UNITED COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CORP
10-K405, 1999-03-31
SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS, NOT FEDERALLY CHARTERED
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<PAGE>

                                 UNITED STATES
                       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

        For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
                                                             OR

[  ]    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
        EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
        For the transition period from              to
                                      --------------  -------------------

                        Commission File Number: 0-024399

                        UNITED COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CORP.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         Ohio                                                 34-1856319
- -------------------------------                       --------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                             I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                          Identification Number)

 275 Federal Plaza West, Youngstown, Ohio                        44503
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  (Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)

                 Registrant's telephone number: (330) 742-0500

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

       None                                             None 
- ----------------------             ---------------------------------------------
  (Title of Class)                  (Name of each exchange on which registered)


          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                     Common shares, no par value per share
                  -------------------------------------------
                                (Title of Class)

        Indicate by check mark whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X  No
                                                                       ---   ---

        Indicate by check mark if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers
pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K contained in this form, and no disclosure
will be contained, to the best of issuer's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

        The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of
the registrant, computed by reference to the last reported sale of March 25,
1999, was $372.1 million. (The exclusion from such amount of the market value of
the shares owned by any person shall not be deemed an admission by the
registrant that such person is an affiliate of the registrant.)

        As of March 26, 1999, there were 32,159,826 of the Registrant's Common
Shares outstanding.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     Part II of Form 10-K - Portions of 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders
    Part III of Form 10-K - Portions of Proxy Statement for the 1999 Annual
                            Meeting of Shareholders

<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Item
 Number                                                                                                 Page
 ------                                                                                                 ----
<S>        <C>                                                                                          <C>
                                                      PART I
   1.      Description of Business
               General-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
               Discussion of Forward-Looking Statements--------------------------------------------------1
               Lending Activities------------------------------------------------------------------------2
               Investment Activities---------------------------------------------------------------------12
               Sources of Funds--------------------------------------------------------------------------15
               Competition-------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
               Employees---------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
               Year 2000 Considerations------------------------------------------------------------------18
               Regulation--------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
               Taxation----------------------------------------------------------------------------------23
   2.      Description of Property-----------------------------------------------------------------------26
   3.      Legal Proceedings-----------------------------------------------------------------------------26
   4.      Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders-------------------------------------------27

                                                      PART II

   5.      Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters-------------------------27
   6.      Selected Financial Data-----------------------------------------------------------------------27
   7.      Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations---------27
   7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk------------------------------------27
   8.      Financial Statements and Supplemental Data----------------------------------------------------27
   9.      Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure----------27

                                                     PART III

  10.      Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant--------------------------------------------28
  11.      Executive Compensation------------------------------------------------------------------------28
  12.      Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management--------------------------------28
  13.      Certain Relationships and Related Transactions------------------------------------------------28

                                                      PART IV

  14.      Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K-------------------------------28

Signatures-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
Exhibit Index--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------30
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                     PART I

ITEM 1.  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

                                    GENERAL

         United Community Financial Corp. (UCFC) was incorporated in the 
State of Ohio in February 1998 for the purpose of owning all of the 
outstanding capital stock of The Home Savings and Loan Company of Youngstown, 
Ohio (Home Savings) issued upon the conversion of Home Savings from a mutual 
savings association to a permanent capital stock savings association 
(Conversion). The Conversion was completed on July 8, 1998.

         Home Savings was organized as a mutual savings association under 
Ohio law in 1889. As an Ohio savings association, Home Savings is subject to 
supervision and regulation by the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS), the 
Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Financial Institutions (Division) 
and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Home Savings is a 
member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Cincinnati and the deposits of 
Home Savings are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC in the Savings 
Association Insurance Fund (SAIF).

         As a savings and loan holding company, UCFC is subject to 
regulation, supervision and examination by the OTS. UCFC's activities have 
been limited primarily to holding the common stock of Home Savings since 
acquiring such common stock in the Conversion. Consequently, the following 
discussion focuses primarily on the business of Home Savings.

         Home Savings conducts business from its main office located in 
Youngstown, Ohio and 13 full-service branches, located in the Northern Ohio 
communities of Austintown, Boardman, Canfield, Columbiana, East Palestine, 
Liberty Township, Lisbon, Niles, Poland, Salem and Struthers. The principal 
business of Home Savings is the origination of mortgage loans on one- to 
four-family residential real estate located in Home Savings' primary market 
area, which consists of northern Columbiana County, Mahoning County and 
southern Trumbull County. Home Savings also originates loans secured by 
nonresidential real estate in its primary market area. In addition to real 
estate lending, Home Savings originates commercial loans and various types of 
consumer loans, including home equity loans, education loans, loans secured 
by savings accounts, motor vehicles, boats and recreational vehicles and 
unsecured loans. For liquidity and interest rate risk management purposes, 
Home Savings invests in interest-bearing deposits in other financial 
institutions, federal funds and U.S. Treasury and agency securities. Funds 
for lending and other investment activities are obtained primarily from 
savings deposits, which are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC in 
the SAIF, principal repayments of loans and maturities of securities.

         Interest on loans and other investments is Home Savings' primary 
source of income. Home Savings' principal expense is interest paid on deposit 
accounts. Operating results are dependent to a significant degree on the net 
interest income of Home Savings, which is the difference between interest 
earned on loans and other investments and interest paid on deposits. Like 
most thrift institutions, Home Savings' interest income and interest expense 
are significantly affected by general economic conditions and by the policies 
of various regulatory authorities.

                    DISCUSSION OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

         When used in this Form 10-K or in future filings by UCFC with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission, in UCFC's press releases or other public 
or shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval 
of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases "will likely 
result", "are expected to", "will continue", "is anticipated", "estimate", 
"project" or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking 
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform 
Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties 
including changes in economic conditions in Home Savings' market area, 
changes in policies by regulatory agencies, fluctuations in interest rates, 
demand for loans in Home Savings' market area and competition, that could 
cause actual results to differ materially from historical earnings and those 
presently anticipated or projected. UCFC cautions readers not to place undue 
reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the 
date made. UCFC advises readers that the factors listed above could affect 
UCFC's financial performance and could cause UCFC's actual results for future 
periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with 
respect to future periods in any current statements.

                                       1

<PAGE>

         UCFC does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, 
to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any 
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date 
of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or 
unanticipated events.

                          LENDING ACTIVITIES

         GENERAL. Home Savings' principal lending activity is the origination 
of conventional real estate loans secured by one- to four-family residences 
located in Home Savings' primary market area. Home Savings also originates 
loans secured by multifamily and nonresidential real estate and originates 
loans for the construction of one- to four-family residences, multifamily 
properties and nonresidential real estate projects. In addition to real 
estate lending, Home Savings originates commercial loans and various types of 
consumer credits, including home equity loans, education loans, loans secured 
by savings accounts, motor vehicles, boats and recreational vehicles and 
unsecured loans.

                                       2

<PAGE>


         LOAN PORTFOLIO  COMPOSITION.  The following table presents certain  
information  regarding the composition of Home Savings' loan portfolio at the 
dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                At December 31,
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                             1998                     1997                   1996           
                                     ----------------------   ---------------------  ---------------------- 
                                                 Percent of              Percent of              Percent of 
                                                   Total                    Total                 Total     
                                      Amount       loans       Amount       loans    Amount       loans     
                                      ------       -----       ------       -----    ------       -----     
<S>                                  <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>        
                                                                                     (Dollars in thousands)
  Real estate loans:
   Permanent
     One- to four-family             $516,767       73.84%     $489,677      74.19%  $482,089       75.23%
     Multifamily                        8,172        1.17         8,944       1.36      8,778        1.37 
     Nonresidential                    31,308        4.47        33,479       5.07     35,315        5.51 
     Land                                 190        0.03           285       0.04        195        0.03 
                                     --------     -------      --------    -------   --------     ------- 
       Total permanent                556,437       79.51       532,385      80.66    526,377       82.14 

   Construction loans:
     One- to four-family               25,691        3.67        24,044       3.64     27,610        4.31 
     Multifamily and
       non-residential                    833        0.12           325       0.05        490        0.08 
                                     --------     -------      --------    -------   --------     ------- 
       Total construction              26,524        3.79        24,369       3.69     28,100        4.39 
                                     --------     -------      --------    -------   --------     ------- 

  Total real estate loans             582,961       83.30       556,754      84.35    554,477       86.53 

  Consumer loans
   Home equity                         18,321        2.62        17,097       2.59     14,581        2.28 
   Auto                                 1,603        0.23         2,457       0.37      3,486        0.54 
   Education                            3,993        0.57         3,479       0.53      2,701        0.42 
   Other (1)                           17,856        2.55        20,355       3.08     18,837        2.94 
                                     --------     -------      --------    -------   --------     ------- 
    Total consumer                     41,773        5.97        43,388       6.57     39,605        6.18 

  Commercial loans                     75,085       10.73        59,897       9.08     46,742        7.29 
                                     --------     -------      --------    -------   --------     ------- 

  Total loans                         699,819      100.00%      660,039     100.00%   640,824      100.00% 
                                                   ------                   ------                 ------  
                                                   ------                   ------                 ------  
  Less net items                       42,321                    26,803                23,901            
                                     --------                  --------              --------            

     Total loans, net                $657,498                  $633,236              $616,923            
                                     --------                  --------              --------            
                                     --------                  --------              --------            

<CAPTION>
                                        -------------------------------------------
                                                1995                   1994
                                        --------------------- ---------------------
                                                   Percent of            Percent of
                                                     Total                  Total
                                        Amount       loans     Amount       loans
                                        ------       -----     ------       -----
<S>                                     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                     
  Real estate loans:
   Permanent
     One- to four-family                $428,213     75.39%   $386,663       73.72%
     Multifamily                          16,042      2.82      14,838        2.83
     Nonresidential                       36,845      6.48      43,235        8.24
     Land                                  1,280      0.23       1,666        0.32
                                        --------   -------    --------     -------
       Total permanent                   482,380     84.92     446,402       85.11

   Construction loans:
     One- to four-family                  19,804      3.49      18,200        3.47
     Multifamily and
       non-residential                       597      0.11         994        0.19
                                        --------   -------    --------     -------
       Total construction                 20,401      3.60      19,194        3.66
                                        --------   -------    --------     -------

  Total real estate loans                502,781     88.52     465,596       88.77

  Consumer loans
   Home equity                            11,439      2.01      11,265        2.15
   Auto                                    4,582      0.81       2,339        0.45
   Education                               2,788      0.49       2,217        0.42
   Other (1)                              17,384      3.06      15,907        3.03
                                        --------   -------    --------     -------
    Total consumer                        36,193      6.37      31,728        6.05

  Commercial loans                        29,043      5.11      27,165        5.18
                                        --------   -------    --------     -------

  Total loans                            568,017    100.00%    524,489      100.00%
                                                    ------                  ------
                                                    ------                  ------
  Less net items                          21,328                21,076
                                        --------              --------

     Total loans, net                   $546,689              $503,413
                                        --------              --------
                                        --------              --------
</TABLE>

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

(1) Consists of overdraft protection loans and loans to individuals secured by
demand accounts, deposits, automobiles, boats and one- to four-family
residences.


                                       3
<PAGE>

         LOAN MATURITY. The following table sets forth certain information as of
December 31, 1998, regarding the dollar amount of loans maturing in Home
Savings' portfolio based on their contractual terms to maturity. Demand loans
and other loans having no stated schedule of repayments or no stated maturity
are reported as due in one year or less. Mortgage loans originated by Home
Savings generally include due-on-sale clauses that provide Home Savings with the
contractual right to deem the loan immediately due and payable in the event the
borrower transfers the ownership of the property without Home Savings' consent.
The table does not include the effects of possible prepayments or scheduled
repayments.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Principal repayments contractually due in the years ended December 31,
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   2002 -      2004 -      2009 -   2014 and
                                  1999       2000       2001       2003        2008        2013    thereafter     Total
                                  ----       ----       ----       ----        ----        ----    ----------     -----
                                                                     (In thousands)
<S>                               <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>            <C>
Residential mortgage loans (1)    $51,255    $28,596   $28,164     $58,142     $152,271  $106,188     $126,655    $551,271
Nonresidential real estate            968        901       870       5,493       14,600     5,790        3,068      31,690
loans
Commercial loans                   27,867      7,703     3,145      11,568       10,661     7,604        6,537      75,085
Consumer loans                      5,394      4,178     3,795       5,443       18,808       866        3,289      41,773
                                  -------    -------   -------     -------     --------  --------     --------    --------
    Total                         $85,484    $41,378   $35,974     $80,646     $196,340  $120,448     $139,549    $699,819
                                  -------    -------   -------     -------     --------  --------     --------    --------
                                  -------    -------   -------     -------     --------  --------     --------    --------
</TABLE>

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

(1) Includes permanent and construction loans for one- to four-family and
multi-family properties and land loans.

         The next table sets forth the dollar amount of all loans due after
December 31, 1999, which have fixed or adjustable interest rates:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Due after December 31, 1999
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                           (In thousands)
<S>                                                  <C>
              Fixed rate of interest                          $473,037
              Adjustable rate of interest                      141,298
                                                              --------
                                                              $614,335
                                                              --------
</TABLE>

         LOANS SECURED BY ONE- TO FOUR-FAMILY REAL ESTATE. The principal 
lending activity of Home Savings is the origination of conventional loans 
secured by first mortgages on one- to four-family residences, primarily 
single-family homes, located within Home Savings' primary market area. At 
December 31, 1998, Home Savings' one- to four-family residential real estate 
loans totaled approximately $516.8 million, or 73.8% of total loans. At 
December 31, 1998, $3.7 million, or 0.7%, of Home Savings' one-to four-family 
loans were nonperforming.

         OTS regulations and Ohio law limit the amount which Home Savings may 
lend in relationship to the appraised value of the real estate and 
improvements which will secure the loan at the time of loan origination. In 
accordance with such regulations, Home Savings makes loans on one- to 
four-family residences of up to 90% of the value of the real estate and 
improvements thereon (LTV), though the majority of such loans have LTVs of 
80% or less. Loans on single-family, owner-occupied residences located in 
low-to-moderate income census track locations are granted up to a 95% LTV, 
although Home Savings requires private mortgage insurance on the portion of 
the principal amount that exceeds 80% of the appraised value of the property 
securing the loan.

         Home Savings currently offers fixed-rate mortgage loans and 
adjustable-rate mortgage loans (ARMs) for terms of up to 30 years. Although 
Home Savings' loan portfolio includes a significant amount of 30-year 
fixed-rate loans, most loans currently originated by Home Savings are 15-year 
fixed-rate loans. The interest rate adjustment periods on ARMs are typically 
one or three years. The maximum interest rate adjustment on most of the ARMs 
is 2.0% on any adjustment date and a total of 6.0% over the life of the loan. 
The interest rate adjustments on one-year and three-year ARMs presently 
offered by Home Savings are indexed to the weekly average rate on the 
one-year and three-year U.S. Treasury securities, respectively. Rate 
adjustments are computed by adding a stated margin, typically 2.75%, to the 
index. Home Savings does not offer ARMs to borrowers on one- to four-family 
residences with LTVs of 95%.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>

         Home Savings issues standby loan origination commitments to 
qualified borrowers primarily for the purchase of single-family residential 
real estate. Such commitments are made on specified terms and conditions and 
are made for periods of up to 60 days, during which time the interest rate is 
locked in.

         Home Savings has purchased interests in loans at times when there 
was low demand in Home Savings' primary market area, although Home Savings 
has not purchased interests in one- to four-family loans during the past 10 
years. Home Savings' loan portfolio includes 215 participation interests in 
several groups of single-family loans located within and outside of Home 
Savings primary lending area. At December 31, 1998, the outstanding balance 
of participation loans purchased, which is included in the one- to 
four-family loan portfolio, was $3.9 million, or 0.8% of Home Savings' total 
one- to four-family loan portfolio.

         LOANS SECURED BY MULTIFAMILY RESIDENCES. Home Savings originates 
loans secured by multifamily properties which contain more than four units, 
although this is not a significant component of Home Savings' lending 
activities. Multifamily loans are offered with adjustable rates of interest, 
which adjust according to a specified index, and typically have terms ranging 
from five to ten years and LTVs of up to 75%.

         Multifamily lending is generally considered to involve a higher 
degree of risk than one- to four-family residential lending because the 
borrower typically depends upon income generated by the project to cover 
operating expenses and debt service. The profitability of a project can be 
affected by economic conditions, government policies and other factors beyond 
the control of the borrower. Home Savings attempts to reduce the risk 
associated with multifamily lending by evaluating the creditworthiness of the 
borrower and the projected income from the project and by obtaining personal 
guaranties on loans made to corporations and partnerships. Home Savings 
requires borrowers to submit financial statements annually to enable Home 
Savings to monitor the loan and requires an assignment of rents.

         At December 31, 1998, loans secured by multifamily properties 
totaled approximately $8.2 million, or 1.2% of total loans. The largest loan 
had a principal balance of $1.4 million.

         LOANS SECURED BY NONRESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE. Home Savings originates 
loans for the purchase of nonresidential real estate. Home Savings' 
nonresidential real estate loans have adjustable rates, terms of up to 20 
years and generally LTVs of up to 80%. Rate adjustments on ARMs secured by 
nonresidential real estate are determined by adding 3.5% to the current U.S. 
Treasury index. Among the properties securing Home Savings' nonresidential 
real estate loans are shopping centers, hotels, motels and freezer 
warehouses. The majority of such properties are located outside of Home 
Savings' primary lending area. Home Savings has been involved for over 20 
years in freezer warehouse financing through a Youngstown area real estate 
developer who specializes in the construction of freezer facilities.

         Nonresidential real estate lending is generally considered to 
involve a higher degree of risk than residential lending due to the 
relatively larger loan amounts and the effects of general economic conditions 
on the successful operation of income-producing properties. Home Savings has 
endeavored to reduce such risk by evaluating the credit history of the 
borrower, the location of the real estate, the financial condition of the 
borrower, the quality and characteristics of the income stream generated by 
the property and the appraisals supporting the property's valuation. At 
December 31, 1998, Home Savings' largest loan secured by nonresidential real 
estate was a participation with an $11.8 million balance and such loan was 
performing according to its terms.

         At December 31, 1998, approximately $31.3 million, or 4.5%, of Home 
Savings' total loans were secured by mortgages on nonresidential real estate.

         CONSTRUCTION LOANS. Home Savings makes loans for the construction of 
one- to four-family residences, multifamily properties and nonresidential 
real estate projects. Residential construction loans are made to both 
owner-occupants and to builders on a speculative (unsold) basis. Construction 
loans to owner-occupants are structured as permanent loans with fixed or 
adjustable rates of interest and terms of up to 30 years. During the first 
year, while the residence is being constructed, the borrower is required to 
pay interest only at a fixed rate. Construction loans for one- to four-family 
residences have LTVs of up to 80%, and construction loans for commercial, 
multifamily and nonresidential properties have LTVs of up to 75%, with the 
value of the land included as part of the owner's equity. At December 31, 
1998, Home Savings had approximately $26.5 million, or 3.8% of its total 
loans, invested in construction loans, including $25.7 million in one- to 
four-family residential construction and approximately $833 thousand in 
multifamily construction loans. No commercial construction loans were 
outstanding at that date.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>

         Approximately 50% of Home Savings' construction loans to builders 
are made for homes as to which the builder does not have a contract with a 
buyer. Home Savings, however, generally limits speculative loans to builders 
with whom Home Savings has a long-standing relationship and limits the number 
of outstanding loans on unsold homes under construction within a specific 
area.

         Construction loans generally involve greater underwriting and 
default risks than do loans secured by mortgages on existing properties 
because construction loans are more difficult to appraise and to monitor. 
Loan funds are advanced upon the security of the project under construction, 
which is more difficult to value before the completion of construction. 
Moreover, because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction 
costs, it is not always possible to evaluate accurately the LTVs and the 
total loan funds required to complete a project. In the event a default on a 
construction loan occurs and foreclosure follows, Home Savings must take 
control of the project and attempt either to arrange for completion of 
construction or dispose of the unfinished project.

         Home Savings also originates a limited number of loans secured by 
vacant land for the construction of single-family houses. Home Savings' land 
loans are generally fixed-rate loans for terms up to five years and require a 
LTV of 75% or less. At December 31, 1998, approximately $445 thousand, or 
0.1%, of Home Savings' total loans were secured by land loans made to 
developers and to individuals intending to construct and occupy single-family 
residences on the properties.

         COMMERCIAL LOANS. Home Savings makes commercial loans to businesses 
in its primary market area, including traditional lines of credit, revolving 
lines of credit, term loans and acquisition and development loans. The LTV 
ratios for commercial loans depend upon the nature of the underlying 
collateral, but generally commercial loans are made with LTVs of 70 to 75% 
and have adjustable interest rates. Lines of credit and revolving credits are 
generally priced on an adjustable rate basis, which is tied to the prime rate 
or U.S. Treasury bill rate. Term and time loans are usually adjustable, but 
can have fixed rates of interest and terms from one to five years.

         At December 31, 1998, Home Savings had approximately $75.1 million, 
or 10.7% of total loans, invested in commercial loans. The majority of these 
loans are secured by a security interest in inventory, accounts receivable, 
machinery, investment property, vehicles or other assets of the borrower. 
Home Savings also originates unsecured commercial loans including lines of 
credit for periods of less than 12 months, short-term loans and, 
occasionally, term loans for periods of up to 36 months. These loans are 
underwritten based on the credit-worthiness of the borrowers and the 
guarantors. As a result of the addition of experienced loan personnel and the 
implementation of enhanced underwriting procedures, Home Savings intends to 
increase its unsecured commercial loan volume in the future.

         Commercial loans are generally deemed to entail significantly 
greater risk than real estate lending. The repayment of commercial loans is 
typically dependent on the income stream and successful operation of a 
business, which can be affected by economic conditions. The collateral for 
commercial loans, if any, often consists of rapidly depreciating assets.

         CONSUMER LOANS. Home Savings originates various types of consumer 
credit loans, including home equity loans, education loans, loans secured by 
savings accounts, motor vehicles and unsecured loans. Consumer loans are made 
at fixed and adjustable rates of interest and for varying terms based on the 
type of loan. Consumer loans secured by a deposit or savings account are made 
for up to 90% of the principal balance of the account and generally have 
adjustable rates which adjust based on the weekly average yield on U.S. 
Treasury securities plus a margin.

         For new automobiles, loans are originated for up to 90% of the value 
of the car with terms of up to five years, and for used automobiles, loans 
are made for up to the average value of the car model and a term of three 
years. All automobile loans are originated directly by Home Savings. At 
December 31, 1998, automobile loans amounted to $1.6 million, or 0.2%, of 
Home Savings' consumer loan portfolio.

         Home Savings makes closed-end home equity loans in an amount which, 
when added to the prior indebtedness secured by the real estate, does not 
exceed 90% of the estimated value of the real estate. Home equity loans are 
typically secured by a second mortgage on the real estate. Home Savings 
frequently holds the first mortgage, although Home Savings will make home 
equity loans in cases where another lender holds the first mortgage. Home 
Savings also offers home equity loans with a line of credit feature. Home 
equity loans are made with adjustable and fixed rates of interest. Fixed-rate 
home equity loans have terms of ten years but can be called after five years. 
Rate adjustments on adjustable home equity loans are determined by adding a 
3.0% margin for loans on one- to four-family residences of up to 80% LTV or 
by adding a 4.0% margin for loans on one- to four-family residences of up to 
90% LTV to the one-year U.S. Treasury index. At December 31, 1998, 
approximately $18.3 million, or 2.6%, of Home Savings' consumer loan 
portfolio consisted of home equity loans.


                                      -6-
<PAGE>

         Consumer loans may entail greater credit risk than do residential 
mortgage loans. The risk of default on consumer loans increases during 
periods of recession, high unemployment, and other adverse economic 
conditions. Although Home Savings has not had significant delinquencies on 
consumer loans, no assurance can be provided that delinquencies will not 
increase.

         At December 31, 1998, Home Savings had approximately $41.8 million, 
or 6.0% of its total loans, invested in consumer loans. Home Savings 
anticipates a moderate increase in its consumer loan portfolio in the future 
as a result of increased cross-selling efforts to existing customers.

         LOAN SOLICITATION AND PROCESSING. The lending activities of Home 
Savings are subject to the written, non-discriminatory underwriting standards 
and loan origination procedures approved by Home Savings' Board of Directors 
(Board). Loan originations are generally obtained from existing customers and 
members of the local community and from referrals by real estate brokers, 
lawyers, accountants, and current and former customers. Home Savings also 
advertises in the local print media, radio and television.

         Each of Home Savings' 14 offices has loan personnel who can accept 
loan applications, which are then forwarded to Home Savings' Underwriting 
Department for processing and approval. In underwriting real estate loans, 
Home Savings typically obtains a credit report, verification of employment 
and other documentation concerning the creditworthiness of the borrower. An 
appraisal of the fair market value of the real estate that will be given as 
security for the loan is prepared by one of Home Savings' in-house licensed 
appraisers or an approved fee appraiser. For certain large nonresidential 
real estate loans, the appraisal will be conducted by an outside fee 
appraiser whose report is reviewed by Home Savings' chief appraiser. Upon the 
completion of the appraisal and the receipt of information on the credit 
history of the borrower, the application for a loan is submitted for review 
to the appropriate persons. Nonresidential real estate loans up to $100 
thousand require two approvals, loans up to $200 thousand require three 
approvals, and loans of $200 thousand up to $1.0 million require five 
approvals from a member of Home Savings' underwriting staff, the Senior Loan 
Officer, the Lending Operations Officer or any other senior officer of Home 
Savings. Commercial loans up to $200 thousand may be approved by one of Home 
Savings' commercial loan officers. Commercial loans of $200 thousand or more 
but less than $1.0 million must be approved by two members of the 
Underwriting Department, the Senior Loan Officer or the Lending Operations 
Officer and any two of the following officers: the President, the Chief 
Financial Officer, the Senior Vice President of Retail Banking or the Vice 
President of Facilities Management. In addition to the approval by the 
officers described above, loans for over $1.0 million require the prior 
approval of a majority of the outside directors of Home Savings.

         Borrowers are required to carry satisfactory fire and casualty 
insurance and flood insurance, if applicable, and to name Home Savings as an 
insured mortgagee. Home Savings generally obtains an attorney's opinion of 
title, although title insurance may be obtained on larger nonresidential real 
estate loans.

         The procedure for approval of construction loans is the same as for 
permanent real estate loans, except that an appraiser evaluates the building 
plans, construction specifications and estimates of construction costs. Home 
Savings also evaluates the feasibility of the proposed construction project 
and the experience and record of the builder. Once approved, the construction 
loan is disbursed in installments based upon periodic inspections of 
construction progress.

         Consumer loans are underwritten on the basis of the borrower's 
credit history and an analysis of the borrower's income and expenses, ability 
to repay the loan, and the value of the collateral, if any.

         LOAN ORIGINATIONS AND PURCHASES. Historically, Home Savings has 
originated substantially all of the loans in its portfolio and has held them 
until maturity. Nevertheless, Home Savings' residential loans are generally 
made on terms and conditions and documentation which conform to the secondary 
market guidelines for sale to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Company (FHLMC) 
and other institutional investors in the secondary market. Education loans 
are sold, once the borrower has graduated, to the Student Loan Marketing 
Association. Home Savings does not originate first mortgage loans insured by 
the Federal Housing Authority or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration, 
but it has purchased such loans as well as participation interests in such 
loans.


                                      -7-
<PAGE>

         Home Savings has not sold any loans during the years ended December 
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996. The following table presents Home Savings' total 
loan origination and repayment activity for the years indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Year ended December 31,
                                                      -------------------------------------------
                                                         1998             1997             1996
                                                      ---------        ---------        ---------
                                                                     (In thousands)
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>              <C>
Loans originated:
   Real estate:
     Permanent:
       One- to four-family                             $140,344          $68,303         $129,074
       Multifamily                                                                            225
       Nonresidential                                       340              218              136
       Land                                                 810                        
                                                      ---------        ---------        ---------
         Total permanent                                141,494           68,521          129,435

     Construction:
       One- to four-family                               28,226           25,440           26,545
       Multifamily                                          180            1,390              740
         Total construction                              28,406           26,830           27,285
                                                      ---------        ---------        ---------
         Total real estate loans originated             169,900           95,351          156,720

   Consumer                                              15,535           17,038           16,199
   Commercial                                            44,050           20,968           21,731
                                                      ---------        ---------        ---------
         Total loans originated                         229,485          133,357          194,650

Loans purchased                                              11              116               24
                                                      ---------        ---------        ---------
Total loans originated and purchased                    229,496          133,473          194,674
Principal repayments                                    205,791          119,120          125,550
                                                      ---------        ---------        ---------
Net increase in loans                                 $  23,705        $  14,353        $  69,124
                                                      ---------        ---------        ---------
                                                      ---------        ---------        ---------
</TABLE>

         At December 31, 1998, Home Savings had $24.6 million of outstanding 
commitments to originate loans and $21.4 million available to borrowers under 
consumer and commercial lines of credit. At December 31, 1998, Home Savings 
had $8.0 million in undisbursed funds related to construction loans in 
process.

         LOAN ORIGINATION AND OTHER FEES. Home Savings realizes loan 
origination fees and other fee income from its lending activities. A fee of 
2.0% of the loan amount, up to $1 thousand is charged for fixed-rate 
residential real estate loans and Home Savings charges an origination fee of 
two percent of the loan amount, up to $850, for adjustable-rate residential 
real estate loans. Loan origination fees for nonresidential real estate loans 
and commercial loans are negotiated on an individual basis. In addition, Home 
Savings realizes income from late payment charges and fees for other 
miscellaneous services.

         Loan origination fees and other fees are a volatile source of 
income, varying with the volume of lending, loan repayments and general 
economic conditions. All nonrefundable loan origination fees and certain 
direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized in accordance with 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 91 as an adjustment to 
yield for the life of the related loan.

         LOANS TO ONE BORROWER LIMITS. OTS regulations generally limit the 
aggregate amount that a savings association may lend to any one borrower to 
an amount equal to 15.0% of Home Savings' unimpaired capital and unimpaired 
surplus (Lending Limit Capital). A savings association may lend to one 
borrower an additional amount not to exceed 10.0% of Home Savings' Lending 
Limit Capital if the additional amount is fully secured by certain forms of 
"readily marketable collateral." Real estate is not considered "readily 
marketable collateral." In applying this limit, the regulations require that 
loans to certain related or affiliated borrowers be aggregated.

         Based on such limits, Home Savings could lend approximately $45.9 
million to one borrower at December 31, 1998. The largest amount Home Savings 
had outstanding to one borrower at December 31, 1998, was $11.8 million, 
which consisted of one loan secured by a first mortgage on a freezer 
warehouse. At December 31, 1998, this loan was performing in accordance with 
its terms.


                                      -8-
<PAGE>

         DELINQUENT LOANS, NONPERFORMING ASSETS AND CLASSIFIED ASSETS. Home
Savings attempts to maintain a high level of asset quality through sound
underwriting policies and aggressive collection practices.

         At the beginning of each month, the Collections Department of Home 
Savings receives a report on all delinquent loans, and Home Savings' 
personnel telephone the delinquent borrowers and mail delinquency notices. 
When a loan payment has not been made by the fifteenth of the month, a late 
notice is sent and a penalty of five percent of the payment due is assessed. 
Once a loan is 60 days delinquent, a second notice is sent and the 
Collections Department contacts the borrower by telephone. The Collections 
Department will generally continue to attempt to bring the loan current 
through telephone calls or personal visits until the loan has been delinquent 
90 to 120 days. If the loan has not been brought current by the 120th day, a 
member of the Collections Department will present the loan to Home Savings' 
Pre-Foreclosure Committee which meets weekly. If the Pre-Foreclosure 
Committee agrees to recommend the commencement of foreclosure proceedings, 
the loan is presented to the Executive Committee of Home Savings (Executive 
Committee) of the Board, which normally refers the loan to Home Savings' 
in-house legal staff. A decision as to whether and when to initiate 
foreclosure proceedings is based on such factors as the amount of the 
outstanding balance in relation to the original indebtedness, the extent of 
the delinquency, the borrower's ability and willingness to cooperate in 
curing the delinquency and any environmental issues that may need to be 
addressed.

         The following table reflects the amount of loans in a delinquent 
status as of the dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         At December 31,
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                          1998                                     1997
                                            -----------------------------------      -----------------------------------
                                                                     Percent of                               Percent of
                                                                        total                                   total
                                            Number        Amount        loans        Number       Amount        loans
                                            ------        ------        -----        ------       ------        -----
                                                                      (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                         <C>           <C>        <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>
  Loans delinquent for:
     30-59 days                              232          $ 8,236        1.25%        242           $ 6,895      1.09%
     60-89 days                               89            2,462        0.37         132             4,415      0.70
     90 days or over                         189            5,729        0.87         298             9,491      1.50
                                             ---          -------        ----         ---           -------      ----
       Total delinquent loans                510          $16,427        2.49%        672           $20,801      3.29%
                                             ---          -------        ----         ---           -------      ----
                                             ---          -------        ----         ---           -------      ----
</TABLE>

         Nonperforming assets include nonaccruing loans, restructured loans, 
real estate acquired by foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu thereof, in-substance 
foreclosures and repossessed assets.

         Loans are reviewed through monthly reports to the Board or weekly 
reports to senior management and are placed on nonaccrual status when 
collection in full is considered doubtful by management. Interest accrued and 
unpaid at the time a loan is placed on nonaccrual status is charged against 
interest income. Subsequent cash payments are generally applied to interest 
income unless, in the opinion of management, the collection of principal and 
interest is doubtful. In those cases, subsequent cash payments would be 
applied to principal.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>

         The following table sets forth information with respect to Home
Savings' nonperforming loans and other assets at the dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     At December 31,
                                                           --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            1998           1997         1996          1995          1994
                                                           ------         ------       ------        ------        ------
                                                                               (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>
Nonperforming loans:
  Nonaccrual loans
    Real estate loans:
      One- to four-family                                 $ 3,655         $ 5,540      $ 5,343       $ 3,542        $ 3,491
      Multifamily and nonresidential                          378             649          704         1,082            104
      Construction (net of Loan In Process) and land          233             769          491             7      
                                                          -------         -------       ------        ------         ------
        Total real estate loans                             4,266           6,958        6,538         4,631          3,595
    Consumer                                                  317             404          517           298            274
    Commercial                                              1,146           2,129        2,059           260            219
                                                          -------         -------       ------        ------         ------
        Total nonaccrual loans                              5,729           9,491        9,114         5,189          4,088
  Restructured real estate loans                            1,832             644          698           891          2,681
                                                          -------         -------       ------        ------         ------
        Total nonperforming loans                           7,561          10,135        9,812         6,080          6,769
Real estate acquired through foreclosure and other
   repossessed assets                                          78              55           29            46          1,570
                                                          -------         -------       ------        ------         ------
        Total nonperforming assets                        $ 7,639         $10,190       $9,841        $6,126         $8,339
                                                          -------         -------       ------        ------         ------
                                                          -------         -------       ------        ------         ------

Nonperforming loans as a percent of loans                    1.15%           1.60%        1.59%         1.11%          1.34%
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets            0.61            0.98         0.92          0.57           0.82
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of              
   nonperforming loans                                      84.62           59.02        51.37         84.18          75.51
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans
   before allowance                                          0.96            0.94         0.81          0.93           1.01
</TABLE>


         For 1998, approximately $349 thousand in interest income would have 
been recorded had nonaccruing and restructured loans been accruing pursuant 
to contractual terms. During 1998 interest collected on such loans and 
included in net income was approximately $343 thousand.

         Nonaccrual and restructured loans decreased approximately $2.6 
million to $7.6 million at December 31, 1998, from $10.2 million at December 
31, 1997. Nonaccrual one- to four-family mortgage loans and commercial loans 
decreased $1.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The reduction of the 
one- to four-family loans was due to a number of loans becoming current on 
their payments. The reduction in nonaccrual commercial loans was the result 
of two loans being reclassified as restructured. Nonaccrual construction 
loans decreased $536 thousand at December 31, 1998 compared to December 31, 
1997 due to several loans becoming current. At December 31, 1998, total 
nonaccrual and restructured loans accounted for 1.15% of net loans 
receivable, compared to 1.60% at December 31, 1997. Total nonperforming 
assets were 0.61% of total assets as of December 31, 1998, a decrease of 
0.37% from 0.98% as of December 31, 1997.

         Real estate acquired in settlement of loans is classified separately 
on the balance sheet at fair value as of the date of acquisition. After 
foreclosure, the loan is written down to the value of the underlying 
collateral by a charge to the allowance for loan losses, if necessary. Any 
subsequent write-downs are charged against operating expenses. Operating 
expenses of such properties, net of related income or loss on disposition, 
are included in other expenses. At December 31, 1998, the carrying value of 
real estate acquired in settlement of loans was $78 thousand, and consisted 
of three single-family properties.

         Home Savings classifies its assets in accordance with federal 
regulations. Problem assets are classified as "special mention", 
"substandard," "doubtful" or "loss." "Substandard" assets have one or more 
defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that 
Home Savings will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. 
"Doubtful" assets have the same weaknesses as "substandard" assets, with the 
additional characteristics that (i) the weaknesses make collection or 
liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and 
values, questionable and (ii) there is a high possibility of loss. An asset 
classified as "loss" is considered uncollectible and of such little value 
that its continuance as an asset of Home Savings is not warranted. Federal 
regulations also contain a "special mention" category, consisting of assets 
which do not currently expose an institution to a sufficient degree of risk 
to warrant classification but which possess credit deficiencies or potential 
weaknesses deserving management's close attention.


                                     -10-
<PAGE>

         Home Savings classifies its commercial loans on a periodic basis, not
less often than quarterly, according to a nine-level risk rating system that
includes, in addition to the "substandard," "doubtful" and "loss," categories
discussed above, further classifications of "prime," "good," "satisfactory,"
"fair," "watch" and "uncertain."

         Commercial loans that are classified "prime," "good," "satisfactory" or
"fair" possess levels of risk, if any, which are generally acceptable to Home
Savings. "Watch" assets are the equivalent of "special mention" assets discussed
above and a loan which is classified as "uncertain" represents a loan for which
there is insufficient current information on the borrower to evaluate the
primary source of payment. A loan may only be maintained as "uncertain" for 90
days while additional information is obtained, subject to one 90-day extension
by the Commercial Loan Manager or a higher level officer.

         The aggregate amounts of Home Savings' classified assets at the dates
indicated were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     At December 31,
                                                 -------------------------
                                                  1998               1997
                                                 ------             ------
                                                      (In thousands)
<S>                                              <C>                <C>
        Classified assets:
          Substandard                            $8,034             $9,188
          Doubtful
          Loss                                       95                151
                                                 ------             ------
           Total classified assets               $8,129             $9,339
                                                 ------             ------
                                                 ------             ------
</TABLE>

         Home Savings analyzes each classified asset on a quarterly basis to 
determine whether changes in the classifications are appropriate under the 
circumstances. Such analysis focuses on a variety of factors, including the 
amount of, and the reasons for, any delinquency, the use of the real estate 
securing the loan, the financial condition of the borrower, and the appraised 
value of the real estate. As such factors change, the classification of the 
asset will change accordingly.

         Home Savings establishes a general allowance for loan losses for any 
loan classified as special mention, substandard or doubtful. If an asset, or 
portion thereof, is classified as loss, Home Savings establishes a specific 
allowance for loss in the amount of 100% of the portion of the asset 
classified loss or charges off the portion of any real estate loan deemed to 
be uncollectible.

         ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES. Management reviews on a quarterly basis 
the allowance for loan losses as it relates to a number of relevant factors, 
including, but not limited to, growth and changes in the composition of the 
loan portfolio, trends in the level of delinquent and problem loans, current 
and anticipated economic conditions in the primary lending area, past loss 
experience, and possible losses arising from specific problem assets.

         While management believes that it uses the best information 
available to determine the allowance for loan losses, unforeseen market 
conditions could result in adjustments and net income could be significantly 
affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in 
making the final determination. In addition, Home Savings' determination as 
to the amount of its allowance for loan losses is subject to review by the 
OTS, as part of its examination process, which may result in the 
establishment of an additional allowance based upon the judgment of the OTS 
after a review of the information available at the time of the OTS 
examination.


                                     -11-
<PAGE>

         The following table sets forth an analysis of Home Savings' 
allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Year ended December 31,
                                                     --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1998         1997          1996          1995           1994
                                                     ------       ------        ------        ------         ------
                                                                          (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
Balance at beginning of period                      $  5,982     $  5,040       $ 5,118       $ 5,111        $ 5,397

Provision for (recovery of) loan loss allowances         650       (1,546)                                      (100)
Charge-offs:
   Real estate                                           (47)        (403)          (28)         (373)          (170)
   Consumer                                              (72)         (43)          (57)          (21)           (16)
   Commercial                                           (151)                                                    (60)
                                                     -------     --------        ------        ------         ------
     Total charge-offs                                  (270)        (446)          (85)         (394)         ( 246)
                                                     -------     --------        ------        ------         ------

Recoveries:
   Real estate                                            25        2,930             4           365             52
   Consumer                                               10            4             3            10              8
   Commercial                                              1                                       26     
                                                     -------     --------        ------        ------         ------
     Total recoveries                                     36        2,934             7           401             60
                                                     -------     --------        ------        ------         ------

Net recoveries (charge-offs)                            (234)       2,488           (78)            7           (186)
                                                     -------     --------        ------        ------         ------

Balance at end of year                               $ 6,398     $  5,982        $5,040        $5,118         $5,111
                                                     -------     --------        ------        ------         ------
                                                     -------     --------        ------        ------         ------

Ratio of net recoveries (charge-offs)
   to average net loans                               (0.04)%       0.40%        (0.01)%         0.00%         (0.04)%

Ratio of net recoveries  (charge-offs) to
   provision for (recovery of) loan loss              36.00%      160.93%           N/A           N/A        (186.00)%
   allowances
</TABLE>

         The following table sets forth the allocation of the allowance for 
loan losses by category. The allocations are based on management's assessment 
of the risk characteristics of each of the components of the total loan 
portfolio and are subject to change as and when the risk factors of each 
component change. The allocation is not indicative of either the specific 
amounts or the loan categories in which future charge-offs may be taken, nor 
should it be taken as an indicator of future loss trends. The allocation of 
the allowance to each category is not necessarily indicative of future loss 
in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to 
absorb losses in any category.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            At December 31,   
                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        1998                 1997                 1996                1995                   1994
                  ------------------- -------------------- ------------------ ---------------------  ----------------------

                           Percent of           Percent of         Percent of            Percent of              Percent of
                            loans in             loans in           loans in              loans in                loans in
                              each                 each               each                  each                    each
                            category             category           category              category                category
                            to total             to total           to total              to total                to total
                  Amount     loans     Amount     loans    Amount    loans      Amount     loans      Amount        loans
                  ------     -----     ------     -----    ------    -----      ------     -----      ------        -----
                                                            (Dollars in thousands)
<S>               <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>        <C>     <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>        <C>
Real estate loans $4,220      83.30%   $4,242      84.35%  $4,561     86.53%     $4,585     88.52%    $4,593        88.77%
Consumer loans       611       5.97       673       6.57      322      6.18         376      6.37        349         6.05
Commercial loans   1,567      10.73     1,067       9.08      157      7.29         157      5.11        169         5.18
                  ------     ------    ------     ------   ------    ------      ------    ------     ------       ------
      Total       $6,398     100.00%   $5,982     100.00%  $5,040    100.00%     $5,118    100.00%    $5,111       100.00%
                  ------     ------    ------     ------   ------    ------      ------    ------     ------       ------
                  ------     ------    ------     ------   ------    ------      ------    ------     ------       ------
</TABLE>

                         INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

         Federal regulations and Ohio law permit Home Savings to invest in 
various types of investment securities, including interest-bearing deposits 
in other financial institutions, federal funds, U.S. Treasury and agency 
obligations, mortgage-backed securities, and certain other specified 
investments. The Board has adopted an investment policy which authorizes 
management to make investments in U.S. Treasury obligations, U.S. Federal 
agency and federally-sponsored corporation obligations, investment-grade 
municipal obligations, creditworthy, unrated securities issued by 
municipalities in which an office of Home Savings is located, 
investment-grade corporate debt securities, investment-grade asset-backed 
securities, certificates of deposit that are fully-insured by the FDIC, 
bankers' acceptances, federal funds, money market funds and interest-bearing 
time deposits with other financial institutions. Home Savings' investment 
policy is designed primarily to provide and maintain liquidity within 
regulatory guidelines, to maintain a balance of high quality investments to 
minimize risk, and to maximize 

                                     -12-
<PAGE>

return without sacrificing liquidity and safety. The investment activities of 
Home Savings are supervised by Home Savings' Investment Committee and 
investment purchases are monitored weekly by the Executive Committee.

         Home Savings maintains a significant portfolio of mortgage-backed 
securities in the form of Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), 
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) and FHLMC participation 
certificates. Mortgage-backed securities generally entitle Home Savings to 
receive a portion of the cash flows from an identified pool of mortgages. 
GNMA securities, FNMA securities and a majority of Home Savings' FHLMC 
securities are guaranteed by the issuing agency as to timely payment of 
principal and interest. The balance of Home Savings' FHLMC securities are 
guaranteed as to timely payment of interest and eventual payment of principal.

         Home Savings purchases mortgage-backed securities primarily as an 
alternative to originating loans for its portfolio. In recent years, Home 
Savings' funds available for investment have exceeded the volume of loan 
originations based on loan demand in Home Savings' primary market area. 
Purchases of mortgage-backed securities enable Home Savings to generate 
positive interest rate spreads with minimal administrative expense and reduce 
credit risk due to the guarantees provided by the issuer. Mortgage-backed 
securities classified as available for sale also provide Home Savings with an 
additional source of liquid funds. Home Savings also invests generally in 
short maturity, medium-term corporate notes of investment grade. The notes, 
which include debentures and collateralized notes, generally provide a spread 
above the risk-free rate afforded by comparable maturity U.S. Treasury 
Securities.

         Although Home Savings' mortgage-backed securities are generally 
guaranteed as to repayment of principal and interest, Home Savings is exposed 
to prepayment risk and reinvestment risk to the extent that the issuer 
redeems the security or that actual prepayments on the underlying mortgages 
are greater than estimated over the life of the security. Although 
prepayments of underlying mortgages depend on many factors, the difference 
between the interest rates on the underlying mortgages and the prevailing 
mortgage interest rates generally is the most significant determinant of the 
rate of the prepayments. During periods of declining mortgage interest rates, 
refinancing generally increases and accelerates the prepayment of the 
underlying mortgages and the related security. Prepayments may require Home 
Savings to make adjustments to the amortization of any premium or accretion 
of any discount relating to the securities, thereby changing the net yield on 
such securities. Home Savings reviews prepayment estimates for 
mortgage-backed securities at purchase to ensure that prepayment assumptions 
are reasonable considering the underlying collateral for the securities at 
issue and current interest rates and to determine the yield and estimated 
maturity of the mortgage-backed security portfolio.

         To the extent that Home Savings' mortgage-backed securities prepay 
faster than anticipated in a declining rate environment, Home Savings may not 
be able to reinvest the proceeds of such prepayments at a comparable rate of 
return, which could adversely affect net interest income. Conversely, in a 
rising interest rate environment, prepayments may occur at a slower than 
projected pace, thereby extending the estimated life of the security and 
depriving Home Savings of the ability to reinvest cash flows at higher rates 
of interest. In addition, the market value of such securities may be 
adversely affected by changes in interest rates. As discussed below, a 
decline in the market value of securities classified as available for sale 
may adversely affect Home Savings' retained earnings.

         Since the conversion, funds not currently utilized by UCFC for 
general corporate purposes including possible acquisitions are invested in 
similar investments previously discussed as authorized Home Savings' 
investments. In addition, UCFC invested in Eurodollars, which is a short-term 
investment. These types of investments provide a great deal of liquidity and 
flexibility as UCFC pursues alternative investment opportunities.

         Investment and mortgage-backed securities are classified upon 
acquisition as available for sale or held to maturity. Securities classified 
as available for sale are carried at estimated fair value with the unrealized 
holding gain or loss, net of taxes, reflected as a component of retained 
earnings. Securities classified as held to maturity are carried at amortized 
cost. Home Savings recognizes premiums and discounts in interest income over 
the period to maturity by the level yield method and realized gains or losses 
on the sale of debt securities based on the amortized cost of the specific 
securities sold. Security sales are recorded on a trade date basis.


                                     -13-
<PAGE>

         The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of
UCFC and Home Savings' short-term investments, FHLB stock, investment securities
and mortgage-backed securities at the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            At December 31
                                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            1998                                           1997                  
                                          ----------------------------------------    ---------------------------------------    
                                          Amortized    % of       Fair       % of     Amortized    % of       Fair       % of    
                                            Cost      Total       Value      Total      Cost      Total       Value     Total    
                                          ---------   -----       -----      -----    ---------   -----       -----     -----    
                                                                                               (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>          <C>      
Available for sale:
   Short-term investments:
     Federal funds                        $ 12,798       2.28%    $12,798     2.25%   $ 19,879      5.22%   $ 19,879      5.15%  
     Money market fund                       5,002       0.89       5,002     0.88
     Eurodollars                           133,813      23.79     133,813    23.58
     Other                                   2,162       0.38       2,162     0.38
   FHLB stock                               11,958       2.13      11,958     2.11      11,136       2.93     11,136      2.89   
   Investment securities:                                                                                                        
     U.S. Treasury obligations              15,045       2.68      15,376     2.71      20,072       5.27     20,224      5.24   
     U.S. Government agency obligations     13,000       2.31      13,060     2.30       5,000       1.31      5,038      1.31   
     Corporate notes                        82,249      14.63      82,452    14.53      14,019       3.68     14,140      3.66   
   Mortgage-backed securities
     FHLMC                                  38,732       6.89      39,450     6.95      54,039      14.20     54,827     14.21   
     FNMA                                   19,691       3.50      19,811     3.49       5,265       1.39      5,345      1.39   
     Private issues                          2,106       0.37       2,029     0.36       2,322       0.62      2,244      0.58   
   Collateralized mortgage obligations
     FNMA                                   13,075       2.32      13,046     2.30
     Private issues                         24,753       4.40      24,554     4.33                                               
                                          --------     ------    --------   ------    --------     ------   --------    ------   

       Total available for sale            374,384      66.57     375,511    66.17     131,732      34.62    132,833     34.43   
                                          --------     ------    --------   ------    --------     ------   --------    ------   
Held to maturity:
   Investment securities:
     U.S. Treasury obligations               4,993       0.89       5,016     0.88       4,968       1.31      5,013      1.30   
     Corporate notes                                                                                                             
   Mortgage-backed securities:
     GNMA                                    7,057       1.25       7,413     1.30       9,077       2.39      9,492      2.46   
     FHLMC                                 114,208      20.31     116,443    20.52     156,988      41.25    158,939     41.19   
     FNMA                                   61,734      10.98      63,154    11.13      77,783      20.43     79,555     20.62   
                                          --------     ------    --------   ------    --------     ------   --------    ------   
                                                         
       Total held to maturity              187,992      33.43     192,026    33.83     248,816      65.38    252,999     65.57   
                                          --------     ------    --------   ------    --------     ------   --------    ------   
                                                         

       Total investment portfolio         $562,376     100.00%   $567,537   100.00%   $380,548     100.00%  $385,832    100.00%  
                                          --------     ------    --------   ------    --------     ------   --------    ------   
                                          --------     ------    --------   ------    --------     ------   --------    ------   

<CAPTION>
                                                  At December 31
                                       ---------------------------------------- 
                                                       1996                     
                                       ---------------------------------------- 
                                       Amortized     % of       Fair      % of  
                                         Cost        Total      Value     Total 
                                       ---------     -----      -----     ----- 
                                               (Dollars in thousands) 
<S>                                    <C>            <C>       <C>       <C>   
Available for sale:                                                             
   Short-term investments:                                                      
     Federal funds                     $  5,982      1.39%     $ 5,982     1.39%
     Money market fund                                                          
     Eurodollars                                                                
     Other                                                                      
   FHLB stock                            10,370      2.42       10,370     2.40 
   Investment securities:                                                       
     U.S. Treasury obligations           12,517      2.92       12,613     2.92 
     U.S. Government agency obligations                                         
     Corporate notes                      2,026      0.47        2,046     0.47 
   Mortgage-backed securities                                                   
     FHLMC                               73,748     17.19       74,420    17.23 
     FNMA                                 7,489      1.75        7,613     1.76 
     Private issues                       2,499      0.58        2,419     0.57 
   Collateralized mortgage obligations                                          
     FNMA                                                                       
     Private issues                                                             
                                       --------    ------     --------   ------ 
                                                                                
       Total available for sale         114,631     26.72      115,463    26.74 
                                       --------    ------     --------   ------ 
Held to maturity:                                                               
   Investment securities:                                                       
     U.S. Treasury obligations           14,967      3.49       15,051     3.49 
     Corporate notes                     13,003      3.03       13,057     3.02 
   Mortgage-backed securities:                                                  
     GNMA                                11,163      2.60       11,627     2.69 
     FHLMC                              184,363     42.98      184,838    42.81 
     FNMA                                90,858     21.18       91,754    21.25 
                                       --------    ------     --------   ------ 
                                                                                
       Total held to maturity           314,354     73.28      316,327    73.26 
                                       --------    ------     --------   ------ 
                                                                                
                                                                                
       Total investment portfolio      $428,985    100.00%    $431,790   100.00%
                                       --------    ------     --------   ------ 
                                       --------    ------     --------   ------ 
</TABLE>


                                     -14-
<PAGE>

         The maturities of UCFC and Home Savings' short-term investments and
investment securities at December 31, 1998, excluding FHLB stock, are indicated
in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               At December 31, 1998
                                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          After one through
                                      One year or less        five years                   Total  
                                    --------------------  ------------------  -------------------------------
                                    Amortized    Average  Amortized  Average  Amortized    Fair       Average
                                       cost       yield     cost      yield      cost      value       Yield
                                    ---------    -------  ---------  -------  ---------    ------     -------
                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                 <C>          <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>          <C> 
Short-term investments:
  Federal funds                      $ 12,798     4.76%                       $  12,798   $  12,798     4.76%
  Eurodollars                         133,813     4.77                          133,813     133,813     4.77
  Money market fund                     5,002     4.10                            5,002       5,002     4.10
  Liquid cash                           2,162     4.75                            2,162       2,162     4.75
                                     ---------  ------                        ---------   ----------    ----
      Total short-term investments   $153,775     4.75%                       $ 153,775    $153,775     4.75%
                                     ---------  ------                        ---------   ----------    ----
                                     ---------  ------                        ---------   ----------    ----

Investment securities:
   Available for sale                 $12,552     5.85%   $97,742   5.77%      $110,294    $110,888     5.78%
   Held to maturity                     4,993     6.41                            4,993       5,016     6.41
                                     --------   ------   --------   ----      ---------   ---------     ----
    Total investment securities       $17,545     6.01%   $97,742   5.77%      $115,287    $115,904     5.81%
                                     ---------  ------   --------   ----      ---------   ---------     ----
                                     ---------  ------   --------   ----      ---------   ---------     ----
</TABLE>

                              SOURCES OF FUNDS

         GENERAL. Deposits have traditionally been the primary source of Home
Savings' funds for use in lending and other investment activities. In addition
to deposits, Home Savings derives funds from interest payments and principal
repayments on loans and income on earning assets. Loan payments are a relatively
stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows fluctuate in response
to general interest rates and money market conditions. Home Savings may also
borrow from the FHLB as a source of funds.

         DEPOSITS. Deposits are attracted principally from within Home Savings'
primary market area through the offering of a selection of deposit instruments,
including regular passbook savings accounts, demand deposits, individual
retirement accounts (IRAs), NOW accounts, money market accounts, and
certificates of deposit. Interest rates paid, maturity terms, service fees, and
withdrawal penalties for the various types of accounts are monitored weekly by
the Executive Committee. Home Savings does not use brokers to attract deposits.
The amount of deposits from outside Home Savings' primary market area is not
significant.


                                     -15-
<PAGE>

         The following table sets forth the dollar amount of deposits in the
various types of accounts offered by Home Savings at the dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        At December 31,  
                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1998                                          1997
                                     --------------------------------------        --------------------------------------
                                                    Percent        Weighted                       Percent        Weighted
                                                    of total       average                        of total       average
                                     Amount         deposits         rate          Amount         deposits         rate
                                     ------         --------       --------        ------         --------       --------
                                                                   (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>
Checking accounts:
     Interest-bearing                $ 69,284         8.91%          1.86%         $ 58,707           6.62%         2.03%
     Noninterest-bearing                6,933         0.89                            5,387           0.61
Savings accounts                      224,840        28.92           2.50           243,588          27.47          2.99
Money market accounts                  44,764         5.76           2.57            56,727           6.40          2.99
                                     --------      --------                      ----------       --------

Total transaction accounts            345,821        44.48                          364,409          41.10

Certificates of deposit:
   4.00% or less                          506         0.06                              448           0.05
   4.01% - 6.00%                      374,090        48.11                          415,045          46.80
   6.01% - 8.00%                       57,166         7.35                          106,835          12.04
   8.01% - 10.00%                                                                        71           0.01
                                     --------      -------                        ---------        -------

Total certificates of deposit         431,762        55.52           5.35           522,399          58.90          5.78
                                     --------      -------                        ---------        -------

   Total deposits                    $777,583       100.00%          4.02%         $886,808         100.00%         4.56%
                                     --------      -------                        ---------        -------
                                     --------      -------                        ---------        -------
</TABLE>

         Total deposits decreased by $109.2 million, or 12.3%, from December 31,
1997, to December 31, 1998, primarily due to deposits withdrawn for the purchase
of UCFC shares in the Conversion.

         The following table shows rate and maturity information for Home
Savings' certificates of deposit at December 31, 1998:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     At December 31, 1998  
                                      ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Over          Over
                                        Up to      1 year to     2 years to
     Rate                             one year      2 years       3 years     Thereafter     Total
     ----                             --------     ---------     ----------   ----------     -----
                                                               (In thousands)
<S>                                 <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>           <C> 
4.00% or less                          $    462       $           $     9        $    34    $    506
4.01% to 6.00%                          262,865        62,339      26,677         22,209     374,090
6.01% to 8.00%                            8,223        20,907       7,894         20,143      57,166
                                       --------       -------     -------        -------    --------
   Total certificates of deposit       $271,550       $83,246     $34,580        $42,386    $431,762
                                       --------       -------     -------        -------    --------
                                       --------       -------     -------        -------    --------

   Percent of total certificates
         of deposit                      62.89%       19.28%        8.01%         9.82%     100.00%
</TABLE>

         At December 31, 1998, approximately $271.6 million of Home Savings'
certificates of deposit mature within one year. Based on past experience and
Home Savings' prevailing pricing strategies, management believes that a
substantial percentage of such certificates will be renewed with Home Savings at
maturity. If, however, Home Savings is unable to renew the maturing certificates
for any reason, borrowings of up to $235 million are available from the FHLB of
Cincinnati.


                                     -16-
<PAGE>

         The following table presents the amount of Home Savings' certificates
of deposit of $100 thousand or more by the time remaining until maturity at
December 31, 1998:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   Maturity                             Amount
                   --------                             ------
                                                    (In thousands)
         <S>                                        <C>
         Three months or less                          $  9,994
         Over 3 months to 6  months                       5,701
         Over 6 months to 12 months                       7,871
         Over 12 months                                  14,017
                                                       --------

             Total                                     $ 37,583
                                                       --------
                                                       --------
</TABLE>

Management believes that a substantial percentage of the above certificates will
be renewed with Home Savings at maturity.

The following table sets forth Home Savings' deposit account balance activity 
for the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Year ended December 31,  
                                                    -----------------------------
                                                    1998                     1997
                                                    ----                     ----
                                                        (Dollars in thousands)
             <S>                                  <C>                      <C>
             Beginning balance                    $ 886,808                $ 932,060
             Net decrease in deposits              (145,153)                 (85,868)
                                                 ----------               ----------
             Net deposits before interest
                credited                            741,655                  846,192
             Interest credited                       35,928                   40,616
                                                 ----------               ----------
             Ending balance                       $ 777,583                $ 886,808
                                                 ----------               ----------
                                                 ----------               ----------

               Net decrease                       $(109,225)               $ (45,252)
                                                 ----------               ----------
                                                 ----------               ----------

               Percent decrease                   (12.32)%                  (4.86)%
</TABLE>

         BORROWINGS. The FHLB system functions as a central reserve bank
providing credit for its member institutions and certain other financial
institutions. As a member in good standing of the FHLB of Cincinnati, Home
Savings is authorized to apply for advances from the FHLB of Cincinnati,
provided certain standards of creditworthiness have been met. Under current
regulations, an association must meet certain qualifications to be eligible for
FHLB advances. The extent to which an association is eligible for such advances
will depend upon whether it meets the Qualified Thrift Lender (QTL) test. If an
association meets the QTL test, Home Savings will be eligible for 100% of the
advances it would otherwise be eligible to receive. If an association does not
meet the QTL test, the association will be eligible for such advances only to
the extent it holds specified QTL test assets. At December 31, 1998, Home
Savings was in compliance with the QTL test. Although Home Savings may borrow up
to $235 million from the FHLB, there are no outstanding advances.

                                  COMPETITION

         Home Savings faces competition for deposits and loans from other
savings and loan associations, credit unions, banks and mortgage originators in
Home Savings' primary market area. The primary factors in competition for
deposits are customer service, convenience of office location and interest
rates. Home Savings competes for loan originations primarily through the
interest rates and loan fees it charges and through the efficiency and quality
of services it provides to borrowers. Competition is affected by, among other
things, the general availability of lendable funds, general and local economic
conditions, current interest rate levels and other factors which are not readily
predictable. Home Savings does not offer all of the products and services
offered by some of its competitors, particularly commercial banks.

                                   EMPLOYEES

         At December 31, 1998, Home Savings had 418 full-time equivalent
employees. Home Savings believes that relations with its employees are good.
Home Savings offers health, life and disability benefits to all employees, a
401(k) plan, 


                                     -17-
<PAGE>

an employee stock ownership plan and a post-retirement health plan for its 
eligible employees. Home Savings has a defined benefit pension plan; however, 
as of December 31, 1998, the plan was amended to freeze benefit accruals. 
None of the employees of Home Savings is represented by a collective 
bargaining unit.

                           YEAR 2000 CONSIDERATIONS

         UCFC and Home Savings are aware of the potential year 2000 related
problems that may affect the computers which control or operate Home Savings'
operating systems, facilities and infrastructure. To prepare for the change,
Home Savings formed a year 2000 compliance initiative committee to oversee all
necessary corrective activities. A year 2000 Project Plan was initiated to
identify potential operational and business risks, assess systems and equipment,
perform and test all renovations, and implement renovated systems. If the
disruption of any system could inhibit Home Savings from interacting with or
serving its customers, then it has been identified as "mission critical". The
year 2000 compliance committee has determined that the greatest potential impact
upon Home Savings and UCFC is the effect of the year 2000 problem on Home
Savings' core transaction processing system which is managed by an outside data
processing service bureau. The outside service bureau, working in conjunction
with Home Savings, has installed and successfully tested a year 2000 compliant
processing system.

         All remaining third-party applications and internally developed
applications will be tested for year 2000 performance during the first quarter
of 1999. This testing will determine the extent to which all such applications
integrate compatibility and function reliably in Home Savings' existing system
environment. Home Savings anticipates that testing will be completed by March
31, 1999, and that any identified application and/or system incompatibilities
will be remediated by June 30, 1999.

         In addition to comprehensive internal preparations, Home Savings is 
developing contingency plans for all "mission critical" systems which could 
be disrupted by year 2000 failures outside of its control. The impact of 
various external failures is being analyzed, including disruption of 
utilities and essential services. Alternative procedures are being developed, 
documented and tested which would enable Home Savings to maintain delivery of 
products and services to customers. Such contingency plans include automated 
and manual procedures for controlling cash reserves, recording customer 
account transactions, providing back-up voice and data communications, 
reacting to utility interruptions, engaging external check processing 
services, ensuring adequate or increased security levels, and maintaining 
other necessary daily operations.

         As of December 31, 1998, Home Savings had incurred costs of 
approximately $204 thousand in connection with its year 2000 preparedness. 
Additional costs to complete this project are currently estimated to be $181 
thousand.

                                   REGULATION

GENERAL

         As a savings and loan association incorporated under the laws of 
Ohio, Home Savings is subject to regulation, examination and oversight by the 
OTS and the Division. Because Home Savings' deposits are insured by the FDIC, 
Home Savings is also subject to general oversight by the FDIC. Home Savings 
must file periodic reports with the OTS, the Division and the FDIC concerning 
its activities and financial condition. Examinations are conducted 
periodically by federal and state regulators to determine whether Home 
Savings is in compliance with various regulatory requirements and is 
operating in a safe and sound manner. Home Savings is a member of the FHLB of 
Cincinnati.

         UCFC is a savings and loan holding company within the meaning of the 
Home Owners Loan Act, as amended (HOLA). Consequently, UCFC is subject to 
regulation, examination, and oversight by the OTS and is required to submit 
periodic reports to the OTS. Because UCFC and Home Savings are corporations 
organized under Ohio law, they are also subject to the provisions of the Ohio 
Revised Code applicable to corporations generally, including laws which 
restrict takeover bids, tender offer and control-share acquisitions involving 
public companies which have significant ties to Ohio.

         Congress is considering legislation to eliminate the federal savings 
and loan charter and the separate federal regulation of savings and loan 
associations. Pursuant to such legislation, Congress may eliminate the OTS 
and Home Savings may be regulated under federal law as a bank or be required 
to change its charter. Such change in regulation or charter would likely 
change the range of activities in which Home Savings may engage and would 
probably subject Home Savings to more regulation by the FDIC. In addition, 
UCFC might become subject to different holding company regulations limiting 
the activities in which UCFC may engage and subjecting UCFC to additional 
regulatory requirements, including separate capital requirements. At this 
time, UCFC cannot predict when or whether Congress may actually pass 
legislation regarding UCFC's 


                                     -18-
<PAGE>

and Home Savings' regulatory requirements or charter. Although such 
legislation may change the activities in which either UCFC and Home Savings 
may engage, it is not anticipated that the current activities of UCFC or Home 
Savings will be materially affected by those activity limits.

OHIO SAVINGS AND LOAN LAW

         The Division is responsible for the regulation and supervision of 
Ohio savings and loan associations in accordance with the laws of the State 
of Ohio. Ohio law prescribes the permissible investments and activities of 
Ohio savings and loan associations, including the types of lending that such 
associations may engage in and the investments in real estate, subsidiaries, 
and corporate or government securities that such associations may make. The 
ability of Ohio associations to engage in these state-authorized investments 
and activities is subject to oversight and approval by the FDIC, if such 
investments or activities are not permissible for a federally chartered 
savings and loan association.

         The Division also has approval authority over any mergers or 
acquisitions of control of Ohio savings and loan associations. The Division 
may initiate certain supervisory measures or formal enforcement actions 
against Ohio associations. Ultimately, if the grounds provided by law exist, 
the Division may place an Ohio association in conservatorship or receivership.

         The Division conducts regular examinations of Home Savings 
approximately once every eighteen months. Such examinations are usually 
conducted jointly with one or both federal regulators. The Division imposes 
assessments on Ohio associations based on their asset size to cover the cost 
of supervision and examination.

OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION

         GENERAL. The OTS is an office in the Department of the Treasury and 
is responsible for the regulation and supervision of all federally chartered 
savings and loan associations and all other savings and loan associations the 
deposits of which are insured by the FDIC. The OTS issues regulations 
governing the operation of savings and loan associations, regularly examines 
such associations and imposes assessments on savings associations based on 
their asset size to cover the costs of this supervision and examination. The 
OTS also may initiate enforcement actions against savings and loan 
associations and certain persons affiliated with them for violations of laws 
or regulations or for engaging in unsafe or unsound practices. If the grounds 
provided by law exist, the OTS may appoint a conservator or receiver for a 
savings and loan association.

        Savings associations are subject to regulatory oversight under 
various consumer protection and fair lending laws. These laws govern, among 
other things, truth-in-lending disclosures, equal credit opportunity, fair 
credit reporting and community reinvestment. Failure to abide by federal laws 
and regulations governing community reinvestment could limit the ability of 
an association to open a new branch or engage in a merger. Community 
reinvestment regulations evaluate how well and to what extent an institution 
lends and invests in its designated service area, with particular emphasis on 
low- to moderate-income communities and borrowers in that area. Home Savings 
has received a "satisfactory" examination rating under those regulations.

         REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS. Home Savings is required by OTS 
regulations to meet certain minimum capital requirements. Current capital 
requirements call for tangible capital of 1.5% of adjusted total assets, core 
capital (which for Home Savings consists solely of tangible capital) of 3.0% 
of adjusted total assets and risk-based capital (which for Home Savings 
consists of core capital and general valuation allowances) of 8.0% of 
risk-weighted assets (assets, including certain off-balance sheet items, are 
weighted at percentage levels ranging from 0% to 100% depending on the 
relative risk).

         The OTS has adopted an interest rate risk component to the 
risk-based capital requirement, though the implementation of that component 
has been delayed. Pursuant to that requirement, a savings association would 
have to measure the effect of an immediate 200 basis point change in interest 
rates on the value of its portfolio as determined under the methodology of 
the OTS. If the measured interest rate risk is above the level deemed normal 
under the regulation, Home Savings will be required to deduct one-half of 
such excess exposure from its total capital when determining its risk-based 
capital. Pending implementation of the interest rate risk component, the OTS 
has the authority to impose a higher individualized capital requirement on 
any savings association it deems to have excess interest rate risk. The OTS 
also may adjust the risk-based capital requirement on an individualized basis 
to take into account risks due to concentrations of credit and 
non-traditional activities.


                                     -19-
<PAGE>

         The OTS has adopted regulations governing prompt corrective action to
resolve the problems of capital deficient and otherwise troubled savings and
loan associations. At each successively lower defined capital category, an
association is subject to more restrictive and numerous mandatory or
discretionary regulatory actions or limits, and the OTS has less flexibility in
determining how to resolve the problems of the institution. In addition, the OTS
generally can downgrade an association's capital category, notwithstanding its
capital level, if, after notice and opportunity for hearing, the association is
deemed to be engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice because it has not
corrected deficiencies that resulted in it receiving a less than satisfactory
examination rating on matters other than capital or it is deemed to be in an
unsafe or unsound condition. An undercapitalized association must submit a
capital restoration plan to the OTS within 45 days after it becomes
undercapitalized. Undercapitalized associations will be subject to increased
monitoring and asset growth restrictions and will be required to obtain prior
approval for acquisitions, branching and engaging in new lines of business.
Critically undercapitalized institutions must be placed in conservatorship or
receivership within 90 days of reaching that capitalization level, except under
limited circumstances. Home Savings' capital at December 31, 1998 meets the
standards for a well-capitalized institution.

         Federal law prohibits a savings and loan association from making a
capital distribution to anyone or paying management fees to any person having
control of the association if, after such distribution or payment, the
association would be undercapitalized. In addition, each company controlling an
undercapitalized association must guarantee that the association will comply
with its capital plan until the association has been adequately capitalized on
an average during each of four preceding calendar quarters and must provide
adequate assurances of performance. The aggregate liability pursuant to such
guarantee is limited to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5% of the
association's total assets at the time the association became undercapitalized
or (ii) the amount that is necessary to bring the association into compliance
with all capital standards applicable to such association at the time the
association fails to comply with its capital restoration plan.

         LIQUIDITY. OTS regulations require that savings associations maintain
an average daily balance of liquid assets (cash, certain time deposits,
association's acceptances, and specified United States Government, state or
federal agency obligations) equal to a monthly average of not less than 4% of
its net withdrawable savings deposits plus borrowings payable in one year or
less. Monetary penalties may be imposed upon member institutions failing to meet
liquidity requirements. The eligible liquidity of Home Savings at December 31,
1998, was approximately $399.3 million, or 39.5%, which exceeded the applicable
4% liquidity requirement by approximately $358.8 million.

        QUALIFIED THRIFT LENDER TEST. Savings associations are required to
maintain a specified level of investments in assets that are designated as
qualifying thrift investments (QTI), which are generally related to domestic
residential real estate and manufactured housing and include stock issued by any
FHLB, the FHLMC or the FNMA. Under this test, 65% of an institution's "portfolio
assets" (total assets less goodwill and other intangibles, property used to
conduct business, and 20% of liquid assets) must consist of QTI on a monthly
average basis in 9 out of every 12 months. Effective September 30, 1996, a
savings association may also qualify as a QTL by meeting the definition of
"domestic building and loan association" under the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (Code). In order to be considered a domestic building and loan
association under the Code, at least 60% of the institution's assets must
consist of specified assets (generally loans secured by residential real estate
or deposits, educational loans, cash, and certain governmental obligations). The
OTS may grant exceptions to the QTL test under certain circumstances. If a
savings association fails to meet the QTL test, the association and its holding
company become subject to certain operating and regulatory restrictions. A
savings association that fails to meet the QTL test will not be eligible for new
FHLB advances. At December 31, 1998, Home Savings met the QTL test.

         LENDING LIMIT. OTS regulations generally limit the aggregate amount
that a savings association can lend to one borrower to an amount equal to 15% of
the association's Lending Limit Capital. A savings association may lend to one
borrower an additional amount not to exceed 10% of the association's Lending
Limit Capital, if the additional amount is fully secured by certain forms of
"readily marketable collateral." Real estate is not considered "readily
marketable collateral." Certain types of loans are not subject to this limit. In
applying the limit on loans to one borrower, the regulations require that loans
to certain related borrowers be aggregated. A general exception to the 15% limit
permits loans of any type to one borrower up to $500,000.

         Based on such limits, Home Savings was able to lend approximately $45.9
million to one borrower at December 31, 1998. The largest amount Home Savings
had outstanding to one borrower at December 31, 1998, was $11.8 million, which
consisted of one loan secured by a first mortgage lien on a freezer warehouse.
At December 31, 1998, such loan was performing in accordance with its terms.


                                     -20-
<PAGE>

        TRANSACTIONS WITH INSIDERS AND AFFILIATES. Loans to executive officers,
directors, and principal shareholders and their related interests must conform
to the lending limit on loans to one borrower, and the total of such loans to
executive officers, directors, principal shareholders, and their related
interests cannot exceed Home Savings' Lending Limit Capital (or 200% of Lending
Limit Capital for qualifying institutions with less than $100 million in
assets). Most loans to directors, executive officers, and principal shareholders
must be approved in advance by a majority of the "disinterested" members of the
Board with any "interested" director not participating. All loans to directors,
executive officers, and principal shareholders must be made on terms
substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions with the general
public or as offered to all employees in a company-wide benefit program, and
loans to executive officers are subject to additional limitations. Home Savings
was in compliance with such restrictions at December 31, 1998.

        All transactions between a savings association and its affiliates must
comply with Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act (FRA). An affiliate
of a savings association is any company or entity that controls, is controlled
by or is under common control with, the savings association. UCFC is an
affiliate of Home Savings. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B of the FRA (i) limit
the extent to which a savings association or its subsidiaries may engage in
"covered transactions" with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of such
institution's capital stock and surplus, (ii) limit the aggregate of all such
transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock
and surplus, and (iii) require that all such transactions be on terms
substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the association, as those
provided in transactions with a non-affiliate. The term "covered transaction"
includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee, and
other similar types of transactions. In addition to the limits in Sections 23A
and 23B, a savings association may not make any loan or other extension of
credit to an affiliate unless the affiliate is engaged only in activities
permissible for a bank holding company and may not purchase or invest in
securities of any affiliate except shares of a subsidiary. Home Savings was in
compliance with these requirements and restrictions at December 31, 1998.

         LIMITATIONS ON CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS. The OTS imposes various
restrictions or requirements on the ability of associations to make capital
distributions, including dividend payments. An association which has converted
from mutual to stock form is prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends
or from repurchasing any of its stock if, as a result, the net worth of the
association would be reduced below the amount required to be maintained for the
liquidation account established in connection with its mutual to stock
conversion. OTS regulations also establish a three-tier system limiting capital
distributions according to ratings of associations based on their capital level
and supervisory condition.

         Tier 1 consists of associations that, before and after the proposed
distribution, meet their fully phased-in capital requirements. Associations in
this category may make capital distributions during any calendar year up to the
greater of (i) 100% of net income, current year-to-date, 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, and (ii) the amount authorized
for a Tier 2 association. A Tier 1 association deemed to be in need of more than
normal supervision by the OTS may be downgraded to a Tier 2 or Tier 3
association. Home Savings meets the requirements for a Tier 1 association and
has not been notified of any need for more than normal supervision.

         Tier 2 consists of associations that, before and after the proposed
distribution, meet their current minimum, but not fully phased-in, capital
requirements. Associations in this category may make capital distributions of up
to 75% of net income over the most recent four quarters. Tier 3 associations do
not meet current minimum capital requirements and must obtain OTS approval of
any capital distribution. Tier 2 associations that propose to make a capital
distribution in excess of the noted safe harbor level must also obtain OTS
approval. Tier 2 associations proposing to make a capital distribution within
the safe harbor provisions and Tier 1 associations proposing to make any capital
distribution need only submit written notice to the OTS 30 days prior to such
distribution.

         As a subsidiary of UCFC, Home Savings is required to give the OTS 30
days' notice prior to declaring any dividend on its stock. The OTS may object to
the distribution during such 30-day period based on safety and soundness
concerns. Home Savings did not pay any dividends to UCFC in 1998.

         HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION. UCFC is a savings and loan holding company
within the meaning of the HOLA. As such, UCFC has registered with the OTS and is
subject to OTS regulations, examination, supervision, and reporting
requirements.

         The HOLA generally prohibits a savings and loan holding company from
controlling any other savings and loan association or savings and loan holding
company, without prior approval of the OTS, or from acquiring or retaining more
than 5% of the voting shares of a savings and loan association or holding
company thereof, which is not a subsidiary. Under


                                     -21-
<PAGE>

certain circumstances, a savings and loan holding company is permitted to 
acquire, with the approval of the OTS, up to 15% of the previously unissued 
voting shares of an undercapitalized savings and loan association for cash 
without being deemed to control the association. Except with the prior 
approval of the OTS, no director or officer of a savings and loan holding 
company or person owning or controlling by proxy or otherwise more than 25% 
of such company's stock may also acquire control of any savings institution, 
other than a subsidiary institution, or any other savings and loan holding 
company.

         UCFC is a unitary savings and loan holding company. Under current law,
there are generally no restrictions on the activities of unitary savings and
loan holding companies and such companies are the only financial institution
holding companies which may engage in commercial, securities, and insurance
activities without limitation. The broad latitude under current law can be
restricted if the OTS determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that
the continuation by a savings and loan holding company of an activity
constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness, or stability of
its subsidiary savings and loan association. The OTS may impose such
restrictions as deemed necessary to address such risk, including limiting (i)
payment of dividends by the savings and loan association; (ii) transactions
between the savings and loan association and its affiliates; and (iii) any
activities of the savings and loan association that might create a serious risk
that the liabilities of UCFC and its affiliates may be imposed on the savings
and loan association. Notwithstanding the foregoing rules as to permissible
business activities of a unitary savings and loan holding company, if the
savings and loan association subsidiary of a holding company fails to meet the
QTL, then such unitary holding company would become subject to the activities
restrictions applicable to multiple holding companies. At December 31, 1998,
Home Savings met the QTL.

         If UCFC were to acquire control of another savings institution, other
than through a merger or other business combination with Home Savings, UCFC
would become a multiple savings and loan holding company. Unless the acquisition
is an emergency thrift acquisition and each subsidiary savings and loan
association meets the QTL, the activities of UCFC and any of its subsidiaries
(other than Home Savings or other subsidiary savings and loan associations)
would thereafter be subject to activity restrictions.

         The OTS may approve an acquisition resulting in the formation of a
multiple savings and loan holding company that controls savings and loan
associations in more than one state only if the multiple savings and loan
holding company involved controls a savings and loan association that operated a
home or branch office in the state of Home Savings to be acquired as of March 5,
1987, or if the laws of the state in which the institution to be acquired is
located specifically permit institutions to be acquired by state-chartered
institutions or savings and loan holding companies located in the state where
the acquiring entity is located (or by a holding company that controls such
state-chartered savings institutions). As under prior law, the OTS may approve
an acquisition resulting in a multiple savings and loan holding company
controlling savings and loan associations in more than one state in the case of
certain emergency thrift acquisitions. Bank holding companies have had more
expansive authority to make interstate acquisitions than savings and loan
holding companies since August 1995.

         FEDERAL REGULATION OF ACQUISITIONS OF CONTROL OF HOLDING CO. AND
THRIFT. In addition to the Ohio law limitations on the merger with, and
acquisition of, UCFC, federal limitations generally require regulatory approval
of acquisitions at specified levels. Under pertinent federal law and
regulations, no person, directly or indirectly, or acting in concert with
others, may acquire control of Home Savings or UCFC without 60 days' prior
notice to the OTS. "Control" is generally defined as having more than 25%
ownership or voting power; however, ownership or voting power of more than 10%
may be deemed "control" if certain factors are in place. If the acquisition of
control is by a company, the acquiror must obtain approval, rather than give
notice, of the acquisition as a savings and loan holding company.

         In addition, any merger of Home Savings must be approved by the OTS as
well as the Division. Further, any merger of UCFC in which UCFC is not the
resulting company must also be approved by both the OTS and the Division.

FDIC REGULATIONS

         DEPOSIT INSURANCE AND ASSESSMENTS. The FDIC is an independent federal
agency that insures the deposits, up to prescribed statutory limits, of
federally insured banks and thrifts and safeguards the safety and soundness of
the banking and thrift industries. The FDIC administers two separate insurance
funds, the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) for commercial banks and state savings
banks and the SAIF for savings associations. The FDIC is required to maintain
designated levels of reserves in each fund. Home Savings' deposit accounts are
insured by the FDIC in the SAIF up to the prescribed limits. The FDIC has
examination authority over all insured depository institutions, including Home
Savings, and has authority to initiate enforcement actions against federally
insured savings associations if the FDIC does not believe the OTS has taken
appropriate action to safeguard safety and soundness and the deposit insurance
fund.


                                     -22-
<PAGE>

        The FDIC is required to maintain designated levels of reserves in each
fund. The FDIC may increase assessment rates for either fund if necessary to
restore the fund's ratio of reserves to insured deposits to its target level
within a reasonable time and may decrease such rates if such target level has
been met. The FDIC has established a risk-based assessment system for both SAIF
and BIF members. Under this system, assessments vary based on the risk the
institution poses to its deposit insurance fund. The risk level is determined
based on the institution's capital level and the FDIC's level of supervisory
concern about the institution.

FRB REGULATIONS

         FRB regulations currently require savings associations to maintain
reserves of 3% of net transaction accounts (primarily NOW accounts) up to $46.5
million (subject to an exemption of up to $4.9 million), and of 10% of net
transaction accounts over $46.5 million. At December 31, 1998, Home Savings was
in compliance with this reserve requirement.

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS

         The FHLBs provide credit to their members in the form of advances. Home
Savings is a member of the FHLB of Cincinnati and must maintain an investment in
the capital stock of the FHLB of Cincinnati in an amount equal to the greater of
1% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Home Savings' residential
mortgage loans, home purchase contracts, and similar obligations at the
beginning of each year, and 5% of its advances from the FHLB. Home Savings is in
compliance with this requirement with an investment in stock of the FHLB of
Cincinnati of $12.0 million at December 31, 1998.

         FHLB advances to member institutions who meet the QTL Test are
generally limited to the lower of (i) 50% of the member's assets or (ii) 20
times the member's investment in FHLB stock. At December 31, 1998, Home Savings'
maximum limit on advances was approximately $235 million. The granting of
advances is also subject to the FHLB's collateral and credit underwriting
guidelines.

         Upon the origination or renewal of a loan or advance, the FHLB of
Cincinnati is required by law to obtain and maintain a security interest in
collateral in one or more of the following categories: fully disbursed, whole
first mortgage loans on improved residential property or securities representing
a whole interest in such loans; securities issued, insured or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or an agency thereof; deposits in any FHLB; or other real estate
related collateral (up to 30% of the member association's capital) acceptable to
the applicable FHLB, if such collateral has a readily ascertainable value and
the FHLB can perfect its security interest in the collateral.

         Each FHLB is required to establish standards of community investment or
service that its members must maintain for continued access to long-term
advances from the FHLBs. The standards take into account a member's performance
under the Community Reinvestment Act and its record of lending to first-time
home buyers. All long-term advances by each FHLB must be made only to provide
funds for residential housing finance.


                                    TAXATION

FEDERAL TAXATION

         UCFC and Home Savings are each subject to the federal tax laws and
regulations which apply to corporations generally. In addition to the regular
income tax, UCFC and Home Savings may be subject to an alternative minimum tax.
An alternative minimum tax is imposed at a minimum tax rate of 20% on
"alternative minimum taxable income" (which is the sum of a corporation's
regular taxable income, with certain adjustments, and tax preference items),
less any available exemption. Such tax preference items include interest on
certain tax-exempt bonds issued after August 7, 1986. In addition, 75% of the
amount by which a corporation's "adjusted current earnings" exceeds its
alternative minimum taxable income computed without regard to these preference
items and prior to reduction by net operating losses, is included in alternative
minimum taxable income. Net operating losses can offset no more than 90% of
alternative minimum taxable income. The alternative minimum tax is imposed to
the extent it exceeds the corporation's regular income tax. Payments of
alternative minimum tax may be used as credits against regular tax liabilities
in future years. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 repealed the alternative
minimum tax for certain "small corporations" for tax years beginning after
December 31, 1998.

         Based on Home Savings average gross receipts of approximately $85.2
million for the three tax years immediately proceeding, Home Savings would not
qualify as a small corporation exempt from the alternative minimum tax.


                                     -23-
<PAGE>

         Prior to the enactment of the Small Business Jobs Protection Act (Small
Business Act), which was signed into law on August 21, 1996, certain thrift
institutions, were allowed deductions for bad debts under methods more favorable
than those granted to other taxpayers. Qualified thrift institutions could
compute deductions for bad debts using either the specific charge off method of
Section 166 of the Code, or one of the two reserve methods of Section 593 of the
Code. The reserve methods under Section 593 of the Code permitted a thrift
institution annually to elect to deduct bad debts under either (i) the
"percentage of taxable income" method applicable only to thrift institutions, or
(ii) the "experience" method that also was available to small banks. Under the
"percentage of taxable income" method, a thrift institution generally was
allowed a deduction for an addition to its bad debt reserve equal to 8% of its
taxable income (determined without regard to this deduction and with additional
adjustments). Under the experience method, a thrift institution was generally
allowed a deduction for an addition to its bad debt reserve equal to the greater
of (i) an amount based on its actual average experience for losses in the
current and five preceding taxable years, or (ii) an amount necessary to restore
the reserve to its balance as of the close of the base year. A thrift
institution could elect annually to compute its allowable addition to bad debt
reserves for qualifying loans either under the experience method or the
percentage of taxable income method.

         The Small Business Act eliminated the percentage of taxable income
reserve method of accounting for bad debts by thrift institutions, effective for
taxable years beginning after December 31, 1995. Thrift institutions that would
be treated as small banks are allowed to utilize the experience method
applicable to such institutions, while thrift institutions that are treated as
large banks are required to use only the specific charge off method.

         A thrift institution required to change its method of computing
reserves for bad debts will treat such change as a change in the method of
accounting, initiated by the taxpayer, and having been made with the consent of
the Secretary of the Treasury. Section 481(a) of the Code requires certain
amounts to be recaptured with respect to such change. Generally, the amounts to
be recaptured will be determined solely with respect to the "applicable excess
reserves" of the taxpayer. The amount of the applicable excess reserves will be
taken into account ratably over a six-taxable year period, beginning with the
first taxable year beginning after 1995, subject to the residential loan
requirement described below. In the case of a thrift institution that becomes a
large bank, the amount of the institution's applicable excess reserves generally
is the excess of (i) the balances of its reserve for losses on qualifying real
property loans (generally loans secured by improved real estate) and its reserve
for losses on nonqualifying loans (all other types of loans) as of the close of
its last taxable year beginning before January 1, 1996, over (ii) the balances
of such reserves as of the close of its last taxable year beginning before
January 1, 1988 (i.e., pre-1988 reserves). In the case of a thrift institution
that becomes a small bank, the amount of the institution's applicable excess
reserves generally is the excess of (i) the balances of its reserve for losses
on qualifying real property loans and its reserve for losses on nonqualifying
loans as of the close of its last taxable year beginning before January 1, 1996,
over (ii) the greater of the balance of (a) its pre-1988 reserves or (b) what
the thrift's reserves would have been at the close of its last year beginning
before January 1, 1996, had the thrift always used the experience method.

         For taxable years that begin on or after January 1, 1996, and before
January 1, 1998, if a thrift meets the residential loan requirement for a tax
year, the recapture of the applicable excess reserves otherwise required to be
taken into account as a Code Section 481(a) adjustment for the year will be
suspended. A thrift meets the residential origination loan requirement if, for
the tax year, the principal origination amount of residential loans made by the
thrift during the year is not less then its base amount. The "base amount"
generally is the average of the principal origination amounts of the residential
loans made by the thrift during the six most recent tax years beginning before
January 1, 1996. A residential loan is a loan as described in Section
7701(a)(19)(C)(v) (generally a loan secured by residential real and church
property and certain mobile homes), but only to the extent that the loan is made
to the owner of the property.

         The balance of the pre-1988 reserves is subject to the provisions of
Section 593(e) as modified by the Small Business Act which require recapture in
the case of certain excessive distributions to shareholders. The pre-1988
reserves may not be utilized for payment of cash dividends or other
distributions to a shareholder (including distributions in dissolution or
liquidation) or for any other purpose (except to absorb bad debt losses).
Distribution of a cash dividend by a thrift institution to a shareholder is
treated as made: first, out of the institution's post-1951 accumulated earnings
and profits; second, out of the pre-1988 reserves; and third, out of such other
accounts as may be proper. To the extent a distribution by Home Savings to UCFC
is deemed paid out of its pre-1988 reserves under these rules, the pre-1988
reserves would be reduced and Home Savings gross income for tax purposes would
be increased by the amount which, when reduced by the income tax, if any,
attributable to the inclusion of such amount in its gross income, equals the
amount deemed paid out of the pre-1988 reserves. As of December 31, 1998, Home
Savings' pre-1988 reserves for tax purposes totaled approximately $14.4 million.
Home Savings believes it had approximately $160.0 million of accumulated
earnings and profits for tax purposes as of December 31, 1998, which would be
available for dividend distributions, provided regulatory restrictions
applicable to the 


                                     -24-
<PAGE>

payment of dividends are met. No representation can be made as to whether 
Home Savings will have current or accumulated earnings and profits in 
subsequent years.

         The tax returns of Home Savings have been audited or closed without
audit through fiscal year 1994. In the opinion of management, any examination of
open returns would not result in a deficiency which could have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition of Home Savings.

OHIO TAXATION

         UCFC is subject to the Ohio corporation franchise tax, which, as
applied to UCFC, is a tax measured by both net earnings and net worth. The rate
of tax is the greater of (i) 5.1% on the first $50 thousand of computed Ohio
taxable income and 8.9% of computed Ohio taxable income in excess of $50
thousand and (ii) 0.582% times taxable net worth. For returns filed in 1999 and
thereafter the rate of tax is the greater of (i) 5.1% on the first $50 thousand
of computed Ohio taxable income and 8.5% of computed Ohio taxable income in
excess of $50 thousand or (ii) .400% times taxable net worth, not to exceed $150
thousand.

         A special litter tax is also applicable to all corporations, including
UCFC, subject to the Ohio corporation franchise tax other than "financial
institutions." Where the franchise tax is paid on the net income basis, the
litter tax is equal to 0.11% of the first $50 thousand of computed Ohio taxable
income and 0.22% of computed Ohio taxable income in excess of $50 thousand.

         UCFC, effective for its 1999 Ohio franchise tax return, has elected to
be taxed as a qualified holding company in the State of Ohio. In order to be
taxed as a qualified holding company, certain requirements must be satisfied. A
qualified holding company is exempt from the net worth base of the franchise tax
but is not exempt from the net income base.

         Home Savings is a "financial institution" for State of Ohio tax
purposes. As such, it is subject to the Ohio corporate franchise tax on
"financial institutions," which is imposed annually at a rate of 1.5% of Home
Savings' apportioned book net worth, determined in accordance with GAAP, less
any statutory deduction. For tax year 1999, however, the franchise tax on
financial institutions will be 1.4% of the taxable book net worth and for tax
year 2000 and years thereafter the tax will be 1.3% of the taxable book net
worth. As a "financial institution," Home Savings is not subject to any tax
based upon net income or net profits imposed by the State of Ohio.


                                     -25-
<PAGE>

ITEM 2.           DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

         The following table sets forth certain information at December 31,
1998, regarding the properties on which the main office and the branch offices
of Home Savings are located:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Owned or             Year          Net book
Location                                    leased             opened           value         Deposits
- --------                                   --------            ------         --------        --------
                                                                                   (In thousands)
<S>                                        <C>                 <C>            <C>             <C>
275 Federal Plaza West                      Owned               1919              $1,017          $72,015
Youngstown, Ohio

32 State Street                             Owned               1916                 304           85,469
Struthers, Ohio

4005 Hillman Way                            Owned               1958                 501           99,963
Boardman, Ohio

650 East State Street                       Owned               1925                 176           63,688
Salem, Ohio

6000 Mahoning Avenue                        Leased              1959                  10           71,926
Austintown, Ohio

7525 Market Street                          Owned               1971                 525           90,244
Boardman, Ohio

4259 Kirk Road                              Owned               1975                 584           77,091
Austintown, Ohio

202 South Main Street                       Owned               1975                 224           61,932
Poland, Ohio

3500 Belmont Avenue                         Owned               1976                 318           55,357
Youngstown, Ohio

29 North Broad Street                       Owned               1977                 294           29,709
Canfield, Ohio

980 Great East Plaza                        Leased              1980                  12           19,426
Niles, Ohio

127 North Market Street                     Owned               1987                 129           29,723
East Palestine, Ohio

210 West Lincoln Way                        Owned               1987                 320           16,543
Lisbon, Ohio

148725 South Avenue Ext.                    Owned               1997                 807            4,497
Columbiana, Ohio
- ----------------------------
</TABLE>

ITEM 3.           LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

         Home Savings is not presently involved in any material legal
proceedings. From time to time, Home Savings is a party to legal proceedings
incidental to its business to enforce its security interest in collateral
pledged to secure loans made by Home Savings.


                                     -26-
<PAGE>

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

         Not applicable.


                                    PART II


ITEM 5.           MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER
                  MATTERS

         There were 34,715,625 common shares of UCFC stock issued and 
32,129,463 shares outstanding as of March 4, 1999. The Holding Company's 
common stock trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market -Registered Trademark- under 
the symbol UCFC. Quarterly stock price and dividends declared are shown in 
the following table.

Market Price and Dividends
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      First    Second     Third    Fourth
                                     Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
1998
High                                   N/A      N/A      $18.130   $15.000   $18.130
Low                                    N/A      N/A       13.500    12.880    12.880
Close                                  N/A      N/A       14.000    14.880    14.880
Dividends declared and paid            N/A      N/A       N/A        0.075     0.075
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

As of March 29, 1999, there were approximately 16,683 holders of 
UCFC Stock.

ITEM 6.           SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

         The information contained in the Annual Report to Shareholders of 
UCFC (Annual Report) under the caption "Selected Financial Data and Other 
Data" is incorporated herein by reference and attached hereto as part of 
Exhibit 13.

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

         The information contained in the Annual Report under the caption
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" is incorporated herein by reference and attached hereto as part of
Exhibit 13.


ITEM 7A.          QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

         The information contained in the Annual Report under the caption "Asset
and Liability Management and Market Risk" is incorporated herein by reference
and attached hereto as part of Exhibit 13.


ITEM 8.           FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

         The Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in the Annual Report
and the report of Deloitte & Touche LLP dated January 29, 1999, are incorporated
herein by reference and attached hereto as part of Exhibit 13.


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

         On November 20, 1997, the Board of Directors of Home Savings 
approved a change of Home Savings' independent public auditors from Packer, 
Thomas & Co. to Deloitte & Touche LLP. Packer, Thomas & Co. served as Home 
Savings' independent public auditors from the fiscal year ended December 31, 
1993 through the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. The decision to change 
independent auditors was approved by the Board of Directors upon
recommendation by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

         The report of Packer, Thomas & Co. on the financial statements of Home
Savings for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, did not contain any adverse
opinion or disclaimer of opinion nor was it qualified or modified as to audit
scope or accounting principles nor did it include an explanatory paragraph for
material uncertainties. There has not been any disagreement between Packer,
Thomas & Co. and Deloitte & Touche LLP on any matter of accounting principles or
practices, consolidated financial statement disclosure or audit scope or
procedure.


                                     -27-
<PAGE>

                                   PART III


ITEM 10.          DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

         The information contained in the Proxy Statement for the 1999 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of UCFC (Proxy Statement), filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (Commission) on March 30, 1999, under the captions "Proposal
One - Election of Directors" and "Executive Officers," is incorporated herein by
reference.


ITEM 11.          EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

         The information contained in the Proxy Statement under the caption
"Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors - Certain Transactions" is
incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 12.          SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

         The information contained in the Proxy Statement under the caption
"Voting Securities and Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" is
incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 13.          CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

         The information contained in the Proxy Statement under the caption
"Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors" is incorporated herein by
reference.

                                    PART IV

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

(a)     EXHIBITS

        3.1      Articles of Incorporation

        3.2      Amended Code of Regulations

        10       Material Contracts

        11       Statement Regarding Computation of Per Share Earnings

        13       Portions of the 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders

        20       Proxy Statement for 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

        21       Subsidiaries of Registrant

        27       Financial Data Schedule

        99       Independent Auditors' Report from Packer, Thomas & Co.

(b)     FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. All schedules are omitted because they 
are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial 
statements or notes thereto.

(c)     REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. On October 21, 1998 an 8-K was filed for Item 5,
        Other Events, providing the third quarter financial information news
        release.


                                     -28-
<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.

                                       UNITED COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CORP.

                                       By:  /S/  Douglas M. McKay
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Douglas M. McKay, President
                                            (Duly Authorized Representative)

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

<TABLE>
<S><C>
   /S/ Douglas M. McKay                            /S/ Richard M. Barrett
   -------------------------------------------     --------------------------------------------------
   Douglas M. McKay, President and Director        Richard M. Barrett, Director

   Date:  March 29, 1999                           Date:  March 29, 1999



   /S/ John F. Zimmerman, Jr.                      /S/ Gary Keller
   -------------------------------------------     --------------------------------------------------
   John F. Zimmerman, Jr., Director                Gary Keller, Director

   Date  March 29, 1999                            Date:  March 29, 1999



   /S/ Herbert F. Schuler, Sr.                     /S/ Patrick A. Kelly
   -------------------------------------------     --------------------------------------------------
   Herbert F. Schuler, Sr., Director               Patrick A. Kelly, Treasurer (Principal Financial
                                                   Officer)

   Date:  March 29, 1999                           Date:  March 29, 1999
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<S><C>

EXHIBIT NUMBER

3.1  Articles of Incorporation                                   Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on
                                                                 Form S-1 filed by UCFC on March 13, 1998 (S-1) with the
                                                                 Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Exhibit 3.1

3.2  Amended Code of Regulations

10.1  The Home Savings and Loan Company of Youngstown,           Incorporated by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment,
      Ohio Employee Stock Ownership Plan                         Exhibit 10.3

10.2  Employment Agreement between The Home Savings and
      Loan Company of Youngstown, Ohio and Douglas M. McKay,
      dated December 17, 1998.

10.3  Employment Agreement between The Home Savings
      and Loan Company of Youngstown, Ohio and Donald
      J. Varner, dated December 17, 1998.

10.4  Employment Agreement between The Home Savings
      and Loan Company of Youngstown, Ohio and Patrick
      A. Kelly, dated December 17, 1998.

11    Statement Regarding Computation of Per Share Earnings      Incorporated by reference to Note 16 to the Financial
                                                                 Statements included in the Annual Report in Exhibit 13

13    Portions of the 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders

20    Proxy Statement for 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders    Incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement, filed
                                                                 with the Securities and Exchange Commission
                                                                 on March 30, 1999

21  Subsidiaries of Registrant

27  Financial Data Schedule

99  Independent Auditors' Report from Packer, Thomas & Co.
</TABLE>


                                     -30-

<PAGE>

                                     AMENDED
                               CODE OF REGULATIONS
                                       OF
                        UNITED COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CORP.
                                 (May 13, 1998)

                                      INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Section   Caption                                                     Page No.
- -------   -------                                                     -------
<S>       <C>                                                         <C>
          ARTICLE ONE
          MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

1.01.     Annual Meetings.................................................1
1.02.     Calling of Meetings.............................................1
1.03.     Place of Meetings...............................................1
1.04.     Notice of Meetings..............................................1
1.05.     Waiver of Notice................................................2
1.06.     Quorum..........................................................2
1.07.     Votes Required..................................................2
1.08.     Order of Business...............................................2
1.09.     Shareholders Entitled to Vote...................................2
1.10.     Cumulative Voting...............................................3
1.11.     Proxies.........................................................3
1.12.     Inspectors of Election..........................................3

          ARTICLE TWO
          DIRECTORS

2.01.     Authority and Qualifications....................................4
2.02.     Number of Directors and Term of Office..........................4
2.03.     Nomination......................................................4
2.04.     Election........................................................5
2.05.     Removal.........................................................5
2.06.     Vacancies.......................................................6
2.07.     Meetings........................................................6
2.08.     Notice of Meetings..............................................6
2.09.     Waiver of Notice................................................7
2.10.     Quorum..........................................................7
2.11.     Executive Committee.............................................7
2.12.     Compensation....................................................7
2.13.     Bylaws..........................................................7


<PAGE>

<S>       <C>                                                         <C>
          ARTICLE THREE
          OFFICERS

3.01.     Officers........................................................8
3.02.     Tenure of Office................................................8
3.03.     Duties of the Chairman of the Board.............................8
3.04.     Duties of the President.........................................8
3.05.     Duties of the Vice Presidents...................................8
3.06.     Duties of the Secretary.........................................9
3.07.     Duties of the Treasurer.........................................9


          ARTICLE FOUR
          SHARES

4.01.     Certificates.....................................................9
4.02.     Transfers........................................................9
4.03.     Transfer Agents and Registrars..................................10
4.04.     Lost, Wrongfully Taken or Destroyed Certificates................10
4.05.     Uncertificated Shares...........................................10


          ARTICLE FIVE
          INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE


5.01.     Mandatory Indemnification.......................................11
5.02.     Court-Approved Indemnification..................................11
5.03.     Indemnification for Expenses....................................12
5.04      Determination Required..........................................12
5.05.     Advances for Expenses...........................................12
5.06.     Article Five Not Exclusive......................................13
5.07.     Insurance.......................................................13
5.08.     Certain Definitions.............................................13
5.09.     Venue...........................................................14

          ARTICLE SIX
          MISCELLANEOUS

6.01.     Amendments......................................................14
6.02.     Action by Shareholders or Directors Without a Meeting...........14

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                               CODE OF REGULATIONS
                                       OF
                        UNITED COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CORP.

                                   ARTICLE ONE

                            MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

                  SECTION 1.01. ANNUAL MEETINGS. The annual meeting of the
shareholders for the election of directors, for the consideration of reports to
be laid before such meeting and for the transaction of such other business as
may properly come before such meeting shall be held on the last Thursday in
April of each year or on such other date as may be fixed from time to time by
the directors.

                  SECTION 1.02. CALLING OF MEETINGS. Meetings of the
shareholders may be called only by the chairman of the board; the president or,
in case of the president's absence, death, or disability, the vice president
authorized to exercise the authority of the president; the secretary; the
directors by action at a meeting, or a majority of the directors acting without
a meeting; or the holders of at least twenty-five percent of all shares
outstanding and entitled to vote thereat.

                  SECTION 1.03. PLACE OF MEETINGS. All meetings of shareholders
shall be held at the principal office of the corporation, unless otherwise
provided by action of the directors. Meetings of shareholders may be held at any
place within or without the State of Ohio.

                  SECTION 1.04. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. (A) Written notice stating
the time, place and purposes of a meeting of the shareholders shall be given
either by personal delivery or by mail not less than seven nor more than sixty
days before the date of the meeting (1) to each shareholder of record entitled
to notice of the meeting, (2) by or at the direction of the president or the
secretary. If mailed, such notice shall be addressed to the shareholder at his
address as it appears on the records of the corporation. Notice of adjournment
of a meeting need not be given if the time and place to which it is adjourned
are fixed and announced at such meeting. In the event of a transfer of shares
after the record date for determining the shareholders who are entitled to
receive notice of a meeting of shareholders, it shall not be necessary to give
notice to the transferee. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the setting of
a record date in the manner provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation of
the corporation (the "Articles") or elsewhere in this Code of Regulations (the
"Regulations") for the determination of shareholders who are entitled to receive
notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or for any purpose required
or permitted by law.

                  (B) Following receipt by the president or the secretary of a
request in writing, specifying the purpose or purposes for which the persons
properly making such request have called 

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a meeting of the shareholders, delivered either in person or by registered 
mail to such officer by any persons entitled to call a meeting of 
shareholders, such officer shall cause to be given to the shareholders 
entitled thereto notice of a meeting to be held on a date not less than seven 
nor more than sixty days after the receipt of such request, as such officer 
may fix. If such notice is not given within fifteen days after the receipt of 
such request by the president or the secretary, then, and only then, the 
persons properly calling the meeting may fix the time of meeting and give 
notice thereof in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations.

                  SECTION 1.05. WAIVER OF NOTICE. Notice of the time, place and
purpose or purposes of any meeting of shareholders may be waived in writing,
either before or after the holding of such meeting, by any shareholders, which
writing shall be filed with or entered upon the records of such meeting. The
attendance of any shareholder, in person or by proxy, at any such meeting
without protesting the lack of proper notice, prior to or at the commencement of
the meeting, shall be deemed to be a waiver by such shareholder of notice of
such meeting.

                  SECTION 1.06. QUORUM. At any meeting of shareholders, the
holders of a majority of the voting shares of the corporation outstanding and
entitled to vote thereat, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a
quorum for such meeting. The holders of a majority of the voting shares
represented at a meeting, whether or not a quorum is present, or the chairman of
the board, the president, or the officer of the corporation acting as chairman
of the meeting, may adjourn such meeting from time to time, and if a quorum is
present at such adjourned meeting any business may be transacted as if the
meeting had been held as originally called.

                  SECTION 1.07. VOTES REQUIRED. At all elections of directors
the candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be elected. Any
other matter submitted to the shareholders for their vote shall be decided by
the vote of such proportion of the shares, or of any class of shares, or of each
class, as is required by law, the Articles or the Regulations.

                  SECTION 1.08. ORDER OF BUSINESS. The order of business at any
meeting of shareholders shall be determined by the officer of the corporation
acting as chairman of such meeting unless otherwise determined by a vote of the
holders of a majority of the voting shares of the corporation then outstanding,
present in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote at such meeting.

                  SECTION 1.09. SHAREHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE. Each 
shareholder of record on the books of the corporation on the record date for 
determining the shareholders who are entitled to vote at a meeting of 
shareholders shall be entitled at such meeting to one vote for each share of 
the corporation standing in his name on the books of the corporation on such 
record date. The directors may fix a record date for the determination of the 
shareholders who are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at a meeting 
of shareholders, which record date shall not be a date earlier than the date 
on which the record date is fixed and which record date may be a maximum of 
sixty days preceding the date of the meeting of shareholders.

                  SECTION 1.10. CUMULATIVE VOTING. If notice in writing shall be
given by a shareholder to the president, a vice president or the secretary of
the corporation, not less than forty-

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eight hours before the time fixed for holding a meeting of the shareholders 
for the purpose of electing directors if notice of such meeting shall have 
been given at least ten days prior thereto, and otherwise not less than 
twenty-four hours before such time, that such shareholder desires that the 
voting at such election shall be cumulative, and if an announcement of the 
giving of such notice is made upon the convening of the meeting by the 
chairman or secretary or by or on behalf of the shareholder giving such 
notice, each shareholder shall have the right to cumulate such voting power 
as he possesses and to give one candidate as many votes as is determined by 
multiplying the number of directors to be elected by the number of votes to 
which such shareholder is entitled, or to distribute such number of votes on 
the same principle among two or more candidates, as he sees fit; provided, 
however, that the foregoing procedures shall not apply if the Articles 
provide that no shareholder may cumulate his voting power.

                  SECTION 1.11. PROXIES. At meetings of the shareholders, any
shareholder of record entitled to vote thereat may be represented and may vote
by a proxy or proxies appointed by an instrument in writing signed by such
shareholder, but such instrument shall be filed with the secretary of the
meeting before the person holding such proxy shall be allowed to vote
thereunder. No proxy shall be valid after the expiration of eleven months after
the date of its execution, unless the shareholder executing it shall have
specified therein the length of time it is to continue in force.

                  SECTION 1.12. INSPECTORS OF ELECTION. In advance of any
meeting of shareholders, the directors may appoint inspectors of election to act
at such meeting or any adjournment thereof; if inspectors are not so appointed,
the officer of the corporation acting as chairman of any such meeting may make
such appointment. In case any person appointed as inspector fails to appear or
act, the vacancy may be filled only by appointment made by the directors in
advance of such meeting or, if not so filled, at the meeting by the officer of
the corporation acting as chairman of such meeting. No other person or persons
may appoint or require the appointment of inspectors of election.

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                                   ARTICLE TWO

                                    DIRECTORS

                  SECTION 2.01.  AUTHORITY AND  QUALIFICATIONS.  Except where 
the law, the Articles or the Regulations otherwise provide, all authority of 
the corporation shall be vested in and exercised by its directors.

                  SECTION 2.02.  NUMBER OF DIRECTORS AND TERM OF OFFICE.

                  (A) Until changed in accordance with the provisions of the 
Regulations, the number of directors of the corporation shall be five.

                  (B) A term may not exceed one year. Directors shall serve 
until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier 
resignation, removal from office, or death.

                  (C) The number of directors may be fixed or changed at a 
meeting of the shareholders called for the purpose of electing directors at 
which a quorum is present, only by the affirmative vote of the holders of not 
less than a majority of the voting shares which are represented at the 
meeting, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote on such proposal.

                  (D) The directors may fix or change the number of directors 
and may fill any director's office that is created by an increase in the 
number of directors; provided, however, that the directors may not increase 
the number of directors to greater than thirteen (13) nor reduce the number 
of directors to fewer than five (5) and no reduction in the number of 
directors shall of itself have the effect of shortening the term of any 
incumbent director.

                  (E) The directors shall be divided into two classes if the 
number of directors is six, seven or eight, and each director shall be 
elected for a term of two years. The directors shall be divided into three 
classes if the number of directors is nine or more, and each director shall 
be elected for a term of three years. Each class shall consist of no fewer 
than three members, and each class shall be as nearly equal in number as the 
then total number of directors shall permit, with the terms of office of all 
members of one class expiring each year.

                  SECTION 2.03.  NOMINATION.

                  (A) Any nominee for election as a director of the 
corporation may be proposed only by the directors or by any shareholder 
entitled to vote for the election of directors. No person, other than a 
nominee proposed by the directors, may be nominated for election as a 
director of the corporation unless such person shall have been proposed in a 
written notice, delivered or mailed by first class United States mail, 
postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the corporation at the principal offices 
of the corporation. In the case of a nominee proposed for election as a 
director at an annual meeting of shareholders, such written notice of a 
proposed nominee shall be received by the Secretary of the corporation on or 
before the sixtieth (60th) day before the first anniversary of the 

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most recent annual meeting of shareholders of the corporation held for the 
election of directors; provided, however, that if the annual meeting for the 
election of directors in any year is not held on or before the thirty-first 
(31st) day next following such anniversary, then the written notice required 
by this subparagraph (A) shall be received by the Secretary within a 
reasonable time prior to the date of such annual meeting. In the case of a 
nominee proposed for election as a director at a special meeting of 
shareholders at which directors are to be elected, such written notice of a 
proposed nominee shall be received by the Secretary of the corporation no 
later than the close of business on the seventh (7th) day following the day 
on which notice of the special meeting was mailed to shareholders. Each such 
written notice of a proposed nominee shall set forth (1) the name, age, 
business or residence address of each nominee proposed in such notice, (2) 
the principal occupation or employment of each such nominee, and (3) the 
number of common shares of the corporation owned beneficially and/or of 
record by each such nominee and the length of time any such shares have been 
so owned.

                  (B) If a shareholder shall attempt to nominate one or more 
persons for election as a director at any meeting at which directors are to 
be elected without having identified each such person in a written notice 
given as contemplated by, and/or without having provided therein the 
information specified in, subparagraph (A) of this Section, each such 
attempted nomination shall be invalid and shall be disregarded unless the 
person acting as Chairman of the meeting determines that the facts warrant 
the acceptance of such nomination.

                  (C) The election of directors shall be by ballot whenever 
requested by the person acting as Chairman of the meeting or by the holders 
of a majority of the voting shares outstanding, entitled to vote at such 
meeting and present in person or by proxy, but unless such request is made, 
the election shall be by voice vote.

                  SECTION 2.04. ELECTION. At each annual meeting of 
shareholders for the election of directors, the successors to the directors 
whose term shall expire in that year shall be elected, but if the annual 
meeting is not held or if one or more of such directors are not elected 
thereat, they may be elected at a special meeting called for that purpose. 
The election of directors shall be by ballot whenever requested by the 
presiding officer of the meeting or by the holders of a majority of the 
voting shares outstanding, entitled to vote at such meeting and present in 
person or by proxy, but unless such request is made, the election shall be 
viva voce.

                  SECTION 2.05. REMOVAL. A director or directors may be 
removed from office, with or without assigning any cause, only by the vote of 
the holders of shares entitling them to exercise not less than 75% of the 
voting power of the corporation to elect directors in place of those to be 
removed; provided, however, if the shareholders have a right to vote 
cumulatively in the election of directors, unless all the directors, or all 
the directors of a particular class (if the directors of the corporation are 
divided into classes), are removed, no individual director shall be removed 
in case the votes of a sufficient number of shares are cast against his 
removal that, if cumulatively voted at an election of all directors, or all 
the directors of a particular class, as the case may be, would be sufficient 
to elect at least one director. In case of any such removal, a new director 
may be elected at the same meeting for the unexpired term of each director 
removed. Failure to elect a director to fill the unexpired term of any 
director removed shall be deemed to create a vacancy in the board.

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                  SECTION 2.06. VACANCIES. The remaining directors, though 
less than a majority of the whole authorized number of directors, may, by the 
vote of a majority of their number, fill any vacancy in the board for the 
unexpired term. A vacancy in the board exists within the meaning of this 
Section 2.06 in case the shareholders increase the authorized number of 
directors but fail at the meeting at which such increase is authorized, or an 
adjournment thereof, to elect the additional directors provided for, or in 
case the shareholders fail at any time to elect the whole authorized number 
of directors.

                  SECTION 2.07. MEETINGS. A meeting of the directors shall be 
held immediately following the adjournment of each annual meeting of 
shareholders at which directors are elected, and notice of such meeting need 
not be given. The directors shall hold such other meetings as may from time 
to time be called, and such other meetings of directors may be called only by 
the chairman of the board, the president, or any two directors. All meetings 
of directors shall be held at the principal office of the corporation or at 
such other place as the directors may from time to time determine by 
resolution. Meetings of the directors may be held through any communications 
equipment if all persons participating can hear each other, and participation 
in a meeting pursuant to this provision shall constitute presence at such 
meeting.

                  SECTION 2.08. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Notice of the time and 
place of each meeting of directors for which such notice is required by law, 
the Articles, the Regulations or the By-Laws shall be given to each of the 
directors by at least one of the following methods:

                  (A)      In a writing mailed not less than three days before
                           such meeting and addressed to the residence or usual
                           place of business of a director, as such address
                           appears on the records of the corporation; or

                  (B)      By telegraph, cable, radio, wireless, or a writing
                           sent or delivered to the residence or usual place of
                           business of a director as the same appears on the
                           records of the corporation, not later than the day
                           before the date on which such meeting is to be held;
                           or

                  (C)      Personally or by telephone not later than the day
                           before the date on which such meeting is to be held.

Notice given to a director by any one of the methods specified in the 
Regulations shall be sufficient, and the method of giving notice to all 
directors need not be uniform. Notice of any meeting of directors may be 
given only by the chairman of the board, the president or the secretary of 
the corporation. Any such notice need not specify the purpose or purposes of 
the meeting. Notice of adjournment of a meeting of directors need not be 
given if the time and place to which it is adjourned are fixed and announced 
at such meeting.

                  SECTION 2.09. WAIVER OF NOTICE. Notice of any meeting of 
directors may be waived in writing, either before or after the holding of 
such meeting, by any director, which writing shall be filed with or entered 
upon the records of the meeting. The attendance of any director at any 

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meeting of directors without protesting, prior to or at the commencement of 
the meeting, the lack of proper notice, shall be deemed to be a waiver by him 
of notice of such meeting.

                  SECTION 2.10. QUORUM. A majority of the whole authorized 
number of directors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for a meeting 
of directors, except that a majority of the directors in office shall 
constitute a quorum for filling a vacancy in the board. The act of a majority 
of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present is the act 
of the board, except as otherwise provided by law, the Articles or the 
Regulations.

                  SECTION 2.11. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The directors may create 
an executive committee or any other committee of directors, to consist of not 
less than three directors, and may authorize the delegation to such executive 
committee or other committees of any of the authority of the directors, 
however conferred, other than that of filling vacancies among the directors 
or in the executive committee or in any other committee of the directors.

                  Such executive committee or any other committee of 
directors shall serve at the pleasure of the directors, shall act only in the 
intervals between meetings of the directors, and shall be subject to the 
control and direction of the directors. Such executive committee or other 
committee of directors may act by a majority of its members at a meeting or 
by a writing or writings signed by all of its members.

                  Any act or authorization of any act by the executive 
committee or any other committee within the authority delegated to it shall 
be as effective for all purposes as the act or authorization of the 
directors. No notice of a meeting of the executive committee or of any other 
committee of directors shall be required. A meeting of the executive 
committee or of any other committee of directors may be called only by the 
president or by a member of such executive or other committee of directors. 
Meetings of the executive committee or of any other committee of directors 
may be held through any communications equipment if all persons participating 
can hear each other and participation in such a meeting shall constitute 
presence thereat.

                  SECTION  2.12.  COMPENSATION.  Directors  shall be entitled 
to receive as  compensation  for services rendered and expenses incurred as 
directors such amounts as the directors may determine.

                  SECTION 2.13.  BYLAWS.  The directors  may adopt,  and 
amend from time to time,  bylaws for their own government, which bylaws shall 
not be inconsistent with the law, the Articles or the Regulations.

                                  ARTICLE THREE

                                    OFFICERS

                  SECTION 3.01. OFFICERS. The officers of the corporation to 
be elected by the directors shall be a president, a secretary, a treasurer, 
and, if desired, one or more vice presidents and such 

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other officers and assistant officers as the directors may from time to time 
elect. The directors may elect a chairman of the board, who must be a 
director. Officers need not be shareholders of the corporation and may be 
paid such compensation as the board of directors may determine. Any two or 
more offices may be held by the same person, but no officer shall execute, 
acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity if such 
instrument is required by law, the Articles, the Regulations or the bylaws to 
be executed, acknowledged or verified by two or more officers.

                  SECTION 3.02. TENURE OF OFFICE. The officers of the 
corporation shall hold office at the pleasure of the directors. Any officer 
of the corporation may be removed, either with or without cause, at any time, 
by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the directors then in office; 
such removal, however, shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if 
any, of the person so removed.

                  SECTION 3.03. DUTIES OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The 
chairman of the board, if any, shall preside at all meetings of the 
directors. He shall have such other powers and duties as the directors shall 
from time to time assign to him.

                  SECTION 3.04. DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT. The president shall 
be the chief executive officer of the corporation, shall exercise supervision 
over the business of the corporation and shall have, among such additional 
powers and duties as the directors may from time to time assign to him, the 
power and authority to sign all certificates evidencing shares of the 
corporation and all deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, notes and other 
instruments requiring the signature of the president of the corporation. It 
shall be the duty of the president to preside at all meetings of shareholders.

                  SECTION 3.05. DUTIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS. In the absence 
of the president or in the event of his inability or refusal to act, the vice 
president, if any (or in the event there be more than one vice president, the 
vice presidents in the order designated, or in the absence of any 
designation, then in the order of their election), shall perform the duties 
of the president, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be 
subject to all restrictions upon the president. The vice presidents shall 
perform such other duties and have such other powers as the directors may 
from time to time prescribe.

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                  SECTION 3.06. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. It shall be the duty 
of the secretary, or of an assistant secretary, if any, in case of the 
absence or inability to act of the secretary, to keep minutes of all the 
proceedings of the shareholders and the directors and to make a proper record 
of the same; to perform such other duties as may be required by law, the 
Articles or the Regulations; to perform such other and further duties as may 
from time to time be assigned to him by the directors or the president; and 
to deliver all books, paper and property of the corporation in his possession 
to his successor, or to the president.

                  SECTION 3.07. DUTIES OF THE TREASURER. The treasurer, or an 
assistant treasurer, if any, in case of the absence or inability to act of 
the treasurer, shall receive and safely keep in charge all money, bills, 
notes, chooses in action, securities and similar property belonging to the 
corporation, and shall do with or disburse the same as directed by the 
president or the directors; shall keep an accurate account of the finances 
and business of the corporation, including accounts of its assets, 
liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, losses, stated capital and 
shares, together with such other accounts as may be required and hold the 
same open for inspection and examination by the directors; shall give bond in 
such sum with such security as the directors may require for the faithful 
performance of his duties; shall, upon the expiration of his term of office, 
deliver all money and other property of the corporation in his possession or 
custody to his successor or the president; and shall perform such other 
duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the directors.

                                  ARTICLE FOUR

                                     SHARES

                  SECTION 4.01. CERTIFICATES. Certificates evidencing 
ownership of shares of the corporation shall be issued to those entitled to 
them. Each certificate evidencing shares of the corporation shall bear a 
distinguishing number; the signatures of the chairman of the board, the 
president, or a vice president, and of the secretary or an assistant 
secretary (except that when any such certificate is countersigned by an 
incorporated transfer agent or registrar, such signatures may be facsimile, 
engraved, stamped or printed); and such recitals as may be required by law. 
Certificates evidencing shares of the corporation shall be of such tenor and 
design as the directors may from time to time adopt and may bear such 
recitals as are permitted by law.

                  SECTION 4.02.  TRANSFERS. Where a certificate evidencing a 
share or shares of the corporation is presented to the corporation or its 
proper agents with a request to register transfer, the transfer shall be 
registered as requested if:

                  (1) An appropriate person signs on each certificate so 
presented or signs on a separate document an assignment or transfer of shares 
evidenced by each such certificate, or signs a power to assign or transfer 
such shares, or when the signature of an appropriate person is written 
without more on the back of each such certificate; and

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                  (2) Reasonable assurance is given that the endorsement of 
each appropriate person is genuine and effective; the corporation or its 
agents may refuse to register a transfer of shares unless the signature of 
each appropriate person is guaranteed by a commercial bank or trust company 
having an office or a correspondent in the City of New York or by a firm 
having membership in the New York Stock Exchange; and

                  (3) All applicable laws relating to the collection of 
transfer or other taxes have been complied with; and

                  (4) The corporation or its agents are not otherwise  
required or permitted to refuse to register such transfer.

                  SECTION  4.03.  TRANSFER  AGENTS AND  REGISTRARS.  The  
directors  may  appoint one or more agents to transfer or to register shares 
of the corporation, or both.

                  SECTION 4.04. LOST, WRONGFULLY TAKEN OR DESTROYED 
CERTIFICATES. Except as otherwise provided by law, where the owner of a 
certificate evidencing shares of the corporation claims that such certificate 
has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the directors must cause the 
corporation to issue a new certificate in place of the original certificate 
if the owner:

                  (1) So requests before the corporation has notice that such 
original certificate has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser; and

                  (2) Files with the corporation, unless waived by the 
directors, an indemnity bond, with surety or sureties satisfactory to the 
corporation, in such sums as the directors may, in their discretion, deem 
reasonably sufficient as indemnity against any loss or liability that the 
corporation may incur by reason of the issuance of each such new certificate; 
and

                  (3)  Satisfies any other reasonable requirements which may 
be imposed by the directors, in their discretion.

                  SECTION 4.05. UNCERTIFICATED SHARES. Anything contained in 
this Article Fourth to the contrary notwithstanding, the directors may 
provide by resolution that some or all of any or all classes and series of 
shares of the corporation shall be Uncertificated shares, provided that such 
resolution shall not apply to (A) shares of the corporation represented by a 
certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the corporation in 
accordance with applicable provisions of Ohio law or (B) any certificated 
security of the corporation issued in exchange for an uncertificated security 
in accordance with applicable provisions of Ohio law. The rights and 
obligations of the holders of uncertificated shares and the rights and 
obligations of the holders of certificates representing shares of the same 
class and series shall be identical, except as otherwise expressly provided 
by law.

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                                  ARTICLE FIVE

                          INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE

                  SECTION 5.01. MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION. The corporation 
shall indemnify any officer or director of the corporation who was or is a 
party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or 
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative 
or investigative (including, without limitation, any action threatened or 
instituted by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of the fact that 
he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is 
or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, trustee, 
officer, employee or agent of another corporation (domestic or foreign, 
nonprofit or for profit), partnership, joint venture, trust or other 
enterprise, against expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, 
filing fees, court reporters' fees and transcript costs), judgments, fines 
and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in 
connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and 
in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best 
interests of the corporation, and with respect to any criminal action or 
proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. A 
person claiming indemnification under this Section 5.01 shall be presumed, in 
respect of any act or omission giving rise to such claim for indemnification, 
to have acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in 
or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and with respect to 
any criminal matter, to have had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct 
was unlawful, and the termination of any action, suit or proceeding by 
judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere 
or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, rebut such presumption.

                  SECTION 5.02.  COURT-APPROVED INDEMNIFICATION.  Anything  
contained in the  Regulations or elsewhere to the contrary notwithstanding:

                  (A) the corporation shall not indemnify any officer or 
director of the corporation who was a party to any completed action or suit 
instituted by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its 
favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee 
or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the 
corporation as a director, trustee, officer, employee or agent of another 
corporation (domestic or foreign, nonprofit or for profit), partnership, 
joint venture, trust or other enterprise, in respect of any claim, issue or 
matter asserted in such action or suit as to which he shall have been 
adjudged to be liable for acting with reckless disregard for the best 
interests of the corporation or misconduct (other than negligence) in the 
performance of his duty to the corporation unless and only to the extent that 
the Court of Common Pleas of Mahoning County, Ohio, or the court in which 
such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, 
despite such adjudication of liability, and in view of all the circumstances 
of the case, he is fairly and reasonably entitled to such indemnity as such 
Court of Common Pleas or such other court shall deem proper; and

                  (B) the corporation shall promptly make any such unpaid 
indemnification as is determined by a court to be proper as contemplated by 
this Section 5.02.

                                11

<PAGE>

                  SECTION 5.03. INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES. Anything 
contained in the Regulations or elsewhere to the contrary notwithstanding, to 
the extent that an officer or director of the corporation has been successful 
on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding 
referred to in Section 5.01, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter 
therein, he shall be promptly indemnified by the corporation against expenses 
(including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, filing fees, court 
reporters' fees and transcript costs) actually and reasonably incurred by him 
in connection therewith.

                  SECTION 5.04 DETERMINATION REQUIRED. Any indemnification 
required under Section 5.01 and not precluded under Section 5.02 shall be 
made by the corporation only upon a determination that such indemnification 
of the officer or director is proper in the circumstances because he has met 
the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 5.01. Such 
determination may be made only (A) by a majority vote of a quorum consisting 
of directors of the corporation who were not and are not parties to, or 
threatened with, any such action, suit or proceeding, or (B) if such a quorum 
is not obtainable or if a majority of a quorum of disinterested directors so 
directs, in a written opinion by independent legal counsel other than an 
attorney, or a firm having associated with it an attorney, who has been 
retained by or who has performed services for the corporation, or any person 
to be indemnified, within the past five years, or (C) by the shareholders, or 
(D) by the Court of Common Pleas of Mahoning County, Ohio, or (if the 
corporation is a party thereto) the court in which such action, suit or 
proceeding was brought, if any; any such determination may be made by a court 
under division (D) of this Section 5.04 at any time including, without 
limitation, any time before, during or after the time when any such 
determination may be requested of, be under consideration by or have been 
denied or disregarded by the disinterested directors under division (A) or by 
independent legal counsel under division (B) or by the shareholders under 
division (C) of this Section 5.04; and no failure for any reason to make any 
such determination, and no decision for any reason to deny any such 
determination, by the disinterested directors under division (A) or by 
independent legal counsel under division (B) or by shareholders under 
division (C) of this Section 5.04 shall be evidence in rebuttal of the 
presumption recited in Section 5.01. Any determination made by the 
disinterested directors under division (A) or by independent legal counsel 
under division (B) of this Section 5.04 to make indemnification in respect of 
any claim, issue or matter asserted in an action or suit threatened or 
brought by or in the right of the corporation shall be promptly communicated 
to the person who threatened or brought such action or suit, and within ten 
days after receipt of such notification such person shall have the right to 
petition the Court of Common Pleas of Mahoning County, Ohio, or the court in 
which such action or suit was brought, if any, to review the reasonableness 
of such determination.

                  SECTION 5.05. ADVANCES FOR EXPENSES. Expenses (including, 
without limitation, attorneys' fees, filing fees, court reporters' fees and 
transcript costs) incurred in defending any action, suit or proceeding 
referred to in Section 5.01 shall be paid by the corporation in advance of 
the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding to or on behalf of 
the officer or director promptly as such expenses are incurred by him, but 
only if such officer or director shall first agree, in writing, to repay all 
amounts so paid in respect of any claim, issue or other matter asserted in 
such action, suit or proceeding in defense of which he shall not have been 
successful on the merits or otherwise:

                                12

<PAGE>

                  (A) if it shall ultimately be determined as provided in 
Section 5.04 that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as 
provided under Section 5.01; or

                  (B) if, in respect of any claim, issue or other matter 
asserted by or in the right of the corporation in such action or suit, he 
shall have been adjudged to be liable for acting with reckless disregard for 
the best interests of the corporation or misconduct (other than negligence) 
in the performance of his duty to the corporation, unless and only to the 
extent that the Court of Common Pleas of Mahoning County, Ohio, or the court 
in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application 
that, despite such adjudication of liability, and in view of all the 
circumstances, he is fairly and reasonably entitled to all or part of such 
indemnification.

                  SECTION 5.06. ARTICLE FIVE NOT EXCLUSIVE. The 
indemnification provided by this Article Five shall not be deemed exclusive 
of any other rights to which any person seeking indemnification may be 
entitled under the Articles or the Regulations or any agreement, vote of 
shareholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise, both as to action in 
his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such 
office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be an officer or 
director of the corporation and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, 
executors, and administrators of such a person.

                  SECTION 5.07. INSURANCE. The corporation may purchase and 
maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, 
employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of 
the corporation as a director, trustee, officer, employee, or agent of 
another corporation (domestic or foreign, nonprofit or for profit), 
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability 
asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out 
of his status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the 
obligation or the power to indemnify him against such liability under the 
provisions of this Article Five.

                  SECTION 5.08.  CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.  For purposes of this 
Article Five, and as examples and not by way of limitation:

                  (A) A person claiming indemnification under this Article 5 
shall be deemed to have been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense 
of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Section 5.01, or in defense 
of any claim, issue or other matter therein, if such action, suit or 
proceeding shall be terminated as to such person, with or without prejudice, 
without the entry of a judgment or order against him, without a conviction of 
him, without the imposition of a fine upon him and without his payment or 
agreement to pay any amount in settlement thereof (whether or not any such 
termination is based upon a judicial or other determination of the lack of 
merit of the claims made against him or otherwise results in a vindication of 
him); and

                  (B) References to an "other enterprise" shall include 
employee benefit plans; references to a "fine" shall include any excise taxes 
assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references 
to "serving at the request of the corporation" shall include any service as a 
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation which imposes duties 
on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with 
respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a 
person who acted in good faith and in a manner he 

                                13

<PAGE>

reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and 
beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a 
manner "not opposed to the best interests of the corporation" within the 
meaning of that term as used in this Article Five.

                  SECTION 5.09. VENUE. Any action, suit or proceeding to 
determine a claim for indemnification under this Article Five may be 
maintained by the person claiming such indemnification, or by the 
corporation, in the Court of Common Pleas of Mahoning County, Ohio. The 
corporation and (by claiming such indemnification) each such person consent 
to the exercise of jurisdiction over its or his person by the Court of Common 
Pleas of Mahoning County, Ohio, in any such action, suit or proceeding.

                                   ARTICLE SIX

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

                  SECTION 6.01. AMENDMENTS. The Regulations may be amended, or
new regulations may be adopted, at a meeting of shareholders held for such
purpose, only by the affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitling them to
exercise not less than a majority of the voting power of the corporation on such
proposal, or without a meeting by the written consent of the holders of shares
entitling them to exercise not less than a majority of the voting power of the
corporation on such proposal.

                  SECTION 6.02. ACTION BY SHAREHOLDERS OR DIRECTORS WITHOUT A 
MEETING. Anything contained in the Regulations to the contrary 
notwithstanding, except as provided in Section 6.01, any action which may be 
authorized or taken at a meeting of the shareholders or of the directors or 
of a committee of the directors, as the case may be, may be authorized or 
taken without a meeting with the affirmative vote or approval of, and in a 
writing or writings signed by, all the shareholders who would be entitled to 
notice of a meeting of the shareholders held for such purpose, or all the 
directors, or all the members of such committee of the directors, 
respectively, which writings shall be filed with or entered upon the records 
of the corporation.

                                14



<PAGE>

                                EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


     THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as this "AGREEMENT"), is
entered into this 17th day of December, 1998, by and between The Home Savings
and Loan Company of Youngstown, Ohio, a savings and loan association
incorporated under Ohio law (hereinafter referred to as the "COMPANY"), and
Douglas M. McKay, an individual (hereinafter referred to as the "EMPLOYEE");

                                    WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, the EMPLOYEE is currently employed as the President and Chief
Executive Officer of the COMPANY;

     WHEREAS, as a result of the skill, knowledge and experience of the
EMPLOYEE, the Board of Directors of the COMPANY desires to retain the services
of the EMPLOYEE as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the COMPANY;

     WHEREAS, the EMPLOYEE desires to continue to serve as the President and
Chief Executive Officer of the COMPANY; and

     WHEREAS, the EMPLOYEE and the COMPANY desire to enter into this AGREEMENT
to set forth the terms and conditions of the employment relationship between the
COMPANY and the EMPLOYEE;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
herein contained, the COMPANY and the EMPLOYEE hereby agree as follows:

1.   EMPLOYMENT AND TERM.

          (a)  TERM.  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this
AGREEMENT, the COMPANY hereby employs the EMPLOYEE, and the EMPLOYEE hereby
accepts employment, as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the COMPANY.
The term of this AGREEMENT shall commence on January 1, 1999, and shall end on
December 31, 2001, unless extended by the COMPANY, with the consent of the
EMPLOYEE, as provided in subsection (b) of this Section 1 (hereinafter referred
to, together with such extensions, as the "TERM").

          (b)  EXTENSION.  On or before each anniversary of the date of this
AGREEMENT, the Board of Directors of the COMPANY shall review this AGREEMENT
and, upon approval by the Board of Directors, shall extend the term of this
AGREEMENT for a one-year period beyond the then effective expiration date.  Any
such extension shall be subject to the written consent of the EMPLOYEE.  The
Board of Directors shall document its reasons for extending the term of this
AGREEMENT in the minutes of the meeting at which such action is taken.

<PAGE>

2.   DUTIES OF THE EMPLOYEE.

          (a)  GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.  The EMPLOYEE shall serve as
the President and Chief Executive Officer of the COMPANY.  Subject to the
direction of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY, the EMPLOYEE shall perform
all duties and shall have all powers which are commonly incident to the office
of President and Chief Executive Officer or which, consistent therewith, are
delegated to him by the Board of Directors.  Such duties may include, but shall
not be limited to, developing organizational policies and strategic business
plans and objectives, directing and coordinating corporate programs, supervising
and evaluating senior management members.

          (b)  DEVOTION OF ENTIRE TIME TO THE BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY.  The
EMPLOYEE shall devote his entire productive time, ability and attention during
normal business hours throughout the TERM to the faithful performance of his
duties under this AGREEMENT.  The EMPLOYEE shall not directly or indirectly
render any services of a business, commercial or professional nature to any
person or organization other than the COMPANY, United Community Financial Corp.
(hereinafter referred to as the "HOLDING COMPANY"), the sole shareholder of the
COMPANY, or any subsidiary of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY without the
prior written consent of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY; provided,
however, that the EMPLOYEE shall not be precluded from (i) vacations and other
leave time in accordance with Section 3(d) below, (ii) reasonable participation
in community, civic, charitable or similar organizations, (iii) reasonable
participation in industry-related activities, including, but not limited to,
attending state and national trade association meetings and serving as an
officer, director or trustee of a state or national trade association or Federal
Home Loan Bank, (iv) serving as an officer or director of the HOLDING COMPANY or
any subsidiary of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY and receiving a salary,
director's fees or other compensation or benefits, as appropriate, or (v)
pursuing personal investments which do not interfere or conflict with the
performance of the EMPLOYEE's duties to the COMPANY.

3.   COMPENSATION.

          (a)  TOTAL COMPENSATION.  The EMPLOYEE shall receive during the TERM
total compensation established by the Salary Committee of the Board of
Directors.  In making its determination, the Salary Committee shall consider the
average total compensation for the Chief Executive Officers of a peer group of
companies.  The companies comprising the peer group shall be selected by
Deloitte & Touche LLP or another third party consultant acceptable to the
EMPLOYEE and the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of the
COMPANY.  The selection of the peer group shall take into account the asset size
and performance ratios of the COMPANY, and such other factors as the consultant
considers appropriate under the circumstances.  It is the intent of the COMPANY
and the EMPLOYEE that the EMPLOYEE's total compensation shall include the
following components: (1) a base salary, payable in installments not less often
than monthly; (2) cash incentive compensation, payable not less often than
annually; and (3) long term incentive compensation.  The percentage of total
compensation derived from each of the three components described in the
preceding sentence shall be


                                          2
<PAGE>

comparable to the peer group average.  Until the COMPANY has implemented a
compensation program which includes the three components described above, the
EMPLOYEE shall receive an annual salary of not less than $309,000, payable in
equal installments not less often than monthly, and cash incentive compensation
payable not less often than annually.

          (b)  ANNUAL REVIEW.  On or before December 31st of each year,
commencing in 1999, the total compensation of the EMPLOYEE shall be reviewed by
the Board of Directors of the COMPANY and shall be set at an amount not less
than $309,000, based upon the EMPLOYEE's individual performance and such other
factors as the Board of Directors may deem appropriate (hereinafter referred to
as the "ANNUAL REVIEW").  The results of the ANNUAL REVIEW shall be reflected in
the minutes of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY.

          (c)  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAMS.  During the TERM, the EMPLOYEE shall
be entitled to participate in all formally established employee benefit, bonus,
pension, insurance and profit sharing plans and similar programs that are
maintained by the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY from time to time and all
employee benefit plans or programs hereafter adopted in writing by the Board of
Directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY for which senior management
personnel of the COMPANY are eligible, including any employee stock ownership
plan, stock option plan or other stock benefit plan (hereinafter collectively
referred to as "BENEFIT PLANS"), in accordance with the terms and conditions of
such BENEFIT PLANS.  Notwithstanding any statement to the contrary contained
elsewhere in this AGREEMENT, the COMPANY may at any time discontinue or
terminate any BENEFIT PLAN now existing or hereafter adopted, to the extent
permitted by the terms of such BENEFIT PLAN, and shall not be required to
compensate the EMPLOYEE for such discontinuance or termination to the extent
such discontinuance or termination pertains to all employees of the COMPANY who
are eligible participants at the time.

          (d)  VACATION AND SICK LEAVE.  The EMPLOYEE shall be entitled, without
loss of pay, to be absent voluntarily from the performance of his duties under
this AGREEMENT, in accordance with the policies periodically established by the
Board of Directors of the COMPANY for senior management officials of the
COMPANY.  The EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to annual sick leave as established by
the Board of Directors of the COMPANY for senior management officials of the
COMPANY.

          (e)  EXPENSES.  The COMPANY shall pay or reimburse the EMPLOYEE for
all reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred in
connection with the performance of his duties under this AGREEMENT, including
participation in industry-related activities.

4.   TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

          (a)  GENERAL.  The employment of the EMPLOYEE shall terminate at any
time during the TERM (i) at the option of the COMPANY, upon the delivery by the
COMPANY of written notice of termination to the EMPLOYEE, or (ii) at the option
of the EMPLOYEE, upon


                                          3
<PAGE>

delivery by the EMPLOYEE of written notice of termination to the COMPANY if the
present capacity or circumstances in which the EMPLOYEE is employed are
materially adversely changed (including, but not limited to, a material
reduction in responsibilities or authority or the assignment of duties or
responsibilities substantially inconsistent with those normally associated with
the EMPLOYEE's position described in Section 2(a) of this AGREEMENT, change of
title or removal as a director of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY, the
requirement that the EMPLOYEE regularly perform his principal executive
functions more than thirty-five (35) miles from his primary office as of the
date of this AGREEMENT or the EMPLOYEE's benefits provided under this AGREEMENT
are reduced, unless the benefit reductions are part of a Company-wide reduction.
The following subsections (A), (B) and (C) of this Section 4(a) shall govern the
obligations of the COMPANY to the EMPLOYEE upon the occurrence of the events
described in such subparagraphs:

          (A)  TERMINATION FOR CAUSE.  In the event that the COMPANY terminates
the employment of the EMPLOYEE during the TERM because of the EMPLOYEE's
personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty
involving personal profit, intentional failure or refusal to perform the duties
and responsibilities assigned in this AGREEMENT, willful violation of any law,
rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or other minor offenses), or
final cease-and-desist order or material breach of any provision of this
AGREEMENT (hereinafter collectively referred to as "CAUSE"), the EMPLOYEE shall
not receive, and shall have no right to receive, any compensation or other
benefits for any period after such termination.

          (B)  TERMINATION IN CONNECTION WITH CHANGE OF CONTROL.  In the event
that the employment of the EMPLOYEE is terminated by the COMPANY in connection
with a CHANGE OF CONTROL (hereinafter defined) for any reason other than CAUSE
or is terminated by the EMPLOYEE as provided in Section 4(a)(ii) above, then the
following shall occur:

               (I)   The COMPANY shall promptly pay to the EMPLOYEE or to his
beneficiaries, dependents or estate an amount equal to the product of 2.99
multiplied by the EMPLOYEE's "base amount" as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated
thereunder (hereinafter collectively referred to as "SECTION 280G");

               (II)  The EMPLOYEE, his dependents, beneficiaries and estate
shall continue to be covered at the COMPANY's expense under all health, life,
disability and other benefit plans of the COMPANY, as described in Section 3(c)
of this AGREEMENT, in which the EMPLOYEE was a participant prior to the
effective date of the termination of his employment as if the EMPLOYEE were
still employed under this AGREEMENT until the earlier of the expiration of the
TERM or the date on which the EMPLOYEE is included in another employer's benefit
plans as a full-time employee; and

               (III) The EMPLOYEE shall not be required to mitigate the amount
of any payment provided for in this AGREEMENT by seeking other employment or
otherwise, nor


                                          4
<PAGE>

shall any amounts received from other employment or otherwise by the EMPLOYEE
offset in any manner the obligations of the COMPANY hereunder, except as
specifically stated in subparagraph (II) above.

          (C)  TERMINATION NOT IN CONNECTION WITH CHANGE OF CONTROL.  In the
event that the employment of the EMPLOYEE is terminated before the expiration of
the TERM for any reason other than death, termination for CAUSE or termination
in connection with a CHANGE OF CONTROL, then the following shall occur:

               (I)   The COMPANY shall be obligated to continue to pay on at
least a monthly basis, until the expiration of the TERM, to the EMPLOYEE, his
designated beneficiaries or his estate, the total compensation in effect at the
time of termination pursuant to Section 3 above, plus a cash bonus equal to the
cash bonus, if any, paid to the EMPLOYEE in the twelve month period prior to the
termination of employment;

               (II)  The COMPANY shall continue to provide to the EMPLOYEE, at
the COMPANY's expense, health, life, disability and other benefits, as described
in Section 3(c) of this AGREEMENT, substantially equal to those being provided
to the EMPLOYEE at the date of termination of his employment until the earliest
to occur of the expiration of the TERM or the date on which the EMPLOYEE is
included in another employer's benefit plans as a full-time employee; and

               (III) The EMPLOYEE shall not be required to mitigate the amount
of any payment provided for in this AGREEMENT by seeking other employment or
otherwise, nor shall any amounts received from other employment or otherwise by
the EMPLOYEE offset in any manner the obligations of the COMPANY hereunder,
except as specifically stated in subparagraph II above.

          (b)  DEATH OF THE EMPLOYEE.  The TERM shall automatically expire upon
the death of the EMPLOYEE.  In such event, the EMPLOYEE's estate shall be
entitled to receive the compensation due the EMPLOYEE through the last day of
the calendar month in which the death occurred, except as otherwise specified
herein.

          (c)  "GOLDEN PARACHUTE" PROVISION.  In the event that any payments
pursuant to this Section 4 would result in the imposition of a penalty tax
pursuant to SECTION 280G, such payments shall be reduced to the maximum amount
which may be paid under SECTION 280G without exceeding such limits.  Any
payments made to the EMPLOYEE pursuant to this AGREEMENT are subject to and
conditioned upon their compliance with 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k) and any
regulations promulgated thereunder.

          (d)  DEFINITION OF "CHANGE OF CONTROL".  A "CHANGE OF CONTROL" shall
mean any one of the following events:


                                          5
<PAGE>

          (i)   the acquisition of ownership or power to vote more than 25% of
          the voting stock of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY;

          (ii)  the acquisition of the ability to control the election of a
          majority of the directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY;

          (iii) during any period of three or less consecutive years,
          individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board
          of Directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY cease for any
          reason to constitute at least a majority thereof; provided, however,
          that any individual whose election or nomination for election as a
          member of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY
          was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then in
          office shall be considered to have continued to be a member of the
          Board of Directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY;

          (iv)  the acquisition by any person or entity of "conclusive control"
          of the COMPANY within the meaning of 12 C.F.R. Section 574.4(a), or
          the acquisition by any person or entity of "rebuttable control" within
          the meaning of 12 C.F.R. Section 574.4(b) that has not been rebutted
          in accordance with 12 C.F.R. Section 574.4(c); or

          (v)   an event that would be required to be reported in response to
          Item 1(a) of Form 8-K or Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A
          pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
          (hereinafter referred to as the "EXCHANGE ACT"), or any successor
          thereto, whether or not any class of securities of the Corporation is
          registered under the EXCHANGE ACT.

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "person" refers to an individual or
corporation, partnership, trust, association or other organization, but does not
include the EMPLOYEE and any person or persons with whom the EMPLOYEE is "acting
in concert" within the meaning of 12 C.F.R. Part 574.

          For purposes of this AGREEMENT, an event shall be deemed to have
occurred "in connection with a CHANGE OF CONTROL" if such event occurs within
one year before or after a CHANGE OF CONTROL.

          (e)  TERMINATION BY EMPLOYEE.  If the EMPLOYEE terminates this
AGREEMENT without the written consent of the COMPANY, other than pursuant to
Section 4(a)(ii) of this AGREEMENT, the EMPLOYEE shall not engage in the
financial institutions business as a director, officer, employee or consultant
for any business or enterprise which competes with the principal business of the
COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY or any of their subsidiaries within Mahoning,
Trumbull and Columbiana Counties or any other geographic area in which the
COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY is doing business for the unexpired TERM of this
AGREEMENT.  This provision shall not apply in the event of the termination of
the employment of the EMPLOYEE by the EMPLOYER prior to the expiration of the
TERM or


                                          6
<PAGE>

the termination of the employment of the EMPLOYEE by the EMPLOYEE pursuant to
Section 4(a)(ii) of this AGREEMENT.

5.   SPECIAL REGULATORY EVENTS.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4 of
this AGREEMENT, the obligations of the COMPANY to the EMPLOYEE shall be as
follows in the event of the following circumstances:

          (a)  If the EMPLOYEE is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from
participating in the conduct of the COMPANY's affairs by a notice served under
section 8(e)(3) or 8(g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (hereinafter
referred to as the "FDIA"), the COMPANY's obligations under this AGREEMENT shall
be suspended as of the date of service of such notice, unless stayed by
appropriate proceedings.  If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the
COMPANY shall pay the EMPLOYEE all or part of the compensation withheld while
the obligations in this AGREEMENT were suspended and reinstate, in whole or in
part, any of the obligations that were suspended;

          (b)  If the EMPLOYEE is removed and/or permanently prohibited from
participating in the conduct of the COMPANY's affairs by an order issued under
Section 8(e)(4) or 8(g)(1) of the FDIA, all obligations of the COMPANY under
this AGREEMENT shall terminate as of the effective date of such order; provided,
however, that vested rights of the EMPLOYEE shall not be affected by such
termination;

          (c)  If the COMPANY is in default, as defined in section 3(x)(1) of
the FDIA, all obligations under this AGREEMENT shall terminate as of the date of
default; provided, however, that vested rights of the EMPLOYEE shall not be
affected;

          (d)  All obligations under this AGREEMENT shall be terminated, except
to the extent of a determination that the continuation of this AGREEMENT is
necessary for the continued operation of the COMPANY, (i) by the Director of the
Office of Thrift Supervision (hereinafter referred to as the "OTS"), or his or
her designee, at the time that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation enters
into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the COMPANY under the
authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA or (ii) by the Director of the
OTS, or his or her designee, at any time the Director of the OTS approves a
supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the COMPANY
or when the COMPANY is determined by the Director of the OTS to be in an unsafe
or unsound condition; provided, however that no vested rights of the EMPLOYEE
shall not be affected by any such termination; and

          (e)  The provisions of this Section 5 are governed by the requirements
of 12 C.F.R. Section 563.39(b) and in the event that any statements in this
Section 5 are inconsistent with 12 C.F.R. Section 563.39(b), the provisions of
12 C.F.R. Section 563.39(b) shall be controlling.

6.   CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE OF ASSETS.  Nothing in this AGREEMENT shall
preclude the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY from consolidating with, merging
into, or transferring all, or substantially all, of their assets to another
corporation that assumes all of their


                                          7
<PAGE>

obligations and undertakings hereunder.  Upon such a consolidation, merger or
transfer of assets, the term "COMPANY" as used herein, shall mean such other
corporation or entity, and this AGREEMENT shall continue in full force and
effect.

7.   CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.  The EMPLOYEE acknowledges that during his
employment he will learn and have access to confidential information regarding
the COMPANY and its customers and businesses.  The EMPLOYEE agrees and covenants
not to disclose or use for his own benefit, or the benefit of any other person
or entity, any confidential information, unless or until the COMPANY consents to
such disclosure or use or such information is otherwise legally in the public
domain.  The EMPLOYEE shall not knowingly disclose or reveal to any unauthorized
person any confidential information relating to the COMPANY, its subsidiaries,
or affiliates, or to any of the businesses operated by them, and the EMPLOYEE
confirms that such information constitutes the exclusive property of the
COMPANY.  The EMPLOYEE shall not otherwise knowingly act or conduct himself to
the material detriment of the COMPANY, its subsidiaries, or affiliates or in a
manner which is inimical or contrary to the interests of the COMPANY.

8.   NON-ASSIGNABILITY.  Neither this AGREEMENT nor any right or interest
hereunder shall be assignable by the EMPLOYEE, his beneficiaries or legal
representatives without the COMPANY's prior written consent; provided, however,
that nothing in this Section 8 shall preclude the EMPLOYEE from designating a
beneficiary to receive any benefits payable hereunder upon his death or the
executors, administrators or other legal representatives of the EMPLOYEE or his
estate from assigning any rights hereunder to the person or persons entitled
thereto.

9.   NO ATTACHMENT.  Except as required by law, no right to receive payment
under this AGREEMENT shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation,
sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge or hypothecation or to execution,
attachment, levy, or similar process of assignment by operation of law, and any
attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action shall be null, void
and of no effect.

10.  BINDING AGREEMENT.  This AGREEMENT shall be binding upon, and inure to the
benefit of, the EMPLOYEE and the COMPANY and their respective permitted
successors and assigns.

11.  AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT.  This AGREEMENT may not be modified or amended,
except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

12.  WAIVER.  No term or condition of this AGREEMENT shall be deemed to have
been waived, nor shall there be an estoppel against the enforcement of any
provision of this AGREEMENT, except by written instrument of the party charged
with such waiver or estoppel.  No such written waiver shall be deemed a
continuing waiver, unless specifically stated therein, and each waiver shall
operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not
constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future or as to any act
other than the act specifically waived.


                                          8
<PAGE>

13.  SEVERABILITY.  If, for any reason, any provision of this AGREEMENT is held
invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this AGREEMENT
not held so invalid, and each such other provision shall, to the full extent
consistent with applicable law, continue in full force and effect.  If this
AGREEMENT is held invalid or cannot be enforced, then any prior AGREEMENT
between the COMPANY (or any predecessor thereof) and the EMPLOYEE shall be
deemed reinstated to the full extent permitted by law, as if this AGREEMENT had
not been executed.

14.  HEADINGS.  The headings of the paragraphs herein are included solely for
convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of
any of the provisions of this AGREEMENT.

15.  GOVERNING LAW.  This AGREEMENT has been executed and delivered in the State
of Ohio and its validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement shall be
governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, except to the extent that federal law
is governing.

16.  EFFECT OF PRIOR AGREEMENTS.  This AGREEMENT contains the entire
understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior employment
agreement between the COMPANY or any predecessor of the COMPANY and the
EMPLOYEE.

17.  NOTICES.  Any notice or other communication required or permitted pursuant
to this AGREEMENT shall be deemed delivered if such notice or communication is
in writing and is delivered personally or by facsimile transmission or is
deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

     If to the COMPANY:

          The Home Savings and Loan Company
            of Youngstown, Ohio
          275 Federal Plaza West
          P.O. Box 1111
          Youngstown, Ohio  44501-1111

     If to the EMPLOYEE:

          Mr. Douglas M. McKay
          227 Griswold Drive
          Youngstown, Ohio 44512


                                       9
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COMPANY has caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by
its duly authorized officer, and the EMPLOYEE has signed this AGREEMENT, each as
of the day and year first above written.


Attest:                       THE HOME SAVINGS AND LOAN COMPANY
                              OF YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO



/s/ Mary Jane Botsko          By: /s/ Donald J. Varner
- ----------------------------      -------------------------------
                                  Donald J. Varner
                                  Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary


Attest:



/s/ Mary Jane Botsko          /s/ Douglas M. McKay
- ----------------------------  -----------------------------------
                              Douglas M. McKay


                                      10


<PAGE>

                                EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


     THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as this "AGREEMENT"), is
entered into this 17th day of December, 1998, by and between The Home Savings
and Loan Company of Youngstown, Ohio, a savings and loan association
incorporated under Ohio law (hereinafter referred to as the "COMPANY"), and
Donald J. Varner, an individual (hereinafter referred to as the "EMPLOYEE");

                                    WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, the EMPLOYEE is currently employed as the Senior Vice President -
Retail Division and Corporate Secretary of the COMPANY;

     WHEREAS, as a result of the skill, knowledge and experience of the
EMPLOYEE, the Board of Directors of the COMPANY desires to retain the services
of the EMPLOYEE as the Senior Vice President - Retail Division and Corporate
Secretary of the COMPANY;

     WHEREAS, the EMPLOYEE desires to continue to serve as the Senior Vice
President - Retail Division and Corporate Secretary of the COMPANY; and

     WHEREAS, the EMPLOYEE and the COMPANY desire to enter into this AGREEMENT
to set forth the terms and conditions of the employment relationship between the
COMPANY and the EMPLOYEE;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
herein contained, the COMPANY and the EMPLOYEE hereby agree as follows:

1.   EMPLOYMENT AND TERM.

          (a)  TERM.  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this
AGREEMENT, the COMPANY hereby employs the EMPLOYEE, and the EMPLOYEE hereby
accepts employment, as the Senior Vice President - Retail Division and Corporate
Secretary of the COMPANY.  The term of this AGREEMENT shall commence on January
1, 1999, and shall end on December 31, 2001, unless extended by the COMPANY,
with the consent of the EMPLOYEE, as provided in subsection (b) of this Section
1 (hereinafter referred to, together with such extensions, as the "TERM").

          (b)  EXTENSION.  On or before each anniversary of the date of this
AGREEMENT, the Board of Directors of the COMPANY shall review this AGREEMENT
and, upon approval by the Board of Directors, shall extend the term of this
AGREEMENT for a one-year period beyond the then effective expiration date.  Any
such extension shall be subject to the written consent of the EMPLOYEE.  The
Board of Directors shall document its reasons for extending the term of this
AGREEMENT in the minutes of the meeting at which such action is taken.

<PAGE>

2.   DUTIES OF THE EMPLOYEE.

          (a)  GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.  The EMPLOYEE shall serve as
the Senior Vice President - Retail Division and Corporate Secretary of the
COMPANY.  Subject to the direction of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY, the
EMPLOYEE shall perform all duties and shall have all powers which are commonly
incident to the office of Senior Vice President - Retail Division and Corporate
Secretary or which, consistent therewith, are delegated to him by the Board of
Directors.  Such duties may include, but shall not be limited to, assisting in
the development of policies and strategic objectives with respect to products,
services and delivery systems, directing and coordinating the administration of
the Loan Administration, Savings Administration, Branch Administration and
Marketing departments of the COMPANY, serve as corporate secretary with
responsibility for maintaining the books and records of the COMPANY.

          (b)  DEVOTION OF ENTIRE TIME TO THE BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY.  The
EMPLOYEE shall devote his entire productive time, ability and attention during
normal business hours throughout the TERM to the faithful performance of his
duties under this AGREEMENT.  The EMPLOYEE shall not directly or indirectly
render any services of a business, commercial or professional nature to any
person or organization other than the COMPANY, United Community Financial Corp.
(hereinafter referred to as the "HOLDING COMPANY"), the sole shareholder of the
COMPANY, or any subsidiary of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY without the
prior written consent of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY; provided,
however, that the EMPLOYEE shall not be precluded from (i) vacations and other
leave time in accordance with Section 3(d) below, (ii) reasonable participation
in community, civic, charitable or similar organizations, (iii) reasonable
participation in industry-related activities, including, but not limited to,
attending state and national trade association meetings and serving as an
officer, director or trustee of a state or national trade association or Federal
Home Loan Bank, (iv) serving as an officer or director of the HOLDING COMPANY or
any subsidiary of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY and receiving a salary,
director's fees or other compensation or benefits, as appropriate, or (v)
pursuing personal investments which do not interfere or conflict with the
performance of the EMPLOYEE's duties to the COMPANY.

3.   COMPENSATION.

          (a)  TOTAL COMPENSATION.  The EMPLOYEE shall receive during the TERM
total compensation established by the Salary Committee of the Board of
Directors.  In making its determination, the Salary Committee shall consider the
average total compensation for a Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary
of a peer group of companies.  The companies comprising the peer group shall be
selected by Deloitte & Touche LLP or another third party consultant acceptable
to the EMPLOYEE and the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of the
COMPANY.  The selection of the peer group shall take into account the asset size
and performance ratios of the COMPANY, and such other factors as the consultant
considers appropriate under the circumstances.  It is the intent of the COMPANY
and the EMPLOYEE that the EMPLOYEE's total compensation shall include the
following components: (1) a base salary,


                                          2
<PAGE>

payable in installments not less often than monthly; (2) cash incentive
compensation, payable not less often than annually; and (3) long term incentive
compensation.  The percentage of total compensation derived from each of the
three components described in the preceding sentence shall be comparable to the
peer group average.  Until the COMPANY has implemented a compensation program
which includes the three components described above, the EMPLOYEE shall receive
an annual salary of not less than $139,874, payable in equal installments not
less often than monthly, and cash incentive compensation payable not less often
than annually.

          (b)  ANNUAL REVIEW.  On or before December 31st of each year,
commencing in 1999, the total compensation of the EMPLOYEE shall be reviewed by
the Board of Directors of the COMPANY and shall be set at an amount not less
than $139,874, based upon the EMPLOYEE's individual performance and such other
factors as the Board of Directors may deem appropriate (hereinafter referred to
as the "ANNUAL REVIEW").  The results of the ANNUAL REVIEW shall be reflected in
the minutes of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY.

          (c)  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAMS.  During the TERM, the EMPLOYEE shall
be entitled to participate in all formally established employee benefit, bonus,
pension, insurance and profit sharing plans and similar programs that are
maintained by the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY from time to time and all
employee benefit plans or programs hereafter adopted in writing by the Board of
Directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY for which senior management
personnel of the COMPANY are eligible, including any employee stock ownership
plan, stock option plan or other stock benefit plan (hereinafter collectively
referred to as "BENEFIT PLANS"), in accordance with the terms and conditions of
such BENEFIT PLANS.  Notwithstanding any statement to the contrary contained
elsewhere in this AGREEMENT, the COMPANY may at any time discontinue or
terminate any BENEFIT PLAN now existing or hereafter adopted, to the extent
permitted by the terms of such BENEFIT PLAN, and shall not be required to
compensate the EMPLOYEE for such discontinuance or termination to the extent
such discontinuance or termination pertains to all employees of the COMPANY who
are eligible participants at the time.

          (d)  VACATION AND SICK LEAVE.  The EMPLOYEE shall be entitled, without
loss of pay, to be absent voluntarily from the performance of his duties under
this AGREEMENT, in accordance with the policies periodically established by the
Board of Directors of the COMPANY for senior management officials of the
COMPANY.  The EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to annual sick leave as established by
the Board of Directors of the COMPANY for senior management officials of the
COMPANY.

          (e)  EXPENSES.  The COMPANY shall pay or reimburse the EMPLOYEE for
all reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred in
connection with the performance of his duties under this AGREEMENT, including
participation in industry-related activities.


                                          3
<PAGE>

4.   TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

          (a)  GENERAL.  The employment of the EMPLOYEE shall terminate at any
time during the TERM (i) at the option of the COMPANY, upon the delivery by the
COMPANY of written notice of termination to the EMPLOYEE, (ii) at the option of
the EMPLOYEE, after the EMPLOYEE has reached age 65, provided that the EMPLOYEE
shall give the COMPANY at least 60 days prior written notice of his intent to
resign, and (iii) at the option of the EMPLOYEE, upon delivery by the EMPLOYEE
of written notice of termination to the COMPANY if the present capacity or
circumstances in which the EMPLOYEE is employed are materially adversely changed
(including, but not limited to, a material reduction in responsibilities or
authority or the assignment of duties or responsibilities substantially
inconsistent with those normally associated with the EMPLOYEE's position
described in Section 2(a) of this AGREEMENT, change of title or removal as a
director of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY, the requirement that the
EMPLOYEE regularly perform his principal executive functions more than
thirty-five (35) miles from his primary office as of the date of this AGREEMENT
or the EMPLOYEE's benefits provided under this AGREEMENT are reduced, unless the
benefit reductions are part of a Company-wide reduction.  The following
subsections (A), (B) and (C) of this Section 4(a) shall govern the obligations
of the COMPANY to the EMPLOYEE upon the occurrence of the events described in
such subparagraphs:

          (A)  TERMINATION FOR CAUSE.  In the event that the COMPANY terminates
the employment of the EMPLOYEE during the TERM because of the EMPLOYEE's
personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty
involving personal profit, intentional failure or refusal to perform the duties
and responsibilities assigned in this AGREEMENT, willful violation of any law,
rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or other minor offenses), or
final cease-and-desist order or material breach of any provision of this
AGREEMENT (hereinafter collectively referred to as "CAUSE"), the EMPLOYEE shall
not receive, and shall have no right to receive, any compensation or other
benefits for any period after such termination.

          (B)  TERMINATION IN CONNECTION WITH CHANGE OF CONTROL.  In the event
that the employment of the EMPLOYEE is terminated by the COMPANY in connection
with a CHANGE OF CONTROL (hereinafter defined) for any reason other than CAUSE
or is terminated by the EMPLOYEE as provided in Section 4(a)(ii) above, then the
following shall occur:

               (I)   The COMPANY shall promptly pay to the EMPLOYEE or to his
beneficiaries, dependents or estate an amount equal to the product of 2.99
multiplied by the EMPLOYEE's "base amount" as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated
thereunder (hereinafter collectively referred to as "SECTION 280G");

               (II)  The EMPLOYEE, his dependents, beneficiaries and estate
shall continue to be covered at the COMPANY's expense under all health, life,
disability and other benefit plans of the COMPANY, as described in Section 3(c)
of this AGREEMENT, in which


                                          4
<PAGE>

the EMPLOYEE was a participant prior to the effective date of the termination of
his employment as if the EMPLOYEE were still employed under this AGREEMENT until
the earlier of the expiration of the TERM or the date on which the EMPLOYEE is
included in another employer's benefit plans as a full-time employee; and

               (III) The EMPLOYEE shall not be required to mitigate the amount
of any payment provided for in this AGREEMENT by seeking other employment or
otherwise, nor shall any amounts received from other employment or otherwise by
the EMPLOYEE offset in any manner the obligations of the COMPANY hereunder,
except as specifically stated in subparagraph (II) above.

          (C)  TERMINATION NOT IN CONNECTION WITH CHANGE OF CONTROL.  In the
event that the employment of the EMPLOYEE is terminated before the expiration of
the TERM for any reason other than death, termination for CAUSE or termination
in connection with a CHANGE OF CONTROL, then the following shall occur:

               (I)   The COMPANY shall be obligated to continue to pay on at
least a monthly basis, until the expiration of the TERM, to the EMPLOYEE, his
designated beneficiaries or his estate, the total compensation in effect at the
time of termination pursuant to Section 3 above, plus a cash bonus equal to the
cash bonus, if any, paid to the EMPLOYEE in the twelve month period prior to the
termination of employment;

               (II)  The COMPANY shall continue to provide to the EMPLOYEE, at
the COMPANY's expense, health, life, disability and other benefits, as described
in Section 3(c) of this AGREEMENT, substantially equal to those being provided
to the EMPLOYEE at the date of termination of his employment until the earliest
to occur of the expiration of the TERM or the date on which the EMPLOYEE is
included in another employer's benefit plans as a full-time employee; and

               (III) The EMPLOYEE shall not be required to mitigate the amount
of any payment provided for in this AGREEMENT by seeking other employment or
otherwise, nor shall any amounts received from other employment or otherwise by
the EMPLOYEE offset in any manner the obligations of the COMPANY hereunder,
except as specifically stated in subparagraph II above.

          (b)  DEATH OF THE EMPLOYEE.  The TERM shall automatically expire upon
the death of the EMPLOYEE.  In such event, the EMPLOYEE's estate shall be
entitled to receive the compensation due the EMPLOYEE through the last day of
the calendar month in which the death occurred, except as otherwise specified
herein.

          (c)  "GOLDEN PARACHUTE" PROVISION.  In the event that any payments
pursuant to this Section 4 would result in the imposition of a penalty tax
pursuant to SECTION 280G, such payments shall be reduced to the maximum amount
which may be paid under SECTION 280G without exceeding such limits.  Any
payments made to the EMPLOYEE pursuant to this


                                          5
<PAGE>

AGREEMENT are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with 12 U.S.C.
Section 1828(k) and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

          (d)  DEFINITION OF "CHANGE OF CONTROL".  A "CHANGE OF CONTROL" shall
mean any one of the following events:

          (i)   the acquisition of ownership or power to vote more than 25% of
          the voting stock of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY;

          (ii)  the acquisition of the ability to control the election of a
          majority of the directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY;

          (iii) during any period of three or less consecutive years,
          individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board
          of Directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY cease for any
          reason to constitute at least a majority thereof; provided, however,
          that any individual whose election or nomination for election as a
          member of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY
          was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then in
          office shall be considered to have continued to be a member of the
          Board of Directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY;

          (iv)  the acquisition by any person or entity of "conclusive control"
          of the COMPANY within the meaning of 12 C.F.R. Section 574.4(a), or
          the acquisition by any person or entity of "rebuttable control" within
          the meaning of 12 C.F.R. Section 574.4(b) that has not been rebutted
          in accordance with 12 C.F.R. Section 574.4(c); or

          (v)   an event that would be required to be reported in response to
          Item 1(a) of Form 8-K or Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A
          pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
          (hereinafter referred to as the "EXCHANGE ACT"), or any successor
          thereto, whether or not any class of securities of the Corporation is
          registered under the EXCHANGE ACT.

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "person" refers to an individual or
corporation, partnership, trust, association or other organization, but does not
include the EMPLOYEE and any person or persons with whom the EMPLOYEE is "acting
in concert" within the meaning of 12 C.F.R. Part 574.

          For purposes of this AGREEMENT, an event shall be deemed to have
occurred "in connection with a CHANGE OF CONTROL" if such event occurs within
one year before or after a CHANGE OF CONTROL.

          (e)  TERMINATION BY EMPLOYEE.  If the EMPLOYEE terminates this
AGREEMENT without the prior written consent of the COMPANY, other than pursuant
to Section 4(a)(ii) of this AGREEMENT, the EMPLOYEE shall not engage in the
financial institutions business as a director, officer, employee or consultant
for any business or enterprise


                                          6
<PAGE>

which competes with the principal business of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY
or any of their subsidiaries within Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties
or any other geographic area in which the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY is
doing business for the unexpired TERM of this AGREEMENT.  This provision shall
not apply in the event of the termination of the employment of the EMPLOYEE by
the EMPLOYER prior to the expiration of the TERM or the termination of the
employment of the EMPLOYEE by the EMPLOYEE pursuant to Section 4(a)(ii) of this
AGREEMENT.

5.   SPECIAL REGULATORY EVENTS.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4 of
this AGREEMENT, the obligations of the COMPANY to the EMPLOYEE shall be as
follows in the event of the following circumstances:

          (a)  If the EMPLOYEE is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from
participating in the conduct of the COMPANY's affairs by a notice served under
section 8(e)(3) or 8(g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (hereinafter
referred to as the "FDIA"), the COMPANY's obligations under this AGREEMENT shall
be suspended as of the date of service of such notice, unless stayed by
appropriate proceedings.  If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the
COMPANY shall pay the EMPLOYEE all or part of the compensation withheld while
the obligations in this AGREEMENT were suspended and reinstate, in whole or in
part, any of the obligations that were suspended;

          (b)  If the EMPLOYEE is removed and/or permanently prohibited from
participating in the conduct of the COMPANY's affairs by an order issued under
Section 8(e)(4) or 8(g)(1) of the FDIA, all obligations of the COMPANY under
this AGREEMENT shall terminate as of the effective date of such order; provided,
however, that vested rights of the EMPLOYEE shall not be affected by such
termination;

          (c)  If the COMPANY is in default, as defined in section 3(x)(1) of
the FDIA, all obligations under this AGREEMENT shall terminate as of the date of
default; provided, however, that vested rights of the EMPLOYEE shall not be
affected;

          (d)  All obligations under this AGREEMENT shall be terminated, except
to the extent of a determination that the continuation of this AGREEMENT is
necessary for the continued operation of the COMPANY, (i) by the Director of the
Office of Thrift Supervision (hereinafter referred to as the "OTS"), or his or
her designee, at the time that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation enters
into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the COMPANY under the
authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA or (ii) by the Director of the
OTS, or his or her designee, at any time the Director of the OTS approves a
supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the COMPANY
or when the COMPANY is determined by the Director of the OTS to be in an unsafe
or unsound condition; provided, however that no vested rights of the EMPLOYEE
shall not be affected by any such termination; and


                                          7
<PAGE>

          (e)  The provisions of this Section 5 are governed by the requirements
of 12 C.F.R. Section 563.39(b) and in the event that any statements in this
Section 5 are inconsistent with 12 C.F.R. Section 563.39(b), the provisions of
12 C.F.R. Section 563.39(b) shall be controlling.

6.   CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE OF ASSETS.  Nothing in this AGREEMENT shall
preclude the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY from consolidating with, merging
into, or transferring all, or substantially all, of their assets to another
corporation that assumes all of their obligations and undertakings hereunder.
Upon such a consolidation, merger or transfer of assets, the term "COMPANY" as
used herein, shall mean such other corporation or entity, and this AGREEMENT
shall continue in full force and effect.

7.   CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.  The EMPLOYEE acknowledges that during his
employment he will learn and have access to confidential information regarding
the COMPANY and its customers and businesses.  The EMPLOYEE agrees and covenants
not to disclose or use for his own benefit, or the benefit of any other person
or entity, any confidential information, unless or until the COMPANY consents to
such disclosure or use or such information is otherwise legally in the public
domain.  The EMPLOYEE shall not knowingly disclose or reveal to any unauthorized
person any confidential information relating to the COMPANY, its subsidiaries,
or affiliates, or to any of the businesses operated by them, and the EMPLOYEE
confirms that such information constitutes the exclusive property of the
COMPANY.  The EMPLOYEE shall not otherwise knowingly act or conduct himself to
the material detriment of the COMPANY, its subsidiaries, or affiliates or in a
manner which is inimical or contrary to the interests of the COMPANY.

8.   NON-ASSIGNABILITY.  Neither this AGREEMENT nor any right or interest
hereunder shall be assignable by the EMPLOYEE, his beneficiaries or legal
representatives without the COMPANY's prior written consent; provided, however,
that nothing in this Section 8 shall preclude the EMPLOYEE from designating a
beneficiary to receive any benefits payable hereunder upon his death or the
executors, administrators or other legal representatives of the EMPLOYEE or his
estate from assigning any rights hereunder to the person or persons entitled
thereto.

9.   NO ATTACHMENT.  Except as required by law, no right to receive payment
under this AGREEMENT shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation,
sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge or hypothecation or to execution,
attachment, levy, or similar process of assignment by operation of law, and any
attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action shall be null, void
and of no effect.

10.  BINDING AGREEMENT.  This AGREEMENT shall be binding upon, and inure to the
benefit of, the EMPLOYEE and the COMPANY and their respective permitted
successors and assigns.

11.  AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT.  This AGREEMENT may not be modified or amended,
except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.


                                          8
<PAGE>

12.  WAIVER.  No term or condition of this AGREEMENT shall be deemed to have
been waived, nor shall there be an estoppel against the enforcement of any
provision of this AGREEMENT, except by written instrument of the party charged
with such waiver or estoppel.  No such written waiver shall be deemed a
continuing waiver, unless specifically stated therein, and each waiver shall
operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not
constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future or as to any act
other than the act specifically waived.

13.  SEVERABILITY.  If, for any reason, any provision of this AGREEMENT is held
invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this AGREEMENT
not held so invalid, and each such other provision shall, to the full extent
consistent with applicable law, continue in full force and effect.  If this
AGREEMENT is held invalid or cannot be enforced, then any prior AGREEMENT
between the COMPANY (or any predecessor thereof) and the EMPLOYEE shall be
deemed reinstated to the full extent permitted by law, as if this AGREEMENT had
not been executed.

14.  HEADINGS.  The headings of the paragraphs herein are included solely for
convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of
any of the provisions of this AGREEMENT.

15.  GOVERNING LAW.  This AGREEMENT has been executed and delivered in the State
of Ohio and its validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement shall be
governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, except to the extent that federal law
is governing.

16.  EFFECT OF PRIOR AGREEMENTS.  This AGREEMENT contains the entire
understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior employment
agreement between the COMPANY or any predecessor of the COMPANY and the
EMPLOYEE.

17.  NOTICES.  Any notice or other communication required or permitted pursuant
to this AGREEMENT shall be deemed delivered if such notice or communication is
in writing and is delivered personally or by facsimile transmission or is
deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

     If to the COMPANY:

          The Home Savings and Loan Company
            of Youngstown, Ohio
          275 Federal Plaza West
          P.O. Box 1111
          Youngstown, Ohio  44501-1111


                                          9
<PAGE>

     If to the EMPLOYEE:

          Mr. Donald J. Varner
          249 Griswold Drive
          Youngstown, Ohio 44512

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COMPANY has caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by
its duly authorized officer, and the EMPLOYEE has signed this AGREEMENT, each as
of the day and year first above written.


Attest:                            The Home Savings and Loan Company
                                     of Youngstown, Ohio



/s/ Mary Jane Botsko               By: /s/ Douglas M. McKay
- ----------------------------           -------------------------------
                                       Douglas M. McKay
                                       its Chairman of the Board

Attest:



/s/ Mary Jane Botsko               By: /s/ Donald J. Varner
- ----------------------------       -----------------------------------
                                   Donald J. Varner


                                          10

<PAGE>

                                EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


     THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as this "AGREEMENT"), is
entered into this 17th day of December, 1998, by and between The Home Savings
and Loan Company of Youngstown, Ohio, a savings and loan association
incorporated under Ohio law (hereinafter referred to as the "COMPANY"), and
Patrick A. Kelly, an individual (hereinafter referred to as the "EMPLOYEE");

                                    WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, the EMPLOYEE is currently employed as the Senior Vice President
- -Financial Division, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the COMPANY;

     WHEREAS, as a result of the skill, knowledge and experience of the
EMPLOYEE, the Board of Directors of the COMPANY desires to retain the services
of the EMPLOYEE as the Senior Vice President - Financial Division, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer of the COMPANY;

     WHEREAS, the EMPLOYEE desires to continue to serve as the Senior Vice
President -Financial Division, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the
COMPANY; and

     WHEREAS, the EMPLOYEE and the COMPANY desire to enter into this AGREEMENT
to set forth the terms and conditions of the employment relationship between the
COMPANY and the EMPLOYEE;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
herein contained, the COMPANY and the EMPLOYEE hereby agree as follows:

1.   EMPLOYMENT AND TERM.

          (a)  TERM.  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this
AGREEMENT, the COMPANY hereby employs the EMPLOYEE, and the EMPLOYEE hereby
accepts employment, as the Senior Vice President -Financial Division, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer of the COMPANY.  The term of this AGREEMENT
shall commence on January 1, 1999, and shall end on December 31, 2001, unless
extended by the COMPANY, with the consent of the EMPLOYEE, as provided in
subsection (b) of this Section 1 (hereinafter referred to, together with such
extensions, as the "TERM").

          (b)  EXTENSION.  On or before each anniversary of the date of this
AGREEMENT, the Board of Directors of the COMPANY shall review this AGREEMENT
and, upon approval by the Board of Directors, shall extend the term of this
AGREEMENT for a one-year period beyond the then effective expiration date.  Any
such extension shall be subject to the written consent of the EMPLOYEE.  The
Board of Directors shall document its reasons for

<PAGE>

extending the term of this AGREEMENT in the minutes of the meeting at which such
action is taken.

2.   DUTIES OF THE EMPLOYEE.

          (a)  GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.  The EMPLOYEE shall serve as
the Senior Vice President -Financial Division, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer of the COMPANY.  Subject to the direction of the Board of Directors of
the COMPANY, the EMPLOYEE shall perform all duties and shall have all powers
which are commonly incident to the office of Senior Vice President -Financial
Division, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer or which, consistent therewith,
are delegated to him by the Board of Directors.  Such duties may include, but
shall not be limited to, assisting in the development of policies and strategic
objectives pertaining to fiscal control and operating results, directing and
coordinating the activities of the Investment, Accounting, Controlling, Planning
and Facilities Management departments of the COMPANY, and preparation of
financial reports.

          (b)  DEVOTION OF ENTIRE TIME TO THE BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY.  The
EMPLOYEE shall devote his entire productive time, ability and attention during
normal business hours throughout the TERM to the faithful performance of his
duties under this AGREEMENT.  The EMPLOYEE shall not directly or indirectly
render any services of a business, commercial or professional nature to any
person or organization other than the COMPANY, United Community Financial Corp.
(hereinafter referred to as the "HOLDING COMPANY"), the sole shareholder of the
COMPANY, or any subsidiary of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY without the
prior written consent of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY; provided,
however, that the EMPLOYEE shall not be precluded from (i) vacations and other
leave time in accordance with Section 3(d) below, (ii) reasonable participation
in community, civic, charitable or similar organizations, (iii) reasonable
participation in industry-related activities, including, but not limited to,
attending state and national trade association meetings and serving as an
officer, director or trustee of a state or national trade association or Federal
Home Loan Bank, (iv) serving as an officer or director of the HOLDING COMPANY or
any subsidiary of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY and receiving a salary,
director's fees or other compensation or benefits, as appropriate, or (v)
pursuing personal investments which do not interfere or conflict with the
performance of the EMPLOYEE's duties to the COMPANY.

3.   COMPENSATION.

          (a)  TOTAL COMPENSATION.  The EMPLOYEE shall receive during the TERM
total compensation established by the Salary Committee of the Board of
Directors.  In making its determination, the Salary Committee shall consider the
average total compensation for the Chief Financial Officers of a peer group of
companies.  The companies comprising the peer group shall be selected by
Deloitte & Touche LLP or another third party consultant acceptable to the
EMPLOYEE and the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of the
COMPANY.  The selection of the peer group shall take into account the asset size
and performance ratios of the COMPANY, and such other factors as the consultant
considers appropriate under the circumstances.  It is the intent of the COMPANY
and the EMPLOYEE that the EMPLOYEE's


                                          2
<PAGE>

total compensation shall include the following components: (1) a base salary,
payable in installments not less often than monthly; (2) cash incentive
compensation, payable not less often than annually; and (3) long term incentive
compensation.  The percentage of total compensation derived from each of the
three components described in the preceding sentence shall be comparable to the
peer group average.  Until the COMPANY has implemented a compensation program
which includes the three components described above, the EMPLOYEE shall receive
an annual salary of not less than $137,711, payable in equal installments not
less often than monthly, and cash incentive compensation payable not less often
than annually.

          (b)  ANNUAL REVIEW.  On or before December 31st of each year,
commencing in 1999, the total compensation of the EMPLOYEE shall be reviewed by
the Board of Directors of the COMPANY and shall be set at an amount not less
than $137,711, based upon the EMPLOYEE's individual performance and such other
factors as the Board of Directors may deem appropriate (hereinafter referred to
as the "ANNUAL REVIEW").  The results of the ANNUAL REVIEW shall be reflected in
the minutes of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY.

          (c)  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAMS.  During the TERM, the EMPLOYEE shall
be entitled to participate in all formally established employee benefit, bonus,
pension, insurance and profit sharing plans and similar programs that are
maintained by the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY from time to time and all
employee benefit plans or programs hereafter adopted in writing by the Board of
Directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY for which senior management
personnel of the COMPANY are eligible, including any employee stock ownership
plan, stock option plan or other stock benefit plan (hereinafter collectively
referred to as "BENEFIT PLANS"), in accordance with the terms and conditions of
such BENEFIT PLANS.  Notwithstanding any statement to the contrary contained
elsewhere in this AGREEMENT, the COMPANY may at any time discontinue or
terminate any BENEFIT PLAN now existing or hereafter adopted, to the extent
permitted by the terms of such BENEFIT PLAN, and shall not be required to
compensate the EMPLOYEE for such discontinuance or termination to the extent
such discontinuance or termination pertains to all employees of the COMPANY who
are eligible participants at the time.

          (d)  VACATION AND SICK LEAVE.  The EMPLOYEE shall be entitled, without
loss of pay, to be absent voluntarily from the performance of his duties under
this AGREEMENT, in accordance with the policies periodically established by the
Board of Directors of the COMPANY for senior management officials of the
COMPANY.  The EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to annual sick leave as established by
the Board of Directors of the COMPANY for senior management officials of the
COMPANY.

          (e)  EXPENSES.  The COMPANY shall pay or reimburse the EMPLOYEE for
all reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred in
connection with the performance of his duties under this AGREEMENT, including
participation in industry-related activities.


                                          3
<PAGE>

4.   TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

          (a)  GENERAL.  The employment of the EMPLOYEE shall terminate at any
time during the TERM (i) at the option of the COMPANY, upon the delivery by the
COMPANY of written notice of termination to the EMPLOYEE, or (ii) at the option
of the EMPLOYEE, upon delivery by the EMPLOYEE of written notice of termination
to the COMPANY if the present capacity or circumstances in which the EMPLOYEE is
employed are materially adversely changed (including, but not limited to, a
material reduction in responsibilities or authority or the assignment of duties
or responsibilities substantially inconsistent with those normally associated
with the EMPLOYEE's position described in Section 2(a) of this AGREEMENT, change
of title or removal as a director of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY, the
requirement that the EMPLOYEE regularly perform his principal executive
functions more than thirty-five (35) miles from his primary office as of the
date of this AGREEMENT or the EMPLOYEE's benefits provided under this AGREEMENT
are reduced, unless the benefit reductions are part of a Company-wide reduction.
The following subsections (A), (B) and (C) of this Section 4(a) shall govern the
obligations of the COMPANY to the EMPLOYEE upon the occurrence of the events
described in such subparagraphs:

          (A)  TERMINATION FOR CAUSE.  In the event that the COMPANY terminates
the employment of the EMPLOYEE during the TERM because of the EMPLOYEE's
personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty
involving personal profit, intentional failure or refusal to perform the duties
and responsibilities assigned in this AGREEMENT, willful violation of any law,
rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or other minor offenses), or
final cease-and-desist order or material breach of any provision of this
AGREEMENT (hereinafter collectively referred to as "CAUSE"), the EMPLOYEE shall
not receive, and shall have no right to receive, any compensation or other
benefits for any period after such termination.

          (B)  TERMINATION IN CONNECTION WITH CHANGE OF CONTROL.  In the event
that the employment of the EMPLOYEE is terminated by the COMPANY in connection
with a CHANGE OF CONTROL (hereinafter defined) for any reason other than CAUSE
or is terminated by the EMPLOYEE as provided in Section 4(a)(ii) above, then the
following shall occur:

               (I)   The COMPANY shall promptly pay to the EMPLOYEE or to his
beneficiaries, dependents or estate an amount equal to the product of 2.99
multiplied by the EMPLOYEE's "base amount" as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated
thereunder (hereinafter collectively referred to as "SECTION 280G");

               (II)  The EMPLOYEE, his dependents, beneficiaries and estate
shall continue to be covered at the COMPANY's expense under all health, life,
disability and other benefit plans of the COMPANY, as described in Section 3(c)
of this AGREEMENT, in which the EMPLOYEE was a participant prior to the
effective date of the termination of his employment as if the EMPLOYEE were
still employed under this AGREEMENT until the


                                          4
<PAGE>

earlier of the expiration of the TERM or the date on which the EMPLOYEE is
included in another employer's benefit plans as a full-time employee; and

               (III) The EMPLOYEE shall not be required to mitigate the amount
of any payment provided for in this AGREEMENT by seeking other employment or
otherwise, nor shall any amounts received from other employment or otherwise by
the EMPLOYEE offset in any manner the obligations of the COMPANY hereunder,
except as specifically stated in subparagraph (II) above.

          (C)  TERMINATION NOT IN CONNECTION WITH CHANGE OF CONTROL.  In the
event that the employment of the EMPLOYEE is terminated before the expiration of
the TERM for any reason other than death, termination for CAUSE or termination
in connection with a CHANGE OF CONTROL, then the following shall occur:

               (I)   The COMPANY shall be obligated to continue to pay on at
least a monthly basis, until the expiration of the TERM, to the EMPLOYEE, his
designated beneficiaries or his estate, the total compensation in effect at the
time of termination pursuant to Section 3 above, plus a cash bonus equal to the
cash bonus, if any, paid to the EMPLOYEE in the twelve month period prior to the
termination of employment;

               (II)  The COMPANY shall continue to provide to the EMPLOYEE, at
the COMPANY's expense, health, life, disability and other benefits, as described
in Section 3(c) of this AGREEMENT, substantially equal to those being provided
to the EMPLOYEE at the date of termination of his employment until the earliest
to occur of the expiration of the TERM or the date on which the EMPLOYEE is
included in another employer's benefit plans as a full-time employee; and

               (III) The EMPLOYEE shall not be required to mitigate the amount
of any payment provided for in this AGREEMENT by seeking other employment or
otherwise, nor shall any amounts received from other employment or otherwise by
the EMPLOYEE offset in any manner the obligations of the COMPANY hereunder,
except as specifically stated in subparagraph II above.

          (b)  DEATH OF THE EMPLOYEE.  The TERM shall automatically expire upon
the death of the EMPLOYEE.  In such event, the EMPLOYEE's estate shall be
entitled to receive the compensation due the EMPLOYEE through the last day of
the calendar month in which the death occurred, except as otherwise specified
herein.

          (c)  "GOLDEN PARACHUTE" PROVISION.  In the event that any payments
pursuant to this Section 4 would result in the imposition of a penalty tax
pursuant to SECTION 280G, such payments shall be reduced to the maximum amount
which may be paid under SECTION 280G without exceeding such limits.  Any
payments made to the EMPLOYEE pursuant to this AGREEMENT are subject to and
conditioned upon their compliance with 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k) and any
regulations promulgated thereunder.


                                          5
<PAGE>

          (d)  DEFINITION OF "CHANGE OF CONTROL".  A "CHANGE OF CONTROL" shall
mean any one of the following events:

          (i)   the acquisition of ownership or power to vote more than 25% of
          the voting stock of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY;

          (ii)  the acquisition of the ability to control the election of a
          majority of the directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY;

          (iii) during any period of three or less consecutive years,
          individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board
          of Directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY cease for any
          reason to constitute at least a majority thereof; provided, however,
          that any individual whose election or nomination for election as a
          member of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY
          was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then in
          office shall be considered to have continued to be a member of the
          Board of Directors of the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY;

          (iv)  the acquisition by any person or entity of "conclusive control"
          of the COMPANY within the meaning of 12 C.F.R. Section 574.4(a), or
          the acquisition by any person or entity of "rebuttable control" within
          the meaning of 12 C.F.R. Section 574.4(b) that has not been rebutted
          in accordance with 12 C.F.R. Section 574.4(c); or

          (v) an event that would be required to be reported in response to Item
          1(a) of Form 8-K or Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A
          pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
          (hereinafter referred to as the "EXCHANGE ACT"), or any successor
          thereto, whether or not any class of securities of the Corporation is
          registered under the EXCHANGE ACT.

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "person" refers to an individual or
corporation, partnership, trust, association or other organization, but does not
include the EMPLOYEE and any person or persons with whom the EMPLOYEE is "acting
in concert" within the meaning of 12 C.F.R. Part 574.

          For purposes of this AGREEMENT, an event shall be deemed to have
occurred "in connection with a CHANGE OF CONTROL" if such event occurs within
one year before or after a CHANGE OF CONTROL.

          (e)  TERMINATION BY EMPLOYEE.  If the EMPLOYEE terminates this
AGREEMENT without the written consent of the COMPANY, other than pursuant to
Section 4(a)(ii) of this AGREEMENT, the EMPLOYEE shall not engage in the
financial institutions business as a director, officer, employee or consultant
for any business or enterprise which competes with the principal business of the
COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY or any of their subsidiaries within Mahoning,
Trumbull and Columbiana Counties or any other geographic


                                          6
<PAGE>

area in which the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY is doing business for the
unexpired TERM of this AGREEMENT.  This provision shall not apply in the event
of the termination of the employment of the EMPLOYEE by the EMPLOYER prior to
the expiration of the TERM or the termination of the employment of the EMPLOYEE
by the EMPLOYEE pursuant to Section 4(a)(ii) of this AGREEMENT.

5.   SPECIAL REGULATORY EVENTS.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4 of
this AGREEMENT, the obligations of the COMPANY to the EMPLOYEE shall be as
follows in the event of the following circumstances:

          (a)  If the EMPLOYEE is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from
participating in the conduct of the COMPANY's affairs by a notice served under
section 8(e)(3) or 8(g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (hereinafter
referred to as the "FDIA"), the COMPANY's obligations under this AGREEMENT shall
be suspended as of the date of service of such notice, unless stayed by
appropriate proceedings.  If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the
COMPANY shall pay the EMPLOYEE all or part of the compensation withheld while
the obligations in this AGREEMENT were suspended and reinstate, in whole or in
part, any of the obligations that were suspended;

          (b)  If the EMPLOYEE is removed and/or permanently prohibited from
participating in the conduct of the COMPANY's affairs by an order issued under
Section 8(e)(4) or 8(g)(1) of the FDIA, all obligations of the COMPANY under
this AGREEMENT shall terminate as of the effective date of such order; provided,
however, that vested rights of the EMPLOYEE shall not be affected by such
termination;

          (c)  If the COMPANY is in default, as defined in section 3(x)(1) of
the FDIA, all obligations under this AGREEMENT shall terminate as of the date of
default; provided, however, that vested rights of the EMPLOYEE shall not be
affected;

          (d)  All obligations under this AGREEMENT shall be terminated, except
to the extent of a determination that the continuation of this AGREEMENT is
necessary for the continued operation of the COMPANY, (i) by the Director of the
Office of Thrift Supervision (hereinafter referred to as the "OTS"), or his or
her designee, at the time that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation enters
into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the COMPANY under the
authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA or (ii) by the Director of the
OTS, or his or her designee, at any time the Director of the OTS approves a
supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the COMPANY
or when the COMPANY is determined by the Director of the OTS to be in an unsafe
or unsound condition; provided, however that no vested rights of the EMPLOYEE
shall not be affected by any such termination; and

          (e)  The provisions of this Section 5 are governed by the requirements
of 12 C.F.R. Section 563.39(b) and in the event that any statements in this
Section 5 are inconsistent with 12 C.F.R. Section 563.39(b), the provisions of
12 C.F.R. Section 563.39(b) shall be controlling.


                                          7
<PAGE>

6.   CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE OF ASSETS.  Nothing in this AGREEMENT shall
preclude the COMPANY or the HOLDING COMPANY from consolidating with, merging
into, or transferring all, or substantially all, of their assets to another
corporation that assumes all of their obligations and undertakings hereunder.
Upon such a consolidation, merger or transfer of assets, the term "COMPANY" as
used herein, shall mean such other corporation or entity, and this AGREEMENT
shall continue in full force and effect.

7.   CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.  The EMPLOYEE acknowledges that during his
employment he will learn and have access to confidential information regarding
the COMPANY and its customers and businesses.  The EMPLOYEE agrees and covenants
not to disclose or use for his own benefit, or the benefit of any other person
or entity, any confidential information, unless or until the COMPANY consents to
such disclosure or use or such information is otherwise legally in the public
domain.  The EMPLOYEE shall not knowingly disclose or reveal to any unauthorized
person any confidential information relating to the COMPANY, its subsidiaries,
or affiliates, or to any of the businesses operated by them, and the EMPLOYEE
confirms that such information constitutes the exclusive property of the
COMPANY.  The EMPLOYEE shall not otherwise knowingly act or conduct himself to
the material detriment of the COMPANY, its subsidiaries, or affiliates or in a
manner which is inimical or contrary to the interests of the COMPANY.

8.   NON-ASSIGNABILITY.  Neither this AGREEMENT nor any right or interest
hereunder shall be assignable by the EMPLOYEE, his beneficiaries or legal
representatives without the COMPANY's prior written consent; provided, however,
that nothing in this Section 8 shall preclude the EMPLOYEE from designating a
beneficiary to receive any benefits payable hereunder upon his death or the
executors, administrators or other legal representatives of the EMPLOYEE or his
estate from assigning any rights hereunder to the person or persons entitled
thereto.

9.   NO ATTACHMENT.  Except as required by law, no right to receive payment
under this AGREEMENT shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation,
sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge or hypothecation or to execution,
attachment, levy, or similar process of assignment by operation of law, and any
attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action shall be null, void
and of no effect.

10.  BINDING AGREEMENT.  This AGREEMENT shall be binding upon, and inure to the
benefit of, the EMPLOYEE and the COMPANY and their respective permitted
successors and assigns.

11.  AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT.  This AGREEMENT may not be modified or amended,
except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

12.  WAIVER.  No term or condition of this AGREEMENT shall be deemed to have
been waived, nor shall there be an estoppel against the enforcement of any
provision of this AGREEMENT, except by written instrument of the party charged
with such waiver or estoppel.  No such written waiver shall be deemed a
continuing waiver, unless specifically stated therein, and each waiver shall
operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not


                                          8
<PAGE>

constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future or as to any act
other than the act specifically waived.

13.  SEVERABILITY.  If, for any reason, any provision of this AGREEMENT is held
invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this AGREEMENT
not held so invalid, and each such other provision shall, to the full extent
consistent with applicable law, continue in full force and effect.  If this
AGREEMENT is held invalid or cannot be enforced, then any prior AGREEMENT
between the COMPANY (or any predecessor thereof) and the EMPLOYEE shall be
deemed reinstated to the full extent permitted by law, as if this AGREEMENT had
not been executed.

14.  HEADINGS.  The headings of the paragraphs herein are included solely for
convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of
any of the provisions of this AGREEMENT.

15.  GOVERNING LAW.  This AGREEMENT has been executed and delivered in the State
of Ohio and its validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement shall be
governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, except to the extent that federal law
is governing.

16.  EFFECT OF PRIOR AGREEMENTS.  This AGREEMENT contains the entire
understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior employment
agreement between the COMPANY or any predecessor of the COMPANY and the
EMPLOYEE.

17.  NOTICES.  Any notice or other communication required or permitted pursuant
to this AGREEMENT shall be deemed delivered if such notice or communication is
in writing and is delivered personally or by facsimile transmission or is
deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

     If to the COMPANY:

          The Home Savings and Loan Company
            of Youngstown, Ohio
          275 Federal Plaza West
          P.O. Box 1111
          Youngstown, Ohio  44501-1111

     If to the EMPLOYEE:

          Mr. Patrick A. Kelly
          211 Montgomery Drive
          Canfield, Ohio 44406


                                          9
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COMPANY has caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by
its duly authorized officer, and the EMPLOYEE has signed this AGREEMENT, each as
of the day and year first above written.


Attest:                            The Home Savings and Loan Company
                                     of Youngstown, Ohio



/s/ Mary Jane Botsko               By: /s/ Douglas M. McKay
- ----------------------------           -------------------------------
                                       Douglas M. McKay
                                       its Chairman of the Board

Attest:



/s/ Mary Jane Botsko               /s/ Patrick A. Kelly
- ----------------------------       -----------------------------------
                                   Patrick A. Kelly


                                          10

<PAGE>
                                          SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AND OTHER DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SELECTED FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA:                                         At December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           1998               1997              1996             1995              1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                     <C>                <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>
Total assets                            $1,257,305         $1,044,993        $1,074,736        $1,077,523       $1,018,879
Cash and cash equivalents                  170,508             34,497            19,668            41,813           20,601
Investment securities:
  Available for sale                       110,888             39,402            14,659            32,125           33,415
  Held to maturity                           4,993              4,968            27,970            30,119           34,322
Mortgage-backed securities:
  Available for sale                        98,890             62,416            84,466           100,005           87,935
  Held to maturity                         182,999            243,848           286,384           302,107          312,300
Loans, net                                 657,498            633,236           616,923           546,689          503,413
FHLB stock                                  11,958             11,136            10,370             9,675            9,043
Deposits                                   777,583            886,808           932,060           938,855          898,912
Total equity                               464,645            141,353           128,131           122,294          107,209

<CAPTION>
SUMMARY OF EARNINGS:                                                   Year Ended December 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           1998               1997              1996             1995              1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                     <C>                <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>
Interest income                         $  85,881          $  82,685         $  81,749         $  79,834        $  74,639
Interest expense                           35,755             40,463            43,009            41,104           34,898
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income                        50,126             42,222            38,740            38,730           39,741
Provision for (recovery of) loan
  loss allowances                             650             (1,546)                                                (100)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income after provision
  for (recovery of) loan
  loss allowances                          49,476             43,768            38,740            38,730           39,841
Noninterest income                          2,289              1,564             1,291             1,554            1,018
Noninterest expenses (1)(2)                38,217             25,303            30,068            21,995           20,341
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before provision for
  income taxes                             13,548             20,029             9,963            18,289           20,518
Provision for income taxes                  4,849              6,982             3,332             6,707            7,294
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Net income                             $   8,699          $  13,047          $  6,631         $  11,582        $  13,224
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1) FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, NONINTEREST EXPENSE INCLUDED $11.8
    MILLION AS A RESULT OF THE CONTRIBUTION TO THE FOUNDATION.
(2) FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, NONINTEREST EXPENSE INCLUDED A $5.9
    MILLION ONE-TIME ASSESSMENT IMPOSED ON HOME SAVINGS AS A RESULT OF 
    LEGISLATION TO RECAPITALIZE THE SAIF.

                                       9
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS AND OTHER DATA:                             At or for the Year Ended December 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          1998           1997           1996           1995           1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>
Performance ratios: (1)
  Return on average assets (2)                              0.73%          1.23%          0.61%         1.11%          1.30%
  Return on average equity (3)                              3.03           9.68           5.28          9.98          12.77
  Interest rate spread (4)                                  3.32           3.53           3.14          3.30           3.64
  Net interest margin (5)                                   4.33           4.09           3.65          3.79           4.01
  Noninterest expense to average assets                     3.21           2.39           2.77          2.10           2.01
  Efficiency ratio (6)                                     72.91          57.79          75.11         54.60          49.91
  Average interest-earning assets to
    average interest-bearing liabilities                  132.69         114.26         112.82        111.93         110.58
Capital ratios:
  Average equity to average assets                         24.13          12.74          11.58         11.08          10.21
  Equity to assets at year end                             36.96          13.53          11.92         11.35          10.52
  Tangible capital                                         26.80          13.47          11.87         11.24          10.70
  Core capital                                             26.80          13.47          11.87         11.24          10.70
  Risk-based capital                                       51.51          28.85          26.15         26.65          25.35
Asset quality ratios:
  Nonperforming loans to loans at year end (7)              1.15           1.60           1.59          1.11           1.34
  Nonperforming assets to average assets (8)                0.64           0.96           0.91          0.59           0.82
  Nonperforming assets to total assets at year end (8)      0.61           0.98           0.92          0.57           0.82
  Allowance for loans losses as a percent of loans          0.96           0.94           0.81          0.93           1.01
  Allowance for loans losses as a
    percent of nonperforming loans (7)                     84.62          59.02          51.37         84.18          75.51
Number of:
  Loans                                                   19,628         19,173         18,826        17,736         17,027
  Deposits                                               105,426        108,663        108,793       105,987         99,541
  Full-service offices (9)                                    14             15             14            14             14
Per share data: (10)
  Basic earnings (11)                                       0.08            N/A            N/A           N/A            N/A
  Diluted earnings (11)                                     0.08            N/A            N/A           N/A            N/A
  Book value (12)                                          14.46            N/A            N/A           N/A            N/A
  Dividend payout ratio (13)                               53.57%           N/A            N/A           N/A            N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

 (1) PERFORMANCE RATIOS FOR 1998 REFLECT THE $11.8 MILLION CONTRIBUTION TO THE
     FOUNDATION AND PERFORMANCE RATIOS FOR 1996 REFLECT THE $5.9 MILLION ONE-
     TIME ASSESSMENT IMPOSED ON HOME SAVINGS AS A RESULT OF LEGISLATION TO
     RECAPITALIZE THE SAVINGS ASSOCIATION INSURANCE FUND (SAIF).
 (2) NET INCOME DIVIDED BY AVERAGE TOTAL ASSETS. EXCLUDING THE EFFECT OF THE
     CONTRIBUTION TO THE FOUNDATION, THE RETURN ON AVERAGE ASSETS WOULD HAVE
     BEEN 1.37% FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998. EXCLUDING THE EFFECT OF
     THE ONE-TIME SAIF ASSESSMENT, THE RETURN ON AVERAGE ASSETS WOULD HAVE BEEN
     0.96% FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996.
 (3) NET INCOME DIVIDED BY AVERAGE TOTAL EQUITY. EXCLUDING THE EFFECT OF THE
     CONTRIBUTION TO THE FOUNDATION, THE RETURN ON AVERAGE EQUITY WOULD HAVE
     BEEN 5.63% FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998. EXCLUDING THE EFFECT OF
     THE ONE-TIME SAIF ASSESSMENT, THE RETURN ON AVERAGE EQUITY WOULD HAVE BEEN
     8.29% FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996.
 (4) DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WEIGHTED AVERAGE YIELD ON INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS AND
     WEIGHTED AVERAGE COST OF INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES.
 (5) NET INTEREST INCOME AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS.
 (6) NONINTEREST EXPENSE DIVIDED BY THE SUM OF NET INTEREST INCOME AND
     NONINTEREST INCOME. EXCLUDING THE EFFECT OF THE CONTRIBUTION TO THE
     FOUNDATION, THE EFFICIENCY RATIO WOULD HAVE BEEN 50.33% FOR THE YEAR ENDED
     DECEMBER 31, 1998. EXCLUDING THE EFFECT OF THE ONE-TIME SAIF ASSESSMENT,
     THE EFFICIENCY RATIO WOULD HAVE BEEN 60.37% FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
     31, 1996.
 (7) NONPERFORMING LOANS CONSIST OF NONACCRUAL LOANS AND RESTRUCTURED LOANS.
 (8) NONPERFORMING ASSETS CONSIST OF NONPERFORMING LOANS AND REAL ESTATE
     ACQUIRED IN SETTLEMENT OF LOANS. 
 (9) ON JANUARY 20, 1998, HOME SAVINGS CLOSED A BRANCH LOCATED IN A SUPERMARKET
     IN POLAND, OHIO, REDUCING THE NUMBER OF FULL-SERVICE OFFICES TO 14.
(10) FOR PURPOSE OF DISPLAYING SIX MONTHS EARNINGS PER SHARE IT IS ASSUMED
     CONVERSION TOOK PLACE AS OF JULY 1, 1998. 
(11) NET INCOME DIVIDED BY AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING. EXCLUDING THE 
     EFFECT OF THE CONTRIBUTION TO THE FOUNDATION, THE BASIC AND DILUTED 
     EARNINGS PER SHARE WOULD HAVE BEEN $0.32 FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 
     1998.
(12) EQUITY DIVIDED BY NUMBER OF SHARE OUTSTANDING.
(13) HISTORICAL PER SHARE DIVIDEND DECLARED AND PAID FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
     DECEMBER 31, 1998 DIVIDED BY THE DILUTED EARNING PER SHARE OF $0.14 FOR
     THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998.

                                      10
<PAGE>
                                            MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


GENERAL

       UCFC was incorporated for the purpose of owning all of the outstanding
stock of Home Savings. The following discussions and analysis of the financial
condition and results of operations of UCFC and Home Savings should be read in
conjunction with and with reference to the consolidated financial statements,
and the notes thereto, included in this Annual Report.

CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

      Total assets were $1.3 billion at December 31, 1998, a $212.3 million, or
20.3%, increase compared to December 31, 1997. The increase in total assets was
primarily attributable to the sale of UCFC's shares in connection with the
Conversion.

       Total loans increased $39.8 million, or 6.0%, to $699.8 million at
December 31, 1998, compared to $660.0 million at December 31, 1997. The most
significant increases were in loans secured by one- to four-family residences,
which increased $27.1 million and commercial loans, which increased $15.2
million, compared to the prior year. These increases were offset by decreases of
$2.2 million in nonresidential real estate loans and $1.6 million in consumer
loans.

       Funds not currently utilized for general corporate purposes, including
loan originations, enhanced customer services and possible acquisitions, are
invested in overnight funds, investment securities and mortgage-backed
securities. Overnight funds increased $133.9 million to $153.8 million at
December 31, 1998 from $19.9 million at December 31, 1997. Investment securities
and mortgage-backed securities available for sale increased $71.5 million and
$36.5 million, respectively, since December 31, 1997. These increases reflect
the investment of the Conversion proceeds in overnight funds and investment and
mortgage-backed securities available for sale which provide a great deal of
liquidity and flexibility as UCFC pursues alternative investment opportunities.

       Total deposits decreased $109.2 million, or 12.3%, from December 31,
1997. This reduction was primarily due to deposits withdrawn for the purchase of
UCFC shares in the Conversion. The deposit decrease included an $18.7 million
reduction in savings accounts and a $90.6 million decrease in certificate
accounts. Transaction accounts increased by $160 thousand.

       Total equity increased $323.3 million at December 31, 1998, compared to
December 31, 1997, primarily due to the Conversion. Book value per share was
$14.46 as of December 31, 1998.

COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND
DECEMBER 31, 1997

Net Income--Net income for the year ended December 31, 1998, was $8.7 million,
compared to $13.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. The decline in
net income resulted primarily from the contribution of $11.8 million to the
Foundation in 1998. UCFC believes that the contribution of common shares to the
Foundation will benefit the long-term value of Home Savings' community banking
franchise by enabling the communities served by Home Savings to share in the
potential growth and success of Home Savings and UCFC. Also contributing to the
decline in the current year was a recovery in 1997 of $3.3 million of interest
and a loan loss recovery of $2.8 million in connection with three loans that had
previously been charged off. These changes were partially offset by a $3.2
million increase in total interest income and $4.7 million decrease in interest
expense.

       Earnings per share since the Conversion, for the six-month period ended
December 31, 1998, was $0.08. Without the contribution to the Foundation
earnings per share for the same period would have been $0.32. There are no
comparable per share earnings for 1997 as Home Savings was a mutual association.

       Core earnings, defined as pre-tax earnings adjusted for securities sales
transactions and unusual or nonrecurring expense or income items, for the year
ended December 31, 1998, were $25.2 million compared to $15.0 million in 1997.
The $10.2 million increase resulted primarily from an increase in net interest
income. The following table summarizes the components of adjusted pre-tax core
earnings:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        1998                1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                    <C>               <C>
Net interest income                                    $50,126           $38,914
Provision for loan losses                                  650               700
Noninterest income                                       2,104             1,518
Noninterest expense                                     26,383            24,703
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Adjusted pre-tax core earnings                        $25,197           $15,029
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

NET INTEREST INCOME--Net interest income increased $7.9 million, or 18.7%, to
$50.1 million in 1998 from $42.2 million for 1997. Total interest income
increased $3.2 million and interest expense declined $4.7 million. The increase
in total interest

                                      11
<PAGE>

income was primarily due to an increase in interest-earning assets as a result
of the investment of proceeds from the Conversion. The average balance of
interest-earning assets was $124.8 million higher for the year ended December
31, 1998 compared to 1997. The decrease in interest expense was due to a decline
in the weighted average interest rate and a reduction in the average balance due
to the withdrawal of funds to purchase stock in the Conversion. The interest
rate spread decreased 21 basis points to 3.32% for 1998 from 3.53% for 1997 as
UCFC experienced a 59 basis point decrease in the yield on its interest-earning
assets and a 38 basis point decrease in the cost of its interest-bearing
liabilities. The interest rate spread was also impacted by the recovery of
delinquent interest discussed above.

       Total interest income increased $3.2 million, or 3.9%, in 1998 from 1997.
The average yield on interest-earning assets, including the effects of the
recovery of delinquent interest in 1997 discussed above, decreased to 7.42% in
1998 from 8.01% in 1997. Without the $3.3 million recovery of delinquent
interest, total interest income for 1997 would have been $79.3 million,
resulting in a $6.6 million, or 8.3%, increase in total interest income when
comparing 1998 to 1997. The resulting average yield on interest-earning assets
would have been 7.68% for 1997 absent the $3.3 million recovery, approximately
33 basis points below the yield achieved as a result of the interest recovery
and 26 basis points above the yield for 1998. Similarly, the interest rate
spread would have been 3.20% for 1997 compared to 3.32% for 1998.

       Interest income on loans receivable decreased $1.1 million in 1998,
primarily as a result of the recovery of interest in 1997. Without the 1997
recovery of interest, interest income on loans receivable would have increased
$2.2 million from 1997 to 1998. The average yield on loans receivable without
the recovery would have been 8.15% for 1997, compared to 8.26% for 1998. The
average balance of net loans receivable increased $18.6 million for the year
ended December 31, 1998 compared to 1997.

       The average balances of investment securities and other interest-earning
assets increased by $161.5 million in 1998 compared to 1997, resulting in an
additional $8.7 million of interest income for 1998. As previously stated, much
of the proceeds from the Conversion were invested primarily in these instruments
for liquidity and flexibility. The average balance of mortgage-backed securities
decreased by $55.3 million during 1998 compared to 1997, resulting in a
reduction of interest income of $4.5 million. The reduction in the average
balance of mortgage-backed securities was due to repayments and maturities of
mortgage-backed securities.

       Total interest expense decreased $4.7 million, or 11.6%, from 1997 to
1998. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities decreased $31.5
million, or 3.5%, primarily due to the withdrawal of deposits to purchase UCFC
shares. The average rate paid decreased to 4.10% in 1998 from 4.48% in 1997.

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES--Provisions for loan losses are charged to operations
to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level considered by management
to be adequate to provide for estimated losses based on management's evaluation
of such factors as the delinquency status of loans, current economic conditions,
the net realizable value of the underlying collateral, changes in the
composition of the loan portfolio and prior loan loss experience. The provision
for loan loss allowance was $650 thousand in 1998, as a result of continuing
growth in the loan portfolio, particularly in commercial loans, at December 31,
1998, compared to a net recovery of $1.5 million in 1997 due to the loan
recovery discussed above. Home Savings' allowance for loan losses totaled $6.4
million at December 31, 1998, which was .96% of total loans.

NONINTEREST INCOME--Noninterest income increased $725 thousand, or 46.4%, to
$2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1998, from $1.6 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997. The increase was primarily due to a gain of
approximately $253 thousand on the sale of mortgage-backed securities along with
approximately $375 thousand in fees and commissions related to check services
during the Conversion. The level of noninterest income was also impacted by an
increase in automated teller machine service charges and NOW non-sufficient
funds fees of approximately $84 thousand, and a rebate of approximately $29
thousand from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensations.

NONINTEREST EXPENSE--Noninterest expense increased $12.9 million to $38.2
million for 1998, from $25.3 million in 1997. This increase was primarily
attributable to the charitable donation of $11.8 million to the Foundation and
an increase of $921 thousand in salary and employee benefits primarily as a
result of the implementation of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

FEDERAL INCOME TAXES--Federal income taxes decreased $2.1 million, or 30.6%, in
1998 compared to 1997, primarily due to lower pre-tax income as a result of the
contribution to the Foundation in 1998 and the recovery on the three loans in
1997 stated above.


COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND
DECEMBER 31, 1996

NET INCOME--Net income increased $6.4 million, or 96.8%, to $13.0 million for
the year ended December 31, 1997, compared to $6.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996. The results for 1996 reflect the payment of a $5.9 million
one-time assessment to recapitalize the SAIF. Other factors accounting for the
increase in net income from 1996 to 1997 were the recovery of $3.3 million of
interest and a loan loss recovery of $2.8 million on three loans that were
previously charged off and a decrease in deposit insurance premiums. These
increases were partially offset by a $2.0 million increase in salaries and
employee benefits and a $3.7 million increase in federal income taxes.

                                      12
<PAGE>

NET INTEREST INCOME--Net interest income increased $3.5 million, or 9.0%, to
$42.2 million in 1997 from $38.7 million for 1996. Home Savings' interest rate
spread increased 39 basis points to 3.53% for 1997 from 3.14% for 1996 as Home
Savings experienced a 30 basis point increase in the yield on its
interest-earning assets and a nine basis point decrease in the cost of its
interest-bearing liabilities. The interest rate spread was favorably impacted by
the recovery of delinquent interest stated above.

       Total interest income increased $936 thousand, or 1.1%, in 1997 from
1996. Interest income on loans receivable increased $5.6 million, primarily as a
result of an increase of $33.4 million, or 5.7%, in the average balance of net
loans and a recovery of $3.3 million of interest on three previously delinquent
loans. The increase in average loan balances was primarily in higher yielding
commercial loans, although one- to four-family loans also increased year to
year. Home Savings emphasized growth in loans, particularly commercial and
consumer loans, in order to achieve a higher net yield and to increase the loan
to deposit ratio. The growth in interest income on loans was partially offset by
a reduction in interest income on mortgage-backed securities, as Home Savings
reduced the average balance of these lower-yielding investments. The reduction
in the average balance of mortgage-backed securities resulted from the
repayments and maturities of mortgage-backed securities, the proceeds of which
were used primarily to fund deposit outflows and the increase in net loan
balances. The average yield on Home Savings' interest-earning assets, including
the effects of the recovery of delinquent interest discussed below, increased to
8.01% from 7.71%.

       Total interest income for 1997 was affected by the large loan recoveries
of approximately $3.3 million of interest on three loans that had been
nonaccruing for a significant period of time. Without this recovery of
delinquent interest, Home Savings' total interest income for 1997 would have
been $79.3 million, resulting in a $2.4 million, or 2.9%, decrease in total
interest income compared to 1996. The resulting average yield on
interest-earning assets would have been 7.68% for 1997, approximately 33 basis
points below the yield achieved as a result of the interest recovery and three
basis points below the yield for 1996. Similarly, Home Savings' interest rate
spread would have been 3.20% for 1997 compared to 3.14% for 1996.

       Total interest expense decreased $2.5 million, or 5.9%, from 1996 to
1997. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities decreased $36.4
million, or 3.9%, and the average rate paid decreased to 4.48% in 1997 from
4.57% in 1996. Deposits, primarily certificates of deposit, declined year to
year, primarily as a result of maturing certificates being reinvested in
alternative investments, such as mutual funds.

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES--Based on management's evaluation of such factors as
the delinquency status of loans, current economic conditions, the net realizable
value of the underlying collateral, changes in the composition of the loan
portfolio, particularly in commercial loans, and prior loan loss experience, a
net recovery of $1.5 million was credited to operations in 1997, and no amounts
were recorded as provisions or recoveries in 1996. The recovery recorded in 1997
was due to the significant settlement of several large loans which also affected
Home Savings' total interest income for 1997. In 1997, Home Savings recovered
$2.9 million that had been charged off in prior years. Approximately $2.8
million of the recovery related to a $4.3 million loan. At December 31, 1997,
Home Savings' allowance for loan losses totaled $6.0 million, which equaled .9%
of total loans.

NONINTEREST INCOME--Noninterest income increased $273 thousand, or 21.1%, to
$1.6 million for 1997 from $1.3 million for 1996. Substantially all of Home
Savings' other income is derived from service fees and other charges which
totaled $1.1 million for 1997 compared to $755 thousand for 1996. Service fees,
primarily service fees on deposit accounts, increased during the year due to an
increase in service charge fee schedules based on market conditions.

NONINTEREST EXPENSE--Noninterest expense decreased $4.8 million, or 15.8%, to
$25.3 million for 1997 from $30.1 million in 1996. This decrease was primarily
attributable to the $5.9 million one-time SAIF assessment in 1996. Excluding the
SAIF one-time assessment, noninterest expense was $24.2 million for 1996. As a
result of the recapitalization of the SAIF, the FDIC substantially reduced
deposit insurance premiums. Since January 1, 1997, Home Savings has paid deposit
insurance premiums at the rate of $.063 per $100 of deposits. Prior to the
recapitalization of the SAIF, deposit insurance premiums were $.23 per $100 of
deposits. Salaries and employee benefits costs increased $2.0 million, or 15.5%,
as a result of normal wage increases and an increase in benefits costs for
health care and postretirement health benefits.

FEDERAL INCOME TAXES--Federal income taxes totaled $7.0 million for 1997, an
increase of $3.7 million, or 109.5%, compared to $3.3 million in 1996. Income
taxes in 1996 were lower because of the one-time SAIF assessment, resulting in
decreased pre-tax income.

YIELDS EARNED AND RATES PAID

       The following table sets forth certain information relating to UCFC's
average balance sheet information and reflects the average yield on interest-
earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the
periods indicated. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or
expense by the average balances of interest-earning assets or interest-bearing
liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented. Average balances are
derived from daily balances. Nonaccruing loans have been included in the table
as loans carrying a zero yield. The average balance for securities available for
sale is computed using the carrying value and the average yield on securities
available for sale has been computed using the historical amortized average
balance.

                                      13
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Year Ended December 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1998                           1997                            1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                AVERAGE   INTEREST               Average     Interest              Average    Interest
                              OUTSTANDING  EARNED/    YIELD/   outstanding    earned/   Yield/    outstanding  earned/   Yield/
                                BALANCE     PAID       RATE      balance       paid      rate      balance      paid      rate
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                           <C>         <C>         <C>     <C>            <C>        <C>      <C>          <C>        <C>
Interest-earning assets:
  Net loans (1)               $  642,168   $53,063     8.26%  $  623,546     $54,148     8.68%   $  590,128   $48,586     8.23%
  Mortgage-backed
    securities:
    Available for sale            66,450     4,351     6.55       73,053       5,122     7.01        96,229     6,871     7.14
    Held to maturity             218,510    15,344     7.02      267,242      19,024     7.12       305,583    21,988     7.20
  Investment securities:
    Available for sale            70,810     4,194     5.92       33,883       2,169     6.40        17,903     1,226     6.85
    Held to maturity               4,859       319     6.57       13,333         843     6.32        29,944     1,780     5.94
  Other interest-earning assets  154,784     8,610     5.56       21,716       1,379     6.35        21,034     1,298     6.17
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total interest-earning
      assets                   1,157,581    85,881     7.42    1,032,773      82,685     8.01     1,060,821    81,749     7.71
Noninterest earning assets        32,575                          24,985                             23,809
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total assets              $1,190,156                      $1,057,758                         $1,084,630
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Deposits:
    Checking and
      demand accounts         $  123,742     2,619     2.12   $  120,962       2,906     2.40    $  122,993     3,248     2.64
    Savings accounts             273,765     7,114     2.60      248,914       7,387     2.97       257,806     7,879     3.06
    Certificates of deposit      474,912    26,022     5.48      534,038      30,170     5.65       559,485    31,882     5.70
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total deposits             872,419    35,755     4.10      903,914      40,463     4.48       940,284    43,009     4.57
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total interest-bearing
      liabilities                872,419    35,755     4.10      903,914      40,463     4.48       940,284    43,009     4.57
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noninterest-bearing
  liabilities                     30,521                          19,109                             18,744
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total liabilities          902,940                         923,023                            959,028
Equity                           287,216                         134,735                            125,602
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total liabilities
    and equity                $1,190,156                      $1,057,758                         $1,084,630
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net interest income
    and interest rate spread               $50,126     3.32%                 $42,222     3.53%                $38,740     3.14%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net yield on interest
    earning assets                                     4.33%                             4.09%                            3.65%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average interest-earning
  assets to average interest-
  bearing liabilities                                132.69%                           114.26%                          112.82%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1) NONACCRUAL LOANS ARE INCLUDED IN THE AVERAGE BALANCE.

                                      14
<PAGE>

       The table below describes the extent to which changes in interest rates
and changes in volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing
liabilities have affected UCFC's interest income and interest expense during the
periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning assets and
interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to
(i) changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by prior period rate), (ii)
changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by prior period volume) and (iii)
total changes in rate and volume. The combined effects of changes in both volume
and rate, which cannot be separately identified, have been allocated in
proportion to the changes due to volume and rate:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     1998 vs. 1997                                 1997 vs. 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Increase               Total                Increase
                                             (decrease) due to        increase           (decrease) due to         Total
                                     -------------------------       ----------        -------------------       increase
                                         Rate          Volume        (decrease)        Rate          Volume     (decrease)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                    <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>        <C>
Interest-earning assets:
  Loans                                $(2,828)       $ 1,743         $(1,085)        $2,734         $ 2,828       $ 5,562
  Mortgage-backed securities:
    Available for sale                    (326)          (445)           (771)          (122)         (1,627)       (1,749)
    Held to maturity                      (255)        (3,425)         (3,680)          (232)         (2,732)       (2,964)
  Investment securities:
    Available for sale                    (149)         2,174           2,025            (74)          1,017           943
    Held to maturity                        34           (558)           (524)           121          (1,058)         (937)
  Other interest-earning assets           (149)         7,380           7,231             38              43            81
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total interest-earning assets    $(3,673)       $ 6,869           3,196         $2,465         $(1,529)          936
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Savings accounts                     $(1,384)       $ 1,112            (272)        $ (225)        $  (267)         (492)
  Checking accounts                       (356)            69            (287)          (289)            (53)         (342)
  Certificates of deposit                 (888)        (3,261)         (4,149)          (271)         (1,441)       (1,712)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total interest-bearing liabilities$(2,628)      $(2,080)         (4,708)        $ (785)        $(1,761)       (2,546)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Change in net interest income                                         $ 7,904                                      $ 3,482
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

ASSET AND LIABILITY MANAGEMENT AND MARKET RISK

QUALITATIVE ASPECTS OF MARKET RISK--The principal market risk affecting Home
Savings is interest rate risk. Home Savings does not maintain a trading account
for any class of financial instrument, and Home Savings is not affected by
foreign currency exchange rate risk or commodity price risk. Because Home
Savings does not hold any equity securities other than stock in the FHLB of
Cincinnati, Home Savings is not subject to equity price risk.

       Home Savings, like other financial institutions, is subject to interest
rate risk to the extent that its interest-earning assets reprice differently
than its interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rate risk is defined as the
sensitivity of an institution's earnings and net asset values to changes in
interest rates. As part of its efforts to monitor and manage the interest rate
risk of Home Savings, the Board of Directors has adopted an interest rate risk
policy which requires the Board to review quarterly reports related to interest
rate risk and to set exposure limits for Home Savings as a guide to senior
management in setting and implementing day to day operating strategies.

QUANTITATIVE ASPECTS OF MARKET RISK--As part of its interest rate risk analysis,
Home Savings uses the "net portfolio value" (NPV) methodology adopted by the OTS
as part of its capital regulations and also considers the OTS methodology in
light of the rate shock estimates contained in the quarterly rate shock risk
reports prepared by an outside consulting firm that specializes in interest rate
risk assessments as well as the sensitivity of earnings to changes in interest
rates and the corresponding impact on net interest income. Generally, NPV is the
discounted present value of the difference between incoming cash flows on
interest-earning and other assets and outgoing cash flows on interest-bearing
and other liabilities. The application of the methodology attempts to quantify
interest rate risk as the change in the NPV and net interest income that would
result from various levels of theoretical basis point changes in market interest
rates.

                                      15
<PAGE>

       Home Savings uses a net portfolio value and earnings simulation model
prepared by a third party as its primary method to identify and manage its
interest rate risk profile. The model is based on actual cash flows and
repricing characteristics for all financial instruments and incorporates
market-based assumptions regarding the impact of changing interest rates on
future volumes and the prepayment rate of applicable financial instruments.
Assumptions based on the historical behavior of deposit rates and balances in
relation to changes in interest rates are also incorporated into the model.
These assumptions are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the model cannot
precisely measure NPV or net interest income or precisely predict the impact of
fluctuations in interest rates on net interest rate changes as well as changes
in market conditions and management strategies.

       Presented below are analyses of Home Savings' interest rate risk as
measured by changes in NPV and net interest income for instantaneous and
sustained parallel shifts of 100 basis point increments in market interest
rates. The percentage changes fall within the policy limits set by the Board of
Directors of Home Savings as the maximum change in NPV that the Board of
Directors deems advisable in the event of various changes in interest rates.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CHANGE                                                         NPV AS % OF PORTFOLIO              NEXT 12 MONTHS
   IN RATES                  NET PORTFOLIO VALUE                      VALUE OF ASSETS               NET INTEREST INCOME
                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(BASIS POINTS)    $ AMOUNT       $ CHANGE         % CHANGE        NPV RATIO     CHANGE IN %     $ CHANGE       % CHANGE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>               <C>            <C>              <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>
     +400         $269,636       $(75,189)            (21.80)%        26.74%       (3.65)%      $(2,907)          (6.59)%
     +300          287,238        (57,587)            (16.70)         27.67        (2.72)        (2,098)          (4.75)
     +200          307,696        (37,129)            (10.77)         28.73        (1.66)        (1,259)          (2.85)
     +100          327,953        (16,872)             (4.89)         29.70        (0.69)          (507)          (1.15)
    Static         344,825                                            30.39
     (100)         344,333           (492)             (0.14)         30.00        (0.39)          (553)          (1.25)
     (200)         337,232         (7,593)             (2.20)         29.19        (1.20)        (2,345)          (5.32)
     (300)         332,677        (12,148)             (3.52)         28.54        (1.85)        (4,068)          (9.22)
     (400)         330,958        (13,867)             (4.02)         28.05        (2.34)        (5,158)         (11.69)

<CAPTION>
                                             Year Ended December 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Change                                                         NPV as % of portfolio              Next 12 months
   in rates                  Net portfolio value                      value of assets               Net interest income
                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Basis points)    $ Amount       $ Change         % Change        NPV Ratio     Change in %     $ Change        % Change
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>               <C>            <C>              <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>
     +400         $121,906       $(67,382)            (35.60)%        12.97%       (4.95)%      $(4,373)         (12.37)%
     +300          137,047        (52,241)            (27.60)         14.17        (3.75)        (3,225)          (9.12)
     +200          154,571        (34,717)            (18.34)         15.51        (2.41)        (2,064)          (5.84)
     +100          172,673        (16,615)             (8.78)         16.82        (1.10)          (961)          (2.72)
    Static         189,288                                            17.92
     (100)         196,124          6,836               3.61          18.23         0.31            290            0.82
     (200)         192,844          3,557               1.88          17.76        (0.16)          (444)          (1.26)
     (300)         192,561          3,273               1.73          17.52        (0.40)        (1,145)          (3.24)
     (400)         195,076          5,788               3.06          17.48        (0.44)        (1,357)          (3.84)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

       As illustrated in the tables, Home Savings' NPV is more sensitive to
increases in interest rates than to decreases. Home Savings' sensitivity to
increases in rates occurs principally because, as rates increase, borrowers
become less likely to prepay fixed-rate loans than when interest rates are
declining, and the majority of Home Savings' loans have fixed rates of interest.
In addition, loan demand is adversely affected by increases in interest rates.
Thus, in a rising interest rate environment, the amount of interest Home Savings
would receive on its loans would increase relatively slowly as loans are slowly
prepaid and new loans at higher rates are made, while the interest Home Savings
would pay on its deposits would increase rapidly because deposits generally have
shorter periods to repricing than loans.

                                      16
<PAGE>

       As with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain shortcomings
are inherent in the NPV approach. For example, although certain assets and
liabilities may have similar maturities or periods of repricing, they may react
in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest
rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of
changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag
behind changes in market rates. Further, in the event of a change in interest
rates, expected rates of prepayment on loans and early withdrawal levels from
certificates of deposit may deviate significantly from those assumed in making
risk calculations.

       The Board of Directors and management of Home Savings believe that
certain factors afford Home Savings the ability to operate successfully despite
its exposure to interest rate risk. Home Savings manages its interest rate risk
by maintaining capital well in excess of regulatory requirements. See "Liquidity
and Capital."

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL

       UCFC's liquidity, primarily represented by cash and cash equivalents, is
a result of its operating, investing and financing activities. These activities
are summarized below for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              1998               1997                1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                        <C>                  <C>                <C>
Net income                                                                 $  8,699             $13,047            $ 6,631
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities     5,754                 143               (676)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities                                    14,453              13,190              5,955
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities                         (71,048)             47,028            (20,539)
Net cash (provided by) used in financing activities                         192,606             (45,389)            (7,562)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents                                     136,011              14,829            (22,146)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                               34,497              19,668             41,814
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                   $170,508             $34,497            $19,668
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

       The principal sources of funds for UCFC and Home Savings are deposits,
loan repayments, maturities of securities and other funds provided by
operations. Home Savings also has the ability to borrow from the FHLB. While
scheduled loan repayments and maturing investments are relatively predictable,
deposit flows and early loan prepayments are more influenced by interest rates,
general economic conditions and competition. Investments in liquid assets
maintained by UCFC and Home Savings are based upon management's assessment of
(1) need for funds, (2) expected deposit flows, (3) yields available on
short-term liquid assets and (4) objectives of the asset and liability
management program. At December 31, 1998, approximately $271.6 million of Home
Savings' certificates of deposit were expected to mature within one year. Based
on past experience and Home Savings' prevailing pricing strategies, management
believes that a substantial percentage of such certificates will be renewed with
Home Savings at maturity, although there can be no assurance that this will
occur.

       OTS regulations presently require Home Savings to maintain an average
daily balance of investments in United States Treasury, federal agency
obligations and other investments in an amount equal to 4% of the sum of Home
Savings' average daily balance of net withdrawable deposit accounts and
borrowings payable in one year or less. The liquidity requirement is intended to
provide a source of relatively liquid funds upon which Home Savings may rely, if
necessary, to fund loan originations, deposit withdrawals or other short-term
funding needs. As of December 31, 1998 Home Savings' liquidity rate was 39.5%.

       Home Savings is required by OTS regulations to meet certain minimum
capital requirements, which must be generally as stringent as the requirements
established for banks. Current capital requirements call for tangible capital of
1.5% of adjusted tangible assets, core capital (which for Home Savings consists
solely of tangible capital) of 3.0% of adjusted total assets and risk-based
capital (which for Home Savings consists of core capital and general valuation
allowances) of 8% of risk-weighted assets (assets are weighted at percentage
levels ranging from 0% to 100% depending on their relative risk).

                                      17
<PAGE>

       The following table summarizes Home Savings' regulatory capital
requirements and actual capital at December 31, 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    EXCESS OF ACTUAL CAPITAL     APPLICABLE
                                    ACTUAL CAPITAL          CURRENT REQUIREMENT     OVER CURRENT REQUIREMENT        ASSET
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  AMOUNT        PERCENT     AMOUNT       PERCENT       AMOUNT       PERCENT         TOTAL
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                              <C>            <C>        <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
Tangible capital                 $299,617        26.80%    $16,767         1.50%      $282,850        25.30%     $1,117,800
Core capital                      299,617        26.80      33,534         3.00        266,083        23.80       1,117,800
Risk-based capital                305,919        51.51      47,513         8.00        258,406        43.51         593,914
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING DEVELOPMENTS

       A discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their
impact on UCFC's Consolidated Financial Statements is provided at pages 27 and
28 in Note 1 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS

       The following table presents summarized quarterly data for each of the
years indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Quarterly Financial Data
                                                                           (Unaudited)

                                       First             Second               Third             Fourth              Total
                                      Quarter            Quarter             Quarter            Quarter             Year
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
1998:
<S>                                   <C>                <C>                 <C>                 <C>               <C>
Total interest income                 $19,678            $21,017             $23,212             $21,974           $85,881
Total interest expense                  9,556              9,960               8,462               7,777            35,755
Net interest income                    10,122             11,057              14,750              14,197            50,126
Provision for loan
  loss allowances                         250                150                 100                 150               650
Noninterest income                        378                684                 745                 482             2,289
Noninterest expense                     6,095              6,263              18,613               7,246            38,217
Income taxes                            1,454              1,866              (1,196)              2,725             4,849
Net income (loss)                       2,701              3,462              (2,022)              4,558             8,699
Earnings (loss) per share:
    Basic                                 N/A                N/A               (0.06)               0.14             $0.08
    Diluted                               N/A                N/A               (0.06)               0.14             $0.08

1997:
Total interest income                 $20,001            $23,082             $20,040             $19,562           $82,685
Total interest expense                 10,211             10,165              10,089               9,998            40,463
Net interest income                     9,790             12,917               9,951               9,564            42,222
Provision for (recovery of) loan
  loss allowances                           0             (2,246)                  0                 700            (1,546)
Noninterest income                        298                376                 386                 504             1,564
Noninterest expense                     6,005              6,228               6,097               6,973            25,303
Income taxes                            1,360              3,187               1,338               1,097             6,982
Net income                              2,723              6,124               2,902               1,298            13,047
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      18
<PAGE>

YEAR 2000 ISSUE

       With the year 2000 approaching, there is concern that the change of date
could affect any system that relies on computers, computer software programs or
computer chips. Many computer systems have been designed to store and recognize
the year in two digits rather than four digits and to assume that the first two
digits are 19. Beginning in the year 2000, therefore, the possibility exists
that some computer systems may misinterpret "00" as 1900 instead of 2000. If not
remedied, such a scenario could expose Home Savings and UCFC to business risks
resulting from the interruption or shut-down of normal business operations.

       To prepare for the change, Home Savings formed a Year 2000 compliance
initiative committee to oversee all necessary corrective activities. A Year 2000
Project Plan was initiated to identify potential operational and business risks,
assess systems and equipment, perform and test all renovations, and implement
renovated systems. If the disruption of any system could inhibit Home Savings
from interacting with or serving its customers, then it has been identified as
"mission critical". The year 2000 compliance committee has determined that the
greatest potential impact upon Home Savings and UCFC is the effect of the year
2000 problem on Home Savings' core transaction processing system which is
managed by an outside data processing service bureau. The outside service
bureau, working in conjunction with Home Savings, has installed and successfully
tested a year 2000 compliant processing system.

       In addition to comprehensive internal preparations, Home Savings is
developing contingency plans for all "mission critical" systems which could be
disrupted by Y2K failures outside of its control. The impact of various external
failures is being analyzed, including disruption of utilities and essential
services. Alternative procedures are being developed, documented and tested
which would enable Home Savings to maintain delivery of products and services to
customers. Such contingency plans include automated and manual procedures for
controlling cash reserves, recording customer account transactions, providing
back-up voice and data communications, reacting to utility interruptions,
engaging external check processing services, ensuring adequate or increased
security levels, and maintaining other necessary daily operations.

       As of December 31, 1998, Home Savings had incurred costs of approximately
$204 thousand. Additional costs to complete this project are currently estimated
to be $181 thousand.

                                      19
<PAGE>

                                                    INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

[LOGO]


To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
United Community Financial Corp.

       We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial
condition of United Community Financial Corp. and subsidiary as of December 31,
1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31,
1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits. The financial statements of The Home Savings and
Loan Company of Youngstown, Ohio (subsidiary of United Community Financial
Corp.) for the year ended December 31, 1996 were audited by other auditors whose
report, dated February 28, 1997, expressed an unqualified opinion on those
statements.

       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 1998 and 1997 consolidated financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company
at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for the years then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


CLEVELAND, OHIO
January 29, 1999

                                      20
<PAGE>

                                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    December 31,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             1998                 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                         <C>               <C>
Assets
Cash and deposits with banks                                                               $   16,733         $   14,618
Federal funds sold and other                                                                  153,775             19,879
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total cash and cash equivalents                                                             170,508             34,497
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment securities:
  Available for sale (amortized cost of $110,294 and $39,091,
    respectively)                                                                             110,888             39,402
  Held to maturity (fair value of $5,016 and $5,013, respectively)                              4,993              4,968
Mortgage-backed securities:
  Available for sale (amortized cost of $98,357 and $61,626, respectively)                     98,890             62,416
  Held to maturity (fair value of $187,010 and $247,986, respectively)                        182,999            243,848
Loans, net (including allowance for loan losses of $6,398 and $5,982, respectively)           657,498            633,236
Federal Home Loan Bank stock                                                                   11,958             11,136
Premises and equipment                                                                          7,523              7,930
Accrued interest receivable                                                                     7,259              6,421
Real estate owned                                                                                  78                 55
Other assets                                                                                    4,711              1,084
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total assets                                                                           $1,257,305         $1,044,993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities
Deposits                                                                                   $  777,583         $  886,808
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance                                           3,954              3,715
Accrued interest payable                                                                          672                845
Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                                         10,451             12,272
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total liabilities                                                                         792,660            903,640
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock-no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized and unissued
  at December 31, 1998
Common stock--no par value; 499,000,000 shares authorized; 34,715,625
  shares issued--and 32,129,463 outstanding at December 31, 1998                              342,840
Retained earnings                                                                             146,934            140,636
Other comprehensive income                                                                        733                717
Unearned compensation                                                                         (25,862)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total stockholders' equity                                                                464,645            141,353
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                             $1,257,305         $1,044,993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                                      21
<PAGE>

                                               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 1998                1997               1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                             <C>                 <C>               <C>
Interest income
  Loans                                                         $53,063             $54,148           $48,586
  Mortgage-backed securities:
    Available for sale                                            4,351               5,122             6,871
    Held to maturity                                             15,344              19,024            21,988
  Investment securities:
    Available for sale                                            4,194               2,169             1,226
    Held to maturity                                                319                 843             1,780
  FHLB stock dividend                                               822                 766               695
  Other interest-earning assets                                   7,788                 613               603
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total interest income                                        85,881              82,685            81,749
Interest expense
  Interest expense on deposits                                   35,755              40,463            43,009
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income                                              50,126              42,222            38,740
Provision for (recovery of) loan loss allowances                    650              (1,546)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income after provision for
  (recovery of) loan loss allowances                             49,476              43,768            38,740
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noninterest income
  Service fees and other charges                                  1,186               1,092               755
  Net gains (losses):
    Mortgage-backed securities available for sale                   147                  80
    Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity                     106
    Investment securities available for sale                                                               45
    Other                                                           (68)                (34)              (45)
  Other income                                                      918                 426               536
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total noninterest income                                      2,289               1,564             1,291
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noninterest expenses
  Salaries and employee benefits                                 15,631              14,710            12,735
  Occupancy                                                       1,324               1,256             1,250
  Equipment and data processing                                   2,573               2,534             2,181
  Deposit insurance premiums                                        631                 588             2,033
  Federal deposit insurance special assessment                                                          5,903
  Franchise tax                                                   1,917               1,752             1,643
  Advertising                                                     1,181               1,045             1,000
  Other expenses                                                  3,116               2,811             2,715
  Charitable contributions                                       11,844                 607               608
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total noninterest expenses                                   38,217              25,303            30,068
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes                                       13,548              20,029             9,963
Income taxes                                                      4,849               6,982             3,332
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                      $ 8,699             $13,047           $ 6,631
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings Per Share
  Basic                                                         $           0.08
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Diluted                                                       $           0.08
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Average common shares outstanding                                   32,083,400
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                                      22
<PAGE>

                                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Accumulated
                                                                                  Other
                                                   Common      Retained        Comprehensive      Unearned
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)   Stock       Earnings           Income        Compensation       Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>             <C>              <C>               <C>
Balance January 1, 1996                                        $120,958          $ 1,335                          $122,293
Comprehensive income:
  Net income                                                      6,631                                              6,631
  Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on
    securities, net of taxes of $291                                                (793)                             (793)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income                                                                                                 5,838
Balance December 31, 1996                                       127,589              542                           128,131
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comprehensive income:
  Net income                                                     13,047                                             13,047
  Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on
    securities, net of taxes of $385                                                 175                               175
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income                                                                                                13,222
Balance December 31, 1997                                       140,636              717                           141,353
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comprehensive income:
  Net income                                                      8,699                                              8,699
  Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on
    securities, net of taxes of $395                                                  16                                16
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income                                                                                                 8,715

Issuance of 34,715,625 common shares            $342,602                                         $(26,773)         315,829
Shares distributed by ESOP trust                     238                                              911            1,149
Dividends paid, $0.075 per share                                 (2,401)                                            (2,401)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance December 31, 1998                       $342,840       $146,934           $  733         $(25,862)        $464,645
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                                      23
<PAGE>

                                          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             1998                1997               1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                         <C>                 <C>               <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
  Net income                                                                $  8,699            $ 13,047          $  6,631
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
    Provision for (recovery of) loan loss allowances                             650              (1,546)
    Net gains                                                                   (185)                (46)
    Accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums                       (1,425)             (1,090)           (1,499)
    Depreciation                                                               1,022               1,080             1,016
    FHLB stock dividends                                                        (822)               (766)             (695)
    (Increase) decrease in interest receivable                                  (838)                 43             1,319
    Decrease in interest payable                                                (173)               (155)              (18)
    Increase in post retirement benefit obligation                               320                 321               312
    (Increase) decrease in prepaid and other assets                           (3,627)                137              (182)
    (Decrease) increase in other liabilities                                  (2,151)              2,165              (929)
    Change in unearned compensation                                            1,149
    Charitable contribution of stock                                          11,834
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net cash provided by operating activities                               14,453              13,190             5,955
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities  
    Proceeds from principal repayments and maturities of:
    Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity                               66,328              42,885            46,034
    Mortgage-backed securities available for sale                             19,452              19,094            23,007
    Investment securities held to maturity                                                        23,000             2,000
    Investment securities available for sale                                  11,114               6,312             3,653
  Proceeds from sale of:
    Mortgage-backed securities available for sale                             13,145               3,065
    Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity                                2,764
    Investment securities available for sale                                                                        21,004
  Purchases of:
    Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity                               (8,047)                              (30,031)
    Mortgage-backed securities available for sale                            (69,119)                               (8,110)
    Investment securities available for sale                                 (82,466)            (30,876)           (7,544)
  Principal collected on loans                                               205,791             119,120           125,550
  Loans originated                                                          (229,485)           (133,357)         (194,650)
  Purchases of premises and equipment                                           (621)             (2,414)           (1,516)
  Other                                                                           96                 199                64
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities                    (71,048)             47,028           (20,539)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
  Net decrease in Now, Savings and Money Market Accounts                     (18,590)            (16,842)             (241)
  Net decrease of Certificates of Deposit                                    (90,637)            (28,410)           (6,554)
  Net increase (decrease) in advance payments by borrowers
    for taxes and insurance                                                      239                (137)             (767)
  Net proceeds from the sale or issuance of common shares                    303,995
  Dividends paid                                                              (2,401)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                    192,606             (45,389)           (7,562)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                             136,011              14,829           (22,146)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year                                  34,497              19,668            41,814
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year                                      $170,508            $ 34,497          $ 19,668
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                                      24
<PAGE>

                                      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

       The accounting policies of United Community Financial Corp., a unitary
savings and loan holding company (UCFC) and The Home Savings & Loan Company of
Youngstown, Ohio, a state chartered savings and loan company, (Home Savings),
conform to generally accepted accounting principles and prevailing practices
within the banking and thrift industry. A summary of the more significant 
accounting policies follows.

NATURE OF OPERATIONS
       UCFC was incorporated under Ohio law in February 1998 by Home Savings in
connection with the conversion of Home Savings from an Ohio mutual savings and
loan association to an Ohio capital stock savings and loan association, the
issuance of Home Savings' stock to UCFC and the offer and sale of UCFC's common
stock by UCFC (Conversion). Upon consummation of the Conversion on July 8, 1998,
UCFC became the unitary savings and loan holding company for Home Savings. The
business of Home Savings and, therefore, the primary business of UCFC is
providing consumer and business banking service to its market area in
northeastern Ohio. At the end of 1998, Home Savings was doing business through
14 full service banking branches. Loans and deposits are primarily generated
from the areas where banking branches are located. Home Savings' income is
derived predominantly from interest on loans, securities, and to a lesser
extent, noninterest income. Home Savings' principal expenses are interest paid
on deposits and normal operating costs. Home Savings' operations are principally
in the savings and loan industry. Consistent with internal reporting Home
Savings' operations are reported in one operating segment, which is retail
banking.

CONVERSION TO CAPITAL STOCK FORM OF OWNERSHIP
       UCFC issued 34,715,625 common shares in connection with the Conversion.
Gross proceeds from the offering were $347,156,250, which includes 2,677,250
shares issued to the United Community Financial Corp. Employee Stock Ownership
Plan and 1,183,438 shares sold to Home Savings for transfer to the Home Savings
Charitable Foundation. Conversion costs amounted to $4.6 million.

       Home Savings issued all its outstanding common stock to UCFC in exchange
for approximately one-half of the net proceeds. UCFC accounted for the purchase
in a manner similar to a pooling of interests whereby assets and liabilities of
Home Savings maintain their historical cost basis in the consolidated company.

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.

INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
       Securities are classified as available for sale or held to maturity upon
their acquisition. Securities classified as available for sale are carried at
estimated fair value with the unrealized holding gain or loss reflected as a
component of equity, net of taxes. Securities classified as held to maturity are
carried at amortized cost. Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest
income over the period to maturity by the level yield method. Realized gains or
losses on the sale of debt securities are recorded based on the amortized cost
of the specific securities sold. Security sales are recorded on a trade date
basis.

LOANS
       Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the
foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at their outstanding
unpaid principal balances. For balance sheet presentation, the balances are
presented net of deferred fees or costs on originated loans or unamortized
premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Discounts and premiums are accreted or
amortized using the interest method over the remaining period to contractual
maturity. Unamortized net fees or costs are recognized upon early repayment of
the loans. Unamortized net fees or costs on loans sold are included in the basis
of the loans in calculating gains and losses.

       Loans intended for sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated
market value determined on an aggregate basis. Net unrealized losses are
recognized through a valuation allowance by a charge to income. Gains or losses
on the sale of loans are determined under the specific identification method.

       A loan (including a loan impaired under SFAS No. 114) is classified as
nonaccrual when collectability is in doubt (this is generally when the borrower
is 90 days past due on contractual principal or interest payments). A loan may
be considered impaired, but remain on accrual status, when the borrower
demonstrates (by continuing to make payments) a willingness to keep the loan
current and by reducing the delinquency to less than 90 days. When a loan is
placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest is reversed and an allowance is
established by a charge to interest income equal to all accrued interest. Income
is subsequently

                                      25
<PAGE>

recognized only to the extent that cash payments are received. Cash
receipts received on impaired loans are generally applied first to escrow
requirements, then to delinquent interest, with any remainder to the principal
balance. Loans are returned to full accrual status when the borrower has the
ability and intent to make periodic principal and interest payments (this
generally requires that the loan be brought current in accordance with its
original contractual terms). Loans are classified as restructured when
concessions are made to borrowers with respect to the principal balance,
interest rate or the terms due to the inability of the borrower to meet the
obligation under the original terms.

       A loan is considered to be 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. In general, Home
Savings considers a loan on income-producing properties to be impaired when the
debt service ratio is less than 1.0 and it is not probable that all payments
will be received in accordance with contractual terms. Loans on non-income
producing properties are considered impaired whenever fair value of the
underlying collateral is less than book value of the outstanding loan. Home
Savings performs a review of all loans over $500 thousand to determine if the
impairment criteria have been met. If the impairment criteria have been met, a
reserve is calculated, including all collection costs, according to the
provisions of the SFAS No. 114. Most of Home Savings' loan portfolios are
excluded from the scope of SFAS No. 114 because the pronouncement is generally
not applicable to large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans such as
residential mortgage, and other consumer loans. For loans which are individually
not significant ($500 thousand or less) and represent a homogeneous population,
Home Savings evaluates impairment based on the level and extent of delinquencies
in the portfolio and Home Savings prior charge-off experience with those
delinquencies. Home Savings charges principal off at the earlier of (i) when a
total loss of principal has been deemed to have occurred as a result of the book
value exceeding the fair value, or (ii) when collection efforts have ceased.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
       The allowance for loan losses is established at a level believed adequate
by management to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio.
Management's determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based upon
estimates derived from an analysis of individual credits, prior and current loss
experience, loan portfolio delinquency levels, overall growth in the loan
portfolio and current economic conditions. Consequently, these estimates are
particularly susceptible to changes that could result in a material adjustment
to results of operations. The provision for loan losses represents a charge
against current earnings in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at
an appropriate level.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
       Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation
and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the
straight-line method over the useful lives (or term of the lease, if shorter) of
the related assets.

REAL ESTATE OWNED
       Real estate owned, including property acquired in settlement of
foreclosed loans, is carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less
estimated cost to sell after foreclosure. Costs relating to the development and
improvement of real estate owned are capitalized, whereas costs relating to
holding and maintaining the property are charged to expense.

LOAN FEES
       Loan origination fees received for loans, net of direct origination
costs, are deferred and amortized to interest income over the contractual lives
of the loans using the level yield method. Fees received for loan commitments
that are expected to be drawn, based on Home Savings' experience with similar
commitments, are deferred and amortized over the lives of the loans using the
level yield method. Fees for other loan commitments are deferred and amortized
over the loan commitment period on a straight-line basis. Unamortized deferred
loan fees or costs related to loans paid off are included in income. Unamortized
net fees or costs on loans sold are included in the basis of the loans in
calculating gains and losses. Amortization of net deferred fees is discontinued
for loans that are deemed to be nonperforming.

INCOME TAXES
       The provision for federal income taxes is based upon earnings reported
for financial statement purposes rather than amounts reported on Home Savings'
income tax returns. Deferred income taxes, which result from temporary
differences in the recognition of income and expense for financial statement and
tax return purposes, are included in the calculation of income tax expense. The
effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in income tax rates is
recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

       Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded  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, based on the weight of available evidence, when it is more likely
than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not 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.

                                      26
<PAGE>

EARNINGS PER SHARE
       Basic "Earnings Per Share" (EPS) is based on the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is based on the
weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents
outstanding during the year. See further discussion at Note 16.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
       Home Savings accrues estimated costs of retiree health care and life
insurance benefits over the years employees render the services necessary to
earn those benefits. Home Savings elected to recognize the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation when SFAS No. 106 "Employers' Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits other than Pensions" was adopted.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
       For purposes of the statement of cash flows, Home Savings considers all
highly liquid investments with a term of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES
       Home Savings' profitability depends to a large extent on its net interest
income, which is the difference between interest income from loans and
investments and interest expense on deposits. Like most financial institutions,
Home Savings' short-term interest income and interest expense are significantly
affected by changes in market interest rates and other economic factors beyond
its control. Home Savings' interest earning assets consist primarily of
long-term, fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgage loans and investments which
adjust more slowly to changes in interest rates than its interest bearing
liabilities which are deposits. Accordingly, Home Savings' earnings could be
adversely affected during periods of rising interest rates.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
       On January 1, 1997 Home Savings adopted SFAS No. 125. SFAS No. 125,
"Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment
of Liabilities." SFAS No. 125 provides consistent standards for distinguishing
transfers of financial assets that are sales from transfers that are secured
borrowings. The statement also defines accounting treatment for servicing assets
and other retained interests in the assets that are transferred. SFAS No. 125 is
effective for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of
liabilities occurring after December 31, 1996 and is required to be applied
prospectively. The adoption of this statement has not had a material effect on
Home Savings financial condition or results of operations. The Financial
Accounting Standards Board has issued SFAS No. 127, "Deferral of the Effective
Date of Certain Provisions of SFAS No. 125," that defers the effective date of
certain provisions of SFAS No. 125 related to secured borrowings and collateral,
repurchase agreements, dollar rolls, securities lending, and similar
transactions until after December 31, 1997. Management has determined that the
impact of adopting this statement is not material to the financial statements.

       On January 1, 1998, Home Savings adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income," which establishes standards for reporting and
presentation of comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses,
gains, and losses) in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. It
requires that all items that are required to be recognized under accounting
standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial
statement that is presented with the same prominence as other financial
statements. SFAS No. 130 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 1997. Reclassification of financial statements for earlier periods provided
for comparative purposes is required.

       On January 1, 1998, Home Savings adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." This statement establishes
standards for the way public business enterprises report information about
reportable operating segments in annual financial statements and requires those
enterprises to report selected information about operating segments in interim
financial reports issued to shareholders. It also establishes standards for
related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major
customers. This statement requires that a public enterprise report financial and
descriptive information about its operating segments. Operating segments are
components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is
available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in
deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Information
required to be disclosed includes segment profit or loss, certain specific
revenue and expense items, segment assets and certain other information. The
adoption of the statement did not change Home Savings' segment reporting. Home
Savings continues to report its operations as one industry segment, retail
banking.

       Home Savings adopted SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions
and Other Postretirement Benefits," in 1998. This statement standardizes the
disclosure for pensions and other postretirement benefits to the extent
practicable, requires additional information on changes in the benefit
obligations and fair values of plan assets that will facilitate financial
analysis, and eliminates certain disclosures that are no longer as useful as
they were when SFAS No. 87 "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," SFAS No. 88,
"Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit
Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits," and SFAS No. 106, "Employers'
Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," were issued. SFAS
No. 132 suggests combined formats for presentation of pension and other
postretirement benefit disclosures. It does not 

                                      27
<PAGE>

change the measurement or recognition of those plans. SFAS No. 132 is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Restatements of disclosures
for earlier periods provided for comparative purposes is required.

       In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative
instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities. It requires
that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the
statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value.
SFAS No. 133 is effective for financial statements for years beginning after
June 15, 1999. Management does not believe the adoption of this statement will
have a material impact on Home Savings' financial condition and results of
operations.

RECLASSIFICATIONS
       Certain  items in the  financial  statements  for 1997 and 1996 have been
reclassified  to  conform to the 1998 presentation.

2. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

       Federal Reserve Board regulations require depository institutions to
maintain certain minimum reserve balances. These reserves, which consisted of
vault cash and deposits at the Federal Reserve Bank, totaled approximately $3.7
million and $2.5 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

       Investment securities are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           DECEMBER 31, 1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           GROSS          GROSS
                                                        AMORTIZED       UNREALIZED      UNREALIZED        FAIR
                                                          COST             GAINS          LOSSES         VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                     <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>
Available for Sale
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Treasury and agency securities                     $ 28,045            $391            $          $ 28,436
Corporate notes                                           82,249             331             128         82,452
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total investment securities available for sale         110,294             722             128        110,888

Held to Maturity
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Treasury and agency securities                        4,993              23                          5,016
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total investment securities held to maturity             4,993              23                          5,016
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment securities                             $115,287            $745            $128       $115,904
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      28
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              December 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Gross          Gross
                                                        Amortized       Unrealized      Unrealized       Fair
                                                          Cost             Gains          Losses         Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                     <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Available for Sale
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Treasury and agency securities                      $25,072            $190                        $25,262
Corporate notes                                           14,019             121                         14,140
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total investment securities available for sale          39,091             311                         39,402

Held to Maturity
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Corporate notes                                            4,968              45                          5,013
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total investment securities held to maturity             4,968              45                          5,013
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment securities                              $44,059            $356                        $44,415
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

       The weighted average interest rate on investment securities was 6.01% and
6.39% at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The corporate notes consist
primarily of medium-term notes issued by corporations with investment grade
ratings.

       Investment securities available for sale by contractual maturity,
repricing or expected call date are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DECEMBER 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 AMORTIZED COST       FAIR VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                              <C>                  <C>
Due in one year or less                             $ 12,552           $ 12,600
Due after one year through five years                 97,742             98,288
Due after five years through ten years
Due after ten years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                             $110,294           $110,888
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

       Investment securities held to maturity by contractual maturity, repricing
or expected call date are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DECEMBER 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 AMORTIZED COST       FAIR VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                              <C>                   <C>
Due in one year or less                             $ 4,993            $  5,016
Due after one year through five years
Due after five years through ten years
Due after ten years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                             $ 4,993            $  5,016
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

       There were no sales of investment securities during the years ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997. Proceeds on sales of investment securities available
for sale were approximately 21.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1996.
There were realized gains of approximately $155 thousand and realized losses of
approximately $110 thousand for the year ended December 31, 1996. There were no
sales of investment securities held to maturity during the year ended December
31, 1996.

       Securities  pledged for public funds deposits were approximately $2.1
million and $3.8 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

                                      29
<PAGE>

4. MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

       Mortgage-backed securities were summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31, 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       GROSS          GROSS
                                                    AMORTIZED       UNREALIZED      UNREALIZED      FAIR
                                                      COST             GAINS          LOSSES        VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>
Available for Sale
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Participation certificates:
    Government agency issues                        $ 58,423          $  893           $ 55       $ 59,261
    Private issues                                     2,106                             77          2,029
  Collateralized Mortgage Obligations:
    Government agency issues                          13,075               5             34         13,046
    Private issues                                    24,753                            199         24,554
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total mortgage-backed securities
        available for sale                            98,357             898            365         98,890

Held to Maturity
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Participation certificates:
    Government and government agency issues          182,999           4,071             60        187,010
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total mortgage-backed securities              $281,356          $4,969           $425       $285,900
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
                                                                        December 31, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Gross          Gross
                                                    Amortized       Unrealized      Unrealized      Fair
                                                      Cost             Gains          Losses        Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>
Available for Sale
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Participation certificates:
    Government agency issues                        $ 59,304          $1,073           $205       $ 60,172
    Private issues                                     2,322                             78          2,244
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total mortgage-backed securities
        available for sale                            61,626           1,073            283         62,416

 Held to Maturity
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Participation certificates:
    Government and government agency issues          243,848           4,672            534        247,986
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total mortgage-backed securities            $305,474          $5,745           $817       $310,402
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      30
<PAGE>

       Mortgage-backed securities are classified by type of interest payment as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     December 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    1998                                   1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       AMORTIZED              FAIR               Amortized           Fair
                                                         COST                 VALUE                Cost              Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                    <C>                  <C>                 <C>                <C>
Available for Sale
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Adjustable rate:
    Private issues                                      $    571            $    571            $    757           $    757
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total adjustable rate                                571                 571                 757                757
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Fixed rate:
    Participation certificates:
      Government agency issues                            58,423              59,261              59,304             60,172
      Private issues                                       1,535               1,458               1,565              1,487
    Collateralized Mortgage Obligations:
      Government agency issues                            13,075              13,046
      Private issues                                      24,753              24,554
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total fixed rate                                  97,786              98,319              60,869             61,659
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total available for sale                        98,357              98,890              61,626             62,416
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Held to Maturity
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Adjustable rate:
    Participation certificates:
      Government agency Issues                               718                 712                 955                969
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total adjustable rate                                718                 712                 955                969
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Fixed rate:
    Participation certificates:
      Government and government agency issues            182,281             186,298             242,893            247,017
        Total fixed rate                                 182,281             186,298             242,893            247,017
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total held to maturity                         182,999             187,010             243,848            247,986
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total mortgage-backed securities                        $281,356            $285,900            $305,474           $310,402
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

       Proceeds on sales of mortgage-backed securities available for sale were
$13.1 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. There were realized gains of $147 thousand and $80 thousand for
the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and no realized losses
for 1998 or 1997. Proceeds on sales of mortgage-backed securities held to
maturity for the year ended December 31, 1998 were $2.8 million with an
amortized cost of $2.7 million. Mortgage-backed securities sold from the held to
maturity portfolio were less than 15% of the principal outstanding at
acquisition. There were realized gains of $106 thousand and no realized losses
for the year ended December 31, 1998. There were no sales of mortgage-backed
securities held to maturity during the year ended December 31, 1997. There were
no sales of mortgage-backed securities available for sale or held to maturity
during the year ended December 31, 1996.

                                      31
<PAGE>

5. LOANS

       Loans consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1998                1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>
Real Estate:
  Permanent:
    One-to-four family                               $516,767           $489,677
    Multifamily                                         8,172              8,944
    Non-residential                                    31,308             33,479
    Land                                                  190                285
  Construction:
    One-to-four family                                 25,691             24,044
    Multifamily and non-residential                       833                325
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total real estate                               582,961            556,754
Consumer                                               41,773             43,388
Commercial                                             75,085             59,897
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total loans                                     699,819            660,039
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less:
    Loans in process                                   31,026             16,485
    Allowance for loan losses                           6,398              5,982
    Deferred loan fees, net                             4,897              4,336
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                            42,321             26,803
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Loans, net                                   $657,498           $633,236
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

       Loans with adjustable rates included above totaled $161.1 million and
$180.6 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Substantially all
such loans have contractual interest rates that increase or decrease at periodic
intervals no greater than three years, or have original terms to maturity of
three years or less.  Adjustable-rate loans reprice primarily based upon U.S. 
Treasury security rates.

       Home Savings' primary lending area is within the northeast, Ohio. At
December 31, 1998 and 1997, substantially all of Home Savings' gross loans were
to borrowers in Ohio.

       Home Savings originates or purchases commercial real estate and business
loans. These loans are considered by management to be of somewhat greater risk
of uncollectibility than single-family residential real estate loans due to the
dependency on income production or future development of real estate. The
following table sets forth Home Savings' commercial non-residential real estate
portfolios by type of collateral.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1998                             1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         PERCENT                        Percent
                                        AMOUNT          OF TOTAL          Amount       of Total
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                    <C>              <C>              <C>           <C>
Strip shopping centers                 $ 1,614              5.16%        $ 1,736           5.19%
Office buildings                         8,230             26.29           9,160          27.36
Warehouses                              17,050             54.46          17,853          53.33
Hotel property                           4,111             13.12           4,373          13.06
Other                                      303              0.97             357           1.06
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                $31,308            100.00%        $33,479         100.00%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      32
<PAGE>

       Commercial real estate loans are typically collateralized by the
property. Commercial loans are collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory
and other assets used in the borrowers' business. Substantially all of the
consumer loans, including consumer lines of credit, are secured by equity in the
borrowers' residence.

       At December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, loans serviced for the benefit of
others, not included in the detail above, totaled $6.0 million, $6.6 million and
$7.0 million, respectively.

       Loan commitments are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is
no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments extend
over various periods of time with the majority of such commitments disbursed
within a ninety day period. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or
other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Commitments to
extend credit at fixed rates exposes Home Savings to some degree of interest
rate risk. Home Savings evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a
case-by-case basis. The type or amount of collateral obtained varies and is
based on management's credit evaluation of the potential borrower. Home Savings
normally has a number of outstanding commitments to extend credit. At December
31, 1998, there were outstanding commitments to originate $23.6 million of
fixed-rate mortgage loans and other loans (with interest rates that ranged from
6.5% to 9.0%), $1.0 million of adjustable-rate loans, all at market rates, and
$14.0 million of commercial loans. Terms of the commitments extend up to nine
months, but are generally less than two months.

       At December 31, 1998, there were also outstanding unfunded consumer lines
of credit of $19.6 million and commercial lines of credit of $1.8 million.
Substantially all lines of credit are adjustable-rate based on the one-year U.S.
Treasury index and are generally renewable on an annual basis. Home Savings does
not expect all of these lines to be used by the borrowers.

       Home Savings' business activity is principally with customers located in
Ohio. Except for residential loans in Home Savings' market area, Home Savings
has no other significant concentrations of credit risk.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
       Changes in the allowance for loan losses are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Year Ended December 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            1998           1997         1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                        <C>           <C>           <C>
Balance, beginning of year                                 $5,982        $ 5,040       $5,118
  Provision for (recovery of) loan loss allowances            650         (1,546)
  Amounts charged off                                        (270)          (446)         (85)
  Recoveries                                                   36          2,934            7
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of year                                       $6,398        $ 5,982       $5,040
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

       Nonperforming loans (loans 90 days past due and restructured loans)
were $7.6 million, $10.2 million and $9.8 million at December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996, respectively.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       As of or for the
                                                                                          Year Ended
                                                                                         December 31,
                                                                                   1998                1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                <C>                <C>
Impaired loans on which no specific valuation allowance was provided               $5,677             $9,340
Impaired loans on which specific valuation allowance was provided                      52                151
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total impaired loans at year-end                                                  5,729              9,491

Specific valuation allowances on impaired loans at year-end                            52                157
Average impaired loans during year                                                  6,830              8,390
Interest income recognized on impaired loans during the year                          343                544
Interest income potential based on original contract terms of impaired loans          349                585
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      33
<PAGE>

       Directors and officers of Home Savings are customers of the institution
in the ordinary course of business. Loans of directors and officers have terms
consistent with those offered to other customers. At December 31, 1998 and 1997,
loans to officers or directors of Home Savings totaled approximately $1.4
million and $1.3 million, respectively.

6. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

       Premises and equipment consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1998                1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                   <C>                <C>
Land and land improvements                            $ 1,952            $ 1,952
Buildings                                              10,103              9,992
Leasehold improvements                                    273                325
Furniture and equipment                                 5,221              4,773
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       17,549             17,042

Less allowances for depreciation and amortization      10,026              9,112
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                               $ 7,523            $ 7,930
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

7. DEPOSITS

       Deposits consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          1998                               1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Weighted                            Weighted
                                Amount         Average Rate         Amount         Average Rate
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                            <C>             <C>                 <C>             <C>
Checking accounts:
  Interest-bearing             $ 69,284           1.86%            $ 58,707            2.03%
  Noninterest-bearing             6,933                               5,387
Savings accounts                224,840           2.50              243,588            2.99
Money market accounts            44,764           2.57               56,727            2.99
Certificates of deposit         431,762           5.35              522,399            5.78
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total deposits               $777,583           4.02%            $886,808            4.56%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

       Interest expense on deposits is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   1998               1997                1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                              <C>                 <C>                <C>
Interest-bearing checking        $ 1,279             $ 1,165            $ 1,154
Savings accounts                   7,114               7,387              7,879
Money market accounts              1,340               1,741              2,094
Certificates of deposit           26,022              30,170             31,882
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                          $35,755             $40,463            $43,009
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      34
<PAGE>

       A summary of certificates of deposit by maturity follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             December 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                            <C>
Within 12 months                                                  $271,550
12 months to 24 months                                              83,246
24 months to 36 months                                              34,580
36 months to 48 months                                              26,576
Over 48 months                                                      15,810
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                                           $431,762
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

       At December 31, 1998, deposit accounts with balances of $100 thousand and
greater totaled approximately $37.6 million. Deposits in excess of $100 thousand
are not federally insured. Home Savings does not have brokered deposits for the
years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997.

8. INCOME TAXES

       The provision for federal income taxes consists of the following
components:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    1998               1997               1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                              <C>                  <C>                <C>
Current                          $  8,774             $6,807             $3,055
Deferred                           (3,925)               175                277
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                          $  4,849             $6,982             $3,332
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

       A reconciliation from tax at the statutory rate to the income tax
provision is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Year Ended December 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          1998                              1997                             1996
                                 Dollars         Rate              Dollars          Rate             Dollars         Rate
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                              <C>            <C>                <C>             <C>                <C>           <C>
Tax at statutory rate            $4,888         35.00%             $7,010          35.00%             $3,487        35.00%
Increase (decrease) due to:
  Other                             (39)         (.35)                (28)          (.14)               (155)       (1.55)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax provision             $4,849         34.65%             $6,982          34.86%             $3,332        33.45%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      35
<PAGE>

       Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as
follows. No valuation allowance was considered necessary for the years ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       December 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1998                1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                             <C>               <C>
Deferred tax assets:
  Charitable contribution                       $ 3,286
  Loan loss reserves                              2,239           $ 2,093
  Postretirement benefits                         2,776             2,676
  Deferred loan fees                              1,714             1,518
  Interest on non-accrual loans                     122               205
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net deferred tax assets                      10,137             6,492
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deferred tax liabilities:
  ESOP compensation                                 128
  Accelerated depreciation                          379               479
  Pension benefit obligations                       309               461
  Original issue discount                         1,637             1,408
  FHLB stock dividends                            2,374             2,093
  Post 1987 tax bad debts                         1,614             2,152
  Mark-to-market                                    394               385
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net deferred tax liabilities                    6,835             6,978
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net deferred tax asset (liability)          $ 3,302           $  (486)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
</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 Home Savings, 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 Home Savings' statement of income as income taxes were provided
for in prior years in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The pre-1988 reserve provisions are subject only to recapture requirements in
the case of certain excess distributions to, and redemptions of shareholders or
if Home Savings no longer qualifies as a "bank." Tax bad debt deductions
accumulated prior to 1988 by Home Savings are approximately $14.4 million. No
deferred income taxes have been provided on these bad debt deductions and no
recapture of these amounts is anticipated.

       In December 1998, Home Savings made a charitable contribution of
1,183,438 shares of UCFC stock to the Home Savings Charitable Foundation in the
amount of approximately $11.8 million. Charitable contributions can only be
deducted to the extent of 10% of Home Savings' taxable income for the period in
which the contribution is made. Any excess may be carried forward for a period
of five years to be offset against future taxable income. A deferred tax asset
in the amount of $3.3 million has been established to account for the
contribution carryforward. No valuation allowance is deemed necessary as it is
anticipated that Home Savings will have sufficient taxable income over the next
five years to fully utilize this carryforward amount.

9. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

DIVIDENDS
       UCFC's source of funds for dividends to its stockholders are earnings on
its investments and dividends from Home Savings. During the year ended December
31, 1998, UCFC paid dividends in the amount of $2.4 million. However Home
Savings primary regulator, the OTS has regulations that impose certain
restrictions on payments of dividends to UCFC.

                                      36
<PAGE>

       OTS regulations provide that an institution that exceeds all fully
phased-in capital requirements before and after a proposed capital distribution
could, after prior notice to the OTS (approval is not required), make capital
distributions during the calendar year of up to 100 percent of its net income to
date during the calendar year plus 50% of its surplus capital at the beginning
of the calendar year. Any capital distributions in excess of this amount would
require prior regulatory approval. During the year ended December 31, 1998, Home
Savings did not make any distributions.

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
       Other comprehensive income included in the Consolidated Statements of
Stockholders' Equity consists solely of unrealized gains and losses on available
for sale securities. The change in net unrealized gain on available for sale
securities includes reclassification adjustments to reclassify gains or losses
for sales of the related security of $96 thousand, $52 thousand and $29 thousand
for the year ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

LIQUIDATION ACCOUNT
       In accordance with federal regulations, at the time Home Savings
converted from a mutual savings and loan association to a capital stock savings
and loan association, Home Savings established a liquidation account which
amounted to approximately $141.4 million at the time of the conversion. The
liquidation account is maintained for the benefit of eligible account holders
who continue to maintain their accounts at Home Savings. The liquidation account
is reduced annually to the extent that eligible account holders have reduced
their qualifying deposits. Subsequent increases will not restore an eligible
account holders interest in the liquidation account. In the event of a complete
liquidation of Home Savings, each eligible account holder will be entitled to
receive a distribution from the liquidation account in an amount proportionate
to their current adjusted qualifying balance before any distribution may be made
to UCFC as the sole shareholder of Home Savings. Under current regulations, Home
Savings is not permitted to pay dividends on its stock if the effect would
reduce its regulatory capital below the liquidation account.

10. REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

       Home Savings is subject to various regulatory capital requirements
administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital
requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional
discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct
material effect on Home Savings' financial statements. The regulations require
Home Savings to meet specific capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory
framework for prompt corrective action that involve quantitative measures of
Home Savings' assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as
calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Home Savings' capital
classification is also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about
components, risk weightings, and other factors.

       Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital
adequacy require Home Savings to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Core and
Tangible capital (as defined in the regulations) to adjusted total assets (as
defined) and of total capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets (as defined).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        As of December 31, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Minimum            To Be Well Capitalized
                                                                                  Capital            Under Prompt Corrective
                                                    Actual                     Requirements            Action Provisions
                                            Amount         Ratio          Amount          Ratio        Amount         Ratio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>            <C>             <C>                <C>      <C>             <C>
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)    $305,919       51.51%          $47,513            8.00%    $59,391          10.00%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)    299,617       50.45                 *            *         35,635           6.00
Core (Tier 1) capital (to adjusted
  total assets)                             299,617       26.80            33,534            3.00%     55,890           5.00
Tangible capital (to adjusted
  tangible assets)                          299,617       26.80            16,767            1.50%          *           *
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      37
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         As of December 31, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Minimum            To Be Well Capitalized
                                                                                 Capital            Under Prompt Corrective
                                                   Actual                     Requirements             Action Provisions
                                            Amount         Ratio          Amount          Ratio        Amount         Ratio
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>       <C>               <C>
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)    $146,461       28.85%          $40,619          8.00%      $50,774          10.00%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)    140,636       27.70                 *             *        30,464           6.00
Core (Tier 1) capital (to adjusted
  total assets)                             140,636       13.47            31,322          3.00        52,203           5.00
Tangible capital (to adjusted
  tangible assets)                          140,636       13.47%           15,661          1.50%            *           *
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

*RATIO IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER REGULATIONS.

       As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Office of Thrift Supervision
categorized Home Savings as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for
Prompt Corrective Action. To be categorized as well capitalized, Home Savings
must maintain minimum Core, Tier 1 and total capital ratios as set forth in the
table above. There are no conditions or events since that notification that have
changed Home Savings' category.

       Management believes, as of December 31, 1998, that Home Savings meets all
capital requirements to which it is subject. Events beyond management's control,
such as fluctuations in interest rates or a downturn in the economy in areas in
which Home Savings' loans and securities are concentrated, could adversely
affect future earnings and, consequently, Home Savings' ability to meet its
future capital requirements.

11. BENEFIT PLANS

RETIREMENT PLANS
       Home Savings has a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially
all of its full-time employees. The benefits are based on years of service and
the employee's compensation during the last five years of employment.
Participants become 100% vested upon completion of five years of service. Home
Savings' funding policy is to contribute amounts to the plan sufficient to meet
the minimum funding requirements set forth in the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, plus such additional amounts as Home Savings may determine
to be appropriate from time to time. Contributions are intended to provide not
only for benefits attributed to service to date but also for those expected to
be earned in the future. As of December 31 1998, Home Savings amended the
defined benefit pension plan to freeze benefit accruals effective December 31,
1998. A curtailment gain recognized as a result of freezing the plan was not
significant.

OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
       In addition to Home Savings' retirement plans, Home Savings sponsors a
defined benefit health care plan that provides postretirement medical benefits
to full-time employees who have worked 15 years and attained age 60, or worked 5
years and attained age 65, while in service with Home Savings. The plan is
contributory and contains minor cost-sharing features such as deductibles and
coinsurance. In addition, postretirement life insurance coverage is provided for
employees who were participants prior to December 10, 1976. The life insurance
plan is non-contributory. Home Savings' policy is to pay premiums monthly, with 
no pre-funding.

       The weighted-average annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita
cost of coverage benefits (i.e., health care cost trend rate) used in the 1998
valuation was 8 percent and 1997 valuation was 9 percent and was assumed to
decrease 1 percent per year to 6 percent for the year 2000 and remain at that
level thereafter. The health care cost trend rate assumption has a significant
effect on the amounts reported. A one-percentage point change in assumed health
care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

                                      38
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1 Percentage        1 Percentage
                                                                                         Point Increase      Point Decrease
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                      <C>                 <C>
Effect on total of service and interest cost components                                       $  130             $  (98)
Effect on the postretirement benefit obligation                                               $1,100              $(880)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
                                                                              Year Ended December 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     1998                                  1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     DEFINED BENEFIT     POSTRETIREMENT     DEFINED BENEFIT  POSTRETIREMENT
                                                          PLAN                PLAN               PLAN             PLAN
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>                <C>              <C>
CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year                  $ 8,612            $ 5,250             $ 8,350          $ 4,785
Service cost                                                 435                229                 376              208
Interest cost                                                557                325                 530              332
Actuarial (gain)/loss                                      2,529               (110)               (585)              10
Benefit paid                                                (178)              (319)                (59)             (85)
Curtailment                                               (4,119)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benefit obligation at end of the year                    $ 7,836            $ 5,375             $ 8,612          $ 5,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year           $ 7,445                                $ 5,991
Actual return of plan assets                               1,016                                  1,013
Employer contribution                                        575                                    500
Benefits paid                                               (178)                                   (59)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of plan assets at end of the year             $ 8,858            $     0             $ 7,445          $     0
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funded status of the plan                                $ 1,022            $(5,375)            $(1,167)         $(5,250)
Unrecognized net (gain)/loss from past
  experience different from that assumed and
  effects of changes in assumptions                                          (2,249)              1,544           (2,028)
Prior service cost not yet recognized in net
  periodic pension cost                                                        (343)                367             (369)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Accrued)/prepaid pension cost included in
  other liabilities                                      $ 1,022            $(7,967)            $   744          $(7,647)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      39
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Year Ended December 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          1998                       1997                      1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  DEFINED       POST-        Defined      Post-       Defined       Post-
                                                  BENEFIT    RETIREMENT      Benefit   retirement     Benefit    retirement
                                                   PLAN         PLAN          Plan        Plan         Plan         Plan
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                               <C>        <C>             <C>       <C>            <C>        <C>
Service cost                                      $ 435         $ 229        $ 376        $ 208       $  357       $  189
Interest cost                                       557           325          530          332          544          316
Expected return on plan assets                     (609)                      (495)                     (525)

Net amortization of prior service cost               43           (26)         (92)         (26)        (118)         (26)
Recognized net actuarial loss/(gain)                 10          (123)          74         (108)          79         (102)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net periodic benefit cost                         $ 436         $ 405        $ 393        $ 406       $  337       $  377
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

       Assumption used in the valuations were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Year Ended December 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          1998                       1997                      1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  DEFINED       POST-        Defined      Post-       Defined       Post-
                                                  BENEFIT    RETIREMENT      Benefit   retirement     Benefit    retirement
                                                   PLAN         PLAN          Plan        Plan         Plan         Plan
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>        <C>             <C>       <C>            <C>        <C>
Weighted average discount rate                        5.50%     6.50%         7.00%       7.00%        7.25%        7.25%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels        N/A       N/A           6.00        N/A          6.00         N/A
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets      8.00      N/A           8.00        N/A          8.00         N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

       The prior service cost is being amortized using the straight-line method
over the average remaining service period of participants expected to receive
benefits.

401(k) SAVINGS PLAN
       Home Savings also sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) savings plan,
which covers substantially all employees. Under the provisions of the plan, Home
Savings' matching contribution is discretionary and may be changed from year to
year. For 1998 and 1997, Home Savings' match was 25% of pre-tax contributions,
up to a maximum of 6% of the employees' base pay. In addition, in 1997 and 1996
Home Savings paid a 1% discretionary contribution to all employees who were
eligible to participate in the plan. Also in 1996, Home Savings implemented a
discretionary profit sharing pool as a part of the 401(k) plan which is based
upon a formula involving the average net income of Home Savings over a three
year period. Participants become 100% vested in Home Savings contributions upon
completion of five years of service. For the years ended 1998, 1997 and 1996,
the expense related to this plan was approximately $134 thousand, $468 thousand
and $513 thousand, respectively.

EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
       In conjunction with the conversion, UCFC established an Employee Stock
Ownership Plan (ESOP) for the benefit of the employees of UCFC and Home Savings.
All full-time employees who meet certain age and years of service criteria are
eligible to participate in the ESOP. An ESOP is a tax-qualified retirement plan
designed to invest primarily in the stock of UCFC. The ESOP borrowed $26.8
million from UCFC to purchase 2,677,250 shares in conjunction with the
conversion. The term of the loan will be 15 years and will be repaid primarily
with contributions from Home Savings to the ESOP.

                                      40
<PAGE>

       The loan is collateralized by the shares of common stock held by the
ESOP. As the note is repaid, shares are released from collateral based on the
proportion of the payment in relation to total payments required to be made on
the loan. The shares released from collateral are then allocated to participants
on the basis of compensation as described in the plan. Compensation expense is
determined by multiplying the per share market price of UCFC's stock during the
period by the number of shares to be released. UCFC recognized approximately
$1.3 million in compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 1998
related to the ESOP. Unallocated shares are considered neither outstanding
shares for computation of basic earnings per share nor potentially dilutive
securities for computation of diluted earnings per share. Dividends on
unallocated ESOP shares are reflected as a reduction in the loan (and Home
Savings' contribution is reduced accordingly). Shares released or committed to
be released for allocation during the year ended December 31, 1998 totaled
91,088. Shares remaining not released or committed to be released for allocation
at December 31, 1998 totaled 2,586,162 and had a market value of approximately
$39.8 million. No shares have been specifically allocated as of December 31,
1998.

12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

       The estimated fair values of financial instruments have been determined
by Home Savings using available market information and appropriate valuation
methodologies. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to
develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein
are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Home Savings could realize in
a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or
estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value
amounts.

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE AND PAYABLE AND ADVANCE
PAYMENTS BY BORROWERS FOR TAXES AND INSURANCE--The carrying amounts as reported
in the Statements of Financial Condition are a reasonable estimate of fair value
due to their short-term nature.

MORTGAGE-BACKED AND INVESTMENT SECURITIES--Fair values are based on quoted
market prices, dealer quotes and prices obtained from independent pricing
services.

LOANS--The fair value is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using
the current market rates for loans of similar maturities with adjustments for
market and credit risks.

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK STOCK--The fair value is estimated to be the carrying
value, which is par. All transactions in the capital stock of the Federal Home
Loan Bank are executed at par.

DEPOSITS--The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and money market
deposit accounts is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair
value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using rates
currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

LIMITATIONS--Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on
relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.
These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from
offering for sale at one time Home Savings' entire holdings of a particular
financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of Home
Savings' financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments
regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk
characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These
estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of
significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes
in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

       Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off balance sheet
financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated
future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered
financial instruments. For example, a significant asset not considered a
financial asset is premises and equipment. In addition, tax ramifications
related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a
significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any
of the estimates.

       The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent
information available to management as of December 31, 1998 and 1997. Although
management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the
estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively
revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date and,
therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the
amounts presented herein.

                                      41
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31, 1998                        December 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       CARRYING              FAIR               Carrying             Fair
                                                         VALUE               VALUE                Value              Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                    <C>                  <C>                 <C>                <C>
ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents                             $170,508            $170,508            $ 34,497           $ 34,497
  Investment securities:
    Held to maturity                                       4,993               5,016               4,968              5,013
    Available for sale                                   110,888             110,888              39,402             39,402
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES:
    Held to maturity                                     182,999             187,010             243,848            247,986
    Available for sale                                    98,890              98,890              62,416             62,416
  Loans                                                  657,498             668,600             633,236            640,354
  Federal Home Loan Bank stock                            11,958              11,958              11,136             11,136
  Accrued interest receivable                              7,259               7,259               6,414              6,414
LIABILITIES:
  Deposits:
  Checking, savings and money
    market accounts                                      345,821             345,821             364,409            364,409
    Certificates of deposit                              431,762             434,716             522,399            522,051
  Advance payments by borrowers
    for taxes and insurance                                3,954               3,954               3,715              3,715
  Accrued interest payable                                   672                 672                 845                845
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

13. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE

     Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Year Ended December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    1998                1997               1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                <C>                 <C>                <C>
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
  Cash paid during the year for:
    Interest on deposits and borrowings                            $35,928             $40,618            $43,026
    Income taxes                                                     9,100               5,500              4,425
Supplemental schedule of noncash activities:
    Loans exchanged for mortgage-backed securities                                                            224
    Transfers from loans to real estate owned                          191                 372                 71
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

14. SAVINGS ASSOCIATION INSURANCE FUND ASSESSMENT

       On September 30, 1996, the President signed into law an omnibus
appropriations act for fiscal year 1997 that included, among other things, the
recapitalization of the SAIF in a section entitled the Deposit Insurance Funds
Act of 1996 (ACT). The Act included a provision where all insured depository
institutions would be charged a one-time special assessment on their SAIF
assessable deposits as of March 31, 1995. Home Savings recorded a pretax charge
of $5.9 million ($3.8 million after tax), which represented 65.7 basis points of
the March 31, 1995 assessable deposits. This charge was recorded upon enactment
of the Act on September 30, 1996, and paid on November 29, 1996. The annual
deposit insurance rate in effect after this recapitalization has been reduced to
6.5 basis points of insured deposits.

                                      42
<PAGE>

15. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION                     DECEMBER 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                            <C>
ASSETS
  Cash and deposits with banks                                  $         98
  Federal funds sold and other                                       138,815
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total cash and cash equivalents                                  138,913
Note receivable                                                       26,235
  Investment in subsidiary                                           300,350
  Other assets                                                            20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total assets                                                    $465,518
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities                            $    873
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total liabilities                                                    873
Total stockholders' equity                                           464,645
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                      $465,518
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME                                  DECEMBER 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                            <C>
INCOME
  Interest income                                                    $ 3,711
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total income                                                       3,711
EXPENSES
  Interest expense                                                       883
  Other expenses                                                         273
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total expenses                                                     1,156
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes                                             2,555
Income taxes                                                           1,040
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before undistributed net earnings of subsidiary                 1,515
Equity in undistributed net earnings of subsidiary                     7,184
    Net income                                                      $  8,699
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      43
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS                                      DECEMBER 31, 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                    <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income                                                               $   8,699
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
  operating activities:
    Equity in earnings of the subsidiary                                      (7,184)
    Increase in other assets                                                     (20)
    Increase in other liabilities                                                873
    Issuance of stock for Charitable Foundation                               11,834
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net cash provided by operating activities                               14,202
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Purchase of capital stock of subsidiary                                   (177,218)
  ESOP loan repayment                                                            335
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net cash used in investing activities                                 (176,883)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Net proceeds from the sale or issuance of common shares                    303,995
  Dividends paid                                                              (2,401)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net cash provided by financing activities                              301,594
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents                                        138,913
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR                                       0
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR                                     $ 138,913
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

16. EARNINGS PER SHARE

       For the purpose of computing weighted average shares outstanding, shares
issued in the conversion on July 8, 1998 were assumed to have been outstanding
since July 1, 1998. Earnings per share for all prior periods are not presented
as there was no common stock issued or outstanding for the years ended December
31, 1997 and 1996. Earnings per share has been computed for the year ended
December 31, 1998 as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
                                                       EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>
BASIC:
  Net income applicable to common stock*                        $ 2,536
  Average common shares outstanding                              32,083
    Net income per common share--basic                          $  0.08
DILUTED :
  Net income applicable to common stock*                        $ 2,536
  Average common shares outstanding                              32,083
    Net income per common share--diluted                        $  0.08
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

*NET INCOME IS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 12/31/98.

                                      44

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT 21

                                  SUBSIDIARIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Name                                  State of Incorporation
- -----                                 -----------------------
<S>                                   <C>
The Home Savings and Loan Company              Ohio
     of Youngstown, Ohio

</TABLE>









<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 9
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF UNITED COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CORP. AS OF
AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                          16,733
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                               0
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                               153,775
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                     0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                    209,778
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                         187,992
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                           192,026
<LOANS>                                        657,498
<ALLOWANCE>                                      6,398
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,257,305
<DEPOSITS>                                     777,583
<SHORT-TERM>                                         0
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                             15,077
<LONG-TERM>                                          0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       342,840
<OTHER-SE>                                     121,805
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>               1,257,305
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                 53,063
<INTEREST-INVEST>                               24,208
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                 8,610
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                85,881
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                              34,872
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              35,755
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                           50,126
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                      650
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                 253
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                 38,217
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 13,548
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                      13,548
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     8,699
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.08
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.08
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    4.33
<LOANS-NON>                                      5,729
<LOANS-PAST>                                         0
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                 1,832
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                 5,982
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                    (270)
<RECOVERIES>                                        36
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                                6,398
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                             6,398
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                              0
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT 99


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT FROM PACKER, THOMAS & CO.






TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE HOME SAVINGS AND LOAN COMPANY
OF YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO




We have audited the statement of financial condition of The Home Savings and
Loan Company of Youngstown, Ohio as of December 31, 1996, and the related
statements of income, equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.

We conducted our audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of The Home Savings and Loan
Company of Youngstown, Ohio at December 31, 1996, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.




Packer, Thomas & Co.

Youngstown, Ohio
February 28, 1997



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