FIDELITY BANKSHARES INC
424B1, 1998-01-16
SAVINGS INSTITUTION, FEDERALLY CHARTERED
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<PAGE>
                                                FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(b)(1)
                                                REGISTRATION NO. 333-42227

 
                                  $25,000,000

                           FIDELITY CAPITAL TRUST I
                 8.375% CUMULATIVE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
                (LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $10 PER PREFERRED SECURITY)
                        2,500,000 PREFERRED SECURITIES
         FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED, AS DESCRIBED HEREIN, BY

                                    [LOGO]

                       [Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. Logo]

                           FIDELITY BANKSHARES, INC.

     The 8.375% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities (the "Preferred
Securities") offered hereby represent beneficial interests in Fidelity Capital
Trust I, a statutory business trust created under the laws of the State of
Delaware (the "Trust Issuer").  Fidelity Bankshares, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Fidelity" or the "Company"), will own all of the beneficial
interests represented by common securities of the Trust Issuer (the "Common
Securities" and, collectively with the Preferred Securities, the "Trust
Securities").  The Bank of New York is the Property Trustee of the Trust Issuer.
The Trust Issuer exists for the sole purpose of issuing the Trust Securities and
investing the proceeds from the sale thereof in 8.375% Junior Subordinated
Deferrable Interest Debentures (the "Junior Subordinated Debentures") to be
issued by the Company.  The Junior Subordinated Debentures will mature on
January 31, 2028 (the "Stated Maturity"). The Preferred Securities will have a
preference over the Common Securities under certain circumstances with respect
to cash distributions and amounts payable on liquidation, redemption or
otherwise.  See "Description of the Preferred Securities--Subordination of the
Common Securities."

     Application has been made to list the Preferred Securities for quotation on
the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market under the symbol "FFFLP."  See "Risk
Factors--Absence of Prior Public Market for the Preferred Securities; Trading
Price and Tax Considerations."

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

     SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 11 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.

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

     THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT SAVINGS OR DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS AND ARE
NOT INSURED BY THE SAVINGS ASSOCIATION INSURANCE FUND OR THE BANK INSURANCE FUND
OF THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.

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

          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.
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Price to     Underwriting      Proceeds to
                            Public      Commission(l)    Issuer(2)(3)
                          -----------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>              <C>
Per Preferred Security    $     10.00         .3875(2)  $     10.00
Total(4)                  $25,000,000       968,750(2)  $25,000,000
</TABLE>
(1)  The Trust Issuer and Fidelity have agreed to indemnify the Underwriter
     against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act
     of 1933, as amended.  See "Underwriting."

(2)  In view of the fact that the proceeds of the sale of the Preferred
     Securities will be invested in the Junior Subordinated Debentures of
     Fidelity, Fidelity has agreed to pay the Underwriter, as compensation for
     its arranging the investment of such proceeds in the Junior Subordinated
     Debentures, $.3875 per Preferred Security, or $968,750 in the aggregate
     ($1,114,063 in the aggregate if the over-allotment option is exercised in
     full).  See "Underwriting."

(3)  Before deducting expenses payable by Fidelity, estimated to be
     approximately $246,000.

(4)  The Trust Issuer and Fidelity have granted the Underwriter a 30-day option
     to purchase up to 375,000 additional Preferred Securities on the same terms
     and conditions set forth above solely to cover over-allotments, if any.  If
     this option is exercised in full, the total Price to Public and Proceeds to
     Issuer will be $28,750,000.  See "Underwriting."

     The Preferred Securities are offered by the Underwriter subject to receipt
and acceptance by it, prior sale and the Underwriter's right to reject any order
in whole or in part and to withdraw, cancel or modify the offer without notice.
It is expected that delivery of the Preferred Securities will be made in book-
entry form through the book-entry facilities of The Depository Trust Company on
or about January 21, 1998 against payment therefor in immediately available
funds.


                               RYAN, BECK & CO.

               The Date of this Prospectus is January 15, 1998.

                            -----------------------
<PAGE>
 
     The Preferred Securities will be represented by one or more global
securities registered in the name of a nominee of The Depository Trust Company,
as depository ("DTC").  Beneficial interests in the global securities will be
shown on, and transfer thereof will be effected only through, records maintained
by DTC and its participants.  Except as described under "Description of
Preferred Securities," Preferred Securities in definitive form will not be
issued and owners of beneficial interests in the global securities will not be
considered holders of the Preferred Securities. Settlement for the Preferred
Securities will be made in immediately available funds.  The Preferred
Securities will trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and, therefore,
secondary market trading activity for the Preferred Securities will settle in
immediately available funds.

     Holders of the Preferred Securities will be entitled to receive
preferential cumulative cash distributions accumulating from the date of
original issuance and payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30,
September 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing March 31, 1998, at the
annual rate of 8.375% of the Liquidation Amount (as defined herein) of $10 per
Preferred Security ("Distributions").  Subject to certain exceptions, Fidelity
has the right to defer payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
at any time or from time to time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive
quarters with respect to each deferral period (each, an "Extension Period"),
provided that no Extension Period may extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures.  Upon the termination of any such Extension
Period and the payment of all interest then accrued and unpaid (together with
interest thereon at the rate of 8.375%, compounded quarterly, to the extent
permitted by applicable law), Fidelity may elect to begin a new Extension Period
subject to the requirements set forth herein.  If interest payments on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures are so deferred, Distributions on the Preferred
Securities also will be deferred, and Fidelity will not be permitted, subject to
certain exceptions described herein, to declare or pay any cash distributions
with respect to the capital stock of Fidelity or debt securities of Fidelity
that rank pari passu with or junior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures.

     During an Extension Period, interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
would continue to accrue (and the amount of Distributions to which holders of
the Preferred Securities are entitled would accumulate) at the rate of 8.375%
per annum, compounded quarterly, and holders of the Preferred Securities would
be required to include interest income in their gross income for United States
federal income tax purposes in advance of receipt of the cash distributions with
respect to such deferred interest payments.  Fidelity believes that the mere
existence of its right to defer interest payments should not cause the Preferred
Securities to be issued with original issue discount for federal income tax
purposes.  However, it is possible that the Internal Revenue Service could take
the position that the likelihood of deferral was not a remote contingency within
the meaning of applicable Treasury Regulations.  See "Description of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures-Right to Defer Interest Payment Obligation" and "Certain
Federal Income Tax Consequences--Interest Income and Original Issue Discount."

     Fidelity and the Trust Issuer believe that, taken together, the obligations
of Fidelity under the Guarantee, the Trust Agreement, the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, the Indenture and the Expense Agreement (each as defined herein),
constitute in the aggregate, a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee, on
a subordinated basis, of all of the Trust Issuer's obligations under the
Preferred Securities.  See "Relationship Among the Preferred Securities, the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Expense Agreement and the Guarantee--Full
and Unconditional Guarantee."  The Guarantee of Fidelity (the "Guarantee")
guarantees the payment of Distributions and payments on liquidation or
redemption of the Preferred Securities, but only in each case to the extent of
funds held by the Trust Issuer, as described herein.  See "Description of the
Guarantee."  If Fidelity does not make interest payments on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures held by the Trust Issuer, the Trust Issuer will have
insufficient funds to pay Distributions on the Preferred Securities.  The
Guarantee does not cover payment of Distributions when the Trust Issuer does not
have sufficient funds to pay such Distributions.  In such event, a holder of the
Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against Fidelity
to enforce payment of amounts equal to such Distributions to such holder.  See
"Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures-Enforcement of Certain Rights
by Holders of the Preferred Securities."

     The Preferred Securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or
in part, upon repayment of the Junior Subordinated Debentures at their Stated
Maturity or their earlier redemption.  Subject to regulatory approval, if then

                                       ii
<PAGE>
 
required under applicable capital guidelines or regulatory policies, the Junior
Subordinated Debentures are redeemable prior to their Stated Maturity at the
option of the Company (i) on or after January 31, 2003, in whole at any time or
in part from time to time, or (ii) at any time, in whole (but not in part), upon
the occurrence and continuation of a Tax Event, an Investment Company Event or a
Capital Treatment Event (each as defined herein) at a redemption price (the
"Redemption Price") equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures so redeemed to the date fixed for redemption plus 100%
of the principal amount thereof.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Fidelity
Bankshares, MHC (the "Mutual Holding Company"), the mutual holding company
parent of Fidelity completes a Conversion Transaction (as defined herein)
pursuant to which Fidelity or its successor sells to eligible subscribers and
the public the shares of common stock currently held by the Mutual Holding
Company, then Fidelity shall have the right to redeem the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, in whole but not in part, prior to January 31, 2003, but not prior
to January 31, 2000.  Under such circumstances, the Junior Subordinated
Debentures may be redeemed at a price equal to the accrued and unpaid interest
to the date fixed for redemption plus 107% of the principal amount thereof.  See
"Risk Factors -- Optional Redemption in the Event of a Conversion Transaction,"
and "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures- Redemption or Exchange."

     The obligations of Fidelity under the Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated
Debentures will be unsecured and are subordinate and junior in right of payment
to all Senior Indebtedness (as defined in "Description of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures--Subordination") of Fidelity.  At September 30, 1997,
Fidelity had no outstanding Senior Indebtedness.  There is no limitation on
Fidelity's ability to incur Senior Indebtedness or additional indebtedness which
is pari passu with the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  See "Description of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures--Subordination."

     Fidelity, as the holder of the Common Securities, will have the right at
any time to dissolve the Trust Issuer. The ability of Fidelity to do so may be
subject to Fidelity's prior receipt of regulatory approval.  In the event of the
dissolution of the Trust Issuer, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors
of the Trust Issuer as required by applicable law, the holders of the Preferred
Securities will be entitled to receive a Liquidation Amount of $10 per Preferred
Security plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions thereon to the date of
payment, which may be in the form of a distribution of such amount in Junior
Subordinated Debentures, subject to certain exceptions.  See "Description of the
Preferred Securities--Liquidation Distribution upon Termination."

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

          CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN
TRANSACTIONS THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE
PREFERRED SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY, INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING
TRANSACTIONS, SYNDICATE SHORT COVERING TRANSACTIONS AND PENALTY BIDS.  ANY OF
THE FOREGOING TRANSACTIONS, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME
WITHOUT NOTICE.  FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."

                                      iii
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (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 regional offices of the Commission located at
7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and Suite
1400, Citicorp Center, 14th Floor, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois
60661.  Copies of such material can also be obtained at prescribed rates by
writing to the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.  Such material may also be accessed electronically
by means of the Commission's home page on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov.

     The Company and the Trust Issuer have 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 of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the
Preferred Securities, the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Guarantee.
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, the Trust Issuer, the
Preferred Securities and the Junior Subordinated Debentures, 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 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.

     No separate financial statements of the Trust Issuer have been included
herein.  The Company does not consider that such financial statements would be
material to holders of Preferred Securities because (i) all of the voting
securities of the Trust Issuer will be owned by the Company, a reporting company
under the Exchange Act, (ii) the Trust Issuer has no independent operations but
exists for the sole purpose of issuing securities representing undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust Issuer and investing the
proceeds thereof in Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by the Company, and
(iii) the obligations of the Company described herein (to provide certain
indemnities in respect of, and be responsible for certain costs, expenses, debts
and liabilities of, the Trust Issuer under the Indenture and pursuant to the
Trust Agreement, the guarantee issued by the Company with respect to the
Preferred Securities, the Junior Subordinated Debentures purchased by the Trust
Issuer, the related Indenture and the Expense Agreement), taken together,
constitute, in the belief of the Company and the Trust Issuer, a full and
unconditional guarantee of payments due on the Preferred Securities.  See
"Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures" and "Description of the
Guarantee."

     The Trust Issuer is not currently subject to the information reporting
requirements of the Exchange Act and the Company does not expect that the Trust
Issuer will file reports, proxy statements and other information under the
Exchange Act with the Commission.

                                       iv
<PAGE>
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

     The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission are
incorporated into this Prospectus by reference:

          1.  The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
     December 31, 1996 (attached hereto as Appendix A);

          2.  The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters
     ended September 30, 1997 (attached hereto as Appendix B), June 30, 1997 and
     March 31, 1997; and

          3.  The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 25, 1997,
     the Company's Current Report on Form 8 K/A dated October 6, 1997 and the
     Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 12, 1997.

     Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of the Registration Statement and this Prospectus to the extent
that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document
which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, modified or
superseded such statement.  Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be
deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.

     As used herein, the terms "Prospectus" and "herein" means this Prospectus,
including the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by
reference, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from
time to time.  Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any
contract or other document referred to herein do not purport to be complete, and
where reference is made to the particular provisions of such contract or other
document, such provisions are qualified in all respects by reference to all of
the provisions of such contract or other document.

     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 HEREIN (OTHER
THAN EXHIBITS, UNLESS SUCH EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
IN SUCH DOCUMENTS). REQUESTS FOR SUCH DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO CORPORATE
SECRETARY, FIDELITY BANKSHARES,  INC., 218 DATURA STREET, WEST PALM BEACH,
FLORIDA 33401 (TELEPHONE (561) 659-9900).

     The Company will provide to the holders of the Preferred Securities
quarterly reports containing unaudited financial statements and annual reports
containing financial statements audited by the Company's independent auditors.
The Company will also furnish annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports
on Form 10-Q free of charge to holders of the Preferred Securities who so
request in writing to the Company.

                                       v
<PAGE>
 
               [MAP INDICATING FIDELITY FEDERAL'S BRANCH OFFICES]

                                       vi
<PAGE>
 
                                    SUMMARY

     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and 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 MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY, THE COMPANY AND THE BANK

THE MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE

     Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. ("Fidelity" or the "Company") is part of a mutual
holding company structure that is subject to regulation and oversight by the
Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS").  Fidelity Bankshares, MHC (the "Mutual
Holding Company") owns approximately 52.2% of the common stock of the Company,
and is required to own at least a majority of the voting stock of the Company so
long as the Mutual Holding Company remains in existence.  The Company owns 100%
of the common stock of Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida (the "Bank").
The Mutual Holding Company has the authority, subject to regulatory approval, to
engage in a Conversion Transaction which would eliminate the Mutual Holding
Company and result in public stockholders owning 100% of the common stock of the
Company.  A Conversion Transaction would also enable the Company to redeem the
Junior Subordinated Debentures prior to January 31, 2003 but not prior to
January 31, 2000.  See "Risk Factors -- Optional Redemption in the Event of a
Conversion Transaction," and "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures-
- -Redemption or Exchange."  The current mutual holding company structure is as
follows:

 
 
                  Fidelity Bankshares,        Public
                         MHC               Stockholders

                          |                     |
                          |                     | 
                          |   52.2% of          |   47.8% of
                          |   the               |   the
                          |   Common            |   Common
                          |   Stock             |   Stock
                          |                     |

                         Fidelity Bankshares, Inc.
 
                                    |    100% of the
                                    |    Common Stock
          
                         Fidelity Federal Savings Bank


     The principal executive offices of the Mutual Holding Company, the Company
and the Bank are located at 218 Datura Street, West Palm Beach, Florida, and
their telephone number at that address is (561) 659-9900.

FIDELITY BANKSHARES, MHC

     The Mutual Holding Company is chartered under Federal law by the OTS.  The
Mutual Holding Company may engage in any business activity permissible for
Federal mutual holding companies, which generally include all activities
permissible for Federal savings banks (other than accepting deposits), as well
as certain additional activities such as real estate development and investing
in the equity securities of other companies.  The primary business activity of
the Mutual Holding Company at the present time is the ownership of a majority of
the Company's common stock.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
FIDELITY BANKSHARES, INC.

     The Company is a Delaware corporation which was organized in May 1996.  The
only significant asset of Fidelity is its investment in the Bank.  A majority of
the Company's common stock is owned by the Mutual Holding Company.  On January
29, 1997 the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding common stock of
the Bank in connection with the Bank's reorganization into the two-tier form of
mutual holding company ownership.  At that time, each share of Bank common stock
was automatically converted into one share of the Company's common stock, par
value $.l0 per share.  As part of the two-tier mutual holding company
reorganization, 3,542,000 shares of common stock were issued to the Mutual
Holding Company and 3,206,625 shares of common stock were issued to the Bank's
public stockholders in exchange for the shares of the Bank's common stock held
by them.  At September 30, 1997, the Company had total assets of $1.0 billion,
total deposits of $791.2 million, and stockholders' equity of $85.8 million.

FIDELITY FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK OF FLORIDA

     The Bank is a federally chartered savings bank headquartered in West Palm
Beach, Florida.  The Bank's deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation ("FDIC").  The Bank was chartered originally as a federal
mutual savings and loan association in 1952, and in 1983, amended its charter to
become a federally chartered mutual savings bank.  On January 7, 1994, the Bank
completed a reorganization from a mutual savings bank into a federally chartered
mutual holding company with a subsidiary stock savings bank.  As part of the
reorganization, the Bank was organized as a federally chartered stock savings
bank and as the successor to the Bank in its previous mutual form.  The Bank is
a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") System.

     The Bank is primarily engaged in the business of attracting deposits from
the general public in the Bank's market area, and investing such deposits,
together with other sources of funds, in one- to four-family residential
mortgage loans, consumer loans and commercial business loans.  To a lesser
extent, the Bank also originates construction loans and land loans for single-
family properties, and invests in mortgage-backed securities issued or
guaranteed by the United States Government or agencies thereof.  In addition,
the Bank invests a portion of its assets in securities issued by the United
States Government, and in cash and cash equivalents including deposits in other
financial institutions, and FHLB stock.  The Bank's principal sources of funds
are deposits and principal and interest payments on loans.  Principal sources of
income are interest received from loans and investment securities.  The Bank's
principal expense is interest paid on deposits and employee compensation and
benefits.

     On December 5, 1997 the Bank completed its acquisition of BankBoynton, a
Federal Savings Bank ("BankBoynton").  At December 5, 1997, BankBoynton's
assets, deposits and stockholders' equity were approximately $54.7 million,
$41.7 million and $3.1 million, respectively.  The Bank paid an aggregate of
$5.6 million for all the issued and outstanding Common Stock of BankBoynton.
Management believes that the acquisition of BankBoynton will be accretive to
earnings in 1998.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

     The Bank's current business strategy is to operate as a well-capitalized,
profitable and independent community-oriented savings bank dedicated to
providing quality customer service.  Generally, the Bank has sought to implement
this strategy by emphasizing retail deposits as its primary source of funds and
maintaining a substantial part of its assets in locally-originated residential
first mortgage loans, in mortgage-backed securities and in other liquid
investment securities.  Specifically, the goal of the Bank's business strategy
is to address the following: (1) operating as a community-oriented financial
institution, maintaining a strong core customer base by providing quality
service and offering customers the access to senior management and services that
a community-based institution can offer; (2) maintaining high levels of asset
quality by emphasizing residential mortgage lending and investing in mortgage-
backed securities and other securities issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government or agencies thereof; (3) managing interest rate risk exposure; and
(4) maintaining capital in excess of regulatory requirements and growing only to
the extent that adequate capital levels and asset quality can be maintained.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     Highlights of the Bank's business strategy are as follows:

     COMMUNITY-ORIENTED INSTITUTION. The Bank is the second largest savings
institution headquartered in Palm Beach County, which in recent years has
experienced a significant influx of commercial banks and branches of savings
institutions headquartered outside of Florida. The Bank is committed to meeting
the financial needs of the communities in which it operates. The Bank believes
it is large enough to provide a full range of personal and business financial
services, and yet is small enough to be able to provide such services on a
personalized and efficient basis. Management believes that the Bank can be more
effective in servicing its customers than many of its non-local competitors
because of the Bank's ability to quickly and effectively provide senior
management responses to customer needs and inquiries. The Bank's ability to
provide these services is enhanced by the stability of the Bank's senior
management. The Bank intends to maintain its operation as a community-oriented,
independent savings institution.

     ASSET QUALITY AND EMPHASIS ON RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LENDING. Since its
inception, the Bank has emphasized residential real estate lending, and
anticipates a continued commitment to financing the purchase or improvement of
residential real estate in its market area. To supplement local mortgage loan
originations, the Bank also invests in mortgage-backed securities that are
issued or guaranteed by the United States Government or agencies thereof. At
September 30, 1997, 78.3% of the Bank's total gross loan portfolio consisted of
one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, including residential
construction loans, and 18.5% of the Bank's total assets consisted of mortgage-
backed securities and investments that are issued or guaranteed by the United
States government or agencies thereof.

     Historically, the percentage of small commercial business loans and
consumer loans in the Bank's portfolio has been below the levels of its peers.
However, the Bank is seeking to expand its offering of commercial business and
consumer loan services while attempting to adhere to its relatively conservative
loan underwriting standards.

     INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT.  Deposit accounts typically react more
quickly to changes in market interest rates than interest-earning assets such as
mortgage loans, because of the relatively shorter maturities of deposits.  The
difference between interest-bearing liabilities expressed as a percentage of
total assets, is a measure of interest rate risk and is referred to as an
institution's interest rate gap. A gap is considered negative if interest-
bearing liabilities maturing or repricing in a particular time period exceed
interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within the same time period.
Management seeks to manage the Bank's interest rate risk exposure by monitoring
the levels of interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities while maintaining
an acceptable interest rate spread. At September 30, 1997 total interest-bearing
liabilities maturing or repricing within one year exceeded total interest-
earning assets maturing or repricing in the same period by $17.7 million,
representing a cumulative one-year gap ratio of a negative 9.75%.  A negative
gap will generally enhance earnings in a falling interest rate environment and
negatively impact earnings in a rising interest rate environment.

     To reduce the potential volatility of the Bank's earnings in a changing
interest rate environment, the Bank has sought to manage interest rate risk by
investing a substantial part of its assets in relatively short- and medium-term
United States Government and agency securities, and in adjustable rate mortgage
("ARM") loans and mortgage-backed securities with adjustable interest rates.  Of
the Bank's total investment of $950.8 million in loans and mortgage-backed
securities at September 30, 1997, $485.3 million, or 51.0%, had adjustable
interest rates.  Another aspect of the Bank's interest rate risk management
strategy has been to extend the maturity of interest-bearing liabilities,
including the utilization of FHLB advances as a source of funds.  Additionally,
the Bank has classified its mortgage-backed and investment portfolios as
available for sale.  As a result, mortgage-backed securities and investments are
carried at fair value based upon market quotations.  Management believes that by
classifying its investment and mortgage-backed securities as available for sale,
the Bank will have the flexibility to restructure its investment and mortgage-
backed portfolio in response to changes in interest rates.

     STRONG RETAIL DEPOSIT BASE.  The Bank has had a relatively strong retail
deposit base drawn from the 21 full-service offices in its market area.  At
September 30, 1997, management estimated that 30.6% of the Bank's $791.2 million
deposit base consisted of core deposits, which included non-interest demand
accounts, passbook accounts, NOW accounts, and money market demand deposit
accounts.  Core deposits are generally considered to be a more stable and 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
lower cost source of funds than certificates of deposit or outside borrowings.
The Bank will continue to emphasize retail deposits by maintaining and seeking
to expand its network of full-service offices, providing depositors with a full
range of accounts.

     CAPITAL STRENGTH.  The Bank's total equity at September 30, 1997 was $85.8
million, and its ratio of total equity to total assets at that date was 8.20%.

                                THE TRUST ISSUER

     The Trust Issuer is a statutory business trust created under Delaware law
pursuant to (i) the Trust Agreement executed by the Company, as depositor, Bank
of New York, as Property Trustee, Bank of New York (Delaware), as Delaware
Trustee, and the Administrative Trustees named therein, and (ii) the filing of a
certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 10, 1997.
The trust agreement will be amended and restated in its entirety (as so amended,
the "Trust Agreement").  All of the Common Securities will be owned by the
Company.  The Company will acquire Common Securities in an aggregate Liquidation
Amount equal to 3% of the total capital of the Trust Issuer. The Trust Issuer
exists for the exclusive purposes of (i) issuing and selling the Trust
Securities, (ii) using the proceeds from the sale of the Trust Securities to
acquire Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by the Company and (iii) engaging
in only those other activities necessary, advisable or incidental thereto (such
as registering the transfer of the Trust Securities).  Accordingly, the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be the sole assets of the Trust Issuer, and
payments under the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be the sole revenue of
the Trust Issuer.  The principal executive office of the Trust Issuer is 218
Datura Street, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 and its telephone number is (561)
659-9900.

                                  THE OFFERING

THE TRUST ISSUER................  THE TRUST ISSUER Fidelity Capital Trust I, a
                                  Delaware statutory business trust (the 
                                  "Trust Issuer"). The sole assets of the
                                  Trust Issuer will be the Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures.

SECURITIES OFFERED..............  2,500,000 shares of 8.375% Cumulative Trust
                                  Preferred Securities (the "Preferred
                                  Securities"), evidencing preferred undivided
                                  beneficial interests in the assets of the
                                  Trust Issuer, which will consist only of the
                                  Junior Subordinated Debentures.

OFFERING PRICE..................  $10 per Preferred Security (Liquidation 
                                  Amount $10).

DISTRIBUTIONS...................  Holders of the Preferred Securities will be 
                                  entitled to receive cumulative cash
                                  Distributions at an annual rate of 8.375% of
                                  the Liquidation Amount of $10 per Preferred
                                  Security, accumulating from the date of
                                  original issuance and payable quarterly in
                                  arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and
                                  December 31 of each year, commencing on March
                                  31, 1998. The distribution rate and the
                                  distribution and other payment dates for the
                                  Preferred Securities will correspond to the
                                  interest rate and interest and other payment
                                  dates on the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
                                  See "Description of the Preferred Securities."

JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES..  The Trust Issuer will invest the proceeds from
                                  the issuance of the Trust Securities in an
                                  equivalent amount of the Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures. The Junior Subordinated Debentures
                                  will mature on January 31, 2028. The Junior
                                  Subordinated Debentures will rank subordinate
                                  and junior in right of payment to all Senior

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                  Indebtedness of Fidelity. At September 30,
                                  1997, Fidelity had no outstanding Senior
                                  Indebtedness. There is no limitation on the
                                  amount of Senior Indebtedness, or Subordinated
                                  Debt (as defined in "Description of Junior
                                  Subordinated Debentures-Subordination") which
                                  is pari passu with the Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures, which Fidelity may issue. Fidelity
                                  may from time to time, incur indebtedness
                                  constituting Senior Indebtedness. In addition,
                                  because Fidelity is a holding company,
                                  Fidelity's obligations under the Junior
                                  Subordinated Debentures will be subordinated
                                  to all existing and future liabilities and
                                  obligations of its subsidiaries, including the
                                  Bank. See "Risk Factors-- Subordination of the
                                  Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures," "Risk Factors--Source of Payments
                                  to Holders of Preferred Securities" and
                                  "Description of the Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures--Subordination."

GUARANTEE.......................  Payments of Distributions out of funds held 
                                  by the Trust Issuer, and payments on
                                  liquidation of the Trust Issuer or the
                                  redemption of the Preferred Securities, are
                                  guaranteed by Fidelity to the extent the Trust
                                  Issuer has funds available therefor. Fidelity
                                  and the Trust Issuer believe that, taken
                                  together, the obligations of Fidelity under
                                  the Guarantee, the Trust Agreement, the Junior
                                  Subordinated Debentures, the Indenture and the
                                  Expense Agreement, constitute, in the
                                  aggregate, a full and unconditional guarantee,
                                  on a subordinated basis, of all of the Trust
                                  Issuer's obligations under the Preferred
                                  Securities. See "Description of the Guarantee"
                                  and "Relationship Among the Preferred
                                  Securities, the Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures, the Expense Agreement and the
                                  Guarantee." The obligations of Fidelity under
                                  the Guarantee are subordinate and junior in
                                  right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of
                                  Fidelity. See "Risk Factors--Subordination of
                                  the Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures" and "Description of the
                                  Guarantee."

RIGHT TO DEFER INTEREST 
 PAYMENTS.......................  So long as no event of default under the
                                  Indenture has occurred and is continuing,
                                  Fidelity has the right under the Indenture at
                                  any time during the term of the Junior
                                  Subordinated Debentures to defer the payment
                                  of interest at any time or from time to time
                                  for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive
                                  quarters with respect to each Extension
                                  Period, provided that no Extension Period may
                                  extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the
                                  Junior Subordinated Debentures. If interest
                                  payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
                                  are so deferred, Distributions on the
                                  Preferred Securities also will be deferred. At
                                  the end of such Extension Period, Fidelity
                                  must pay all interest then accrued and unpaid
                                  (together with interest thereon at the annual
                                  rate of 8.375%, compounded quarterly, to the
                                  extent permitted by applicable law). During an
                                  Extension Period, interest will continue to
                                  accrue on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
                                  (and the amount of Distributions to which
                                  holders of the Preferred Securities are
                                  entitled would accumulate), and holders of the
                                  Junior Subordinated Debentures (or holders of
                                  the Preferred Securities, while outstanding)
                                  will be required to accrue interest income for
                                  United States federal income tax purposes in
                                  advance of receipt of payment 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                  of such deferred interest. See "Certain
                                  Federal Income Tax Consequences--Interest
                                  Income and Original Issue Discount").


                                  During any such Extension Period, Fidelity may
                                  not, and may not permit any subsidiary of
                                  Fidelity to: (i) declare or pay any dividends
                                  or distributions on, or redeem, purchase,
                                  acquire or make a liquidation payment with
                                  respect to, any of Fidelity's capital stock
                                  (other than (a) the reclassification of any
                                  class of Fidelity's capital stock into another
                                  class of capital stock, (b) dividends or
                                  distributions payable in common stock of
                                  Fidelity, (c) any declaration of a dividend in
                                  connection with the implementation of a
                                  stockholders' rights plan, the issuance of
                                  stock under any such plan in the future or the
                                  redemption or repurchase of any such rights
                                  pursuant thereto, (d) payments under the
                                  Guarantee and (e) purchases of common stock
                                  related to the issuance of common stock or
                                  rights under any of Fidelity's benefit plans
                                  for its directors, officers or employees);
                                  (ii) make any payment of principal, interest
                                  or premium, if any, on, or repay, repurchase
                                  or redeem, any debt securities of Fidelity
                                  that rank pari passu with or junior in right
                                  of payment to the Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures, or make any guarantee payments
                                  with respect to any guarantee by Fidelity of
                                  the debt securities of any subsidiary of
                                  Fidelity if such guarantee ranks pari passu
                                  with or junior in right of payment to the
                                  Junior Subordinated Debentures other than
                                  payments pursuant to the Guarantee; or (iii)
                                  redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of
                                  the outstanding Junior Subordinated Debentures
                                  or any of the Preferred Securities. Prior to
                                  the termination of any such Extension Period,
                                  Fidelity may further defer the payment of
                                  interest on the Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures, provided that no Extension Period
                                  may exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend
                                  beyond the Stated Maturity of the Junior
                                  Subordinated Debentures. There is no
                                  limitation on the number of times that
                                  Fidelity may elect to begin an Extension
                                  Period. See "Description of the Junior
                                  Subordinated Debentures--Right to Defer
                                  Interest Payment Obligation" and "Certain
                                  Federal Income Tax Consequences--Interest
                                  Income and Original Issue Discount."

                                  Fidelity has no current intention of
                                  exercising its right to defer payments of
                                  interest by extending the interest payment
                                  period on the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
                                  However, should Fidelity elect to exercise
                                  such right in the future, the market price of
                                  the Preferred Securities is likely to be
                                  adversely affected. As a result of the
                                  existence of Fidelity's right to defer
                                  interest payments, the market price of the
                                  Preferred Securities may be more volatile than
                                  the market prices of other similar securities
                                  that do not provide for such optional
                                  deferrals.

OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.............  The Junior Subordinated Debentures are 
                                  subject to redemption prior to their Stated
                                  Maturity at the option of Fidelity (i) on or
                                  after January 31, 2003, in whole at any time
                                  or in part from time to time, or (ii) at any
                                  time, in whole (but not in part), within 180
                                  days following the occurrence and continuation
                                  of a Tax Event, an 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                  Investment Company Event or a Capital
                                  Treatment Event (each as defined herein) in
                                  each case at a redemption price equal to 100%
                                  of the principal amount of the Junior
                                  Subordinated Debentures so redeemed, together
                                  with any accrued and unpaid interest to the
                                  date fixed for redemption.

REDEMPTION OF PREFERRED 
 SECURITIES.....................  If the Junior Subordinated Debentures are
                                  redeemed prior to their Stated Maturity, the
                                  Trust Issuer must apply the proceeds of such
                                  redemption, including premium and accrued and
                                  unpaid interest, if any, to redeem a Like
                                  Amount (as defined herein) of the Preferred
                                  Securities and the Common Securities. The
                                  Preferred Securities will be redeemed upon
                                  repayment of the Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures at their Stated Maturity. See
                                  "Description of the Preferred Securities--
                                  Redemption."

OPTIONAL REDEMPTION UPON 
 CONVERSION TRANSACTION.........  If the Mutual Holding Company completes a 
                                  Conversion Transaction, then Fidelity shall
                                  have the right to redeem the Junior
                                  Subordinated Debentures prior to January 31,
                                  2003, but not prior to January 31, 2000. Under
                                  such circumstances the Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures may be redeemed at a price equal to
                                  the accrued and unpaid interest to the date
                                  fixed for redemption plus 107% of the
                                  principal amount thereof and holders of the
                                  Preferred Securities will receive 107% of the
                                  Liquidation Amount plus accumulated and unpaid
                                  Distributions. In addition, under such
                                  circumstances if any Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures are redeemed all of the Junior
                                  Subordinated Debentures must be redeemed. See
                                  "Risk Factors-Optional Redemption In the Event
                                  of a Conversion Transaction," and "Description
                                  of Junior Subordinated Debentures--Redemption
                                  or Exchange."

DISTRIBUTION OF THE JUNIOR                                                  
 SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES                                                    
 UPON LIQUIDATION OF THE                                                    
 TRUST ISSUER...................  Fidelity will have the right at any time to   
                                  dissolve the Trust Issuer and, after 
                                  satisfaction of creditors of the Trust 
                                  Issuer, if any, as provided by applicable 
                                  law, cause the Junior Subordinated Debentures 
                                  to be distributed to the holders of the 
                                  Preferred Securities and the Common 
                                  Securities in exchange therefor upon 
                                  liquidation of the Trust Issuer.  The 
                                  ability of Fidelity to do so may be subject 
                                  to Fidelity's prior receipt of regulatory 
                                  approval.

                                  In the event of the liquidation of the Trust
                                  Issuer, after satisfaction of the claims of
                                  creditors of the Trust Issuer, if any, as
                                  provided by applicable law, the holders of the
                                  Preferred Securities will be entitled to
                                  receive a Liquidation Amount of $10 per
                                  Preferred Security plus accumulated and unpaid
                                  Distributions thereon to the date of payment,
                                  which may be in the form of a distribution of
                                  a Like Amount (as defined herein) of the
                                  Junior Subordinated Debentures, subject to
                                  certain exceptions as described herein. See
                                  "Description of the Preferred Securities--
                                  Liquidation of the Trust Issuer and
                                  Distribution of the Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures to Holders."

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
VOTING RIGHTS...................  Except in limited circumstances, the holders 
                                  of the Preferred Securities will have no
                                  voting rights. See "Description of the
                                  Preferred Securities--Voting Rights; Amendment
                                  of Trust Agreement."

USE OF PROCEEDS.................  All of the proceeds from the sale of the 
                                  Preferred Securities will be used by the Trust
                                  Issuer to purchase Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures from Fidelity. Fidelity intends
                                  that the net proceeds from the sale of such
                                  Junior Subordinated Debentures will be used
                                  for general corporate purposes, including, but
                                  not limited to, acquisitions by either the
                                  Company or the Bank (although there presently
                                  exist no agreements or understandings with
                                  respect to any such acquisitions), capital
                                  contributions to the Bank to support growth
                                  and for working capital, and the possible
                                  repurchase of shares of Fidelity's common
                                  stock, subject to acceptable market
                                  conditions.

RISK FACTORS....................  An investment in the Preferred Securities 
                                  involves substantial risks that should be
                                  considered by prospective purchasers. In
                                  addition, because holders of the Preferred
                                  Securities may receive Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures on dissolution of the Trust Issuer,
                                  and because payments on the Junior
                                  Subordinated Debentures are the sole source of
                                  funds for Distributions on and redemptions of
                                  the Preferred Securities, prospective
                                  purchasers of the Preferred Securities are
                                  also making an investment decision with regard
                                  to the Junior Subordinated Debentures and
                                  should carefully review all of the information
                                  regarding the Junior Subordinated Debentures
                                  contained herein. See "Risk Factors" and
                                  "Description of the Junior Subordinated
                                  Debentures."

NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET SYMBOL...  Application has been made to have the 
                                  Preferred Securities approved for listing on
                                  The Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market
                                  under the symbol "FFFLP."

ERISA CONSIDERATIONS............  For a discussion of certain restrictions on 
                                  purchases, see "ERISA Considerations."

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
           SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER DATA

     The Summary Consolidated Financial Data presented below has been derived in
part from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company as well
as unaudited financial information of the Company and should be read in
conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes.  For
additional information about the Company, reference is made to "Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,"
contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1997, copies of which are attached as appendices A and B to this
Prospectus, respectively.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       
                                                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
                                                              AT DECEMBER 31,                       AT SEPTEMBER 30,
                                        ------------------------------------------------------   --------------------- 
                                          1992       1993       1994       1995        1996        1996       1997     
                                        --------   --------   --------   ---------   ---------   --------   ---------- 
                                                           (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)                    
<S>                                     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         
                                                                                                                       
SELECTED FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA:                                                                          
 Total assets.........................  $638,183   $680,154   $712,643   $779,620    $873,562    $857,366   $1,045,692
 Loans receivable, net................   437,564    434,967    456,543    532,333     661,700     641,171      769,357
 Mortgage-backed securities...........    64,558     75,199    126,807    159,761     123,599     133,208      181,413
 Investment securities................    95,505    127,154     82,410     43,108      41,740      42,786       31,501
 Deposits.............................   573,493    586,527    538,235    595,180     694,718     662,993      791,179
 Total borrowings.....................    12,412     15,934     88,319     86,549      83,621      84,140      143,228
 Stockholders' equity.................    40,002     46,786     74,404     81,266      81,723      80,316       85,774
                                                                                                            
 Book value per common share..........       N/A        N/A      11.11      12.10       12.12       12.09        12.65
 Tangible book value per common share.       N/A        N/A      11.03      11.56       11.89       11.73        12.15
 
 
                                                                                                            (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                                        FOR THE NINE MONTHS
                                                     FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                   ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                        ------------------------------------------------------      -------------------------- 
                                          1992       1993       1994       1995      1996/(1)/      1996/(1)/         1997     
                                        --------   --------   --------   ---------   ---------      ---------       ---------- 
                                                           (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)                    
<S>                                     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>         
SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
 Interest income......................  $ 50,387   $ 44,755   $ 43,420   $ 53,261    $  60,240      $  44,419       $   52,398
 Interest expense.....................    23,171     18,415     17,776     28,095       32,131         23,417           29,716
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------    ---------      ---------       ----------
 Net interest income..................    27,216     26,340     25,644     25,166       28,109         21,002           22,682
 Provision for loan losses............       330      1,236        112       (210)         164            114              129
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------    ---------      ---------       ----------
 Net interest income after                                                                                        
  provision for loan losses...........    26,886     25,104     25,532     25,376       27,945         20,888           22,553
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------    ---------      ---------       ----------
 Other income:                                                                                                    
  Service charges.....................     1,924      2,089      2,151      2,669        3,201          2,381            2,562
  Net gain (loss) on sales of loans                                                                               
   and investment securities..........       160        309         15          5        1,215            555              808
  Miscellaneous.......................       341        285        331        347          460            316              325
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------    ---------      ---------       ----------
   Total non-interest income..........     2,425      2,683      2,497      3,021        4,876          3,252            3,695
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------    ---------      ---------       ----------
 Noninterest expenses.................    15,783     16,971     19,375     20,449       26,709/(1)/    20,786/(1)/      18,081
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------    ---------      ---------       ----------
 Income before taxes..................    13,528     10,816      8,654      7,948        6,112          3,354            8,167
 Income tax expense...................     4,974      4,319      3,392      3,133        2,562          1,407            3,458
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------    ---------      ---------       ----------
  Net income..........................  $  8,554   $  6,497   $  5,262   $  4,815    $   3,550/(1)/ $   1,947/(1)/  $    4,709
                                        ========   ========   ========   ========    =========      =========       ==========
 Net income per common share:                                          
 Primary..............................  N/A/(2)/   N/A/(2)/   $   0.80   $   0.73    $    0.53/(1)/ $    0.29/(1)/  $     0.70
                                                              ========   ========    =========      =========       ==========
 Fully Diluted........................  N/A/(2)/   N/A/(2)/   $   0.80   $   0.73    $    0.53/(1)/ $    0.29/(1)/  $     0.70
                                                              ========   ========    =========      =========       ==========
</TABLE>

____________________
/(1)/ Fiscal 1996 and the nine months ended September 30, 1996 include the
      effect of a one-time SAIF recapitalization assessment of approximately
      $3.6 million, or $2.2 million net of taxes. Excluding this non-recurring
      assessment for the year ended December 31, 1996, total non-interest
      expenses would have been $23.1 million, net income would have been $5.7
      million, primary earnings per share would have been $.86 and fully diluted
      earnings per share would have been $.86. Excluding this non-recurring
      assessment for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, total non-
      interest expenses would have been $17.1 million, net income would have
      been $4.1 million, primary earnings per share would have been $.62 and
      fully diluted earnings per share would have been $.62.
/(2)/ The Bank completed its reorganization from a mutual savings bank into a
      mutual holding company with a subsidiary stock savings bank and its
      minority offering of common stock on January 7, 1994.  As a result,
      comparative stockholder data is unavailable prior to 1994.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        AT AND FOR THE NINE
                                    AT AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,             ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,      
                              ---------------------------------------------------    ------------------------
                                1992      1993       1994       1995    1996/(1)/    1996/(1)(3)/   1997/(3)/
                              -------   --------   --------   -------   ---------    ------------   ---------  
<S>                           <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS
 AND OTHER DATA:
 Return on average assets
  (ratio of net income to 
  average total assets)....     1.37%     0.99%      0.79%      0.65%     0.43%/(1)/   0.32% /(1)/    0.66%
 Return on average
  stockholders' equity 
  (ratio of net income 
  to average stockholders'
    equity)................    23.94%    14.97%      7.25%      6.22%     4.36%/(1)/   3.20% /(1)/    7.53%
 Net interest rate spread
  during the period........     4.51%     4.25%      3.76%      3.13%     3.14%        3.19%          2.90%
 Net interest margin (net
  interest income to 
  average interest
  earning assets...........     4.62%     4.35%      4.08%      3.60%     3.62%        2.75%          2.50%
 Ratio of average
  interest-earning assets
   to average
    interest-bearing
    liabilities............   102.94%   103.58%    111.14%    111.61%   111.54%      111.78%        109.89%
 
ASSET QUALITY RATIOS:
 Non-accruing loans to
  total loans at end of 
  period...................     1.51%     0.88%      0.42%      0.35%     0.46%        0.47%          0.45%
 Allowance for loan losses               
  to non-accruing loans at               
  end of period............    27.58%    74.09%    132.61%    121.45%    74.54%       73.51%         61.59%
 Allowance for loan losses               
  to total loans at end of               
  period...................     0.42%     0.66%      0.56%      0.43%     0.34%        0.35%          0.28%
 Non-performing assets to                
  total assets at end of                 
  period...................     1.54%     0.63%      0.36%      0.32%     0.36%        0.40%          0.38%
 Ratio of net charge-offs                
  during the period to                   
  average loans outstanding              
  during the period........     0.02%     0.08%      0.10%      0.02%     0.03%        0.03%          0.03%
 
CAPITAL RATIOS:
 Stockholders' equity to
  total assets at end of 
  period...................     6.27%     6.89%     10.44%     10.42%     9.36%        9.37%          8.20%
 Average stockholders'                            
  equity to average total                         
  assets...................     5.73%     6.59%     10.84%     10.43%     9.87%       10.03%          8.70%
 Tangible capital to                                                                             
  tangible assets                                                                                
  at end of period/(2)/....     6.24%     6.88%     10.36%     10.04%     9.20%        9.22%          7.91%
 Core capital to adjusted                                                                        
  tangible assets at end of                                                                      
  period/(2)/..............     6.24%     6.88%     10.36%     10.04%     9.20%        9.22%          7.91%
 Risk-based capital to                                                                           
  risk-weighted                                                                                  
  assets at end of                                                                               
  period/(2)/..............    14.37%    15.18%     23.20%     21.44%    18.26%       18.42%         15.76%
                                                  
OTHER DATA:                                       
 Number of branch offices                         
   at end of period........       16        18         19         20        20           20             21
 Number of deposit accounts
   at end of period........   61,119    62,344     61,950     64,262    69,833       68,227         76,334
</TABLE>

- -------------------
/(1)/ Fiscal 1996 and the nine months ended September 30, 1996 include the
      effect of a one-time SAIF recapitalization assessment of approximately 
      $3.6 million, or $2.2 million net of taxes. Excluding this non-recurring
      assessment for the year ended December 31, 1996, return on average assets
      would have been .69% and return on average stockholders' equity would have
      been 7.01%. Excluding this non-recurring assessment for the nine months
      ended September 30, 1996, return on average assets would have been .67% 
      and return on average stockholders' equity would have been 6.73%.
/(2)/ Represents regulatory capital ratios for the Bank only.
/(3)/ Ratios are annualized where appropriate.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS

     An investment in the Preferred Securities involves a high degree of risk.
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, its business and the Trust Issuer
before purchasing the Preferred Securities 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 and the Trust Issuer.
It should be recognized that other risks, including general economic factors and
expansion strategies, may be significant, presently or in the future, and the
risks set forth below may affect the Company and the Trust Issuer to a greater
extent than indicated.

                     RISK FACTORS RELATING TO THE OFFERING

SUBORDINATION OF THE GUARANTEE AND THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

     The obligations of Fidelity under the Guarantee issued by Fidelity for the
benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities and under the Junior
Subordinated Debentures issued to the Trust Issuer will be unsecured and will
rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of
Fidelity.  At September 30, 1997, Fidelity had no outstanding Senior
Indebtedness.  There is no limitation on the amount of Senior Indebtedness, or
subordinated debt which is pari passu with the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
which Fidelity may issue.  Because Fidelity is a holding company, the right of
Fidelity to participate in any distribution of assets of any subsidiary,
including the Bank, upon such subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization or
otherwise (and thus the ability of holders of the Preferred Securities to
benefit indirectly from such distribution), is subject to the prior claims of
creditors of that subsidiary (including depositors in the Bank), except to the
extent that Fidelity may itself be recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary.
If Fidelity is a creditor of a subsidiary, the claims of Fidelity would be
subject to any prior security interest in the assets of the subsidiary and any
indebtedness of the subsidiary senior to that of Fidelity.  Accordingly, the
Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Guarantee will be subordinated to all
existing and future liabilities of Fidelity's subsidiaries, including the Bank.
At September 30, 1997 the Bank had liabilities of $959.9 million (including
$791.2 million of deposits).  Only the capital stock of Fidelity is currently
junior in right of payment to the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be issued to
the Trust Issuer.  Holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be able to
look only to the assets of Fidelity for payments on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures.  None of the Indenture, the Guarantee, the Expense Agreement or the
Trust Agreement places any limitation on the amount of secured or unsecured
debt, including Senior Indebtedness, that may be incurred by Fidelity.  Fidelity
may, from time to time, incur indebtedness constituting Senior Indebtedness or
indebtedness which is pari passu with the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  See
"Description of the Guarantee--Status of the Guarantee" and "Description of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures--Subordination."

SOURCE OF PAYMENTS TO HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SECURITIES

     As a savings and loan holding company, Fidelity conducts its operations
principally through its subsidiaries and, therefore, its principal source of
cash, other than its investing and financing activities, is the receipt of
dividends from the Bank.  Since Fidelity is without significant assets other
than the capital stock of the Bank, the ability of Fidelity to pay interest on
the principal of the Junior Subordinated Debentures to the Trust Issuer (and
consequently, the Trust Issuer's ability to pay Distributions on the Preferred
Securities and Fidelity's ability to pay its obligations under the Guarantee)
will be dependent on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to Fidelity in
amounts sufficient to service 

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
Fidelity's obligations. Fidelity may become obligated to make other payments
with respect to securities issued by Fidelity in the future which are pari passu
or have a preference over the Junior Subordinated Debentures issued to the Trust
Issuer with respect to the payment of principal, interest or dividends. There is
no restriction on the ability of Fidelity to issue, or limitations on the amount
of securities which Fidelity may issue, which are pari passu or have a
preference over the Junior Subordinated Debentures issued to the Trust Issuer,
nor is there any restriction on the ability of the Bank to issue additional
capital stock or incur additional indebtedness.

     There are legal limitations on the source and amount of dividends that a
savings bank such as the Bank is permitted to pay.  The current OTS regulation
applicable to the payment of dividends or other capital distributions by savings
institutions imposes limits on capital distributions based on an institution's
regulatory capital levels and net income.  A savings bank that meets or exceeds
all of its capital requirements (both before and after giving effect to the
distribution) and is not in need of more than normal supervision would be a
"Tier 1 association." A Tier 1 association generally may make capital
distributions during a calendar year of up to the greater of (i) 100% of net
income for the current calendar year plus 50% of the amount by which the lesser
of the association's tangible, core or risk-based capital exceeds its fully
phased-in capital requirement for such capital component, as measured at the
beginning of the calendar year or (ii) 75% of its net income over the most
recent four quarters.  At September 30, 1997, the Bank could have paid dividends
totaling approximately $25.0 million.   Any additional capital distributions
would require prior regulatory approval.  The Bank currently exceeds its fully
phased-in capital requirements and qualifies as a Tier 1 association under the
regulation, but there is no assurance that the Bank will continue to so qualify.
See "Regulation-Regulatory Capital Requirements."

     An institution that meets the minimum regulatory capital requirements but
does not meet the fully phased-in capital requirements would be a "Tier 2
association," which may make capital distributions of between 25% and 75% of its
net income over the most recent four-quarter period, depending on the
institution's risk-based capital level.  A "Tier 3 association" is defined as an
institution that does not meet all of the minimum regulatory capital
requirements and therefore may not make any capital distributions without the
prior approval of the OTS.

     Savings institutions must provide the OTS with at least 30 days written
notice before making any capital distributions.  All such capital distributions
are also subject to the OTS' right to object to a distribution on safety and
soundness grounds.

RIGHT TO DEFER INTEREST PAYMENT OBLIGATION; TAX CONSEQUENCES; MARKET PRICE
CONSEQUENCES

     So long as no event of default under the Indenture has occurred and is
continuing, Fidelity has the right under the Indenture to defer the payment of
interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, at any time or from time to
time, for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters with respect to each
Extension Period, provided that no Extension Period may extend beyond the Stated
Maturity of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  As a consequence of any such
deferral, quarterly Distributions on the Preferred Securities by the Trust
Issuer also would be deferred (and the amount of Distributions to which holders
of the Preferred Securities are entitled would accumulate additional
Distributions thereon at the rate of 8.375% per annum, compounded quarterly from
the relevant payment date for such Distributions) during any such Extension
Period.  During any such Extension Period, Fidelity may not, and may not permit
any subsidiary of Fidelity to: (i) declare or pay any dividends or distributions
on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to,
any of Fidelity's capital stock, (other than  (a) the reclassification of
Fidelity's capital stock into another class of capital stock, (b) dividends or
distributions payable in common stock of Fidelity, (c) any declaration of a
dividend in connection with the implementation of a stockholders' rights plan,
or the issuance of stock under any such plan in the future or the redemption or
repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto, (d) payments under the Guarantee
and (e) purchases of common stock related to the issuance of common stock or
rights under any of Fidelity's benefit plans for its directors, officers or
employees);  (ii) make any payment of principal, interest or premium on, or
repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities of Fidelity that rank pari passu
with or junior in interest to the Junior 

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
Subordinated Debentures or make any guarantee payments with respect to any
guarantee by Fidelity of the debt securities of any subsidiary of Fidelity if
such guarantee ranks pari passu with or junior in interest to the Junior
Subordinated Debentures other than payments pursuant to the Guarantee; or (iii)
redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the outstanding Junior Subordinated
Debentures or any of the Preferred Securities. Prior to the termination of any
such Extension Period, Fidelity may further defer the payment of interest,
provided that no Extension Period may exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend
beyond the Stated Maturity of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Upon the
termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all interest then accrued
and unpaid on the Junior Subordinated Debentures (together with interest thereon
at the annual rate of 8.375%, compounded quarterly from the relevant payment
date for such interest, to the extent permitted by applicable law), Fidelity may
elect to begin a new Extension Period subject to the above requirements. There
is no limitation on the number of times that Fidelity may elect to begin an
Extension Period so long as no event of default under the Indenture has occurred
and is continuing. See "Description of the Preferred Securities--Distributions"
and "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures--Right to Defer Interest
Payment Obligation."

     If an Extension Period were to occur, a holder of the Preferred Securities
would continue to accrue income (in the form of original issue discount) for
United States federal income tax purposes in respect of its pro rata share of
the interest accruing on the Junior Subordinated Debentures held by the Trust
Issuer.  As a result, a holder of the Preferred Securities would be required to
include such income in gross income for United States federal income tax
purposes in advance of the receipt of cash and would not receive the cash
related to such income from the Trust Issuer if the holder disposed of the
Preferred Securities prior to the record date for the payment of Distributions.
See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences--Interest Income and Original Issue
Discount" and "--Sales or Redemption of the Preferred Securities."

     Fidelity has no current intention of exercising its right to defer payments
of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  However, should Fidelity
elect to exercise such right in the future, the market price of the Preferred
Securities would likely be affected adversely.  A holder that disposed of its
Preferred Securities during an Extension Period, therefore, might not receive
the same return on its investment as a holder that continued to hold its
Preferred Securities.  In addition, as a result of the existence of Fidelity's
right to defer interest payments, the market price of the Preferred Securities
may be more volatile than the market prices of other similar securities that are
not subject to such deferrals.

OPTIONAL REDEMPTION AFTER 2003

     Fidelity has the right to redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures prior
to their stated Maturity on or after January 31, 2003 in whole at one time or in
part from time to time.  The exercise of such right may be subject to Fidelity
having received prior regulatory approval.  See "Description of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures--General."

OPTIONAL REDEMPTION IN THE EVENT OF A CONVERSION TRANSACTION

     The Mutual Holding Company is a mutual corporation that owns a majority of
the common stock of the Company.  Under Federal law and regulations of the OTS,
the Mutual Holding Company may, subject to receipt of prior regulatory approval,
convert to stock form (a "Conversion Transaction").  In a Conversion
Transaction, the Mutual Holding Company would be eliminated by merging into the
Company, the Bank or a successor to the Company, and all of the shares of common
stock of the Company held by the Mutual Holding Company would be cancelled and
depositors and others will be offered shares on a priority basis in a
subscription and community offering at a price based on their aggregate pro
forma market value as determined by an independent appraisal at the time the
Conversion Transaction is completed.

     In the event of a Conversion Transaction, the Company has the right to
redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures prior to January 31, 2003 but not
prior to January 31, 2000.  In the event that Fidelity chooses to redeem the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, such redemption shall be at 107% of the
principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures plus accrued and unpaid
interest thereon, and holders of the Preferred Securities would have 

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
their securities redeemed at a price equal to 107% of the Liquidation Amount
plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions. See "Description of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures--Redemption or Exchange."

REDEMPTION DUE TO TAX EVENT, INVESTMENT COMPANY EVENT OR CAPITAL TREATMENT EVENT

     Fidelity has the right, but not the obligation, to redeem the Junior
Subordinated Debentures in whole (but not in part) within 180 days following the
occurrence of a Tax Event, an Investment Company Event or a Capital Treatment
Event (whether occurring before or after January 31, 2003), and, therefore,
cause a mandatory redemption of the Preferred Securities.  The exercise of such
right may be subject to Fidelity having received prior regulatory approval.

     A "Tax Event" means the receipt by the Trust Issuer of an Opinion of
Counsel to the effect that, as a result of any amendment to, or change
(including any announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations
thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof or therein, or as a result of any official administrative
pronouncement or judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws or
regulations, which amendment or change is effective or such pronouncement or
decision is announced on or after the date of issuance of the Preferred
Securities under the Trust Agreement, there is more than an insubstantial risk
that (i) the Trust Issuer is, or will be within 90 days of the date of such
opinion, subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income
received or accrued on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, (ii) interest payable
by Fidelity on the Junior Subordinated Debentures is not, or within 90 days of
the date of such opinion will not be, deductible by Fidelity, in whole or in
part, for United States federal income tax purposes or (iii) the Trust Issuer
is, or will be within 90 days of the date of such opinion, subject to more than
a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges.  The
Trust Issuer or Fidelity must request and receive an opinion with regard to such
matters within a reasonable period of time after it becomes aware of the
possible occurrence of any of the events described in clauses (i) through (iii)
above.

     "Investment Company Event" means the receipt by the Trust Issuer of an
Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence of a change
in law or regulation or a change in interpretation or application of law or
regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory
authority, the Trust Issuer is or will be considered an "investment company"
that is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "Investment Company Act"), which change occurs or becomes effective
on or after the date of original issuance of the Preferred Securities.

     "Capital Treatment Event" means the receipt by the Trust Issuer of an
Opinion of Counsel to the effect that as a result of any amendment to, or change
(including any proposed change) in, the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of
the United States or any political subdivision thereof or therein, or as a
result of any official or administrative pronouncement or action or judicial
decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, which amendment or
change is effective or such proposed change, pronouncement, action or decision
is announced on or after the date of original issuance of the Preferred
Securities, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Preferred
Securities would not constitute Tier 1 Capital (or the then equivalent thereof)
applied as if Fidelity (or its successor) were a bank holding company for
purposes of applicable capital adequacy guidelines of the Federal Reserve (or
any successor regulatory authority with jurisdiction over bank holding
companies), or any capital adequacy guidelines as then in effect and applicable
to Fidelity.

     "Opinion of Counsel" means an opinion in writing of independent legal
counsel experienced in such matters as are being opined upon.

EXCHANGE OF PREFERRED SECURITIES FOR JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES; REDEMPTION
AND TAX CONSEQUENCES

     Fidelity has the right at any time to dissolve the Trust Issuer and, after
the satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust Issuer as required by
applicable law, cause the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to
the holders of the Preferred Securities in exchange therefor in liquidation of
the Trust Issuer.  The exercise of such right may be subject to Fidelity having
received prior regulatory approval.  Fidelity will also have the right, in
certain 

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
circumstances, to redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures in whole or in part,
in which event the Trust Issuer will redeem the Preferred Securities on a pro
rata basis to the same extent as the Junior Subordinated Debentures are redeemed
by Fidelity. Any such distribution or redemption prior to the Stated Maturity
will be subject to prior regulatory approval if then required under applicable
capital guidelines or regulatory policies. See "Description of the Preferred
Securities--Liquidation of the Trust Issuer and Distribution of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures to Holders" and "Description of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures--Redemption or Exchange."

     Under current United States federal income tax law, a distribution of
Junior Subordinated Debentures upon the dissolution of the Trust Issuer would
not be a taxable event to holders of the Preferred Securities.  If, however, the
Trust Issuer were characterized as an association taxable as a corporation at
the time of the dissolution of the Trust Issuer, the distribution of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures would constitute a taxable event to holders of Preferred
Securities.  Moreover, any redemption of the Preferred Securities for cash would
be a taxable event to such holders.  See "Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences--Distribution of the Junior Subordinated Debentures to Holders of
the Preferred Securities" and "--Sales or Redemption of the Preferred
Securities."

     There can be no assurance as to the market prices for the Preferred
Securities or the Junior Subordinated Debentures that may be distributed in
exchange for Preferred Securities upon a dissolution of the Trust Issuer.  The
Preferred Securities or the Junior Subordinated Debentures may trade at a
discount to the price that the investor paid to purchase the Preferred
Securities offered hereby.  Because holders of Preferred Securities may receive
Junior Subordinated Debentures as a result of the dissolution of the Trust, and
because payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures are the sole source of
funds for Distributions and redemptions of the Preferred Securities, prospective
purchasers of Preferred Securities are also making an investment decision with
regard to the Junior Subordinated Debentures and should carefully review all the
information regarding the Junior Subordinated Debentures contained herein.

     If the Junior Subordinated Debentures are distributed to the holders of
Preferred Securities upon the dissolution of the Trust Issuer, Fidelity will use
its reasonable efforts to list the Junior Subordinated Debentures on the Nasdaq
Stock Market's National Market or SmallCap Market or such stock exchanges, if
any, on which the Preferred Securities are then listed.

RIGHTS UNDER THE GUARANTEE

     The Guarantee guarantees to the holders of the Preferred Securities the
following payments, to the extent not paid by the Trust Issuer: (i) any
accumulated and unpaid Distributions required to be paid on the Preferred
Securities, to the extent that the Trust Issuer has funds on hand available
therefor at such time, (ii) the redemption price with respect to any Preferred
Securities called for redemption, to the extent that the Trust Issuer has funds
on hand available therefor at such time, and (iii) upon a voluntary or
involuntary dissolution, winding-up or liquidation of the Trust Issuer (unless
the Junior Subordinated Debentures are distributed to holders of the Preferred
Securities in exchange therefor), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the
Liquidation Amount and all accumulated and unpaid Distributions to the date of
payment, to the extent that the Trust Issuer has funds on hand available
therefor at such time, and (b) the amount of assets of the Trust Issuer
remaining available for distribution to holders of the Preferred Securities
after payment of creditors of the Trust Issuer as required by applicable law.

     If Fidelity were to default on its obligation to pay amounts payable under
the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Trust Issuer would lack funds for the
payment of Distributions or amounts payable on redemption of the Preferred
Securities or otherwise, and, in such event, holders of the Preferred Securities
would not be able to rely upon the Guarantee for payment of such amounts.  The
holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the
Preferred Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee in
respect of the Guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust power conferred
upon the Guarantee Trustee under the Guarantee.  Any holder of the Preferred
Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against Fidelity to enforce
its rights under the Guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding
against the 

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
Trust Issuer, the Guarantee Trustee or any other person or entity. In the event
an event of default under the Indenture shall have occurred and be continuing
and such event is attributable to the failure of Fidelity to pay interest or
premium, if any, on or principal of the Junior Subordinated Debentures on the
applicable payment date, a holder of the Preferred Securities may institute a
legal proceeding directly against Fidelity for enforcement of payment to such
holder of the principal of or interest or premium, if any, on such Junior
Subordinated Debentures having a principal amount equal to the aggregate
Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities of such holder (a "Direct
Action"). The exercise by Fidelity of its right, as described herein, to defer
the payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures does not
constitute an event of default under the Indenture. In connection with any
Direct Action, Fidelity will have a right of set-off under the Indenture to the
extent of any payment made by Fidelity to such holder of the Preferred
Securities in the Direct Action. Except as described herein, holders of the
Preferred Securities will not be able to exercise directly any other remedy
available to the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures or assert
directly any other rights in respect of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Bank
of New York will act as the guarantee trustee under the Guarantee (the
"Guarantee Trustee") and will hold the Guarantee for the benefit of the holders
of the Preferred Securities. Bank of New York will also act as Debenture Trustee
for the Junior Subordinated Debentures and as Property Trustee, and Bank of New
York (Delaware) will act as Delaware Trustee under the Trust Agreement. See
"Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures--Enforcement of Certain
Rights by Holders of the Preferred Securities," "Description of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures--Debenture Events of Default" and "Description of the
Guarantee." The Trust Agreement provides that each holder of the Preferred
Securities by acceptance thereof agrees to the provisions of the Guarantee and
the Indenture.

LIMITED COVENANTS

     The covenants in the Indenture are limited and there are no covenants in
the Trust Agreement.  As a result, neither the Indenture nor the Trust Agreement
protects holders of Junior Subordinated Debentures or Preferred Securities,
respectively, in the event of a material adverse change in Fidelity's financial
condition or results of operations or limits the ability of Fidelity or any
subsidiary to incur or assume additional indebtedness or other obligations.
Additionally, neither the Indenture nor the Trust Agreement contains any
financial ratios or specified levels of liquidity to which Fidelity must adhere.
Therefore, the provisions of these governing instruments should not be
considered a significant factor in evaluating whether Fidelity will be able to
or will comply with its obligations under the Junior Subordinated Debentures or
the Guarantee.

LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS

     Holders of the Preferred Securities will generally have limited voting
rights relating only to the modification of the Preferred Securities and the
exercise of the Trust Issuer's rights as holder of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures and the Guarantee.  Holders of the Preferred Securities will not be
entitled to vote to appoint, remove or replace the Property Trustee, the
Delaware Trustee or the Administrative Trustees, as such voting rights are
vested exclusively in Fidelity, as the holder of the Common Securities (except,
with respect to the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee, upon the
occurrence of certain events described herein).  The Property Trustee, the
Administrative Trustees and Fidelity may amend the Trust Agreement without the
consent of holders of the Preferred Securities to ensure that the Trust Issuer
will be classified for  United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor
trust even if such action adversely affects the interests of such holders.  See
"Description of the Preferred Securities--Voting Rights; Amendment of the Trust
Agreement" and "--Removal of the Trust Issuer Trustees."

ABSENCE OF PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE PREFERRED SECURITIES; TRADING PRICE AND
TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     There is no current public market for the Preferred Securities.
Application has been made to list the Preferred Securities on the Nasdaq Stock
Market's National Market.  However, one of the requirements for listing and
continued listing is the presence of two market makers for the Preferred
Securities.  Fidelity has been advised that the Underwriter intends to make a
market in the Preferred Securities.  However, the Underwriter is not obligated
to do so and such market making may be discontinued at any time.  Therefore,
there is no assurance that an active trading market will 

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
develop for the Preferred Securities or, if such market develops, that it will
be maintained or that the market price will equal or exceed the public offering
price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus. Accordingly, holders of
Preferred Securities may experience difficulty reselling them or may be unable
to sell them at all. The public offering price for the Preferred Securities has
been determined through negotiations between Fidelity and the Underwriter.
Prices for the Preferred Securities will be determined in the marketplace and
may be influenced by many factors, including prevailing interest rates, the
liquidity of the market for the Preferred Securities, investor perceptions of
Fidelity and general industry and economic conditions.

     Further, should Fidelity exercise its option to defer any payment of
interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred Securities would
be likely to trade at prices that do not fully reflect the value of accrued but
unpaid interest with respect to the underlying Junior Subordinated Debentures.
In the event of such a deferral, a holder of Preferred Securities that disposed
of its Preferred Securities between record dates for payments of Distributions
(and consequently did not receive a Distribution from the Trust Issuer for the
period prior to such disposition) would nevertheless be required to include
accrued but unpaid interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures through the
date of disposition in income as ordinary income and to add such amount to the
adjusted tax basis of the Preferred Securities disposed of.  Upon disposition of
the Preferred Securities, such holder would recognize a capital loss to the
extent the selling price (which might not fully reflect the value of accrued but
unpaid interest) was less than its adjusted tax basis (which would include all
accrued but unpaid interest).  Subject to certain limited exceptions, capital
losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income for United States federal
income tax purposes.  See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences--Sales or
Redemption of the Preferred Securities."

POSSIBLE TAX LAW CHANGES AFFECTING THE PREFERRED SECURITIES

     Under current law, Fidelity will be able to deduct interest on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures.  However, there is no assurance that future legislation
will not affect the ability of the Company to deduct interest on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures.  Such a change would give rise to a Tax Event.  A Tax
Event would permit Fidelity, upon receipt of regulatory approval if then
required under applicable capital guidelines or regulatory policies, to cause a
redemption of the Preferred Securities before, as well as after, January 31,
2003.  See "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures--Redemption or
Exchange."

                     RISK FACTORS RELATING TO THE COMPANY

GROWTH OF THE BANK

     The Bank has experienced significant growth over the past five years.  Net
assets have increased $361.8 million, or 56.7% from $638.2 million at December
31, 1992 to $1.0 billion at September 30, 1997.  As part of its growth, the Bank
has expanded its branch network.  Within the past two years the Bank has opened
two loan production offices and one branch office, and on December 5, 1997, the
Bank completed its acquisition of BankBoynton, a Federal Savings Bank.  The Bank
is currently constructing a branch facility and expects to significantly
increase its branch network through the construction or purchase of two
additional branches over the next 18 months.  There can be no assurance that the
Bank will be able to adequately and profitably manage such growth.  The costs
incurred to start-up the new branch facilities, as well as the additional costs
associated with operating the additional branch facilities, are expected to
significantly increase the Bank's noninterest expense and decrease earnings in
the short-term.

COSTS TO MODERNIZE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

     Like many companies, the Bank relies on computers for the daily conduct of
business and for data processing generally.  There is concern that on January 1,
2000 computers will be unable to "read" the new year and as a consequence there
may be widespread computer malfunctions.  Management has reviewed this issue,
established internal committees to implement necessary changes, and has been
advised by the Bank's data processing service center that this issue has been
addressed but will require the Bank to update and modernize its data processing
hardware and 

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
software. This modernization is being accelerated in light of the need to
address the year 2000 issue. Management has concluded that the cost of
modernizing the Bank's computer hardware and software will cost approximately
$2.5 million. It is expected that this cost will be capitalized and expensed in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES

     The Bank's profitability is dependent to a large extent on its net interest
income, which is the difference between its income on interest-earning assets
and its expense on interest-bearing liabilities.  The Bank, like most financial
institutions, is affected by changes in general interest rate levels and by
other economic factors beyond its control.  Interest rate risk arises in part
from mismatches (i.e., the interest sensitivity gap) between the dollar amount
of repricing or maturing interest earning assets and liabilities, and is
measured in terms of the ratio of the interest rate sensitivity gap to total
assets.  More interest earning assets than interest bearing liabilities
repricing or maturing over a given time period is considered asset-sensitive and
is reflected as a positive gap, and more liabilities than assets repricing or
maturing over a given time period is considered liability-sensitive and is
reflected as a negative gap.   A liability-sensitive position (i.e., a negative
gap) may generally enhance earnings in a falling interest rate environment and
reduce earnings in a rising interest rate environment, while an asset-sensitive
position (i.e., a positive gap) may generally enhance earnings in a rising
interest rate environment and will reduce earnings in a falling interest rate
environment.  Fluctuations in interest rates are not predictable or
controllable.  Periodically, but not less than annually, management calculates
the decay rates of the Bank's core deposits based upon the Bank's actual
experience.  Similarly, management calculates the prepayment rates of all loans
in the Bank's loan and mortgage-backed securities portfolios on a quarterly
basis.  These factors are then used to calculate the Bank's gap position.  At
September 30, 1997, based on management's assumptions derived from its
experience, the Bank had a one year cumulative negative gap of 9.75%. This
negative one year gap position may, as noted above, have a negative impact on
earnings in a rising interest rate environment.  See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Interest Rate Risk
Management" in Fidelity's Annual Report on Form 10-K, a copy of which is
attached as Appendix A to this Prospectus and "Item 2. Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Asset and
Liability Management-Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis" in Fidelity's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997, a copy of which is
attached hereto as Appendix B.

     Changes in interest rates also affect the average life of loans and
mortgage-backed securities.  The relatively lower interest rates in recent
periods have resulted in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed
securities, as borrowers have refinanced their mortgages to reduce their
borrowing costs.  Under these circumstances, the Bank is subject to reinvestment
risk to the extent that it is not able to reinvest such prepayments at rates
which are comparable to the rates on the prepaid loans or securities.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

     Industry experience indicates that a portion of the Company's loans will
become delinquent and a portion of the loans will require partial or entire
charge-off.  Regardless of the underwriting criteria used 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
which would have loan loss potential, delinquency trends, estimated fair value
of the underlying collateral, current economic conditions, the views of the
Company's regulators (who have the authority to require additional reserves),
and geographic and industry loan concentration.  However, if delinquency levels
were to increase as a result of adverse general economic conditions, the loan
loss reserve so determined by the Company may not be adequate.  Although
management believes the allowance to be adequate, there can be no assurance that
the allowance will be adequate to cover loan losses or that the Company will not
experience significant losses in its loan portfolios which may require
significant increases to the allowance for loan losses in the future.  At
September 30, 1997, the Company's allowance 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
for loan losses totaled $2.1 million which was 0.26% of total gross loans. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations-Provision for Loan Losses" in Appendix A and "Item 2. Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-
Provision for Loan Losses" in Fidelity's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 1997, included as Appendix B.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED CONSUMER AND COMMERCIAL LENDING

     The Bank has attempted to diversify its loan portfolio by originating loans
secured by collateral other than one-to four-family real estate.  In particular,
the Bank is currently seeking to emphasize the origination of consumer loans and
commercial business loans.  At September 30, 1997, $44.8 million, or 5.82% of
the Bank's total loan portfolio consisted of consumer loans, and $44.7 million,
or 5.81% of the Bank's total loan portfolio consisted of commercial business
loans.  Consumer loans and commercial business loans typically have higher
interest rates than one-to four-family mortgage loans because of the higher
credit risks associated with such loans.  Consumer loans may be unsecured or
secured by rapidly depreciating assets.  In such cases, any repossessed
collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide adequate sources of
repayment for the outstanding loan balance.  In addition, consumer loan
collections are dependent upon the borrower's financial stability and are more
likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances. Repayment of commercial
business loans is dependent upon the successful operation of the borrower's
business. Consequently if the cash flow from the borrower's business is reduced,
the ability to repay the loan may be impaired.

GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION OF LOANS

     The Bank's real estate mortgage loans are secured by properties located
primarily in South Florida.  Moreover, substantially all of the Bank's consumer
loans and commercial business loans are made to borrowers who live or conduct
business in Florida.  A weakening of the South Florida real estate market or in
the local or national economy could result in an increase in the number of
borrowers who default on their loans and a reduction in the value of the
collateral securing the loans, which in turn could have a material adverse
effect on the Bank and its results of operations.

REGULATORY OVERSIGHT

     The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by
the OTS as its chartering authority and primary federal regulator, and by the
FDIC, which insures its deposits up to applicable limits.  The Bank is a member
of the FHLB of Atlanta and is subject to certain limited regulation by the
Federal Reserve Board.  As the holding company of the Bank, Fidelity is also
subject to regulation and oversight by the OTS.  Such regulation and supervision
governs the activities in which a savings bank or holding company may engage and
is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC insurance funds and
depositors.  Regulatory authorities also have extensive discretion in connection
with their supervisory and enforcement activities.  Any change in the regulatory
structure or the applicable statutes or regulations could have a material
adverse impact on the Company, the Bank and their operations and financial
condition.  See "Business-Regulation" in Fidelity's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1996, included as Appendix A.

COMPETITION

     The Company faces substantial competition in purchasing and originating
real estate loans and in attracting deposits.  The Company's competition in
originating real estate loans is principally from banks, other savings
institutions, mortgage banking companies, real estate financing conduits, and
small insurance companies.  In purchasing real estate loans the Company competes
with other participants in the secondary mortgage market.  Many entities
competing with the Company have competitive advantages over the Company in terms
of prior business relationships, wide geographic presence or more accessible
branch office locations, the ability to offer additional services or more
favorable pricing alternatives, or a lower origination and operating cost
structure.  The Company does not have a significant market share of the real
estate lending activities in the areas in which it conducts operations.
Increased competition in those areas from traditional or new competitors may
result in a decrease in the origination or purchase 

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
of mortgage loans, and may adversely affect the Company's results of operations
and financial condition. In its deposit gathering activities, the Company
competes with insured depository institutions such as savings institutions,
credit unions, and banks, as well as uninsured investment alternatives including
money market funds. These competitors may offer higher interest rates than the
Company, which could result in the Company either attracting fewer deposits or
in requiring the Company to increase the rates it pays to attract deposits.
Increased deposit competition may adversely affect the Company's ability to
generate the funds necessary for its lending operations and may adversely affect
the Company's results of operations.

                                USE OF PROCEEDS

     All of the proceeds from the sale of the Preferred Securities will be
invested by the Trust Issuer in Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The net
proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Junior Subordinated Debentures are
estimated to be approximately $23,785,250 ($27,389,937 if the Underwriter's
over-allotment option is exercised in full), after deduction of the underwriting
discount and estimated expenses.  Fidelity intends to use the net proceeds from
the sale of the Junior Subordinated Debentures for general corporate purposes,
including, but not limited to, acquisitions by either the Company or the Bank
(although there presently exist no agreements or understandings with respect to
any such acquisitions), capital contributions to the Bank to support growth and
for working capital, and possible repurchase of shares of Fidelity's common
stock, subject to acceptable market conditions.

                      MARKET FOR THE PREFERRED SECURITIES

     Application has been made to list the Preferred Securities on the Nasdaq
Stock Market's National Market under the symbol "FFFLP."  Although the
Underwriter has informed the Company that it presently intends to make a market
in the Preferred Securities, the Underwriter is not obligated to do so and any
such market making may be discontinued at any time.  Accordingly, there is no
assurance that an active and liquid trading market will develop or, if
developed, that such a market will be sustained.  The offering price and
distribution rate have been determined by negotiations among representatives of
the Company and the Underwriter, and the offering price of the Preferred
Securities may not be indicative of the market price following the offering. See
"Underwriting."

                             ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

     For financial reporting purposes, the Trust Issuer will be treated as a
subsidiary of the Company and, accordingly, the Trust Issuer's financial
statements will be included in the consolidated financial statements of the
Company.  The Preferred Securities will be presented as a separate line item in
the consolidated statements of financial condition of the Company under the
caption "Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in the Company's Junior
Subordinated Debentures" and appropriate disclosures about the Preferred
Securities will be included in the notes to the consolidated financial
statements.  For financial reporting purposes, the Company will record
distributions payable on the Preferred Securities as an interest expense in the
consolidated statements of operations.

     In its future financial reports, the Company will:  (i) present the
Preferred Securities on the Company's statements of financial condition as a
separate line item entitled "Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in the
Company's Junior Subordinated Debentures;" (ii) include in a footnote to the
financial statements disclosure that the sole assets of the Trust Issuer are the
Junior Subordinated Debentures specifying the principal amount, interest rate
and maturity date of Junior Subordinated Debentures held; and (iii) if Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 53 treatment is sought, include, in an audited footnote
to the financial statements, disclosure that (a) the Trust Issuer is wholly
owned, (b) the sole assets of the Trust Issuer are its Junior Subordinated
Debentures, and (c) the obligations of the Company under the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, the Indenture, the Trust Agreement and the Guarantee, in the
aggregate, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the
Trust Issuer's obligations under the Preferred Securities.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
                      RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

     The following table sets for the Company's consolidated ratios of earnings
to fixed charges for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                  Nine Months
                                                                                     Ended
                                             Years Ended December 31,            September 30,
                                   -------------------------------------       ------------------- 
                                    1992    1993   1994   1995     1996          1996        1997
                                   ------  ------  -----  -----   -----        -------      ------
<S>                                <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>          <C>          <C>
Earnings to Fixed Charges:                                                 
 Including interest on deposits..  1.58x   1.59x   1.49x  1.28x   1.19x           1.14x      1.27x
 Excluding interest on deposits..  25.78x  12.10x  6.04x  2.42x   2.04x           1.75x      2.63x
</TABLE>

     For purposes of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
represent income from continuing operations before income taxes plus fixed
charges.  Fixed charges represent total interest expense, including and
excluding interest on deposits, as applicable, as well as the interest component
of rental expense.

                                CAPITALIZATION

     The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the
Company as of September 30, 1997, as adjusted to give effect to the consummation
of the offering of the Preferred Securities. The following data should be read
in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto of
the Company included at Appendices A and B.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                                         Actual     As Adjusted
                                                                                                       -----------  ------------
                                                                                                            (In thousands)
<S>                                                                                                    <C>          <C>
 
Deposits.............................................................................................  $  791,179    $  791,179
Borrowings:
FHLB of Atlanta advances.............................................................................     139,689       139,689
Other borrowings.....................................................................................       3,539         3,539
                                                                                                       ----------    ----------
Total deposits and borrowed funds....................................................................     934,407       934,407
                                                                                                       ----------    ----------
Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in the Company's Junior Subordinated Debentures/(1)/.......          --        25,000
                                                                                                       ----------    ----------
 
Stockholders' equity:
Serial Preferred Stock, $.01 par value; 2,000,000 authorized shares; no shares issued................          --            --
Common stock, $.10 par value, 8,200,000 shares authorized, 6,782,879 shares issued and
outstanding at September 30, 1997....................................................................         678           678
Additional paid-in capital...........................................................................      37,932        37,932
Retained earnings, partially restricted..............................................................      46,942        46,942
Reduction for Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust debt...............................................      (1,068)       (1,068)
Net unrealized increase in fair value of assets available for sale (net of applicable income taxes)..       1,290         1,290
                                                                                                       ----------    ----------
Total stockholders' equity...........................................................................  $   85,774    $   85,774
                                                                                                       ==========    ==========
Total capitalization.................................................................................  $1,020,181    $1,045,181
                                                                                                       ==========    ==========
 
</TABLE>
(1)  Preferred Securities of the Trust Issuer representing beneficial interests
     in $25,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Junior Subordinated
     Debentures issued by the Company to the Trust Issuer.  The Junior
     Subordinated Debentures will bear interest at the annual rate of 8.375% of
     the principal amount thereof, payable quarterly and will mature on January
     31, 2028.  The Company owns all of the Common Securities of the Trust
     Issuer.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
                    DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES

GENERAL

     The following is a summary of certain terms and provisions of the Preferred
Securities.  This summary of certain terms and provisions of the Preferred
Securities does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in
its entirety by reference to, the Trust Agreement.  The form of the Trust
Agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which
this Prospectus forms a part.  Unless otherwise expressly stated or the context
otherwise requires, all references to the "Company" appearing under this caption
"Description of the Preferred Securities" and under the caption "Description of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures" shall mean Fidelity Bankshares, Inc.
excluding its consolidated subsidiaries.

DISTRIBUTIONS

     The Preferred Securities represent preferred undivided beneficial interests
in the assets of the Trust Issuer. Distributions on such Preferred Securities
will be payable at the annual rate of 8.375% of the stated Liquidation Amount of
$10, payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and
December 31 of each year, to the holders of the Preferred Securities on the
relevant record dates.  The record date will be the 15th day of the month in
which the relevant Distribution payment date occurs.  Distributions will
accumulate from the date of the initial issuance of the Preferred Securities and
are cumulative.  The first Distribution payment date for the Preferred
Securities will be March 31, 1998.  The amount of Distributions payable for any
period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
In the event that any date on which Distributions are payable on the Preferred
Securities is not a Business Day, then payment of the Distributions payable on
such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and
without any additional Distributions or other payment in respect of any such
delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar
year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in
each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was
originally payable (each date on which Distributions are payable in accordance
with the foregoing, a "Distribution Date").  A "Business Day" shall mean any day
other than a Saturday or a Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions in the
City of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain
closed or a day on which the principal corporate trust office of the Property
Trustee or the Debenture Trustee is closed for business.

     So long as no event of default under the Indenture has occurred and is
continuing, the Company has the right under the Indenture to defer the payment
of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures at any time or from time to
time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters with respect to each
Extension Period, provided that no Extension Period may extend beyond the Stated
Maturity of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  As a consequence of any such
deferral of interest, quarterly Distributions on the Preferred Securities by the
Trust Issuer will also be deferred during any such Extension Period.
Distributions to which holders of the Preferred Securities are entitled will
accumulate additional Distributions thereon at the rate per annum of 8.375%
thereof, compounded quarterly from the relevant payment date for such
Distributions.  The term "Distributions" as used herein, shall include any such
additional Distributions.  During any such Extension Period, the Company may
not, and may not permit any subsidiary of the Company to, (i) declare or pay any
dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of the Company's capital stock (other
than (a) the reclassification of any class of the Company's capital stock into
another class of capital stock, (b) dividends or distributions payable in common
stock of the Company, (c) any declaration of a dividend in connection with the
implementation of a stockholders' rights plan, or the issuance of stock under
any such plan in the future or the redemption or repurchase of any such rights
pursuant thereto, (d) payments under the Guarantee and (e) purchases of common
stock related to the issuance of common stock or rights under any of the
Company's benefit plans for its directors, officers or employees); (ii) make any
payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or
redeem any debt securities of the Company that rank pari passu with or junior in
interest to the Junior Subordinated Debentures or make any guarantee payments
with respect to any guarantee by the Company of the debt securities of any
subsidiary of the Company if such guarantee ranks pari passu with or junior in
interest to the Junior Subordinated Debentures other than payments pursuant to
the Guarantee

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
or (iii) redeem, purchase or acquire less than all the outstanding Junior
Subordinated Debentures or any of the Preferred Securities. Prior to the
termination of any such Extension Period, the Company may further defer the
payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, provided that no
Extension Period may exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend beyond the Stated
Maturity of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Upon the termination of any such
Extension Period and the payment of all interest then accrued and unpaid
(together with interest thereon at the rate of 8.375%, compounded quarterly, to
the extent permitted by applicable law), the Company may elect to begin a new
Extension Period. There is no limitation on the number of times that the Company
may elect to begin an Extension Period. See "Description of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures--Right to Defer Interest Payment Obligation" and
"Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences--Interest Income and Original Issue
Discount."

     The revenue of the Trust Issuer available for distribution to holders of
its Preferred Securities will be limited to payments under the Junior
Subordinated Debentures in which the Trust Issuer will invest the proceeds from
the issuance and sale of its Trust Securities.  See "Description of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures."  If the Company does not make interest payments on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Property Trustee will not have funds
available to pay Distributions on the Preferred Securities.  The payment of
Distributions (if and to the extent the Trust Issuer has funds legally available
for the payment of such Distributions and cash sufficient to make such payments)
is guaranteed by the Company on a limited basis as set forth herein under
"Description of the Guarantee."

     The Company has no current intention of exercising its right to defer
payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures.

SUBORDINATION OF THE COMMON SECURITIES

     Payment of Distributions on, and the Redemption Price of, the Preferred
Securities and Common Securities, as applicable, shall be made pro rata based on
the Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities;
provided, however, that if on any Distribution Date or Redemption Date an event
of default under the Indenture shall have occurred and be continuing, no payment
of any Distribution on, or Redemption Price of, any of the Common Securities,
and no other payment on account of the redemption, liquidation or other
acquisition of such Common Securities, shall be made unless payment in full in
cash of all accumulated and unpaid Distributions on all of the outstanding
Preferred Securities for all Distribution periods terminating on or prior
thereto, or, in the case of payment of the Redemption Price, the full amount of
such Redemption Price on all of the outstanding Preferred Securities then called
for redemption shall have been made or provided for, and all funds available to
the Property Trustee shall first be applied to the payment in full in cash of
all Distributions on, or Redemption Price of, the Preferred Securities then due
and payable.

     In the case of any event of default under the Trust Agreement resulting
from an event of default under the Indenture, the Company as holder of the
Common Securities will be deemed to have waived any right to act with respect to
any such event of default under the Trust Agreement until the effect of all such
events of default with respect to the Preferred Securities shall have been
cured, waived or otherwise eliminated.  Until any such events of default under
the Trust Agreement shall have been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated,
the Property Trustee shall act solely on behalf of the holders of the Preferred
Securities and not on behalf of the Company as holder of the Common Securities,
and only the holders of the Preferred Securities will have the right to direct
the Property Trustee to act on their behalf.

REDEMPTION

     The Preferred Securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or
in part, upon repayment of the Junior Subordinated Debentures at their Stated
Maturity or earlier redemption as provided in the Indenture.  The proceeds from
such repayment or redemption shall be applied by the Property Trustee to redeem
a Like Amount (as defined below) of the Preferred Securities upon not less than
30 nor more than 60 days notice prior to the date fixed for repayment or
redemption, at a redemption price equal to the aggregate Liquidation Amount of
such Preferred Securities plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions thereon (the
"Redemption Price") to the date of redemption (the "Redemption 

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
Date"); provided, however, that in the event the Preferred Securities are
redeemed following a Conversion Transaction the holders of the Preferred
Securities shall receive 107% of the Liquidation Amount plus accumulated and
unpaid Distributions thereon. For a description of the Stated Maturity and
redemption provisions of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, see "Description of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures--General" and "--Redemption or Exchange."

     The Company has the option to redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures
prior to maturity on or after January 31, 2003, in whole at any time or in part
from time to time, and thereby cause a mandatory redemption of a Like Amount of
the Preferred Securities.  See "Description of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures--Redemption or Exchange."  Any time that a Tax Event, an Investment
Company Event or a Capital Treatment Event (each as defined below) shall occur
and be continuing, the Company has the right to redeem the Junior Subordinated
Debentures in whole (but not in part) and thereby cause a mandatory redemption
of the Preferred Securities in whole (but not in part).  See "Description of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures--Redemption or Exchange."

     In addition, in the event that the Mutual Holding Company completes a
Conversion Transaction, Fidelity shall have the right to redeem the Junior
Subordinated Debentures prior to January 31, 2003, but not prior to January 31,
2000 in whole (but not in part) and thereby cause a mandatory redemption of the
Preferred Securities in whole (but not in part).  Under such circumstances the
Junior Subordinated Debentures may be redeemed at a price equal to 107% of the
principal amount thereof plus the amount of accrued and unpaid interest.  See
"Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures--Redemption or Exchange."

REDEMPTION PROCEDURES

     Preferred Securities redeemed on each Redemption Date shall be redeemed at
the Redemption Price with the applicable proceeds from the contemporaneous
redemption of a Like Amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Redemptions
of the Preferred Securities shall be made and the Redemption Price shall be paid
on each Redemption Date only to the extent that the Trust Issuer has funds on
hand available for the payment of such Redemption Price.  See also "Description
of the Preferred Securities--Subordination of the Common Securities."

     If the Trust Issuer gives a notice of redemption in respect of the
Preferred Securities, then, by 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Redemption
Date, to the extent funds are available, the Property Trustee will deposit
irrevocably with the DTC funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price
and will give DTC irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption
Price to the holders thereof upon surrender of their certificates evidencing
such Preferred Securities.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Distributions payable
on or prior to the Redemption Date for the Preferred Securities called for
redemption shall be payable to the holders of the Preferred Securities on the
relevant record dates for the related Distribution Dates.  If notice of
redemption shall have been given and funds deposited as required, then, upon the
date of such deposit, all rights of the holders of such Preferred Securities so
called for redemption will cease, except the right of the holders of such
Preferred Securities to receive the Redemption Price, but without interest on
such Redemption Price, and such Preferred Securities will cease to be
outstanding.

     In the event that any date fixed for redemption of the Preferred Securities
is not a Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Price payable on such date
will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any
interest or other payment in respect of any such delay), except that, if such
Business Day falls in the next calendar year, such payment will be made on the
immediately preceding Business Day.  In the event that payment of the Redemption
Price in respect of the Preferred Securities called for redemption is improperly
withheld or refused and not paid either by the Trust Issuer or by the Company
pursuant to the Guarantee as described under "Description of the Guarantee,"
Distributions on such Preferred Securities will continue to accrue at the then
applicable rate, from the Redemption Date originally established by the Trust
Issuer for such Preferred Securities to the date such Redemption Price is
actually paid, in which case the actual payment date will be the date fixed for
redemption for purposes of calculating the Redemption Price.

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
     Subject to applicable law (including, without limitation, United States
federal securities law), the Company or its subsidiaries may at any time and
from time to time purchase outstanding Preferred Securities by private
agreement.

     Payment of the Redemption Price on the Preferred Securities and any
distribution of the Junior Subordinated Debentures to holders of the Preferred
Securities shall be made to the applicable recordholders thereof as they appear
on the register for the Preferred Securities on the relevant record date, which
date shall be one business day prior to the relevant Redemption Date, however,
in the event the Preferred Securities do not remain in book entry form, the
relevant record date shall be the date at least 15 days prior to the Redemption
Date or liquidation date, as applicable.

     If less than all of the Preferred Securities and Common Securities issued
by the Trust Issuer are to be redeemed on a Redemption Date, then the aggregate
Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities and Common Securities to be
redeemed shall be allocated pro rata to the Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities based upon the relative Liquidation Amounts of such classes.  The
particular Preferred Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than
60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Property Trustee from the
outstanding Preferred Securities not previously called for redemption, or if the
Preferred Securities are then held in the form of a global preferred security in
accordance with DTC's customary procedures.  The Property Trustee shall promptly
notify the trust registrar in writing of the Preferred Securities selected for
redemption and, in the case of any Preferred Securities selected for partial
redemption, the Liquidation Amount thereof to be redeemed.  For all purposes of
the Trust Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions
relating to the redemption of the Preferred Securities shall relate, in the case
of the Preferred Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the
portion of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities which
has been or is to be redeemed.

     Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than
60 days before the Redemption Date to each holder of the Preferred Securities to
be redeemed at its registered address.  Unless the Company defaults in payment
of the Redemption Price on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, on and after the
Redemption Date interest will cease to accrue on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures or portions thereof called for redemption.

LIQUIDATION OF THE TRUST ISSUER AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED
DEBENTURES TO HOLDERS

     The Company has the right at any time to dissolve the Trust Issuer and,
after satisfaction of the liabilities of creditors of the Trust Issuer as
provided by applicable law, cause Junior Subordinated Debentures to be
distributed to the holders of the Preferred Securities and Common Securities in
exchange therefor upon liquidation of the Trust Issuer.

     After the liquidation date fixed for any distribution of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures for Preferred Securities (i) such Preferred Securities
will no longer be deemed to be outstanding,  and  (ii) DTC or its nominee, as
the registered holder of Preferred Securities, will receive a registered global
certificate or certificates representing the Junior Subordinated Debentures to
be delivered upon such distribution with respect to Preferred Securities held by
DTC or its nominee, (iii) any certificates representing the Preferred Securities
not held by DTC or its nominee will be deemed to represent Junior Subordinated
Debentures having a principal amount equal to the stated Liquidation Amount of
such Preferred Securities, and bearing accrued and unpaid interest in an amount
equal to the accumulated and unpaid Distributions on such series of the
Preferred Securities until such certificates are presented to the Administrative
Trustees or their agent for transfer or reissuance.

     Under current United States federal income tax law and interpretations, a
distribution of the Junior Subordinated Debentures should not be a taxable event
to holders of the Preferred Securities.  Should there be a change in law, a
change in legal interpretation, a Tax Event or other circumstances, however, the
distribution could be a taxable event to holders of the Preferred Securities.
See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences--Distribution of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures to Holders of the Preferred Securities."

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON DISSOLUTION

     Pursuant to the Trust Agreement, the Trust Issuer shall automatically
dissolve upon expiration of its term and shall dissolve on the first to occur of
(i) certain events of bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation of the Company,
subject in certain instances to any such event remaining in effect for a period
of 90 consecutive days; (ii) written direction to the Property Trustee from the
Company to dissolve the Trust Issuer (which direction is optional and wholly
within the discretion of the Company, as depositor); (iii) redemption of all of
the Preferred Securities as described under "Description of the Preferred
Securities-Redemption;" and (iv) the entry of an order for the dissolution of
the Trust Issuer by a court of competent jurisdiction.

     If an early dissolution occurs as described in clause (i), (ii) or (iv) of
the preceding paragraph, the Trust Issuer shall be liquidated by the Trust
Issuer Trustees as expeditiously as the Trust Issuer Trustees determine to be
possible by distributing, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the
Trust Issuer, if any, as provided by applicable law, to the holders of the
Preferred Securities a Like Amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, unless
such distribution is determined by the Property Trustee not to be practical, in
which event such holders will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the
Trust Issuer available for distribution to holders, after satisfaction of
liabilities to creditors of the Trust Issuer, if any, as provided by applicable
law, an amount equal to, in the case of holders of the Preferred Securities, the
aggregate of the Liquidation Amount plus accrued and unpaid Distributions
thereon to the date of payment (such amount being the "Liquidation
Distribution").  If such Liquidation Distribution can be paid only in part
because the Trust Issuer has insufficient assets available to pay in full the
aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the
Trust Issuer on Preferred Securities shall be paid on a pro rata basis.  The
Company, as the holder of the Common Securities, will be entitled to receive
distributions upon any such liquidation pro rata with the holders of the
Preferred Securities, except that if an event of default under the Indenture has
occurred and is continuing, the Preferred Securities shall have a priority over
the Common Securities with respect to any such distributions.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT; NOTICE

     Any one of the following events constitutes an "Event of Default" under the
Trust Agreement (an "Event of Default") with respect to the Preferred Securities
issued thereunder (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it
shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant
to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation
of any administrative or governmental body):

          (i) the occurrence of an event of default under the Indenture (see
     "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures--Debenture Events of
     Default"); or

          (ii) default in the payment of any Distribution when it becomes due
     and payable, and continuation of such default for a period of 30 days; or

          (iii)  default in the payment of any Redemption Price of any Preferred
     Security when it becomes due and payable; or

          (iv) default in the performance, or breach, in any material respect,
     of any covenant or warranty of the Trust Issuer Trustees in the Trust
     Agreement (other than a covenant or warranty a default in the performance
     of which or the breach of which is dealt with in clause (ii) or (iii)
     above), and continuation of such default or breach for a period of 60 days
     after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the
     defaulting Trust Issuer Trustee or Trustees by the holders of at least 25%
     in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the outstanding Preferred Securities, a
     written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be
     remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" under the
     Trust Agreement; or

          (v) the occurrence of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with
     respect to the Property Trustee and the failure by the Company to appoint a
     successor Property Trustee within 60 days thereof.

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
     Within 90 days after the occurrence of any Event of Default actually known
to the Property Trustee, the Property Trustee shall transmit notice of such
Event of Default to the holders of the Preferred Securities, the Administrative
Trustees and the Company, as depositor, unless such Event of Default shall have
been cured or waived. The Company, as depositor, and the Administrative Trustees
are required to file annually with the Property Trustee a certificate as to
whether or not they are in compliance with all the conditions and covenants
applicable to them under the Trust Agreement.

     If an event of default under the Indenture has occurred and is continuing,
the Preferred Securities shall have a preference over the Common Securities as
described above.  See "Description of the Preferred Securities--Subordination of
the Common Securities" and "--Liquidation Distribution Upon Termination".  The
existence of an event of default does not entitle the holders of the Preferred
Securities to accelerate the payment thereof.

REMOVAL OF THE TRUST ISSUER TRUSTEES

     Unless an event of default under the Indenture shall have occurred and be
continuing, any Trust Issuer Trustee may be removed at any time by the holder of
the Common Securities.  If an event of default under the Indenture has occurred
and is continuing, the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee may be removed
at such time by the holders of a majority in Liquidation Amount of the
outstanding Preferred Securities.  In no event will the holders of the Preferred
Securities have the right to vote to appoint, remove or replace the
Administrative Trustees, which voting rights are vested exclusively in the
Company as the holder of the Common Securities.  No resignation or removal of
any Trust Issuer Trustee and no appointment of a successor trustee shall be
effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee in
accordance with the provisions of the Trust Agreement.

CO-TRUSTEES AND SEPARATE PROPERTY TRUSTEE

     Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, at any
time or times, for the purpose of meeting the legal requirements of the Trust
Indenture Act, if applicable, or of any jurisdiction in which any part of the
Trust Property (as defined in the Trust Agreement) may at the time be located,
the Company, as the holder of the Common Securities, shall have power to appoint
one or more persons either to act as a co-trustee, jointly with the Property
Trustee, of all or any part of such Trust Property, or to act as separate
trustee of any such property, in either case with such powers as may be provided
in the instrument of appointment, and to vest in such person or persons in such
capacity any property, title, right or power deemed necessary or desirable,
subject to the provisions of the Trust Agreement.  In the event an event of
default under the Indenture has occurred and is continuing, the Property Trustee
alone shall have power to make such appointment.

MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION OF THE TRUST ISSUER TRUSTEES

     Any entity into which the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee or any
Administrative Trustee that is not a natural person may be merged or converted
or with which it may be consolidated, or any entity resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which such Trustee shall be a party or any entity
succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of such
Trustee, shall be the successor of such Trustee under the Trust Agreement,
provided such entity shall be otherwise qualified and eligible.

MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS, AMALGAMATIONS OR REPLACEMENTS OF THE TRUST ISSUER

     The Trust Issuer may not merge with or into, consolidate, amalgamate, be
replaced by, convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially
as an entirety to any entity or other Person, except as described below or as
otherwise described in the Trust Agreement.  The Trust Issuer may, at the
request of the Company, with the consent of the Administrative Trustees and
without the consent of the holders of the Preferred Securities, the Property
Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, merge with or into, consolidate, amalgamate, be
replaced by, convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially
as an entirety to, a trust organized as such under the laws of any State:
provided, that

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
(i) such successor entity either (a) expressly assumes all of the obligations of
the Trust Issuer with respect to the Preferred Securities or (b) substitutes for
the Preferred Securities other securities having substantially the same terms as
the Preferred Securities (the "Successor Securities") so long as the Successor
Securities rank the same as the Preferred Securities in priority with respect to
Distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise, (ii) the
Company expressly appoints a trustee of such successor entity possessing the
same powers and duties as the Property Trustee as the holder of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, (iii) the Successor Securities are registered or
listed, or any Successor Securities will be registered or listed upon
notification of issuance, on any national securities exchange or other
organization on which the Preferred Securities are then registered or listed
(including, if applicable, the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market), if any,
(iv) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer
or lease does not cause the Preferred Securities (including any Successor
Securities) to be downgraded by any nationally recognized statistical rating
organization, (v) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement,
conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences
and privileges of the holders of the Preferred Securities (including any
Successor Securities) in any material respect, (vi) such successor entity has a
purpose substantially identical to that of the Trust Issuer, (vii) prior to such
merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease,
the Company has received an opinion from independent counsel to the Trust Issuer
experienced in such matters to the effect that (a) such merger, consolidation,
amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely
affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Preferred
Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect and (b)
following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance,
transfer or lease, neither the Trust Issuer nor such successor entity will be
required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act") and (viii) the Company or any
permitted successor or assignee owns all of the common securities or its
equivalent of such successor entity and guarantees the obligations of such
successor entity under the Successor Securities at least to the extent provided
by the Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust Issuer shall not,
except with the consent of holders of 100% in Liquidation Amount of the
Preferred Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into or be replaced
by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety to any other entity or permit any other entity to consolidate,
amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it if such consolidation,
amalgamation, merger, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease would cause the
Trust Issuer or the successor entity to be classified as other than a grantor
trust for United States federal income tax purposes.

VOTING RIGHTS; AMENDMENT OF THE TRUST AGREEMENT

     Except as provided below and under "Description of the Guarantee--
Amendments and Assignment" and as otherwise required by law and the Trust
Agreement, the holders of the Preferred Securities will have no voting rights.

     The Trust Agreement may be amended from time to time by the Company, the
Property Trustee and the Administrative Trustees, without the consent of the
holders of the Preferred Securities, (i) with respect to acceptance of
appointment of a successor trustee, (ii) to cure any ambiguity, correct or
supplement any provisions in the Trust Agreement that may be inconsistent with
any other provision or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or
questions arising under the Trust Agreement, which shall not be inconsistent
with the other provisions of the Trust Agreement or (iii) to modify, eliminate
or add to any provisions of the Trust Agreement to such extent as shall be
necessary to ensure that the Trust Issuer will be classified for United States
federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust at all times that the Preferred
Securities are outstanding or to ensure that the Trust Issuer will not be
required to register as an "investment company" under the Investment Company
Act; provided, however, that in the case of clause (ii), such action shall not
adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any holder of the
Preferred Securities, and any such amendments of the Trust Agreement shall
become effective when notice thereof is given to the holders of the Preferred
Securities.  The Trust Agreement may be amended by the Trust Issuer Trustees and
the Company with (i) the consent of holders representing not less than a
majority (based upon Liquidation Amounts) of the outstanding Preferred
Securities and (ii) receipt by the Trust Issuer Trustees of an opinion of
counsel to the effect that such amendment or the exercise of any power granted
to the Trust Issuer Trustees in accordance with such amendment will not affect
the Trust Issuer's status as a grantor trust for United States federal income
tax purposes or the Trust Issuer's exemption from status as an "investment
company" under the Investment Company Act, provided that without the consent of
each holder of

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
the Preferred Securities, the Trust Agreement may not be amended
to (a) change the amount or timing of any Distribution on the Preferred
Securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of any Distribution required
to be made in respect of the Preferred Securities as of a specified date or (b)
restrict the right of a holder of the Preferred Securities to institute suit for
the enforcement of any such payment on or after such date.

     So long as the Junior Subordinated Debentures are held by the Property
Trustee, the Trust Issuer Trustees shall not (i) direct the time, method and
place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Debenture
Trustee or executing any trust or power conferred on the Property Trustee with
respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures, (ii) waive any past default that
is waivable under the Indenture, (iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul a
declaration that the principal of all the Junior Subordinated Debentures shall
be due and payable or (iv) consent to any amendment, modification or termination
of the Indenture or the Junior Subordinated Debentures, where such consent shall
be required, without, in each case, obtaining the prior approval of the holders
of a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of all outstanding Preferred
Securities; provided, however, that where a consent under the Indenture would
require the consent of each holder of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
affected thereby, no such consent shall be given by the Property Trustee without
the prior consent of each holder of the Preferred Securities.  The Trust Issuer
Trustees shall not revoke any action previously authorized or approved by a vote
of the holders of the Preferred Securities except by subsequent vote of the
holders of the Preferred Securities.  The Property Trustee shall notify each
holder of the Preferred Securities of any notice of default with respect to the
Junior Subordinated Debentures.  In addition to obtaining the foregoing
approvals of the holders of the Preferred Securities, prior to taking any of the
foregoing actions, the Trust Issuer Trustees shall obtain an opinion of counsel
experienced in such matters to the effect that the Trust Issuer will not be
classified as an association taxable as a corporation for United States federal
income tax purposes on account of such action.

     Any required approval of holders of the Preferred Securities may be given
at a meeting of holders of the Preferred Securities convened for such purpose or
pursuant to written consent.  The Property Trustee will cause a notice of any
meeting at which holders of the Preferred Securities are entitled to vote, or of
any matter upon which action by written consent of such holders is to be taken,
to be given to each holder of record of the Preferred Securities in the manner
set forth in the Trust Agreement.

     No vote or consent of the holders of the Preferred Securities will be
required for the Trust Issuer to redeem and cancel the Preferred Securities in
accordance with the Trust Agreement.

     Notwithstanding that holders of the Preferred Securities are entitled to
vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the
Preferred Securities that are owned by the Company, the Trust Issuer Trustees or
any affiliate of the Company or the Trust Issuer Trustees shall, for purposes of
such vote or consent, be treated as if they were not outstanding.

LIQUIDATION VALUE

     The amount payable on the Preferred Securities in the event of any
liquidation of the Trust Issuer is $10 per Preferred Security plus accumulated
and unpaid Distributions, which may be in the form of a distribution of such
amount in Junior Subordinated Debentures, subject to certain exceptions.  See
"Description of the Preferred Securities --Liquidation Distribution Upon
Dissolution."

EXPENSES AND TAXES

     In the Indenture, the Company, as borrower, has agreed to pay all debts and
other obligations (other than with respect to the Preferred Securities) and all
costs and expenses of the Trust Issuer (including costs and expenses relating to
the organization of the Trust Issuer, the fees and expenses of the Trust Issuer
Trustee and the costs and expenses relating to the operation of the Trust
Issuer) and to pay any and all taxes and all costs and expenses with respect
thereto (other than United States withholding taxes) to which the Trust Issuer
might become subject.  The foregoing obligations

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
of the Company under the Indenture are for the benefit of, and shall be
enforceable by, any person to whom any such debts, obligations, costs, expenses
and taxes are owed (a "Creditor") whether or not such Creditor has received
notice thereof. Any such Creditor may enforce such obligations of the Company
directly against the Company, and the Company has irrevocably waived any right
or remedy to require that any such Creditor take any action against the Trust
Issuer or any other person before proceeding against the Company. The Company
has also agreed in the Indenture to execute such additional agreements as may be
necessary or desirable to give full effect to the foregoing.

BOOK ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM

     The Preferred Securities will be issued in the form of one or more fully
registered global securities which will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC
and registered in the name of DTC's nominee.  Unless and until it is
exchangeable in whole on in part for the Preferred Securities in definitive
form, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by DTC to a
nominee of DTC or by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another nominee of DTC or by DTC
or any such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of such
successor.

     Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to
persons that have accounts with DTC or its nominee ("Participants") or persons
that may hold interests through Participants.  The Company expects that, upon
the issuance of a global security, DTC will credit, on its book-entry
registration and transfer system, the Participants' accounts with their
respective principal amounts of the Preferred Securities represented by such
global security. Ownership of beneficial interests in such global security will
be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership interests will be effected only
through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of Participants)
and on the records of Participants (with respect to interests of Persons held
through Participants).  Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation
from DTC of their purchase, but are expected to receive written confirmations
from the Participants through which the beneficial owner entered into the
transaction.  Transfers of ownership interests will be accomplished by entries
on the books of Participants acting on behalf of the beneficial owners.

     So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a global
security, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole
owner or holder of the Preferred Securities represented by such global security
for all purposes under the Trust Agreement and the Junior Subordinated Debenture
Indenture.  Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global
security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of the Preferred
Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders
thereof under the Trust Agreement and the Junior Subordinated Debenture
Indenture.  Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in such a
global security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such person is not a
Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which such person owns
its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder of Preferred Securities under
the Trust Agreement and the Junior Subordinated Debenture Indenture.  The
Company understands that, under DTC's existing practices, in the event that the
Company requests any action of holders, or an owner of a beneficial interest in
such a global security desires to take any action which a holder is entitled to
take under the Junior Subordinated Indenture, DTC would authorize the
Participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to take such action, and
such Participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such
Participants to take such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of
beneficial owners owning through them.  Redemption notices will also be sent to
DTC.  If less than all of the Preferred Securities are being redeemed, the
Company understands that it is DTC's existing practice to determine by lot the
amount of the interest of each Participant to be redeemed.

     Distributions on the Preferred Securities registered in the name of DTC or
its nominee will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the
registered owner of the global security representing such Preferred Securities.
None of the Company, the Trust Issuer Trustee, the Administrators, any Paying
Agent or any other agent of the Company or the Trust Issuer Trustees will have
any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global
security for such Preferred Securities or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
Disbursements of Distributions to Participants shall be the responsibility of
DTC.  DTC's practice is to credit Participants' accounts on a payable date in
accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records unless DTC has
reason to believe

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
that it will not receive payment on the payable date. Payments by Participants
to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary
practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in
bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of
such Participant and not of DTC, the Company, the Trust Issuer Trustees, the
Paying Agent or any other agent of the Company, subject to any statutory or
regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

     DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with
respect to the Preferred Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to
the Company or the Trust Issuer Trustees.  If DTC notifies the Company that it
is unwilling to continue as such, or if it is unable to continue or ceases to be
a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depository
is not appointed by the Company within ninety days after receiving such notice
or becoming aware that DTC is no longer so registered, the Company will issue
the Preferred Securities in definitive form upon registration of transfer of, or
in exchange for, such global security.  In addition, the Company may at any time
and in its sole discretion determine not to have the Preferred Securities
represented by one or more global securities and, in such event, will issue
Preferred Securities in definitive form in exchange for all of the global
securities representing such Preferred Securities.

     DTC has advised the Company and the Trust Issuer as follows: DTC is a
limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York,
a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered
pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act.  DTC was created
to hold securities for its Participants and to facilitate the clearance and
settlement of securities transactions between Participants through electronic
book entry changes to accounts of its Participants, thereby eliminating the need
for physical movement of certificates.  Participants include securities brokers
and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and may include
certain other organizations.  Certain of such Participants (or their
representatives), together with other entities, own DTC.  Indirect access to the
DTC system is available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust
companies that clear through, or maintain a custodial relationship with, a
Participant, either directly or indirectly.

SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT

     Settlement for the Preferred Securities will be made by the Underwriter in
immediately available funds.

     Secondary trading in preferred securities of corporate issuers is generally
settled in clearinghouse or next-day funds.  In contrast, the Preferred
Securities will trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and secondary
market trading activity in the Preferred Securities will therefore be required
by DTC to settle in immediately available funds.  No assurance can be given as
to the effect, if any, of settlement in immediately available funds on trading
activity in the Preferred Securities.

PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENCY

     Payments in respect of the Preferred Securities will be made to DTC, which
will credit the relevant accounts at DTC on the applicable Distribution Dates
or, if the Preferred Securities are not held by DTC, such payments will be made
by check mailed to the address of the holder entitled thereto as such address
appears on the securities register for the Trust Securities.  The paying agent
(the "Paying Agent") will initially be the Property Trustee and any co-paying
agent chosen by the Property Trustee and acceptable to the Administrative
Trustees.  The Paying Agent will be permitted to resign as Paying Agent upon 30
days' written notice to the Property Trustee and the Administrative Trustees.
If the Property Trustee is no longer the Paying Agent, the Property Trustee will
appoint a successor (which must be a bank or trust company reasonably acceptable
to the Administrative Trustees) to act as Paying Agent.

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT

     The Property Trustee will act as the registrar and the transfer agent for
the Preferred Securities.  Registration of transfers of Preferred Securities
will be effected without charge by or on behalf of the Trust Issuer, except for
the payment of any tax or other governmental charges that may be imposed in
connection with any transfer or exchange. In the event of any redemption, the
Trust Issuer will not be required to (i) issue, register the transfer of, or
exchange any Preferred Securities during a period beginning at the opening of
business 15 days before the date of mailing of a notice of redemption of any
Preferred Securities called for redemption and ending at the close of business
on the day of such mailing; or (ii) register the transfer of or exchange any
Preferred Securities so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the
unredeemed portion of any such Preferred Securities being redeemed in part.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PROPERTY TRUSTEE

     The Property Trustee, other than upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, undertakes to perform only such duties as
are specifically set forth in the Trust Agreement and, after such Event of
Default, must exercise the same degree of care and skill as a prudent person
would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs.  Subject to this
provision, the Property Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the
powers vested in it by the Trust Agreement at the request of any holder of
Preferred Securities unless it is offered reasonable indemnity against the
costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred thereby.  If no Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing  and the Property Trustee is required to
decide between alternative causes of action, construe ambiguous provisions in
the Trust Agreement or is unsure of the application of any provision of the
Trust Agreement, and the matter is not one on which holders of Preferred
Securities are entitled under the Trust Agreement to vote, then the Property
Trustee will take such action as it deems advisable and in the best interests of
the holders of the Preferred Securities and will have no liability except for
its own bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct.

MISCELLANEOUS

     The Administrative Trustees are authorized and directed to conduct the
affairs of and to operate the Trust Issuer in such a way that the Trust Issuer
will not be deemed to be an "investment company" required to be registered under
the Investment Company Act or classified as an association taxable as a
corporation for United States federal income tax purposes and so that the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be treated as indebtedness of the Company for
United States federal income tax purposes.  In this connection, the Company and
the Administrative Trustees are authorized to take any action, not inconsistent
with applicable law, the certificate of trust of the Trust Issuer or the Trust
Agreement, that the Company and the Administrative Trustees determine in their
discretion to be necessary or desirable for such purposes.

     Holders of the Preferred Securities have no preemptive or similar rights.

     The Trust Agreement and the Preferred Securities will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.

                                 DESCRIPTION OF THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED
DEBENTURES

     The Junior Subordinated Debentures are to be issued as an unsecured debt
obligation under an Indenture (the "Indenture") between the Company and The Bank
of New York, as trustee (the "Debenture Trustee").  The Indenture will be
qualified as an Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.  This summary of
certain terms and provisions of the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the
Indenture does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to, the Indenture, and to the Trust Indenture Act.
Wherever particular defined terms of the Indenture are referred to, but not
defined herein, such defined terms are incorporated herein by reference.  The
form of the Indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement
of which this Prospectus forms a part.

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
GENERAL

     Concurrently with the issuance of the Preferred Securities, the Trust
Issuer will invest the proceeds thereof, together with the consideration paid by
the Company for the Common Securities, in the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
The Junior Subordinated Debentures will bear interest at the annual rate of
8.375%, payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and
December 31 of each year (each, an "Interest Payment Date"), commencing March
31, 1998, to the person in whose name each Junior Subordinated Debenture is
registered, subject to certain exceptions, at the close of business on the
Business Day next preceding such Interest Payment Date.  It is anticipated that,
until the liquidation, if any, of the Trust Issuer, the Junior Subordinated
Debentures will be held in the name of the Property Trustee in trust for the
benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities.  The amount of interest
payable for any period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve
30-day months.  In the event that any date on which interest is payable on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures is not a Business Day, then payment of the
interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a
Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such
delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar
year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in
each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was
originally payable.  Accrued interest that is not paid on the applicable
Interest Payment Date will bear additional interest on the amount thereof (to
the extent permitted by law) at the rate per annum of 8.375% thereof, compounded
quarterly from the relevant Interest Payment Date.  The term "interest" as used
herein shall include quarterly interest payments, interest on quarterly interest
payments not paid on the applicable Interest Payment Date and Additional
Interest (as defined below), as applicable.

     The Junior Subordinated Debentures will mature on January 31, 2028 (the
"Stated Maturity").  The Junior Subordinated Debentures will not be subject to
any sinking fund.

     The Junior Subordinated Debentures will be unsecured and will rank junior
and be subordinate in right of payment to all Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt
(collectively "Senior Indebtedness") of the Company.  Because the Company is a
holding company, the right of the Company to participate in any distribution of
assets of any subsidiary, including the Bank, upon such subsidiary's liquidation
or reorganization or otherwise, is subject to the prior claims of creditors of
that subsidiary, except to the extent that the Company may itself be recognized
as a creditor of that subsidiary.  Accordingly, the Junior Subordinated
Debentures will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future
liabilities of the Company's subsidiaries, and holders of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures should look only to the assets of the Company for
payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The Indenture does not limit
the incurrence or issuance of other secured or unsecured debt of the Company,
including Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt, whether under the Indenture or any
existing or other indenture that the Company may enter into in the future or
otherwise.

RIGHT TO DEFER INTEREST PAYMENT OBLIGATION

     So long as no event of default under the Indenture has occurred and is
continuing, the Company has the right under the Indenture at any time or from
time to time during the term of the Junior Subordinated Debentures to defer the
payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for a period not
exceeding 20 consecutive quarters with respect to each Extension Period,
provided that no Extension Period may extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures.  At the end of each Extension Period, the
Company must pay all interest then accrued and unpaid on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures (together with interest on such unpaid interest at the annual rate of
8.375%, compounded quarterly from the relevant Interest Payment Date, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, referred to herein as "Compounded
Interest").  During an Extension Period, interest would continue to accrue and
holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures would be required to accrue
interest income for United States federal income tax purposes.  See "Certain
Federal Income Tax Consequences--Interest Income and Original Issue Discount."

     During any such Extension Period, the Company may not, and may not permit
any subsidiary of the Company to, (i) declare or pay any dividends or
distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment
with respect to, any of the Company's capital stock (other than (a) the
reclassification of any class of the Company's capital

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
stock into another class of capital stock, (b) dividends or distributions
payable in common stock of the Company, (c) any declaration of a dividend in
connection with the implementation of a stockholders' rights plan, the issuance
of stock under any such plan in the future or the redemption or repurchase of
any such rights pursuant thereto, (d) payments under the Guarantee and (e)
purchases of common stock related to the issuance of common stock or rights
under any of the Company's benefit plans for its directors, officers or
employees); (ii) make any payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on
or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities of the Company that rank pari
passu with or junior in right of payment to the Junior Subordinated Debentures
or make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by the Company of
the debt securities of any subsidiary of the Company if such guarantee ranks
pari passu with or junior in interest to the Junior Subordinated Debentures
other than payments pursuant to the Guarantee; or (iii) redeem, purchase or
acquire less than all the outstanding Junior Subordinated Debentures or any of
the Preferred Securities. Prior to the termination of any such Extension Period,
the Company may further defer the payment of interest, provided that no
Extension Period may exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend beyond the Stated
Maturity of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Upon the termination of any such
Extension Period and the payment of all interest then accrued and unpaid
(together with interest thereon at the rate of 8.375%, compounded quarterly, to
the extent permitted by applicable law), the Company may elect to begin a new
Extension Period subject to the above requirements. No interest shall be due and
payable during an Extension Period, except at the end thereof. The Company must
give the Property Trustee, the Administrative Trustees and the Debenture Trustee
notice of its election of such Extension Period at least one Business Day prior
to the earlier of (i) the date interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
would have been payable except for the election to begin such Extension Period
or (ii) the date the Administrative Trustees are required to give notice of the
record date, or the date such Distributions are payable, to the Nasdaq Stock
Market's National Market or other applicable self-regulatory organization or to
holders of the Preferred Securities as of the record date or the date such
Distributions are payable, but in any event not less than one Business Day prior
to such record date. The Debenture Trustee shall give notice of the Company's
election to begin a new Extension Period to the holders of the Preferred
Securities. There is no limitation on the number of times that the Company may
elect to begin an Extension Period.

ADDITIONAL INTEREST

     If the Trust Issuer or the Property Trustee is required to pay any
additional taxes, duties or other governmental charges as a result of a Tax
Event, the Company will pay such additional amounts (the "Additional Interest")
on the Junior Subordinated Debentures as shall be required so that the
Distributions payable by the Trust Issuer shall not be reduced as a result of
any such additional taxes, duties or other governmental charges.

REDEMPTION OR EXCHANGE

     The Company will have the right to redeem the Junior Subordinated
Debentures prior to maturity (i) on or after January 31, 2003, in whole at any
time or in part from time to time, or (ii) at any time in whole (but not in
part), within 180 days following the occurrence of a Tax Event, an Investment
Company Event or a Capital Treatment Event, in each case at a redemption price
equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
so redeemed to the date fixed for redemption, plus 100% of the principal amount
thereof.  Any such redemption prior to the Stated Maturity will be subject to
prior regulatory approval if then required.

     "Investment Company Event" means the receipt by the Trust Issuer of an
Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence of a change
in law or regulation or a change in interpretation or application of law or
regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory
authority, the Trust Issuer is or will be considered an "investment company"
that is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act, which change
becomes effective on or after the date of original issuance of the Preferred
Securities.

     "Capital Treatment Event" means the receipt by the Trust of an Opinion of
Counsel to the effect that, as a result of any amendment to, or change
(including any proposed change) in, the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of
the United States or any political subdivision thereof or therein, or as a
result of any official or administrative

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
pronouncement or action or judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws
or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or such proposed change,
pronouncement, action or decision is announced on or after the date of original
issuance of the Preferred Securities, there is more than an insubstantial risk
that the Preferred Securities would not constitute Tier 1 Capital (or the then
equivalent thereof) applied as if the Company (or its successor) were a bank
holding company for purposes of the capital adequacy guidelines of the Federal
Reserve (or any successor regulatory authority with jurisdiction over bank
holding companies), or any capital adequacy guidelines as then in effect and
applicable to the Company. There are currently no capital adequacy guidelines
applicable to savings bank holding companies such as the Company.

     "Tax Event" means the receipt by the Trust Issuer of an Opinion of Counsel
to the effect that, as a result of any amendment to, or change (including any
announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of
the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or
therein, or as a result of any official administrative pronouncement or judicial
decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, which amendment or
change is effective or which pronouncement or decision is announced on or after
the date of issuance of the Preferred Securities under the Trust Agreement,
there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the Trust Issuer is, or will
be within 90 days of the date of such opinion, subject to United Stated federal
income tax with respect to income received or accrued on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, (ii) interest payable by the Company on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures is not, or within 90 days of the date of such opinion will not be,
deductible by the Company, in whole or in part, for  United States federal
income tax purposes or (iii) the Trust Issuer is, or will be within 90 days of
the date of such opinion, subject to more than a de minimis amount of other
taxes, duties or other governmental charges.

     "Opinion of Counsel" means an opinion in writing of independent legal
counsel experienced in such matters as being opined upon, that is delivered to
the Trustee.

     "Additional Interest" means the additional amounts as may be necessary in
order that the amount of Distributions then due and payable by the Trust Issuer
on the outstanding Preferred Securities and Common Securities shall not be
reduced as a result of any additional taxes, duties and other governmental
charges to which the Trust Issuer has become subject as a result of a Tax Event.

     "Like Amount" means (i) with respect to a redemption of the Preferred
Securities, Preferred Securities having a Liquidation Amount equal to that
portion of the principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be
contemporaneously redeemed in accordance with the Indenture, allocated to the
Common Securities and to the Preferred Securities pro rata based upon the
relative Liquidation Amounts of such Preferred Securities and the proceeds of
which will be used to pay the Redemption Price of such Preferred Securities and
(ii) with respect to a distribution of the Junior Subordinated Debentures to
holders of the Preferred Securities in exchange therefor in connection with a
dissolution or liquidation of the Trust Issuer, Junior Subordinated Debentures
having a principal amount equal to the Liquidation Amount of the Preferred
Securities of the holder to whom such Junior Subordinated Debentures would be
distributed.

     In addition, the Company will have the right to redeem the Junior
Subordinated Debentures prior to January 31, 2003, but not prior to January 31,
2000 following a Conversion Transaction at a redemption price equal the accrued
but unpaid interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, plus 107% of the
principal amount thereof.  Under such circumstances the Junior Subordinated
Debentures may be redeemed in whole but not in part.  Any such redemption will
be subject to prior regulatory approval if then required.

     Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than
60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures to be redeemed at its registered address.  Unless the Company
defaults in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date
interest ceases to accrue on the Junior Subordinated Debentures or portions
thereof called for redemption.

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
REGISTRATION, DENOMINATION AND TRANSFER

     The Junior Subordinated Debentures will initially be registered in the name
of the Trust Issuer.  If the Junior Subordinated Debentures are distributed to
holders of Preferred Securities, it is anticipated that the depository
arrangements for the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be substantially
identical to those in effect for the Preferred Securities.  See "Description of
Preferred Securities -- Book Entry, Delivery and Form."

     Although DTC has agreed to the procedures described above, it is under no
obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such
procedures may be discontinued at any time.  If DTC is at any time unwilling or
unable to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by
the Company within 90 days of receipt of notice from DTC to such effect, the
Company will cause the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be issued in definitive
form.

     Payments on Junior Subordinated Debentures represented by a global security
will be made to Cede & Co., the nominee for DTC, as the registered holder of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, as described under "Description of Preferred
Securities -- Book Entry, Delivery and Form." If Junior Subordinated Debentures
are issued in certificated form, principal and interest will be payable, the
transfer of the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be registrable, and Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be exchangeable for Junior Subordinated Debentures
of other authorized denominations of a like aggregate principal amount, at the
corporate trust office of the Debenture Trustee in New York, New York or at the
offices of any Paying Agent or transfer agent appointed by the Company, provided
that payment of interest may be made at the option of the Company by check
mailed to the address of the persons entitled thereto. However, a holder of $1
million or more in aggregate principal amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures
may receive payments of interest (other than interest payable at the Stated
Maturity) by wire transfer of immediately available funds upon written request
to the Debenture Trustee not later than 15 calendar days prior to the date on
which the interest is payable.

     Junior Subordinated Debentures will be exchangeable for other Junior
Subordinated Debentures of like tenor, of any authorized denominations and of a
like aggregate principal amount.

     Junior Subordinated Debentures may be presented for exchange as provided
above, and may be presented for registration of transfer (with the form of
transfer endorsed thereon, or a satisfactory written instrument of transfer,
duly executed), at the office of the securities registrar appointed under the
Indenture or at the office of any transfer agent designated by the Company for
such purpose without service charge and upon payment of any taxes and other
governmental charges as described in the Indenture.  The Company will appoint
the Debenture Trustee as securities registrar under the Indenture.  The Company
may at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to the Junior
Subordinated Debentures.

     In the event of any redemption, neither the Company nor the Debenture
Trustee shall be required to (i) issue, register the transfer of or exchange
Junior Subordinated Debentures during a period beginning at the opening of
business 15 days before the day of selection for redemption of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on
the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption or (ii) transfer or
exchange any Junior Subordinated Debentures so selected for redemption, except,
in the case of any Junior Subordinated Debentures being redeemed in part, any
portion thereof not to be redeemed.

     Any monies deposited with the Debenture Trustee or any paying agent, or
then held by the Company in trust, for the payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) or interest on any Junior Subordinated Debenture and remaining
unclaimed for two years after such principal (and premium, if any) or interest
has become due and payable shall, at the request of the Company, be repaid to
the Company and the holder of such Junior Subordinated Debenture shall
thereafter look, as a general unsecured creditor, only to the Company for
payment thereof.

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN PAYMENTS

     The Company will also covenant, as to the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
that it will not, and will not permit any subsidiary of the Company to, (i)
declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire
or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of the Company's capital
stock (other than (a) the reclassification of any class of the Company's capital
stock into another class of capital stock, (b) dividends or distributions
payable in common stock of the Company, (c) any declaration of a dividend in
connection with the implementation of a stockholders' rights plan, the issuance
of stock under any such plan in the future or the redemption or repurchase of
any such rights pursuant thereto, (d) payments under the Guarantee and (e)
purchases of common stock related to the issuance of common stock or rights
under any of the Company's benefit plans for its directors, officers or
employees), (ii) make any payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on
or repay or repurchase or redeem any debt securities of the Company that rank
pari passu with or junior in interest to the Junior Subordinated Debentures or
make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by the Company of the
debt securities of any subsidiary of the Company if such guarantee ranks pari
passu with or junior in right of payment to the Junior Subordinated Debentures
other than payments pursuant to the Guarantee or (iii) redeem, purchase or
acquire less than all the outstanding Junior Subordinated Debentures or any of
the Preferred Securities if at such time (i) there shall have occurred an Event
of Default under the Indenture with respect to the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, (ii) if the Junior Subordinated Debentures are held by the Trust
Issuer, the Company shall be in default with respect to its payment of any
obligations under the Guarantee relating to such Preferred Securities or (iii)
the Company shall have given notice of its selection of an Extension Period as
provided in the Indenture with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures and
shall not have rescinded such notice, or such Extension Period, or any extension
thereof, shall be continuing.

MODIFICATION OF INDENTURE

     From time to time the Company and the Debenture Trustee may, without the
consent of the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, amend, waive or
supplement the Indenture for specified purposes, including, among other things,
curing ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies, provided that any such action
does not materially adversely affect the interest of the holders of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures or the ability to qualify, or maintain the qualification
of, the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.  The Indenture contains
provisions permitting the Company and the Debenture Trustee, with the consent of
the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures affected, to modify the Indenture in a manner affecting
the rights of the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, provided that
no such modification may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding
Junior Subordinated Debenture so affected, (i) extend the Stated Maturity of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, reduce the principal amount thereof, reduce the
premium, if any, payable upon redemption or reduce the rate or extend the time
of payment of interest thereon or (ii) reduce the percentage of principal amount
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the holders of which are required to
consent to any such modification of the Indenture.

DEBENTURE EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     The Indenture provides that any one or more of the following described
events with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures that has occurred and
is continuing constitutes a "Debenture Event of Default":

          (i) failure for 30 days to pay interest (including Additional Interest
     or Compounded Interest, if any) on the Junior Subordinated Debentures when
     due (subject to the deferral of certain due dates in the case of an
     Extension Period); or

          (ii) failure to pay any principal or premium, if any, on the Junior
     Subordinated Debentures when due, whether at maturity, upon declaration of
     acceleration of maturity or otherwise; or

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
          (iii)  failure to observe or perform certain other covenants contained
     in the Indenture for 90 days after written notice to the Company from the
     Debenture Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate outstanding
     principal amount of the outstanding Junior Subordinated Debentures; or

          (iv) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the
     Company, subject in certain instances to any such event remaining in effect
     for a period of 60 consecutive days.

     The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures have the right to direct the time, method and
place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Debenture
Trustee.  The Debenture Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate
outstanding principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures may declare
the principal due and payable immediately upon a Debenture Event of Default.
The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures may annul such declaration and waive the default
if the default (other than the non-payment of the principal of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures which has become due solely by such acceleration) has
been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and
principal due otherwise than by acceleration has been deposited with the
Debenture Trustee.

     The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures affected thereby may, on behalf of the holders of
all the Junior Subordinated Debentures, waive any past default, except a default
in the payment of principal or interest or premium, if any (unless such default
has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest
and principal and premium, if any, due otherwise than by acceleration has been
deposited with the Debenture Trustee) or a default in respect of a covenant or
provision which under the Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the
consent of the holder of each outstanding Subordinated Debenture.  The Company
is required to file annually with the Debenture Trustee a certificate as to
whether or not the Company is in compliance with all the conditions and
covenants applicable to it under the Indenture.

ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY HOLDERS OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES

     If a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and such
event is attributable to the failure of the Company to pay interest or principal
or premium, if any, on the Junior Subordinated Debentures on the date such
interest or principal or premium, if any, is otherwise payable, a holder of the
Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against the
Company for enforcement of payment to such holder of the principal of or
interest or premium, if any, on the Junior Subordinated Debentures having a
principal amount equal to the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred
Securities of such holder (a "Direct Action").  The Company may not amend the
Indenture to remove the foregoing right to bring a Direct Action without the
prior written consent of the holders of all of the Preferred Securities.  If the
right to bring a Direct Action is removed, the Trust Issuer may become subject
to the reporting obligations under the Exchange Act.  The Company shall have the
right under the Indenture to set-off any payment made to such holder of the
Preferred Securities by the Company in connection with a Direct Action.

     The holders of the Preferred Securities will not be able to exercise
directly any remedies other than those set forth in the preceding paragraph
available to the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  See
"Description of the Preferred Securities--Events of Default; Notice."

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OF ASSETS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS

     The Indenture provides that the Company shall not consolidate with or merge
into any other entity or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to any entity, and no entity shall consolidate with
or merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to the Company, unless: (i) in the event the
Company consolidates with or merges into another entity or conveys or transfers
its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any entity, the
successor entity is organized under the laws of the United States or any state
or the District of Columbia, and such successor entity expressly assumes the
Company's

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
obligations on the Junior Subordinated Debentures issued under the Indenture;
(ii) immediately after giving effect thereto, no Debenture Event of Default, and
no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become a Debenture
Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and (iii) certain other
conditions as prescribed by the Indenture are met.

     The general provisions of the Indenture do not afford holders of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged or other
transaction involving the Company that may adversely affect holders of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures.

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

     The Indenture provides that when, among other things, all of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures not previously delivered to the Debenture Trustee for
cancellation (i) have become due and payable or (ii) will become due and payable
at their Stated Maturity within one year, and the Company deposits or causes to
be deposited with the Debenture Trustee funds, in trust, for the purpose and in
an amount in the currency or currencies in which the Junior Subordinated
Debentures are payable sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness
on the Junior Subordinated Debentures not previously delivered to the Debenture
Trustee for cancellation, for the principal and interest to the date of the
deposit or to the Stated Maturity, as the case may be, then the Indenture will
cease to be of further effect (except as to the Company's obligations to pay all
other sums due pursuant to the Indenture and to provide the officers'
certificates and opinions of counsel described therein), and the Company will be
deemed to have satisfied and discharged the Indenture.

SUBORDINATION

     In the Indenture, the Company has covenanted and agreed that the Junior
Subordinated Debentures issued thereunder will be subordinate and junior in
right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness to the extent provided in the
Indenture.  Upon any payment or distribution of assets to creditors upon the
liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit
of creditors, marshaling of assets or any bankruptcy, insolvency, debt
restructuring or similar proceedings in connection with any insolvency or
bankruptcy proceeding of the Company, the holders of Senior Indebtedness will
first be entitled to receive payment in full of principal of (and premium, if
any) and interest, if any, on such Senior Indebtedness before the holders of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, or the Property Trustee on behalf of the
holders, will be entitled to receive or retain any payment in respect of the
principal of or interest or premium, if any, on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures.

     In the event of the acceleration of the maturity of any of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, the holders of all Senior Indebtedness outstanding at
the time of such acceleration will first be entitled to receive payment in full
of all amounts due thereon (including any amounts due upon acceleration) before
the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be entitled to receive or
retain any payment in respect of the principal of or interest or premium ,if
any, on the Junior Subordinated Debentures.

     No payments on account of principal or interest or premium, if any, in
respect of the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be made if there shall have
occurred and be continuing a default in any payment with respect to Senior
Indebtedness or an event of default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness
resulting in the acceleration of the maturity thereof, or if any judicial
proceeding shall be pending with respect to any such default.

     "Debt" means with respect to any Person, whether recourse is to all or a
portion of the assets of such Person and whether or not contingent: (i) every
obligation of such Person for money borrowed; (ii) every obligation of such
Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments,
including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property,
assets or businesses; (iii) every reimbursement obligation of such Person with
respect to letters of credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities issued
for the account of such Person; (iv) every obligation of such Person issued or
assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (but excluding
trade accounts

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of
business); (v) every capital lease obligation of such Person; (vi) all
indebtedness of such Person whether incurred on or prior to the date of the
Indenture or thereafter incurred, for claims in respect of derivative products,
including interest rate, foreign exchange rate and commodity forward contracts,
options and swaps and similar arrangements; and (vii) every obligation of the
type referred to in clauses (i) through (vi) of another Person and all dividends
of another Person the payment of which, in either case, such Person has
guaranteed or is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor or
otherwise.

     "Senior Debt" means the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if
any (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in
bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Company whether or not such
claim for post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding), on Debt,
whether incurred on or prior to the date of the Indenture or thereafter
incurred, unless, in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant
to which the same is outstanding, it is provided that such obligations are not
superior in right of payment to the Junior Subordinated Debentures or to other
Debt which is pari passu with, or subordinated to, the Junior Subordinated
Debentures; provided, however, that Senior Debt shall not be deemed to include:
(i) any Debt of the Company which when incurred and without respect to any
election under Section 1111(b) of the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as
amended, was without recourse to the Company, (ii) any Debt of the Company to
any of its subsidiaries, and (iii) any Debt to any employee of the Company.

     "Subordinated Debt" means the principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest, if any (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any
petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Company whether or
not such claim for post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding), on
Debt, whether incurred on or prior to the date of the Indenture or thereafter
incurred, which is by its terms expressly provided to be junior and subordinate
to other Debt of the Company (other than the Junior Subordinated Debentures),
except that Subordinated Debt shall not include debentures sold by the Company
to the Trust.

     The Indenture places no limitation on the amount of Senior Indebtedness,
that may be incurred by the Company.  The Company may from time to time incur
indebtedness constituting Senior Indebtedness.

GOVERNING LAW

     The Indenture and the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without
regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE DEBENTURE TRUSTEE

     The Debenture Trustee shall have and be subject to all the duties and
responsibilities specified with respect to an indenture trustee under the Trust
Indenture Act.  Subject to such provisions, the Debenture Trustee is under no
obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Indenture at the
request of any holder of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, unless offered
reasonable indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities
which might be incurred thereby.  The Debenture Trustee is not required to
expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in
the performance of its duties if the Debenture Trustee reasonably believes that
repayment or adequate indemnity is not reasonably assured to it.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

     As described under "Description of the Preferred Securities--Liquidation of
the Trust Issuer and Distribution of the Junior Subordinated Debentures to
Holders," under certain circumstances involving the termination of the Trust
Issuer, Junior Subordinated Debentures may be distributed to the holders of the
Preferred Securities in exchange therefor upon liquidation of the Trust Issuer,
after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust Issuer as provided
by applicable law.  Any such distribution will be subject to receipt of prior
regulatory approval if then required.  If the Junior Subordinated Debentures are
distributed to the holders of Preferred Securities upon the liquidation of the
Trust

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
Issuer, the Company will use its best efforts to list the Junior Subordinated
Debentures on the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market or such stock exchanges,
if any, on which the Preferred Securities are then listed. There can be no
assurance as to the market price of any Junior Subordinated Debentures that may
be distributed to the holders of the Preferred Securities.

PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS

     Payment of principal and interest and premium, if any, on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be made at the offices of the Debenture Trustee in
the city of New York or at the offices of such Paying Agent or Paying Agents as
the Company may designate from time to time, except that at the option of the
Company payment of any interest may be made (i)  by check mailed to the address
of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Securities
Register or (ii) by transfer to an account maintained by the Person entitled
thereto as specified in the Securities Register, provided that proper transfer
instructions have been received by the Regular Record Date.  Payment of any
interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be made to the Person in
whose name the Junior Subordinated Debenture is registered at the close of
business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, except in the case of
Defaulted Interest. The Company may at any time designate additional Paying
Agents or rescind the designation of any Paying Agent; however, the Company will
at all times be required to maintain a Paying Agent in each Place of Payment for
the Junior Subordinated Debentures.

     Any moneys deposited with the Debenture Trustee or any Paying Agent, or
then held by the Company in trust, for the payment of the principal of or
interest or premium, if any, on the Junior Subordinated Debentures and remaining
unclaimed for two years after such principal or interest or premium, if any, has
become due and payable shall be repaid to the Company upon written request of
the Company on May 31 of each year or (if then held in trust by the Company)
will be discharged from such trust and the holders of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures shall thereafter look, as general unsecured creditors, only to the
Company for payment thereof.

REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT

     The Debenture Trustee will act as the registrar and the transfer agent for
the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Junior Subordinated Debentures may be
presented for registration of transfer (with the form of transfer endorsed
thereon, or a satisfactory written instrument of transfer, duly executed) at the
office of the registrar.  The Company may at any time rescind the designation of
any such transfer agent or approve a change in the location through which any
such transfer agent acts; provided that the Company maintains a transfer agent
in the Place of Payment.  The Company may at any time designate additional
transfer agents with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  In the
event of any redemption, neither the Company nor the Debenture Trustee will be
required to (i) issue, register the transfer of or exchange Junior Subordinated
Debentures during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before
the day of selection for redemption of Junior Subordinated Debentures and ending
at the close of business on the day of mailing of the relevant notice of
redemption, or (ii) transfer or exchange any Junior Subordinated Debentures so
selected for redemption, except, in the case of any Junior Subordinated
Debentures being redeemed in part, any portion thereof not to be redeemed.

                         DESCRIPTION OF THE GUARANTEE

     A Guarantee will be executed and delivered by the Company concurrently with
the issuance of the Preferred Securities for the benefit of the holders from
time to time of such Preferred Securities (the "Guarantee").  Bank of New York
will act as trustee ("Guarantee Trustee") under the Guarantee.  This summary of
certain provisions of the Guarantee does not purport to be complete and is
subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions
of the Guarantee.  Wherever particular defined terms of the Guarantee are
referred to, but not defined herein, such defined terms are incorporated herein
by reference.  The form of the Guarantee has been filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part.

                                       41
<PAGE>
 
GENERAL

     The Company will irrevocably agree to pay in full on a subordinated basis,
to the extent set forth herein, the Guarantee Payments (as defined below) to the
holders of the Preferred Securities, as and when due, regardless of any defense,
right of set-off or counterclaim that the Trust Issuer may have or assert other
than the defense of payment.  The following payments with respect to the
Preferred Securities, to the extent not paid by or on behalf of the Trust Issuer
(the "Guarantee Payments"), will be subject to the Guarantee: (i) any accrued
and unpaid Distributions required to be paid on the Preferred Securities, to the
extent that the Trust Issuer has funds on hand available therefor at such time,
(ii) the Redemption Price with respect to any Preferred Securities called for
redemption, to the extent that the Trust Issuer has funds on hand available
therefor at such time, or (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
winding up or termination of the Trust Issuer (unless the Junior Subordinated
Debentures are distributed to holders of the Preferred Securities), the lesser
of (a) the Liquidation Distribution, to the extent that the Trust Issuer has
funds available therefor at such time, and (b) the amount of assets of the Trust
Issuer remaining available for distribution to holders of the Preferred
Securities after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust Issuer as
required by applicable law.  The Company's obligation to make a Guarantee
Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by the
Company to the holders of the Preferred Securities or by causing the Trust
Issuer to pay such amounts to such holders.

     The Guarantee will be an irrevocable guarantee on a subordinated basis of
the Trust Issuer's obligations under the Preferred Securities, but will apply
only to the extent that the Trust Issuer has funds sufficient to make such
payments, and is not a guarantee of collection.

     If the Company does not make interest payments on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures held by the Trust Issuer, the Trust Issuer will not be able to pay
Distributions on the Preferred Securities and will not have funds legally
available therefor.  The Guarantee will rank subordinate and junior in right of
payment to all Senior Indebtedness of the Company.  See "Description of the
Guarantee--Status of the Guarantee."  Because the Company is a holding company,
the right of the Company to participate in any distribution of assets of any
subsidiary upon such subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is
subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary, except to the
extent the Company may itself be recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary.
Accordingly, the Company's obligations under the Guarantee will be effectively
subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of the Company's
subsidiaries, and claimants should look only to the assets of the Company for
payments thereunder.  The Guarantee does not limit the incurrence or issuance of
other secured or unsecured debt of the Company, including Senior Indebtedness,
whether under the Indenture, any other indenture that the Company may enter into
in the future, or otherwise.  The Company may from time to time to incur
indebtedness constituting Senior Indebtedness.

     The Company and the Trust Issuer believe that the Company has, through the
Guarantee, the Trust Agreement, the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the
Indenture and the Expense Agreement, taken together, fully, irrevocably and
unconditionally guaranteed all of the Trust Issuer's obligations under the
Preferred Securities, on a subordinated basis. No single document standing alone
or operating in conjunction with fewer than all of the other  documents
constitutes such guarantee.  It is only the combined operation of these
documents that has the effect of providing a full, irrevocable and unconditional
guarantee of the Trust Issuer's obligations under the Preferred Securities.  See
"Relationship Among the Preferred Securities, the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, the Expense Agreement and the Guarantee."

STATUS OF THE GUARANTEE

     The Guarantee will constitute an unsecured obligation of the Company and
will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness
of the Company in the same manner as the Junior Subordinated Debentures.

     The Guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment and not of collection
(i.e., the guaranteed party may institute a legal proceeding directly against
the Company to enforce its rights under the Guarantee without first instituting
a legal proceeding against any other person or entity).  The Guarantee will be
held by the Guarantee Trustee

                                       42
<PAGE>
 
for the benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities. The Guarantee will
not be discharged except by payment of the Guarantee Payments in full to the
extent not paid by the Trust Issuer or upon distribution to the holders of the
Preferred Securities of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.

AMENDMENTS AND ASSIGNMENT

     Except with respect to any changes that do not materially adversely affect
the rights of holders of the Preferred Securities (in which case no vote will be
required), the Guarantee may not be amended without the prior approval of the
holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of such
outstanding Preferred Securities. The manner of obtaining any such approval will
be as set forth under "Description of the Preferred Securities--Voting Rights;
Amendment of the Trust Agreement."  All guarantees and agreements contained in
the Guarantee shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and
representatives of the Company and shall inure to the benefit of the holders of
the Preferred Securities then outstanding.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     An event of default under the Guarantee will occur upon the failure of the
Company to perform any of its payments or other obligations thereunder.  The
holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the
Preferred Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee in
respect of such Guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power
conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under the Guarantee.

     The Company, as guarantor, is required to file annually with the Guarantee
Trustee a certificate as to whether or not the Company is in compliance with all
the conditions and covenants applicable to it under the Guarantee.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

     The Guarantee Trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of
a default by the Company in the performance of the Guarantee, undertakes to
perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the Guarantee and,
after default with respect to the Guarantee, must exercise the same degree of
care and skill as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his
or her own affairs.  Subject to this provision, the Guarantee Trustee is under
no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Guarantee at the
request of any holder of the Preferred Securities unless it is offered
reasonable indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities
that might be incurred thereby.  The Guarantee Trustee is not required to expend
or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the
performance of its duties if the Guarantee Trustee reasonably believes repayment
or adequate indemnity is not reasonably assured to it.

TERMINATION OF THE GUARANTEE

     The Guarantee will terminate and be of no further force and effect upon (a)
full payment of the Redemption Price of the Preferred Securities, (b) full
payment of the amounts payable upon liquidation of the Trust Issuer, or (c)
distribution of the Junior Subordinated Debentures to the holders of the
Preferred Securities in exchange therefor.  The Guarantee will continue to be
effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder
of the Preferred Securities must restore payment of any sums paid under the
Preferred Securities or the Guarantee.

GOVERNING LAW

     The Guarantee will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles
thereof.

                                       43
<PAGE>
 
THE EXPENSE AGREEMENT

     Pursuant to the Expense Agreement entered into by the Company under the
Trust Agreement (the "Expense Agreement"), the Company will irrevocably and
unconditionally guarantee to each person or entity to whom the Trust Issuer
becomes indebted or liable, the full payment of any costs, expenses or
liabilities of the Trust Issuer, other than obligations of the Trust Issuer to
pay to the holders of the Preferred Securities the amounts due such holders
pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Securities.   Third party creditors of
the Trust Issuer may proceed directly against the Company under the Expense
Agreement, regardless of whether such creditors had notice of the Expense
Agreement.

                  RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE PREFERRED SECURITIES,
                THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES, THE EXPENSE
                          AGREEMENT AND THE GUARANTEE

FULL AND UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE

     Payments of Distributions and other amounts due on the Preferred Securities
(to the extent the Trust Issuer has funds available for the payment of such
Distributions) are irrevocably guaranteed by the Company as and to the extent
set forth under "Description of the Guarantee."  The Company and the Trust
Issuer believe that, taken together, the Company's obligations under the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, the Indenture, the Trust Agreement, the Expense
Agreement and the Guarantee provide, in the aggregate, a full, irrevocable and
unconditional guarantee of payments of Distributions and other amounts due on
the Preferred Securities, on a subordinated basis.  No single document standing
alone or operating in conjunction with fewer than all of the other documents
constitutes such guarantee.  It is only the combined operation of these
documents that has the effect of providing a full, irrevocable and unconditional
guarantee of the Trust Issuer's obligations under the Preferred Securities.  If
and to the extent that the Company does not make payments on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, the Trust Issuer will not pay Distributions or other
amounts due on its Preferred Securities.  The Guarantee does not cover payment
of Distributions when the Trust Issuer does not have sufficient funds to pay
such Distributions.  In such event, the remedy of a holder of the Preferred
Securities is to institute a Direct Action against the Company for enforcement
of payment of such Distributions to such holder.  The obligations of the Company
under the Guarantee are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior
Indebtedness.

SUFFICIENCY OF PAYMENTS

     As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, such payments will be sufficient to cover
Distributions and other payments due on the Preferred Securities, primarily
because: (i) the aggregate principal amount of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures will be equal to the sum of the aggregate stated Liquidation Amount
of the Preferred Securities and Common Securities; (ii) the interest rate and
interest and other payment dates on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will
match the Distribution rate and Distribution and other payment dates for the
Preferred Securities; (iii) the Company shall pay for all and any costs,
expenses and liabilities of the Trust Issuer except the Trust Issuer's
obligations to holders of its Preferred Securities; and (iv) the Trust Agreement
further provides that the Trust Issuer will not engage in any activity that is
not consistent with the limited purposes of the Trust Issuer.

     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Indenture, the Company has
the right to set off any payment it is otherwise required to make thereunder
with and to the extent the Company has theretofore made, or is concurrently on
the date of making such payment, a payment under the Guarantee.

                                       44
<PAGE>
 
ENFORCEMENT RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES

     A holder of a Preferred Security may institute a legal proceeding directly
against the Company to enforce its rights under the Guarantee without first
instituting a legal proceeding against the Guarantee Trustee, the Trust Issuer
or any other person or entity.

     A default or event of default under any Senior Indebtedness of the Company
would not constitute a default or event of default under the Indenture.
However, in the event of payment defaults under, or acceleration of, Senior
Indebtedness of the Company, the subordination provisions of the Indenture
provide that no payments may be made in respect of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures until such Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full or any payment
default thereunder has been cured or waived.  Failure to make required payments
on the Junior Subordinated Debentures would constitute an event of default under
the Indenture.

LIMITED PURPOSE OF THE TRUST ISSUER

     The Preferred Securities evidence a preferred undivided beneficial interest
in the Trust Issuer, and the Trust Issuer exists for the sole purpose of issuing
its Preferred Securities and Common Securities and investing the proceeds
thereof in Junior Subordinated Debentures.  A principal difference between the
rights of a holder of a Preferred Security and a holder of a Junior Subordinated
Debenture is that a holder of a Junior Subordinated Debenture is entitled to
receive from the Company the principal amount of and interest and premium, if
any, on Junior Subordinated Debentures held, while a holder of the Preferred
Securities is entitled to receive Distributions from the Trust Issuer (or from
the Company under the Guarantee) if, and to the extent, the Trust Issuer has
funds available for the payment of such Distributions.

RIGHTS UPON DISSOLUTION

     Upon any voluntary or involuntary dissolution of the Trust Issuer involving
the liquidation of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, after satisfaction of
liabilities to creditors of the Trust Issuer, if any, as provided by applicable
law, the holders of the Preferred Securities will be entitled to receive, out of
assets held by the Trust Issuer, the Liquidation Distribution in cash.  See
"Description of the Preferred Securities-Liquidation Distribution Upon
Dissolution."  Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or bankruptcy of
the Company, the Property Trustee, as holder of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, would be a subordinated creditor of the Company, subordinated in
right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness as set forth in the Indenture, but
entitled to receive payment in full of principal and interest, before any
stockholders of the Company receive payments or distributions.  Since the
Company is the guarantor under the Guarantee and has agreed to pay for all
costs, expenses and liabilities of the Trust Issuer (other than the Trust
Issuer's obligations to the holders of its Preferred Securities), the positions
of a holder of such Preferred Securities and a holder of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures relative to other creditors and to stockholders of the Company in the
event of liquidation or bankruptcy of the Company are expected to be
substantially the same.

                    CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

     The following is a summary of the principal United States federal income
tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Preferred
Securities.  This summary addresses only the tax consequences to a person that
acquires Preferred Securities on their original issue at the stated offering
price and does not address the tax consequences to persons that may be subject
to special treatment under United States federal income tax law, such as banks,
insurance companies, savings institutions, regulated investment companies, real
estate investment trusts, employee benefit plans, tax-exempt organizations,
dealers in securities or currencies, persons that will hold Preferred Securities
as part of a position in a "straddle" or as part of a "hedging", "conversion" or
other integrated investment transaction for federal income tax purposes, persons
whose functional currency is not the United States dollar or persons that do not
hold Preferred Securities as capital assets.

                                       45
<PAGE>
 
     The statements of law or legal conclusions set forth in this summary
constitute the opinion of Luse Lehman Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., special
tax counsel to the Company and the Trust Issuer.  This summary is based upon the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury Regulations,
Internal Revenue Service rulings and pronouncements and judicial decisions now
in effect, all of which are subject to change at any time.  Such changes may be
applied retroactively in a manner that could cause the tax consequences to vary
substantially from the consequences described below, possibly adversely
affecting a beneficial owner of the Preferred Securities.   The authorities on
which this summary is based are subject to various interpretations, and it is
therefore possible that the United States federal income tax treatment of the
purchase, ownership and disposition of the Preferred Securities may differ from
the treatment described below.

     PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS IN
LIGHT OF THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AS TO THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE PREFERRED
SECURITIES, AS WELL AS THE EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE TRUST ISSUER AND THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

     In the opinion of Luse Lehman Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. for United
States federal income tax purposes under current law, (i) the Trust Issuer will
not be classified as an association taxable as a corporation, and (ii) the
Junior Subordinated Debentures will be classified as indebtedness.  As a result,
each beneficial owner of Preferred Securities (a "Securityholder") will be
required to include in its gross income its pro rata share of the interest (or
accrued original issue discount) in addition to any interest and other income
(if any) with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  See "--Interest
Income and Original Issue Discount."  No amount included in income with respect
to the Preferred Securities will be eligible for the dividends-received
deduction. This opinion is based in part upon certain factual assumptions and
upon certain representations made by the Company, which representations Luse
Lehman Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. has relied upon and assumed to be true,
correct and complete.  If such representations are inaccurate, this opinion
could be adversely affected.

INTEREST INCOME AND ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT

     Under applicable Treasury regulations, currently Section 1.1275-2(h) (the
"Regulations"), if the terms and conditions of a debt instrument make the
likelihood that stated interest will not be timely paid a "remote" contingency,
such contingency will be ignored in determining whether the debt instrument is
issued with original issue discount ("OID").  The Company believes that the
likelihood of its exercising its option to defer payments of interest on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures is remote, since exercising that option would
prevent it from declaring dividends on any class of its stock.  Based on the
foregoing, the Company intends to take the position that the Junior Subordinated
Debentures were not issued with OID and, accordingly, a Securityholder
purchasing the Preferred Securities at the stated price should be required to
include in gross income only such Securityholder's pro rata share of stated
interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures in accordance with such
Securityholder's method of tax accounting.

     The Regulations have not yet been addressed in any rulings or other
published interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").  In the
opinion of Luse Lehman Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., it is not unreasonable
for the Company to take the position that the Junior Subordinated Debentures
will not be issued with OID.  However, it is possible the IRS could take the
position that the likelihood of deferral was not a remote contingency within the
meaning of the Regulations.

     Under the Regulations, if the Company were to exercise its option to defer
payments of interest after treating the Junior Subordinated Debentures as issued
without OID, the Junior Subordinated Debentures would be treated as re-issued
with OID at that time, and all stated interest (and de minimis OID, if any) on
the Junior Subordinated Debentures would thereafter be treated as OID as long as
the Junior Subordinated Debentures remained outstanding. In such event, all of a
Securityholder's interest income with respect to the Junior Subordinated
Debentures would be

                                       46
<PAGE>
 
accounted for as OID on an economic accrual basis regardless of such
Securityholder's method of tax accounting, and actual distributions of stated
interest related thereto would not be includable in gross income. Consequently,
a Securityholder would be required to include OID in gross income even though
the Company would not make and the Securityholder would not receive any actual
cash payments during an Extension Period.

     A Securityholder that disposed of Preferred Securities prior to the record
date for the payment of Distributions following an Extension Period would
include OID in gross income but would not receive any cash related thereto from
the Trust Issuer.  Any amount of OID included in a Securityholder's gross income
(whether or not during an Extension Period) would increase such Securityholder's
tax basis in its Preferred Securities, and the amount of Distributions not
includable in gross income would reduce such Securityholder's tax basis in its
Preferred Securities.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES TO HOLDERS OF THE PREFERRED
SECURITIES

     Under current  United States federal income tax law and provided that the
Trust Issuer is not treated as an association taxable as a corporation, a
distribution by the Trust Issuer of the Junior Subordinated Debentures as
described under the caption "Description of the Preferred Securities-Liquidation
of the Trust Issuer and Distribution of the Junior Subordinated Debentures to
Holders" will be nontaxable to the Securityholders and will result in a
Securityholder receiving  its pro rata share of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures previously held indirectly through the Trust Issuer, with a holding
period and aggregate tax basis equal to the holding period and aggregate tax
basis such Securityholder had in its Preferred Securities before such
distribution.  If, however, the Trust Issuer were characterized as an
association taxable as a corporation at the time of the dissolution of the Trust
Issuer and distribution of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, such distribution
would constitute a taxable event to holders of Preferred Securities.  A
Securityholder will account for interest in respect of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures received from the Trust Issuer in the manner described above under
"Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences--Interest Income and Original Issue
Discount," including any accrual of OID (if any) attributed to the Junior
Subordinated Debentures upon the distribution.

SALES OR REDEMPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES

     Gain or loss will be recognized by a Securityholder on the sale of
Preferred Securities (including a redemption for cash or other consideration) in
an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale (or
redemption) and the Securityholder's adjusted tax basis in the Preferred
Securities sold or so redeemed.  Gain or loss recognized by a Securityholder on
Preferred Securities held for more than one year will generally be taxable as
long-term capital gain or loss.  Pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997,
Preferred Securities  constituting a capital asset which are acquired by an
individual after July 28, 1997, and held for more than 18 months are accorded a
maximum United States federal capital gains tax rate of 20% (or a rate of 10%,
if the individual taxpayer is in the 15% tax bracket).   Effective in 2001, the
20% rate drops to 18% (and the 10% rate drops to 8%) for capital assets acquired
after the year 2000 and held more than five years; however, the requirement that
the capital asset be acquired after the year 2000 does not apply to the 8% rate.
Preferred Securities held by an individual for more than one year, but not more
than 18 months, are accorded a United States federal capital gains tax rate of
28%.

     If the Company were to exercise its option to defer payments of interest on
the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred Securities might trade at a
price that did not fully reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest with
respect to the underlying Junior Subordinated Debentures.  A Securityholder that
disposed of its Preferred Securities between record dates for payments of
Distributions (and consequently did not receive a Distribution from the Trust
Issuer for the period prior to such disposition) would nevertheless be required
to include in income as ordinary income accrued but unpaid interest on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures through the date of disposition and to add such
amount to its adjusted tax basis in its Preferred Securities disposed of.  Such
Securityholder would recognize a capital loss on the disposition of its
Preferred Securities to the extent the selling price (which might not fully
reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest) was less than the
Securityholder's adjusted tax basis in the Preferred Securities (which would
include accrued but unpaid interest).  Subject to certain limited exceptions,
capital losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income for United States
federal income tax purposes.

                                       47
<PAGE>
 
UNITED STATES ALIEN HOLDERS

     For purposes of this discussion, a "United States Alien Holder" is any
corporation, individual, partnership, estate or trust that is, as to the United
States, a foreign corporation, a non-resident alien individual, a foreign
partnership or a non-resident fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust.

     Under current United States federal income tax law: (i) payments by the
Trust Issuer or any of its paying agents to any Securityholder who or which is a
United States Alien Holder will not be subject to United States federal
withholding tax  provided that (a) the Securityholder does not actually or
constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes
of stock of the Company entitled to vote, (b) the Securityholder is not a
controlled foreign corporation that is related to the Company through stock
ownership and (c) either (A) the Securityholder certifies to the Trust Issuer or
its agent, under penalties of perjury, that it is not a United States holder and
provides its name and address or (B) a securities clearing organization, bank or
other financial institution that holds customers' securities in the ordinary
course of its trade or business (a "Financial Institution") certifies to the
Trust Issuer or its agent, under penalties of perjury, that such statement has
been received from the Securityholder by it or by a Financial Institution
holding such security for the Securityholder and furnishes the Trust Issuer or
its agent with a copy thereof, and (ii) a United States Alien Holder of a
Preferred Security will not be subject to United States federal withholding tax
on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of a Preferred Security.

     Proposed Treasury regulations (the "Proposed Regulations") would provide
alternative methods for satisfying the certification requirement described in
clause (i)(c) above.  The Proposed Regulations also would require, in the case
of Preferred Securities held by a foreign partnership, that (x) the
certification described in clause (i)(c) above be provided by the partners
rather than by the foreign partnership and (y) the partnership provide certain
information, including a United States taxpayer identification number.  A look-
through rule would apply in the case of tiered partnerships.  The Proposed
Regulations are proposed to be effective for payments made after December 31,
1997. There can be no assurance that the  Proposed Regulations will be adopted
or as to the provisions that they will include if and when adopted in temporary
or final form.  The Trust Issuer will issue a Form 1042 or Form  1042-S, where
appropriate.

INFORMATION REPORTING TO SECURITYHOLDERS

     Generally, income on the Preferred Securities will be reported to
Securityholders on Forms 1099-INT, which will be mailed to Securityholders by
January 31 following each calendar year.

BACKUP WITHHOLDING

     Payments made on, and proceeds from the sale of, Preferred Securities may
be subject to a "backup" withholding tax of 31% unless the Securityholder
complies with certain certification requirements.  Any withheld amounts will be
allowed as a credit against the Securityholder's United States federal income
tax, provided the required information is provided to the Internal Revenue
Service on a timely basis.

                              ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

     The Company and certain affiliates of the Company may each be considered a
"party in interest" within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), or a "disqualified person" within
the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code with respect to many employee benefit
plans ("Plans") that are subject to ERISA.  The purchase of the Preferred
Securities by a Plan that is subject to the fiduciary responsibility provisions
of ERISA or the prohibited transaction provisions of Section 4975(e)(1) of the
Code and with respect to which the Company, or any affiliate of the Company, is
a service provider (or otherwise is a party in interest or a disqualified
person) may constitute or result in a prohibited transaction under ERISA or
Section 4975 of the Code, unless the

                                       48
<PAGE>
 
Preferred Securities are acquired pursuant to and in accordance with an
applicable exemption. Any pension or other employee benefit plan proposing to
acquire any Preferred Securities should consult with its counsel.

                                 UNDERWRITING

     Subject to the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement (the
"Underwriting Agreement") dated January 14, 1998, among the Company, the Trust
Issuer and Ryan, Beck & Co., Inc. (the "Underwriter"), the Trust Issuer has
agreed to sell to the Underwriter, and the Underwriter has agreed to purchase
from the Trust Issuer, 2,500,000 Preferred Securities at the public offering
price subject to the underwriting commissions set forth on the cover page of
this Prospectus.

     The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriter
are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the Underwriter will
purchase all of the Preferred Securities offered hereby if any of such Preferred
Securities are purchased.

     The Company has been advised by the Underwriter that the Underwriter
proposes to offer the Preferred Securities to the public and other dealers at
the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus and
will share with certain dealers from its commission a concession not in excess
of $.20 per Preferred Security.  After the public offering, the offering price
and such concessions terms may be changed by the Underwriter.

     The Company has granted to the Underwriter an option, exercisable not later
than 30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an additional
375,000 of the Preferred Securities at the public offering price.  The
Underwriter may exercise such option only to cover over-allotments made in
connection with the sale of the Preferred Securities offered hereby.  To the
extent that the Underwriter exercises its option to purchase additional
Preferred Securities, the Trust Issuer will issue and sell to the Company
additional Common Securities and the Company will issue and sell to the Trust
Issuer Junior Subordinated Debentures in an aggregate principal amount equal to
the total aggregate Liquidation Amount of the additional Preferred Securities
being purchased pursuant to the option and the additional Common Securities.

     In view of the fact that the proceeds from the sale of the Preferred
Securities will be used to purchase the Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by
the Company, the Underwriting Agreement provides that the Company will pay as
compensation for the Underwriter's arranging the investment therein of such
proceeds an amount of $.3875 per Preferred Security.  The Company has also
agreed to reimburse the Underwriter for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses,
including legal fees and expenses relating to the Offering of the Preferred
Securities.

     In connection with the offering of the Preferred Securities, the
Underwriter and any selling group members and their respective affiliates may
engage in transactions effected in accordance with Rule 104 of the Securities
and Exchange Commission's Regulation M that are intended to stabilize, maintain
or otherwise affect the market price of the Preferred Securities.  Such
transactions may include over-allotment transactions in which the Underwriter
creates a short position for its own account by selling more Preferred
Securities than it is committed to purchase from the Trust Issuer.  In such a
case, to cover all or part of the short position, the Underwriter may exercise
the over-allotment option described above or may purchase Preferred Securities
in the open market following completion of the initial offering of the Preferred
Securities.  The Underwriter also may engage in stabilizing transactions in
which it bids for, and purchases, shares of the Preferred Securities 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 Preferred
Securities.  The Underwriter also may reclaim any selling concessions allowed to
a dealer if the Underwriter repurchases shares distributed by the dealer. Any of
the foregoing transactions may result in the maintenance of a price for the
Preferred Securities at a level above that which might otherwise  prevail in the
open market.  Neither the Company nor the Underwriter 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 Preferred Securities.
The Underwriter is not required to engage in any of the foregoing transactions
and, if commenced, such transactions may be discontinued at any time without
notice.

                                       49
<PAGE>
 
     Because the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") is
expected to view the Preferred Securities as interests in a direct participation
program, the offering of the Preferred Securities is being made in compliance
with the applicable provisions of Rule 2810 of the NASD's Conduct Rules.

     The Preferred Securities are a new issue of securities with no established
trading market.  The Company and the Trust Issuer have been advised by the
Underwriter that it intends to make a market in the Preferred Securities.
However, the Underwriter is not obligated to do so and such market making may be
interrupted or discontinued at any time without notice at the sole discretion of
the Underwriter.  Application has been made by the Company to list the Preferred
Securities on the Nasdaq National Market, but one of the requirements for
listing and continuing listing is the presence of two market makers for the
Preferred Securities, and the presence of a second market maker cannot be
assured.  Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the development or
liquidity of any market for the Preferred Securities.

     The Company and the Trust Issuer have agreed to indemnify the Underwriter
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

     The Underwriter has in the past and may in the future perform various
services for the Company, including investment banking services, for which it
has and will receive customary fees for such services.

                             VALIDITY OF SECURITIES

     Certain matters of Delaware law relating to the validity of the Preferred
Securities and the creation of the Trust Issuer will be passed upon by Morris,
Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, special Delaware counsel to the Company and the Trust
Issuer.  The validity of the Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated Debentures
will be passed upon for the Company by Luse Lehman Gorman Pomerenk & Schick,
P.C.  Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Stearns
Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A., Miami, Florida.  Certain
matters relating to the United States federal income tax considerations will be
passed upon for the Company by Luse Lehman Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C.

                                    EXPERTS

     The consolidated financial statements of the Company included and
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K and Annual Report to Security Holders for the year ended December 31,
1996 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated
in their reports (which express an unqualified opinion and include an
explanatory paragraph referring to the adoption of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights"), which
are included and incorporated herein by reference, and have been so included and
incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

                                       50
<PAGE>
 
                                   APPENDIX A
<PAGE>
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

                                   FORM 10-K


[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
    EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED] For the Fiscal 
    Year Ended December 31, 1996
                                  OR
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE 
     SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
     For the transaction period from             to                  
                                    --------------  ----------------



                       Commission File Number:  0-29040

                           FIDELITY BANKSHARES, INC.
                     ------------------------------------
            (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

                    Delaware                65-0717085
           --------------------------   ------------------
        (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) 
                    (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 218 Datura Street, West Palm Beach, Florida               33401
- -----------------------------------------------         -------------
  (Address of Principal Executive Offices)                (Zip Code)

                                (561) 659-9900
            ------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's Telephone Number including area code)

          Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                     None
                                    ------

          Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                    Common Stock, par value $.10 per share
                 --------------------------------------------
                               (Title of Class)

     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 twelve months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file reports) and (2) has been subject to such
requirements for the past 90 days. YES       NO   
                                      ------   ------
     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments to
this Form 10-K. [X]

     As of February 28, 1997, there were issued and outstanding 6,755,491 shares
of the Registrant's Common Stock. The aggregate value of the voting stock held
by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the average bid
and asked prices of the Common Stock as of February 28, 1997 ($18.56) was
$48,702,925.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

1.   Sections of Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended 
     December 31, 1996 (Parts II and IV).
2.   Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Parts I 
     and III).
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART I

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS
- ------------------

General

     Fidelity Bankshares, Inc.

     Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. (the "Company") is a Delaware corporation which
was organized in May 1996. The only significant asset of the Company is its
investment in Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida (the "Bank"). The Company
is majority owned by Fidelity Bankshares, M.H.C., a federally-chartered mutual
holding company (the "MHC"). On January 29, 1997 the Company acquired all of the
issued and outstanding common stock of the Bank in connection with the Bank's
reorganization into the two-tier form of mutual holding company ownership. At
that time, each share of Bank common stock was automatically converted into one
share of Company common stock, par value $.l0 per share (the "Common Stock").
3,542,000 shares of Common Stock were issued to the MHC and 3,206,625 shares of
Common Stock were issued to the Bank's public stockholders.

     Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida

     The Bank is a federally chartered savings bank headquartered in West Palm
Beach, Florida. The Bank's deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation ("FDIC"). The Bank was chartered originally as a federal mutual
savings and loan association in 1952, and in 1983, amended its charter to become
a federally chartered mutual savings bank. On January 7, 1994, the Bank
completed a reorganization into a federally chartered mutual holding company. As
part of the reorganization, the Bank organized a new federally chartered stock
savings bank and transferred substantially all of its assets and liabilities to
the stock savings bank in exchange for a majority of the common stock of the
stock savings bank. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB")
System. At December 31, 1996, the Bank had total assets of $873.6 million, total
deposits of $694.7 million, and stockholders' equity of $81.7 million.

     The Bank is primarily engaged in the business of attracting deposits from
the general public in the Bank's market area, and investing such deposits,
together with other sources of funds, in loans secured by one- to four-family
residential real estate. To a lesser extent, the Bank also originates
construction loans and land loans for single-family properties and invests in
mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government
or agencies thereof. In addition, the Bank invests a portion of its assets in
securities issued by the United States Government, cash and cash equivalents
including deposits in other financial institutions, and FHLB stock. The Bank's
principal sources of funds are deposits and principal and interest payments on
loans. Principal sources of income are interest received from loans and
investment securities. The Bank's principal expense is interest paid on deposits
and employee compensation and benefits.

     The Company's and the Bank's principal executive office is located at 218
Datura Street, West Palm Beach, Florida, and its telephone number at that
address is (561) 659-9900.

Market Area

     The Bank is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, and operates in Palm
Beach and Martin Counties in Florida. The Bank has 20 offices in its market
area, three of which are located in Martin County, and 17 of which are located
in Palm Beach County. Palm Beach and Martin Counties, located in Southeastern
Florida, have experienced considerable growth and development since the 1960s,
and had a total population of approximately one million as of 1990 and 1.1
million as of 1995. Due to significant
<PAGE>
 
growth controls established at the state and local governmental levels, as well
as a moderation of economic growth and migration in the Bank's market area,
management believes growth of the local market area may be more moderate in the
future.

     The Bank's business and operating results are significantly affected by the
general economic conditions prevalent in its market areas. The southeast Florida
economy is significantly dependent upon government, foreign trade, tourism, and
its attraction as a retirement area. Unemployment in Palm Beach County is higher
than the national and State of Florida averages. Major employers in the Bank's
market area include Pratt & Whitney, Motorola, St. Mary's Medical Center,
Florida Power and Light, Bell South and the Palm Beach County School Board.

Lending Activities

     General. Historically, the principal lending activity of the Bank has been
the origination of fixed and adjustable rate mortgage loans collateralized by
one- to four-family residential properties located in its market area. The Bank
currently originates adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loans for retention in its
portfolio, and fixed rate loans, the majority of which are eligible for sale in
the secondary mortgage market. To a lesser extent, the Bank also originates
loans secured by commercial real estate and multi-family residential real
estate, construction loans, commercial business loans and consumer loans.

     In an effort to manage interest rate risk, the Bank has sought to make its
interest-earning assets more interest rate sensitive by originating adjustable
rate loans, such as ARM loans, home equity loans, and short- and medium-term
consumer loans. The Bank also purchases mortgage-backed securities which
generally are secured by ARM loans. At December 31, 1996, approximately $365.7
million, or 52.2%, of the Bank's total gross loan portfolio, and $47.4 million,
or 38.4%, of the Bank's mortgage-backed securities portfolio, consisted of loans
or securities with adjustable interest rates. The Bank originates fixed rate
mortgage loans generally with 15- to 30-year terms to maturity, collateralized
by one- to four-family residential properties. One- to four-family fixed rate
residential mortgage loans generally are originated and underwritten according
to standards that allow the Bank to resell such loans in the secondary mortgage
market for purposes of managing interest rate risk and liquidity. The Bank
periodically sells a portion of its fixed-rate loans which have terms to
maturity exceeding fifteen years. The Bank retains in its portfolio all
consumer, commercial real estate and multi-family residential real estate loans.


                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     Analysis of Loan Portfolio. Set forth below are selected data relating to
the composition of the Bank's loan portfolio by type of loan as of the dates
indicated. Also set forth below is the aggregate amount of the Bank's investment
in mortgage-backed securities at the dates indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        At December 31,
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1992               1993                 1994                1995                1996
                                   ----------------    ----------------     ---------------     ---------------    -----------------
                                   Amount   Percent    Amount   Percent     Amount  Percent     Amount  Percent    Amount    Percent
                                   ------   -------    ------   -------     ------  -------     ------  -------    ------    -------
                                                                   (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                               <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>
Real estate loans:
  One- to four-family (1)........ $364,741    83.4%   $363,229    83.5%   $373,407    81.8%   $432,387    81.2%  $528,689     79.9%
  Construction loans.............   13,272     3.0      14,678     3.4      24,086     5.3      40,522     7.6     58,493      8.8
  Land loans.....................   10,295     2.4       8,202     1.9      10,865     2.4      10,769     2.0     11,875      1.8
  Commercial.....................   34,292     7.8      34,091     7.8      32,773     7.2      31,359     5.9     29,030      4.4
  Multi-family...................   11,579     2.6      12,300     2.8      13,081     2.8      13,748     2.6     13,781      2.1
                                  --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----   --------    -----

    Total real estate loans......  434,179    99.2     432,500    99.4     454,212    99.5     528,785    99.3    641,868     97.0
                                  --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----   --------    -----

Non-real estate loans:
  Consumer (2)...................   12,448     2.8      13,085     3.0      18,343     4.0      26,855     5.0     39,478      6.0
  Commercial business............    2,531     0.6       2,621     0.6       2,776     0.6       5,834     1.1     18,585      2.8
                                  --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----   --------    -----

    Total non-real estate loans..   14,979     3.4      15,706     3.6      21,119     4.6      32,689     6.1     58,063      8.8
                                  --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----

    Total loans receivable.......  449,158   102.6     448,206   103.0     475,331   104.1     561,474   105.4    699,931    105.8

Less:
  Undisbursed loan proceeds......    8,399     1.9       9,314     2.1      15,463     3.4      27,261     5.1     37,575      5.7
  Unearned discount and
    net deferred fees............    1,371     0.3       1,060     0.2         759     0.2        (385)   (0.1)    (1,607)    (0.2)
  Allowance for loan losses......    1,824     0.4       2,865     0.7       2,566     0.5       2,265     0.4      2,263      0.3
                                  --------    ----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----

    Total loans receivable-net... $437,564   100.0%   $434,967   100.0%   $456,543   100.0%   $532,333   100.0%  $661,700    100.0%
                                  ========   =====    ========   =====    ========   =====    ========   =====   ========    =====

Mortgage-backed securities....... $ 64,558            $ 75,199            $126,807            $159,761           $123,599
                                  ========            ========            ========            ========           ========
</TABLE>


_____________________________
(1)  Includes participations of $13.4 million, $8.9 million, $6.6 million, $5.6
million, and $4.3 million at December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996,
respectively.

(2)  Includes primarily home equity lines of credit, automobile loans, boat
loans and passbook loans. At December 31, 1996, the disbursed portion of equity
lines of credit totalled $13.7 million.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     Loan and Mortgage-Backed Securities Maturity Schedule. The following table
sets forth certain information as of December 31, 1996, regarding the dollar
amount of loans and mortgage-backed securities maturing in the Bank's portfolio
based on their contractual terms to maturity. The amounts shown represent
outstanding principal balances less loans in process and are not adjusted for
premiums, discounts, reserves, and unearned fees. Demand loans, loans having no
stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity, and overdrafts are
reported as due in one year or less. Adjustable and floating rate loans are
included in the period in which interest rates are next scheduled to adjust
rather than in which they contractually mature, and fixed rate loans and
mortgage-backed securities are included in the period in which the final
contractual repayment is due. Fixed rate mortgage-backed securities are assumed
to mature in the period in which the final contractual payment is due on the
underlying mortgage.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Over 1      Over 3      Over 5      Over 10      Beyond
                                           Within    Year to 3  Years to 5  Years to 10 Years to 20     20
                                           1 Year      Years       Years       Years       Years       Years       Total
                                          --------    -------     -------     -------     --------    --------   --------
                                                                        (In Thousands)
<S>                                       <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>
Real estate loans:
  One- to four-family residential (1).... $145,662    $74,152     $36,511     $55,645     $129,101    $109,151   $550,222
  Commercial, multi-family and land......   31,298     13,580       4,976       2,033        1,173       1,676     54,736
Consumer loans (2).......................   23,338      7,362      24,239       1,900          551           8     57,398
                                          --------    -------     -------     -------     --------    --------   --------
  Total loans receivable................. $200,298    $95,094     $65,726     $59,578     $130,825    $110,835   $662,356
                                          ========    =======     =======     =======     ========    ========   ========
  Mortgage-backed securities............. $ 46,808    $ 2,783     $     -     $    18     $ 42,485    $ 30,012   $122,106
                                          ========    =======     =======     =======     ========    ========   ========
</TABLE>

(1)  Includes construction loans.
(2)  Includes commercial business loans of $18.5 million.


The following table sets forth at December 31, 1996, the dollar amount of all
fixed rate and adjustable rate loans due or repricing after December 31, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Fixed            Adjustable              Total
                                                  ---------         ------------            -------
                                                                   (In Thousands)
<S>                                                <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Real estate loans:
  One- to four-family residential................. $271,809            $132,751            $404,560
  Commercial, multi-family and land...............    6,046              17,392              23,438
Consumer loans (1)................................   26,441               7,619              34,060
                                                   --------            --------            --------
    Total                                          $304,296            $157,762            $462,058
                                                   ========            ========            ========
Mortgage-backed securities                         $ 75,298            $      -            $ 75,298
                                                   ========            ========            ========
</TABLE>

- -------------------------------------
(1)  Includes commercial business loans of $11.0 million.

     One- to Four-Family Residential Real Estate Loans. The Bank's primary
lending activity consists of the origination of one- to four-family, owner-
occupied, residential mortgage loans secured by properties located in the Bank's
market area. During 1995, the Bank began to originate one- to four-family
residential loans on properties outside of its market area. These loans which
were originated through a network of brokers throughout Florida, are subject to
internal controls established by the Bank, as well as the Bank's customary
underwriting standards. At December 31, 1996, $587.2 million, or 83.9%, of the
Bank's total gross loan portfolio consisted of one- to four-family residential
mortgage loans, including residential construction loans of which $26.0 million
were originated outside the Bank's market area.

     The Bank currently offers one- to four-family residential mortgage loans
with terms typically ranging from 15 to 30 years, and with adjustable or fixed
interest rates. Originations of fixed rate mortgage loans versus ARM loans are
monitored on an ongoing basis and are affected significantly by the level of

                                       4
<PAGE>
 

market interest rates, customer preference, the Bank's interest rate gap
position, and loan products offered by the Bank's competitors. ARM loan
originations totalled $107.5 million during the year ended December 31, 1996.
Therefore, even if management's strategy is to emphasize ARM loans, market
conditions may be such that there is greater demand for fixed rate mortgage
loans.

     The Bank's fixed rate loans generally are originated and underwritten
according to standards that permit sale in the secondary mortgage market.
Whether the Bank can or will sell fixed rate loans into the secondary market,
however, depends on a number of factors including the yield and the term of the
loan, market conditions, and the Bank's current gap position. The Bank's fixed
rate mortgage loans are amortized on a monthly basis with principal and interest
due each month. One- to four-family residential real estate loans often remain
outstanding for significantly shorter periods than their contractual terms
because borrowers may refinance or prepay loans at their option.

     The Bank currently offers ARM loans with initial interest rate adjustment
periods of one, five and seven years, based on changes in a designated market
index. After the initial interest rate adjustment, each one year ARM loan
adjusts annually with an annual interest rate adjustment limitation of 200 basis
points and with a maximum interest rate of 11.5%, or 600 basis points above the
initial rate, whichever is greater. Interest rates on the Bank's ARM loans
originated prior to December 31, 1993 currently adjust with changes in the
FHLB's Fourth District Cost of Funds Index. ARM loans, through December 31,
1993, were priced at 275 basis points above the Fourth District Cost of Funds
Index for owner-occupied one- to four-family mortgage loans. Higher interest
margins may be required on loans in excess of $500,000. The interest rate on all
non-owner-occupied one- to four-family mortgage loans is 300 basis points above
the Fourth District Cost of Funds Index. Subsequent to December 31, 1993, the
Bank began to use U.S. Treasury securities for indices on newly originated ARMs.
The Bank originates ARM loans with initially discounted rates, which vary
depending upon whether the initial interest rate adjustment period is one,
three, five or seven years. The Bank determines whether a borrower qualifies for
an ARM loan based on the fully indexed rate of the ARM loan at the time the loan
is originated. One- to four-family residential ARM loans totalled $281.9
million, or 40.2%, of the Bank's total gross loan portfolio at December 31,
1996.

     The primary purpose of offering ARM loans is to make the Bank's loan
portfolio more interest rate sensitive. However, as the interest income earned
on ARM loans varies with prevailing interest rates, such loans may not offer the
Bank as predictable cash flows as long-term, fixed rate loans. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Asset
and Liability Management-Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis" contained in the
Bank's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders (the "Annual Report"). ARM loans carry
increased credit risk associated with potentially higher monthly payments by
borrowers as general market interest rates increase. It is possible, therefore,
that during periods of rising interest rates, the risk of default on ARM loans
may increase due to the upward adjustment of interest costs to the borrower.

     The Bank's one- to four-family residential first mortgage loans customarily
include due-on-sale clauses, which are provisions giving the Bank the right to
declare a loan immediately due and payable in the event, among other things,
that the borrower sells or otherwise disposes of the underlying real property
serving as security for the loan. Due-on-sale clauses are an important means of
adjusting the rates on the Bank's fixed rate mortgage loan portfolio, and the
Bank has generally exercised its rights under these clauses.

     Regulations limit the amount that a savings association may lend relative
to the appraised value of the real estate securing the loan, as determined by an
appraisal at the time of loan origination. Appraisals are generally performed by
the Bank's service corporation subsidiary. Such regulations permit a maximum

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
loan-to-value ratio of 97% for residential property and 85% for all other real
estate loans. The Bank's lending policies generally limit the maximum loan-to-
value ratio on both fixed rate and ARM loans without private mortgage insurance
to 80% of the lesser of the appraised value or the purchase price of the
property to serve as collateral for the loan.

     The Bank makes one- to four-family real estate loans with loan-to-value
ratios in excess of 80%. For one- to four-family real estate loans with loan-to-
value ratios of between 80% and 90%, the Bank generally requires the borrower to
obtain private mortgage insurance. For loans in excess of 90% the Bank requires
the borrower to obtain private mortgage insurance. The Bank requires fire and
casualty insurance, as well as a title guaranty regarding good title, on all
properties securing real estate loans made by the Bank.

     In the past, the Bank has entered into loan participations secured by one-
to four-family residences. At December 31, 1996, the Bank's loan portfolio
included $4.3 million of loan participations.

     Construction and Land Loans. The Bank currently offers fixed rate and
adjustable rate residential construction loans primarily for the construction of
owner-occupied single-family residences to builders who have a contract for sale
of the property or owners who have a contract for construction. In addition, the
Bank makes construction loans to builders for homes held for sale which totalled
$17.2 million at December 31, 1996. Construction loans are generally structured
to become permanent loans, and are originated with terms of up to 30 years with
an allowance of up to one year for construction. During the construction phase
the loans made prior to December 31, 1996 predominately had an adjustable
interest rate that adjusted annually and converted into either a fixed rate or
remained an adjustable rate mortgage loan at the end of the construction period.
Subsequent to December 31, 1996, the Bank began making construction loans with
fixed rates of interest. Such loans become permanent one- to four-family loans
upon completion of construction. Advances are made as construction is completed.

     In addition, the Bank originates loans which are secured by individual
unimproved or improved lots. At December 31, 1996, $58.5 million, or 8.4%, and
$11.9 million, or 1.7%, of the Bank's total loan portfolio consisted of
construction loans and land loans, respectively. Land loans are currently
offered with one-year adjustable rates for terms of up to 15 years. The maximum
loan-to-value ratio for the Bank's land loans is 75%. Through December 31, 1993,
land loans were offered at 300 to 350 basis points over the Fourth District Cost
of Funds Index with an annual interest rate cap of 200 basis points and a
lifetime interest rate cap of the greater of 600 basis points over the initial
interest rate, or 6%. Subsequent to December 31, 1993 the Bank began using the
applicable U.S. Treasury securities as its index on newly originated loans.
Initial interest rates may be below the fully indexed rate.

     Construction lending generally involves a greater degree of credit risk
than one- to four-family residential mortgage lending. The repayment of the
construction loan is often dependent upon the successful completion of the
construction project. Construction delays or the inability of the borrower to
sell the property once construction is completed may impair the borrower's
ability to repay the loan.

     Multi-Family Residential Real Estate Loans. Loans securing multi-family
real estate constituted approximately $13.8 million, or 2.0%, of the Bank's
total loan portfolio at December 31, 1996. At December 31, 1996, the Bank had a
total of 77 loans secured by multi-family properties. The Bank's multi-family
real estate loans are secured by multi-family residences, such as rental
properties. At December 31, 1996, substantially all of the Bank's multi-family
loans were secured by properties located within the Bank's market area. At
December 31, 1996, the Bank's multi-family real estate loans had an average
principal balance of $179,000 and the largest multi-family real estate loan had
a principal balance of $1.5 million. Multi-family

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
real estate loans currently are offered with adjustable interest rates, although
in the past the Bank originated fixed rate multi-family real estate loans. The
terms of each multi-family loan are negotiated on a case-by- case basis. Such
loans typically have adjustable interest rates tied to a market index with a 600
basis point lifetime interest rate cap and an interest rate floor equal the
initial rate, and amortize over 15 to 25 years. An origination fee of 1 to 2% is
usually charged on multi-family loans. The Bank generally makes multi-family
mortgage loans up to 80% of the appraised value of the property securing the
loan. The Bank may choose to offer initial discount rates depending on market
conditions, but generally the initial interest rate on multi-family real estate
loans has been priced at the applicable U.S. Treasury securities as its index on
newly originated loans. The Bank's originations of multi-family loans have been
limited in recent years.

     Loans secured by multi-family real estate generally involve a greater
degree of credit risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans and
carry larger loan balances. This increased credit risk is a result of several
factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans
and borrowers, the effects of general economic conditions on income producing
properties, and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these
types of loans. Furthermore, the repayment of loans secured by multi-family and
commercial real estate is typically dependent upon the successful operation of
the related real estate property. If the cash flow from the project is reduced,
the borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired.

     Commercial Real Estate Loans. Loans secured by commercial real estate
constituted approximately $29.0 million, or 4.1%, of the Bank's total loan
portfolio at December 31, 1996. The Bank's commercial real estate loans are
secured by improved property such as offices, small business facilities, strip
shopping centers, warehouses and other non-residential buildings. At December
31, 1996, substantially all of the Bank's commercial real estate loans were
secured by properties located within the Bank's market area. At December 31,
1996, the Bank's commercial real estate loans had an average principal balance
of $196,000. At that date, the largest commercial real estate loan had a
principal balance of $2.5 million, secured by an office and retail building
located in Palm Beach, Florida and was currently performing. This was the
largest commercial real estate lending relationship at the Bank and was within
the current loans-to-one borrower limits. Commercial real estate loans currently
are offered with adjustable rates, although in the past the Bank has originated
fixed rate commercial real estate loans. The terms of each commercial real
estate loan are negotiated on a case-by-case basis, although such loans
typically have adjustable interest rates tied to a market index, with a 600
basis point lifetime interest rate cap, and a 200 basis point interest rate
floor below the initial interest rate. The Bank may choose to offer initial
discount rates depending on market conditions. Through December 31, 1993,
commercial real estate loans generally have been priced at the Fourth District
Cost of Funds Index plus 325 basis points. Subsequent to December 31, 1993, the
Bank began using the applicable U.S. Treasuries as its index on newly originated
loans. An origination fee of up to 1 to 2% of the principal balance of the loan
is typically charged on commercial real estate loans. Commercial real estate
loans originated by the Bank generally amortize over 15 to 25 years.

     The Bank's policy is generally to limit commercial real estate loans to
principal balances not exceeding $5.0 million, subject to limited exceptions.

     Loans secured by commercial real estate generally involve a greater degree
of risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans and carry larger
loan balances. This increased credit risk is a result of several factors,
including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and
borrowers, the effects of general economic conditions on income producing
properties, and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these
types of loans. Furthermore, the repayment of loans secured by commercial

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
real estate is typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related
real estate project. If the cash flow from the project is reduced, the
borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired.

     Consumer Loans.  As of December 31, 1996, consumer loans totalled $39.5
million, or 5.6%, of the Bank's total gross loan portfolio. The principal types
of consumer loans offered by the Bank are home equity lines of credit,
adjustable and fixed rate second mortgage loans, automobile loans, unsecured
personal loans, and loans secured by deposit accounts. Consumer loans are
offered on a fixed rate and adjustable rate basis with maturities generally of
less than ten years. The Bank's home equity lines of credit are secured by the
borrower's principal residence with a maximum loan-to-value ratio, including the
principal balances of both the first and second mortgage loans, of 80% or less
(up to 90% if the Bank has a first mortgage on the property). Such loans are
offered on an adjustable rate basis with terms of up to ten years. At December
31, 1996, the disbursed portion of home equity lines of credit totalled $13.7
million, or 34.7% of consumer loans. During 1996 the Bank sought to increase its
consumer loan portfolio primarily by emphasizing the origination of automobile
loans.

     The underwriting standards employed by the Bank for consumer loans include
a determination of the applicant's credit history and an assessment of ability
to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. The stability of
the applicant's monthly income may be determined by verification of gross
monthly income from primary employment, and additionally from any verifiable
secondary income. Creditworthiness of the applicant is of primary consideration;
however, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the
collateral in relation to the proposed loan amount, and in the case of home
equity lines of credit, the Bank obtains a title guarantee or an opinion as to
the validity of title.

     Consumer loans entail greater credit risk than do residential mortgage
loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured or secured
by assets that depreciate rapidly, such as automobiles, mobile homes, boats, and
recreational vehicles. In such cases, repossessed collateral for a defaulted
consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the
outstanding loan and the remaining deficiency often does not warrant further
substantial collection efforts against the borrower. In particular, amounts
realizable on the sale of repossessed automobiles may be significantly reduced
based upon the condition of the automobiles and the lack of demand for used
automobiles. The Bank adds a general provision on a regular basis to its
consumer loan loss allowance, based on general economic conditions and prior
loss experience. See "-Delinquencies and Classified Assets-Non-Performing
Assets," and "Delinquent Loans and Non-Performing Assets-Classification of
Assets" for information regarding the Bank's loan loss experience and reserve
policy.

     Commercial Business Loans.  The Bank currently offers commercial business
loans to finance small businesses in its market area. Historically, the Bank
offered commercial business loans as a customer service to business account
holders. At December 31, 1996, the Bank had 293 commercial business loans
outstanding with an aggregate balance of $18.5 million. The average commercial
business loan balance was approximately $63,000. Commercial business loans are
generally offered with adjustable interest rates only, which are tied to The
Wall Street Journal prime rate, plus up to 300 basis points. The loans are
offered with prevailing terms of five years but which may range up to 15 years.
In addition, the Bank offers Small Business Administration loans.

     Underwriting standards employed by the Bank for commercial business loans
include a determination of the applicant's ability to meet existing obligations
and payments on the proposed loan for normal cash flows generated by the
applicant's business. The financial strength of each applicant also is assessed
through a review of financial statements provided by the applicant.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     Commercial business loans generally bear higher interest rates than
residential loans, but they also may involve a higher risk of default since
their repayment is generally dependent on the successful operation of the
borrower's business. The Bank generally obtains personal guarantees from the
borrower or a third party as a condition to originating its commercial business
loans.

     Loan Originations, Solicitation, Processing, and Commitments. Loan
originations are derived from a number of sources such as real estate broker
referrals, existing customers, borrowers, builders, attorneys, and walk-in
customers. Upon receiving a loan application, the Bank obtains a credit report
and employment verification to verify specific information relating to the
applicant's employment, income, and credit standing. In the case of a real
estate loan, an appraiser approved by the Bank appraises the real estate
intended to secure the proposed loan. A loan processor in the Bank's loan
department checks the loan application file for accuracy and completeness, and
verifies the information provided. All loans of up to $214,600 may be approved
by any one of the Bank's senior lending officers; loans between $214,600 and
$400,000 must be approved by any one of the Bank's designated senior officers;
loans between $400,000 and $650,000 must be approved by at least two of the
Bank's designated senior officers which includes the Chief Executive Officer;
and loans in excess of $650,000 must be approved by at least three members of
the Board of Directors acting as a loan committee. The loan committee meets as
needed to review and verify that management's approvals of loans are made within
the scope of management's authority. Fire and casualty insurance is required at
the time the loan is made and throughout the term of the loan, and upon request
of the Bank, flood insurance may be required. After the loan is approved, a loan
commitment letter is promptly issued to the borrower. At December 31, 1996, the
Bank had commitments to originate $21.8 million of loans.

     If the loan is approved, the commitment letter specifies the terms and
conditions of the proposed loan including the amount of the loan, interest rate,
amortization term, a brief description of the required collateral, and required
insurance coverage. The borrower must provide proof of fire and casualty
insurance on the property (and, as required, flood insurance) serving as
collateral, which insurance must be maintained during the full term of the loan.
Title insurance or an opinion of title, based on a title search of the property,
is required on all loans secured by real property.

     Borrowers who refinance must satisfy the Bank's underwriting criteria at
the time they apply to refinance their loan and have been current in their loan
payments for a minimum of one year. Approximately 20% of the Bank's loan
originations during the year ended December 31, 1996 represented the refinancing
of the Bank's existing loans. Refinancings have resulted in a decrease in the
Bank's interest rate spread. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders.

     During 1996, the Bank in connection with local mortgage brokers began a
mortgage loan broker solicitation program to supplement the Bank's internal
originations of one- to four-family residential loans. Under this program, which
is limited to the origination of one- to four-family residential loans,
prospective borrowers complete loan applications which are provided by mortgage
brokers. The completed applications are forwarded to the Bank. All loans
obtained in this manner are reviewed in accordance with the Bank's customary
underwriting standards. Total originations from all sources under the mortgage
loan broker solicitation program during 1996 were $87.0 million. The Bank may
expand this program in the future.

     During 1994, the Bank entered into an agreement with the wholly-owned
mortgage subsidiary of a major South Florida builder-developer, who has
substantial operations in the Bank's local service area. Under the terms of this
agreement, the mortgage company originates, processes and closes home mortgages

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
resulting from the sale of the developer's inventory of homes. The mortgage
files are sent to the Bank by the mortgage company for review and, if approved
by the Bank, it issues a commitment to purchase the loan from the mortgage
company. Purchases are accomplished by assignment of the mortgage from the
mortgage company to the Bank. The Bank purchased $20.8 million loans from this
provider in 1996.

     The Bank's recently purchased loans are collateralized by properties
located primarily in Florida, although the Bank has in the past purchased loans
collateralized by properties located outside the State of Florida. At December
31, 1996, $36.8 million, or 5.3%, of all loans in the Bank's portfolio, were
purchased from others. Of this amount, $4.3 million represented the Bank's
interest in purchased participations. The Bank's largest loan participation was
a $635,000 interest in a loan secured by one- to four-family residences. The
remaining loan participations consisted of loans secured by one- to four-family
residential properties with an average balance of $14,000.

     Origination, Purchase and Sale of Loans. The table below shows the Bank's
loan origination, purchase and sales activity for the periods indicated.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                            Year Ended December 31, 
                                                               --------------------------------------------
                                                                 1994              1995              1996 
                                                               --------          --------          --------
                                                                              (In Thousands)
<S>                                                            <C>               <C>               <C>
Loan receivable-gross, beginning of period.................    $448,206          $475,331          $561,474

Originations:
  Real estate:
    One- to four-family residential (1)....................      81,935           121,457           187,851
    Land loans.............................................       2,896             3,096             3,207
    Commercial.............................................       5,992             1,082               390
    Multi-family...........................................       1,339             1,611             1,869
  Non-real estate loans:
    Consumer...............................................      12,674            19,185            23,761
   Commercial Business.....................................       2,791             6,838            33,276
                                                               --------          --------          --------
  Total originations.......................................     107,627           153,269           250,354
Transfer of mortgage loans to foreclosed real estate
  and in-substance foreclosure.............................      (2,190)           (1,318)             (593)
Loan purchases.............................................       4,045            12,398            21,153
Repayments.................................................     (79,545)          (75,275)         (115,440)
Loan sales.................................................      (2,812)           (2,931)          (17,017)
                                                               --------          --------          --------
Net loan activity..........................................      27,125            86,143           138,457
                                                               --------          --------          --------
Total loans receivable-gross, end of period................    $475,331          $561,474          $699,931
                                                               ========          ========          ========
</TABLE> 
______________________________________
(1) Includes loans to finance the construction of one- to four-
family residential properties, and loans originated for sale in the 
secondary market.

(2) This table is being presented on a gross loan receivable basis.

   Loan Origination Fees and Other Income. In addition to interest earned on
loans, the Bank generally receives loan origination fees. To the extent that
loans are originated or acquired for the Bank's portfolio, SFAS 91 requires that
the Bank defer loan origination fees and costs and amortize such amounts as an
adjustment of yield over the life of the loan by use of the level yield method.
Fees and costs deferred under SFAS 91 are recognized into income immediately
upon prepayment or the sale of the related loan. At December 31, 1996, the Bank
had $1.1 million of deferred loan origination fees and $2.7 million of deferred
loan origination costs. Such fees vary with the volume and type of loans and
commitments made and purchased, principal repayments, and competitive conditions
in the mortgage markets, which in turn respond to the demand and availability of
money.

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
     The Bank also receives other fees, service charges, and other income that
consist primarily of deposit transaction account service charges, late charges,
credit card fees, and income from REO operations. The Bank recognized fees and
service charges of $2.2 million, $2.7 million and $3.2 million for the fiscal
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996, respectively.

     Loans-to-One Borrower.  Savings associations are subject to the same loans-
to-one borrower limits as those applicable to national banks, which under
current regulations restrict loans to one borrower to an amount equal to 15% of
unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus on an unsecured basis, and an
additional amount equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus if
the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral (generally, financial
instruments and bullion, but not real estate). At December 31, 1996, the Bank's
largest outstanding loan balance to one borrower totalled $4.3 million which was
secured by various residential properties located primarily in Broward County,
Florida. At that date, the Bank's second largest lending relationship totalled
$4.0 million and was secured by various residential properties. The Bank's third
largest lending relationship totalled $3.2 million and was secured by various
residential properties. The Bank's fourth largest lending relationship totalled
$3.0 million and was secured by various residential properties. The Bank's fifth
largest lending relationship totalled $2.8 million and was secured by various
commercial properties. The Bank's regulatory limit on loans-to-one borrower was
$12.3 million at December 31, 1996.

Mortgage-Backed Securities

     The Bank also invests in mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by
the United States Government or agencies thereof. These securities consist
primarily of fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the
Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation ("FHLMC"). Mortgage-backed securities totaled $122.3 million at
December 31, 1996 and had a market value of $123.6 million. Effective December
31, 1993, the Bank implemented SFAS 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities." As a result of the adoption of this accounting
principle, the Bank declared its investment in adjustable rate, mortgage-backed
securities as available for sale. In November 1995, FASB issued "A Guide to
Implementation of SFAS 115 on Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities - Questions and Answers" ("SFAS 115 Q & A Guide"). SFAS 115 Q
& A Guide permits an entity to conduct a one time reassessment of the
classifications of all securities held at that time. On November 28, 1995, in
conformity with the SFAS 115 Q & A Guide, management of the Bank classified all
securities as "Available for Sale". As a result, all such securities are now
presented at fair value, as determined by market quotations. Since the SFAS 115
Q & A Guide cannot be retroactively applied, these fixed-rate securities are
presented at amortized cost for the year ended 1994.
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
     The Bank's objectives in investing in mortgage-backed securities varies
from time to time depending upon market interest rates, local mortgage loan
demand, and the Bank's level of liquidity. The Bank's mortgage-backed securities
are more liquid than whole loans and can be readily sold in response to market
conditions and interest rates. Mortgage-backed securities purchased by the Bank
also have lower credit risk than mortgage loans because principal and interest
are either insured or guaranteed by the United States Government or agencies
thereof.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Year Ended December 31, 
                                                              ------------------------------------------------
                                                                1994               1995                 1996  
                                                              --------           --------             --------
                                                                              (In Thousands)
<S>                                                           <C>                <C>                  <C> 
Mortgage-backed securities at beginning of period...........  $ 75,199           $126,807             $159,761
Purchases...................................................    68,133             45,625                9,962
Sales.......................................................        --                 --              (19,641)
Repayments..................................................   (14,510)           (17,796)             (23,608)
Discount (premium) amortization.............................      (579)               (79)                   3
Increase (decrease) in market value of securities held for
    sale in accordance with SFAS 115........................    (1,436)             5,204               (2,878)
                                                              --------           --------             --------
Mortgage-backed securities at end of period.................  $126,807           $159,761             $123,599
                                                              ========           ========             ========
</TABLE>

     The following table sets forth the allocation of fixed and adjustable rate
mortgage-backed securities for the periods indicated.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                    At December 31, 
                                                             -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   1994                   1995                 1996  
                                                             ----------------       ----------------    ----------------
                                                              $            %         $            %      $            %   
                                                             ---          ---       ---          ---    ---          ---
                                                                                 (Dollars In Thousands)
<S>                                                        <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>
Mortgage-backed securities, net:
  Adjustable:
    FHLMC..............................................    $ 15,799     12.38%    $ 13,244      8.24%    $ 15,900     12.78%
    FNMA...............................................      35,533     27.84       31,250     19.43       29,576     23.76
    GNMA...............................................          --        --           --        --        1,963      1.58
                                                           --------  --------     --------  --------     --------  --------
      Total adjustable.................................      51,332     40.22       44,494     27.67       47,439     38.12
                                                           --------  --------     --------  --------     --------  --------
  Fixed:
    FHLMC..............................................      32,546     25.50       74,052     46.04       56,245     45.20
    FNMA...............................................      15,674     12.28       14,019      8.72       11,771      9.46
    GNMA...............................................      27,255     21.35       27,196     16.91        8,144      6.54
                                                           --------  --------     --------  --------     --------  --------
      Total fixed......................................      75,475     59.13      115,267     71.67       76,160     61.20
                                                           --------  --------     --------  --------     --------  --------
Accrued interest.......................................         834      0.65        1,067      0.66          842      0.68
                                                           --------   -------     --------  --------     --------  --------
  Total mortgage-backed securities, net................    $127,641     100.0%    $160,828    100.00%    $124,441    100.00%
                                                           ========  ========     ========  ========     ========  ========
</TABLE>

Delinquencies and Classified Assets

     Delinquencies.  The Bank's collection procedures provide that when a loan
is 15 days past due, a computer-generated late charge notice is sent to the
borrower requesting payment, plus a late charge. If delinquency continues, at 30
days a delinquent notice is sent and personal contact efforts are attempted,
either in person or by telephone, to strengthen the collection process and
obtain reasons for the delinquency. Also, plans to arrange a repayment plan are
made. If a loan becomes 60 days past due, a collection letter is sent, personal
contact is attempted, and the loan becomes subject to possible legal action if
suitable arrangements to repay have not been made. In addition, the borrower is
given information which provides access to consumer counseling services, to the
extent required by regulations of the Department of Housing and Urban
Development ("HUD"). When a loan continues in a delinquent status for 90 days or
more, and a repayment schedule has not been made or kept by the borrower,
generally a notice of intent to foreclose

                                      12
<PAGE>
 
is sent to the borrower, giving 30 days to cure the delinquency. If not cured,
foreclosure proceedings are initiated.

     Impaired Loans.  A loan is impaired when, based on current information and
events, it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due
according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.

     Non-Performing Assets.  Loans are reviewed on a regular basis and are
placed on a non-accrual status when, in the opinion of management, the
collection of additional interest is doubtful. Loans are placed on non-accrual
status when either principal or interest is 90 days or more past due. Interest
accrued and unpaid at the time a loan is placed on a non-accrual status is
charged against interest income. At December 31, 1996, the Bank had non-
performing loans of $3.3 million, and a ratio of non-performing loans to net
loans receivable of .50%.

     Real estate acquired by the Bank as a result of foreclosure or by the deed
in lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned ("REO") until such
time as it is sold. When real estate is acquired through foreclosure or by deed
in lieu of foreclosure, it is recorded at 
its fair value, less estimated costs of disposal. If the value of the property
is less than the loan, less any related specific loan loss provisions, the
difference is charged against the Bank's earnings. Any subsequent write-down of
REO is also charged against earnings. At December 31, 1996, the Bank had
approximately $93,000 of property acquired as the result of foreclosure and
classified as REO. At December 31, 1996, the Bank had non-performing assets of
$3.4 million and a ratio of non-performing assets to total assets of .39%.

Delinquent Loans and Non-Performing Assets

     The following table sets forth information regarding the Bank's non-accrual
loans delinquent 90 days or more, and real estate acquired or deemed acquired by
foreclosure at the dates indicated. When a loan is delinquent 90 days or more,
the Bank fully reserves all accrued interest thereon and ceases to accrue
interest thereafter. For all the dates indicated, the Bank did not have any
material restructured loans within the meaning of SFAS 15.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 At December 31, 
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                1992       1993      1994       1995      1996   
                                                             --------    --------  --------   --------  --------
                                                                             (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                          <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
Delinquent Loans:
  One- to four-family residential (1).....................     $1,966      $3,091    $1,299     $1,513    $2,637
  Commercial and multi-family real estate.................      1,070         379       335        201       461
  Land....................................................         --          --       159         10        84
  Consumer and commercial business loans..................        263         347       135        140       108
                                                             --------    --------  --------   --------  --------
Total Delinquent loans....................................      3,299       3,817     1,928      1,864     3,290
Total REO and loans foreclosed in-substance...............      3,226         463       608        643        93
                                                             --------    --------  --------   --------  --------
    Total nonperforming assets (2)........................     $6,525      $4,280    $2,536     $2,507    $3,383
                                                             ========    ========  ========   ========  ========

Total loans delinquent 90 days or more to net
  loans receivable........................................       0.75%       0.88%     0.42%      0.35%     0.50%
Total loans delinquent 90 days or more to
  total assets............................................       0.52%       0.56%     0.27%      0.24%     0.38%
Total nonperforming loans, loans foreclosed
  in substance and REO to total assets....................       1.02%       0.63%     0.36%      0.32%     0.39%
</TABLE> 

____________________________________
(1) At December 31, 1996, the Bank had no delinquent or non-performing 
    construction loans. 
 
(2) Net of specific valuation allowances.

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
     During the year ended December 31, 1996, gross interest income of
approximately $192,000 would have been recorded on loans accounted for on a non-
accrual basis if the loans had been current throughout the period. No interest
income on non-accrual loans was included in income during 1996.

     The following table sets forth information with respect to loans past due
60-89 days in the Bank's portfolio at the dates indicated.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                       At December 31,
                                                     --------------------------------------------------
                                                      1992       1993       1994       1995       1996
                                                     ------     ------     ------     ------     ------
                                                                   (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Loans past due 60-89 days:
     One- to four-family residential (1).........  $  4,496   $  1,929   $  1,554   $  1,272   $  2,038
     Commercial real estate and multi-family.....       159        219        100        106         55
     Consumer and commercial business loans......        54         50          7        106         19
     Land loans..................................         -         97         48          1          -
                                                   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
       Total past due 60-89 days.................  $  4,709   $  2,295   $  1,709   $  1,485   $  2,112
                                                   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
</TABLE> 

_____________________________________
(1)     (Includes construction loans)

     Classification of Assets. Federal regulations provide for the
classification of loans and other assets such as debt and equity securities
considered by the OTS to be of lesser quality as "substandard," "doubtful," or
"loss" assets. An asset is considered "substandard" if it is inadequately
protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the
collateral pledged, if any. "Substandard" assets include those characterized by
the "distinct possibility" that the savings institution will sustain "some loss"
if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as "doubtful" have all
of the weaknesses inherent in those classified "substandard," with the added
characteristic that these weaknesses make "collection or liquidation in full,"
on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, "highly
questionable and improbable." Assets classified as "loss" are those considered
"uncollectible" and of such little value that their continuance as assets
without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted. Assets
that do not expose the savings institution to risk sufficient to warrant
classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but which possess some
weaknesses, are designated "special mention" by management.

     When a savings institution classifies problem assets as either substandard
or doubtful, it is required to establish general allowances for loan losses in
an amount deemed prudent by management. General allowances represent loss
allowances that have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated
with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been
allocated to particular problem assets. When a savings institution classifies
problem assets as "loss," it is required either to establish a specific
allowance for losses equal to 100% of the amount of the assets so classified, or
to charge off such amount. A savings institution's determination as to the
classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is
subject to review by the OTS, which can order the establishment of additional
general or specific loss allowances. The Bank regularly reviews the problem
loans in its portfolio to determine whether any loans require classification in
accordance with applicable regulations.

                                      14
<PAGE>
 
     The following table sets forth the aggregate amount of the Bank's
classified assets at the dates indicated.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                           At December 31,     
                                                             ----------------------------------------
                                                               1994             1995            1996
                                                             -------          -------         -------
                                                                          (In Thousands)
<S>                                                        <C>               <C>             <C>
Substandard assets (1)(2).............................     $  5,227          $  5,106        $  3,207
Doubtful assets (2)...................................            -                 -               -
Loss assets (2).......................................           24                58               -
                                                           --------          --------        --------
   Total classified assets (2)........................     $  5,251          $  5,164         $ 3,207
                                                           ========          ========        ========
</TABLE> 

___________________________________________________
(1)     Includes REO and in-substance foreclosures.
(2)     Net of specific valuation allowances.

     The following table sets forth information regarding the Bank's delinquent
loans, REO and loans foreclosed in-substance at December 31, 1996.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
                                                            Balance           Number
                                                            -------           ------
                                                              (Dollars In Thousands)
<S>                                                         <C>               <C>
     Residential real estate:
          Loans 60 to 89 days delinquent.................   $ 2,038              34
          Loans more than 89 days delinquent.............     2,637              32
     Commercial and multi-family real estate:
          Loans 60 to 89 days delinquent.................        55               1
          Loans more than 89 days delinquent.............       461               1
     Land loans:
          Loans 60 to 89 days delinquent.................         -               -
          Loans more than 89 days delinquent.............        84               3
     Consumer and commercial business loans
           60 days or more delinquent....................       127              12
     REO.................................................        93               3
                                                            -------           -------
               Total.....................................   $ 5,495              86
                                                            =======           =======
</TABLE>

     Allowance for Loan Losses. Management's policy is to provide for estimated
losses on the Bank's loan portfolio based on management's evaluation of the
potential losses that may be incurred. The Bank regularly reviews its loan
portfolio, including problem loans, to determine whether any loans require
classification or the establishment of appropriate reserves or allowances for
losses. Such evaluation, which includes a review of all loans of which full
collectibility of interest and principal may not be reasonably assured,
considers, among other matters, the estimated net realizable value (or fair
value, where appropriate) of the underlying collateral. Other factors considered
by management include the size and risk exposure of each segment of the loan
portfolio, present indicators such as delinquency rates and the borrower's
current financial condition, and the potential for losses in future periods.
Management calculates the general allowance for loan losses in part based on
past experience, and in part based on specified percentages of loan balances.
While both general and specific loss allowances are charged against earnings,
general loan loss allowances are added back to capital in computing risk-based
capital under OTS regulations.

     Management will continue to review the entire loan portfolio to determine
the extent, if any, to which further additional loan loss provisions may be
deemed necessary. Management believes that the Bank's current allowance for loan
losses is adequate; however, there can be no assurance that the allowance for
loan losses will be adequate to cover losses that may in fact be realized in the
future or that additional provisions for loan losses will not be required.

                                      15 
<PAGE>
 
     Analysis of the Allowance For Loan Losses. The following table sets forth
the analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               At December 31, 
                                                        -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                          1992         1993         1994         1995         1996 
                                                        -------      -------      -------      -------      -------
                                                                            (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Total net loans receivable outstanding............... $ 437,564    $ 434,967    $ 456,543    $ 532,333    $ 661,700
                                                      =========    =========    =========    =========    =========

Average net loans receivable outstanding............. $ 449,264    $ 434,522    $ 441,573    $ 490,088    $ 605,507
                                                      =========    =========    =========    =========    =========
Allowance balance (at beginning of period)........... $   1,600    $   1,824    $   2,865    $   2,566    $   2,265
Reclassification of valuation allowances
  on in-substance foreclosure........................         -          169            -            -            -
Provision for losses:
     Real estate.....................................       299        1,201           73         (199)         133
     Consumer and commercial business loans..........        31           35           39          (11)          31
Charge-offs:
     Real estate.....................................       (97)        (362)        (229)         (89)        (145)
     Consumer and commercial business loans..........        (9)          (2)        (182)          (2)         (21)
Recoveries:
     Real estate.....................................         -            -            -            -            -
     Consumer and commercial business loans..........         -            -            -            -            -
                                                      ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
               Allowance balance (at end of period).. $   1,824    $   2,865    $   2,566    $   2,265    $   2,263
                                                      =========    =========    =========    =========    =========

Allowance for loan losses as a percent of net
       loans receivable at end of period.............      0.42%        0.66%        0.56%        0.43%        0.34%
Net loans charged off as a percent of average
     loans outstanding...............................      0.02%        0.08%        0.10%        0.02%        0.03%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total
     non-performing loans at end of period (1).......     55.29%       75.06%      132.61%      121.51%       68.78%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total
     non-performing loans, REO and in-substance
     foreclosures at end of period (1)...............     27.95%       66.94%      100.90%       90.35%       66.89%
</TABLE> 


- ---------------------------------
(1)     Net of specific reserves.

     Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth the
allocation of allowance for loan losses by loan category for the periods
indicated. Management believes that the allowance can be allocated by category
only on an approximate basis. The allocation of the allowance by category is not
necessarily indicative of future losses and does not restrict the use of the
allowance to absorb losses in any category.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 At December 31, 
                                                           --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               1994                     1995                    1996     
                                                           --------------          --------------          --------------
                                                                  % of Loans               % of Loans             % of Loans
                                                                   In Each                  In Each                In Each
                                                                  Category to              Category to            Category to
                                                       Amount     Total Loans     Amount   Total Loans   Amount  Total Loans
                                                       ------     -----------     ------   -----------  -------   ----------
                                                                                    (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>
Balance at end of period applicable to:
     One- to four-family residential mortgage.......  $ 1,462       83.62%       $ 1,351      84.23%     $ 1,095     83.89%
     Commercial real estate and
          multi-family residential..................      860        9.65            574       8.03          596      6.12
     Land loans.....................................       84        2.29             91       1.92          119      1.70
     Other..........................................      160        4.44            249       5.82          453      8.29
                                                      -------     -------        -------    -------      -------   -------
          Total allowance for loan losses...........  $ 2,566      100.00%       $ 2,265     100.00%     $ 2,263    100.00%
                                                      =======     =======        =======    =======      =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
Investment Activities

     In prior years, the Bank had increased the percentage of its assets held in
its investment portfolio as part of its strategy of maintaining higher levels of
liquidity which improve the Bank's interest rate risk position. During 1995, in
a declining interest rate environment, the Bank began using this excess
liquidity to fund a portion of its loan production. The Bank's investment
portfolio comprises investment securities, FHLB Stock and interest earning
deposits. The carrying value of the Bank's investment securities totaled $41.7
million at December 31, 1996, compared to $43.1 million at December 31, 1995.
The Bank's interest-bearing deposits due from other financial institutions with
original maturities of three months or less, totaled $27.1 million at December
31, 1996, compared to $10.0 million at December 31, 1995.

     The Bank is required under federal regulations to maintain a minimum amount
of liquid assets that may be invested in specified short term securities and
certain other investments. See "Regulation-Federal Regulations-Liquidity
Requirements" below and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources" in the
Annual Report. The Bank generally has maintained a portfolio of liquid assets
that exceeds regulatory requirements. Liquidity levels may be increased or
decreased depending upon the yields on investment alternatives and upon
management's judgment as to the attractiveness of the yields then available in
relation to other opportunities and its expectation of the level of yield that
will be available in the future, as well as management's projections as to the
short term demand for funds to be used in the Bank's loan origination and other
activities.

     Investment Portfolio. The following tables set forth the carrying value of
the Bank's investments at the dates indicated. At December 31, 1996, the market
value of the Bank's investments was approximately $41.7 million. As allowed by
SFAS 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,"
the Bank declared its investment in U.S. Government and agency obligations as
available for sale. As a result, such securities are now presented at fair
value, as determined by market quotations. The market value of investments
includes interest-earning deposits and FHLB stock at book value, which
approximates market value.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  At December 31,     
                                                     ---------------------------------------
                                                        1994           1995           1996  
                                                     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                  (In Thousands)
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>            <C>
U.S. Government and agency obligations............   $ 50,777       $ 26,546       $  8,035
Municipal bonds...................................        422            440            430
Interest-earning deposits.........................     25,063          9,974         27,127
FHLB stock........................................      6,148          6,148          6,148
                                                     --------       --------       --------
          Total investments.......................   $ 82,410       $ 43,108       $ 41,740
                                                     ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>
 

                                      17
<PAGE>
 
     Investment Portfolio Maturities. The following table sets forth the
scheduled maturities, amortized cost, market values and average yields for the
Bank's investment securities at December 31, 1996. At December 31, 1996, the
Bank did not have any investment securities maturing after three years.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                       At December 31, 1996 
                                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         One Year or Less            One to Three Years                          
                                      ----------------------       ----------------------
                                                 Annualized                   Annualized                              Annualized   
                                                  Weighted                     Weighted                      Average   Weighted    
                                       Amortized  Average           Amortized  Average    Amortized  Market   Life in   Average    
                                         Cost      Yield              Cost      Yield       Cost      Value  Years (1)   Yield     
                                       -------   ---------          -------   ---------   ---------  ------  -------   --------    
                                                                                (Dollars in Thousands)                             
<S>                                 <C>         <C>                <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>         
Debt securities:                                                                                                                   
U.S. Government agency securities.. $   2,000        5.82%          $  6,024       6.71%    $  8,024  $  8,035   1.92     6.49%
Municipal bonds....................         -           -                419       5.49          419       430   2.66     5.49
FHLB stock.........................     6,148        7.25                  -          -        6,148     6,148      -     7.25
Interest-earning deposits..........    27,127        5.20                  -          -       27,127    27,127      -     5.20
                                    ---------   ---------          ---------  ---------    --------- --------- ------  -------
          Total.................... $  35,275        5.59%          $  6,443       6.63%    $ 41,718  $ 41,740   1.96     5.75%
                                    =========   =========          =========  =========    =========  ======== ======  =======      

</TABLE> 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)   Total weighted average life in years calculated only on United States
      Government agency securities and municipal bonds.

                                      18
<PAGE>
 
Sources of Funds

     General. Deposits are the major source of the Bank's funds for lending and
other investment purposes. In addition to deposits, the Bank derives funds from
the amortization and prepayment of loans and mortgage-backed securities, the
maturity of investment securities, operations and, if needed, advances from the
FHLB. Scheduled loan principal repayments are a relatively stable source of
funds, while deposit inflows and outflows and loan prepayments are influenced
significantly by general interest rates and market conditions. Borrowings may be
used on a short-term basis to compensate for reductions in the availability of
funds from other sources or on a longer term basis for general business
purposes.

     Deposits. Consumer and commercial deposits are attracted principally from
within the Bank's market area through the offering of a broad selection of
deposit instruments including non-interest-bearing demand accounts, NOW
accounts, passbook savings, money market deposits, term certificate accounts and
individual retirement accounts. Deposit account terms vary according to the
minimum balance required, the period of time during which the funds must remain
on deposit, and the interest rate, among other factors. The Bank regularly
evaluates its internal cost of funds, surveys rates offered by competing
institutions, reviews the Bank's cash flow requirements for lending and
liquidity, and executes rate changes when deemed appropriate. The Bank does not
obtain funds through brokers.

     Deposit Portfolio. The following table sets forth information regarding
interest rates, terms, minimum amounts and balances of the Bank's deposit
portfolio as of December 31, 1996.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
    Weighted                                                                                 Percentage
    Average                                                                                    of Total
 Interest Rate     Minimum Term     Checking and Savings Deposits     Amount     Balances     Deposits
 -------------     ------------     -----------------------------     ------     --------     --------
                                                                              (In Thousands)
 <S>               <C>              <C>                               <C>       <C>           <C>
     0.00  %          None           Non-interest-bearing demand      $1,000    $  26,406        3.80%
     1.01             None           NOW accounts                        100       70,558       10.16
     2.00             None           Passbooks                           100       87,534       12.60
     2.50             None           Money market accounts             2,500       44,012        6.34
     

                                    Certificates of Deposit
                                    -----------------------
     4.75         0 - 3 months      Fixed term, fixed rate             1,000      140,670       20.25
     5.15         3 - 6 months      Fixed term, fixed rate             1,000       90,970       13.09
     5.50        6 - 12 months      Fixed term, fixed rate             1,000      127,272       18.32
     5.81       12 - 36 months      Fixed term, fixed rate             1,000       79,894       11.50
     6.00       36 - 60 months      Fixed term, fixed rate             1,000       27,323        3.93
     6.10       Over 60 months      Fixed term, fixed rate             1,000           79         .01
                                                                                ---------   ---------
                                                                                $ 694,718      100.00%
                                                                                =========   =========
</TABLE>

                                      19
<PAGE>
 
     The following table sets forth the change in dollar amount of savings
deposits in the various types of savings accounts offered by the Bank between
the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Balance     Balance     Deposit     Incr.     Balance     Deposit     Incr.  
                                  12/31/92    12/31/93        %       (Decr)     12/31/94       %       (Decr)  
                                  --------    --------     --------  --------    --------   --------   -------- 
                                                            (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                              <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>         
Noninterest bearing demand
  accounts...................... $  11,043   $  14,630       2.5%   $  3,587     $ 19,551     3.6%   $   4,921
NOW, Super NOW and funds
  transfer accounts.............    65,598      68,380      11.7       2,782       65,025    12.1       (3,355)
Passbook and statement accounts.   101,684     128,530      21.9      26,846       99,198    18.4      (29,332)
Variable rate money market
  accounts......................    68,107      67,661      11.5        (446)      55,516    10.3      (12,145)
Time Deposits:
  Maturing within 12 months.....   279,895     256,560      43.7     (23,335)     243,557    45.3      (13,003)
  Maturing within 12-36 months..    47,290      23,388       4.0     (23,902)      34,405     6.4       11,017
  Maturing beyond 36 months.....         6      27,378       4.7      27,372       20,983     3.9       (6,395)
                                 ---------   --------- ---------   ---------    --------- --------   ---------
      Total..................... $ 573,623   $ 586,527    100.00%   $ 12,904    $ 538,235  100.00%   $ (48,292)
                                 =========   ========= =========   =========    ========= =========  =========  

<CAPTION>
                                   Balance     Deposit     Incr.     Balance     Deposit     Incr.
                                   12/31/95       %       (Decr)    12/31/96        %        (Decr) 
                                   --------    --------  --------   --------     --------   --------
                                                            (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                              <C>           <C>       <C>       <C>            <C>      <C> 
Noninterest bearing demand
  accounts...................... $   21,430      3.6%    $ 1,879   $  26,406        3.8%   $  4,976
NOW, Super NOW and funds
  transfer accounts.............     67,886     11.4       2,861      70,558       10.2       2,672
Passbook and statement accounts.     86,471     14.5     (12,727)     87,534       12.6       1,063
Variable rate money market
  accounts......................     44,677      7.5     (10,839)     44,012        6.3        (665)
Time Deposits:
  Maturing within 12 months.....    294,202     47.4      38,676     358,912       51.7      64,710
  Maturing within 12-36 months..     57,236     12.7      41,018      79,894       11.5      22,658
  Maturing beyond 36 months.....     23,278      2.9      (3,923)     27,402        3.9       4,124
                                  ---------  --------- ---------   ---------  ---------   ---------
      Total..................... $  595,180   100.00%   $ 56,945   $ 694,718     100.00%   $ 99,538
                                  ========= =========  =========   =========  =========   =========
</TABLE> 

                                      20
<PAGE>
 
     The following table sets forth the certificates of deposit in the Bank
classified by rates as of the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      At December 31,     
                                                       ----------------------------------------
                                                          1994            1995           1996 
                                                       ---------       ---------      ---------
Rate                                                                 (In Thousands)
- ----
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>            <C>
1.01 - 2.00%.......................................  $   1,590       $     834      $     949
2.01 - 3.00%.......................................      1,699               2              2
3.01 - 4.00%.......................................     62,823           1,198             20
4.01 - 5.00%.......................................    137,818          49,308         34,308
5.01 - 6.00%.......................................     63,804         205,595        333,998
6.01 - 7.00%.......................................     24,998         109,737         93,788
7.00 - 8.00%.......................................      6,141           8,025          3,079
8.01 - 9.00%.......................................         72              17             64
                                                     ---------       ---------      ---------
                                                     $ 298,945       $ 374,716      $ 466,208
                                                     =========       =========      =========
</TABLE>

     The following table sets forth the amount and maturities of certificates of
deposit at December 31, 1996.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                    Amount Due 
                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Less Than      1-2       2-3        3-4        4-5      After 5
                     One Year     Years     Years      Years      Years      Years      Total 
                    --------    --------  --------   --------   --------   --------  --------
                                                  (In Thousands)
<S>                <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C> 
Rate

1.01 - 2.00%...... $     934    $     15   $      -  $      -    $      -   $     - $     949
2.01 - 3.00%......         -           2          -         -           -         -         2
3.01 - 4.00%......        15           -          5         -           -         -        20
4.01 - 5.00%......    32,673         610        945        48           -        32    34,308
5.01 - 6.00%......   255,478      58,482     11,010     3,888       4,247       893   333,998
6.01 - 7.00%......    30,047      15,739     16,643    13,095      17,620       644    93,788
7.01 - 8.00%......     2,865         161          -         -           -        53     3,079
8.01 - 9.00%......        30          34          -         -           -         -        64
                   ---------   ---------  ---------  --------   --------- --------- ---------
                   $ 322,042    $ 75,043   $ 28,603  $ 17,031    $ 21,867   $ 1,622 $ 466,208
                   =========   =========  ========== ========   ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>

     The following table indicates the amount of the Bank's negotiable
certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more by time remaining until maturity as
of December 31, 1996.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
     Remaining Maturity                                  Amounts 
     ------------------                              --------------
                                                     (In Thousands)
     <S>                                             <C>
     Three months or less...........................  $     12,849
     Three through six months.......................         8,871
     Six through twelve months......................        12,720
     Over twelve months.............................        19,240
                                                      ------------
         Total......................................  $     53,680
                                                      ============    
</TABLE>

                                      21
<PAGE>
 
     The following table sets forth the net changes in the deposit activities of
the Bank for the periods indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Year Ended December 31,     
                                                                 --------------------------------------------------
                                                                    1994                 1995               1996
                                                                 ----------           ----------         ----------
                                                                                    (In Thousands)
<S>                                                             <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Deposits.....................................................   $ 1,903,691         $  2,114,143        $  2,557,621
Withdrawals..................................................     1,966,162            2,076,361           2,480,059
                                                                -----------         ------------        ------------
Net increase (decrease) before interest credited.............       (62,471)              37,782              77,562
Interest credited............................................        14,179               19,163              21,976
                                                                -----------         ------------        ------------
Net increase (decrease) in deposits..........................   $   (48,292)        $     56,945        $     99,538
                                                                ===========         ============        ============
</TABLE>

Borrowings

     Savings deposits are the primary source of funds of the Bank's lending and
investment activities and for its general business purposes. If the need arises,
the Bank, may rely upon advances from the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank
discount window to supplement its supply of lendable funds and to meet deposit
withdrawal requirements. Advances from the FHLB typically are collateralized by
the Bank's stock in the FHLB and a portion of the Bank's first mortgage loans.
At December 31, 1996, the Bank had $82.5 million in FHLB advances outstanding.

     The FHLB functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for the Bank
and other member savings institutions and financial institutions. As a member,
the Bank is required to own capital stock in the FHLB and is authorized to apply
for advances on the security of such stock and certain of its home mortgages and
other assets (principally, securities that are obligations of, or guaranteed by,
the United States) provided certain standards related to creditworthiness have
been met. Advances are made pursuant to several different programs. Each credit
program has its own interest rate and range of maturities. Depending on the
program, limitations on the amount of advances are based either on a fixed
percentage of a member institution's net worth or on the FHLB's assessment of
the institution's creditworthiness. All FHLB advances have fixed interest rates
and mature between two and 10 years.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Year Ended December 31,          
                                                                 ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                    1994                 1995                 1996  
                                                                 ----------           ----------           ----------
                                                                                (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                              <C>                  <C>                   <C>
FHLB advances:
     Maximum month-end balance...............................    $ 86,659             $ 86,168              $ 91,135
     Balance at end of period................................      86,659               85,169                82,517
     Average balance.........................................      28,259               78,368                84,351

Weighted average interest rate on:
     Balance at end of period................................        6.94%                6.86%                 6.74%
     Average balance for period..............................        6.54%                7.00%                 6.79%
</TABLE>


                                      22
<PAGE>
 
Competition

     The Bank's market area in Southeast Florida has a large concentration of
financial institutions, many of which are significantly larger and have greater
financial resources than the Bank, and all of which are competitors of the Bank
to varying degrees. As a result, the Bank encounters strong competition both in
attracting deposits and in originating real estate and other loans. Its most
direct competition for deposits has come historically from commercial banks,
brokerage houses, other savings associations, and credit unions in its market
area, and the Bank expects continued strong competition from such financial
institutions in the foreseeable future. The Bank's market area includes branches
of several commercial banks that are substantially larger than the Bank in terms
of state-wide deposits. The Bank competes for savings by offering depositors a
high level of personal service and expertise together with a wide range of
financial services.

     The competition for real estate and other loans comes principally from
commercial banks, mortgage banking companies, and other savings associations.
This competition for loans has increased substantially in recent years as a
result of the large number of institutions competing in the Bank's market area
as well as the increased efforts by commercial banks to expand mortgage loan
originations.

     The Bank competes for loans primarily through the interest rates and loan
fees it charges and the efficiency and quality of services it provides
borrowers, real estate brokers, and builders. Factors that affect competition
include general and local economic conditions, current interest rate levels, and
volatility of the mortgage markets.

     Based on total assets as of June 1996, the Bank was the second largest
savings institution headquartered in Palm Beach County, and the Bank held
approximately 3.5% of all financial institution deposits in Palm Beach County.

Subsidiary Activities

     The Bank has one active wholly owned subsidiary, Fidelity Realty 
and Appraisal Service, Inc., a Florida corporation ("FRAS"). FRAS is primarily
engaged in providing appraisal services for the Bank and selling the Bank's REO.
At December 31, 1996, the Bank had an equity investment in FRAS of $207,000. For
the year ended December 31, 1996, FRAS had a net loss of $8,000.

     Under FIRREA, SAIF-insured institutions are required to provide 30 days
advance notice to the OTS and FDIC before establishing or acquiring a subsidiary
or conducting a new activity in a subsidiary. The insured institution must also
provide the FDIC and the OTS such information as may be required by applicable
regulations and must conduct the activity in accordance with the rules and
orders of the OTS. In addition to other enforcement and supervision powers, the
OTS may determine after notice and opportunity for a hearing that the
continuation of a savings association's ownership of or relation to a subsidiary
(i) constitutes a serious risk to the safety, soundness or stability of the
savings association, or (ii) is inconsistent with the purposes of FIRREA. Upon
the making of such a determination, the OTS may order the savings association to
divest the subsidiary or take other actions.

Personnel

     As of December 31, 1996, the Bank had 267 full-time and 31 part-time
employees. None of the Bank's employees is represented by a collective
bargaining group. The Bank believes its relationship with its employees to be
good.

                                      23 
<PAGE>
 
Regulation

     As a federally chartered, SAIF-insured savings association the Bank is
subject to examination, supervision and extensive regulation by the OTS, and the
FDIC. The Bank is a member of and owns stock in the FHLB of Atlanta, which is
one of the twelve regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. This
regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities
in which an institution can engage and is intended primarily for the protection
of the insurance fund and depositors.

     The Bank also is subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board") governing reserves to be
maintained against deposits and certain other matters. The Holding Company will
be subject to supervision and regulation by the OTS.

     The OTS regularly examines the Bank and prepares reports for the
consideration of the Bank's Board of Directors on any deficiencies that they may
find in the Bank's operations. The FDIC also examines the Bank in its role as
the administrator of the SAIF. The Bank's relationship with its depositors and
borrowers also is regulated to a great extent by both federal and state laws
especially in such matters as the ownership of savings accounts and the form and
content of the Bank's mortgage documents. Any change in such regulation, whether
by the FDIC, OTS, or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the
Holding Company and the Bank and their operations.

     The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991. The
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA")
primarily addresses the recapitalization of the BIF, which insures the deposits
of commercial banks and savings banks. In addition, FDICIA established a number
of new mandatory supervisory measures for savings associations and banks.

     Standards for Safety and Soundness. FDICIA requires the federal bank
regulatory agencies to prescribe regulatory standards for all insured depository
institutions and depository institution holding
companies relating to: (i) internal controls, information systems and audit
systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) interest rate
risk exposure; (v) asset growth; and (vi) compensation, fees and benefits. The
compensation standards would prohibit employment contracts, compensation or
benefit arrangements, stock option plans, fee arrangements or other compensatory
arrangements that provide excessive compensation, fees or benefits or could lead
to material financial loss. In addition the federal banking regulatory agencies
are required to prescribe by regulation standards specifying: (i) maximum
classified assets to capital ratios; (ii) minimum earnings sufficient to absorb
losses without impairing capital; and (iii) to the extent feasible, a minimum
ratio of market value to book value for publicly traded shares of depository
institutions and depository institution holding companies.

     Financial Management Requirements. Pursuant to FDICIA, in May 1993, the
FDIC adopted rules establishing annual independent audits and financial
reporting requirements for all depository institutions with assets of more than
$500 million, their management and their independent auditors. The rules also
establish new requirements for the composition, duties, and authority of such
institutions' audit committees and boards of directors, effective in fiscal
years beginning after December 31, 1992. Among other things, all depository
institutions with assets in excess of $500 million are required to prepare and
make available to the public annual reports on their financial condition and
management, including statements of management's responsibility under
regulations relating to safety and soundness, and an assessment of the
institution's compliance with internal controls, laws and regulations. The
institution's independent auditors are required to attest to these management
assessments. Each such institution also is required to have an audit committee
composed of independent directors. Audit Committees of large institutions
(institutions with

                                      24 
<PAGE>
 
assets exceeding $3.0 billion) must: (i) include members with banking or related
financial management experience; (ii) have the ability to engage their own
independent legal counsel; and (iii) must not include any large customers (as
defined) of the institution.

     Prompt Corrective Action Regulation. FDICIA establishes a system of prompt
corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized institutions.
Under this system, the OTS and the other banking regulators are required to
establish five capital categories ("well-capitalized," "adequately capitalized,"
"undercapitalized," "significantly undercapitalized" and "critically
undercapitalized") and to take certain mandatory supervisory actions (and are
authorized to take other discretionary actions) with respect to institutions in
the three undercapitalized categories, the severity of which will depend upon
the capital category in which the institution is placed. Generally, FDICIA
requires the requisite banking regulator to appoint a receiver or conservator
for an institution that is critically undercapitalized.

     Under the OTS rule implementing the prompt corrective action provisions, a
savings institution that: (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or
greater, a Tier I (core) risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater and a
leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater; and (ii) is not subject to any written
agreement, order, capital directive or prompt corrective action directive issued
by the OTS, is deemed to be well-capitalized. An institution with a total risk-
based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of
4.0% or greater and a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater, is considered to be
adequately capitalized. A savings institution that has a total risk-based
capital ratio of less than 8.0%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of less than
4.0%, or a leverage ratio that is less than 4.0% is considered to be
undercapitalized. A savings institution that has a total risk-based capital
ratio of less than 6.0%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of
less than 3.0% or a leverage ratio that is less than 3.0%, is considered to be
significantly undercapitalized. A savings institution that has a tangible equity
capital to assets ratio equal to or less than 2.0% is deemed to be critically
undercapitalized. For purposes of the regulation, the term "tangible equity"
includes core capital elements counted as Tier I capital for purposes of the
risk-based capital standards plus the amount of outstanding cumulative perpetual
preferred stock (including related surplus), minus all intangible assets except
certain purchased mortgage servicing rights and qualifying supervisory goodwill.

     FDICIA authorizes the appropriate federal banking agency, after notice and
an opportunity for a hearing, to treat a well-capitalized, adequately
capitalized or undercapitalized insured depository institution as if it had a
lower capital classification if it is in an unsafe or unsound condition or is
engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice. Thus, an adequately capitalized
institution can be subjected to the restrictions on undercapitalized
institutions (provided that a capital restoration plan cannot be required of the
institution) described below and an undercapitalized institution can be
subjected to the restrictions applicable to significantly undercapitalized
institutions described below.

     Under FDICIA, an insured depository institution cannot make a capital
distribution (as broadly defined to include, among other things, dividends,
redemptions and other repurchases of stock) or pay management fees to any person
that controls the institution if thereafter it would be undercapitalized. The
appropriate federal banking agency, however, may (after consultation with the
FDIC) permit an insured depository institution to repurchase, redeem, retire or
otherwise acquire its shares if such action: (i) is taken in connection with the
issuance of additional shares or obligations in at least an equivalent amount;
and (ii) will reduce the institution's financial obligations or otherwise
improve its financial condition. An undercapitalized institution generally is
prohibited form increasing its average total assets. An undercapitalized
institution also generally is prohibited from making acquisitions, establishing
any branches or engaging in any new line of business except in accordance with
an accepted capital restoration plan or with the approval of the FDIC. In
addition, the appropriate federal banking agency is given authority with respect

                                      25

<PAGE>
 
to any undercapitalized depository institution to take any of the actions it is
required to or may take with respect to a significantly undercapitalized
institution as described below if it determines that such actions are necessary
to carry out the purpose of FDICIA.

Federal Regulations

     Regulatory Capital. The capital requirements consist of a "tangible capital
requirement," a "leverage limit" and a "risk-based capital requirement."

     Under the tangible capital requirement, a savings association must maintain
tangible capital in an amount equal to at least 1.5% of adjusted total assets.
Tangible capital is defined as core capital less all intangible assets
(including supervisory goodwill), plus a specified amount of purchased mortgage
servicing rights. Further, the valuation allowance applicable to the write-down
of investments and mortgage-backed securities in accordance with SFAS 115 is
excluded from the regulatory capital calculation.

     The leverage limit adopted by the OTS requires that savings associations
maintain "core capital" in an amount equal to at least 3% of adjusted total
assets. The OTS, however, has proposed an amendment to this requirement that
would increase core capital requirements for nearly all savings associations, as
discussed below. Core capital is defined as common stockholders' equity
(including retained earnings), non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, and
minority interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, plus
purchased mortgage servicing rights valued at the lower of 90% of fair market
value, 90% of original cost or the current amortized book value as determined
under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), and "qualifying
supervisory goodwill," less non-qualifying intangible assets.

     In addition, the OTS has proposed a rule that would limit the amount of
purchased mortgage servicing rights includable as core capital to 50% of such
capital. No assurance can be given as to the final form of such regulation, the
date of its effectiveness, or whether it will differ materially from the
proposal. The proposal, if adopted as proposed, is not anticipated to have any
immediate effect on the Bank.

     In April 1991, the OTS published a proposed amendment to the regulatory
capital requirements applicable to all savings associations to conform to Office
of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") capital regulations applicable to
national banks. Under the OTS proposal, those savings associations receiving a
CAMEL rating of "1", the best possible rating on a scale of 1 to 5, will be
required to maintain a ratio of core capital to adjusted total assets of 3%. All
other savings associations will be required to maintain minimum core capital of
4% to 5% of total adjusted assets. In determining the required minimum core
capital ratio, the OTS will assess the quality of risk management and the level
of risk in each savings association on a case-by-case basis. The OTS did not
indicate in the proposed regulation the standards it will use in establishing
the appropriate core capital requirement for savings associations not rated "1"
under the CAMEL rating system. At December 31, 1996, the Bank's ratio of core
capital to total adjusted assets was 9.2%. The OTS prohibits savings
associations from disclosing their CAMEL ratings.

     A savings association that does not meet the minimum regulatory capital
requirements because of the new core capital requirement will be required to
submit a capital restoration plan to the OTS that sets forth in reasonable
detail the steps the association will take to be in compliance. The capital
plans will be required to be filed within 60 days of the effective date of the
new regulation. If the OTS rejects a savings association's capital plan, the OTS
may require an amended capital plan to be filed, or the OTS can take supervisory
action against the association. The Bank is unable to predict when such
regulation will be adopted, or, if adopted, the final form that such regulation
will take.

                                      26 
<PAGE>
 
     Under the risk-based capital requirement, a savings association must
maintain total capital (which is defined as core capital plus supplementary
capital) equal to at least 8.0% of risk-weighted assets. A savings association
must calculate its risk-weighted assets by multiplying each asset and off-
balance sheet item by various risk factors, which range from 0% for cash and
securities issued by the United States Government or its agencies to 100% for
repossessed assets or loans more than 90 days past due. Supplementary capital
may include, among other items, cumulative perpetual preferred stock, perpetual
subordinated debt, mandatory convertible subordinated debt, intermediate-term
preferred stock, and general allowances for loan losses. The allowance for loan
losses includable in supplementary capital is limited to 1.25% of risk-weighted
assets. Supplementary capital is limited to 100% of core capital.

     Effective January 1, 1994, the OTS has amended its risk-based capital
requirements to require institutions with an "above normal" level of interest
rate risk to exclude certain amounts of capital to take account of such risk in
determining compliance with the risk-based requirements. A savings institution
will be considered to have a "normal" level of interest rate risk if the decline
in the market value of its portfolio equity after an immediate 200 basis point
increase or decrease in market interest rates (whichever leads to the greater
decline) is less than two percent of the current estimated market value of its
assets. The market value of portfolio equity is defined as the net present value
of expected cash inflows and outflows from an institution's assets, liabilities
and off-balance sheet items. The amount of additional capital that an
institution with an above normal interest rate risk would be required to
maintain (the "interest rate risk component") would equal one-half of the dollar
amount by which its measured interest rate risk exceeds the normal level of
interest rate risk. The interest rate risk component would be in addition to the
capital otherwise required to satisfy the risk-based capital requirement. At
December 31, 1996, the OTS had not implemented the interest rate risk component.
Had the interest rate risk component been implemented as originally proposed,
the Bank would not have been required to allocate any of its excess risk-based
capital for interest rate risk purposes at December 31, 1996.

     Certain exclusions from capital and assets are required to be made for the
purpose of calculating total capital, in addition to the adjustments required
for calculating core capital. Such exclusions consist of equity investments (as
defined by regulation) and that portion of land loans and non-residential
construction loans in excess of an 80% loan-to-value ratio (these items are
excluded on a sliding scale through December 31, 1996, after which they must be
excluded in their entirety) and reciprocal holdings of qualifying capital
instruments.

     The OTS and the FDIC generally are authorized to take enforcement action
against a savings association that fails to meet its capital requirements, which
action may include restrictions on operations and banking activities, the
imposition of a capital directive, a cease-and-desist order, civil money
penalties or harsher measures such as the appointment of a receiver or
conservator or a forced merger into another institution. In addition, under
current regulatory policy, a savings association that fails to meet its capital
requirements is prohibited from paying any dividends. Except under certain
circumstances, further disclosure of final enforcement actions by the OTS is
required.

     Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home
Loan Bank ("FHLB") of Atlanta, which is one of the 12 regional FHLBs. As a
member of the FHLB, the Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in the
FHLB of Atlanta in an amount equal to the greater of 1% of its aggregate unpaid
residential mortgage loans, home purchase contracts or similar obligations at
the beginning of each year, or 1/20 (or such greater fraction as established by
the FHLB) of outstanding FHLB advances. At December 31, 1996 the Bank had $6.1
million in FHLB of Atlanta stock, which was in compliance with this requirement.
In past years the Bank has received dividends on its FHLB stock. Over
 
                                      27

<PAGE>
 
the past five years such dividends have averaged 6.50%, and was 7.25% for the
year ended December 31, 1996. Certain provisions of FIRREA require all 12 FHLBs
to provide financial assistance for the resolution of troubled savings
associations and to contribute to affordable housing programs through direct
loans or interest subsidies on advances targeted for community investment and
low- and moderate-income housing projects. These contributions could cause rates
on the FHLB advances to increase and could affect adversely the level of FHLB
dividends paid and the value of FHLB stock in the future.

     Each FHLB serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its
assigned region. It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of
consolidated obligations of the FHLB System. It makes loans to members (i.e.,
advances) in accordance with policies and procedures established by the board of
directors of the FHLB. These policies and procedures are subject to the
regulation and oversight of the Federal Housing Finance Board (the "FHFB").

     FHLB advances must be fully secured by sufficient collateral as determined
by the FHLB. Eligible collateral consists of mortgage loans less than 90 days
delinquent or securities evidencing interests therein, securities (including
mortgage-backed securities) issued, insured, or guaranteed by the federal
government or any agency thereof, FHLB deposits, and to a limited extent, real
estate with readily ascertainable value in which a perfected security interest
may be obtained. Other forms of collateral may be accepted as collateralization
under certain circumstances. All long-term advances are required to be used to
provide funds for residential home financing. In addition, the FHFB has
established standards of community service that members must meet to maintain
access to long-term advances. FHLBs are authorized to make short-term liquidity
advances to solvent associations in poor financial condition but with prospects
of improving, upon the request of the OTS. In addition, pursuant to FHLB
regulations, each FHLB is required to establish programs for affordable housing
that involve interest subsidies from the FHLBs on advances to members engaged
in lending at subsidized interest rates for low- and moderate-income, owner-
occupied housing and affordable housing, and certain other community purposes.

     Qualified Thrift Lender Test. The qualified thrift lender ("QTL") test
requires that a savings institution maintain at least 65% of its total portfolio
assets in "qualified thrift investments" on an average basis in nine out of
every twelve months. For purposes of the test, portfolio assets are defined as
the total assets of the savings institution minus: goodwill and other intangible
assets, the value of property used by the savings institution to conduct its
business and liquid assets not to exceed 20% of the savings institution's total
assets.

     Under the QTL's statutory and regulatory provisions, all forms of home
mortgages, home improvement loans, home equity loans and loans on the security
of other residential real estate and mobile homes as well as a designated
percentage of consumer loans are "qualified thrift investments," as are shares
of stock of the FHLB, investments or deposits in other insured institutions,
securities issued by the FNMA, FHLMC, GNMA or the RTC Financing Corporation and
other mortgage-related securities. Investments in nonsubsidiary corporations or
partnerships whose activities include servicing mortgages or real estate
development are also considered qualified thrift investments in proportion to
the amount of primary revenue such entities derive from housing-related
activities. Also included in qualified thrift investments are mortgage servicing
rights, whether such rights are purchased by the insured institution or created
when the institution sells loans and retains the right to service such loans.

     A savings institution that fails to become, or maintain its status as, a
qualified thrift lender must either become a bank (other than a savings bank) or
be subject to certain restrictions. A savings institution that fails to meet the
QTL test and does not convert to a bank will be: (i) prohibited from making an

                                      28
<PAGE>
 
investment or engaging in activities that would not be permissible for national
banks; (ii) prohibited from establishing any new branch office where a national
bank located in the savings institution's home state would not be able to
establish a branch office; (iii) ineligible to obtain new advances from any
Federal Home Loan Bank; and (iv) subject to limitations on the payment of
dividends comparable to the statutory and regulatory dividend restrictions
applicable to national banks. Also, beginning three years after the date on
which the savings institution ceases to be a qualified thrift lender, the
savings institution would be prohibited from retaining any investment or
engaging in any activity not permissible for a national bank and would be
required to repay any outstanding advances to any FHLB. A savings institution
may requalify as a qualified thrift lender if it thereafter complies with the
QTL test.

     As of December 31, 1996, the Bank was in compliance with the QTL
requirement. At December 31, 1996, 90.6% of the Bank's assets were "qualified
thrift investments."

     Liquidity Requirements. Federally insured savings associations are required
to maintain an average daily balance of liquid assets equal to a certain
percentage of the sum of average daily balances of net withdrawable deposit
accounts and borrowings payable in one year or less. The liquidity requirement
may vary from time to time (between 4.0% and 10.0%) depending upon economic
conditions and savings flows of all savings associations. At the present time,
the required liquid asset ratio is 5.0%.

     For purposes of this ratio, liquid assets include specified short-term
assets (such as cash, certain time deposits, certain bankers' acceptances and
short-term United States Treasury obligations), and long-term assets such as
United States Treasury obligations of more than one and less than five years and
federal agency obligations with a minimum term of 18 months. The regulations
governing liquidity requirements include as liquid assets debt securities hedged
with forward commitments obtained from dealers in United States Government
securities or Associations whose accounts are insured by the FDIC, debt
securities directly hedged with a short financial futures position, and debt
securities that provide the holder with a right to redeem the security at par
value, regardless of the stated maturities of such securities. FIRREA also
authorizes the OTS to designate as liquid assets certain mortgage-related
securities and certain mortgage loans (qualifying as backing for certain
mortgage-backed securities) with less than one year to maturity. Short-term
liquid assets currently must constitute at least 1% of an association's average
daily balance of net withdrawable deposit accounts and current borrowings.
Penalties may be imposed upon associations for violations of the liquidity
requirements. The monthly average liquidity ratio of the Bank for December 1996
was 6.15% and exceeded the then applicable requirement of 5.0%.

     Insurance of Accounts and Regulation by the FDIC. The Bank's deposits are
insured up to $100,000 per insured member (as defined by law and regulation) by
the SAIF. This insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United
States Government. The SAIF is administered and managed by the FDIC. As insurer,
the FDIC is authorized to conduct examinations of and to require reporting by
SAIF-insured associations. It also may prohibit any SAIF-insured association
from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose
a serious threat to the SAIF. The FDIC also has the authority to initiate
enforcement actions against savings associations, after first giving the OTS an
opportunity to take such action.

     The minimum annual deposit insurance premiums are currently assessed at the
rate of .065% of deposits for all SAIF-insured members. The FDIC, however, is
authorized to raise premiums in certain circumstances related to fund losses and
severe economic circumstances and has exercised this authority several times
with respect to premiums paid to the BIF by commercial banks and BIF-member
savings associations.

                                      29
<PAGE>
 
     In September 1996, Congress enacted legislation to recapitalize the SAIF by
a one-time assessment on all SAIF-insured deposits held as of March 31, 1995.
The assessment was 65.7 basis points per $100 in deposits, payable on November
27, 1996. In addition, beginning January 1, 1997, pursuant to the legislation,
interest payments on FICO bonds issued in the late 1980's by the Financing
Corporation to recapitalize the now defunct Federal Savings and Loan Insurance
Corporation will be paid jointly by BIF-insured institutions and SAIF-insured
institutions. The FICO assessment will be 1.29 basis points per $100 in BIF
deposits and 6.44 basis points per $100 in SAIF deposits. Beginning January 1,
2000, the FICO interest payments will be paid pro rata by banks and thrifts
based on deposits (approximately 2.4 basis points per $100 in deposits).

The legislation also provides for the merger of the BIF and SAIF on January 1,
1999 if there are no more savings associations as of that date. Several bills
have been introduced in the current Congress that would eliminate the federal
thrift charter and OTS. The bills would require that all federal savings
associations convert to national banks or state depository institutions by no
later than January 1, 1998 in one bill and June 30, 1998 in the other and would
treat all state savings associations as state banks for purposes of federal
banking laws. Subject to a narrow grandfathering, all savings and loan holding
companies would become subject to the same regulation as bank holding companies
under the pending legislative proposals. Under such proposals, any lawful
activity in which a savings association would be permitted for up to two years
following the effective date of its conversion to the new charter, with two
additional one-year extension which may be granted at the discretion of the
regulator. Additionally, such proposals would grandfather existing thrift
intrastate and interstate branches which were operated as branches or in the
process of being established on January 1, 1997 or January 7, 1997,
respectively. The legislative proposals would also abolish the OTS and transfer
its functions to the federal bank regulators with respect to the institutions
and to the Federal Reserve Board with respect to the regulation of holding
companies. The Company is unable to predict whether the legislation will be
enacted or, given such uncertainty, determine the extent to which the
legislation, if enacted, would affect its business. The Company is also unable
to predict whether the SAIF and BIF funds will eventually be merged.

     Limitations on Capital Distributions. OTS regulations impose limitations on
all capital distributions by savings institutions. Capital distributions include
cash dividends, payments to repurchase or otherwise acquire the savings
association's shares, payments to stockholders of another institution in a cash-
out merger, and other distributions charged against capital. The rule
establishes three tiers of institutions. An institution that exceeds all fully
phased-in capital requirements before and after a proposed capital distribution
("Tier 1 Association") may, after prior notice but without the approval of the
OTS, make capital distributions during a calendar year up to (i) 100% of its net
income to date during the calendar year plus the amount that would reduce by 
one-half its surplus capital at the beginning of the calendar year or (ii) 75%
of its net income over the most recent four-quarter period. Any additional
capital distributions would require prior regulatory approval. An institution
that meets its regulatory capital requirement, but not its fully phased-in
capital requirement before or after its capital distribution ("Tier 2
Association") may, after prior notice but without the approval of the OTS, make
capital distributions of: up to 75% of its net income over the most recent four
quarter period if it satisfies the risk-based capital requirement that would be
applicable to it on January 1, 1993, computed based on its current portfolio; up
to 50% of its net income over the most recent four quarter period if it
satisfies the risk based capital standard that was applicable to it on January
1, 1991, computed based on its current portfolio; and up to 25% of its net
income over the most recent four quarter period if it satisfies its current 
risk-based capital requirement. In computing the institution's permissible
percentage of capital distributions, previous distributions made during the
prior four quarter period must be included. A savings institution that does not
meet its current regulatory capital requirement before or after payment of a
proposed capital distribution ("Tier 3 Association") may not make any capital
distributions without the prior approval of the OTS. In addition, the OTS would
prohibit a proposed capital distribution by any
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
institution, which would otherwise be permitted by the regulation, if the OTS
determines that such distribution would constitute an unsafe or unsound
practice. In addition, FDICIA provides that, as a general rule, a financial
institution may not make a capital distribution if it would be undercapitalized
after making the capital distribution. Also, an institution meeting the Tier 1
capital criteria which has been notified that it needs more than normal
supervision will be treated as a Tier 2 or Tier 3 Association unless the OTS
deems otherwise. A recently proposed OTS rule would amend the capital
distribution regulation to provide that a Tier 1 Association would be permitted
to make capital distributions under the Tier 1 standard or, consistent with the
highest Tier 2 standard, at 75% of its net income to date over the most recent
four quarter period. As of December 31, 1996, the Bank was a Tier 1 Association.

     Investment Limitations. FIRREA generally provides that state-chartered
savings associations may not engage as principal in any type of activity, or in
any activity in any amount not permitted for federally-chartered associations,
or directly acquire or retain any equity investment of a type or amount not
permitted for federally-chartered associations. The FDIC has authority to grant
exceptions from these prohibitions (other than with respect to non-service
corporation equity investments) if it determines no significant risk to the
insurance fund is posed by the amount of the investment or the activity to be
engaged in if the Bank is and continues to be in compliance with fully phased-in
standards. Among activity restrictions applicable to federally-chartered
institutions that are also applicable to the Bank is the prohibition on
investing directly in equity securities or real estate (other than that used for
offices and related facilities or acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure).
In addition, the Bank is authorized to invest directly in service corporation
to a maximum of 2% of the Bank's assets, plus an additional 1% of assets if the
amount over 2% is used for specified community or intercity development
purposes. Federal laws and regulations also impose certain limitations on
operations, including restrictions on loans to one borrower, transactions with
affiliates and affiliated persons and liability growth.

     FIRREA also imposed investment and lending restrictions that are applicable
to all federally- or state-chartered associations. FIRREA provides that no
savings association may invest in corporate debt securities not rated in one of
the four highest rating categories by a nationally recognized rating
organization. FIRREA and FDICIA amend the authority of savings associations to
engage in transactions with affiliates or to make loans to certain insiders, by
making such transactions subject to Sections 23A, 23B, 22(g) and 22(h) of the
Federal Reserve Act. Among other things, these provisions generally require that
these transactions with affiliates be on terms and conditions comparable to
those for similar transactions with non-affiliates. In addition, these affiliate
transactions may be regulated further by the OTS to address safety and soundness
concerns.

     Holding Company Regulation. The Company and the MHC are holding companies
within the meaning of the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933, as amended ("HOLA"). As
such, the Company and the MHC are registered with and is subject to OTS
examination and supervision as well as certain reporting requirements. In
addition, the operations of the Company and the MHC are subject to the
Regulations as well as other regulations promulgated by the OTS from time to
time. As a SAIF-insured subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company, the
Bank is subject to certain restrictions in dealing with the Company and MHC and
with other persons affiliated with the Company and the MHC and will continue to
be subject to examination and supervision by the OTS and the FDIC.

     Transactions with Affiliates. Section 11 of HOLA provides that transactions
between an insured subsidiary of a holding company and an affiliate thereof will
be subject to the restrictions that apply to transactions between banks that are
members of the Federal Reserve System and their affiliates pursuant to Sections
23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B: (i)
limit the extent to

                                      31
<PAGE>
 
which a financial institution or its subsidiaries may engage in "covered
transactions" with an "affiliate," to an amount equal to 10% of the
institution's capital and surplus, and limit all "covered transactions" in the
aggregate with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital and
surplus; and (ii) require that all transactions with an affiliate, whether or
not "covered transactions," be on terms substantially the same, or at least as
favorable to the institution or subsidiary as those provided to a non-affiliate.
The term "covered transaction" includes the making of loans, purchase of assets,
issuance of a guarantee and similar types of transactions. Management believes
that the Bank is in compliance with the requirements of Sections 23A and 23B. In
addition to the restrictions that apply to financial institutions generally
under Sections 23A and 23B, Section 11 of the HOLA places three other
restrictions on savings associations,including those that are part of a holding
company organization. First, savings associations may not make any loan or
extension of credit to an affiliate unless that affiliate is engaged only in
activities permissible for bank holding companies. Second, savings associations
may not purchase or invest in affiliate securities except for those of a
subsidiary. Finally, the Director is granted authority to impose more stringent
restrictions when justifiable for reasons of safety and soundness.

     Extensions of credit by the Bank to executive officers, directors, and
principal stockholders and related interests of such persons are subject to
Sections 22 (g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Subpart A of the
Federal Reserve Board's Regulation O. These rules prohibit loans to any such
individual where the aggregate amount exceeds an amount equal to 15% of an
institution's unimpaired capital and surplus plus an additional 10% of
unimpaired capital and surplus in the case of loans that are fully secured by
readily marketable collateral, and/or when the aggregate amount outstanding to
all such individuals exceeds the institution's unimpaired capital and unimpaired
surplus. These rules also provide that no institution shall make any loan or
extension of credit in any manner to any of its executive officers or directors,
or to any person who directly or indirectly, or acting through or in concert
with one or more persons, owns, controls, or has the power to vote more than 10%
of any class of voting securities of such institution ("Principal Stockholder"),
or to a related interest (i.e., any company controlled by such executive
officer, director, or Principal Stockholder), or to any political or campaign
committee the funds or services of which will benefit such executive officer,
director, or Principal Stockholder or which is controlled by such executive
officer, director, or Principal Stockholder, unless such loan or extension of
credit is made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and
collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with
other persons, does not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or
present other unfavorable features, and the institution follows underwriting
procedures that are not less stringent than those applicable to comparable
transactions by the institution with persons who are not executive officers,
directors, Principal Stockholders, or employees of the institution. A savings
association is therefore prohibited from making any new loans or extensions or
credit to the savings association's executive officers, directors, and 10%
stockholders at different rates or terms than those offered to employees of the
Bank generally. The rules identify limited circumstances in which an institution
is permitted to extend credit to executive officers. Management believes that
the Bank is in compliance with Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve
Act and Subpart A of the Federal Reserve Board's Regulation O.

     The Federal Reserve System. Federal Reserve Board regulations require all
depository institutions to maintain non-interest earning reserves against their
transaction accounts (primarily NOW and Super NOW checking accounts) and non-
personal time deposits. Reserves of 3% must be maintained against total
transaction accounts of $54.0 million or less (after a $4.0 million exemption),
and an initial reserve of 10% (subject to adjustment by the Federal Reserve
Board to a level between 8% and 14%) must be maintained against that portion of
total transaction accounts in excess of such amount. At December 31, 1996, the
Bank was in compliance with these reserve requirements. The balances maintained
to meet the reserve

                                      32
<PAGE>
 
requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve Board may be used to satisfy
liquidity requirements that may be imposed by the OTS. See "-Federal 
Regulations-Liquidity Requirements."

     Savings associations are authorized to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank
"discount window," but Federal Reserve Board regulations require savings
associations to exhaust other reasonable alternative sources of funds, including
FHLB advances, before borrowing from the Federal Reserve Bank.

Federal and State Taxation

     Federal Taxation. For federal income tax purposes, the Company files a
federal income tax return on a calendar year basis. Because the Mutual Holding
Company owns less than 80% of the outstanding common stock of the Bank, it is
not permitted to file a consolidated federal income tax return with the Bank.
Because the Mutual Holding Company has nominal assets other than the stock of
the Bank, it will initially have no material federal income tax liability.

     Under recently enacted legislation, the percentage of taxable income method
has been repealed for years beginning after December 31, 1995, and "large"
associations, i.e., the quarterly average of the association's total assets or
of the consolidated group of which it is a member, exceeds $500 million for the
year, may no longer be entitled to use the experience method of computing
additions to their bad debt reserve. A "large" association must use the direct
write-off method for deducting bad debts, under which charge-offs are deducted
and recoveries are taken into taxable income as incurred. If the Bank is not a
"large" association, the Bank will continue to be permitted to use the
experience method. The Bank will be required to recapture (i.e., take into
income) over a six-year period its applicable excess reserves, i.e, the balance
of its reserves for losses on qualifying loans and nonqualifying loans, as of
the close of the last tax year beginning before January 1, 1996, over the
greater of (a) the balance of such reserves as of December 31, 1987 (pre-1988
reserves) or (b) in the case of a bank which is not a "large" association, an
amount that would have been the balance of such reserves as of the close of the
last tax year beginning before January 1, 1996, had the Bank always computed the
additions to its reserves using the experience method. Postponement of the
recapture is possible for a two-year period if an association meets a minimum
level of mortgage lending for 1996 and 1997.

     If an association ceases to qualify as a "bank" (as defined in Code Section
581) or converts to a credit union, the pre-1988 reserves and the supplemental
reserve are restored to income ratably over a six-year period, beginning in the
tax year the association no longer qualifies as a bank. The balance of the pre-
1988 reserves are also subject to recapture in the case of certain excess
distributions to (including distributions on liquidation and dissolution), or
redemptions of, shareholders.

     Delaware Taxation. As a Delaware holding company doing business in another
state, the Company is exempted from Delaware corporate income tax but is
required to file an annual report with and pay an annual fee to the State of
Delaware. The Company is also subject to an annual franchise tax imposed by the
State of Delaware.

     Florida Taxation. Foreign corporations, like the Company, pay a 5_% tax on
the portion of their net taxable income which is allocable to the State of
Florida.

     The Company has not been audited by the Internal Revenue Service, the State
of Delaware or the State of Florida within the past five years. See Notes 1 and
13 to the Financial Statements.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
Executive Officers of the Registrant

     Listed below is information, as of December 31, 1996, concerning the
Registrant's executive officers. There are no arrangements or understandings
between the Registrant and any of persons named below with respect to which he
or she was or is to be selected as an officer.

     Name                 Age                  Position and Term     
     ----                 ---     --------------------------------------
Vince A. Elhilow          57      President since 1987 and Chief 
                                  Executive Officer since 1992; Director 
                                  of the Bank since 1984

J. Robert McDonald        66      Executive Vice President of the Bank 
                                  as of December; 31, 1994; Manager of 
                                  the Appraisal Department since 1972; 
                                  President of Fidelity Realty & 
                                  Appraisal Service, Inc. since 1982

Richard D. Aldred         52      Executive Vice President as of 
                                  December 31, 1994; Treasurer and Chief 
                                  Financial Officer since 1985

Joseph C. Bova            52      Executive Vice President as of 
                                  December 31, 1994; Lending Operations 
                                  Manager

Robert L. Fugate          48      Executive Vice President as of 
                                  December 31, 1994; Banking Operations 
                                  Manager since 1982

Christopher H. Cook       53      Executive Vice President as of 
                                  December 31, 1996; Corporate Counsel 
                                  since 1996; Director of the Bank since 
                                  1993

David R. Hochstetler      52      Senior Vice President since 1984; 
                                  Director of Marketing since 1980; CRA 
                                  Officer since 1989

Janice R. Newlands        48      Senior Vice President since 1989; 
                                  Director of Human Resources Director 
                                  since 1986

Kenneth B. Stone, Jr.     46      Senior Vice President since 1989; Loan 
                                  Production Manager since 1984

Daniel F. Turk            42      Senior Vice President since 1991; 
                                  Property and Risk Manager since 1983

Patricia C. Clager        61      Vice President since 1990; Corporate 
                                  Secretary since 1987; Assistant to the 
                                  Chairman of the Board

Flora R.  Schmidt         41      Senior Vice President since 1995; 
                                  Banking Administration Manager since 
                                  1984

Joseph B. Shearouse III   39      Senior Vice President since 1995; 
                                  Commercial Loan Manager since 1995

Brian C. Mahoney          36      Senior Vice President since December 
                                  31, 1995; Controller since 1988


                                      34 
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 2.     PROPERTIES

     The Bank conducts its business through its main office located in West Palm
Beach, Florida, and 19 additional full service branch offices located in Palm
Beach and Martin counties. The following table sets forth certain information
concerning the main office and each branch office of the Bank at December 31,
1996. The aggregate net book value of the Bank's premises and equipment was
$18.1 million at December 31, 1996.


LOCATION                   OPENING DATE    OWNERSHIP             ANNUAL
- --------                   ------------    ---------             ------
RENT
- ----

Main Office                  12/22/52     Fee Simple/       $     7,420
218 Datura St.                            Ground Lease
West Palm Beach, Florida

45th St.                     10/23/60     Fee Simple                  -
4520 45th St.
West Palm Beach, Florida

Northlake                    11/15/65     Fee Simple                  -
950 Northlake Blvd
Lake Park, Florida

Forest Hill                   4/05/71     Fee Simple                  -
399 Forest Hill Blvd
West Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach                    6/18/73     Fee Simple                  -
245 Royal Poinciana
Palm Beach, Florida

Century Corners               6/25/73     Fee Simple                  -
4835 Okeechobee Blvd
West Palm Beach, Florida

Singer Island                 2/04/74     Fee Simple                  -
1200 E. Blue Heron
Riviera Beach, Florida

Jupiter/Tequesta              1/26/76     Ground Lease     $     13,250
171 Tequesta Dr
Tequesta, Florida

                                      35
<PAGE>
 
Royal Palm Beach              3/15/76     Fee Simple                  -
100 Royal Palm Beach Blvd
Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Boynton Beach                12/19/77     Lease           $     120,458
1501 Corporate Dr
Boynton Beach, Florida

West Lake Worth              12/03/79     Fee Simple                  -
6535 Lake Worth Rd
Lake Worth, Florida

Wellington                    6/02/80     Fee Simple                  -
12000 W. Forest Hill Blvd
Wellington, Florida

Delray Beach                 10/20/80     Ground Lease     $     68,916.
5017 W. Atlantic Ave
Delray Beach, Florida

Jensen Beach                  9/14/81     Fee Simple                  -
1021 NE Jensen Beach Blvd
Jensen Beach, Florida

Bear Lakes                    5/15/89     Lease           $     192,286
701 Village Blvd
West Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach Gardens            5/20/91     Lease           $     143,523
10973 N. Military Tr
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Kanner/Monterey               7/06/93     Fee Simple                  -
2401 S. Kanner Highway
Stuart, Florida

Stuart                       12/13/93     Fee Simple                  -
2980 South Federal Highway
Stuart, Florida

West Forest Hill              9/30/96     Fee Simple                  -
3989 Forest Hill Blvd.
West Palm Beach, Florida

     The Bank's accounting and record keeping activities are maintained on the
Florida Informanagement Services, Inc. (FIS) service bureau system. FIS is owned
by its participating members, of which the Bank is one. The Bank's investment in
FIS at December 31, 1996 was $96,000, which 

                                      36
<PAGE>
 
represented a 9.88% interest in the Company. The Bank also owns data processing
equipment it uses for its internal processing needs. The net book value of such
data processing equipment and related software at December 31, 1996, was
approximately $950,000.

ITEM 3.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
- -----------------------------

     There are various claims and lawsuits in which the Bank is periodically
involved incident to the Bank's business. In the opinion of management, no
material loss is expected from any of such pending claims or lawsuits.

ITEM 4.     SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------

     No matters were submitted during the fourth quarter of the year ended
December 31, 1996 to a vote of security holders.

                                    PART II

ITEM 5.     MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
            STOCKHOLDER MATTERS                             
- ------------------------------------------------------------

     For information concerning the market for the Registrant's common stock,
the section captioned "Stockholder Information" of the Registrant's Annual
Report to Stockholders for the Year Ended December 31, 1996 (the "Annual Report
to Stockholders") is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 6.     SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------

     The "Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data" section of the
Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7.     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
            CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                
- -------------------------------------------------------------

     The "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" section of the Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders
is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 8.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------

     The financial statements identified in Item 14(a)(1) hereof are
incorporated by reference hereunder.

ITEM 9.     CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
            ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
- ------------------------------------------------------------

     There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants in the
Registrant's accounting and financial disclosure during 1996.

                                      37 
<PAGE>
 

                                   PART III

ITEM 10.     DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
- -----------------------------------------------------

     Information concerning Directors of the Registrant is incorporated herein
by reference from the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement dated March 15,
1997 (the "Proxy Statement"), specifically the section captioned "Proposal I-
Election of Directors." In addition, see Item 1. "Executive Officers of the
Registrant" for information concerning the Company's executive officers.

ITEM 11.     EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
- -----------------------------------

     Information concerning executive compensation is incorporated herein by
reference from the Registrant's Proxy Statement, specifically the sections
captioned "Proposal I-Election of Directors-Executive Compensation," "-
Directors' Compensation," and "-Benefits."

ITEM 12.     SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
             AND MANAGEMENT                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------

     Information concerning security ownership of certain owners and 
management is incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Proxy
Statement.

ITEM 13.     CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
- ---------------------------------

     Information concerning relationships and transactions is incorporated
herein by reference from the Registrant's Proxy Statement.

                                  PART IV

ITEM 14.     EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND
             REPORTS ON FORM 8-K                         
- --------------------------------------------------------

             The exhibits and financial statement schedules filed as a 
             part of this Form 10-K are as follows:

     (a)(1)  Financial Statements
             --------------------

             *  Independent Auditors' Report
             *  Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition,
                  December 31, 1995 and 1996
             *  Consolidated Statements of Operations,
                  Years Ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996
             *  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' 
                  equity, Years Ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996
             *  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows,
                  Years Ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996
             *  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      38

<PAGE>
 
     (a)(2)  Financial Statement Schedules
             -----------------------------

             No financial statement schedules are filed because the required
             information is not applicable or is included in the consolidated
             financial statements or related notes.

     (a)(3)  Exhibits
             --------

             3.1  Federal Stock Charter of Fidelity Federal Savings Bank 
                  of Florida (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
                  2(C)(5) of the Bank's Form MHC-1, as amended)

             3.2  Bylaws of Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida
                  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(C)(6) of the Bank's
                  Form MHC-1, as amended)

             4      Common Stock Certificate of the Bank (Incorporated by
                    reference to Exhibit 2(B)(1) of the Bank's Form MHC-1, as
                    amended)

             10.1   Incentive Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to
                    Exhibit 2(D)(6) of the Bank's Form MHC-1, as amended)

             10.2   Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (Incorporated by
                    reference to Exhibit 2(D)(7) of the Bank's Form MHC-1, as
                    amended)

             10.3   Employment Agreement with Vince A. Elhilow, President and
                    Chief Executive Officer (Incorporated 

                    by reference to Exhibit 2(D)(1) of the Bank's Form 10-K
                    filed on March 29, 1994)

             10.4   Recognition and Retention Plan for Employees (Incorporated
                    by reference to Exhibit 2(D)(4) of the Bank's Form MHC-1, as
                    amended)
                   
             10.5   Recognition and Retention Plan for Outside Directors
                    (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(D)(5) of the Bank's
                    Form MHC-1, as amended)

             10.6   Employee Severance Compensation Plan (Incorporated by
                    reference to Exhibit 2(D)(2) of the Bank's Form MHC-1, as
                    amended)

             10.6.A Severance Agreement between the Bank and Richard D. Aldred,
                    Executive Vice President (Incorporated by reference to
                    Exhibit 10.6A of the Bank's Form 10-K filed on March 29,
                    1994)

                                      39
<PAGE>
 
             10.6.B Severance Agreement between the Bank and Joseph C. Bova,
                    Executive Vice President

             10.6.C Severance Agreement between the Bank and Robert L. Fugate,
                    Executive Vice President

             10.7   Employee Stock Ownership Plan (Incorporated by reference to
                    Exhibit 2(D)(3) of the Bank's Form MHC-1, as amended)

             10.8   Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida Senior Management
                    Performance Incentive Award Plan (Incorporated by reference
                    to Exhibit 2(D)(8) of the Bank's Form MHC-1, as amended)

              13    1996 Annual Report to Stockholders

              21    Subsidiaries of the Registrant

              99.1  Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders  

     (b)      Reports on Form 8-K:
              -------------------
              
              The Registrant filed no Current Report on Form 8-K during the
              fourth quarter of fiscal 1996.
              
     (c)      The exhibits listed under (a)(3) above are filed herewith.
              
     (d)      Not applicable.             

                                      40
<PAGE>
 
                               SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                   FIDELITY BANKSHARES, INC.

Date:  March 25, 1997              By: /s/ Vince A. Elhilow 
                                       -----------------------------
                                       Vince A. Elhilow
                                       President and Chief 
                                       Executive Officer

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange of 1934, 
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of 
the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

By: /s/ Vince A. Elhilow           By: /s/ Richard D. Aldred 
    -----------------------------      ---------------------------------
    Vince A. Elhilow President         Richard D. Aldred, Executive Vice
    and Chief Executive Officer        President, Chief Financial
                                       Officer and Treasurer
   (Principal Executive Officer)      (Principal Financial and 
                                       Accounting Officer)

Date:  March 25, 1997                  Date:  March 25, 1997


By: /s/ Joseph B. Shearouse        By: /s/ Keith D. Beaty
    -----------------------------      ---------------------------------
    Joseph B. Shearouse, Jr.,          Keith D. Beaty, Director
    Chairman of the Board

Date:  March 25, 1997                  Date:  March 25, 1997


By: /s/ F. Ted Brown               By: /s/ Christopher H. Cook 
    -----------------------------      ---------------------------------
     F. Ted Brown, Jr., Director       Christopher H. Cook, Director

Date:  March 25, 1997                  Date:  March 25, 1997


By: /s/ Donald E. Warren 
    -----------------------------
    Donald E. Warren, Director

Date:  March 25, 1997

<PAGE>
 

                                  EXHIBIT 13

                      1996 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

<PAGE>
 


               [LOGO OF FIDELITY BANKSHARES, INC. APPEARS HERE]


                                 Annual Report
                                     1996

<PAGE>
 


                               Table of Contents




Message from the President & CEO..................................  2

Our Community - Watch Us Grow.....................................  4

Financial Highlights..............................................  6
Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Financial Condition and Results of Operations................  8

Independent Auditors' Report...................................... 20

Consolidated Financial Statements................................. 21

Management's Assertions
  as to the Effectiveness of its Internal Control
  Structure over Financial Reporting and
  Compliance with Designated Laws and
  Regulations..................................................... 46

Independent Accountants' Report................................... 47

Board of Directors and Officers................................... 48

Office Locations.................................................. 50

Corporate Information.............................. Inside Back Cover
<PAGE>
 
               A Message From the President & CEO



[PHOTO OF VINCE A. ELHILOW APPEARS HERE]

Vince A. Elhilow
President
Chief Executive Officer


To our stockholders:

Our message this year is one of exciting new opportunities. We have important
developments to report on a number of fronts; including our new mid-tier stock
holding company, rapid growth in deposits, loans and assets, and many exciting
new services.

Before addressing these developments, however, we must acknowledge that our
satisfaction is tempered by a sense of loss, resulting from the passing of
Director Fred DeHon. Mr. DeHon had been a member of our board of directors since
1978, and a resident of this area since the very earliest days of our bank.
Those of us who were privileged to work with him will miss his wisdom and
guidance. For those who did not know him, I urge you to read the memorial on
page 48, where you can learn more about the remarkable life of this esteemed
leader and friend. Following Mr. DeHon's death, the board of directors voted to
reduce the size of its membership to six.

During 1996, Fidelity Federal took a leadership position in the industry,
becoming the first federally chartered mutual holding company to form a mid-tier
stock holding company. As a result of the reorganization, Fidelity Federal
Savings Bank is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fidelity Bankshares, Inc., a
Delaware corporation. Fidelity Bankshares, Inc., in turn, is now majority-owned
by Fidelity Bankshares, MHC, the mutual holding company parent. As part of this
reorganization, each share of the Bank's outstanding common stock was
automatically converted into one share of Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. common
stock.

The reorganization into a two-tier structure provides us with greater
flexibility. We now have broader investment capability, including the
possibility of repurchasing Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. common stock. In addition,
through Fidelity Bankshares, Inc., we are better positioned to take advantage of
other business opportunities which may arise. The increased flexibility this
structure offers should benefit our stockholders and further enhance stockholder
value.

The overall positive outlook for the Bank is reflected in the continuing growth
of both assets and deposits in 1996, including a substantial increase in volume
in all loan categories. As of December 31, 1996, total assets stood at just
under $874 million, an increase of 12.0 percent over the previous year. The most
notable aspect of this achievement was the $100 million increase in overall loan
volume that was achieved during the year. Total mortgage volume increased by
53.5 percent to more than $214 million. As we continue to operate more like a
Commercial Bank, our consumer lending increased by 47 percent and our commercial
loans increased 367 percent. Concurrent with this growth in assets, total
deposits increased to more than $694 million, a 16.7 percent increase over
1995's year-end figure.

In terms of return to investors, Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. continues to
outperform the market. The chart on the top of page three analyzes the Bank's
total return performance compared to other U.S.-based NASDAQ stocks, other banks
of comparable size, and all OTC-traded banks. In each case, Fidelity Bankshares,
Inc. compares quite favorably.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 

                           Total Return Performance
                  Based on the combined effect of dividends 
                       and appreciation in stock value.


[LINE CHART APPEARS HERE]

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                       Period Ending

                       -------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>       <C> 
Index                       1/7/94  9/30/94  6/30/95  3/31/96   12/31/96

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

Fidelity Federal Savings    100.00   145.37   129.86   159.23     221.11

Nasdaq - Total US           100.00    98.22   121.07   143.73     168.90

Banks ($500M to $1B)        100.00   111.15   117.94   151.00     177.70

OTC Traded Banks            100.00   107.59   119.76   155.85     197.66
</TABLE> 


We believe this excellent performance reflects the energy and dedication of our
officers and employees, as well as the underlying strength of the South Florida
economy. Because of our confidence in this market area, we continue to enhance
our services to the community, both in terms of
new offices and new products. In 1996 we moved both our West Boynton Beach and
West Forest Hill Offices into new full-service facilities, and also opened our
first loan production office (LPO) to serve the fast-growing south Palm Beach
County and northern Broward County markets. We later established a satellite LPO
in Coral Springs to better serve northern Broward County. Later this year we
will open a new office in Jupiter, and several other offices are planned during
the next few years.

We continue to expand our ATM network to better serve our customers. In late
1996 we began service with our first remote ATM at the South Florida
Fairgrounds. This venture was the result of our commercial banking relationship
with the South Florida Fair. Five more ATMs are planned for 1997, bringing our
network to fourteen.

We are very excited about several innovative new products introduced during the
year. These include our new PC Banking, Telephone Bill Pay services, and the
Visa Check Card. We believe these services are an added convenience, using
technology for our customers' benefit. Other new products include the Eagle
Account, a personal investment account, as well as the Business Reserve Account
which is designed to enhance business customers' ability to manage their cash
flow. Additionally, the Bank established a Worldwide Website - www.fidfed.com -
to provide information to customers.

Another innovative addition is our new Count On Us Checking account, which
offers a large number of "value-added" features such as discounts at local
merchant stores. This account has attracted many new depositors, and enhanced
our relationships with local business partners who offer discounts under the
program.

As we continue to enhance our competitive position by diversifying our
portfolio, we recognize we must remain true to those attributes which have made
Fidelity Federal what it is today. We are committed to our role as a local
community bank, as we have been for nearly 45 years. Moreover, we are committed
to returning maximum value to our shareholders by continuing to focus on our
strengths, while using our enhanced flexibility to respond quickly to new
opportunities as they arise.


/S/VINCE A. ELHILOW
Vince A. Elhilow
President and Chief Executive Officer

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
Our Community - Watch Us Grow

Founded in 1952, Fidelity Federal is now in its 45th year as a leading financial
institution located in Palm Beach and Martin counties in south Florida. When the
Bank first opened its doors, the area was still considered a winter resort, with
its population and economy changing drastically with the change of seasons. Now,
in the 1990s, the area has developed a vibrant year-round economy.


Fidelity Federal has grown with the community, and now has a network of 20
offices, with more to come. The Bank staff is working to meet the challenges of
the rapidly changing community as we look to the beginning of the 21st century.

The 1995 estimated population of Palm Beach and Martin counties was just over 1
million people. By the year 2010, the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic
and Business Research projects the area will be home to more than 1.4 million
people - an increase of 32.2% in just 15 years!

Even more important than the population growth rate are the desirable
demographic and economic characteristics of the communities we serve. Among all
counties in Florida, Palm Beach and Martin counties have ranked among the top
three in per capita income in each of the past 10 years, and for seven of those
years they ranked first and second. Moreover, these counties continually post
income figures that are among the highest of all metropolitan areas in the
nation.


[GRAPHIC PHOTO OMITTED: PALM TREES AND A FOUNTAIN]


CityPlace's Church Plaza
Illustration provided by
City Place Partners

One of the facets of the growth is urban revitalization, with a prime example
being CityPlace in downtown West Palm Beach. Planned for construction on
formerly blighted parcels of land adjacent to a major thoroughfare, CityPlace
has a mixed-use urban plan combining cultural activities, retail stores, fine
restaurants, entertainment and

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
residential living. The area will complement the existing fine arts center with
an opera house and convention center with hotel. Current plans call for 480,000
square feet for residential use, including 582 residential units. Leasing for
CityPlace has begun and will continue through 1997, with groundbreaking
scheduled for 1998 and the initial phase completed in 1999.

Downtown West Palm Beach has been home to Fidelity Federal's headquarters and
main office for nearly 45 years. The Bank will be in a prime position to serve
the banking needs of CityPlace's future merchants, retailers and residents.


[GRAPHIC PHOTO OMITTED: TREELINED STREET WITH BUILDINGS]

ABACOA's Workplace Campus
Illustration provided by
de Guardiola Development, Inc.


Another example of the growth is illustrated by the development of previously
rural land in Jupiter (northern Palm Beach County) into the 2,000-acre community
of ABACOA. This community received its initial approval in 1996, with more than
2,000 residential units expected by 1999 and a total of more than 6,000 units at
completion. Office space will encompass 2.2 million square feet, with an
additional 1 million square feet planned for regional, community and
neighborhood retail. ABACOA will also be home of the 135-acre northern campus of
Florida Atlantic University, an 18-hole championship golf course, a 23-acre
municipal recreation facility, and a 7,500 seat baseball stadium, which will be
the spring training facility for two major league baseball clubs.

Fidelity Federal has been one of the major lenders in northern Palm Beach County
for over 40 years. The ABACOA community will offer another tremendous
opportunity for future expansion.

Ambitious, long-term projects such as these are excellent examples of the
outstanding long-term potential to be found in the Palm Beaches. As a leading
local financial institution, Fidelity Federal is ideally positioned to play an
active role in such endeavors, and to continue building on its consistent record
of loan and deposit growth.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
Financial Highlights

On January 7, 1994, Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida completed a
reorganization from a mutual savings bank, into a stock savings bank, with the
majority of its shares owned by a mutual holding company. As a result, certain
comparative, stockholder data is unavailable prior to 1994.

On January 29, 1997, Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida consummated a tax-
free reorganization, by becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of a Delaware
chartered, stock holding company known as Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. Each
stockholder's common stock in Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida was
converted into shares of common stock in Fidelity Bankshares, Inc., in the same
proportionate ownership interest the stockholder held before the reorganization.
In addition, the reorganization was accounted for in the same manner as a
pooling of interests transaction. Consequently, the consolidated financial
statements required no accounting adjustments.

Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. common stock currently trades on the Nasdaq National
Market system under the symbol "FFFL" as Fidelity Federal's did before the
reorganization.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                         1992         1993       1994        1995         1996
FOR THE YEAR (In Thousands)
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>
Interest income                                         $50,387      $44,755    $43,420     $53,261      $60,240
Interest expense                                         23,171       18,415     17,776      28,095       32,131
Net interest income                                      27,216       26,340     25,644      25,166       28,109
Net income                                                8,554        6,497      5,262       4,815        3,550

PER COMMON SHARE (1)
Net Income:
     Primary                                               N/A          N/A       $0.80       $0.73        $0.53
     Fully diluted                                         N/A          N/A        0.80        0.73         0.53
Book value                                                 N/A          N/A       11.35       12.31        12.12
Stock price:
     High                                                  N/A          N/A       13.64       17.00        18.50
     Low                                                   N/A          N/A        9.09       10.23        11.75
     Close                                                 N/A          N/A       10.00       16.25        17.75


AVERAGE FOR THE YEAR (In Thousands)                         
Assets                                                 $623,814     $658,463   $669,506    $741,777     $824,025
Loans receivable, net                                   449,264      434,522    441,573     490,088      605,507
Mortgage-backed securities                               60,685       75,325     83,550     145,405      135,973
Investments (2)                                          78,642       95,284    103,715      63,605       35,530
Deposits                                                563,516      568,470    553,184     567,493      636,297
Borrowed funds                                            8,254       15,758     30,231      79,905       85,608
Stockholders' equity                                     35,725       43,394     72,546      77,356       81,339

SELECTED PERFORMANCE RATIOS
Return on average assets                                   1.37%         .99%       .79%        .65%         .43%
Return on average equity                                  23.94%       14.97%      7.25%       6.22%        4.36%
Interest rate spread on average assets                     4.57%        4.25%      3.85%       3.28%        3.30%

YEAR END (In Thousands)
Total assets                                           $638,183     $678,928   $712,643    $779,620     $873,562
Investments (2)                                          95,505      127,154     82,410      43,108       41,740
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions        18,098       15,205     19,275      14,989       15,293
Loans receivable, net                                   437,564      434,967    456,543     532,333      661,700
Mortgage-backed securities                               64,558       75,199    126,807     159,761      123,599
Deposits                                                573,623      586,527    538,235     595,180      694,718
Borrowed funds                                           12,412       15,934     88,319      86,549       83,621
Equity                                                   40,002       46,786     74,404      81,266       81,723
</TABLE> 

(1) All per share items retroactively adjusted to reflect 10% stock dividend
    distributed November 30, 1995.

(2) Includes Government and Agency securities, interest-bearing deposits and
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 




                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

General

On April 25, 1996, Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida (the "Bank") adopted
an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, (the "Plan") whereby the Bank would
become a wholly-owned subsidiary of a stock holding company, Fidelity
Bankshares, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation. Pursuant to the Plan,
the Bank's mutual holding company parent would continue to own a majority of the
Company's outstanding common stock. In addition, as part of the Plan, each share
of the Bank's outstanding stock would be converted into one share of Fidelity
Bankshares, Inc. common stock. Consequently, following the reorganization, each
stockholder of the Bank would have the same ownership interest in Fidelity
Bankshares, Inc. as the stockholder had in the Bank. In November, 1996, the Bank
received regulatory approval to proceed with the reorganization and on January
21, 1997, the Bank's stockholders approved the Plan. On January 29, 1997, the
transaction was consummated, resulting in the Company owning all the outstanding
common stock of the Bank.

The reorganization, which has been accounted for in the same manner as a pooling
of interests merger, will not result in any significant accounting adjustments.

The Company conducts no business other than holding the common stock of the
Bank. Consequently, its net income is derived from the Bank's, which is
primarily dependent on its net interest income, which is the difference between
interest income earned on its investments in mortgage loans and mortgage-backed
securities, other investment securities and loans, and its cost of funds
consisting of interest paid on deposits and borrowings. The Bank's net income
also is affected by its provision for loan losses, as well as by the amount of
other income, including income from fees and service charges, net gains and
losses on sales of investments, and operating expense such as employee
compensation and benefits, deposit insurance premiums, occupancy and equipment
costs, and income taxes. Earnings of the Bank also are affected significantly by
general economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in market
interest rates, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities, which
events are beyond the control of the Bank. In particular, the general level of
market rates tends to be highly cyclical. In periods of high interest rates,
earnings of the Bank are likely to be depressed, which in turn would be likely
to have a detrimental effect on the market value of any investment in the Bank's
common stock. In addition, legislative and regulatory actions may result in
diminishing the value of any investment in the Bank.

Business Strategy

The Bank's current business strategy is to operate as a well-capitalized,
profitable and independent community-oriented savings bank dedicated to
providing quality customer service. Generally, the Bank has sought to implement
this strategy by emphasizing retail deposits as its primary source of funds and
maintaining a substantial part of its assets in locally-originated residential
first mortgage loans, in mortgage-backed securities and in other liquid
investment securities. Specifically, the Bank's business strategy incorporates
the following elements: (1) operating as a community-oriented financial
institution, maintaining a strong core customer base by providing quality
service and offering customers the access to senior management and services that
a community-based institution can offer; (2) maintaining high levels of asset
quality by emphasizing investment in residential mortgage loans, mortgage-backed
securities and other securities issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government or agencies thereof; (3) managing interest rate risk exposure by
maintaining adequate levels of liquidity, while achieving desirable levels of
profitability; and (4) maintaining capital in excess of regulatory requirements
and growing only to the extent that adequate capital levels and asset quality
can be maintained.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Highlights of the Bank's business strategy are as follows:

Community-Oriented Institution. The Bank is the second largest savings
institution headquartered in Palm Beach County, which in recent years has
experienced a significant influx of commercial banks and offices of savings
institutions headquartered outside of Florida. The Bank is committed to meeting
the financial needs of the communities in which it operates. The Bank believes
it is large enough to provide a full range of personal and business financial
services, and yet is small enough to be able to provide such services on a
personalized and efficient basis. Management believes that the Bank can be more
effective in servicing its customers than many of its non-local competitors
because of the Bank's ability to quickly and effectively provide senior
management responses to customer needs and inquiries. The Bank's ability to
provide these services is enhanced by the stability of the Bank's senior
management. The Bank intends to maintain its operation as a community-oriented,
independent savings institution.

Asset Quality and Emphasis on Residential Mortgage Lending. Since its inception,
the Bank has emphasized residential real estate financing as a portfolio lender,
and anticipates a continued commitment to financing the purchase or improvement
of residential real estate in its market area. To supplement local mortgage loan
originations, the Bank also invests in mortgage-backed securities that are
issued or guaranteed by the United States Government or agencies thereof. At
December 31, 1996, 83.3% of the Bank's total gross loan portfolio consisted of
one- to-four family residential mortgage loans, including residential
construction loans, and 15.1% of the Bank's total assets consisted of mortgage-
backed securities and investments that are issued or guaranteed by the United
States government or agencies thereof.

Generally, the yield on mortgage loans originated by the Bank is greater than
that of mortgage-backed securities purchased by the Bank. However, due to the
highly competitive market in which the Bank operates, the Bank may, from time to
time, not be able to originate a sufficient number of new mortgage loans to
offset the amortization and prepayments of its existing loan portfolio. In
addition, new real estate development opportunities in the Bank's market area
may diminish, as well as the adoption of growth controls by local governments,
which could further diminish lending opportunities of the Bank in the future. As
a result of these factors, new loan originations could be reduced in the future,
which may require the Bank to increase its investment in mortgage-backed
securities.

The percentage of small commercial business loans and consumer loans in the
Bank's portfolio has been below the levels of its peers. As a 
result, the Bank's yield on its loan portfolio has been below peer levels. The
Bank has begun to expand its offering of commercial and consumer loan services,
but expects to continue to adhere to the Bank's relatively conservative loan
underwriting standards.

Interest Rate Risk Management. Deposit accounts typically react more quickly to
changes in market interest rates than interest-earning assets such as mortgage
loans, because of the relatively shorter maturities of deposits. When interest
rates are rising, the repricing of a higher volume of interest-bearing
liabilities compared to interest-earning assets will result in interest expense
increasing more rapidly than interest income, while in a falling interest rate
environment net interest income will be benefited. The difference between
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities expressed as a
percentage of total assets, is a measure of interest rate risk and is referred
to as an institution's interest rate gap. A gap is considered negative if
interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing in a particular time period
exceed interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within the same time
period. Management seeks to manage the Bank's interest rate risk exposure by
monitoring the levels of interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities while
maintaining an acceptable interest rate spread. At December 31, 1996, total
interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within one year exceeded
total interest-earning assets maturing or repricing in the same period by $ 99.7
million, representing a cumulative one-year gap ratio of a negative 11.41%.

To reduce the potential volatility of the Bank's earnings in a changing interest
rate environment, the Bank has sought to manage interest rate risk by investing
a substantial part of its assets in relatively short-and medium- term United
States Government and agency securities, and in ARM loans and mortgage-backed
securities with


                                       9
<PAGE>
 
adjustable interest rates. Of the Bank's total investment of $ 785.3 million in
loans and mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 1996, $ 413.1 million, or
52.6%, had adjustable interest rates. Another part of the Bank's interest rate
risk management strategy has been to extend the maturity of interest-bearing
liabilities, including using FHLB advances as a source of funds.

Strong Retail Deposit Base. The Bank has had a relatively strong retail deposit
base drawn from the 20 full-service offices in its market area. At December 31,
1996, 32.9% of its deposit base of $ 694.7 million consisted of core deposits,
which included non-interest demand accounts, passbook accounts, NOW accounts,
and money market demand deposit accounts. Core deposits are considered to be a
more stable and lower cost source of funds than certificates of deposit or
outside borrowings. The Bank will continue to emphasize retail deposits by
maintaining and seeking to expand its network of full-service offices, providing
depositors with a full range of accounts.

Capital Strength and Controlled Growth. The Bank's total equity at December 31,
1996, was $ 81.7 million. As a result, the Bank's ratio of total equity to total
assets was 9.4%. While the Bank intends to continue to increase retained
earnings and maintain high capital ratios, the present level of capital will
permit the Bank significantly greater growth opportunities than experienced in
prior years.

Results of Operations

The earnings of the Bank depend primarily on its level of net interest income,
which is the difference between interest earned on the Bank's interest-earning
assets, consisting primarily of mortgage loans, mortgage securities and other
investment securities, and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities,
consisting primarily of deposits. Net interest income is a function of the
Bank's interest rate spread, which is the difference between the average yield
earned on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing
liabilities, as well as a function of the average balance of interest-earning
assets as compared to interest-bearing liabilities. The Bank's earnings also are
affected by its level of operating expenses and service charges as well as other
expenses, including employee compensation and benefits, occupancy and equipment
costs, and deposit insurance premiums.

General. The Bank had net income of $ 3.6 million, or $ .53 per share, for the
year ended December 31, 1996. Net income totaled $ 4.8 million, or $ .73 per
share, and $ 5.3 million, or $ .80 per share, for fiscal 1995 and 1994,
respectively. The decrease in net income for the year ended December 31, 1996,
compared to 1995 resulted primarily from the one-time special assessment of $
3.6 million charged against the Bank's income to recapitalize the Savings
Association Insurance Fund (SAIF). If this one-time special assessment had not
been incurred, earnings per share of common stock would have been $ .86 for the
year ended December 31, 1996 compared to $ .73 for the prior year.

Interest Income. Interest income increased by $ 6.9 million, or 13.0%, to $ 60.2
million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $ 53.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 1995. The increase in interest income was principally
attributable to an increase in the average balance of the Bank's interest-
earning assets to $ 777.0 million from $ 699.1 million and an increase in the
yield on the Bank's average interest-earning assets to 7.75% from 7.62%. The
increase in average interest-earning assets was primarily the result of a $ 95.8
million increase in the average balance of mortgage loans and a $ 19.6 million
increase in average consumer and other loans, which was partially offset by
declines in average balances of $ 9.4 million in mortgage-backed securities and
$ 25.0 million in investment securities.

Interest income on mortgage loans increased by $ 7.6 million, or 21.0%, to $
43.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $ 36.3 million for the
year ended December 31, 1995 primarily because of an increase in the average
balance of these loans to $ 560.2 million from $ 464.4 million. Interest income
on consumer loans increased by $ 1.7 million in 1996 as compared to 1995. While
the average yield on consumer and other loans decreased to 9.00% in 1996 from
9.43% in 1995, this was more than offset by an increase in the average balance
of these loans to $ 45.3 million in 1996 from $ 25.7 million in 1995. Interest
income on mortgage-backed securities declined by $ 769,000 due mainly to a
decrease in the average balance to $ 136.0 million at

                                      10

<PAGE>
 
December 31, 1996 from $145.4 million at December 31, 1995. Interest income on
investment securities decreased by $ 1.3 million. While the average yield on
investment securities increased to 6.49% in 1996 from 5.74% in 1995, this was
more than offset by a decrease in the average balance of these securities by $
25.0 million to $ 12.4 million at December 31, 1996 from $ 37.4 million at
December 31, 1995.

Interest income increased by $ 9.8 million, or 22.7%, to $ 53.3 million for the
year ended December 31, 1995 from $ 43.4 million for the year ended December 31,
1994. The increase in interest income was principally attributable to an
increase in the average yield on the Bank's average interest-earning assets to
7.62% from 6.90%, and an increase in the balance of average interest-earning
assets of $ 70.3 million, to $ 699.1 million from $ 628.8 million. The increase
in average interest-earning assets was the result of a $ 61.9 million increase
in average mortgage-backed securities and a $ 39.8 million increase in average
mortgage loans. The increase in average yield on interest-earning assets was
also caused by the increase in the average balance of mortgage-backed securities
along with an increase in the average yield on those securities to 7.37% for
1995 from 5.09% during 1994. Also contributing to this increase was an increase
in the average balance of consumer and other loans of $ 8.7 million along with
an increase in the average yield on these loans to 9.43% for 1995 from 8.81%
during 1994.

Interest income on mortgage loans increased by $ 3.0 million, or 9.0%, to $ 36.3
million for the year ended December 31, 1995 from $ 33.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 1994, primarily because of an increase in the average balance
of mortgage loans to $ 464.4 million from $ 424.6 million in 1994. Interest
income on consumer and other loans increased by $ 928,000 in 1995, as compared
to 1994. While the average yield on consumer and other loans increased from
8.81% in 1994 to 9.43% in 1995, the principal reason for the increase in
interest income was a 51.6% increase in the average balance of such loans in
1995, as compared to 1994. Interest income on mortgage-backed securities
increased by $ 6.5 million to $ 10.7 million. The increase in interest income on
mortgage-backed securities was caused by an increase in the average balance of
such securities by $ 61.9 million to $ 145.4 million. Also, the average yield on
these mortgage-backed securities increased to 7.37% at December 31, 1995,
compared to 5.09% in 1994. Interest income on investment securities decreased by
$ 840,000 as a result of a decrease in the average balance of these securities
to $ 37.4 million in 1995 compared to $ 69.8 million in 1994. Income from other
investments, consisting of interest-earning deposits in other financial
institutions and FHLB stock increased by $ 290,000 to $ 1.7 million for the year
ended December 31, 1995, compared to $ 1.4 million in 1994. The average balances
of these investments decreased by $ 7.7 million in 1995, or 22.7%, compared to
1994 but were offset by an increase in average yield to 6.41% at December 31,
1995 compared to 4.10% in 1994.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $ 4.0 million, or 14.4%, to $
32.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $ 28.1 million for the
year ended December 31, 1995. The increase is due mainly to an increase in the
average cost of interest-bearing deposits to 4.29% from 4.12% and an increase in
the average balance of interest-bearing deposits to $ 611.0 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996 from $ 546.4 million for the same period in 1995. The
average balance of FHLB advances increased by $ 5.7 million to $ 85.6 million in
1996 compared to $ 79.9 million in 1995. The Bank increased its FHLB advances
principally for liquidity purposes.

Interest expense increased by $ 10.3 million, or 58.1%, to $ 28.1 million for
the year ended December 31, 1995 from $ 17.8 million for the year ended December
31, 1994. The increase was attributable to an increase in the average cost of
the Bank's interest-bearing deposits to 4.12% from 3.00% and an increase in the
average balance of interest-bearing deposits of $ 10.9 million. The average
balance of FHLB advances increased by $ 49.7 million to $ 79.9 million in 1995
compared to $ 30.2 million in 1994. The Bank increased its FHLB advances as part
of its interest rate risk strategy of extending the maturity of its interest-
bearing liabilities and for liquidity purposes.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased by $ 2.9 million, or 11.7%,
to $ 28.1 million from $ 25.2 million for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively. The principal reason for this increase in net interest
income was an increase in the Bank's loans receivable to $ 661.7 million at 

                                      11
<PAGE>
 
December 31, 1996 from $ 532.3 million at December 31, 1995 and an increase in
the Bank's average interest rate spread to 3.14% from 3.13%.

Net interest income decreased slightly to $ 25.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 1995 from $ 25.6 million for the same period in 1994, representing
a decrease of $ 478,000, or 1.9%. The principal reason for the reduction in net
interest income was a decrease in the Bank's average interest rate spread to
3.28% from 3.85%. This was partially offset by a slight improvement in the
Bank's ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing
liabilities.

Provision for Loan Losses. The Bank's provision for loan losses increased to $
164,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996 compared to a negative $ 210,000
for the year ended December 31, 1995. The 1995 negative provision was
principally the result of reversing provisions on two loans based on new
appraisals performed during that year, while the 1996 provision reflects more
normal circumstances. The Bank's total allowance for loan losses at December 31,
1996 of $ 2.3 million was deemed adequate by management, in light of the risks
inherent in the Bank's loan portfolio.

The Bank had a negative provision for loan losses of $ 210,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1995 compared to a positive $ 112,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1994. This was principally the result of reversing specific
valuation allowances for loan losses on two of the Bank's significant loans,
based on new appraisals performed during the year.

The financial statements of the Bank are prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and, accordingly, allowances for loan losses are
based on management's estimate of the fair value of collateral, as applicable,
and the Bank's actual loss experience and standards applied by the OTS and FDIC.
The Bank provides both general valuation allowances (for unspecified, potential
losses) and specific valuation allowances (for known losses) in its loan
portfolio. General valuation allowances are added to the Bank's capital for
purposes of computing the Bank's regulatory risk-based capital. The Bank
regularly reviews its loan portfolio, including impaired loans, to determine
whether any loans require classification or the establishment of appropriate
valuation allowances.

Other Income. Other income increased by $ 1,855,000, or 61.4%, to $ 4.9 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $ 3.0 million for the same period in
1995. This increase in other income was primarily the result of a $1.2 million 
increase in gain in sale of loans, mortgage-backed securities and investments.  
Also contribution to this increase, were increases in the Bank's fee income and 
other income of $ 532,000 and $ 113,000, respectively.

Other income increased by $ 524,000, or 21.0%, to $ 3.0 million for the year
ended December 31, 1995, from $ 2.5 million for the same period in 1994. The
increase in other income resulted primarily from an increase in fee income of $
518,000 and an increase in other income of $ 16,000 which was partially offset
by a decrease in the gain on sale of loans, mortgage-backed securities and
investments of $ 10,000.

Operating Expense. Operating expense increased by $ 6.3 million, or 30.6%, to 
$ 26.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $ 20.4 million for the
same period in 1995. Employee compensation and benefits represent $ 2.0 million,
or 19.1%, of this increase. This resulted primarily from additional personnel
hired for the creation of a legal department and loan production, including
employees in the Bank's Loan Production Office (LPO) opened in January, 1996 and
the expansion of a branch office in April, 1996. The Bank's occupancy and
equipment cost for the year ended December 31, 1996 was $ 456,000 more than
experienced in 1995, primarily as a result of opening the LPO office in January,
1996 and operating and upgrading the previously mentioned branch office. Federal
deposit insurance premiums increased by $ 3.7 million to $ 4,958,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1996 compared to $ 1,279,000 in 1995. This increase
resulted from the SAIF one-time special assessment discussed earlier. Other
operating expense increased by $ 188,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996
when compared to the 1995. These increases were only partially offset by an
increase in gain on real estate owned of $ 98,000 and a decrease in marketing
expense of $ 13,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996 compared to 1995.

                                      12
<PAGE>
 
Operating expense increased by $ 1.1 million, or 5.5%, to $ 20.4 million for the
year ended December 31, 1995. Employee compensation and benefits increased by $
56,000 in 1995 to $ 10.7 million, representing an increase of .52%. The Bank's
employee compensation increased by $ 406,000, largely as a result of an increase
in personnel, principally in loan originations, of 3.9%. In addition, the Bank's
hospitalization costs increased by $ 244,000. These costs were offset by
decreases in stock based compensation and officer incentives of $ 137,000 and
allocation of employee costs to the Bank's mutual holding company of $ 299,000.
Of the $ 555,000 increase in occupancy and equipment costs, $ 327,000 is
attributable to data processing expenses, resulting from the installation and
operation of new equipment, $ 114,000 represents an increase in property taxes
and the balance of the increase is due to operating two new offices for the
entire 1995 year compared to only four months in 1994. Miscellaneous expense
increased by $ 431,000 which is comprised of an increase of $ 173,000 in audit
and consulting fees, an increase of $ 145,000 in goodwill amortization relating
to the Bank's acquisition of deposits from the RTC during the summer of 1994 and
an increase in temporary help expense of $ 108,000.

Income Taxes. Federal and state income taxes decreased by $ 571,000 to $ 2.6
million for the year ended December 31, 1996 compared to $ 3.1 million for the
year ended December 31, 1995. Lower taxes resulted from the decline in income
before provision for income taxes to $ 6.1 million in 1996 from $ 7.9 million in
1995.

Income taxes for the year ended December 31, 1995 were $ 3.1 million, a decrease
of $ 259,000 for the comparable period in 1994 which was attributable to a
decrease in income before tax to $ 7.9 million from $ 8.7 million.


Average Balance Sheet

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Bank's
average balance sheet and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost
of liabilities for the periods indicated and the average yields earned and rates
paid. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the
average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods
presented. Average balances are derived from month-end balances.


Management does not believe that the use of month-end balances instead of daily
average balances has caused any material difference in the information
presented.

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
Average Balance Sheet

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       At December 31, 1995     At December 31, 1996           For the Year Ended December 31, 1994
                                           Actual                   Actual                     Average                    Average
                                          Balance    Yield/Cost     Balance     Yield/Cost     Balance      Interest     Yield/Cost
                                                                         (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                    <C>            <C>       <C>             <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
Interest-earning assets:                                   
     Mortgage loans....................  $500,461        7.88%     $604,614         7.88%        $424,626    $33,298       7.84%
     Consumer and other loans..........    31,872        9.12%       57,086         8.64%          16,947      1,493       8.81%
     Mortgage-backed securities........   159,761        7.56%      123,599         7.29%          83,550      4,253       5.09%
     Investment securities.............    26,986        6.44%        8,465         6.30%          69,773      2,984       4.28%
     Other investments (1).............    16,122        6.23%       33,275         5.58%          33,942      1,392       4.10%
                                        ---------                 ---------                     ---------  ---------
         Total interest-earning
          assets.......................   735,202        7.78%      827,039         7.74%         628,838     43,420       6.90%
Non-interest-earning assets............    44,418                    46,523                        40,668
                                        ---------                 ---------                     ---------
          Total assets.................  $779,620                  $873,562                      $669,506
                                        =========                 =========                     =========

Interest-bearing liabilities:
     Deposits..........................  $573,750        4.13%     $668,312         4.26%        $535,559    $16,059       3.00%
     Borrowed funds....................    86,549        6.89%       83,621         6.76%          30,231      1,717       5.68%
          Total interest-bearing....... ---------                 ---------                     ---------  ---------
          liabilities..................   660,299        4.48%      751,933         4.54%         565,790     17,776       3.14%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities.......    38,055                    39,906                        31,170  ---------
                                        ---------                 ---------                     ---------

          Total liabilities............   698,354                   791,839                       596,960
Net worth..............................    81,266                    81,723                        72,546
                                        ---------                 ---------                     ---------

          Total liabilities and
          net worth....................  $779,620                  $873,562                      $669,506
                                        =========                 =========                     =========

Net interest income:...................                                                                     $25,644
Net interest rate spread (2)...........                  3.30%                      3.20%                   =======        3.76%
Net yield on interest-earning..........              ========                  =========                                =======
assets (3).............................                  3.63%                      3.61%                                  4.08%
Ratio of average interest-earning......              ========                  =========                                =======
assets to average interest-bearing
liabilities............................                107.84%                    109.99%                                111.14%
                                                     ========                  =========                                ======= 
</TABLE> 

(1)  Includes interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions and FHLB
     stock.

(2)  Net interest-rate spread represents the difference between the average
     yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing
     liabilities.

(3)  Net yield on interest-earning assets represents net interest income as a
     percentage of average interest-earning assets.

Average Balance Sheet (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    For the Years Ended December 31,
                                                 1995                                  1996
                                        Average                    Average     Average                  Average
                                        Balance      Interest    Yield/Cost    Balance     Interest   Yield/Cost
                                                                  (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                    <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
Interest-earning assets:
     Mortgage loans...................  $464,392      $36,296     7.82%        $560,233     $43,923       7.84%
     Consumer and other loans.........    25,696        2,421     9.43%          45,274       4,074       9.00%
     Mortgage-backed securities.......   145,405       10,718     7.37%         135,973       9,949       7.32%
     Investment securities............    37,380        2,144     5.74%          12,391         804       6.49%
     Other investments (1)............    26,225        1,682     6.41%          23,139       1,490       6.44%
                                       ---------     --------                 ---------    --------
          Total interest-earning
          assets......................   699,098       53,261     7.62%         777,010      60,240       7.75%
Non-interest-earning assets...........    42,679                                 47,015
                                       ---------                              ---------
          Total assets................  $741,777                               $824,025
                                       =========                              =========

Interest-bearing liabilities:
     Deposits.........................  $546,453      $22,515     4.12%        $611,031     $26,239       4.29%
     Borrowed funds...................    79,905        5,580     6.98%          85,608       5,892       6.88%
                                       ---------     --------                 ---------    --------
          Total interest-bearing
          liabilities.................   626,358       28,095     4.49%         696,639      32,131       4.61%
                                                     --------
Non-interest-bearing liabilities......    38,063                                 46,047
                                       ---------                              ---------
          Total liabilities...........   664,421                                742,686
Net worth.............................    77,356                                 81,339
                                       ---------                              ---------
          Total liabilities
          and net worth...............  $741,777                               $824,025
                                       =========                              =========

Net interest income...................                $25,166                               $28,109
                                                    =========                              ========
Net interest rate spread (2)..........                            3.13%                                   3.14%
                                                              --------                                --------
Net yield on interest-earning
assets (3)............................                            3.60%                                   3.62%
Ratio of average interest-earning.....                        ========                                --------
     assets to average interest-
     bearing liabilities..............                          111.61%                                 111.54%
                                                              ========                                ========
</TABLE> 

(1)  Includes interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions and FHLB
     stock.

(2)  Net interest-rate spread represents the difference between the average
     yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing
     liabilities.

(3)  Net yield on interest-earning assets represents net interest income as a
     percentage of average interest-earning assets.


                                      14
<PAGE>
 
Rate Volume Analysis

The table below sets forth certain information regarding changes in interest
income and interest expense of the Bank for the periods indicated. For each
category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities,
information is provided on changes attributable to (i) changes in average volume
(changes in average volume multiplied by old rate); (ii) changes in rate (change
in rate multiplied by old average volume); and (iii) the net change.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              Years Ended December 31,
                                                 1995 vs 1994                            1996 vs 1995
                                       Increase/(Decrease)                         Increase/(Decrease)
                                            Due to                  Total                 Due to        Total
                                                           Rate/  Increase                     Rate/   Increase
                                    Volume     Rate       Volume (Decrease)   Volume    Rate  Volume  (Decrease)
                                                                      (In Thousands)
<S>                               <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>    <C>
Interest  income:     
     Mortgage loans.............   $3,118      $(110)     $(10)     $2,998    $7,491     $113    $23     $7,627
     Consumer and other loans...      771        103        54         928     1,845     (109)   (83)     1,653
     Mortgage-backed securities.    3,148      1,906     1,411       6,465      (695)     (79)     5       (769)
     Investment securities......   (1,385)     1,018      (473)       (840)   (1,433)     281   (188)    (1,340)
     Other investments..........     (317)       785      (178)        290      (198)       7     (1)      (192)
                                  --------   --------  --------    --------  -------- -------  -----    -------
     Total interest-earning
     assets.....................    5,335      3,702       804       9,841     7,010      213   (244)     6,979
                                  =======    =======   =======     =======   =======   ======  =====    =======
Interest expense:
     Deposits...................      327      6,007       122       6,456     2,661      951    112      3,724
     Borrowed funds.............    2,822        394       647       3,863       398      (81)    (5)       312
                                 --------   --------  --------    --------  --------  -------  -----    -------
     Total interest-bearing
     liabilities................    3,149      6,401       769      10,319     3,059      870    107      4,036
                                 --------   --------  --------    --------  --------  -------  -----     ------
Change in net interest income...   $2,186    $(2,699)      $35       $(478)   $3,951    $(657) $(351)    $2,943
                                 ========   ========   =======    ========   =======  =======  =====     ======
</TABLE>

Asset and Liability Management - Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

The matching of assets and liabilities may be analyzed by examining the extent
to which such assets and liabilities are "interest rate sensitive" and by
monitoring an institution's interest rate sensitivity "gap." An asset or
liability is said to be interest rate sensitive within a specific time period if
it will mature or reprice within that time period. The interest rate sensitivity
gap is defined as the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets
and interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within that time period.
A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest rate sensitive assets
exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities. During a period of
rising interest rates, a negative gap would tend to adversely affect net
interest income while a positive gap would tend to positively affect net
interest income. Similarly, during a period of falling interest rates, a
negative gap would tend to positively affect net interest income while a
positive gap would tend to adversely affect net interest income.

The Bank's policy in recent years has been to reduce its exposure to interest
rate risk generally by better matching the maturities of its interest rate
sensitive assets and liabilities and by originating ARM loans and other
adjustable rate or short-term loans, as well as by purchasing short-term
investments. However, particularly in a low interest rate environment borrowers
typically prefer fixed rate loans to ARM loans. The Bank seeks to lengthen the
maturities of its deposits by promoting longer-term certificates. The Bank does
not solicit high-rate jumbo certificates or brokered funds.

At December 31, 1996, total interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing
within one year exceeded total interest-earning assets maturing or repricing in
the same period by $ 99.7 million, representing a cumulative one-year gap ratio
of a negative 11.41%. The Bank has an Asset-Liability Management Committee which
is responsible for reviewing the Bank's assets and liability policies. The
Committee meets weekly and reports monthly to the Board of Directors on interest
rate risks and trends, as well as liquidity and capital ratio requirements.


                                      15
<PAGE>
 
Gap Table

The following table sets forth the amounts of interest-earning assets and
interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at December 31, 1996, which are
expected to reprice or mature, based upon certain assumptions, in each of the
future time periods shown. Except as stated below, the amounts of assets and
liabilities shown that reprice or mature during a particular period were
determined in accordance with the earlier of the term of repricing or the
contractual terms of the asset or liability. The Bank has assumed that its
passbook savings, interest-bearing NOW, and money market accounts, which totaled
$ 202.1 million at December 31, 1996, are withdrawn at the annual percentage
rates set forth in the table on the next page. For information regarding the
contractual maturities of the Bank's loans, investments, and deposits, see Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Amounts Maturing or Repricing
                                        Within 3                6 Months to
                                        Months      3-6 Months    1 Year     1-3 Years     3-5 Years  Over 5 Years   Total
                                                                      (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>
Interest -earning assets:
   Real estate loans:
     Residential one-to four-family:
     Current market index ARMs........  $24,437     $15,095     $22,736     $48,648       $26,726     $15,559      $153,201
     Lagging market index ARMs........   24,558      23,616      34,763      26,948           137           -       110,022
     Fixed rate.......................   22,284      10,920      18,582      61,816        46,597     126,933       287,132
     Commercial and
     multi-family:
      ARMs............................   15,404       6,406       9,793      11,977         3,384         145        47,109
      Fixed rate......................    1,095         650         964       1,851           902       2,074         7,536
     Consumer and commercial
     business.........................   32,040       2,525       4,202      11,838         6,106         614        57,325
     Investment securities............   27,127           -       2,000       6,444             -           -        35,571
     FHLB stock.......................    6,148           -           -           -             -           -         6,148
     Mortgage-backed
     securities:
       Adjustable.....................   44,168       1,906         735           -             -           -        46,809
       Fixed..........................    2,059       2,010       3,883      16,093        11,150      40,100        75,295
                                       --------    --------    --------    --------      --------    --------      --------
        Total interest-
        earning assets (1)............  199,320      63,128      97,658     185,615        95,002     185,425       826,148
                                       --------    --------    --------    --------      --------    --------      --------
Interest-bearing
liabilities:
    Passbook accounts.................   15,074       9,033      14,060      31,251        11,469       6,647        87,534
    NOW accounts......................    7,707       7,497       3,910      13,068         9,749      28,627        70,558
    Money market accounts.............    1,932         708       1,372       5,046         4,409      30,545        44,012
    Certificate accounts..............  140,670      90,969     127,272      79,893        27,323          81       466,208
    Borrowed funds....................   13,844      25,393         359      29,824         6,411       7,791        83,622
                                       --------    --------    --------    --------      --------    --------      --------
        Total interest-
        bearing liabilities...........  179,227     133,600     146,973     159,082        59,361      73,691       751,934
                                       --------    --------    --------    --------      --------    --------      --------
Interest-earning assets
     less interest-
     bearing liabilities
     ("interest rate
     sensitivity gap")................  $20,093    $(70,472)   $(49,315)    $26,533       $35,641    $111,734       $74,214
                                       ========    ========    ========    ========      ========    ========      ========

Cumulative excess (deficiency) of
     interest-sensitive
     assets over interest-
     sensitive liabilities............  $20,093    $(50,379)   $(99,694)   $(73,161)     $(37,520)    $74,214       $74,214
                                       ========    ========    ========    ========      ========    ========      ========

Cumulative interest
  sensitivity gap to
  total assets........................     2.30%      (5.77)%    (11.41)%     (8.38)%       (4.30)%      8.50%         8.50%
                                        =======    ========     =======    ========      ========    ========      ========

Cumulative ratio of
  interest-earning
  assets to interest-bearing
  liabilities.........................   111.21%      83.90%      78.32%      88.18%        94.47%     109.87%       109.87%
                                        =======    ========    ========    ========      ========    ========      =======

</TABLE> 

(1)     The above table shows expected cash flows within the time periods
        presented. Accordingly, the balances do not reflect adjustments for
        premiums, discounts, and market value adjustments.

                                      16
<PAGE>
 

In preparing the table above, it has been assumed, based on the Bank's own
internal calculation of loan prepayment rates, that the Bank's loan portfolio
will prepay at rates averaging 10%. It is also assumed that mortgage-backed
securities will prepay at rates ranging from 8.00% to 20.00% and NOW, passbook
and money market accounts will decay, based on a study of the Bank's actual
experience, at the following rates:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Over 6 
                                                  Months     Over 1    Over 3      Over 5      Over 10 
                                      6 Months   Through     Through   Through     Through     Through     Over 20
                                      or Less    1 Year      3 Years   5 Years     10 Years    20 Years     Years 
<S>                                   <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>        <C> 
NOW accounts                           38.08%     13.63%      13.63%   13.63%        13.63%      13.63%      13.63%
Passbook, club accounts                46.32%     39.42%      39.42%   39.42%        39.42%      39.42%      39.42%
Money market deposit accounts           9.23%      6.52%       6.52%    6.52%         6.52%       6.52%       6.52%
</TABLE>

The above assumptions are annual percentages based on remaining balances and
should not be regarded as indicative of the actual prepayments and withdrawals
that may be experienced by the Bank in any given period. Moreover, certain
shortcomings are inherent in the analysis presented by the foregoing tables. For
example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or
periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market
interest rates. Also, interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities
may fluctuate in advance of or lag behind changes in market interest rates.
Additionally, certain assets, such as ARM loans, have features that restrict
changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the assets.
Moreover, in the event of a change in interest rates, prepayment and early
withdrawal levels would likely deviate significantly from those assumed in
calculating the table. For information regarding the contractual maturities of
the Bank's loans, investments, and deposits, see Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.

Under OTS risk-based capital regulations, savings associations are required to
calculate the market value of their portfolio equity (MVPE). These calculations
are based upon data concerning interest-earning assets, interest-bearing
liabilities and other rate sensitive assets and liabilities provided to the OTS
on schedule CMR of the Quarterly Thrift Financial Report. Commencing March 31,
1994, for purposes of measuring interest rate risk, the OTS began using the MVPE
calculations which essentially discount the cash flows from an institution's
assets and liabilities to present value, using current market rates.

The amendments to the risk-based capital regulations require institutions to
hold additional risk-based capital in an amount equal to one-half the amount an
institution's interest rate risk exceeds the normal amount of interest rate
risk. Normal interest rate risk is defined as 2% of the MVPE at static interest
rates. If, after applying a rate shock of 200 basis points ("bp") (one basis
point equals .01%) of either a decline or increase in rates, the resultant
negative change in MVPE exceeds 2% of MVPE at static interest rates, an
institution is deemed to have excess interest rate risk. At December 31, 1996,
the Bank was not required to hold additional risk-based capital for interest
rate risk.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Bank is required to maintain minimum levels of liquid assets as defined by
OTS regulations. This requirement, which varies from time to time depending upon
economic conditions and deposit flows, is based upon a percentage of deposits
and short-term borrowings. The required ratio currently is 5.0%. The Bank's
liquidity ratio averaged 6.15% during the month of December 1996 and 8.4% during
the month of December 1995. Liquidity ratios averaged 6.78% and 11.8% for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Bank adjusts its
liquidity levels in order to meet funding needs of deposit outflows, payment of
real estate taxes on mortgage loans, repayment of borrowings and loan
commitments. The Bank also adjusts liquidity as appropriate to meet its asset
and liability management objectives.

The Bank's primary sources of funds are deposits, amortization and prepayment of
loans and mortgage-backed securities, maturities of investment securities and
other short-term investments, and earnings and funds provided from operations.
While scheduled principal repayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities are
a relatively


                                      17
<PAGE>
 
predictable source of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly
influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. The
Bank manages the pricing of its deposits to maintain a desired deposit balance.
In addition, the Bank invests excess funds in short-term interest-earning and
other assets, which provide liquidity to meet lending requirements. Short-term
interest-bearing deposits with the FHLB of Atlanta amounted to $ 27.0 million
and $ 9.8 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Other assets
qualifying for liquidity outstanding at December 31, 1996, and 1995, amounted to
$ 19.8 million and $ 40.1 million, respectively. For additional information
about cash flows from the Bank's operating, financing, and investing activities,
see Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included in the Financial Statements.

A major portion of the Bank's liquidity consists of cash and cash equivalents,
which are a product of its operating, investing and financing activities. The
primary sources of cash were net income, principal repayments on loans and
mortgage-backed securities, and increases in deposit accounts along with
advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business
management. If the Bank requires funds beyond its ability to generate them
internally, borrowing agreements exist with the FHLB which provide an additional
source of funds. At December 31, 1996, the Bank had $ 82.5 million in advances
from the FHLB. The Bank engages in borrowing from the FHLB in order to reduce
interest rate risk, and for liquidity purposes.

At December 31, 1996, the Bank had outstanding loan commitments of $ 21.8
million to originate and/or purchase mortgage loans. This amount does not
include the unfunded portion of loans in process. Certificates of deposit
scheduled to mature in less than one year at December 31, 1996, totaled $ 322.0
million. Based on prior experience, management believes that a significant
portion of such deposits will remain with the Bank, although their rates could
increase.

Changes in Financial Condition

During 1996, the Bank's assets increased by $ 93.9 million. Loans receivable
increased in the amount of $ 129.4 million. Cash and cash equivalents also
increased by $ 17.5 million. These increases were partially offset by a decline
of $ 54.7 million in assets available for sale. Of this decrease, $ 19.5 million
resulted from the sale of mortgage-backed securities. The Bank experienced
deposit inflows during 1996 of $ 99.5 million, as a result of a more aggressive
pricing of its certificates of deposit, which together with an increase in
equity, net of the change in unrealized increase in fair value of assets
available for sale, of $ 2.3 million, provided the principal funds for the
Bank's asset growth.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The consolidated financial statements of the Bank and notes thereto, presented
elsewhere herein, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, which require the measurement of financial position and
operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the change
in the relative purchasing power of money over time and due to inflation. The
impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of the Bank's operations.
Unlike most industrial companies, nearly all the assets and liabilities of the
Bank are monetary. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on the
Bank's performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest
rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the
price of goods and services.

Impact of New Accounting Standards

In May 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing
Rights." The Statement, which amends SFAS No. 65, "Accounting for Certain
Mortgage Banking Activities," requires mortgage banking enterprises that acquire
mortgage servicing rights through either the purchase of or origination of
mortgage loans and sell or securitize those loans with servicing rights retained
to allocate the total cost of the mortgage loans to the mortgage

                                      18
 
<PAGE>
 
servicing rights and the loans based on their relative fair values. Mortgage
banking enterprises include commercial banks and thrift institutions that
conduct operations substantially similar to the primary operations of a mortgage
banking enterprise. SFAS No. 122 applies prospectively in fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1995 to sales of mortgage loans with servicing rights
retained and to impairment evaluations of all amounts capitalized as mortgage
servicing rights, including those purchased before the adoption of this
Statement. Management of the Bank implemented SFAS No. 122, prospectively, as
required. The adoption of this accounting principle had the effect of increasing
income before tax by $ 196,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.

In October 1995, FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation." This Statement requires certain disclosures about stock-based
employee compensation arrangements, regardless of the method used to account for
them, defines a fair value based method of accounting for an employee stock
option or similar equity instrument, and encourages all entities to adopt that
method of accounting for all of their employee stock compensation plans.
However, it also allows an entity to continue to measure compensation cost for
stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value method of accounting
prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees."
Entities electing to remain with the accounting in APB Opinion No. 25 must make
pro forma disclosures of net income and, if presented, earnings per share, as if
the fair value method of accounting defined in this Statement had been applied.
Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date
based on the value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which
is usually the vesting period. Under the intrinsic value based method,
compensation cost is the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock
at grant date or other measurement date over the amount an employee must pay to
acquire the stock. The disclosure requirements of this Statement are effective
for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. Pro
forma disclosures required for entities that elect to continue to measure
compensation cost using APB Opinion No. 25 must include the effects of all
awards granted in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 1994. Management
has determined that the Bank will continue the accounting set forth in APB
Opinion No. 25 and will make such pro forma disclosures as are required
beginning with the year ended December 31, 1996. There were no stock options
awarded during 1995 or 1996.

In June 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 125 "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities." SFAS No. 125
provides accounting and reporting standards for transfers and servicing of
financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities based on a financial-
components approach that focuses on control. Statement 125 is effective for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities
occurring after December 31, 1996 and is to be prospectively applied. Management
of the Bank does not expect the adoption of this promulgation to have a material
effect on the Bank's consolidated financial statements.


                                      19
 
<PAGE>
 
Independent Auditors' Report

Board of Directors of
Fidelity Bankshares, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position
of Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. (the "Company") and its wholly owned subsidiary,
Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida, as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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 provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. and
subsidiary at December 31, 1995 and 1996 and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 122,
"Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights," in 1996.

/S/Deloitte & Touche LLP


Certified Public Accountants
West Palm Beach, FL 
February 21, 1997

                                      20


<PAGE>
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMANTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  1995             1996
ASSETS                                                                                               (In Thousands)
<S>                                                                                         <C>              <C>
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
     Cash and amounts due from depository institutions.....................................  $  14,989        $  15,293
     Interest-bearing deposits.............................................................      9,974           27,127
                                                                                              --------         --------
          Total cash and cash equivalents (Note 1, 19).....................................     24,963           42,420
ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR SALE (At Fair Value):
     (Notes 1, 2, 3, 19)
     Government and agency securities......................................................     26,986            8,465
     Mortgage-backed securities............................................................    159,761          123,599
                                                                                              --------         --------
          Total assets available for sale..................................................    186,747          132,064
LOANS RECEIVABLE, Net of allowance for loan losses - 1995, $2,265;
     1996, $2,263 (Notes 1, 4, 19).........................................................    532,333          661,700
OFFICE PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT, Net (Notes 1, 5)..........................................     15,563           18,092
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK STOCK, At cost......................................................      6,148            6,148
REAL ESTATE OWNED, Net (Notes 1, 6)........................................................        643               93
ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE (Note 7).......................................................      4,627            4,614
OTHER ASSETS (Note 1, 11)..................................................................      8,596            8,431
                                                                                              --------         --------
TOTAL ASSETS...............................................................................  $ 779,620        $ 873,562
                                                                                             =========        =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES
DEPOSITS (Note 8, 19)......................................................................  $ 595,180        $ 694,718
ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (Note 9, 19)..........................................     85,169           82,517
ESOP LOAN (Note 10, 19)....................................................................      1,380            1,104
ADVANCES BY BORROWERS FOR TAXES AND INSURANCE..............................................      2,734            2,448
DRAFTS PAYABLE (Note 1)....................................................................      3,663            2,957
OTHER LIABILITIES (Notes 1, 12)............................................................      7,368            7,209
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES (Notes 1, 11)........................................................      2,860              886
                                                                                              --------         --------
     TOTAL LIABILITIES.....................................................................    698,354          791,839
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 1, 15).................................................   ========         ========

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Notes 1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17):
PREFERRED STOCK, 2,000,000 shares authorized, none issued..................................          -                -
COMMON STOCK ($.10 par value) 8,200,000 authorized shares:
     outstanding 6,717,821 and 6,744,689 at December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.......        672              675
ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL.................................................................     37,170           37,397
RETAINED EARNINGS - substantially restricted...............................................     42,764           44,184
COMMON STOCK PURCHASED BY:
     Employee stock ownership plan.........................................................     (1,644)          (1,315)
     Recognition and retention plan........................................................       (280)               -
NET UNREALIZED INCREASE IN FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR SALE
     (Net of applicable income taxes) (Notes 1, 2, 3)......................................      2,584              782
                                                                                              --------         --------
    TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY.............................................................     81,266           81,723
                                                                                              --------         --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY.................................................  $ 779,620        $ 873,562
                                                                                             =========        =========
</TABLE> 


See Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      21

 

<PAGE>
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1994             1995              1996
                                                                                           (In Thousands)
<S>                                                                        <C>              <C>               <C>
Interest income:               
     Loans................................................................  $ 34,791         $ 38,717          $ 47,997
     Investment securities................................................     2,984            2,144               804
     Other investments....................................................     1,392            1,682             1,490
     Mortgage-backed securities...........................................     4,253           10,718             9,949
                                                                            --------         --------          --------
          Total interest income...........................................    43,420           53,261            60,240
                                                                            --------         --------          --------
Interest expense:
     Deposits (Note 8)....................................................    16,059           22,515            26,239
     Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowings............     1,717            5,580             5,892
                                                                            --------         --------          --------
          Total interest expense..........................................    17,776           28,095            32,131
                                                                            --------         --------          --------

Net interest income.......................................................    25,644           25,166            28,109
Provision for loan losses (Note 4)........................................       112             (210)              164
                                                                            --------         --------          --------

Net interest income after provision for loan losses.......................    25,532           25,376            27,945
                                                                            --------         --------          --------
Other income:
     Servicing income and other fees......................................     2,151            2,669             3,201
     Net gain on sale of loans, mortgage-backed securities and
          investments.....................................................        15                5             1,215
     Miscellaneous........................................................       331              347               460
                                                                            --------         --------          --------
          Total other income..............................................     2,497            3,021             4,876

Operating expense:
     Employee compensation and benefits...................................    10,672           10,728            12,776
     Occupancy and equipment..............................................     3,637            4,192             4,648
     Loss (gain) on real estate owned.....................................        (1)              29               (69)
     Marketing............................................................       588              617               604
     Federal deposit insurance premium....................................     1,306            1,279             4,958
     Miscellaneous........................................................     3,173            3,604             3,792
                                                                            --------         --------          --------
          Total operating expense.........................................    19,375           20,449            26,709
                                                                            --------         --------          --------

Income before provision for income taxes..................................     8,654            7,948             6,112
                                                                            --------         --------          --------

Provision (benefit) for income taxes: (Note 11)
     Current..............................................................     3,183            3,194             3,417
     Deferred.............................................................       209              (61)             (855)
                                                                            --------         --------          --------
          Total provision for income taxes................................     3,392            3,133             2,562
                                                                            --------         --------          --------
               Net income.................................................  $  5,262         $  4,815          $  3,550
                                                                            ========         ========          ========

Earnings per share, primary and fully diluted (Note 18)...................  $    .80         $    .73          $    .53
                                                                            ========         ========          ========
</TABLE>

See Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      22
<PAGE>
 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      Net
                                                                                                  Unrealized
                                                                                                   Increase
                                                                                                  (Decrease) 
                                                              Retained     Employee   Recognition   in Fair 
                                                 Additional   Earnings-      Stock        and      Value of 
                                       Common     Paid In   Substantially  Ownership   Retention     Assets
                                       Stock      Capital     Restricted     Plan         Plan      Available
                                                                                                    for Sale      Total
                                                                  (In Thousands)
<S>                                    <C>        <C>        <C>             <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Balance - December 31, 1993..........   $ -        $ -        $ 46,499        $ -        $ -        $ 287        $ 46,786

Net Income for the year ended
     December 31, 1994...............     -          -           5,262          -          -            -           5,262
Issuance of Common Stock,
     pursuant to
     Reorganization, net of costs
     of issuance of $1,344,000.......   579     23,745               -             -          -            -          24,324
Purchase of shares by Employee Stock
     Ownership Plan..................    19      1,913               -        (1,932)         -            -               -
Distribution of Common Stock to
     Management
     Recognition  and Retention Plan.    11      1,093               -             -     (1,104)           -               -
Assets distributed to Mutual Holding
     Company
     pursuant to Reorganization......     -          -            (530)            -          -            -            (530)
Recognition of unrealized decrease
     in fair value of assets
     available for sale, net of
     income taxes, pursuant to
     SFAS 115........................     -          -               -             -          -       (1,152)         (1,152)
Amortization of deferred
     compensation - Employee Stock
     Ownership Plan and Recognition
     and Retention Plan..............     -         85               -           276        496            -             857
Cash dividends declared..............     -          -          (1,143)            -          -            -          (1,143)
Balance - December 31, 1994..........   609     26,836          50,088        (1,656)      (608)        (865)         74,404
Net  Income for the year ended
     December 31, 1995...............     -          -           4,815             -          -            -           4,815
Stock Options exercised (Note 16)....     2         15               -             -          -            -              17
Effect of Reclassification of
     assets held to maturity
     to available for sale, net
     of taxes........................     -          -               -             -          -        2,253           2,253
Recognition of unrealized
     increase in fair value
     of assets available for
     sale, net of income taxes,
     pursuant to SFAS 115............     -            -               -            -          -        1,196           1,196
Amortization of deferred
     compensation - Employee
     Stock Ownership Plan and
     Recognition and Retention
     Plan............................     -          109               -          289        328            -             726
Refund of Reorganization costs.......     -           13               -            -          -            -              13
Distribution of 10% Stock dividend...    61       10,197          (9,981)        (277)         -            -               -
Cash dividends declared..............     -            -          (2,158)           -          -            -          (2,158)
Balance - December 31, 1995..........   672       37,170          42,764       (1,644)      (280)       2,584          81,266
Net  Income for the year ended
     December 31, 1996...............     -            -           3,550            -          -            -           3,550
Stock Options exercised..............     5          387               -            -          -            -             392
Common Stock retired.................    (2)        (285)              -            -          -            -            (287)
Recognition of unrealized
     decrease in fair
     value of assets
     available for sale, net
     of income taxes, pursuant
     to SFAS 115.....................     -            -               -            -          -       (1,802)         (1,802)
Amortization of deferred
     compensation -
     Employee Stock Ownership Plan
     and Recognition and Retention
     Plan............................     -          125               -          329        280            -             734
Cash dividends declared..............     -            -          (2,130)           -          -            -          (2,130)
Balance - December 31, 1996.......... $ 675     $ 37,397        $ 44,184     $ (1,315)       $ -        $ 782        $ 81,723

</TABLE> 

See Notes to Consloidated Financial Statements

                                      23
<PAGE>
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1994            1995           1996
                                                                                                 (In Thousands)
<S>                                                                               <C>             <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:     
Net Income......................................................................  $  5,262        $  4,815       $  3,550
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
     (used for) operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization..............................................     1,048           1,108          1,238
     ESOP and Recognition and Retention Plan Compensation expense...............       857             726            734
     Accretion of discounts, amortization of premiums, and other
     deferred  yield items......................................................       801          (1,018)        (1,122)
     Provision for loan losses..................................................       112            (210)           164
     Provisions for losses and net losses on sales of real estate owned.........       (96)            (29)          (110)
     Net (gain) loss on sale of:
          Loans.................................................................       (34)            (17)          (340)
          Investment securities.................................................        20              12              -
          Mortgage-backed securities............................................         -               -           (875)
          Other assets..........................................................        12               -              -
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable..............................      (424)           (525)           (13)
(Increase) decrease in other assets.............................................     2,441            (446)           165
Increase (decrease) in drafts payable...........................................     1,753           1,170           (706)
Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes....................................      (471)          2,145         (1,974)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities........................................    (2,055)          1,681           (321)
                                                                                   -------         -------        -------
          Net cash from operating activities....................................     9,226           9,412            416
                                                                                   -------         -------        -------


CASH FLOW FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Loan originations and principal payments on loans...............................   (25,405)        (66,196)      (124,601)
Principal payments received on mortgage-backed securities.......................    14,510          17,796         23,608
Purchases of:
     Loans......................................................................      (573)        (12,398)       (21,153)
     Mortgage-backed securities.................................................   (68,133)        (45,625)        (9,962)
     Investment securities......................................................   (41,440)        (22,318)       (10,029)
     Office properties and equipment............................................    (2,712)         (2,116)        (3,985)
Proceeds from sales of:
     Loans......................................................................     2,846           2,914         17,357
     Investment securities available for sale...................................    37,891           5,981              -
     Real estate acquired in settlement of loans and held for investment........     2,191           1,318          1,195
     Mortgage-backed securities available for sale..............................         -               -         20,516
     Office properties and equipment............................................         -              67              -
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities...............................    24,000          41,000         28,490
Other...........................................................................    (1,103)         (2,323)         1,147
                                                                                   -------         -------        -------
          Net cash used for investing activities................................   (57,928)        (81,900)       (77,417)
                                                                                   -------         -------        -------

CASH FLOW FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Gross proceeds from the sale of common stock....................................    27,445               -              -
Common stock options exercised..................................................         -             100            105
Purchase of stock for ESOP......................................................    (1,932)              -              -
Purchase of stock for RRP.......................................................    (1,104)              -              -
Cash dividends paid.............................................................      (707)         (2,106)        (1,971)
Deposits acquired from Resolution Trust Corporation
     NOW accounts, demand deposits and savings accounts.........................     3,509               -              -
     Certificates of deposit....................................................    21,501               -              -
Net increase (decrease) in:
     NOW accounts, demand deposits and savings accounts.........................   (43,420)        (18,826)         8,046
     Certificates of deposit....................................................   (29,882)         75,771         91,492
     Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank.......................................    70,725          (1,490)        (2,652)
     ESOP Loan..................................................................     1,660            (280)          (276)
     Stock subscriptions payable................................................   (18,435)              -              -
     Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance..............................       (39)            (56)          (286)
                                                                                   -------         -------        -------
          Net cash from financing activities....................................    29,321          53,113         94,458
                                                                                   -------         -------        -------


NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS............................   (19,381)        (19,375)        17,457
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of year....................................    63,719          44,338         24,963
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of year..........................................  $ 44,338        $ 24,963       $ 42,420
                                                                                  ========        ========       ========
</TABLE>

See Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      24


<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996



1.     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. ("the Company") became the parent of Fidelity Federal
Savings Bank of Florida ("the Bank") on January 29, 1997, as a result of a tax-
free reorganization, accounted for in the same manner as a pooling of interests
merger (See Note 17). Consequently, the Bank is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company. This transaction is reflected in the accompanying financial
statements as though it had occurred on December 31, 1996. Separate holding
company financial statements have not been presented, as the Company had no
operations in any period presented.

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company and its subsidiary conform,
in all material respects, to generally accepted accounting principles. The
following summarizes the more significant of these policies:

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of the Company, the Bank and the Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary,
Fidelity Realty and Appraisal Services, Inc. ("FRAS"). All significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Neither the Bank
nor its subsidiary are or have been involved in any joint ventures during any
periods presented.

FRAS, principally, performs appraisals for and sells real estate owned by the
Bank.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements - The preparation of
financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
requires management to 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
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents - For presentation purposes in both the consolidated statements
of financial position and the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Bank
considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity
of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Assets Available for Sale - Securities available for sale are carried at fair
value, based upon market quotations. Deferred income taxes are provided on any
unrealized appreciation or decline in value. Such appreciation or decline in
value, net of deferred taxes is reflected as an adjustment of equity. Gain or
loss on sale of such securities is based on the specific identification method.
Debt securities are classified as either available for sale or held for
investment based on management's intent.

Interest Rate Risk - The Bank is engaged principally in providing first mortgage
loans (both adjustable rate and fixed rate mortgage loans) to individuals (see
Note 4 for the composition of the mortgage loan portfolio at December 31, 1995
and 1996). Mortgage loans and investment securities are funded primarily with
short-term liabilities which have interest rates that vary with market rates
over time. Net interest income and the market value of net interest-earning
assets will fluctuate based on changes in interest rates and changes in the
levels of interest-sensitive assets and liabilities. The actual duration of
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities may differ
significantly from the stated duration as a result of prepayment, early
withdrawals, and similar factors.

Provisions for Loan Losses - Provisions for loan losses, which increase the
allowance for loan losses, are established by charges to income. Such allowance
represents the amounts which, in management's judgment, are adequate to absorb
charge-offs of existing loans which may become uncollectible. The adequacy of
the allowance is determined by management's continuing evaluation of the loan
portfolio in light of past loss experience, present economic conditions, and
other factors considered relevant by management at the financial statement date.
Anticipated changes in economic factors which may influence the level of the
allowance are considered in the evaluation by management when the likelihood of
the changes can be reasonably determined. In estimating the

                                      25


<PAGE>
 
allowance for possible losses, consideration is given to asset performance, the
financial condition of borrowers or guarantors, additional collateral provided,
current and anticipated economic conditions, appraisals, cost of disposal, and
holding costs. While management uses the best information available to make such
evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary, which may be
material, if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used
in the evaluation. If additions to the original estimate of the allowance for
loan losses are deemed necessary, they will be reported in earnings in the
period in which they become reasonably estimable.

Uncollected Interest - The Bank reverses all accrued interest against interest
income when a loan is more than 90 days delinquent and ceases accruing interest
thereafter. Such interest ultimately collected is credited to income in the
period of recovery.

Real Estate Owned - Properties acquired through foreclosure, or a deed in lieu
of foreclosure are carried at the lower of fair value less estimated costs to
sell, or cost. If the fair value less the estimated cost to sell an individual
property declines below the cost of such property, a provision for losses is
charged to operations.

Subsequent costs relating to the improvement of property are capitalized in
amounts not to exceed the property's fair value. Costs relating to holding the
property are charged to expense when incurred.

The amounts the Bank could ultimately recover from property acquired by
foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure, could differ materially from the
amounts used in arriving at the net carrying value of the assets because of
future market factors beyond the Bank's control or changes in the Bank's
strategy for recovering its investment.

Office Properties and Equipment - Office properties and equipment are carried at
cost less accumulated depreciation. Land is carried at cost. Depreciation is
computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets, which range from three to fifty years for buildings and improvements and
three to ten years for furniture and equipment.

Goodwill - Goodwill resulting from the acquisition of deposits from the
Resolution Trust Corporation ("RTC") is being amortized on a straight-line basis
over five years. The balance of goodwill, included in other assets at December
31, 1995 and 1996 was $ 1,057,000 and $ 755,000, respectively.

Drafts Payable - Drafts payable represent checks drawn by the Bank on a third
party payer, for savings account withdrawals and payment of the Bank's expenses.
Under the agreement between the Bank and its third party payer, the Bank funds
the checks written on the day following their issuance.

Loan Origination Fees and Costs - Loan origination fees and certain direct
origination costs are capitalized and recognized as an adjustment of the yield
of the related loan. Deferred loan fees and costs are amortized to income over
the estimated life of the loans using the interest method.

Unearned discounts on consumer loans are amortized to income using the interest
method.

Commitment Fees - Non-refundable fees received for commitments to make or
purchase loans in the future, net of direct costs of underwriting the
commitments, are deferred and, if the commitment is exercised, recognized over
the life of the loan as an adjustment of yield. If the commitment expires
unexercised, income is recognized upon expiration of the commitment. Direct loan
origination costs incurred to make a commitment to originate a loan are offset
against any related commitment fee and the net amount recognized.

Pension and Retirement Plans - Benefits are accounted for in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, entitled "Employers'
Accounting for Pensions" ("SFAS No. 87"). Net periodic pension costs (income)
are actuarially determined.

                                      26

 
<PAGE>
 
Income Taxes - The Bank and its subsidiary file consolidated federal and state
income tax returns. Income taxes are allocated to the Bank and its subsidiary as
though separate tax returns are being filed. ( See Note 11).

Deferred income taxes are provided on items recognized for financial reporting
purposes in periods different than such items are recognized for income tax
purposes in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS No. 109").

Earnings Per Common Share - Primary earnings per common share is computed by
dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock
outstanding and common stock equivalents, after giving retroactive effect to the
stock dividend in 1995, assumed outstanding during the year less the weighted
average unallocated ESOP and Management Recognition Plan shares of common stock.

Fully diluted shares outstanding includes the maximum dilutive effect of stock
issuable upon exercise of common stock options and unallocated ESOP and
Management Recognition Plan shares of common stock.

Impact of New Accounting Issues - In May 1995, FASB issued SFAS No. 122,
"Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights." The Statement, which amends SFAS No.
65, "Accounting for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities," requires mortgage
banking enterprises that acquire mortgage servicing rights through either the
purchase of or origination of mortgage loans and sell or securitize those loans
with servicing rights retained to allocate the total cost of the mortgage loans
to the mortgage servicing rights and the loans based on their relative fair
values. Mortgage banking enterprises include commercial banks and thrift
institutions that conduct operations substantially similar to the primary
operations of a mortgage banking enterprise. SFAS No. 122 applies prospectively
in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995 to sales of mortgage loans
with servicing rights retained and to impairment evaluations of all amounts
capitalized as mortgage servicing rights, including those purchased before the
adoption of this Statement. Management of the Bank implemented SFAS No. 122,
prospectively, as required. The adoption of this accounting principle had the
effect of increasing income before tax by $ 196,000 for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996.

In October 1995, FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation." This Statement requires certain disclosures about stock-based
employee compensation arrangements, regardless of the method used to account for
them, defines a fair value based method of accounting for an employee stock
option or similar equity instrument, and encourages all entities to adopt that
method of accounting for all of their employee stock compensation plans.
However, it also allows an entity to continue to measure compensation cost for
stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value method of accounting
prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees."
Entities electing to remain with the accounting in APB Opinion No. 25 must make
pro forma disclosures of net income and, if presented, earnings per share, as if
the fair value method of accounting defined in this Statement had been applied.
Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date
based on the value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which
is usually the vesting period. Under the intrinsic value based method,
compensation cost is the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock
at grant date or other measurement date over the amount an employee must pay to
acquire the stock. The disclosure requirements of this Statement are effective
for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. Pro
forma disclosures required for entities that elect to continue to measure
compensation cost using APB Opinion No. 25 must include the effects of all
awards granted in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 1994. Management
has determined that the Bank will continue the accounting set forth in APB
Opinion No. 25. Pro forma disclosures are not required because no stock options
were granted during 1995 or 1996.

In June 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities." SFAS No. 125
provides accounting and reporting standards for transfers and servicing of
financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities based on a financial-
components approach that focuses on control. SFAS No. 125 is effective for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities
occurring after December 31, 1996 and is to be prospectively applied. Management
of the Bank does 

                                      27

<PAGE>
 
not expect the adoption of this promulgation to have a material effect on the
Bank's consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications - Certain amounts in the 1994 and 1995 consolidated financial
statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1996 presentation.

2.   GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

Securities available for sale are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Gross         Gross        Estimated
                                                         Amortized    Unrealized    Unrealized       Fair
                                                           Cost         Gains         Losses         Value 
                                                                           (In Thousands)
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>             <C>         <C>
December 31, 1995: 
     Municipal Bonds................................... $    421        $  19           $  -        $    440
     United States Government and agency securities....   26,441          105              -          26,546
                                                         -------       -------       -------         -------
     Total............................................. $ 26,862        $ 124           $  -        $ 26,986
                                                         =======       =======       =======         =======
     Weighted average interest rate....................     6 76%
                                                         =======

December 31, 1996:
     Municipal Bonds................................... $    419        $  11           $  -        $    430
     United States Government and agency securities....    8,024           30             19           8,035
                                                         -------       -------       -------         -------
     Total............................................. $  8,443        $  41           $ 19        $  8,465
                                                         =======       =======       =======         =======
     Weighted average interest rate....................     6.30%
                                                         =======
</TABLE>

The following table sets forth the contractual maturity of the Bank's securities
available for sale at December 31, 1995 and 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                December 31, 1995              December 31, 1996
                                              Amortized  Estimated           Amortized  Estimated
                                               Cost      Fair Value           Cost      Fair Value
                                                                (In Thousands)
<S>                                         <C>         <C>                 <C>        <C>
Due in one year or less....................  $ 19,954    $ 20,034            $ 2,000    $ 1,995
Due after one year, through two years......     6,908       6,952              6,443      6,470
                                             --------    --------           --------   --------
     Total.................................  $ 26,862    $ 26,986            $ 8,443    $ 8,465
                                             ========    ========           ========   ========
</TABLE>

The Bank had total Government and Agency securities available for sale pledged
at December 31, 1995 and 1996 of $ 2,300,000 and $ 2,515,000, respectively. Of
the $ 2,515,000 of securities pledged at December 31, 1996, $ 515,000 was
pledged for customer accounts that exceeded $ 100,000 and the remaining 
$2,000,000 was pledged as collateral for "Treasury, Tax and Loan" (TT&L)
accounts held for the benefit of the federal government.

Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale were $ 37,891,000 and $
5,981,000 during the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995. During the years
ended December 31, 1994 and 1995, sales resulted in gross realized gains of $ 0
and $ 18,000 and gross realized losses of $ 12,000 and $ 38,000, respectively.
There were no sales of securities during the year ended December 31, 1996.


                                      28


<PAGE>
 
3.     MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

Mortgage-backed securities available for sale at December 31, 1995 and 1996 are
summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      Gross             Gross         Estimated
                                         Amortized  Unrealized        Unrealized         Fair
                                           Cost       Gains             Losses          Value
                                                           (In Thousands)
<S>                                     <C>         <C>               <C>             <C>
December 31, 1995:
     FHLMC-fixed rate                   $  72,386     $ 1,747             $  81       $  74,052
     FNMA-fixed rate                       13,865         201                47          14,019
     GNMA-fixed rate                       25,017       2,179                 -          27,196
     FHLMC-adjustable rate                 13,256          19                31          13,244
     FNMA-adjustable rate                  31,054         211                15          31,250
                                        ---------   ---------         ---------       ---------
          Total                         $ 155,578     $ 4,357             $ 174       $ 159,761
                                        =========   =========         =========       =========

December 31, 1996:
     FHLMC-fixed rate                   $  55,832     $   856             $ 443       $  56,245
     FNMA-fixed rate                       11,804          97               130          11,771
     GNMA-fixed rate                        7,670         474                 -           8,144
     FHLMC-adjustable rate                 15,605         295                 -          15,900
     FNMA-adjustable rate                  29,449         222                95          29,576
     GNMA-adjustable rate                   1,935          28                 -           1,963
                                        ---------   ---------         ---------       ---------
          Total                         $ 122,295     $ 1,972             $ 668       $ 123,599
                                        =========   =========         =========       =========
</TABLE>

There were no sales of mortgage-backed securities classified as available for
sale during the year ended December 31, 1995. There were $ 19.6 million in sales
of mortgage-backed securities classified as available for sale during the year
ended December 31, 1996. Proceeds from the sale of mortgage-backed securities
were $ 20.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 which included gross
realized gains of $ 875,000 and no gross realized losses.

At December 31, 1995 and 1996, the Bank had $ 104,378,000 and $ 94,913,000,
respectively, of mortgage-backed securities available for sale pledged as
collateral for advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (See Note 9).

                                      29


 
<PAGE>
 
4.   LOANS RECEIVABLE

Loans receivable at December 31, 1995 and 1996 consist of the following:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1995                1996
                                                                                           (In Thousands)
<S>                                                                               <C>                 <C>
One-to-four single family, residential real estate mortgages....................  $ 426,823           $ 524,434
Commercial real estate mortgages................................................     45,107              42,811
Real estate construction-primarily residential..................................     40,522              58,493
Participations-primarily residential............................................      5,564               4,255
Land loans-primarily residential................................................     10,769              11,875
                                                                                   --------            --------
Total first mortgage loans......................................................    528,785             641,868
Deposit account loans...........................................................        244                 158
Consumer and commercial business loans..........................................     32,445              57,905
                                                                                   --------            --------
Total gross loans...............................................................    561,474             699,931
Less:

     Undisbursed portion of loans in process....................................     27,261              37,575
     Unearned discounts, premiums and deferred loan fees (costs), net...........       (385)             (1,607)
     Allowance for loan losses..................................................      2,265               2,263
                                                                                  ---------           ---------
Loans receivable-net............................................................  $ 532,333           $ 661,700
                                                                                  =========           =========
</TABLE>

The amount of loans on which the Bank has ceased accruing interest or does not
charge interest aggregated approximately $ 1,864,000 and $ 3,035,000, net of
specific valuation allowances of $ 128,000 and $ 274,000, at December 31, 1995
and 1996, respectively. The amount of interest not accrued relating to these
loans was approximately $ 100,000 and $ 192,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1996,
respectively. Management believes the allowance for possible loan losses is
adequate.

An analysis of the changes in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1994               1995            1996
                                                                     (In Thousands)
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>             <C>
Balance at beginning of period...................... $ 2,865            $ 2,566         $ 2,265
Current provision...................................     112               (210)            164
Charge-offs.........................................    (411)               (91)           (166)
Recoveries..........................................       -                  -               -
                                                     -------            -------         -------
Ending balance...................................... $ 2,566            $ 2,265         $ 2,263
                                                     =======            =======         =======
</TABLE>

The Bank originates both adjustable and fixed rate mortgage loans. Included in
the loans receivable at December 31, 1996 are $ 245,000 of loans held for sale.
These loans are recorded at the lower of cost or market. There were no loans
held for sale at December 31, 1995.

A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable
that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the
contractual terms of the loan agreement. An analysis of the recorded investment
in impaired loans owned by the Bank at December 31, 1995 and 1996 and the
related allowance for those loans is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1995                       1996
                                                                                (In Thousands)
                                                                Loan      Related           Loan     Related
                                                                Balance   Allowance        Balance   Allowance
<S>                                                             <C>       <C>              <C>       <C>
Impaired loan balances and related allowances:
Loans performing in conformity with contractual terms.........  $ 2,908       $ 316        $   984       $ 164
Loans for which interest income is not being recognized.......      292         128            667         277
                                                                -------     -------        -------     -------
          Total...............................................  $ 3,200       $ 444        $ 1,651       $ 441
                                                                =======     =======        =======     =======
</TABLE>

                                      30
 

<PAGE>
 
The Bank's policy on interest income on impaired loans is to reverse all accrued
interest against interest income if a loan becomes more than 90 days delinquent
and cease accruing interest thereafter. Such interest ultimately collected is
credited to income in the period of recovery.

At December 31, 1996, the composition and maturity or repricing of the mortgage
loan portfolio is presented below:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
                               Fixed Rate                                                 Adjustable Rate     
    Term of Maturity                           Book Value          Term to Rate Adjustment                Book Value
                                           (In Thousands)                                             (In Thousands)
<S>                                        <C>                <C>                                     <C>
1 year or less                                  $  41,100     1 year or less                              $ 191,865
1 year-3 years                                      4,344     1 year-3 years                                 90,750
3 years-5 years                                    13,297     3 years-5 years                                52,429
5 years-10 years                                   29,551     5 years-10 years                               30,027
10 years-20 years                                 132,361     10 years-20 years                                  66
Over 20 years                                     113,611     Over 20 years                                     530
                                                ---------                                                 ---------
Total                                           $ 334,264     Total                                       $ 365,667
                                                =========                                                 =========
</TABLE>

Adjustable rate mortgage loans originated prior to December 31, 1993 have
interest rate adjustment limitations and are generally indexed to the monthly
weighted-average cost of funds for Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF")
insured institutions headquartered in the Fourth Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB")
District. Adjustable rate mortgage loans originated subsequent to December 31,
1993 are indexed to comparable term U.S. Treasury securities. Future market
factors may affect the correlation of the interest rate adjustment with the
rates the Bank pays on the short-term deposits which have been primarily
utilized to fund those loans.

The Bank makes fixed rate loan commitments for periods generally not exceeding
sixty days. At December 31, 1995 and 1996 the Bank had commitments outstanding
to originate fixed rate mortgage loans as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1995          1996
                                                                       (In Thousands)
<S>                                                              <C>           <C>
15 Years to Maturity
6.76 - 7.00....................................................  $     82      $      -
7.01 - 7.25....................................................       383             -
7.26 - 7.50....................................................       301           666
7.51 - 7.75....................................................       133           360
7.76 - 8.00....................................................        88           215
8.01 - 8.25....................................................         -            98
8.26 - 8.50....................................................         -            30
8.51 - 8.75....................................................         -             -
8.76 - 9.00....................................................         -             -
9.01 - 9.25....................................................         -           842

30 Years to Maturity
7.26 - 7.50....................................................       462           107
7.51 - 7.75....................................................       891            97
7.76 - 8.00....................................................     1,022           930
8.01 - 8.25....................................................       471           921
8.26 - 8.50....................................................         -           611
8.51 - 8.75....................................................        86             -
8.76 - 9.00....................................................         -             -
9.01 - 9.25....................................................         -             -
Over 9.25......................................................         -           100
                                                                 --------      --------
Totals       ..................................................  $  3,919      $  4,977
                                                                 ========      ========
</TABLE>

Because the above commitments generally are funded within sixty days, management
of the Bank feels that related interest rate risk of the commitments is minimal.

The Bank's lending markets are primarily concentrated in Palm Beach, Martin and
St. Lucie counties in Southeast Florida.


                                      31

 
<PAGE>
 

Commercial Real Estate Lending - The Bank originates and purchases commercial
real estate loans, which totaled $ 45,107,000 and $ 42,811,000 at December 31,
1995 and 1996, respectively. These loans are considered by management to be of
somewhat greater risk of uncollectibility due to the dependency on income
production or future development of the real estate. Accordingly, Bank
management establishes greater provisions for probable but not yet identified
losses on these loans than on less risky residential mortgage loans. The
composition of commercial real estate loans and its primary collateral at
December 31, 1995 and 1996 are approximately as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1995              1996
                                                             (In Thousands)

<S>                                                     <C>               <C>
Office buildings.......................................  $ 10,522          $  9,576
Retail buildings.......................................    10,214             9,517
Warehouses.............................................     9,665             9,032
Rental property........................................    13,748            13,781
Hotels and motels......................................        65                60
Other property improvements............................       332               300
Other..................................................       561               545
                                                         --------          --------
Total..................................................  $ 45,107          $ 42,811
                                                         ========          ========
</TABLE>

Under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989
("FIRREA"), a federally chartered savings and loan association's aggregate
commercial real estate loans may not exceed 400% of its capital as determined
under the capital standards provisions of FIRREA. The Bank is federally
chartered and subject to this limitation. FIRREA does not require divestiture of
any loan that was lawful when it was originated. At December 31, 1996, the Bank
estimates that, while complying with this limitation, it could originate an
additional $ 284.0 million of commercial real estate loans, though the Bank's
current business plan indicates no intentions to do so.

Loans to One Borrower Limitation - The Bank may not make real estate loans to
one borrower in excess of 15% of its unimpaired capital and surplus except for
loans not to exceed $ 500,000. This 15% limitation results in a dollar
limitation of approximately $ 12.3 million at December 31, 1996. At December 31,
1996, the Bank met the loans to one borrower limitation under current existing
regulations.

Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying
consolidated statements of financial position. The unpaid balances of these
loans at December 31, 1995 and 1996 were $ 33,941,000 and $ 45,539,000,
respectively. Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with the
foregoing loan servicing were $ 186,078 and $ 186,343 at December 31, 1995 and
1996, respectively.

The Bank offers loans to its employees, including Directors and Senior
Management at prevailing market interest rates. These loans are made in the
ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms and collateral
requirements as those of comparable transactions prevailing at the time.

The loans to Directors, Executive Officers, and associates of such persons
amounted to $ 1,246,000 and $ 1,184,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1996,
respectively, which did not exceed 5% of retained earnings.


                                      32
 

<PAGE>
 
5.     OFFICE PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

Office properties and equipment at December 31, 1995 and 1996 are summarized as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1995             1996
                                                              (In Thousands)
<S>                                                      <C>              <C>
Land..................................................... $  4,839         $  5,657
Buildings and improvements...............................   11,321           13,627
Furniture and equipment..................................    7,280            7,710
                                                          --------         --------
Total....................................................   23,440           26,994
Less accumulated depreciation............................    7,877            8,902
                                                          --------         --------
Office properties and equipment - net.................... $ 15,563         $ 18,092
                                                          ========         ========
</TABLE> 

6.     REAL ESTATE OWNED

Real estate owned at December 31, 1995 and 1996 consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1995            1996
                                            (In Thousands)
<S>                                    <C>              <C>
Real estate owned.....................  $ 643            $ 93
Valuation allowance...................      -               -
                                        -----            ----
Real estate owned - net...............  $ 643            $ 93
                                        =====           =====
</TABLE>

7.     ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE

Accrued interest receivable at December 31, 1995 and 1996 consists of the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1995            1996
                                               (In Thousands)

<S>                                     <C>             <C>
Loans..................................  $ 2,891         $ 3,474
Investments............................      669             298
Mortgage-backed securities.............    1,067             842
                                         -------         -------
Accrued interest receivable............  $ 4,627         $ 4,614
                                         =======         =======
</TABLE>


                                      33



<PAGE>
 
8.     DEPOSITS

The weighted-average interest rates on deposits at December 31, 1995 and 1996
were 4.13% and 4.26%, respectively. Deposit accounts, by type and range of rates
at December 31, 1995 and 1996 consist of the following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Account Type and Rate                       1995                1996
                                                                                    (In Thousands)
<S>                                                                       <C>                 <C>
Non-interest-bearing NOW accounts......................................... $  21,430           $  26,406
NOW, Super NOW and funds transfer accounts
     1995 and 1996, 1.00 % and 1.02 %, respectively.......................    67,886              70,558
Passbook and statement accounts
     1995 and 1996, 1.99 % and 2.05 %, respectively.......................    86,471              87,534
Variable-rate money market accounts
     1995 and 1996, 2.47 % and 2.51 %, respectively.......................    44,677              44,012
                                                                            --------            --------
Total non-certificate accounts............................................   220,464             228,510
                                                                            ========            ========

Certificates:
     1.01% - 2.00%........................................................       834                 949
     2.01% - 3.00%........................................................         2                   2
     3.01% - 4.00%........................................................     1,198                  20
     4.01% - 5.00%........................................................    49,308              34,308
     5.01% - 6.00%........................................................   205,595             333,998
     6.01% - 7.00%........................................................   109,737              93,788
     7.01% - 8.00%........................................................     8,025               3,079
     8.01% - 9.00%........................................................        17                  64
                                                                            --------            --------
Total certificates........................................................   374,716             466,208
                                                                            --------            --------
Total..................................................................... $ 595,180           $ 694,718
                                                                           =========           =========
</TABLE>

Individual deposits greater than $ 100,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1996
aggregated approximately $ 37,571,000 and $ 53,680,000, respectively.

Interest on deposit accounts, presented in the consolidated statements of
operations, is net of interest forfeited by depositors on early withdrawal of
certificate accounts of approximately $ 74,000, $ 115,000 and $ 106,000, for the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.

Scheduled maturities of certificate accounts are as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                  December 31,
                                                     1995                               1996
                                            Amount          Percent            Amount           Percent
Maturity                                                     (Dollars In Thousands)
<S>                                      <C>            <C>                 <C>                <C>
Less than 1 year........................ $ 275,749          73.59%          $ 322,042            69.08%
1 year-2 years..........................    51,148          13.65              75,043            16.10
2 years-3 years.........................    16,925           4.52              28,603             6.13
3 years-4 years.........................    11,503           3.07              17,031             3.65
4 years-5 years.........................    17,469           4.66              21,867             4.69
Thereafter..............................     1,922            .51               1,622              .35
                                         ---------      ---------           ---------          -------
Totals.................................. $ 374,716         100.00%          $ 466,208           100.00%
                                         =========      =========           =========          =======
</TABLE>

Under FIRREA, any insured depository institution that does not meet its
applicable minimum capital requirements may not accept brokered deposits after
December 7, 1992. This prohibition includes renewals and rollovers of existing
brokered deposits and deposit solicitations at higher than prevailing interest
rates paid by institutions in the Bank's normal market area. Even though the
Bank meets all of the applicable minimum capital requirements at December 31,
1996, the Bank had no brokered deposits.

                                      34 

<PAGE>
 
Interest expense on deposits consists of the following during the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1994              1995            1996
                                                   (In Thousands)
<S>                               <C>               <C>             <C>
Passbook accounts................. $  1,848          $  1,812        $  1,723
NOW accounts......................      828               812             937
Money market accounts.............    1,255             1,139           1,075
Certificate accounts..............   12,128            18,752          22,504
                                   --------          --------        --------
Total............................. $ 16,059          $ 22,515        $ 26,239
                                   ========          ========        ========
</TABLE>


9.     ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK

The Bank had outstanding advances from the FHLB of $ 85,169,000 with interest
rates ranging from 5.21% to 8.21% and $ 82,517,000 with interest rates ranging
from 5.21% to 8.21% at December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The advances at
December 31, 1996 are repayable as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

Years Ending
December 31,             Amount
                 (In Thousands)
<S>                   <C> 
1997                  $ 37,779
1998                         -
1999                    28,349
2000                        56
2001                     6,327
Thereafter              10,006
                      --------
Total                 $ 82,517
                      ========
</TABLE> 

The Bank has entered into a security agreement with the FHLB under which the
Bank is required to maintain as collateral for its advances, securities in an
amount at least equal to 100% of the Bank's total advances outstanding from the
FHLB. Pledged assets to secure FHLB advances at December 31, 1995 and 1996
include FHLMC and FNMA securities totaling $ 104,378,000 and $ 94,913,000
respectively (See Note 3).


10.     EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN LOAN

In connection with the Bank's plan of reorganization into a mutual holding
company, which was consummated January 7, 1994, the Bank established an Employee
Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) which was funded by proceeds from a loan with an
unrelated financial institution in the original amount of $ 1,932,000. Terms of
the loan require equal quarterly payments, together with interest, for seven
years, with a right of prepayment of the loan after three years. The loan bears
interest at .25% below the New York prime rate (8.25% at December 31, 1996).

Collateral for the loan will be released and allocated to employee accounts
proportional to the payments on the loan. The collateral for this loan at
December 31, 1996 is 121,440 shares of the Company's stock held and owned by the
ESOP. In addition, the loan contains several restrictive covenants requiring
certain minimum levels of financial performance be maintained by the Bank. The
Bank is in compliance with these covenants.

Although the loan contains only minimal guarantees by Fidelity Bankshares M.H.C.
(the Company's mutual holding company), as was permitted by the OTS, the Bank
intends to make contributions to the ESOP trust for the repayment of the loan in
accordance with its terms.

The balance of this loan at December 31, 1996 was $ 1,104,000.

                                      35
 

<PAGE>
 
11.     INCOME TAXES

In accordance with SFAS No. 109, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
computed annually for differences between financial statement and tax basis of
assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the
future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to periods in which the
differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are
established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount
expected to be realized. Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for
the period adjusted for the change during the period in deferred tax assets and
liabilities.

The components of the provisions for income taxes for the years ended December
31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1994              1995             1996
                                                             (In Thousands) 
<S>                                          <C>               <C>              <C>
Current - federal............................ $ 2,723           $ 2,784          $ 2,993
Current - state..............................     460               410              424
                                              -------           -------          -------
Total current................................   3,183             3,194            3,417
Deferred - federal and state.................     209               (61)            (855)
                                              -------           -------          -------
Total........................................ $ 3,392           $ 3,133          $ 2,562
                                              =======           =======          =======
</TABLE>

The Bank's provision for income taxes differs from the amounts determined by
applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes for
the following reasons:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Years Ended December 31,
                                                   1994                         1995                    1996
                                              Amount           %           Amount        %         Amount            %
                                                                   (Dollars In Thousands)
<S>                                         <C>        <C>           <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>
Tax at federal tax rate....................  $ 3,029       35.0%      $ 2,781        35.0%        $ 2,139        35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal
     income tax benefits
                                                 327        3.8           265         3.3             220         3.6
Benefit of graduated rates.................      (87)      (1.0)          (79)       (1.0)            (61)       (1.0)
Other......................................      123        1.4           166         1.8             264         4.3
                                            --------   --------      --------    --------        --------    --------
Total provision and effective tax rate.....  $ 3,392       39.2%      $ 3,133        39.1%        $ 2,562        41.9%
                                            ========   ========      ========    ========        ========    ========
</TABLE>

                                      36

 
<PAGE>
 

The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets
and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   December 31,
                                                                              1995             1996
                                                                                 (In Thousands)
<S>                                                                       <C>               <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:          
Depreciation.............................................................  $   824           $  978
Loan fee income..........................................................    1,242            1,304
FHLB stock dividends.....................................................    1,050            1,102
Unrealized appreciation in securities....................................    1,662              543
Excess of tax bad debt reserve over book reserve.........................      531              513
Deferred compensation....................................................       92                -
                                                                             -----            -----
Gross deferred tax liabilities...........................................    5,401            4,440
                                                                             -----            -----
Deferred tax assets:
Executive death benefit..................................................      283              347
Amortization.............................................................      118              205
Retirement Plan..........................................................    1,461            2,182
Deferred compensation....................................................      591              686
Deferred state taxes.....................................................        -                -
Other....................................................................      123              117
                                                                             -----            -----
Gross deferred tax assets................................................    2,576            3,554
Less valuation allowances for deferred tax assets........................      (35)               -
                                                                             -----            -----
Net deferred tax assets..................................................    2,541            3,554
                                                                             -----            -----
Net deferred tax liability............................................... $  2,860              886
                                                                             =====            =====               
</TABLE> 

During 1996, legislation was passed that repealed Section 593 of the Internal
Revenue Code for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1995. Section 593
allowed thrift institutions, including the Bank, to use the percentage-of-
taxable income bad debt accounting method, if more favorable than the specific
charge-off method, for Federal income tax purposes. The excess reserves
(deduction based on the percentage-of-taxable income less the deduction based on
the specific charge-off method) accumulated post 1987 are required to be
recaptured ratably over a six year period beginning in 1996. The recapture has
no effect on the Company's statement of operations as taxes were provided for in
prior years in accordance with SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." The
timing of this recapture may be delayed for a one or two year period to the
extent that the Bank originates more residential loans that the average
originations in the past six years. The Bank will meet the origination
requirement for 1996 and, therefore, will delay recapture at least until the six
year period beginning in 1997. The recapture amount of $ 3.7 million will result
in payments totaling $ 1.4 million which has been previously accrued. The same
legislation forgave the tax liability on pre-1987 accumulated bad debt reserves
which would have penalized any thrift choosing to adopt a bank charter because
the tax would have become due and payable. The unrecorded potential liability
that was forgiven approximated $ 2.9 million.


12.     PENSION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Pension Plan - The Bank's employees participate in the Bank's, qualified defined
benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. The plan calls for
benefits to be paid to eligible employees at retirement based primarily upon
years of service with the Bank and compensation rates during those years.
Currently, the Bank's policy is to fund the qualified retirement plan in an
amount that falls between the minimum contribution required by the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act and the maximum tax deductible contribution. Plan
assets consist primarily of common stock, U.S. Government obligations and
certificates of deposit.

                                      37

 

<PAGE>
 
Pension expense for the plan includes the following components:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
                                                      For the Years Ended December 31,
                                                      1994          1995          1996
                                                               (In Thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>
Service cost........................................ $ 344         $ 325         $ 410
Interest cost.......................................   436           554           535
Return on assets....................................   270        (1,066)         (816)
Net amortization and deferral.......................  (709)          680           433
                                                     -----         -----         -----
Net periodic pension cost........................... $ 341         $ 493         $ 562
                                                     =====         =====         =====
</TABLE>


For the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, pension expense amounts
were based upon actuarial computations.

In accordance with the actuarially determined computation under SFAS No. 87, the
Bank funded $ 746,000 as required for the 1996 plan year.

The following sets forth the funded status of the qualified plan at December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1995               1996
                                                                                   (In Thousands)
<S>                                                                        <C>                <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:          
Vested benefits...........................................................  $ 4,565            $ 3,569
Non-vested benefits.......................................................      279                302
                                                                            -------            -------
Accumulated benefit obligation............................................    4,844              3,871

Effect of anticipated future compensation levels
     and other events.....................................................    2,103              3,319
                                                                            -------            -------
Projected benefit obligation..............................................    6,947              7,190
Fair value of assets held in the plan (estimated).........................    5,169              6,284
                                                                            -------            -------
Unfunded plan assets over projected benefit obligation....................  $ 1,778            $   906
                                                                            =======            =======

The unfunded plan assets under projected benefit 
     obligation consists of the following:          
Accrued pension cost (benefit)                                              $   445            $   261 
Unrecognized net loss due to changes in assumptions                           1,607                889 
Other, net                                                                     (274)              (244)
                                                                            -------            -------
Total                                                                       $ 1,778            $   906 
                                                                            =======            =======
</TABLE>


The weighted-average discount rate used to measure the projected benefit
obligation is 7.75% pre-retirement and 6.00% post-retirement in 1996, compared
to 7.25% pre-retirement and 6.00% post-retirement in 1995 and 8.50% pre-
retirement and 6.50% post-retirement in 1994. The rate of increase in future
compensation levels is 6.50% in all years, and the expected long-term rate of
return on assets is 8.00% in all years.

Savings Plan - Effective January 1, 1988, the Board of Directors approved a
401(k) deferred savings plan for all Bank employees who are 21 years of age with
one or more years of service. The 401(k) deferred savings plan allows qualified
employees to save from 1% to 10% of their income. Presently, one-half of an
employee's contribution is matched by the Bank, up to 3% of the employee's
salary. The Bank's matching percentage will be determined annually by the Board
of Directors after taking into consideration such factors as profit performance
and ability to meet capital requirements. The Bank's contribution to the plan
totaled $ 103,000, $ 145,000 and $ 170,000 for the years ended December 31,
1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.

Retirement Plans - During 1989, the Bank established non-qualified defined
benefit plans for certain officers and directors. The director's plan became
effective on January 1, 1991. For the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and
1996, the net periodic pension expense for the Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan for Officers totaled $ 626,000, $ 615,000 and $ 964,000, respectively. The
projected benefit obligation as of December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, was
estimated at $ 3,704,000, $ 5,791,000 and $ 5,217,000, respectively. For 1994,
1995 and 1996, respectively, the discount rates used to measure the projected
benefit obligation were 7.00%, 6.50% and 7.75%. The rate of increase in future
compensation levels in all years was 5.00%. For the years ended December 31,
1994, 1995 and 1996, the net periodic pension expense for the Retirement Plan
for the Director's 

                                      38


<PAGE>
 

totaled $ 337,000, $ 257,000 and $ 273,000, respectively. The projected benefit
obligation for the Retirement Plan for Directors as of December 31, 1994, 1995
and 1996 was estimated at $ 1,494,000, $ 1,678,000 and $ 1,514,000,
respectively. For 1994, 1995 and 1996, the discount rates used to measure that
projected benefit obligation were 7.00%, 6.50% and 7.75%, respectively. The rate
of increase in future compensation levels for the Retirement Plan for Directors
was 5.00% in all years. The provisions of SFAS No. 87 require recognition in the
statement of financial position of the additional minimum liability and related
intangible asset for a retirement plan with accumulated benefits in excess of
plan assets. This resulted in the recognition at December 31, 1995, of an
additional liability and an intangible asset of $ 2,050,000. There was no
material effect on earnings or cash requirements to fund the retirement plans.
At December 31, 1996, the Bank recognized an additional liability of $ 592,000
and an intangible asset of an equal amount. The additional liability and
intangible asset amounts as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 are recorded in the
account balances captioned other liabilities and other assets, respectively, in
the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position. 

Incentive Program - The Bank also has a Senior Management Performance Incentive
Award Program to provide the opportunity for those executives to be rewarded in
future earnings growth. A designated percentage of income at December 31 of each
year is used to determine the award fund contribution. This percentage will be
determined annually by the Board of Directors after taking into consideration
such factors as profit performance and ability to meet capital requirements.
Awards amounting to $ 170,000, $ 164,000 and $ 120,000, were made during the
calendar years 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively, for distribution in subsequent
years.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan - On January 7, 1994, in connection with the
Bank's Plan of Reorganization into a Mutual Holding Company (See Note 17), the
Bank adopted a tax qualified Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") for all
eligible employees. The ESOP purchased 193,200 shares of the Bank's stock at the
date of the Reorganization. The funds used to purchase the shares were borrowed
from a third party lender (See Note 10). The Bank will contribute to the ESOP
sufficient funds to pay the principal and interest on this loan over seven
years. Benefits generally become 100% vested after five years of credited
service. However, contributions to the ESOP and shares allocated among
participants proportional to repayment of the seven year ESOP loan will be
allocated among participants on the basis of compensation in the year of
allocation, subject to regulatory maximum limitations. The Bank recognized $
361,000, $ 398,000 and $ 462,000, by a charge against income in 1994, 1995 and
1996, respectively, under this plan.

Bank Recognition and Retention Plans - On January 7, 1994, in connection
with the Bank's Plan of Reorganization into a Mutual Holding Company (See Note
17), the Bank adopted two Recognition and Retention Plans to encourage key
employees and Directors to remain with the Bank. Both plans, consisting of a
total of 121,440 shares of restricted stock after the 10% stock dividend, were
awarded and will vest and be allocated to the affected employees and Directors
ratably over three years, subject to various conditions requiring their
acceleration. The Bank recognized $ 496,000, $ 328,000 and $ 280,000 by a charge
against income in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively, under this plan.


                                      39

<PAGE>
 
13.     STOCK OPTION PLAN

The Bank has adopted stock option plans which granted options with an exercise
price equal to the market value of the stock at the date of grant, to Directors
and officers. The Directors may exercise their options at any time up to ten
years, while officer's options are exercisable at a rate of twenty percent per
year, not to exceed ten years. Under these plans, after retroactively adjusting
for the 10% stock dividend distributed in November 1995, the Bank reserved
303,600 shares of authorized but unissued common stock for future issuance. The
following table shows a summary of transactions.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Options Price
                                                                             Average
                                                        Number of            Exercise
                                                         Options             Price Per          Aggregate
                                                       Outstanding             Share              Price    

<S>                                                    <C>                <C>                   <C>  
Options Outstanding
Balance - December 31, 1993                                      -                   -                  -
                                                           -------             -------          ---------
     Granted.............................................. 303,600           $    9.09        $ 2,759,724
     Exercised............................................       -                   -                  -
     Cancelled............................................       -                   -                  -
                                                           -------             -------          ---------
Balance - December 31, 1994..............................  303,600                9.09          2,759,724
                                                           -------             -------          ---------
     Granted.............................................        -                   -                  -
     Exercised...........................................  (37,950)               9.09           (344,966)
     Cancelled...........................................        -                   -                  -
                                                           -------             -------          ---------
Balance - December 31, 1995..............................  265,650                9.09          2,414,758
                                                           -------             -------          ---------
     Granted.............................................        -                   -                  -
     Exercised...........................................  (43,117)               9.09           (391,934)
     Cancelled...........................................        -                   -                  -
                                                           -------             -------          ---------
Balance - December 31, 1996..............................  222,533           $    9.09        $ 2,022,824
                                                           =======             =======          ========= 
</TABLE>

14.     REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by
the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS"). Failure to meet minimum capital
requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible discretionary actions
by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the
Bank's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the
regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific
capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank's assets,
liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory
accounting practices. The Bank's capital amounts and classifications are also
subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk-weighting
and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy
require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Tangible capital of
not less than 1.5% of adjusted total assets, Total capital to risk-weighted
assets of not less than 8%, Tier I capital of not less than 3.0% of adjusted
total assets, and Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.0% (as defined in
the regulations). As of December 31, 1996, the Bank meets all capital adequacy
requirements to which it is subject.

As of December 31, 1996 the Bank is categorized as "Well Capitalized" under the
framework for prompt corrective action. To be considered well capitalized under
Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, the Bank must maintain total risk-based,
Tier I risk-based and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the following
table.

                                      40
<PAGE>
 
The Bank's capital amounts and ratios are represented in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         To be Considered
                                                                    Minimum for                           Well Capitalized
                                                                Capital Adequacy                       for Prompt Corrective
                                      Actual                        Purposes                             Action Provisions
                               Ratio          Amount        Ratio             Amount                Ratio               Amount
                                                              (Dollars In Thousands)
<S>                        <C>          <C>             <C>             <C>                     <C>               <C>
As of December 31, 1995
     Stockholders'
     Equity and ratio
     to total assets......     10.4%    $  81,266
                           =========

Unrealized increase in
     market value of
     assets available
     for sale (net of
     applicable income
     taxes)...............                 (2,584)
Goodwill..................                 (1,057)
Tangible capital and......               --------
     ratio to adjusted
     total assets.........     10.0%     $ 77,625             1.5%      $  11,600
Tier I (core) capital..... =========     ========       =========       =========
     and ratio to
     adjusted total
     assets...............     10.0%     $ 77,625             3.0%      $  23,199                     5.0%        $  38,666
Tier I (core) capital..... =========     ========       =========       =========               =========         =========
     and ratio to
     risk-weighted total
     assets...............     21.0%     $ 77,625                                                      6.0%       $  22,173
                           =========                                                            ==========        =========
General loan valuation
     allowances...........                     1,821
Equity investments........                      (217)
                                           ---------
Tier 2 capital............                 $   1,604
                                           ---------

Total risk-based capital
     and ratio to
     risk-weighted total
     assets...............     21.4%       $  79,229             8.0%    $  29,564         10.0%     $  36,955
                            ========       =========       =========     =========    =========      =========
Total assets..............                 $ 779,620
                                           =========
Adjusted total assets.....                 $ 773,314
                                           =========
Risk-weighted assets......                 $ 369,554
                                           =========

As of December 31, 1996
     Stockholders' Equity
     and ratio to total
     assets...............       9.4%      $  81,723
                            ========
Unrealized increase in
    market value of
    assets available
    for sale (net of
    applicable income
    taxes)................                      (782)
Goodwill..................                      (755)
Tangible capital and......                 ---------
    ratio to adjusted
    total assets..........      9.2%        $ 80,186        1.5%     $  13,072
Tier I (core) capital and. =========       =========   =========     =========
    ratio to adjusted
    total assets..........      9.2%        $ 80,186        3.0%     $  26,144              5.0%    $  43,574
Tier I (core) capital and. =========       =========   =========     =========        =========     =========
    ratio to risk-
    weighted total
    assets................     17.9%       $  80,186                                        6.0%    $  26,915
                           =========                                                  =========     =========

General loan valuation
    allowances............                     1,822
Equity investments........                       (97)
                                           ---------
Tier 2 capital............                   $ 1,725
Total risk-based..........                 =========
    capital and ratio
    to risk-weighted
    total assets..........     18.3%       $  81,911        8.0%     $  35,886             10.0%    $  44,858
                           =========       =========   ========      =========        =========     =========
Total assets..............                 $ 873,562
                                           =========
Adjusted total assets.....                 $ 871,472
                                           =========
Risk-weighted assets......                 $ 448,579
                                           =========
</TABLE>

                                      41

 
<PAGE>
 
At periodic intervals, both the OTS and the FDIC routinely examine the Bank's
financial statements as part of their legally proscribed oversight of the
savings and loan industry. Based on these examinations, the regulators can
direct that the Bank's financial statements be adjusted in accordance with their
findings.

During the year ended December 31, 1996, an OTS examination resulted in no
significant adjustments to the consolidated financial statements.

15.     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of business, the Bank makes commitments to extend credit.
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as
there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. The interest
rates on both fixed and variable rate mortgage loans are generally based on the
market rates in effect on the date the loan application is taken. Commitments
generally have fixed expiration dates of no longer than 60 days and other
termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since some of the
commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total
commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The
Bank evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The
amount of collateral obtained by the Bank upon extension of credit is based on
management's credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may
include single-family homes, marketable securities and income-producing
residential and commercial properties. Credit losses may occur when one of the
parties fails to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. The
Bank's exposure to credit risk is represented by the contractual amount of the
commitments to extend credit. At December 31, 1996, the Bank had commitments to
extend credit for or purchase mortgage loans of $ 21,799,000 ($ 4,977,000 in
fixed rate commitments, see Note 4, and the balance of commitments in either
variable rate or for which rates had not yet been set). The Bank also has a pre-
approval program which commits dollar amounts to potential loan customers based
on their credit history. This program, however, does not commit to locked in
rates. No fees are received in connection with such commitments.

The Bank leases various property for original periods ranging from one to
seventy-two years. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and
1996, was approximately $ 568,000, $ 623,000 and $ 682,000, respectively. At
December 31, 1996, future minimum lease payments under these operating leases
are as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                  Years Ending December 31,            Amount
                                (In Thousands)
                      <S>                          <C>  
                  1997                           $   619,127
                  1998                               606,237
                  1999                               624,594
                  2000                               656,754
                  2001                               582,895
                  Thereafter                       3,684,339
                                                 -----------
                  Total                          $ 6,773,946
                                                 ===========
</TABLE> 

In connection with the Bank's reorganization in 1994, the Bank entered into a
three year employment agreement with its Chief Executive Officer. This
agreement, among other matters, would provide for severance payments of up to
three years salary in the event of termination for reasons other than cause. In
addition, the Bank has entered into severance agreements with four of its
executive officers. The severance agreements would provide for payments of up to
three years salary for these executives, but only in the event of change of
control of the Bank.

                                      42

 
<PAGE>
 
16.  SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    For the Years Ended December 31,
                                                                                1994             1995              1996
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:                                           (In Thousands)
<S>                                                                        <C>              <C>               <C>
Cash paid for income taxes................................................  $  3,540         $  3,223          $  2,810
                                                                            ========         ========          ========
Cash paid for interest on deposits and other borrowings...................  $ 17,822         $ 27,906          $ 31,879
                                                                            ========         ========          ========
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans...............................  $  2,191         $  1,326          $    593
                                                                            ========         ========          ========
</TABLE> 

17.     CONVERSION TO HOLDING COMPANY

On April 25, 1996, Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida (the "Bank") adopted
an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, (the "Plan") whereby the Bank would
become a wholly-owned subsidiary of a stock holding company, Fidelity
Bankshares, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation. Pursuant to the Plan,
the Bank's mutual holding company parent would continue to own a majority of the
Company's outstanding common stock. In addition, as part of the Plan, each share
of the Bank's outstanding one dollar par value common stock would be converted
into one share of Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. ten cent par value common stock.
Consequently, following the reorganization, each stockholder of the Bank would
have the same ownership interest in Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. as the stockholder
had in the Bank.

In November, 1996, the Bank received regulatory approval to proceed with the
reorganization and on January 21, 1997, the Bank's stockholders approved the
Plan. On January 29, 1997, the transaction was consummated, resulting in the
Company owning all the outstanding common stock of the Bank. The reorganization
was completed as a tax-free transaction. In addition, since the reorganization
was accounted for in the same manner as a pooling of interests merger, no
significant accounting adjustments were necessary to the consolidated financial
statements. Common stock and additional paid in capital reflect the change in
par value described above.

18.     EARNINGS PER SHARE

The weighted-average number of shares, including the adjustments for the Bank's
leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Management Recognition Plan
(MRP) and stock options for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996,
retroactively adjusted to reflect the 10% stock dividend distributed on November
30, 1995, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1994           1995           1996
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>           <C>
Primary Shares:
Shares Outstanding.........................................  6,699,440      6,709,492     6,723,409
Adjustments to reflect
     Uncommitted ESOP shares...............................    (200,786)      (170,619)      (140,291)
     Unearned MRP shares (treasury stock method)...........     (16,542)        (9,031)             -
     Common stock options (treasury stock method)..........      75,089         77,894         84,380
                                                              ---------      ---------      ---------
          Total............................................   6,557,201      6,607,736      6,667,498
                                                              =========      =========      =========
</TABLE>

The computations of fully diluted shares outstanding is the same as for primary
shares, above.

Pursuant to Statement of Position 93-6, entitled "Employers' Accounting for
Employee Stock Ownership Plans," issued by the Accounting Standards Executive
Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, ESOP shares
that have not been committed to be released are not considered to be
outstanding.

                                      43

 
<PAGE>
 
19.     DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 107 ("SFAS No. 107"), "Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial
Instruments," as amended by SFAS 119, requires additional disclosures of fair
values of financial instruments in the notes to the consolidated financial
statements. Fair values of financial instruments that are not actively traded
are based on market prices of similar instruments and/or valuation techniques
using market assumptions. Although management uses its best judgment in
estimating the fair value of these financial instruments, there are inherent
limitations in any estimation technique. Therefore, the fair value estimates
presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts which the Bank
could realize in a current transaction.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   December 31,

                                                                     1995                              1996

                                                         Carrying               Fair         Carrying          Fair
                                                          Amount               Value          Amount          Value
Assets:                                                                           (In Thousands)
<S>                                                     <C>                <C>               <C>          <C>
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions....... $ 14,989           $ 14,989          $ 15,293     $ 15,293
Interest-bearing deposits...............................    9,974              9,974            27,127       27,127
Assets available for sale...............................  186,747            186,747           132,064      132,064
Loans receivable (net)..................................  532,333            542,483           661,700      664,667

Liabilities:
Deposits................................................  595,180            595,835           694,718      697,163
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank................   85,169             87,273            82,517       84,859
ESOP loan...............................................    1,380              1,380             1,104        1,104
</TABLE>

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value of each
major class of financial instrument at December 31, 1995 and 1996.

Cash and Amounts due from Depository Institutions and Interest-Bearing 
Deposits - The carrying amount of these assets is a reasonable estimate of 
their fair value.

Assets Available for Sale - The fair value of these securities are based on
quoted market prices.

Loans Receivable - The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the
future cash flows of the loans using the current rates at which similar loans
would be made to borrowers with similar credit rating for the same remaining
maturities.

Deposits - The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and money market
accounts are equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The
fair values of fixed maturity certificate accounts are estimated by discounting
the future cash flows of the certificates using the current rates for advances
from the Federal Home Loan Bank with similar maturities.

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank - The fair value of these advances is
estimated by discounting the future cash flows of these advances using the
current rates at which similar term advances could be obtained.

ESOP Loan - The carrying amount of this loan is a reasonable estimate of fair
market value.

Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit - The fair value of
these commitments is insignificant.

                                      44

<PAGE>
 
20.     QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        First       Second          Third        Fourth
                                                       Quarter      Quarter        Quarter       Quarter
                                                                       (In Thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>
Year ended December 31, 1995:
     Interest income...........................      $ 12,277      $ 12,924       $ 13,839      $ 14,221
     Interest expense..........................         6,013         6,842          7,617         7,623
                                                     --------      --------       --------      --------
          Net interest income..................         6,264         6,082          6,222         6,598
                                                     --------      --------       --------      --------
     Provision for loan losses.................          (278)           16             (7)           59
     Non-interest income.......................           680           660            808           873
     Non-interest expenses.....................         4,938         5,025          5,099         5,387
     Income taxes..............................           884           663            762           824
                                                     --------      --------       --------      --------
          Net Income...........................      $  1,400      $  1,038       $  1,176       $ 1,201
                                                     ========      ========       ========      ========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    First        Second         Third        Fourth
                                                   Quarter       Quarter       Quarter       Quarter
                                                                    (In Thousands)
<S>............................................ <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>
Year ended December 31, 1996:
     Interest income...........................  $ 14,333      $ 14,709       $ 15,377      $ 15,821
     Interest expense..........................     7,579         7,591          8,247         8,714
                                                 --------      --------       --------      --------
          Net interest income..................     6,754         7,118          7,130         7,107
                                                 --------      --------       --------      --------
     Provision for loan losses.................        76           (16)            54            50
     Non-interest income.......................     1,420           864            968         1,624
     Non-interest expenses.....................     5,552         5,649          9,585         5,923
     Income taxes..............................     1,050           974           (617)        1,155
                                                 --------      --------       --------      --------
          Net Income...........................  $  1,496      $  1,375       $   (924)     $  1,603
                                                 ========      ========       ========      ========
</TABLE>


                                      45
 
<PAGE>
 

Management's Assertions as to the Effectiveness of its Internal Control
Structure Over Financial Reporting and Compliance with Designated Laws and
Regulations

To the Stockholders:

Financial Statements

Management of Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. (the "Company") and its subsidiary,
Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida (the "Bank"), is responsible for the
preparation, integrity and fair presentation of its published financial
statements and all other information presented in this annual report. The
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and, as such, include amounts based on judgments and
estimates made by management.

The financial statements have been audited by the independent accounting firm,
Deloitte & Touche LLP, which was given unrestricted access to all financial
records and related data, including minutes of all meetings of stockholders, the
Board of Directors and committees of the board. Management believes that all
representations made to the independent auditors during their audit were valid
and appropriate. The independent auditors report accompanies the Company's
audited financial statements.

Internal Control

Management is responsible for and does maintain a structure of internal control
over financial reporting, which is designed to provide reasonable assurance to
the Company's management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation of
reliable published financial statements, including the Bank's reports to the
Office of Thrift Supervision which are based on both generally accepted
accounting principles and instructions for Thrift Financial Reports (TFR
instructions). The structure includes a documented organizational structure and
division of responsibility, established policies and procedures including a code
of conduct to foster a strong ethical climate, which are communicated throughout
the Bank, and the careful selection, training and development of our people.
Internal auditors monitor the operation of the internal control system and
report findings and recommendations to management and the Board of Directors,
and corrective actions are taken to address control deficiencies and other
opportunities for improving the system as they are identified. The Board,
operating through its audit committee, which is composed entirely of directors
who are not officers or employees of the Company nor the Bank, provides
oversight to the financial reporting process.

There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any structure of internal
control, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or
overriding of controls. Accordingly, even an effective internal control,
including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of
controls. Accordingly, even an effective internal control structure can provide
only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of an internal control structure can change with
circumstances.

Management assessed its internal control structure over financial reporting
presented in conformity with both generally accepted accounting principles and
TFR instructions as of December 31, 1996 in relation to criteria for effective
internal control over financial reporting described in "Internal Control--
Integrated Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission. Management believes the Company and the Bank maintained an
effective internal control structure over financial reporting, presented in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and TFR instructions,
as of December 31, 1996.

Compliance with Designated Laws and Regulations

Management is also responsible for compliance with the federal laws and
regulations concerning loans to insiders and the federal and state laws and
regulations concerning dividend restrictions, both of which are designated by
the FDIC as safety and soundness laws and regulations.

Management assessed its compliance with the designated safety and soundness laws
and regulations and has maintained records of its determinations and assessments
as required by the FDIC. Based on this assessment, management believes that the
Company and the Bank has complied, in all material respects, with the designated
safety and soundness laws and regulations for the year ended December 31, 1996.


by:/S/Vince A. Elhilow                         by:/S/Richard D. Aldred
   ----------------------------------          ------------------------- 
President and Chief Executive Officer          Executive Vice President-
                                               Chief Financial Officer

February 3, 1997


                                      46

 
<PAGE>
 
Independent Accountants' Report


To the Audit Committee
Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida
West Palm Beach, Florida


We have examined management's assertion that, as of December 31, 1996, Fidelity
Federal Savings Bank of Florida maintained an effective internal control
structure over financial reporting presented in conformity with both generally
accepted accounting principles and the Office of Thrift Supervision Instructions
for Thrift Financial Reports included in the accompanying Report on Management's
Assertions as to the Effectiveness of its Internal Control Structure over
Financial Reporting and Compliance with Designated Laws and Regulations.

Our examination was made in accordance with standards established by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and, accordingly, included
obtaining an understanding of the internal control structure over financial
reporting, testing, and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of the
internal control structure over financial reporting, and such other procedures
as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our examination
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Because of inherent limitations in any internal control structure, errors or
irregularities may occur and not be detected. Also, projections of any
evaluation of the internal control structure over financial reporting to future
periods are subject to the risk that the internal control structure may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management's assertion that, as of December 31, 1996, Fidelity
Federal Savings Bank of Florida maintained an effective internal control
structure over financial reporting presented in conformity with both generally
accepted accounting principles and the Office of Thrift Supervision Instructions
for Thrift Financial Reports is fairly stated, in all material respects, based
on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Certified Public Accountants
West Palm Beach, FL
February 21, 1997

                                      47


 
<PAGE>
 
Fidelity Bankshares, Inc.
Board of Directors 


[GRAPHIC PHOTO OMITTED: JOS. B. SHEARHOUSE, JR.]


Jos. B. Shearouse, Jr.
Chairman of the Board


[GRAPHIC PHOTO OMITTED: VINCE A. ELHILOW]

Vince A. Elhilow
President
Chief Executive Officer


[GRAPHIC PHOTO OMITTED: KEITH D. BEATY]


Keith D. Beaty
Chief Executive Officer
Implant Innovations, Inc.


[GRAPHIC PHOTO OMITTED: F. TED BROWN, JR.]


F. Ted Brown, Jr.
President
Ted Brown Real Estate, Inc.


[GRAPHIC PHOTO OMITTED: CHRISTOPHER H. COOK]


Christopher H. Cook
Executive Vice President
Corporate Counsel


[GRAPHIC PHOTO OMITTED: DONALD E. WARREN, M.D]


Donald E. Warren, M.D.
Retired Physician


[GRAPHIC PHOTO OMITTED: FREDERIC T. DEHON]


Frederic T. DeHon
Certified Public 
Accountant

Frederic T. DeHon, a member of the Board of Directors of Fidelity Federal
Savings Bank of Florida, passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 1997. Mr. DeHon, a
1950 graduate of the University of Florida, had been a practicing CPA in the
West Palm Beach area since 1952, and a Director of the Bank since 1978.

Mr. DeHon served in the US Navy during World War II as a carrier-based fighter
pilot and continued his military service as a Lieutenant in the United States
Naval Reserve through 1953 with a fighter unit and a Carrier-based helicopter
unit. He began his accounting career with Himes & Himes, CPAs, in 1950, and was
a partner in Holyfield, Elliott and DeHon, P.A. at the time of his passing.

Mr. Dehon was a founding board member of Florida Atlantic University, a member
of the West Palm Beach Rotary Club for more than 30 years, and was an active
member of many other civic and social organization.

In his eighteen years on Fidelity Federal's Board of Directors, Mr. DeHon served
as Chairman of the Audit Committee, Chairman of the Executive Compensation
Committee and on many other committees and was actively involved in all of the
major decisions concerning the Bank during his service on the Board.

We are grateful to Mr. DeHon for his valuable contribution to Fidelity Federal
and his community, and extend sympathies to his family and friends.


Officers


Richard D. Aldred
Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer


Joseph C. Bova
Executive Vice President


Robert L. Fugate
Executive Vice President


Patricia C. Clager
Corporate Secretary

                                      48

 
<PAGE>
 
Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida


Directors


Jos. B. Shearouse, Jr.
Chairman of the Board


Vince A. Elhilow
President
Chief Executive Officer


Christopher H. Cook
Executive Vice President
Corporate Counsel


Keith D. Beaty
Chief Executive Officer
Implant Innovations, Inc.


F. Ted Brown
President
Ted Brown Real Estate, Inc.


Donald E. Warren, M. D.
Retired Physician


Directors Emerti


Carl H. Anthony
President
Anthony Groves


Louis B. Bills, Sr.
Louis B. Bills Enterprises


George B. Preston
Chairman Emeritus


Raymond C. Tylander
President
Tylander Realty Corporation


Officers


EXECUTIVE OFFICER


Vince A. Elhilow
President
Chief Executive Officer


EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS

Richard D. Aldred
Chief Financial Officer


Joseph C. Bova
Lending Operations Manager


Christopher H. Cook
Corporate Counsel


Robert L. Fugate
Banking Operations Manager


J. Robert McDonald
President, Fidelity Realty & Appraisal Services, Inc.


VICE PRESIDENT/CORPORATE SECRETARY


Patricia C. Clager
Administrative Assistant to the Chairman


SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS


David R. Hochstetler
Director of Marketing/CRA Officer


Brian C. Mahoney
Controller


Janice R. Newlands
Director of Human Resources


Debra K. Schiavone
Mortgage Loan Administration

 
Shellie R. Schmidt
Banking Administration


Joseph B. Shearouse, III
Commercial Loan Manager


Kenneth B. Stone, Jr.
Mortgage Loan Production


Daniel F. Turk
Property and Risk Management


VICE PRESIDENT/ASSISTANT SECRETARY


Arlene Metz
Administrative Assistant to the President


Martin County Advisory Board     


Richard Q. Pennick, M.D., Chairman
Retired Physician


J. David Girlinghouse, D.D.S.
Dentist


C. Norris Tilton, Esq.
Attorney


Owen C. Schwaderer
President
Jensen Beach Land Company

Francis X. Wilson
President
Wilson Builders


                                      49

 
<PAGE>
 
Palm Beach County Offices


[GRAPHIC OMITTED: MAP OF FLORIDA BRANCH OFFICES]


MAIN OFFICE
218 Datura Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 659-9900


45th Street
4520 Broadway
West Palm Beach, FL  33407
(561) 848-5577


Bear Lakes
701 Village Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL  33409
(561) 689-8800


Boynton Beach
At I-95 & Woolbright Road
1501 Corporate Drive
Boynton Beach, FL  33426
(561) 734-3300


Century Corners
4835 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL  33417
(561) 689-5305


Forest Hill
399 Forest Hill Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL  33405
(561) 585-5552


Northlake
950 Northlake Blvd.
Lake Park, FL  33408
(561) 842-4266


Palm Beach
245 Royal Poinciana Way
Palm Beach, FL  33480
(561) 659-0666


Palm Beach Gardens
Garden Square Shoppes
10973 North Military Trail
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 775-7600


Royal Palm Beach
100 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.
Royal Palm Beach, FL   33411
(561) 793-3270


Singer Island
1200 East Blue Heron Blvd.
Riviera Beach, FL  33404
(561) 848-8675


Tequesta
171 Tequesta Drive
Tequesta, FL  33469
(561) 747-5100


Wellington 
12000 W. Forest Hill Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL  33414
(561) 793-4501


West Boynton Beach
9875 Jog Road
Boynton Beach, FL  33437
(561) 731-2122


West Delray Beach
5017 West Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach, FL  33484
(561) 499-7002


West Forest Hill 
3989 Forest Hill Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
(561) 969-3333


West Lake Worth
6535 Lake Worth Road
Lake Worth, FL  33467
(561) 968-1040


Martin County Offices


Jensen Beach
1021 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd.
Jensen Beach, FL  34957
(561) 334-1600


Martin Square
2980 S. Federal Highway
Stuart, FL  34994
(561) 287-6600


Kanner/Monterey
2401 South Kanner Highway
Stuart, FL  34994
(561) 288-6767


                                      50


 

<PAGE>
 
Corporate Information

STOCK PRICE INFORMATION

Fidelity Bankshares, Inc.'s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "FFFL". Newspaper stock tables list the holding company as
"Fidelbksh". The Bank's common stock has been trading since January 7, 1994.


INVESTOR RELATIONS

Vince A. Elhilow, President & CEO Richard D. Aldred, Executive Vice President &
CFO Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida 218 Datura Street
West Palm Beach, Florida  33401
(561) 659-9900


SHAREHOLDER SERVICES &
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida David R. Hochstetler, Senior Vice
President Lucy A. Carr, Assistant Secretary 218 Datura Street West Palm Beach,
Florida 33401 (561) 659-9931


ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

A copy of the Company's report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, is available without charge by written request addressed as
set forth under Shareholder Services above.



DATE AND PLACE OF ANNUAL MEETING

April 15, 1997, 10:00 a.m. (EDT)
Omni Hotel
1601 Belvedere Road
West Palm Beach, Florida  33401


GENERAL COUNSEL

Brackett, Sned, Welch, D'Angio, Tucker & Farach P.A.
218 Datura Street
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401


SPECIAL COUNSEL

Luse Lehman Gorman Pomerenk & Schick
5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20015


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Deloitte & Touche LLP
1645 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 900
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401



STOCK TRANSFER AGENT

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
40 Wall Street 
New York, New York 10005
(800) 937-5449




STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION
- -----------------------------------------------------------

                                Quarter Ended
                                -------------

                     3/31/96   6/30/96   9/30/96   12/31/96

Stock Price
- -----------

High                $ 16.50   $ 14.50   $ 15.50    $ 18.50
                    ---------------------------------------

Low                 $ 13.25   $ 12.75   $ 11.75    $ 15.00

Dividends

declared            $   .15   $   .15   $   .20    $   .20
- -----------------------------------------------------------



ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

News releases issued through PR Newswire are available through Company News On-
Call via fax
(1-800-758-5804, ext. 281429) or Internet website

 
<PAGE>
 



                                  EXHIBIT 21

                        SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT




 
<PAGE>
 

                                  EXHIBIT 21

                        SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT



Parent Company       Subsidiary Company      State of Incorporation
- --------------       -------------------     ----------------------
 
Fidelity           Fidelity Federal Savings          Florida
Bankshares,            Bank of Florida
Inc.


<PAGE>
 
                                   APPENDIX B
<PAGE>
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, DC  20552
                       ----------------------------------
                                        
                                   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 September 30, 1997

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


     For the transition period from                to
                                   ---------------    --------------

                     Securities Exchange Act Number 0-29040

                           FIDELITY BANKSHARES, INC.
             ------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             DELAWARE                                       65-0717085
- -------------------------------                       ----------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                            (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)                        Identification Number)

               218 Datura Street, West Palm Beach, Florida  33401
               --------------------------------------------------
                    (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (561) 659-9900

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report

   Indicate by check [X] whether the Registrant has filed all reports required
to be filed by Sections 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
                  PROCEEDING DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:
                                        
   Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed all documents and
reports required to be filed by Sections 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:  There were 6,784,958 shares of
the Registrant's common stock outstanding as of November 1, 1997.


<PAGE>
 
                           FIDELITY BANKSHARES, INC.
                                     INDEX
                                        
                                                                     Page
                                                                     ----
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
<S>               <C>                                                  <C>
       Item 1.    Financial Statements...............................  1
               
                  Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as
                  of December 31, 1996 and September 30, 1997........  2
               
                  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
                  three and nine months ended
                  September 30, 1996 and 1997........................  3
               
                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine
                  months ended September 30, 1996 and 1997...........  4
               
                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.........  5
               
       Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                  Condition and Results of Operations................ 11
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION........................................... 17
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
         Item I.  Financial Statements



                                       1
<PAGE>
 
FIDELITY BANKSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                                                   Unaudited
                                                                                DECEMBER 31,     September 30,
                                                                                    1996             1997
                                                                                ============     ==============
                                                                                        (In Thousands)             
<S>                                                                             <C>              <C>         
ASSETS                                                                                           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:                                                                       
       Cash and amounts due from depository institutions.....................   $     15,293     $       15,891
       Interest-bearing deposits.............................................         27,127             23,523
                                                                                ------------     --------------
       Total cash and cash equivalents.......................................         42,420             39,414
ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR SALE (At Fair Value):
       Government and agency securities......................................          8,465             12,278
       Mortgage-backed securities............................................        123,599            181,413
                                                                                ------------     --------------
       Total assets available for sale.......................................        132,064            193,691
LOANS RECEIVABLE, Net (Notes 2, 3)...........................................        661,700            769,357
OFFICE PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT, Net.........................................         18,092             20,835
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK STOCK, At cost, which approximates market.............          6,148              6,985
REAL ESTATE OWNED, Net.......................................................             93                483
ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE..................................................          4,614              5,696
OTHER ASSETS.................................................................          8,431              9,231
TOTAL ASSETS.................................................................   $    873,562     $    1,045,692
                                                                                ============     ==============

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES
DEPOSITS.....................................................................   $    694,718     $      791,179
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS........................................................              -              2,642
ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK.........................................         82,517            139,689
ESOP LOAN....................................................................          1,104                897
ADVANCES BY BORROWERS FOR TAXES AND INSURANCE................................          2,448             12,599
DRAFTS PAYABLE...............................................................          2,957              3,489
OTHER LIABILITIES............................................................          7,209              7,923
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES........................................................            886              1,500
       TOTAL LIABILITIES.....................................................        791,839            959,918
                                                                                ------------     --------------

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
PREFERRED STOCK, 2,000,000 shares authorized, none issued....................              -                  -
COMMON STOCK ($ .10 par value) 8,200,000 authorized shares,
       6,744,689 shares outstanding at December 31, 1996, and
       6,782,879 shares outstanding at September 30, 1997....................            675                678
ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL...................................................         37,397             37,932
RETAINED EARNINGS - substantially restricted.................................         44,184             46,942
COMMON STOCK PURCHASED BY EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN......................         (1,315)            (1,068)
NET UNREALIZED INCREASE IN FAIR VALUE OF
       ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR SALE ( Net of applicable income taxes)...........            782              1,290
       TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 4)...................................         81,723             85,774
                                                                                ------------     --------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY...................................   $    873,562     $    1,045,692
                                                                                ============     ==============
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
FIDELITY BANKSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                     Unaudited                           Unaudited
                                                             For the Three Months Ended          For the Nine Months Ended
                                                                   September 30,                       September 30,
                                                               1996            1997                  1996         1997
                                                             ==========================          =========================   
<S>                                                          <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>             
                                                                      (In Thousands, except per share amounts)   
Interest income:                                                                                         
     Loans.................................................. $ 12,451          $ 14,911          $ 35,155         $ 42,452
     Investment securities..................................      187               187               666              538
     Other investments......................................      405               465             1,006            1,419
     Mortgage-backed securities.............................    2,334             3,121             7,592            7,989
                                                             --------          --------          --------         --------
     Total interest income..................................   15,377            18,684            44,419           52,398
                                                             --------          --------          --------         --------
Interest expense:
     Deposits...............................................    6,726             8,815            18,963           24,707
     Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank and other
      borrowings............................................    1,521             2,035             4,454            5,009
                                                             --------          --------          --------         --------
     Total interest expense.................................    8,247            10,850            23,417           29,716
                                                             --------          --------          --------         --------

Net interest income.........................................    7,130             7,834            21,002           22,682

Provision for loan losses...................................       54                57               114              129
                                                             --------          --------          --------         --------

Net interest income after provision for loan losses.........    7,076             7,777            20,888           22,553
                                                             --------          --------          --------         --------
Other income:
     Servicing income and other fees........................      785               899             2,381            2,562
     Net gain on sale of loans, investments
     and mortgage-backed securities.........................       40               796               555              808
     Miscellaneous..........................................      143                95               316              325
                                                             --------          --------          --------         --------
     Total other income.....................................      968             1,790             3,252            3,695
                                                             --------          --------          --------         --------
Operating expense:
     Employee compensation and benefits.....................    3,299             3,579             9,391           10,395
     Occupancy and equipment................................    1,155             1,227             3,511            3,612
     Gain on real estate owned..............................      (12)             (145)              (68)             (94)
     Marketing..............................................      154               150               465              498
     Federal deposit insurance premium......................    4,001               117             4,678              338
     Other..................................................      988             1,145             2,809            3,332
                                                             --------          --------          --------         --------
     Total operating expense................................    9,585             6,073            20,786           18,081
                                                             --------          --------          --------         --------

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes.............   (1,541)            3,494             3,354            8,167
                                                             --------          --------          --------         --------
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:
     Current................................................     (570)            1,377             1,307            3,197
     Deferred...............................................      (47)              107               100              261
                                                             --------          --------          --------         --------
     Total provision (benefit) for income taxes.............     (617)            1,484             1,407            3,458
                                                             --------          --------          --------         --------

Net income (loss)........................................... $   (924)         $  2,010          $  1,947         $  4,709
                                                             ========          ========          ========         ========
Earnings per share (Note 5):
     Primary................................................ $  (0.14)         $   0.30          $   0.29         $   0.70
                                                             ========          ========          ========         ========
     Fully Diluted.......................................... $  (0.14)         $   0.30          $   0.29         $   0.70
                                                             ========          ========          ========         ========

Dividends declared per share of common stock................ $  0.200          $  0.225          $  0.500         $  0.625
                                                             ========          ========          ========         ========
 
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
<PAGE>
 
FIDELITY BANKSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                             UNAUDITED
                                                                                                        FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                              SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                                          1996            1997
                                                                                                        ========        =========
                                                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                                     <C>             <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                                                             
Net Income........................................................................................      $  1,947        $   4,709
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by                                            
 (used for) operating activities:                                                                      
        Depreciation and amortization.............................................................           914              956
        ESOP and Recognition and Retention Plan compensation expense..............................           538              518
        Accretion of discounts, amortization of premiums, and other deferred yield items..........          (897)            (526)
        Provision for loan losses and real estate losses..........................................           114              129
                                                                                                       
        Provisions for losses and net (gains) losses on sales of real estate owned................           (87)            (115)
        Net gain on sale of:                                                                           
                         Other assets.............................................................             -             (702)
                         Mortgage-backed securities...............................................          (511)               -
                         Loans....................................................................           (44)            (106)
Increase in accrued interest receivable...........................................................            (5)          (1,082)
Increase in other assets..........................................................................        (2,400)            (800)
Increase (decrease) in drafts payable.............................................................          (493)             532
Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes......................................................        (1,194)             614
Increase in other liabilities.....................................................................         5,860              625
                                                                                                        --------        ---------
                         Net cash from operating activities.......................................         3,742            4,752
                                                                                                        --------        ---------
CASH FLOW FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                                                             
Loan originations and principal payments on loans.................................................       (99,078)         (91,526)
Principal payments received on mortgage-backed securities.........................................        19,331           14,882
Purchases of:                                                                                          
        Loans.....................................................................................       (19,137)         (22,633)
        Mortgage-backed securities................................................................        (9,962)         (72,076)
        Federal Home Loan Bank stock..............................................................             -             (837)
        Investment securities.....................................................................        (6,002)          (7,782)
        Office properties and equipment...........................................................        (3,572)          (3,755)
Proceeds from sales of:                                                                                
        Loans.....................................................................................         9,947            5,713
        Real estate acquired in settlement of loans...............................................           973            1,165
        Mortgage-backed securities................................................................        14,516                -
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities.................................................        22,490            4,000
Other.............................................................................................         1,124              467
                                                                                                        --------        ---------
                         Net cash used for investing activities...................................       (69,370)        (172,382)
                                                                                                        --------        ---------
CASH FLOW FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                                                             
Gross proceeds from the sale of common stock......................................................            57              263
Cash dividends....................................................................................        (1,514)          (1,858)
Net increase (decrease) in:                                                                            
        NOW accounts demand deposits, and savings accounts........................................        (3,116)          13,490
        Certificates of deposit...................................................................        70,929           82,971
        Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank......................................................        (2,202)          57,172
        ESOP loan.................................................................................          (207)            (207)
        Repurchase agreements.....................................................................             -            2,642
        Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance.............................................         9,119           10,151
                                                                                                        --------        ---------
        Net cash from financing activities........................................................        73,066          164,624
                                                                                                        --------        ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS..............................................         7,438           (3,006)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period....................................................        24,963           42,420
                                                                                                        --------        ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period..........................................................      $ 32,401        $  39,414
                                                                                                        ========        =========
</TABLE>
 
    See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.  GENERAL
The accounting and reporting policies of Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. (the
"Company") and its subsidiary Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida (the
"Bank") conform to generally accepted accounting principles and to predominant
practices within the thrift industry.  The Company has not changed its
accounting and reporting policies from those disclosed in its 1996 Annual Report
on Form 10-K.

On April 25, 1996, Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida adopted an Agreement
and Plan of Reorganization, (the "Plan") whereby the Bank would become a wholly-
owned subsidiary of a stock holding company, Fidelity Bankshares, Inc., a
Delaware corporation.  Pursuant to the Plan, the Bank's mutual holding company
parent would continue to own a majority of the Company's outstanding common
stock.  In addition, as part of the Plan, each share of the Bank's outstanding
stock would be converted into one share of Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. common
stock.  Consequently, following the reorganization, each stockholder of the Bank
would have the same ownership interest in Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. as the
stockholder had in the Bank.  In November 1996, the Bank received regulatory
approval to proceed with the reorganization and on January 21, 1997, the Bank's
stockholders approved the Plan.  On January 29, 1997, the transaction was
consummated, resulting in the Company owning all the outstanding common stock of
the Bank.

The reorganization, which has been accounted for in the same manner as a pooling
of interest merger, did not result in any significant accounting adjustments.

The Company conducts no business other than holding the common stock of the
Bank.  Consequently, its net income is derived from the Bank.  In the opinion of
the Company's management, all adjustments necessary to fairly present the
consolidated financial position of the Company at September 30, 1997 and the
results of its consolidated operations and cash flows for the period then ended,
all of which are of a normal and recurring nature, have been included.

New Accounting Pronouncements - In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 "Reporting
Comprehensive Income", which requires that an enterprise report, by major
components and as a single total, the change in its net assets during the period
from non-owner sources; and No. 131 "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise
and Related Information", which establishes annual and interim reporting
standards for an enterprise's operating segments and related disclosures about
its products, services, geographic areas, and major customers.  Adoption of
these statements will not impact the Bank's consolidated financial position,
results of operations or cash flows, and any effect will be limited to the form
and content of its disclosures.  Both statements are effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997, with earlier application permitted.

Certain amounts in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform
with the September 30, 1997 presentation.

On August 18, 1997, the Bank reached a definitive agreement to acquire
BankBoynton, a Federal Savings Bank based in Boynton Beach, Florida with $57.6
million in assets.  The agreement has been approved by the board of directors of
both companies and BankBoynton's stockholders.  The agreement is subject to the
approval of the appropriate regulatory agencies.  The acquisition of BankBoynton
is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 1997.  Following the
acquisition, BankBoynton's three offices are expected to closed and deposit
accounts existing at the BankBoynton facilities will be merged into Fidelity
Federal's existing branch network.

The BankBoynton acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase.  Fidelity
Bankshares, Inc. will acquire all the outstanding common stock of BankBoynton
for $9.00 per share, cash.  The total purchase price of approximately $5.6
million is one and one half times BankBoynton's net book value at July 31, 1997.

                                      5
<PAGE>
 
2.  LOANS RECEIVABLE
Loans receivable at December 31, 1996 and September 30, 1997, consist of the
following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               DECEMBER 31,                  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                   1996                          1997
                                                                             ================               ================
<S>                                                                          <C>                            <C>
                                                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                           
One-to-four single family, residential real estate         
        mortgages.......................................................     $        524,434               $        636,022
Commercial real estate mortgages........................................               42,811                         41,747
Real estate construction-primarily residential..........................               58,493                         34,958
Participations-primarily residential....................................                4,255                          3,351
Land loans-primarily residential........................................               11,875                         11,093
                                                                             ----------------               ----------------
        Total first mortgage loans......................................              641,868                        727,171
Consumer and commercial business loans                                                 58,063                         89,512
                                                                             ----------------               ----------------
        Total gross loans...............................................              699,931                        816,683
Less:                                                                                                       
        Undisbursed portion of loans in process.........................               37,575                         47,402
        Unearned discounts, premiums and deferred loan fees, net........               (1,607)                        (2,223)
        Allowance for loan losses.......................................                2,263                          2,147
Loans receivable-net....................................................     $        661,700               $        769,357
                                                                             ================               ================
</TABLE>


3.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
An analysis of the changes in the allowance for loan losses for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996 and
1997, is as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                        FOR THE YEAR       For the Three Months         For the Nine Months         
                                           ENDED                 Ended                        Ended                  
                                        DECEMBER 31,         September 30,                 September 30,              
                                            1996            1996         1997          1996           1997       
                                        ============       ====================      ========================
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)   
<S>                                     <C>                <C>         <C>           <C>            <C>        

Balance at beginning of period.......   $      2,265       $  2,225    $  2,109      $   2,265      $   2,265
Current provision....................            164             54          57            114            114
Charge-offs..........................           (166)           (59)        (19)          (159)          (159)
                                        ------------       --------    --------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                             
Ending balance.......................   $      2,263       $  2,220    $  2,147      $   2,220      $   2,220
                                        ============       ========    ========      =========      =========  
</TABLE>


                                       6
<PAGE>
 
An analysis of the recorded investment in impaired loans owned by the Company at
the end of each period and the related specific valuation allowance for those
loans is as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               DECEMBER 31, 1996                    SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                            =======================              ==========================
                                                                                                  
                                               LOAN        RELATED                  LOAN           RELATED
                                              BALANCE     ALLOWANCE                BALANCE        ALLOWANCE
                                            ---------    ----------              ----------       ---------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)                                            
<S>                                         <C>          <C>                     <C>              <C>         
Impaired loan balances and related                                                           
       specific valuation allowances:                                                                           
Loans performing in conformity with                                                          
       contractual terms................    $     984    $      164              $      941       $     160
Loans for which interest income is                                                           
       not being recognized.............          667           277                     740             165
                                            ---------    ----------              ----------       ---------
       Total............................    $   1,651    $      441              $    1,681       $     325
                                            =========    ==========              ==========       =========
 
</TABLE>

The Bank's policy on interest income on impaired loans is to reverse all accrued
interest against interest income if a loan becomes more than 90 days delinquent
and cease accruing interest thereafter.  Such interest ultimately collected is
credited to income in the period of recovery.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
4.  REGULATORY CAPITAL

The Company's subsidiary, Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida, is a
regulated financial institution.  Its regulatory capital amounts and ratios are
presented in the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 To be Considered
                                                                               Minimum for       Well Capitalized
                                                                            Capital Adequacy   for Prompt Corrective
                                                               Actual           Purposes         Action Provisions
                                                        -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Ratio    Amount    Ratio    Amount   Ratio    Amount       
                                                        -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           (Dollars In Thousands)
<S>                                                     <C>     <C>         <C>    <C>      <C>     <C>  
As of December 31, 1996 Stockholders' Equity
     and ratio to total assets.......................    9.4%   $   81,723
                                                        ====    
Net unrealized increase in market value of assets
     available for sale (net of applicable
     income taxes)...................................                 (782)
Goodwill.............................................                 (755)
                                                                ----------
Tangible capital and ratio to adjusted total assets..    9.2%   $   80,186  1.5%   $13,072
                                                        ====    ==========  ===    ======= 
Tier 1 (core) capital and ratio to adjusted
     total assets....................................    9.2%   $   80,186  3.0%   $26,144  5.0%    $43,574
                                                        ====    ==========  ===    =======  ====    =======  
Tier 1 (core) capital and ratio to risk-weighted
     total assets....................................   17.9%   $   80,186                   6.0%   $26,915
                                                        ====    ==========                  ====    =======   
General loan valuation allowances....................                1,822
Equity investments...................................                  (97)
                                                                ----------
Tier 2 capital.......................................           $    1,725
                                                                ==========   
Total risk-based capital and ratio to risk-weighted
     total assets....................................   18.3%   $   81,911  8.0%   $35,886  10.0%   $44,858
                                                        ====    ==========  ===    =======  ====    =======  
Total assets.........................................           $  873,562
                                                                ==========   
Adjusted total assets................................           $  871,472
                                                                ==========   
Risk-weighted assets.................................           $  448,579
                                                                ==========   
As of September 30, 1997 Stockholders' Equity
     and ratio to total assets.......................    8.1%   $   84,294
                                                        ====  
Net unrealized increase in market value of assets
     available for sale (net of applicable
     income taxes)...................................               (1,290)
Goodwill.............................................                 (543)
Disallowed servicing assets and deferred tax assets..                  (24)
                                                                ----------
Tangible capital and ratio to adjusted total assets..    7.9%   $   82,437  1.5%   $15,642
                                                        ====    ==========  ===    ======= 
Tier 1 (core) capital and ratio to adjusted
     total assets....................................    7.9%   $   82,437  3.0%   $31,285   5.0%   $52,142
                                                        ====    ==========  ===    =======  ====    ======= 
Tier 1 (core) capital and ratio to risk-weighted
     total assets....................................   15.4%   $   82,437                   6.0%   $32,082
                                                        ====                                ====    =======  
General loan valuation allowances....................                1,822
Equity investments...................................                   (1)
                                                                ----------
Tier 2 capital.......................................           $    1,821
                                                                ==========                                  
Total risk-based capital and ratio to risk-weighted
     total assets....................................   15.8%   $   84,258  8.0%   $42,776  10.0%   $53,471
                                                        ====    ==========  ===    =======  ====    ======= 
Total assets.........................................           $1,044,688
                                                                ==========
Adjusted total assets................................           $1,042,831
                                                                ==========
Risk-weighted assets.................................           $  534,705
                                                                ==========
</TABLE> 
                                      8
<PAGE>
 
5.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

The weighted-average number of shares, including the adjustments for the Bank's
leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Management Recognition Plan
(MRP) and stock options for the three months ended September 30, 1996 and 1997,
are as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30, 1996      SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                                                  ------------------      ------------------
                                                    
<S>                                                               <C>                     <C>           
Net income................................................        $        (924,000)      $         2,010,000
                                                                  =================       ===================
    Primary Shares:                                         
    Shares Outstanding....................................                6,721,078                 6,775,466
    Adjustments to reflect:                         
        Uncommitted ESOP shares...........................                 (136,538)                 (106,178)
        Unearned MRP shares (treasury stock method).......                   (2,497)                        -
        Common stock options (treasury stock method)......                   84,133                   110,762
                                                                -------------------       -------------------
                     Total                                                6,666,176                 6,780,050
                                                                ===================       ===================
    Earnings per share....................................      $             (0.14)      $              0.30
                                                                ===================       ===================
</TABLE>

The computations of fully diluted shares outstanding is the same as for primary
shares, above.

The weighted-average number of shares, including the adjustments for the Bank's
leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Management Recognition Plan
(MRP) and stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1997,
are as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                            ------------------------------------------
                                                            SEPTEMBER 30, 1996      SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                                            ------------------      ------------------
                                                    
<S>                                                         <C>                     <C>         
Net income                                                  $        1,947,000      $        4,709,000
                                                            ==================      ==================
                                             
    Primary Shares:                                  
    Shares Outstanding..................................             6,719,820               6,766,858
    Adjustments to reflect:                                    
         Uncommitted ESOP shares........................              (144,099)               (113,711)
         Unearned MRP shares (treasury stock method)....                (2,675)                      -
                                                               
         Common stock options (treasury stockmethod)....                90,106                  99,549
                                                  
                                                           -------------------     -------------------
                      Total                                          6,663,152               6,752,696
                                                           ===================     ===================
    Earnings per share..................................   $              0.29     $              0.70
                                                           ===================     ===================
</TABLE>

The computations of fully diluted shares outstanding is the same as for primary
shares, above.

Pursuant to Statement of Position (SOP), 93-6, entitled "Employers' Accounting
for Employee Stock Ownership Plans," issued by the Accounting Standards
Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
(AICPA), ESOP shares that have not been committed to be released are not
considered to be outstanding.

                                      9
<PAGE>
 
                         PRO FORMA EARNINGS PER SHARE 

During February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, "Earnings Per Share".  This statement,
which changes the method of calculating earnings per share, is effective for
financial statements beginning after December 15, 1997.  While earlier
application is not allowed, the Company is permitted to disclose pro forma
earnings per share in the notes to financial statements in periods prior to the
required adoption.  The following table shows pro forma earnings per share as
though this statement had been adopted.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                           For the Three Months Ended                     For the Three Months Ended
                                                September 30, 1996                            September 30, 1997
                                  --------------------------------------------       -------------------------------------- 
                                      Income           Shares        Per-Share          Income        Shares      Per-Share
                                   (Numerator)      (Denominator)      Amount        (Numerator)   (Denominator)   Amount
                                  ------------      ------------     ---------       -----------   -------------  --------- 
<S>                               <C>               <C>              <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>
Net income (loss)..........          $(924,000)                                       $2,010,000 
                                     =========                                        ==========                            
BASIC EPS                                                            
Income (loss) available to                                           
  common stockholders......          $(924,000)        6,584,540         (0.14)       $2,010,000       6,669,288       0.30
                                                                        ======                                        ===== 
EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SHARES                                                
  Common stock options.....                               84,133                                         110,762
                                                       ---------                                       ---------            
DILUTED EPS                                                                                            
Income (loss) available to                                                                             
  common stockholders......          $(924,000)        6,668,673        $(0.14)       $2,010,000       6,780,050      $0.30
                                     =========         =========        ======        ==========       =========      ===== 
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                             For the Nine Months Ended                     For the Nine Months Ended
                                                September 30, 1996                             September 30, 1997
                                  --------------------------------------------       -------------------------------------- 
                                      Income           Shares        Per-Share          Income        Shares      Per-Share
                                   (Numerator)      (Denominator)      Amount        (Numerator)   (Denominator)   Amount
                                  ------------      ------------     ---------       -----------   -------------  --------- 
<S>                               <C>               <C>              <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>
Net income.................         $1,947,000                                        $4,709,000
                                    ==========                                        ==========                             
BASIC EPS                           
Income available to                 
  common stockholders......         $1,947,000         6,575,721          0.30        $4,709,000       6,653,147       0.71
                                                                         =====                                        =====   
EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SHARES                              
  Common stock options.....                               90,106                                          99,549
                                                       ---------                                       ---------            
DILUTED EPS                                            
Income available to                                    
  common stockholders......         $1,947,000         6,665,827         $0.29        $4,709,000       6,752,696      $0.70
                                    ==========         =========         =====        ==========       =========      =====  
</TABLE>

The guidance in AICPA, SOP 93-6 "Employers' Accounting for Employee Stock
Ownership Plans" continues to apply to earnings per share calculations under
Statement No. 128.  Therefore, the weighted average shares outstanding in the
table above do not include uncommitted ESOP shares.

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
       Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations


                                      11
<PAGE>
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                        
GENERAL.

On April 25, 1996, Fidelity Federal Savings Bank of Florida (the "Bank") adopted
an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, (the "Plan") whereby the Bank would
become a wholly-owned subsidiary of a stock holding company, Fidelity
Bankshares, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation.  Pursuant to the Plan,
the Bank's mutual holding company parent would continue to own a majority of the
Company's outstanding common stock.  In addition, as part of the Plan, each
share of the Bank's outstanding stock would be converted into one share of
Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. common stock.  Consequently, following the
reorganization, each stockholder of the Bank would have the same ownership
interest in Fidelity Bankshares, Inc. as the stockholder had in the Bank.  In
November, 1996, the Bank received regulatory approval to proceed with the
reorganization and on January 21, 1997, the Bank's stockholders approved the
Plan.  On January 29, 1997, the transaction was consummated, resulting in the
Company owning all the outstanding common stock of the Bank.

The reorganization, which has been accounted for in the same manner as a pooling
of interests merger, did not result in any significant accounting adjustments.

The Company conducts no business other than holding the common stock of the
Bank.  Consequently, its net income is derived from the Bank.  The Bank's net
income, which is primarily dependent on its net interest income, which is the
difference between interest income earned on its investments in mortgage loans
and mortgage-backed securities, other investment securities and loans, and its
cost of funds consisting of interest paid on deposits and borrowings.  The
Bank's net income also is affected by its provision for loan losses, as well as
by the amount of other income, including income from fees and service charges,
net gains and losses on sales of investments, and operating expense such as
employee compensation and benefits, deposit insurance premiums, occupancy and
equipment costs, and income taxes.  Earnings of the Bank also are affected
significantly by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly
changes in market interest rates, government policies and actions of regulatory
authorities, which events are beyond the control of the Bank.  In particular,
the general level of market rates tends to be highly cyclical.  In periods of
high interest rates, earnings of the Bank are likely to be depressed, which in
turn would be likely to have a detrimental effect on the market value of any
investment in the Bank's common stock.  In addition, legislative and regulatory
actions may result in diminishing the value of any investment in the Bank.

New Accounting Pronouncements - In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards
- -----------------------------                                                   
Board issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 "Reporting
Comprehensive Income", which requires that an enterprise report, by major
components and as a single total, the change in its net assets during the period
from non-owner sources; and No. 131 "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise
and Related Information", which establishes annual and interim reporting
standards for an enterprise's operating segments and related disclosures about
its products, services, geographic areas, and major customers.  Adoption of
these statements will not impact the Bank's consolidated financial position,
results of operations or cash flows, and any effect will be limited to the form
and content of its disclosures.  Both statements are effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997, with earlier application permitted.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS.

On August 1, 1997, the Bank entered into a contract to sell the property it owns
in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida for $7.2 million.  The prospective buyer
has concluded its due diligence procedures and posted the necessary deposit.
The closing on the contract is scheduled for April 1999.

                                      12
<PAGE>
 
On August 18, 1997, the Bank reached a definitive agreement to acquire
BankBoynton, a Federal Savings Bank based in Boynton Beach, Florida with $57.6
million in assets. The agreement has been approved by the board of directors of
both companies and BankBoynton's stockholders. The agreement is subject to the
approval of the appropriate regulatory agencies. The acquisition of BankBoynton
is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 1997. Following the
acquisition, BankBoynton's three offices are expected to closed and deposit
accounts existing at the BankBoynton facilities will be merged into Fidelity
Federal's existing branch network.

The BankBoynton acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase.  Fidelity
Bankshares, Inc. will acquire all the outstanding common stock of BankBoynton
for $9.00 per share, cash.  The total purchase price of approximately $5.6
million is one and one half times BankBoynton's net book value at July 31, 1997.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 was $4.7 million,
representing an increase of $2.8 million when compared to $1.9 million for the
same period ended September 30, 1996.  The primary reason for decreased earnings
in 1996, as more fully described later herein, was a one-time special assessment
of $3.6 million (approximately $2.2 million, after tax) to more adequately
capitalize the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF).  Had this one-time
special assessment not been incurred, net income for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 would have been $4.2 million.

Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 was $2.0 million,
representing an increase of $2.9 million from the comparable quarter in 1996.
The Bank incurred a net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 1996 of
$924,000 due predominantly to the SAIF one-time special assessment discussed
above.  Had this charge not been incurred, the Bank's net income for the quarter
would have been $1.3 million.

INTEREST INCOME.

Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, totaled $52.4
million, an increase of $8.0 million or 18.0% from the same period in 1996.  The
principal cause of this increase was an increase in interest income on the
Bank's loans of $7.3 million.  This increase resulted from an increase in the
average balance of these loans to $713.7 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 compared to $590.7 million from the comparable 1996 period.
Interest income from other investments for the nine months ended September 30,
1997 increased by $413,000 compared to the same period in 1996.  The principal
reason for this increase was an increase in the average balance of these
investments to $29.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from
$20.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.  Interest income
from mortgage-backed securities also increased to $8.0 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 from $7.6 million for the same 1996 period.
This increase was due primarily to an increase in the average balance of these
securities to $153.2 million from $138.0 million.  Partially offsetting these
increases was a decrease in interest income from investment securities of
$128,000.  This decline was the result of a decrease in the average yield on
these securities to 6.20% from 6.45% and a decrease in the average balance to
$11.6 million from $13.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997
and 1996, respectively.

Interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 1997, totaled $18.7 million,
an increase of $3.3 million or 21.5% from the same quarter in 1996.  The
principal cause of this increase was an increase in interest income on loans of
$2.5 million.  This increase resulted from an increase in the average balance of
the Bank's loan portfolio to $751.2 million for the quarter ended September 30,
1997 compared to $629.1 million for the comparable 1996 quarter.  Interest
income from mortgage-backed securities for the quarter ended September 30, 1997
was $3.1 million, an increase of $787,000 or 33.7% compared to $2.3 million for
the same quarter in 1996.  The primary reason for this increase was an increase
in the average balance of these securities to $179.2 million for the quarter
ended September 30, 1997 from $128.7 million for the same quarter in 1996, which
was offset by a decline in the average rate of such investments of 7.25% in 1996
to 6.96% in 1997. 

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
Interest income also increased on other investments by
$60,000.  This increase resulted from an increase in the average balance of
other investments to $28.2 million from $23.9 million for the quarters ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

INTEREST EXPENSE.

Interest expense was $29.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997,
representing a $6.3 million or 26.9% increase when compared to the same period
in 1996.  The principal cause of this increase was an increase in the cost of
deposits of $5.7 million.  This resulted from an increase in the average balance
of interest-bearing deposits to $722.8 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 compared to $596.5 million for the same period in 1996 and an
increase in the average yield on deposits to 4.56% from 4.24% for the periods
ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.  Interest expense on borrowed
funds increased by $555,000, caused primarily by an increase in the average
balance on such funds to $103.3 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1997 compared to $86.1 million for the same period in 1996.  The average yield
on borrowed funds decreased to 6.47% from 6.90% for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

Interest expense was $10.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 1997,
representing a $2.6 million or 31.6% increase when compared to the same quarter
in 1996.  The principal cause for this increase was an increase in the cost of
deposits of $2.1 million.  This resulted from an increase in the average balance
of deposits to $754.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 compared
to $620.0 million for the same quarter in 1996 and an increase in the average
yield on deposits to 4.67% from 4.34% for the quarters ended September 30, 1997
and 1996, respectively. Interest expense on borrowed funds also increased by
$514,000, caused primarily by a increase in the average balance on such funds to
$129.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 compared to $88.6
million for the same quarter in 1996.  The average yield on borrowed funds
decreased to 6.31% for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 from 6.87% for the
comparable 1996 quarter.

NET INTEREST INCOME.

While the Bank's interest income increased by $8.0 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997, compared to the same period in 1996, interest expense
also increased by $6.3 million, resulting in net interest income of $22.7
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997.  This represents a $1.7
million or 8.0% increase when compared to the same period in 1996.

During the quarter ended September 30, 1997, the Bank's interest income
increased by $3.3 million compared to the same quarter in 1996, while interest
expense increased by $2.6 million, resulting in net interest income of $7.8
million for the quarter ended September 30, 1997, $704,000 or 9.9% more than
realized in 1996.

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES.

The Bank's provision for loan losses was $129,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997, representing a $15,000 increase when compared to $114,000
for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.  The provision for loan losses for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997 was determined adequate by management
in light of the Bank's historical loan loss experience.  The Bank's total
allowance for loan losses at September 30, 1997 of $2.1 million was deemed
adequate by management, in light of the risks inherent in the Bank's loan
portfolio.

The provision for loan losses was $57,000 for the quarter ended September 30,
1997, representing a $3,000 increase when compared to $54,000 for the quarter
ended September 30, 1996.  The provision for the quarter ended September 30,
1997 is deemed adequate by management in light of the Bank's historical loan
loss experience.

                                      14
<PAGE>
 
OTHER INCOME.

Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 was $3.7 million, an
increase of $443,000 from the comparable period in 1996.  This increase is
attributable to an increase in servicing income and other fees of $181,000 and
an increase in gain on sale of loans, investments and mortgage-backed securities
of $253,000.

Other income for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 was $1.8 million, an
increase of $822,000 compared to the same quarter in 1996. This increase is due
primarily to an increase of $756,000 in net gain on sale of loans, investments
and mortgage-backed securities. This increase was also attributable to an
increase in servicing income and other fees of $113,000 for the quarter ended
September 30, 1997 compared to the same quarter in 1996.

OPERATING EXPENSE.

Operating expenses decreased by $2.7 million to $18.1 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 as compared to the nine months ended September
30, 1996. This decline is the result of a decrease in federal deposit insurance
premium of $4.3 million, due primarily to the resolution of the SAIF issue
through a one-time special assessment charged in the third quarter of 1996.
Offsetting this decline, employee compensation and benefits increased by $1.0
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 when compared to the same
1996 period.  Of this increase, approximately $225,000 is attributable to
expanded operations at two of the Bank's offices, together with its LPO office.
In addition, hospitalization insurance costs have increased by $170,000, ESOP
costs have increased by $191,000 due to an increase in the market value of the
company's stock and the amount allocated to the cost of loan originations under
SFAS 91 have decreased by $111,000.  The Bank's occupancy and equipment cost for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997 was $101,000 more than experienced in
1996.  Marketing expense increased by $33,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 when compared to the 1996 period.  Other operating expenses
increased by $523,000 due largely to increased stock costs and legal fees of
$272,000 relating to the Bank's newly formed stock holding company.  These
increases were only partially offset by an increase in gain on real estate owned
of $26,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 compared to 1996.

Operating expenses decreased by $3.5 million for the quarter ended September 30,
1997 compared to the same quarter ended September 30, 1996.  As previously
discussed, this decrease is the direct result of a decrease in Federal deposit
insurance premium of $3.9 million due to the SAIF one-time special assessment
charged in the third quarter of 1996.  Employee compensation and benefits
increased by $280,000 to $3.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 1997
from $3.3 million for the comparable 1996 quarter.  The Bank's occupancy and
equipment expense increased to $1,227,000 from $1,155,000 for the quarters ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.  Other operating expenses also
increased by $157,000.  Slightly offsetting these increases was an increase in
gain on real estate owned of $133,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 1997
compared to the 1996 quarter.

INCOME TAXES.

The income tax provision was $3.5 million for the nine months ended and $1.5
million for the quarter ended September 30, 1997, respectively.  These expenses
approximate the rates paid by the Company for Federal and State income taxes
applied to the Company's pre-tax income.

ASSET AND LIABILITY MANAGEMENT-INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS.

At September 30, 1997, total interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing
within one year exceeded total interest-earning assets maturing or repricing in
the same period by $17.7 million, representing a cumulative one-year gap ratio
of a negative 9.75%.  This compares to a negative gap ratio of 11.41% at
December 31, 1996, at which date the Bank had total interest bearing liabilities
maturing or repricing within one year that 

                                      15
<PAGE>
 
exceeded total interest-earning assets maturing or repricing during the same
period by $99.7 million. The Bank has an Asset-Liability Management Committee
which is responsible for reviewing the Bank's assets and liability policies. The
Committee meets weekly and reports monthly to the Board of Directors on interest
rate risks and trends, as well as liquidity and capital ratios and requirements.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES.

The Bank is required to maintain minimum levels of liquid assets as defined by
OTS regulations. This requirement, which varies from time to time depending upon
economic conditions and deposit flows, is based upon a percentage of deposits
and short-term borrowings. The required ratio currently is 5.0%. The Bank's
liquidity ratio averaged 6.03% during the month of September, 1997. Liquidity
ratios averaged 6.31% for the quarter ended September 30, 1997. The Bank adjusts
its liquidity levels in order to meet funding needs of deposit outflows, payment
of real estate taxes on mortgage loans, and repayment of borrowings and loan
commitments. The Bank also adjusts liquidity as appropriate to meet its asset
and liability management objectives.

The Bank's primary sources of funds are deposits, amortization and prepayment of
loans and mortgage-backed securities and other short-term investments, as well
as earnings and funds provided from operations.  While scheduled principal
repayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities are a relatively predictable
source of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by
general interest rates, economic conditions and competition.  The Bank manages
the pricing of its deposits to maintain a desired deposit balance.  In addition,
the Bank invests excess funds in short-term interest-earning and other assets,
which provide liquidity to meet lending requirements.  Short-term interest-
bearing deposits with the FHLB of Atlanta amounted to $23.5 million and $27.0
million at September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively.  Other assets
qualifying for liquidity at September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, amounted
to $26.3 million and $19.8 million, respectively.  For additional information
about cash flows from the Company's operating, financing and investing
activities, see Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included in the Financial
Statements.  A major portion of the Bank's liquidity consists of cash and cash
equivalents, which are a product of its operating, investing and financing
activities.  The primary sources of cash were net income, principal repayments
on loans and mortgage-backed securities, increases in deposit accounts and
additional advances from the FHLB.

Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business
management.  If the Bank requires funds beyond its ability to generate them
internally, borrowing agreements exist with the FHLB which provide an additional
source of funds.  At September 30, 1997, the Bank had $139.7 million in advances
from the FHLB.  At September 30, 1997, the Bank had commitments outstanding to
originate or purchase loans of $40.8 million.  This amount does not include the
unfunded portion of loans in process.  Certificates of deposit scheduled to
mature in less than one year at September 30, 1997, totaled $416.3 million.
Based on prior experience, management believes that a significant portion of
such deposits will remain with the Bank.

CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION.

The Company's assets increased by $172.1 million from December 31, 1996 to
September 30, 1997.  Loans receivable-net increased by $107.7 million and assets
available for sale, principally mortgage-backed securities, increased by $61.6
million.  Funds for the increase in assets were provided by an increase in the
Bank's deposits and repurchase agreements of $99.1 million, advances from the
FHLB of $57.2 million and increases in all other liabilities of $11.8 million.
The Company's equity at September 30, 1997 increased by $4.1 million from
December 31, 1996 as a result of net income for the nine months of $4.7 million
plus a change in the fair value of assets available for sale, net of applicable
income taxes.  This amount was offset by dividends declared for the nine months
of $1.9 million.

                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                           FIDELITY BANKSHARES, INC.
                                 AND SUBSIDIARY

                          Part II - Other Information


Item 1  Legal Proceedings

        The Company and its subsidiary are not involved in any litigation, nor
        is the Company aware of any pending litigation, other than legal
        proceedings incident to the business of the Company, such as foreclosure
        actions filed on behalf of the Company. Management, therefore, believes
        the results of any current litigation would be immaterial to the
        consolidated financial condition or results of operation of the Company.


Item 2  Changes in Securities

        Not applicable.


Item 3  Default Upon Senior Securities

        Not applicable.


Item 4  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        None


Item 5  Other Information

        None.


Item 6  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

        (a)  All required exhibits are included in Part I under Consolidated
             Financial Statements (pages 2 through 4), Notes to Unaudited
             Consolidated Financial Statements (pages 5 through 10) and
             Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
             Results of Operations (pages 11 through 16), and are incorporated
             by reference, herein.

        (b)  On August 22, 1997, the Company filed the disclosure of its
             acquisition of BankBoynton, a Federal Savings Bank on Form 8-K.
             This matter is more fully described in Part 1, Item 1, "Notes to
             Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements" under General and Part
             1, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
             Condition and Results of Operations" under Recent Developments.


                                      17
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES


      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed by the undersigned thereunto
duly authorized.



                                       FIDELITY BANKSHARES, INC.
                                                                                



Date: November 7, 1997                 By:    /s/ Vince A. Elhilow
                                              ------------------------
                                              Vince A. Elhilow
                                              President and Chief 
                                              Executive Officer



Date: November 7, 1997                 By:    /s/ Richard D. Aldred
                                              ------------------------
                                              Richard D. Aldred
                                              Executive Vice President
                                              Chief Financial Officer

                                      18
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations in connection with this offering other than those contained in
this Prospectus and, if given or made, such information and representations must
not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Company, the Trust Issuer or
the Underwriter.  Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made
hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has
been no change in the affairs of the Company since the date hereof or that the
information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to the date
hereof. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation
of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which
it relates.  This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a
solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstances in which
such offer or solicitation is unlawful.

             Table of Contents
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Page
                                                     ----
<S>                                                  <C>
 
Summary............................................   1
Summary Consolidated Financial Information
  and Other Data...................................   9
Risk Factors.......................................  11
Use of Proceeds....................................  20
Market for the Preferred Securities................  20
Accounting Treatment...............................  20
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.................  21
Capitalization.....................................  21
Description of the Preferred Securities............  22
Description of the Junior Subordinated
  Debentures.......................................  32
Description of the Guarantee.......................  41
Relationship Among the Preferred Securities,
  the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Expense
  Agreement and the Guarantee......................  44
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences............  45
ERISA Considerations...............................  48
Underwriting.......................................  49
Validity of Securities.............................  50
Experts............................................  50
 
</TABLE>


                                      Logo

                                  $25,000,000


                            FIDELITY CAPITAL TRUST I

                  8.375% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities

                              (Liquidation Amount
                          $10 per Preferred Security)
                      Guaranteed, as Described Herein, by

                           FIDELITY BANKSHARES, INC.

                                   PROSPECTUS



                                January 15, 1998



                                RYAN, BECK & CO.


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