopting SOP 98-1 would not have a material impact on
the accompanying unconsolidated financial statements.

2.    BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

F.F.O. Financial Group, Inc.
On September 19, 1997, F.F.O. Financial Group, Inc. ("FFO"), St. Cloud,
Florida, the parent company for First Federal Savings and Loan Association of
Osceola County ("First Federal"), was merged into the Company in a stock
transaction (the "FFO Merger").  William R. Hough, one of the Company's
Controlling Stockholders, also owned a majority interest in FFO.

The FFO Merger was accounted for as a corporate reorganization in which the
controlling stockholder's interest in FFO was combined at historical cost in a
manner similar to a pooling of interests while the minority interest in FFO was
combined using purchase accounting rules.  The excess of the purchase price of
the minority interest over the market value was first assigned to individual
assets and liabilities with the remaining $4.5 million considered
unidentifiable goodwill, which will be amortized over 10 years.  The Company
issued 1,668,370 shares of common stock to the controlling interest and 826,709
shares of common stock to the minority interest.

The pooling of interests method of accounting, which is used to account for the
controlling  interest in the FFO merger, requires the restatement of financial
results for all prior periods presented.  The Company's previously reported
components of consolidated income and the amounts reflected in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 1997
and March 31, 1996, are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                                   -----------------------------------
                                                                      1997                      1996     
                                                                   ----------                ---------
<S>                                                                <C>                       <C>           
Net Interest Income:     
  As previously reported:
    Republic Bancshares, Inc.                                      $    9,101                $   7,935
    F.F.O. Financial Group, Inc.                                        2,634                    2,326 
                                                                   ----------                ---------
    Combined as restated                                           $   11,735                $   9,661
                                                                   ==========                =========

Net Income:
  As previously reported:
    Republic Bancshares, Inc.                                      $    1,603                $   1,205
    F.F.O. Financial Group, Inc.                                          586                       54
    Minority interest increase (decrease)                                (188)                     (17)
                                                                   ----------                --------- 
    Combined as restated                                           $    2,001                $   1,242 
                                                                   ==========                =========

</TABLE>



                                      6

<PAGE>   118


3.    LOANS AND LOANS HELD FOR SALE:

Loans at March 31, 1998, and December 31, 1997, are summarized as follows (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             March 31,          December 31,
                                                                               1998                1997
                                                                              ------              ------
   <S>                                                                     <C>                 <C>
   Real estate mortgage loans:
      One-to-four family residential                                      $   640,616          $  666,525
      Multifamily residential                                                  88,344              83,302
      Commercial real estate                                                  274,206             265,153
      Construction/land development                                            61,108              50,203
      Home equity loans                                                        28,119              21,314
   Commercial loans                                                            39,965              36,264
   Consumer loans                                                              25,610              26,527
   Other loans                                                                    283                 442
                                                                          -----------          ----------
      Total gross portfolio loans                                           1,158,251           1,149,731
   Less-allowance for loan losses                                             (20,557)            (20,776)
                                                                          -----------          ----------
      Total loans held for portfolio                                        1,137,694           1,128,955
   Residential loans held for sale                                            311,749             151,404
                                                                          -----------          ---------
      Total loans                                                         $ 1,447,491          $1,280,359
                                                                          ===========          ==========

</TABLE>

Mortgage loans serviced for others as of March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997
were $482 million and $370 million, respectively.  Loans on which interest was
not being accrued totaled approximately $25.9 million and $25 million,
respectively.  Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest at
March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997 totaled approximately $2.2 million and
$196,000, respectively.

4.    ALLOWANCES FOR LOSSES:

Allowance for loan losses

The allowance for loan losses provides for risks of losses inherent in the
credit extension process.  Losses are charged to the allowance for loan losses
and recoveries are credited to the allowance.  The Company's allowance is an
amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb possible losses on
existing loans that may become uncollectible, based on evaluations of the
collectibility of loans and prior loan loss experience.  The evaluations take
into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan
portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, and
current economic conditions that may affect the borrower's ability to pay.  The
evaluations are periodically reviewed and adjustments are recorded in the
period in which changes become known.

The allowance for loan losses as of March 31, 1998, was comprised of (i) $ 13.6
million allocated to originated loans (including loans combined from the FFO
merger and loans acquired through the Firstate acquisition), (ii) $1.0 million
allocated to loans acquired from CrossLand Savings, FSB in December 1993, (iii)
$3.4 million allocated to a pool of loans purchased in March 1995 (the "March
1995 Purchase"), (iv) $1.2 million allocated to a pool of loans purchased in
July 1997 (the "July 1997 Purchase") and, (v) $1.3 million allocated to the
other pools of purchased loans.  Additionally, as of March 31, 1998, the
balance of unaccreted loan discount available to absorb losses on pools or
portfolios of purchased loans exceeding amounts transferred to the allowance
amounted to $4.4 million.  Changes in the allowance for loan losses were as
follows (in thousands):

                                             

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            For the Three Months Ended Mar. 31,  
                                                                            ----------------------------------      
                                                                               1998                  1997
                                                                               ----                  ----
<S>                                                                         <C>                  <C>
Balance, beginning of period                                                 $ 20,776            $  18,747
   Provision for possible loan losses                                             493                1,138
   Discount on purchased loans allocated
      to (from) allowance for loan losses                                           -                 (642)
   Loans charged off                                                             (833)                (225)
   Recoveries of loans charged off                                                121                   69
                                                                             --------            ---------
Balance, end of period                                                       $ 20,557            $  19,087 
                                                                             ========            =========
</TABLE>     


                                      7



<PAGE>   119
Allowance for Losses on Other Real Estate ("ORE"):
- --------------------------------------------------

The Company recognizes any estimated potential decline in the value of ORE
between appraisal dates through periodic additions to the allowance for losses
on ORE.  Writedowns charged against this allowance are taken if the related
real estate is sold at a loss.

The largest piece included in the ORE balance is a tract of land carried at
$2.7 million acquired through foreclosure in 1988 that has partially been
developed as a shopping center site.  Federal law and regulations require the
Company to dispose of this tract by December 17, 1998.  Management believes the
carrying value of the unsold remainder of the parcel approximates the amount
which could be realized upon final sale to an end-user but the proceeds from
sale to other than an end-user are uncertain.

5. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company's operations are divided into two business segments; commercial
banking and mortgage banking.  Commercial banking activities include the
Company's lending for portfolio purposes, deposit gathering through the retail
branch network, investment and liquidity management.  Mortgage banking
activities, which operate through Flagship, a separate division of the Bank,
include originating and purchasing mortgage loans for sale or securitization.
The Bank provides support for its mortgage banking division in areas such as
secondary marketing, data processing and financial management.  All funding for
the mortgage banking division is provided through the Bank.  The following are
the business segment results of operation for the three months ended March 31,
1998 and 1997.  The Company has elected to report its business segments without
allocation of income taxes and minority interests.

                            BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
                  THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1997
                               ($ IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           1998                               1997 
                                            -----------------------------------  ----------------------------------
                                             Commercial    Mortgage   Company     Commercial  Mortgage    Company
                                              Banking       Banking    Total       Banking     Banking     Total    
                                            -----------   ---------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------- 
<S>                                         <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>
 TOTAL ASSETS (AT PERIOD-END)               $1,529,394    $311,749   $1,841,143  $1,186,143   $44,774    $1,231,456

 OPERATING DATA:
 ---------------
 Interest income                                26,305       7,473       33,778      22,852     1,025        23,877
 Interest expense                               13,424       3,691       17,115      11,665       477        12,142
                                            ----------    --------   ----------  ----------   -------    ----------    
 Net interest income                            12,881       3,782       16,663      11,187       548        11,735
 Loan loss provision                               493           -          493       1,138         -         1,138 
                                            ----------    --------   ----------  ----------   -------    ----------    
 Net interest income after
    loan loss provision                         12,388       3,782       16,170      10,049       548        10,597
 Other noninterest income                        2,691       9,838       12,529       2,717       986         3,703
 General and administrative                       
    (G & A) expenses                            10,061      12,862       22,923       9,028     1,454        10,482
 Merger expenses                                     9           -            9           -         -             -
 Provision for losses (recoveries)
    on ORE                                         (80)          -          (80)        170         -           170
 Other noninterest expense                          22           -           22          21         -            21
 Amort. of goodwill & premium
    on deposits                                    159           -          159         123         -           123            
                                            ----------    --------   ----------  ----------   -------    ----------    
 Net inome (loss) before income
    before taxes & minority interest        $    4,908    $    758        5,666  $    3,424   $    80         3,504
                                            ----------    --------               ----------   -------        
 Income tax (expense)                                                    (2,175)                             (1,315)
 Minority interest in income from
    subsidiary trust                                                       (420)                                 --
 Minority interest in FFO                                                     -                                (188) 
                                                                     ----------                          ----------
 Net income                                                          $    3,071                          $    2,001 
                                                                     ==========                          ========== 
                                                                                                  


</TABLE>






                                       8
<PAGE>   120
Commercial Banking Activities

Income from commercial banking activities in the first quarter of 1998 was $4.9
million compared to $3.4 million a year ago, an increase of $1.5 million or
30.2%.  Net interest income from commercial banking activities was $12.9
million for the first three months of the year compared to $11.2 million for
the first quarter of 1997.  Other improvements came from growth in the loan
portfolio and earnings on the assets acquired in the Firstate Acquisition.  G&A
expenses in this business segment increased by $1.0 million over the same
period last year.  However, the ratio of G&A expenses to average assets
assigned to commercial banking activities was 2.34% for the quarter, a
reduction of 60 basis points from 2.94% one year ago.  This reduction resulted
primarily from the reduction of expenses achieved through the FFO merger.  G&A
expenses attributable to the branches acquired from FFO amounted to $1.1
million in the first quarter of 1998.  FFO's G&A expenses in the first quarter
of 1997 were $2.3 million.

Mortgage Banking Activities

Pre-tax net income from mortgage banking activities was $758,000 for the first
quarter of 1998, which included a $695,000 charge to G&A expenses to record
compensation expense on stock options issued to management of the mortgage
banking division. For the same period last year, pre-tax income from mortgage
banking activities was $80,000. The improvement was largely the result of the
introduction of the High LTV Loan product, which accounted for income of $2.2
million during the first quarter of 1998 compared to $310,000 for the same
period last year. Loan originations of High LTV Loans were $120.9 million in
1998, while loan sales of High LTV Loans were $95.6 million during the same
period. A $1.5 million net loss was incurred on first lien residential loans in
the first quarter of 1998, compared to a $230,000 net loss for the same period
last year. Originations of first lien loans held for sale amounted to $202.4
million, while sales from this category totaled $91.3 million.


6. MARKET RISK

The market risk inherent in the Company's market sensitive instruments is the
potential loss arising from changes in interest rates and the changes of prices
of marketable equity securities.  At March 31, 1998, the Company did not use
derivitive financial instruments to manage its market risk.

The Company manages its interest rate market risk on the loans held for sale and
its estimated future commitments to originate and close mortgage loans for
borrowers at fixed prices ("Locked Loans") through hedging techniques which
include listed options and fixed price forward delivery commitments ("Forward
Commitments") to sell mortgage-backed securities or specific whole loans to
investors on a mandatory or best efforts basis.  The Company records the
inventory of loans held for sale at the lower of cost or market on an aggregate
basis after considering any market value changes in the loans held for sale,
Locked loans, and Forward Commitments.

Currently, all investments in the Company's portfolio are identified as
securities available for sale or as trading assets.  Securities
available-for-sale, which are those securities that may be sold prior to
maturity as part of managing the market risk or in response to other factors,
are carried at fair value with any valuation adjustment reported in a separate
component of stockholders' equity, net of tax.  Trading securities include
mortgage backed securities resulting from the securitization of residential and
High LTV loans, the resulting residual interest in cash flows from those
securitizations, where applicable, and the excess spread on interest only strips
receivable.  Trading securities are carried at market value with any unrealized
gains or losses included in the statement of operations under "Gain on sale of
securities, net."

There have been no material changes in the market risk inherent in the Company's
market sensitive instruments during the three month interim period ending March
31, 1998.

7. PROPOSED MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS (unaudited)

NationsBank and Barnett Branches

In December 1997, the Company entered into two purchase and assumption
agreements with NationsBank Corporation ("NationsBank"), to acquire three
branches of NationsBank's subsidiary bank, NationsBank, N.A. ("NationsBank
Subsidiary"), and five branches of Barnett Bank, N.A. ("Barnett Subsidiary"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Barnett Banks, Inc ("BBI"), including the loans and
other assets recorded at those branches, and to assume the deposits and other
liabilities assigned to such branches for a purchase price of approximately
$32.7 million, based on the most recent data available (the "NationsBank
Subsidiary Acquisition").  The first purchase and assumption agreement (the
"Florida Agreement") is for three NationsBank Subsidiary and four Barnett
Subsidiary branches located throughout Florida (the "Florida Branches"),
consisting of three in Monroe County (Key West, Marathon and Plantation Key),
two in Marion County (Ocala and Silver Springs), one in Columbia County (Lake
City) and one in Suwannee County (Live Oak).  The second purchase and
assumption agreement (the "Georgia Agreement" and with the Florida Agreement,
collectively, the "NationsBank Subsidiary Agreements") is for a Barnett
Subsidiary branch located in Glynn County, Georgia (the "Georgia Branch" and
with the "Florida Branches," collectively, the NationsBank Subsidiary
Branches").  At February 


                                      9

<PAGE>   121

28, 1998, the Florida Branches had deposit liabilities of $231.9 million and
loans of $151.8 million, and the Georgia Branch had deposit liabilities of $27.9
million and loans of $14.4 million (all data unaudited).  The NationsBank
Subsidiary Acquisition will be accounted for using purchase accounting rules.

Bankers Savings Bank

In February 1998, the Company and Bankers Savings Bank, Inc. ("BSB"), Coral
Gables, Florida, entered into a definitive agreement (the "BSB Agreement") for
the merger of BSB into the Bank by the Company (the "BSB Acquisition") at an
estimated exchange ratio of .44 of a share of the Company's Common Stock for
each share of BSB's Common Stock (based on data at March 31, 1998), subject to
certain changes  in the price of the Company's Common Stock, among other
factors.  BSB has two branches in Dade County and, as of March 31, 1998, had
total assets of $69.7 million, total loans of $50.9 million and total deposits
of $62.8 million (all data unaudited).  It is anticipated that the BSB
Acquisition will be accounted for as a pooling of interests.  The BSB
Acquisition may be terminated by either BSB or the Company if it is not
consummated by November 1, 1998.

Dime Savings Bank

In March 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with Dime Savings Bank,
F.S.B. (The "DSB Agreement" and "DSB", respectively), to acquire a DSB branch
in Deerfield Beach, Florida (Broward County) and to assume the deposits and
other liabilities of approximately $202.9 million, assume the leasehold on the
branch property and purchase the personal property and equipment of the branch
for $100,000 based on data as of March 31, 1998 (unaudited).  The transaction
will be accounted for using purchase accounting rules and must be consummated
within 30 days of receiving regulatory approval.

Lochaven Savings

On April 21, 1998, the Company entered into a letter of intent with Lochaven
Federal Savings and Loan Association, Orlando, Florida, providing for the
merger of Lochaven with and into Republic Bank.  Lochaven has one branch in
Orange County, Florida, and as of March 31, 1998, had total assets of $59.7
million, total loans of $52.6 million and total deposits of $56.5 million.
Under the terms of the letter of intent, stockholders of Lochaven are to
receive 169,804 shares of Common Stock.  It is anticipated that the Lochaven
acquisition will be accounted for as a pooling of interests.  The transaction
may be terminated by either Lochaven or the Company if it is not consummated by
December 1, 1998.


8.  COMMON STOCK OFFERING

The Company is currently undergoing an offering of common stock whose proceeds
will be used to provide the capital for the above acquisitions as well as the
general growth of the Company.


                                       10
<PAGE>   122

                  SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
                     EIGHT CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS (UNAUDITED)
                   ($ IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                  Quarters Ending   
                                                               -------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Mar. 1998     Dec. 1997     Sept. 1997        June 1997
                                                               ---------     ---------     ----------       ----------
<S>                                                            <C>          <C>            <C>             <C>
OPERATING DATA:
 Interest income                                              $   33,778     $   29,771      $   29,464     $   25,344
 Interest expense                                                 17,115         15,239          14,721         12,821
                                                              ----------     ----------      ----------     ----------
 Net interest income                                              16,663         14,532          14,743         12,523
 Loan loss provision                                                 493            494             495            501
                                                              ----------     ----------      ----------     ----------
 Net interest income after loan loss provision                    16,170         14,038          14,248         12,022
 Other noninterest income                                         12,529          9,505           9,115          2,708
 General and administrative ("G&A") expenses                      22,923         18,720          16,114         12,168
 Other noninterest expense                                           110            439           1,298            360 
                                                              ----------     ----------      ----------     ----------
 Net income before income taxes & minority interest                5,666          4,384           5,951          2,202
 Income tax provision                                             (2,175)        (1,701)         (2,217)          (863)    
 Minority interest in income from subsidiary trust                  (420)          (417)           (284)             -
 Minority interest in FFO                                              -              -            (259)          (227)    
                                                              ----------     ----------      ----------     ----------
 Net income                                                   $    3,071     $    2,266      $    3,191     $    1,112
                                                              ==========     ==========      ==========     ==========
PER SHARE DATA:
 Earnings per share - diluted                                 $      .39     $      .29      $      .45     $      .17
                                                              ==========     ==========      ==========     ==========
 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted                 7,968,984      7,953,978       7,188,255      7,017,181
                                                              =========      ==========      ==========     ==========
 Earnings per share - basic                                   $      .44     $      .33      $      .54     $      .19
                                                              ==========     ==========      ==========     ==========
 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic                   7,043,024      6,832,737      5, 963,108      5,852,861
                                                              ==========     ==========      ==========     ==========
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD-END):
 Total assets                                                 $1,841,143     $1,552,405      $1,469,352     $1,321,573
 Investment & mortgage backed securities                          99,341        108,593          96,982        140,899
 Loans held for sale                                             311,749        151,404          94,896         72,487
 Portfolio loans, net of unearned income                       1,158,251      1,149,731       1,106,728        995,864
 Allowance for loan losses                                        20,557         20,776          20,417         19,328
 Goodwill & premium on deposits                                    4,679          4,855           4,872            397
 Deposits                                                      1,418,555      1,361,312       1,289,100      1,165,042
 Stockholders' equity                                             98,281         95,531          87,593         71,254
 Book value per share (dollars)                                    12.60          12.27           11.77          10.79
SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS:
 Return on average assets                                            .75%           .61%            .89%           .35%
 Return on average equity                                          13.60          10.24           17.53           6.33
 Equity to assets                                                   5.34           6.15            5.96           5.39
 Equity and minority interest in preferred 
  subsidiary to assets                                              6.90           8.01            7.92              -
 Portfolio loans/deposit ratio                                     81.65          84.46           85.85          85.48
 Net interest spread                                                3.85           3.71            4.03           3.52
 Net interest margin                                                4.24           4.18            4.41           4.10
 G&A expense to average assets (1)                                  2.84           3.24            3.00           3.29
 G&A efficiency ratio (2)                                          64.61          74.69           61.98          73.79
 Nonperforming loans to portfolio loans                             2.51           2.25            2.01           1.99
 Nonperforming assets to total assets                               2.03           2.20            2.05           2.08
 Loan loss allowance to portfolio loans (1)                         1.77           1.81            1.78           1.94
 Loan loss allowance to nonperforming loans (2)
   Originated portfolio                                            75.32         102.83           83.75          90.96
   July 1997 Purchase                                              35.35          31.74           31.12              -
   March 1995 Purchase                                            459.97         373.91          504.89         441.82
   CrossLand portfolio                                             71.39         421.88           81.30         106.60
   Other purchased portfolios                                      24.01          18.41          128.42          46.67
   Total                                                           70.62          80.41           91.64          97.32
OTHER DATA (AT PERIOD-END):
 Number of branch banking offices                                     46             46              45             45
 Number of full-time equivalent employees                          1,256          1,045             958            856

</TABLE>

(1) Commercial banking segment only
(2) See "Note 4.- Allowance For Losses" for a discussion of the
    allocation and availability of loan loss reserves among portfolios of 
    loans within the Bank.



                                       11
<PAGE>   123



                  SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
                     EIGHT CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS (UNAUDITED)
                    ($ IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Quarters Ending                     
                                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  March 1997      Dec. 1996     Sept. 1996       June 1996
                                                                  ----------      ---------     -----------      ---------
<S>                                                              <C>              <C>          <C>              <C> 
OPERATING DATA:
Interest income                                                  $    23,877      $   24,216   $   22,065       $   21,335
Interest expense                                                      12,142          11,839       11,279           10,764
                                                                 -----------      ----------   ----------       ----------  
Net interest income                                                   11,735          12,377       10,786           10,571
Loan loss provision                                                    1,138           1,075          457              450
                                                                 -----------      ----------   ----------       ----------  
Net interest income after loan loss provision                         10,597          11,302       10,329           10,121
Noninterest income                                                     3,703           2,604        2,841            1,523
General and administrative ("G&A") expenses                           10,482          10,594        9,174            8,743
Other noninterest expense                                                314          (1,331)       5,106                5
                                                                 -----------      ----------   ----------       ----------  
Net income (loss) before income taxes & minority interest              3,504           4,643       (1,110)           2,896
Income tax (provision) benefit                                        (1,315)         (1,651)         451           (1,104)
                                                                     
Minority interest in FFO (net of tax)                                   (188)           (467)         144             (165)
                                                                 -----------      ----------   ----------       ----------  
Net income (loss)                                                $     2,001      $    2,525   $     (515)      $    1,627
                                                                 ===========      ==========   ==========       ==========
PER SHARE DATA:
Earnings per share - diluted                                     $       .30      $      .38   $     (.08)      $      .25
                                                                 ===========      ==========   ==========       ==========
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted                      6,987,074       6,641,203    6,622,493        6,627,235
                                                                 ===========      ==========   ==========       ==========
Earnings per share - basic                                       $    .   34      $      .43   $     (.09)      $      .28
                                                                 ===========      ==========   ==========       ==========
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic                        5,854,414       5,856,511    5,856,952        5,856,952
                                                                 ===========      ==========   ==========       ==========

BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD-END):
Total assets                                                     $ 1,231,456      $1,224,357   $1,163,506       $1,142,060
Investment & mortgage backed securities                              134,781         161,357      113,446          116,045
Loans held for sale                                                   44,774          47,052       32,444           30,293
Portfolio loans, net of unearned income                              928,973         920,323      905,599          867,326
Allowance for loan losses                                             19,088          18,747       19,858           19,829
Goodwill & premium on deposits                                           404             527          650              772
Deposits                                                           1,118,710       1,114,907    1,049,998        1,028,692
Stockholders' equity                                                  69,694          68,178       65,804           66,241
Book value per share (dollars)                                         10.55           10.32         9.96            10.03
SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS:
Return on average assets                                                 .66%            .84%        (.18)%            .58%
Return on average equity                                               11.76           14.95        (3.09)            9.96
Equity to assets                                                        5.66            5.57         5.66             5.80
Portfolio loans/deposit ratio                                          83.04           82.55        86.25            84.31
Net interest spread                                                     3.52            4.12         3.50             3.46
Net interest margin                                                     4.10            4.40         3.65             3.56
G&A expense to average assets (1)                                       3.06            3.25         3.05             3.09
G&A efficiency ratio (1)                                               64.93           65.34        65.80            72.45
Nonperforming loans to portfolio loans                                  2.19            2.10         2.43             2.30
Nonperforming assets to total assets                                    2.36            2.26         2.78             2.73
Loan loss allowance to loans (2)                                        2.05            2.04         2.19             2.29
Loan loss allowance to nonperforming loans: (2)
   Originated portfolio                                                84.74           74.00        65.76            90.06
   July 1997 Purchase                                                      -               -            -                -
   March 1995 purchase                                                551.88          488.78       689.66           552.18
   Crossland portfolio                                                104.82          126.12        81.80            53.22
   Other purchased portfolios                                          45.60           89.80        59.97            39.79
   Total portfolio loans                                               94.62           96.93        90.42            99.41
OTHER DATA (AT PERIOD-END):
Number of branches                                                        43              42           42               42
Number of full-time equivalent employees                                 802             785          749              692



</TABLE>


(1) Commercial Banking segment only
(2) See "Note 4.- Allowance For Losses" for a discussion of the allocation  
    and availability of loan loss reserves among portfolios of loans within 
    the Bank.





                                       12

<PAGE>   124
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS

COMPARISON OF BALANCE SHEETS AT MARCH 31, 1998 AND DECEMBER 31, 1997

Overview
Total assets were $1.8 billion at March 31, 1998, and $1.6 billion at December
31, 1997, an increase of $288.7 million or 18.60%.  Total portfolio loans
increased $8.5 million from the prior year-end to $1.2 billion at March 31,
1998, while loans held for sale increased $160.3 million.  Commercial real
estate and multi-family residential loans increased by $14.1 million,
construction and land development loans increased $10.9 million, commercial
(business) loans increased by $3.5 million, and consumer loans, including
retail home equity loans, increased by $5.9 million.  This was partially offset
by a $25.9 million decline in residential loans.

Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities 
Investment and mortgage-backed securities, consisting of U.S. Treasury and
federal agency securities, were $59.7 million at March 31, 1998 compared to
$71.5 million at December 31, 1997 an increase of $11.8 million.  The Company
has recorded all its purchased investment and mortgage-backed securities as of
March 31, 1998 as "available for sale" and all mortgage-backed securities
resulting from securitization of the Company's loans as trading securities at
their period-end market value.  The Company recorded $222,000 in net gains on
the sales of $25.9 million in investments and mortgage-backed securities.
Federal funds sold, all on an overnight basis, increased by $72.0 million from
$33.0 million at the prior year-end to $105.0 million at March 31, 1998.

Loans
Total loans held for portfolio increased $6.6 million from $1.149 billion at
the prior year-end to $1.156 billion at March 31, 1998.  One-to-four family
residential loans decreased by $25.9 million, primarily as a result of the
$22.0 million decline in loan originations.  Commercial real estate and
multifamily residential loans increased $14.1 million to $362.6 million,
consumer loans increased $5.9 million, and commercial (business) loans
increased  $3.5 million.

Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses amounted to $20.6 million at March 31, 1998,
(1.77% of portfolio loans) compared with $20.8 million at December 31, 1997. At
March 31, 1998, the allowance for loan losses included $13.6 million allocated
to loans originated by the Company, $3.4 million allocated to the largest loan
purchase made in March 1995 (the "March 1995 Purchase"), $1.2 million allocated
to the July 1997 purchase,  $1.0 million allocated to loans purchased from
CrossLand and $1.3 million allocated to other loan purchases.  For a discussion
of discounts on purchased loans and the use of amounts allocated to the
allowance for loan losses, see the notes to the consolidated financial
statements.  Other activity to the allowance in 1998 included provisions for
loan losses of $493,000 (based generally on the growth in the loan portfolio)
and loan charge-offs (net of recoveries) of $712,000.

Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming assets amounted to $37.3 million or 2.03% of total assets at
March 31, 1998, compared with $34.2 million or 2.20% of total assets at
December 31, 1997.  Nonperforming loans totaled $29.1 million at March 31,
1998, an increase of $3.3 million from the prior year-end total of $25.8
million.  This increase was primarily the result of a $2.1 million increase in
1-4 originated loans.  This was partially offset by a $1.3 million reduction in
commercial business loans.   Commercial real estate, acquired in the FFO
merger, increased by $1.2 million from the end of the prior year to $4.2
million at the end of the first quarter.





                                       13
<PAGE>   125

Deposits
Total deposits were $1.42 billion at March 31, 1998, compared to $1.36 billion
at the prior year-end, an increase of $57.2 million. This  included a $35.7
million increase in certificates of deposit as the Company maintained a more
competitive rate strategy during the first three months of the year.  Passbook
Gold balances increased by $21.0 million while regular savings accounts
declined by $1.6 million.

Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' equity was $98.3 million at March 31, 1998, or 5.34% of total
assets, compared to $95.5 million or 6.15% of total assets at December 31,
1997.  At March 31, 1998, the Bank's Tier 1 ("Leverage") Capital ratio was
6.70%, its Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio was 9.46%, and its Total Risk-Based
Capital ratio was 10.72%, all in excess of minimum FDIC capital guidelines for
an institution to be considered a "well-capitalized" bank.  At December 31,
1997, the Company's Tier 1 ("Leverage") ratio, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio
and total Risk-Based Capital ratio was 6.58%, 9.30%, and 10.71%, respectively.
Although the Company's financial information has been restated for prior
periods using the applicable accounting treatment for business combinations, no
recalculation of prior period capital ratios is made under regulatory
guidelines.

Republic SPC1 Corp.
On March 31, 1998, the Company sold on a non-recourse basis the $95.2 million of
Repo Loans to SPC, a wholly owned, second-tier subsidiary of the Company. The
Repo Loans were sold on a whole loan basis with the Company recording a gain on
sale and retaining servicing rights.  SPC purchased the loans utilizing the
Company's $10.7 million capital contribution to  SPC and the proceeds of a
Repurchase Agreement simultaneously entered into between SPC and a third-party.
The capital contribution will be treated for accounting  purposes by the Company
as an investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary.  The Repurchase Agreement
provides for SPC to repurchase the Repo Loans within a period of 90 days.





                                       14
<PAGE>   126

COMPARISON OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
AND 1997

Overview
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 1998 was $3.1 million or $0.39
per share compared with $2.0 million or $0.30 per share for the first quarter
of 1997.  Return on average assets for the first quarter of 1998 was 0.75%,
while return on average equity was 13.60%.  Results for the first quarter of
1998 include $678,000 improvement in net income from mortgage banking
activities and $1.5 million in income from commercial banking activities.

Analysis of Net Interest Income (see table on page 16)
Net interest income for the first quarter of 1998 was $16.7 million compared
with $11.7 million for the same period last year.  This $4.9 million or 42.0%
increase was the result of $1.0 million from an improved net interest spread
and $3.8 million in additional income from balance sheet growth.  Interest
income was $33.8 million for 1998, an increase of $9.9 million over the same
period in 1997 while interest expense increased by $4.9 million.  Average asset
yield increased 17 basis points from 8.51% for the first quarter of 1997 to
8.68% for 1998.  The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities declined 16
basis points from 4.99% to 4.83% primarily as a result of the $6.0 million
subordinated debt issued which was converted to common stock during the fourth
quarter of 1997.  As a result, net interest spread increased 33 basis points
from 3.52% for 1997 to 3.85% for 1998 and net interest margin, which includes
the benefit of noninterest bearing funds, increased 14 basis points from 4.10%
for 1997 to 4.24% for 1998.

Noninterest Income
Noninterest income for the first quarter of 1998 was $12.5 million compared
with $3.7 million for the same period of 1997, an increase of $8.8 million.
This increase was primarily the result of net gains on mortgage banking
activities, consisting of gains on sale of loans and recognition of the value
of mortgage servicing rights  net of direct costs of production, which
increased $9.1 million, while gain on sale of portfolio loans decreased $1.3
million compared to the same period in 1997.

The following table reflects the components of noninterest income for the three
months ended March 31, 1998, and 1997 (in thousands):




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   For the Three Months
                                                                      Ended March 31, 
                                                     -------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Increase
                                                        1998             1997             (Decrease)
                                                     --------         ---------          -------------
<S>                                                 <C>               <C>                 <C>
Income from mortgage banking operations              $ 9,985          $    898              $ 9,087
Service charges on deposit accounts                      799               745                   54
Loan fee income                                          680               331                  349
Merchant charge card processing fees                      74                62                   12
Gains on sales of portfolio loans, net                     -             1,242               (1,242)
Unrealized gains on loans held for sale                    -                84                  (84)
Gain on sale of securities, net                          333                42                  291
Net trading account losses                              (111)             (138)                  27
Generations Gold fee income                              195               100                   95
Other income                                             574               337                  237
                                                    --------          --------              -------
Total noninterest income                            $ 12,529           $ 3,703              $ 8,826
                                                    ========           =======              =======

</TABLE>




                                       15
<PAGE>   127

The following table summarizes the average yields earned on interest-earning
assets and the average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities for the three
months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Three Months Ended March 31,            
                                      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             
                                                           1998                         1997                
                                       ------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
                                      Average                     Average     Average                       Average
Summary of Average Rates              Balance        Interest      Rate       Balance        Interest         Rate  
- ------------------------              -------        --------    -------      -------        --------      ---------
<S>                                 <C>             <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>   
Interest earning assets:
  Loans, net                        $1,417,066      $ 31,204      8.84%      $ 936,733      $ 21,097       8.95%
  Investment securities                 29,860           433      5.87          38,719           583       6.09
  Mortgage backed securities            36,858           625      6.78          74,640         1,290       6.91
  Trading securities                    37,466           910      9.72             664             -          -
  Interest bearing deposits 
    in banks                             1,082            17      6.12           4,600            46       4.14
  FHLB stock                             9,281           166      7.25           6,927           130       7.58
  Federal funds sold                    30,936           423      5.87          53,311           731       5.48
                                   -----------     ---------               -----------    ----------           
  Total interest-earning assets      1,562,549        33,778      8.68       1,115,594        23,877       8.51
  Non interest-earning assets           86,690                                  59,146
                                   -----------                             -----------
  Total assets                      $1,649,239                              $1,174,740
                                    ==========                              ==========
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Interest checking                 $  129,631     $     327      1.02     $    88,460           309       1.42
  Savings                               52,464           254      1.97          27,078           261       3.90
  Passbook Gold                        251,689         3,058      4.93         222,998         2,649       4.86
  Money market                          31,428           147      1.89          32,364           165       2.07
  Time deposits                        814,072        11,127      5.54         591,482         8,441       5.79
  Subordinated debt                          -             -       .-            6,000           108       7.27
  FHLB advances                        132,889         1,900      5.80           3,422            10       1.17
  Other borrowings                      23,527           302      5.21          16,161           199       5.00
                                   -----------    ----------               -----------    ----------           
  Total interest-bearing 
    liabilities                     1,435,700         17,115      4.83         985,965        12,142       4.99
                                                   ---------                               ---------           
  Non interest-bearing liabilities     121,982                                 122,029
  Stockholders' equity                  91,557                                  64,746
                                   -----------                             -----------
  Total liabilities and equity      $1,649,239                              $1,174,740
                                    ==========                              ==========
Net interest income/net 
  interest spread                                  $  16,663      3.85%                      $11,735       3.52%
                                                   =========      ====                       =======       ==== 
Net interest margin                                               4.24%                                    4.10%
                                                                  ====                                     ==== 

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Increase (Decrease) Due to (1)
                                                    ---------------------------   
Changes in Net Interest Income                        Volume             Rate              Total
- ------------------------------                        ------             ----              -----
<S>                                               <C>                  <C>               <C>
Interest earning assets:
  Loans, net                                      $   10,227           $ (120)           $10,107
  Investment securities                                 (130)             (20)              (150) 
  Mortgage backed securities                            (641)             (24)              (665)
  Trading Securities                                       -              910                910
  Interest bearing deposits in banks                     (46)              17                (29)
  FHLB stock                                              42               (6)                36
  Federal funds sold                                    (306)              (2)              (308)
                                                  ----------           ------            -------
   Total change in interest income                     9,146              755              9,901

Interest-bearing liabilities:
    Interest checking                                    119             (101)                18
    Savings                                              165             (172)                (7)
    Passbook Gold                                        373               36                409
    Money market                                          (4)             (14)               (18)
    Time deposits                                      2,946             (260)             2,686
    Subordinated debt                                    (54)             (54)              (108)
    FHLB advances                                      1,723              167              1,890
    Other borrowings                                      92               11                103
                                                  ----------           ------            -------
    Total change in interest expense                   5,360             (387)             4,973
                                                  ----------           ------            -------
Increase (decrease) in net interest income        $    3,786           $1,142            $ 4,928
                                                  ==========           ======            =======

</TABLE>




                                       16
<PAGE>   128


Noninterest Expense
General and administrative ("G & A") expenses for the first quarter of 1998
were $22.9 million compared with $10.5 million in 1997, an increase of $12.4
million.  Total noninterest expenses, which include G & A expense, were $23.0
million for the first quarter of 1998 compared with $10.8 million for the same
period last year, an increase of $12.2 million.  Increases occurred in
substantially all areas of expense primarily as a result of the costs
associated with the increased number of employees and advertising and marketing
attributable to the company's growth.

The following table reflects the components of noninterest expense for the
three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  For the three Months
                                                                     Ended March 31,     
                                                      --------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              Increase
                                                         1998             1997               (Decrease)
                                                        ------           ------              ----------
<S>                                                   <C>               <C>                   <C>
Salaries and benefits                                 $ 9,398           $ 5,362               $ 4,036
Net occupancy expense                                   2,509             1,740                   769
Advertising                                             4,351               345                 4,006
Data processing fees                                      708               570                   138
FDIC and state assessments                                217               210                     7
Telephone expense                                         465               428                    37
Legal & professional                                      637               326                   311
Postage and supplies                                    3,717               336                 3,381
Other operating expense                                   921             1,165                  (244)
                                                     --------          --------              -------- 
Total G & A expenses                                   22,923            10,482                12,441
Merger expenses                                             9                 -                     9
Provision for losses on ORE                               (80)              170                  (250)
ORE expense, net of ORE income                             22                21                     1
Amortization of premium on deposits                       159               123                    36
                                                    ---------         ---------            ----------
Total noninterest expense                             $23,033           $10,796               $12,237
                                                      =======           =======               =======


</TABLE>
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

          The Company is party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary
          course of its business.  Based on information presently available,
          management does not believe that the ultimate outcome in such
          proceedings, in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect
          on the Company's financial position or results of operation.

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

          a. Exhibits:

             27.0  Financial Data Schedule

          b. Reports on Form 8-K

             There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the three months
             ended March 31, 1998.





                                       17
<PAGE>   129


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 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.





                                          REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.

Date:         05/15/98                    By: /s/ John W. Sapanski 
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             John W. Sapanski
                                             Chairman and Chief Executive 
                                             Officer (principal executive 
                                             officer)



Date:         05/15/98                   By: /s/ William R. Falzone 
                                            ---------------------------------  
                                            William R. Falzone 
                                            Treasurer (principal financial 
                                            and accounting officer)





                                      18
<PAGE>   130
 
======================================================
 
  NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OFFERING MADE HEREBY TO GIVE
ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY OF THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER
TO BUY ANY SECURITY OTHER THAN THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY, NOR
DOES IT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY ANY OF
THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH IT IS
UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE
ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME
SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PAGE
                                        ----
<S>                                     <C>
Summary...............................    1
Recent Developments...................    8
Risk Factors..........................   13
Use of Proceeds.......................   22
Price Range of Common Stock...........   22
Capitalization........................   23
Proposed Acquisitions.................   24
Unaudited Combined Financial Data.....   27
Selected Consolidated Financial
  Data................................   28
Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Financial Condition and Results
  of Operations.......................   30
Business..............................   46
Management............................   66
Principal Stockholders................   67
Description of Capital Stock..........   68
Underwriting..........................   69
Legal Matters.........................   71
Experts...............................   71
Available Information.................   71
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
  Reference...........................   72
Index to Financial Statements.........  F-1
</TABLE>
 
======================================================
======================================================
 
                           (REPUBLIC BANCSHARES LOGO)
 
                                2,400,000 SHARES
 
                           REPUBLIC BANCSHARES, INC.

                                  COMMON STOCK

                              -------------------- 
                                   PROSPECTUS
                              --------------------

                          (WILLIAM R. HOUGH & CO. LOGO)
 
                            (RYAN, BECK & CO. LOGO)
======================================================


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