ZACHARY BANCSHARES INC
10KSB, 1998-03-27
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
Previous: ZACHARY BANCSHARES INC, DEFA14A, 1998-03-27
Next: OLD POINT FINANCIAL CORP, 10-K405, 1998-03-27



               SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                     COMMISSION Washington,
                     D.C. 20549
                           FORM 10-KSB
      Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
             the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the
               Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1997
      Zachary Bancshares, Inc.          0-13397
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)  (Comm. File No.)
                 Louisiana                     72-0981148
(State or other jurisdiction    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
of Incorporation or Organization)
       4700 Main Street
         P. O. Box 497
      Zachary, Louisiana                          70791
(Address of principal executive offices)         (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including area code:  (504) 654-2701
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                 Common Stock, $10.00 Par Value
                       (Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, during the preceding 12  months  (or  for such shorter 
period that the registrant  was required to file such reports), and (2) has
been subject to  such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
  Yes  X  No    .
Indicate  by  check mark whether disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to 
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be con
tained, to the best  of  the Registrant's knowledge,  in  definitive proxy or
other information  statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this 
Form 10-KSB or  any amendments to this Form 10-KSB______.

The registrant's revenues for the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1997 were 
$6,131,150.

State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates*  
of the registrant:  $3,696,680 (184,834 Shares @ $20 per share).

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of 
common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 
Common stock $10 Par Value, 193,667 shares outstanding as  of March 1, 1998.
              Documents Incorporated by Reference
          Document                               Part of Form 10-KSB
Annual Report for Fiscal Year                   Part I and Part II
  Ended December 31, 1997
Definitive Proxy Statement for 1998            Part I and Part III
  Annual Meeting of Stockholders
  
*For purposes of the computation, shares owned by executive officers, 
directors and 5% shareholders have been excluded.




                             10-KSB Index

                                Part I
Item 1    Description of Business.................................    1
          Supplemental Financial Information:
           Average Balance Sheets and Interest Yield Analysis.....    5
           Interest Differential .................................    6
           Securities Portfolio..................................     7
           Loan Portfolio........................................     8
           Non-Performing Loans..................................     9
           Summary of Loan Loss Experience.......................     10
           Deposits..............................................     11
           Return on Equity and Assets...........................     12

Item 2    Description of Properties..............................     12

Item 3    Legal Proceedings......................................     12

Item 4    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders....     13


                            Part II
                               
                               
Item 5    Market for the Registrant's Common Stock
            and Related Stockholder Matters.......................    14
Item 6    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations...................     14

Item 7    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data............     14

Item 8    Disagreements on Accounting and Financial Disclosures..     14

                           Part III                         
                              
Item 9    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.....     15

Item 10   Executive Compensation.................................     15

Item 11   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
           and Management........................................     15

Item 12   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.........     15

                            Part IV                              
                               
Item 13   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports
           on Form 8-K...........................................     16
            Management's Responsibility for Financial Reporting..     17
            Signatures...........................................     18



                            Part I

Item 1.   Description of Business

The Registrant

Zachary Bancshares, Inc., (the "Corporation") was incorporated in Louisiana  
on October 10, 1983.  At the annual shareholders meeting on  April  11, 1984,
the shareholders  of the  Bank  of Zachary  (the  "Bank")  approved a merger
agreement  pursuant  to which  Consolidated Bank of Louisiana,a wholly-owned 
subsidiary of Zachary Bancshares, Inc., was merged into the Bank.  On May 17,
1984, the Bank was merged into Consolidated Bank of Louisiana and the sur
viving Bank, Bank of Zachary, became a  wholly-owned subsidiary  of  Zachary
Bancshares, Inc., through  a  one-for-one exchange for all of the outstanding
common stock of the Bank. The reorganization was accounted for as a pooling-
of-interests. Zachary Bancshares, Inc. is now engaged, through its sub
sidiary, in the banking business.  The Bank is the Corporation's principal
asset and primary source of revenue.

The Bank

The Bank of Zachary was incorporated under the laws of the State of Louisiana
on March 15, 1904, and was licensed by the Louisiana State Banking Department
and commenced operations as a Louisiana State chartered bank on July 2, 1904.
The Bank's  securities consist  of  one class, common stock, of which there 
were 72,000 shares held 100%, by its parent, Zachary Bancshares, Inc. since 
May 17, 1984.

The Bank presently has a main office at 4700 Main Street, Zachary, East Baton
Rouge Parish, Louisiana and two branch offices.  One branch is located at 
2210 Highway 64, Zachary, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana and the second
branch is located at 13444 Hooper Road, Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish,
Louisiana.   As further discussed in Item  2, Description of Properties, the 
Bank has entered into a contract to construct  a new main office facility in
Zachary, Louisiana.

Bank  of Zachary is engaged in primarily the same business operations as any 
independent commercial bank, with special emphasis in retail banking, includ
ing the acceptance of checking and savings deposits, and the making of com
mercial,  real  estate, personal, home improvement, automobile and other  
installment and term loans.  It also offers, among services, travelers' 
cheques, safe  deposit boxes, note collection, and other  customary  bank 
services to its customers, with the exception of trust services. In addition,
the Bank offers drive-up teller services and night depository  facilities.  
Bank of Zachary is insured under the Federal  Deposit Insurance Act but is 
not a member of the Federal Reserve System.

The  three main areas in which the Bank has directed its lendable assets  are 
(1) real estate construction and mortgage loans;  (2) loans  to  individuals 
for household, family and other  consumer expenditures;  and (3) commercial 
and industrial loans.   As of December 31, 1997, these three categories 
accounted for approximately 82%, 7%, and 11%, respectively, of the Bank's
loan portfolio. (See Note D to the financial statements for a detailed 
analysis of the loan portfolio.)

                               1
                               
The majority of the Bank's deposits are attracted from individuals and small 
business-related  sources.   The average deposit balance is relatively small;
however, this makes the Bank less subject to the adverse effects from the 
loss of a substantial depositor who may be seeking higher yields in other 
markets or have need  of money otherwise  on deposit in the Bank. In addition
to the deposits mentioned above, the Bank is a depository for some local 
governments as well as other governmental agencies. The time deposit balances
of all public   funds  were $7,371,073  and demand deposits of $7,293,823 as 
of December 31, 1997.  These depositors are considered by management to be of
importance to the Bank.  Although no agreement or understanding exists 
between these customers and the Bank, management has no reason to believe 
that these time deposit balances will substantially  decrease  or increase. In
connection with the deposits  of these public funds, the Bank is required  to
pledge securities to secure such deposits.

As of December 31, 1997, the Bank had a total of 3,768 accounts representing
non-interest bearing demand deposits and NOW accounts with a total balance of
$24,759,233; 199 accounts representing money market accounts with a total 
balance of $4,639,948;  1,068 savings accounts with a total balance of
$7,809,647;  and 1,068 other time deposit accounts with a total balance of 
$31,971,944.  There are no securities held by the Bank that are subject to 
repurchase agreements.

The Bank holds no patents, registered trademarks, licenses (other than 
licenses required to be obtained from appropriate bank regulatory agencies), 
franchises or concessions.  There has  been no  significant  change in the
kinds of services offered by the Bank during the last three fiscal years.

The Bank has not engaged in any research activities relating to the develop
ment of new services or the improvement of existing services  except in the 
normal course of the business activities. The  Bank  presently has no plans 
for any new line of business requiring the investment of a material amount to
total assets.

Most of the Bank's business originates from within East Baton Rouge Parish, 
Louisiana; however, some business is obtained  from the  parishes immediately
surrounding East Baton Rouge Parish. There has been no material effect upon 
the Bank's capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position as a 
result of federal, state, or local environmental regulations.

Competition

The Bank's general market area which is East Baton Rouge Parish and the
Feliciana Parishes has a population approximating 400,000 people. The primary
market of the Bank is the City of Zachary with a population of approximately
9,000 people.  This is the location of the main office and one ofits two 
branches. The secondary marketing area is the northern portion of East Baton 
Rouge Parish, where the Central branch is located.

East Baton Rouge Parish, in which the City of Zachary is located, contains in
excess of 150 banking offices.  In the primary market area, there are two 
major regional banks aggressively pursuing loans, deposits and other accounts.

Interest rates on loans made and deposits received were mostly deregulated by
law in 1983, but are substantially the same among banks operating in the area
served.  Competition among banks  for loan customers is generally governed by

                               2
                               
such factors as loan terms, interest charges, restrictions on borrowers and
compensating  balances, and the services offered by the Bank. Competition for
deposits is governed primarily by the services offered, including convenience
of location.

Federal legislation has broadened significantly the powers of savings and 
loan institutions with the result that such institutions may now engage in 
certain activities formerly permitted only to banks. The Bank has experienced
no major effects from this legislation at this time.

Employees

The Bank has approximately 37 full time employees, and 7 parttime employees.
Management considers its relationship with  the employees to be good.

Supervision and Regulation

Zachary Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company within the meaning of the 
Bank  Holding Company Act of 1956 (the "Act"), as amended, is subject to the
provisions of the Act and to regulation by the Board of Governors of the
Federal  Reserve System (the "Board").

The Act requires Zachary Bancshares, Inc. to file with the Board an  annual  
report containing such information as the Board may require.  The Board is 
authorized by the Act to examine  the Corporation and all of its activities.  
The activities that may be engaged in by the Corporation and its subsidiaries 
are limited by  the Act to those so closely related to banking or managing or 
controlling banks as to be a proper incident  thereto. In determining whether 
a particular activity is a proper incident to banking or managing or control
ling banks, the Board must consider whether its performance by an affiliate 
of a holding company  can reasonably  be   expected to  produce  benefits to
the public, such  as greater convenience, increased competition, or gains  in
efficiency that outweigh possible adverse effects, such as undue concentra
tion of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest, or
unsound banking practices.

The Board has adopted regulations implementing the provisions of the Act with
respect to the activities of bank holding companies. Such regulations reflect
a determination by the Board that the following activities are permissible 
for bank holding companies: (1)  making, for its own account or for the
account of others, loans such as would be made, for example, by a mortgage, 
finance or factoring company; (2) operating as an industrial bank; (3) ser
vicing loans;  (4) acting as a fiduciary; (5)  acting as an investment or 
financial advisor, including acting in such capacity for a mortgage invest
ment trust or real estate investment trust; (6) leasing personal or real pro
perty, where the lease is to serve as the functional equivalent of an exten
sion of credit to the lessee of the property; (7) investing in  community  
welfare corporations or projects; (8) providing bookkeeping and data proces
sing services for a bank holding company and its subsidiaries, or storing and
processing  certain other banking, financial, or related economic data; (9) 
acting as an insurance agent, principally insurance issued in connection with  
extensions of credit by the holding company or any  of  its subsidiaries;  
(10) underwriting credit life and credit accident and health insurance 
related to extensions of credit; (11) providing courier services for docu
ments and papers related to banking

                               3
                               
transactions; (12) providing management consulting advice to nonaffiliated  
banks; and (13) selling money orders, travelers cheques and U.S. Savings 
Bonds.  In each case, the Corporation must secure the approval of the Board 
prior to engaging in any of these activities.

Whether or not a particular non-banking activity is permitted under the Act,
the Board is authorized to require a holding company to terminate any acti
vity or divest itself of any nonbanking subsidiary if in its judgment the
activity or subsidiaries would be unsound.

Under the Act and the Board's regulations, a bank holding company and its 
subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in certain tiein  arrangements in 
connection with any extension of credit or provision of any property or ser
vices.

In addition to the limitations of Louisiana law with respect to the ownership
of banks, as described below, the ownership or control of voting shares of a 
second bank by a bank holding company such as Zachary Bancshares, Inc. is
restricted by the Act unless the prior approval of the Board is obtained.  
The Act prohibits the Board from approving an application from a bank holding
company to acquire shares of a bank located outside the state in which the  
operations of the holding company's subsidiaries  are principally conducted, 
unless such an acquisition is specifically authorized by statute of the state 
in which the Bank whose shares are to be acquired is located.

Under the Louisiana Bank Holding Company Act of 1962, as amended (the
"Louisiana Act"), one-bank holding companies are authorized to operate in 
Louisiana provided the activities of the nonbanking subsidiaries  are limited
to the ownership of real estate and improvements, computer services, equipment
leasing  and  other directly  related  banking activities. The Louisiana Act,
as amended  in 1984, authorizes multi-bank holding companies  within the  
state.  The State Commissioner of Financial Institutions  is authorized to 
administer the Louisiana Act by the issuance of orders and regulations.

In addition, Louisiana banking laws were changed in 1985 and 1986 to  allow 
interparish banking, limited statewide branching began January 1, 1987, and  
regional banking began July 1, 1987. These changes have allowed Louisiana and 
the regional banks and other financial institutions to engage in a wider range
of activities than were previously allowed to such institutions. Also, effec
tive January 1, 1989, Louisiana's reciprocal interstate  banking law allowed 
bank holding companies domiciled in  any state of the United States to acquire
Louisiana banks and bank  holding  companies, if the state in which the bank  
holding company is domiciled allows Louisiana banks and bank holding com
panies the same opportunities.

The Bank is subject to regulation and regular examination by the Federal  
Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of Financial Institutions of the
State of Louisiana.   Applicable regulations relate to reserves, investments,
loans, issuance of securities, establishment of branches and other aspects  
of its operations.

Statistical Information

The following data contains information concerning the business and opera
tions of Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiary, Bank  of Zachary.  This
information should be read in conjunction with  the  Financial Statements and
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.

                               4
            Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary
                               
       AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATE ANALYSIS
                               
        for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                               
                               
                                                    1997
                                                  INTEREST   AVERAGE
                                      AVERAGE      INCOME/   YIELD/
                                      BALANCE      EXPENSE    RATE

ASSETS
Interest Earning Deposits and
  Reserve Funds Sold               $ 2,079,000   $  112,694   5.42%
Securities
  Taxable                           28,156,000    1,758,344   6.25
Loans-Net                           40,690,000    3,601,644   8.85
     Total Earning Assets           70,925,000   $5,472,682   7.72


Allowance for Loan Losses             (809,000)
Nonearning Assets                    5,180,000
     Total Assets                  $75,296,000

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FHLB Borrowings                    $     -           -          -
Savings and NOW Accounts            19,809,000     589,931    2.98
Insured Money Market Accounts        4,964,000     107,307    2.16
Certificates of Deposit             28,770,000   1,451,009    5.04
    Total Interest Bearing
      Liabilities                  53,543,000    2,148,247    4.01%

Demand Deposits                    13,269,000
Other Liabilities                     562,000
Stockholders' Equity                7,922,000
    Total Liabilities and
      Stockholders' Equity        $75,296,000


Net Interest Income - Tax Equivalent Basis       3,324,435
Tax Equivalent Adjustment                            -
     Net Interest Income                        $3,324,435

Net Interest Income - Spread                                   3.71%

Net Interest Income as a % of Total Earning Assets             4.69%


                               5
                               
                               
                                                    1996
                                                  INTEREST   AVERAGE
                                    AVERAGE       INCOME/    YIELD/
                                    BALANCE       EXPENSE     RATE

ASSETS
Interest Earning Deposits and
  Reserve Funds Sold               $ 2,773,000   $  147,658   5.32%
Securities
  Taxable                           33,224,000    2,033,691   6.12
Loans-Net                           33,645,000    2,938,522   8.73
     Total Earning Assets           69,642,000   $5,119,871   7.35

Allowance for Loan Losses             (821,000)
Nonearning Assets                    4,735,000
     Total Assets                  $73,556,000


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FHLB Borrowings                    $    13,000          777   5.98
Savings and NOW Accounts            19,065,000      563,929   2.96
Insured Money Market Accounts        5,155,000      102,286   1.98
Certificates of Deposit             28,592,000    1,459,288   5.10
    Total Interest Bearing
      Liabilities                  52,825,000     2,126,280   4.03%

Demand Deposits                    13,042,000
Other Liabilities                     567,000
Stockholders' Equity                7,122,000 
  Total Liabilities and
      Stockholders' Equity        $73,556,000

Net Interest Income - Tax Equivalent Basis        2,993,591
Tax Equivalent Adjustment                            -
    Net Interest Income                          $2,993,591

Net Interest Income - Spread                                    3.32%

Net Interest Income as a % of Total Earning Assets              4.30%


            Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary
                               
                     INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL
                               
             for the year ended December 31, 1997
                               
                                                       
                               
                               
                                              1997 Over 1996
                                        CHANGE              TOTAL
                                      ATTRIBUTABLE          INCREASE
                                    VOLUME       RATE      (DECREASE)

Interest Earning Assets:
  Reserve Funds Sold             $ (37,329)  $  2,365      $  (34,964) 
  Securities                      (314,349)    39,002        (275,347)
  Loans                            618,888     44,234         663,122
      Total Interest Income        267,210     85,601         352,811


Interest Bearing Liabilities:
  Bank Borrowings                     (777)      -               (777)
  Savings and NOW Accounts          22,106      3,896          26,002
  Insured Money Market Accounts     (4,020)     9,041           5,021
  Certificates of Deposit            8,977    (17,256)         (8,279)
       Total Interest Expense       26,286     (4,319)         21,967

Increase in Interest Differential$ 240,924    $ 89,920       $330,844


Note:  The change in interest due to both volume and rate
changes has been allocated equally between volume and rate.
                               
                               
                               6
Securities Portfolio

Amortized cost and fair values of securities available for
sale at December 31, 1997 and 1996 are summarized as follows:

                                              1997
                                   GROSS       GROSS
                   AMORTIZED   UNREALIZED  UNREALIZED    FAIR
                     COST        GAINS       LOSSES      VALUE   YIELD*

U.S. Treasury
 Securities:
  Within 1 Year  $ 1,980,064    $ 10,562   $    -     $ 1,990,626   6.42%
  Over 1 through
    5 Years            -           -            -           -         -

                 $  1,980,064   $ 10,562   $    -     $ 1,990,626   6.42%

Securities of Other
 U.S. Government
 Agencies:
   Within 1 Year  $ 2,499,036   $  -       $  (3,674) $  2,495,362  5.56%
  Over 1 Through
      5 Years       6,984,476     36,900         -       7,021,376  5.47
  Over 5 Years      3,035,699     22,301         -       3,058,000  6.72
                  $12,519,211  $  59,201   $   (3,674) $12,574,738  5.79%

Mortgage-Backed
 Securities:
   Over 10 Years  $ 5,694,931   $ 50,409   $     (971)  $ 5,744,369  6.62%

Collateralized
 Mortgage
 Obligations:
    1-5  Years   $ 1,005,141    $   -       $   (5,766)  $  999,375  5.63%
    5-10 Years     1,002,256        -          (47,256)     955,000  5.83
    Over 10 Years  3,159,259        -          (66,552)   3,092,707  5.36
                 $ 5,166,656    $   -       $ (119,574)  $5,047,082  5.50%

Equity Securities $  263,300    $   -       $    -       $  263,300  7.18%

*Weighted Average Yield.

                                      1996
                                   GROSS       GROSS
                    AMORTIZED   UNREALIZED  UNREALIZED    FAIR
                      COST        GAINS       LOSSES      VALUE    YIELD*

U.S. Treasury
 Securities:
   Within  1 Year  $ 2,995,866  $  7,755   $    (971)  $  3,002,650  5.61%
  Over 1 through
   5 Years           1,956,468    19,312        -         1,975,780  5.13
                   $ 4,952,334  $ 27,067   $     (971) $  4,978,430  5.42%


                            (CONTINUED)
                                7
                                      1996
                                   GROSS       GROSS
                     AMORTIZED   UNREALIZED  UNREALIZED    FAIR
                      COST        GAINS       LOSSES      VALUE     YIELD*
Securities of Other
 U.S. Government
 Agencies:
  Within 1 Year    $ 4,000,620   $ 13,314   $     -     $ 4,013,934  6.27%
  Over 1 Through
   5 Years          12,439,925     72,501      (15,681)  12,496,745  6.23
   Over 5 Years      1,052,222       -          (7,062)   1,045,160  6.50
                   $17,492,767   $ 85,815   $  (22,743) $17,555,839  6.26%

Mortgage-Backed
 Securities:
  Over 10 Years    $ 3,211,309   $ 36,852   $    -      $ 3,248,161  7.26%

Collateralized
 Mortgage
 Obligations:
   5-10 Years      $ 1,010,695   $   -      $  (11,325)  $   999,370 5.68%
   Over 10 Years     5,660,442       -        (140,523)    5,519,919 5.62*
                  $  6,671,137   $   -      $ (151,848)  $ 6,519,289 5.62%
Equity Securities $    227,100   $   -      $    -       $   227,100 6.01%
*Weighted Average Yield.

LOAN PORTFOLIO
An  analysis of the loan portfolio at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
is as follows:
                                              1997         1996
     Real Estate Loans - Construction     $ 4,014,705  $ 3,646,767
     Real Estate Loans - Mortgage          33,865,106   27,004,473
     Loans to Farmers                          81,779       65,163
     Commercial and Industrial Loans        5,112,686    2,210,904 
     Loans to Individuals                   2,832,383    3,752,088
     All Other Loans                          234,914      580,658
         Total Loans                       46,141,573   37,260,053
     Unearned Income                            -           -                
             Allowance for Loan Losses       (771,850)    (820,227)
                                          $45,369,723  $36,439,826
                                   
The following is the detail of maturities and  sensitivity of loans to change
in interest rates at December 31, 1997 and 1996:

INTEREST RATE          MATURITY              1997           1996

  Various          1 Year or Less         $2,442,032    $ 2,484,074
  Fixed            1 Year or Less         11,117,704      8,789,647
  Fixed            Over 1 Through 5 Years 29,600,582     21,939,041 
  Fixed            Over 5 Years            2,667,808      3,865,454
  Nonaccrual       Various                   216,598        181,837
                                         $46,044,724    $37,260,053
                          (CONTINUED)
                               8
Note:   The information necessary for a breakdown of maturity of the various  
types of loans is not readily available. The Corporation has no foreign loans.

NON-PERFORMING LOANS

The following table presents information on the amount of non-performing 
loans at December 31, 1997 and 1996:

                                                  1997         1996

Loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis  $   216,598    $  181,837

Loans contractually past due ninety days
  or more as to principal or interest
  payments                                         -            -

Loans whose terms have been renegotiated
 to provide a reduction or deferral of
 interest or principal due to a deteri
 oration in the  financial position of
 the borrower                                     -           58,231

Loans now current where there are serious
 doubts as to the ability of the borrower
 to comply with present loan repayment
 terms                                            -            -
                                            $   216,598  $   240,068
SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE

The following table summarizes the allowance for loan losses:
                                         Year Ended December 31
                                            1997         1996
Amount of Loans Outstanding at End of
        Period                         $46,141,573  $37,260,053

Daily Average Amount of Loans          $40,690,000  $33,645,000
Balance of Allowance for Loan Losses
  at Beginning of Period               $   820,227  $   820,000

Loans Charged Off:
  Real Estate                                8,167        -
  Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural   24,143        -
      Individuals and Others                63,490       19,828
                                            95,800       19,828
Recoveries of Loans previously charged off:
    Real Estate                                263        -
 Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural     -            -
 Individuals and Others                     16,306       20,055
       Total Recoveries                     16,569       20,055

      Net Loans Charged Off                 79,231       (227)
Additions to Allowance Charged to Expense   30,854         -

Balance at End of Period               $   771,850  $   820,227



                               9
                               
Ratio of Net Charge-Offs to Total Loans
      Outstanding                            0.17%        0.00%

Ratio of Net Charge-Offs to Average Loans
      Outstanding                            0.19%        0.00%

The allowance for loan losses is an amount which in management's judgment  is
adequate to absorb potential losses in the loan portfolio.  The allowance for
loan losses is based upon management's review and evaluation of the loan port
folio. Factors considered in the establishment of the allowance for loan 
losses include management's evaluation of specific loans;  the level and com
position of classified loans; historical loss experience;  results of examina
tions by regulatory agencies; an internal asset review process; expectations 
of future economic conditions and their impact on particular  borrowers; and 
other judgmental factors.

The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates of potential future 
losses, and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates.  These 
estimates are reviewed periodically and as  adjustments become necessary, the 
effect of the change in estimate is charged to operating expenses in the 
period incurred. All losses are charged to the allowance for loan losses when
the loss actually occurs or when management believes that the collectibility 
of the principal is unlikely. Recoveries are credited to the allowance at the
time of recovery.

The allowance for loan losses has been allocated according to the type of 
loan described:

                           December 31, 1997        December 31,1996
                                   PERCENT OF           PERCENT OF
                                    LOANS IN             LOANS IN
                                 EACH CATEGORY         EACH CATEGORY
                                   TO TOTAL              TO TOTAL
                      ALLOWANCE      LOANS     ALLOWANCE  LOANS
Real Estate           $ 633,612     82.09%     $ 674,719  82.26%
Commercial, Industrial
  and Agricultural       86,910     11.26         50,116   6.11
Individuals and Others   51,328      6.65         95,392  11.63
                      $ 771,850    100.00%     $ 820,227 100.00%

Management reviews the allowance for loan loss on a monthly basis.  As dis
cussed above, we consider historical loss experience as well as economic 
factors that effect our local economy.  Specific risk factors that are inher
ent with certain types of lending are also considered.  Past experience shows
that our greatest exposures are in the area of commercial and real estate  
mortgage loans.  Real estate loans represent approximately 82% of our loan port
folio and Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural loans represent approxi
mately 11% of the portfolio.  After reviewing these factors and reviewing the
loan portfolio through internal procedures, it is management's opinion that 
current allowance levels are adequate.

Management's internal Watch List identifies loans requiring special super
vision because of unexpected changes in various risk conditions.   The  Watch
List may include both accruing and nonaccrual loans.  The Watch List 

                              10
                               
                               
categories  resemble our regulators classification methods. Our categories by
type and the similar regulatory classification are: Type One, Loss; Type Two,
Doubtful; Type Three, Substandard; Type Four,  OAEM  (Other  Assets Especially
Mentioned).   OAEM loans require special  observation to determine if current
conditions warrant a reclassification.

                          WATCH LIST
                         (000 omitted)
                     TYPE ONE    TYPE TWO    TYPE THREE    TYPE FOUR

      12/31/97           -         $13          $1,498         -
      12/31/96           -         $27          $1,573         -
      12/31/95           -          -           $1,241         -
      12/31/94           -          -           $  831         -
      12/31/93           -         $40          $  796         -

The Watch List is routinely evaluated and may vary dramatically based upon 
the borrower's status as well as industry and economic trends.

Deposits

The average daily balances and average rates paid on deposits for the 
reported periods are listed below:

                                 1997                    1996
                         AVERAGE     AVERAGE     AVERAGE     AVERAGE
                         BALANCE    RATE PAID    BALANCE    RATE PAID
Noninterest Bearing
  Demand Deposits       $13,269,000       -  %  $13,042,000     -%

Savings and Now
    Accounts             19,809,000      2.98%   19,065,000  2.96%

Insured Money Market
  Accounts                4,964,000      2.16%    5,155,000  1.98%
Certificates of
  Deposit                28,770,000      5.04%   28,592,000  5.10%

Total Deposits          $66,812,000             $65,854,000


Maturities of time deposits of $100,000 or more at December 31, 1997, are 
summarized below:

         3 Months or Less                        $ 1,428,955
         Over 3 through 12 Months                  8,398,757
         Over 12 Months                            6,164,313
                                                 $15,992,025







                              11

RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS

The table below summarizes significant financial ratios for the years ended 
December 31, 1997 and 1996:

                                          1997            1996
Average Total Assets                  $75,296,000     $73,556,000
Average Stockholders' Equity          $ 7,922,000     $ 7,122,000
Net Income                            $   927,402     $   819,326
Earnings per Share-Common             $      4.79     $      4.23
Cash Dividends Paid per Share-Common  $      1.75     $      1.65

Return on Average Total Assets              1.23%            1.11%
Return on Average Stockholders' Equity      11.71%          11.50%
Dividend Payout Percentage                 36.54%           39.01%
Average Equity to Average Assets           10.52%            9.68%

Item 2.  Description of Properties

The Bank owns eight pieces of property described below: (a) The land on which
the Bank's main operating office is located at 4700 Main Street, Zachary,  
Louisiana.   The  office building is approximately 11,500 square feet and  
includes the Executive Offices, Officers' platform, Note Department, Paying   
and Receiving functions, and file room.  Cost of the property in 1956 was  
$17,500; construction costs to the building including renovations total 
approximately $357,000.  (b) Adjacent to the Bank lot is a portion of the 
Bank's parking lot containing 45  parking places.   This  lot was purchased 
in 1964 at a cost of  $12,145. (c)  In 1971 the Bank purchased additional
property to add to the employee lot.  This lot contains 26 spaces and was 
purchased at a cost  of  $30,600.  (d) A parcel of land located  in  East  
Baton Rouge  Parish,  Louisiana at 13444 Hooper Road was  purchased  in 1976
for branch expansion.  The lot is being  carried at a cost of $18,260  and
construction and improvements have totaled approximately   $122,000.  This
branch is known as the Central  Branch. (e) Another parcel  adjacent  to this
location was purchased in 1978 at a cost of $55,000.  This may be used for 
future expansion.  (f) In 1977 a parcel was purchased at 2210 Highway  64  
for a branch site.  The cost was  $10,000.  The construction cost was approx
imately $79,000.  This is known as the  Plaza Branch.  (g) Another parcel 
adjacent to this was purchased later in 1977 at a cost of $6,500 for parking 
area. (h) Included in land is $300,903 that the Bank paid to purchase 2.1 
acres of land in downtown Zachary. As of December 31, 1997, the Bank has 
entered into a contract to construct a new main  office facility  on  this 
site.  The estimated cost of the facility  per the contract is $2,876,700.  
The project is scheduled to begin in the  first quarter of 1998 with comple
tion anticipated  near  the end  of  the first quarter of 1999.  (I) In  July 
1982 the Bank constructed a  4,000 square  foot  operational center  located
at 4680 Main Street, Zachary.  This facility houses Bookkeeping, General  
Ledger, Central Information Files and other  operational functions.  The cost
of this facility including remodeling  was approximately $128,000.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

There are no material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine 
litigation incidental to the business, to which the  Corporation or a sub
sidiary is a party of which any of its property is the subject.



                              12
                               
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security
         Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth 
quarter of the year ended December 31, 1997.



                              13


                            Part II
                          
                               
Item 5.  Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related
         Stockholder Matters
         
The Corporation's stock is not listed on any security exchange. Due to the 
lack of an active trading market, Zachary Bancshares, Inc.  does not have the
available information to furnish the high and  low sales prices or the range 
of bid and ask quotations  for its stock.

The Corporation has 582 stockholders of record as of March 1, 1998.

Cash dividends of $1.75 and $1.65 were paid for the years 1997 and 1996.   
Dividends are payable only out of retained earnings and  current  earnings.  
The amount of dividends payable  by  the Bank may be restricted by law and 
require regulatory approval.

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

The following information called for by Item 6 is included in the 
Corporation's 1997 Annual Report in the Section titled "Management's 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition  and Results of Operation".

Item 7.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following financial statements of the Corporation in the Corporation's   
1997 Annual Report are hereby specifically incorporated by reference:

      Audited Financial Statements:

        Independent Auditor's Report

        Consolidated Balance Sheets
         December 31, 1997 and 1996
 
        Consolidated Statements of Income
         for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996

        Consolidated Statements of Changes in
         Stockholders' Equity for the years ended
         December 31, 1997 and 1996
         
        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
         for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996

        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
          December 31, 1997 and 1996

Item  8.   Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosures

No disagreement with the Corporation's independent accountants on accounting 
and financial disclosure has occurred during the past 24 months.
                              14
                               
                               
                           PART III
                               
                               
Items 9, 10, 11 and 12.

The information required by items 9, 10, 11 and 12 is included in the 
Corporation's Proxy Statement, for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders 
and is incorporated herein by reference.



                               15

                             PART IV


Item 13.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules,
          and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)       Financial Statements

          1.The financial statements of Zachary Bancshares, Inc. in the 
            Corporation's 1997 Annual Report are incorporated by reference 
            in Item 7.
              
          2.Other financial statement schedules are either omitted because 
            they are inapplicable or included in the financial statements or 
            related notes.
              
(b)       Reports on Form 8-K

          None filed.

(c)       Exhibits
          3.  Articles of Incorporation and bylaws of Zachary Bancshares, Inc. 
              are incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Registration 
              Statement on Form S-14 filed on February 17, 1986, with the 
              Securities and Exchange Commission.
              
         13.  1997  Annual Report of Zachary Bancshares, Inc.

         22.  Subsidiary of the Registrant.

         23.  Definitive Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting
              of Stockholders' of Zachary Bancshares, Inc.



                                16




      MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
                               
                               
The management of Zachary Bancshares, Inc. is responsible for the preparation
of the financial statements, related financial data and  other  information  
in this annual  report.   The financial statements are prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles and include some amounts that
are necessarily based on management's informed estimates and judgments,  with
consideration given to materiality.  All financial information contained in 
this annual report is consistent with that in the financial statements.

Management fulfills its responsibility for the integrity, objectivity, 
consistency and fair presentation of the financial statements  and  financial
information through an accounting system  and   related  internal  accounting
controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are 
safeguarded and that transactions are authorized and recorded  in accordance 
with established policies and procedures.  The concept of reasonable assurance
is based on the recognition that the cost of a system of internal accounting 
controls should not exceed the related benefits.  As an integral part of the 
system of internal accounting  controls, Zachary Bancshares, Inc. has a pro
fessional staff who monitors compliance with and assesses the effectiveness 
of the system of internal accounting controls and coordinates audit coverage 
with the independent public accountants.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed solely of outside  
directors, meets periodically with management,  and the independent  public
accountants to review  matters relating  to financial reporting, internal 
accounting control and the  nature, extent  and results of the audit effort.
The independent public accountants have direct access to the Audit Committee
with or without management present.

The financial statements as of December 31, 1997, were examined by Hannis  T.
Bourgeois & Co., L.L.P., independent public accountants, who rendered an 
independent professional opinion  on the financial statements prepared by 
management.



                              17
                               

                          SIGNATURES

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

                                   ZACHARY BANCSHARES, INC.
                                   /s/ Harry S. Morris, Jr.
                                   Harry S. Morris, Jr.
                                   President
                                   
                                   Dated March 24, 1998




                              18
                               
                               
                               
                                                          
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, this 
report has been signed by the following persons  in the capacities indicated 
on :

/s/ Russell Bankston                    Chairman and Director
Russell Bankston


/s/   Rodney  Samuel  Johnson           Vice  Chairman and Director
Rodney Samuel Johnson


/s/  Harry  S. Morris, Jr.              President and Director (Principal
Harry S. Morris, Jr.                    Executive Officer)


/s/ Winston E. Canning                  Secretary and Director
Winston E. Canning


/s/ Hardee M. Brian                     Director
Hardee M. Brian


/s/ Howard L. Martin, M.D.              Director
Howard L. Martin, M.D.


/s/ A. C. Mills, III                    Director
A. C. Mills, III





                              19
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                          SIGNATURES
                               
                               
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report 
to be signed on its  behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
                               
                                   ZACHARY BANCSHARES, INC.
                                   Harry S. Morris, Jr.
                                   President
                                   
                                   Dated March 24, 1998










                              18
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, this 
report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on:

                                        Chairman and Director
Russell Bankston
                                        Vice   Chairman and Director
Rodney Samuel Johnson


                                        President  and Director (Principal
Harry S. Morris, Jr.                    Executive Officer)


                                        Secretary and Director
Winston E. Canning


                                        Director
Hardee M. Brian


                                        Director
Howard L. Martin, M.D.


                                        Director
A. C. Mills, III






















             ZACHARY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                                
                                
                                
                                
                           TABLE OF CONTENTS




  President's Message...................................... 1 - 2
  Independent Auditor's Report.............................   3
  Consolidated Balance Sheets
    December 31, 1997 and 1996.............................   4
  Consolidated Statements of Income
    for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.........   5
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders'
    Equity for the years ended December 31, 1997
    and 1996...............................................   6
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
    years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.................  7-8
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 1997 and 1996.............................  9-25
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993...........   26
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995,
    1994 and 1993..........................................   26
  Average Balance Sheets and Interest Rate Analysis
    for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.........   27
  Interest Differential
    for the year ended December 31, 1997...................   28
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    for the quarter periods in the years ended
    December 31, 1997 and 1996.............................   28
  Management's Discussion and Results of Operation......... 29-33
  Officers.................................................   34
  Board of Directors.......................................   34
Bank Locations...........................................   34



                                
                                
                                
                    ZACHARY BANCSHARES, INC.


                                             March 17, 1998

Dear Shareholders:

    Zachary  Bancshares, Inc. had income of $927,240 in  1997  as
compared to $819,326 in 1996.  Our Board of Directors paid a cash
dividend  of $1.75 in 1997 as compared to $1.65 in 1996  and  our
return on average equity was 11.71%.

    The  Bank's  total  assets increased from $76,027,427  as  of
December  31, 1996 to $77,805,680 as of December 31,  1997.   Our
loan to deposit ratio increased from 53.45% in 1996 to 65.58%  in
1997.  Total loans grew from $36,439,826 to $45,369,723 in 1997.

    Zachary  has  continued to grow in 1997.  Judge  Lonny  Myles
opened  a  new  attorney  office.   Lane  Memorial  Hospital  has
finished  the new construction on their emergency room  and   the
Bank  of  Zachary  has added an ATM for the  convenience  of  the
employees and customers of the hospital.  Lane Memorial has  also
just  completed the construction of several new doctors'  offices
at the corner of Hwy 64 and McHugh Road.

   Dr. Eddie Annison opened the Plains Veterinary Hospital on Hwy
64.  Zachary Realty has just about completed the construction  on
Plainsland  Estates  Subdivision on the corner  of  Hwy  964  and
Plains Port Hudson Road.  Gaines Builders has just purchased land
for  a  new subdivision south of Zachary on 964.  We also have  a
new  80 room retirement center under construction on McHugh  Road
behind the hospital.  A new Texaco Station is to be built at  the
corner of Hwy 64 and 964.  Winn Dixie has purchased five acres on
Hwy  19  to  build a new Market Place Winn Dixie.  Home  Builders
Center,  Inc. should soon finish construction of its  12,000  sq.
ft. store and lumber yard on Hwy 64 near Plank Road.

    We  broke ground March 03, 1998 for our new two story, 15,874
sq.  ft.  main office, a six lane drive up area, a drive  up  ATM
with  a  night  depository and an 1800 sq. ft. storage  building.
All  of  our banking services will be housed in this one building
which  will take about 48 weeks to construct.  The Bank  will  be
built  by  H.B.E.  Financial  Facilities,  a  leading  nationwide
financial institution design/build firm, a division of St.  Louis
based H.B.E. Corporation.

    In  1997,  Michael Word, the Specialized Investment  Division
Broker, located in the Bank lobby, was 8th in production  out  of
the   100   brokers  for  Specialized  Investments  in  financial
institutions  across the country.  We are the smallest  financial
institution where they have a broker.

   Back in 1904 seventy-one original stockholders, out of a  town
of  less than 400 people, had a dream of starting their own  bank
and

                                2

making  Zachary  a better place to live.  They were  mainly  from
agricultural backgrounds who, when giving you their word,  looked
you straight in the eye and gave you a firm hand shake.  When  it
came time to integrate the schools we worked together, black  and
white, to make things work.  As a result, we ended up having  one
of  the  best  community  schools in the  parish.   This  started
drawing more families to Zachary.

  As acquisitions and mergers of East Baton Rouge Parish banks to
state  and  regional  banks have occurred, Bank  of  Zachary  has
remained  the  only  original independent  community  bank  still
serving  its local market. Zachary has become the fastest growing
city  of  its size in the state.  The Bank of Zachary along  with
city  officials and local business leaders is proud to be a  part
of  this  growth.  We  are very thankful for the  successes  that
Zachary has achieved.

   We  thank  you,  the shareholders, as well as  the  directors,
officers  and employees for your continued support and  in  forty
eight  weeks,  we will have a new bank building  which  will  say
across the front:

                         BANK OF ZACHARY
                     SERVING YOU SINCE 1904


                                     Sincerely,




                                    Harry S. Morris, Jr.
                                    President
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                3
                                
                HANNIS T. BOURGEOIS & CO., L.L.P.
                  CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                  2322 TREMONT DRIVE, SUITE 200
                      BATON ROUGE, LA 70809
                        1 (504) 928 4770



                                        January 10, 1998


To the Shareholders
  and Board of Directors
Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary
Zachary, Louisiana

We have audited the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets of
Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 1997
and  1996,  and the related Consolidated Statements of  Income,
Changes  in Stockholders' Equity and Cash Flows for  the  years
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 audits.

We  conducted our audits in accordance with generally  accepted
auditing  standards.  Those standards require that we plan  and
perform  the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An
audit  includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the  amounts  and disclosures in the financial statements.   An
audit  also  includes assessing the accounting principles  used
and  significant  estimates  made by  management,  as  well  as
evaluating  the  overall financial  statement presentation.  We
believe  that  our audits provide a reasonable  basis  for  our
opinion.

In  our  opinion,  the financial statements referred  to  above
present   fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial
position  of   Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and  Subsidiary  as  of
December   31,  1997  and  1996,  and  the  results  of   their
operations,  changes in their stockholders'  equity  and  their
cash  flows for the years then ended, in conformity with  gener
ally accepted accounting principles.

                                Respectfully submitted,

                                
                                
                                
                                
                                4
             Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary
                   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                   December 31, 1997 and 1996

                                  ASSETS
                                            1997           1996
Cash   and  Due  from  Banks                   $  2,481,869     $
3,654,801
Interest Bearing Deposits in Other
  Institutions                                95,046
111,469
Reserve Funds Sold                         1,700,000
850,000
Securities Available for Sale (Amortized
  Cost of $25,624,161 and $32,554,647) -  25,620,114
32,528,819

Loans                                    $46,141,573
$37,260,053
   Less: Allowance for Loan Losses          (771,850)
(820,227)
                                         $45,369,723
$36,439,826
Bank Premises and Equipment                1,693,887
1,339,439
Other Real Estate                            217,401
408,181
Accrued Interest Receivable                  558,501
612,568
Other Assets                                  69,139
82,324

     Total Assets                        $77,805,680
$76,027,427

                               LIABILITIES
Deposits
   Noninterest Bearing                   $14,418,082
$12,327,349
   Interest Bearing                       54,762,690
55,841,920
                                         $69,180,772
$68,169,269
Accrued Interest Payable                     188,188
185,288
Other Liabilities                            221,985
60,994
     Total Liabilities                   $69,590,945
$68,415,551

                           STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock - $10 par value;
   authorized 2,000,000 shares;
   issued 216,000 shares                 $ 2,160,000   $
2,160,000
Surplus                                    1,480,000
1,480,000
Retained Earnings                          5,024,066
4,435,582
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities
  Available for Sale, Net                    ( 2,671)
(17,046)
Treasury Stock - 22,333 Shares, at Cost     (446,660)
(446,660)
    Total Stockholders' Equity             8,214,735
7,611,876

    Total Liabilities and Stockholders'
       Equity                            $77,805,680
$76,027,427


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


                                5

             Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
         for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                                        1997        1996
Interest Income:
  Interest and Fees on Loans         $3,601,644  $2,938,522
  Interest on Securities              1,758,344   2,033,691
  Other Interest Income                 112,694     147,658
      Total Interest Income          $5,472,682  $5,119,871
Interest Expense on Deposits          2,148,247   2,125,503
Interest Expense on Borrowings            -             777
      Total Interest Expense         $2,148,247  $2,126,280

      Net Interest Income             3,324,435   2,993,591

Provision for Loan Losses                30,854      -

      Net Interest Income after
        Provision for Loan Losses    $3,293,581  $2,993,591

Other Income:
  Service Charges on
    Deposit Accounts                 $  505,552     501,746
  Gain(Loss) on Securities               (5,391)       (64)
  Other Operating Income                158,307      99,311

      Total Other Income             $  658,468     600,993

      Income before Other Expenses   $3,925,049  $3,594,584

Other Expenses:
  Salaries and Employee Benefits     $1,462,089  $1,375,678
  Occupancy Expense                     162,977     195,399
  Net Other Real Estate Expense           5,648      (1,053)
  Other Operating Expenses              924,521     792,365

      Total Other Expenses           $2,555,235  $2,362,389

      Income before Income Taxes     $1,396,814  $1,232,195
Applicable Income Tax                   469,412     412,869
      Net Income                     $  927,402  $  819,326

Per Share
      Net Income                     $     4.79  $     4.23

      Cash Dividends                 $     1.75  $     1.65

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
                                6
                                
             Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary

   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

         for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996




                                         1997          1996
Common Stock:
  Balance - Beginning and End
  of Year                            $ 2,160,000    $ 2,160,000


Surplus:
  Balance - Beginning and End
    of Year                          $ 1,480,000    $ 1,480,000


Retained Earnings:

  Balance - Beginning of Year        $ 4,435,582    $ 3,935,807
    Net Income                           927,402        819,326
    Cash Dividends                      (338,918)      (319,551)

  Balance - End of Year              $ 5,024,066    $ 4,435,582


Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities
  Available for Sale:

  Balance - Beginning of Year       $   (17,046)  $   38,260
    Net Change in Unrealized Gain
     on Securities Available for Sale    14,375      (55,306)

  Balance - End of Year             $    (2,671) $  (17,046)


Treasury Stock:

  Balance - Beginning and
    End of Year                     $  (446,660) $ (446,660)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
                                7
             Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary

              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

         for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996


                                                1997         1996
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
  Net Income                                $   927,402   $ 819,326
  Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
     Provision (Credit) for Loan Losses          30,854       -
     Provision for Depreciation                 180,180     104,763
     Provision (Credit) for Deferred Tax         (8,198)    108,776
     Amortization (Accretion) of Securities
     Premiums (Discounts)                       (14,016)     16,195
     Dividends on FHLB Stock                    (36,200)    (13,100)
     (Gain) Loss on Sale of Securities            5,391          64
     Gain on Sale of Other Real Estate          (11,685)    (12,971)
     (Increase) Decrease in Interest
     Receivable                                  54,067     (28,021)
     (Increase) Decrease in Other Assets         13,185       2,210
     Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable      2,900      15,010
     Increase (Decrease) in Other Liabilities   161,783    (176,225)
            Net Cash Provided by Operating
              Activities                    $ 1,305,663  $  836,027
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
  Net (Increase) Decrease in Interest Bearing
    Deposits in Other Institutions          $    16,423  $  (11,367)
  Net (Increase) Decrease in Reserve
    Funds Sold                                 (850,000)  1,850,000
  Purchases of Securities                    (7,033,096)(13,412,708)
  Proceeds from Maturities of Securities      5,078,682   8,847,206
  Proceeds from Sale of Securities            8,929,725   2,024,375
  Net (Increase) Decrease in Loans           (8,960,751) (6,852,379)
  Purchases of Premises and Equipment          (534,628)   (508,650)
  Sales of Other Real Estate                    202,465      76,164
            Net Cash Used in Investing
              Activities                     (3,151,180) (7,987,359)




                           (CONTINUED)
                                8
                                
             Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary
                                
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                           (CONTINUED)
                                
          for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996

                                               1997        1996
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
  Net Increase (Decrease) in Demand
    Deposits, NOW Accounts and Savings
    Accounts                               $(1,556,661) $ 6,565,247
  Net Increase in Certificates of
    Deposit                                  2,568,164    2,247,497
  Cash Dividends                              (338,918)    (319,551)
            Net Cash Provided by Financing
              Activities                   $   672,585   $8,493,193

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Due
  from Banks                               $(1,172,932)  $ 1,341,861
Cash and Due from Banks - Beginning
  of Year                                    3,654,801    2,312,940

Cash and Due from Banks - End of Year      $ 2,481,869  $ 3,654,801

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow
  Information:
    Noncash Investing Activities:
      Other Real Estate Acquired
        (Disposed) in Settlement of Loans  $     -      $     19,604

      Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on
        Securities Available for Sale      $    21,781  $   (83,797)

      Change in Deferred Tax Effect on
        Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities
        Available for Sale                 $    (7,406) $     28,491

      Cash Payments for:
      Interest Paid on Deposits            $ 2,145,347  $  2,110,493

      Income Tax Payments                  $   475,000  $    329,000

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
                                9
             Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary
                                
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                   December 31, 1997 and 1996

Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies -
     The  accounting principles followed by Zachary Bancshares,
Inc.  and  its  wholly-owned Subsidiary, Bank of  Zachary,  are
those   which  are  generally  practiced  within  the   banking
industry.   The  methods of applying those  principles  conform
with  generally accepted accounting principles  and  have  been
applied   on   a   consistent  basis.   The  principles   which
significantly  affect the determination of financial  position,
results of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash
flows are summarized below.

Principles of Consolidation
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts
of  Zachary  Bancshares, Inc. (the Company), and   its  wholly-
owned  subsidiary,  Bank of Zachary (the Bank).   All  material
intercompany accounts and   transactions have been  eliminated.
Certain  reclassifications  to previously  published  financial
statements  have  been  made to comply with  current  reporting
requirements.

Estimates

     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.

Securities

     Securities  are  being accounted for  in  accordance  with
Statement of Financial Accounting  Standards (SFAS)   No.  115,
"Accounting   for  Investments in Debt and Equity  Securities,"
which  requires  the classification of securities  as  held  to
maturity, trading, or available for sale.

     Securities  classified as held to maturity  are  those  debt
securities  the Bank has both the intent and ability to  hold  to
maturity  regardless of changes in market  conditions,  liquidity
needs  or  changes  in  general economic conditions.   Securities
classified  as  trading are those securities held for  resale  in
anticipation  of  short-term market movements. The  Bank  had  no
securities classified as held to maturity or trading at  December
31, 1997 and 1996.

     Securities classified as available for sale are those debt
securities  that  the Bank intends to hold  for  an  indefinite
period  of time but not necessarily to maturity.  Any  decision
to sell a security

                               10
classified  as  available for sale would be  based  on  various
factors,  including  significant movements in  interest  rates,
changes   in  the  maturity  mix  of  the  Bank's  assets   and
liabilities,     liquidity    needs,     regulatory     capital
considerations,   and   other  similar   factors.    Securities
available for sale are carried at fair value.  Unrealized gains
or  losses  are reported as increases or decreases in stockhold
ers'  equity, net of the related deferred tax effect.  Realized
gains  or  losses,  determined on the  basis  of  the  cost  of
specific securities sold, are included in earnings.

Loans
    Loans are stated at principal amounts outstanding, less the
allowance for loan losses.  Interest on commercial loans is  ac
crued daily based on the principal outstanding.

     Impaired loans are being accounted for in accordance  with
Statement  of  Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)  No.  114,
"Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan"  as  amended
by  Statement No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors for  Impairment
of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosure".  The statements
generally require impaired loans to be measured on the  present
value  of  expected future cash flows discounted at the  loan's
effective  interest  rate, or as an expedient,  at  the  loan's
observable market price or the fair value of the collateral  if
the loan is collateral dependent.

    A loan is impaired when it is probable the creditor will be
unable  to  collect  all  contractual  principal  and  interest
payments  due  in  accordance with  the   terms  of   the  loan
agreement.  Interest  on impaired loans is discounted when,  in
management's  opinion,  the borrower  may  be  unable  to  meet
payments  as they become due.  Generally, the Bank discontinues
the accrual of interest income when a loan becomes 90 days past
due as to principal or interest.  When a loan is placed on non-
accrual status, previously recognized but
uncollected  interest is reversed to income or charged  to  the
allowance  for  loan losses.  Interest income  is  subsequently
recognized only to the extent cash payments are received.

Allowance for Loan Losses
     The  allowance  for  loan losses is  an  amount  which  in
management's judgment is adequate to absorb potential losses in
the   loan  portfolio. The allowance for loan losses  is  based
upon  management's review and evaluation of the loan portfolio.
Factors  considered in the establishment of the  allowance  for
loan  losses include management's evaluation of specific loans;
the  level and composition of classified loans; historical loss
experience; results of examinations by regulatory agencies;  an
internal  asset review process; expectations of future economic
conditions and their impact on particular borrowers; and  other
judgmental factors.
                                
                                
                                
                               11
     The  allowance  for loan losses is based on  estimates  of
potential future losses, and ultimate losses may vary from  the
current  estimates.  These estimates are reviewed  periodically
and  as  adjustments become necessary, the effect of the change
in  estimate  is charged to operating expenses  in  the  period
incurred.   All  losses are charged to the allowance  for  loan
losses  when  the  loss  actually  occurs  or  when  management
believes  that the collectibility of the principal is unlikely.
Recoveries  are  credited  to the  allowance  at  the  time  of
recovery.

Bank Premises and Equipment
     Bank  premises  and  equipment are  stated  at  cost  less
accumulated  depreciation.  Depreciation is provided  at  rates
based  upon estimated useful service lives using the  straight-
line  method  for financial reporting purposes and  accelerated
methods for  income tax purposes.

    The cost of assets  retired or  otherwise  disposed of  and
the  related accumulated depreciation are eliminated  from  the
accounts  in  the year of disposal and the resulting  gains  or
losses are included in current operations.

     Expenditures  for maintenance and repairs are  charged  to
operations   as   incurred.   Cost  of  major   additions   and
improvements are capitalized.

Other Real Estate
     Other  real  estate  is comprised of  properties  acquired
through  foreclosure  or negotiated settlement.   The  carrying
value  of  these  properties is lower of cost  or  fair  market
value.  Loan  losses  arising from  the  acquisition  of  these
properties  are  charged  against  the  allowance   for    loan
losses.   Any   subsequent  market   reductions  required   are
charged  to  Net  Other  Real  Estate  Expense.   Revenues  and
expenses associated with maintaining or disposing of foreclosed
properties  are  recorded during the  period  in   which   they
are incurred.

Income Taxes

     The  provision  for  income taxes is based  on  income  as
reported in the financial statements after interest income from
state  and  municipal securities is  excluded.   Also   certain
items   of   income and expenses are recognized  in   different
time periods  for  financial statement purposes than for income
tax   purposes.   Thus   provisions  for  deferred  taxes   are
recorded in  recognition of  such  timing differences.

    Deferred  taxes  are  provided on  a  liability  method  in
accordance with SFAS No. 109 whereby deferred  tax  assets  are
recognized  for deductible temporary differences and  operating
loss  and tax credit



                               12
carry-forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized  for
taxable  temporary  differences.  Temporary   differences   are
the   differences  between the  reported amounts of  assets and
liabilities and their tax bases.
                                
    Deferred  tax  assets are reduced by a valuation  allowance
when, in the opinion of  management, it  is  more likely   than
not  that   some portion or all of  the  deferred  tax   assets
will   not  be   realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities
are  adjusted for  the effects of changes in tax laws and rates
on the date of enactment.

   The  corporation and its subsidiary file a consolidated  fed
eral  income tax return.  In addition, state income tax returns
are filed individually by Company in accordance with state stat
utes.

Earnings per Common Share

    The  computation of earnings per share and other per  share
amounts of common stock is based on the weighted average number
of  shares of common stock outstanding during each year,  which
is 193,667 in 1997 and 1996.


Statements of Cash Flows

     For  purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and  due  from
banks  includes  cash  on  hand  and  amounts  due  from  banks
(including cash items in process of clearing).

Current Accounting Developments


     The   Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  has  issued
Statement  No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing  of
Financial  Assets  and Extinguishments of  Liabilities".   This
statement  becomes  effective for transfers  and  servicing  of
financial  assets and extinguishments of liabilities  occurring
after  December  31, 1996.  This statement provides  accounting
and   reporting  standards  for  transfers  and  servicing   of
financial  assets  and  extinguishments  of  liabilities.   The
statement   generally  requires   that  after  a  transfer   of
financial  assets,  an  entity would  recognize  all  financial
assets  and  servicing  it  controls  and  liabilities  it  has
incurred, and would not recognize financial assets when control
  has been  extinguished. The application of this statement has
no effect on the financial statements as of December 31, 1997.


Note B - Cash and Due from Banks -

     The Bank is required by state law to maintain average cash
reserve  balances.  The amounts of those required  reserves  at
December  31,  1997  and 1996 were approximately  $572,000  and
$655,000, respectively.

                               13

Note C - Securities -

    Amortized  cost  amounts  and  fair  values  of  securities
available for sale at December 31, 1997 and 1996 are summarized
as follows:

                                                               1997
GROSS        GROSS
                     AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED    FAIR
                       COST         GAINS        LOSSES     VALUE
U.S. Treasury
  Securities        $ 1,980,063   $    10,562  $     -       $ 1,990,625
Securities of Other
  U.S. Government
  Agencies           12,519,211        59,201     (3,674)     12,574,738
Mortgage-Backed
  Securities          5,694,931        50,409        (971)     5,744,369

                                                               1997
GROSS        GROSS
                        AMORTIZED       UNREALIZED     UNREALIZED
FAIR
                       COST        GAINS        LOSSES       VALUE
Collateralized Mortgage
   Obligations        $  5,166,656   $      -      $  (119,574)   $
5,047,082
Equity    Securities          263,300             -               -
263,300
       Total            $25,624,161    $    120,172  $    (124,219)
$25,620,114

                                             1996
                                     GROSS          GROSS
                        AMORTIZED      UNREALIZED       UNREALIZED
FAIR
                          COST              GAINS            LOSSES
VALUE
U.S. Treasury
  Securities        $ 4,952,334   $    27,067  $     (971)   $ 4,978,430
Securities of Other
  U.S. Government
    Agencies             17,492,767          85,815       (22,743)
17,555,839
Mortgage-Backed
     Securities            3,211,309          36,852            -
3,248,161
                                             1996
                                     GROSS          GROSS
                        AMORTIZED      UNREALIZED       UNREALIZED
FAIR
                         COST             GAINS            LOSSES
VALUE
Collaterized Mortgage
    Obligations          6,671,137            -          (151,848)
6,519,289

Equity Securities       227,100          -           -           227,100
    Total          $32,554,647    $   149,734   $ (175,562)  $32,528,819
                                
                               14
The  amortized cost and fair values of securities available for
sale  as of December 31, 1997 by contractual maturity are shown
below.   Maturities may differ from contractual  maturities  in
mortgage-backed   securities   and   collateralized    mortgage
obligations because the mortgages underlying the securities may
be  called  or repaid without any penalties.  Therefore,  these
securities are not included in the maturity categories  in  the
following maturity summary.
                                
                                      AMORTIZED       FAIR
                                        COST          VALUE
        Within One Year            $ 4,479,100    $ 4,485,987
        One to Five Years            6,984,476      7,021,376
        Five to Ten Years            2,001,852      2,016,000
        Ten to Fifteen Years         1,033,846      1,042,000
                                    $14,499,274    $14,565,363
  
     Securities  available for sale with  a  fair  value  of
  $20,360,176 and $18,104,735 at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
  were  pledged  as  collateral on public deposits  and  for
  other purposes as required or permitted by law.
  
    The Company has invested in Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
  which is included in Equity Securities and is reflected at
  the lower of cost or market in these financial statements.
  The  cost  of  these  securities  was  $263,300  with   no
  unrealized gains or loss at December 31, 1997.
  
     Gross  realized  gains  and losses  from  the  sale  of
  securities for the years ended December 31, 1997 and  1996
  are as follows:

  
                                         1997             1996
  
          Realized   Gains                $       4,449      $
  23,686
         Realized  Losses                    (9,840)        (2
  3,750)
                                  $    (5,391)   $       (64)
  
  Note D - Loans -
  
    An analysis of the loan portfolio at December 31, 1997 and
  1996, is as follows:
                                         1997            1996
  
     Real  Estate Loans - Construction $ 4,014,705      $  3,6
  46,767
     Real  Estate  Loans - Mortgage      33,865,106       27,0
  04,473
        Loans     to    Farmers                         81,779
  65,163
     Commercial  and Industrial Loans     5,112,686        2,2
  10,904
     Loans  to  Individuals               2,832,383        3,7
  52,088
       All  Other Loans                     234,914          5
  80,658
  
                      Total Loans                $46,141,573     $37,260,053
  
  
  
  
                               15
  
    The Bank had non-performing loans on a non-accrual basis
  totaling  approximately $216,598 and $181,800 at  December
  31,  1997  and   1996, respectively.  The Bank  recognized
  $4,962  and  $4,736 in interest income relating  to  these
  loans  during the years ended December 31, 1997 and  1996.
  Had  the loans been performing, approximately $18,035  and
  $18,154  of  additional interest income  would  have  been
  recognized for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.
  Loans  contractually past due 90 days or more, in addition
  to  loans on  non-accrual, were  -0- at December 31,  1997
  and 1996, respectively.  The Company has no impaired loans
  at December 31, 1997, in accordance with SFAS No. 114.
                                
     The  Bank is permitted under the laws of the  State  of
  Louisiana  to  make extensions of credit to its  executive
  officers,  directors and their affiliates in the  ordinary
  course  of  business.  The amount of  such  related  party
  loans  was $631,701 and $792,412 at December 31, 1997  and
  1996, respectively.  An analysis of the aggregate of these
  loans for 1997, is as follows:
  
  
  Balance - Beginning of Year           $   792,412
    New Loans                               450,578
    Repayments                             (611,289)
  Balance - End of Year                 $   631,701

  
  Note E - Allowance for Loan Losses -
  
     Following is a summary of the activity in the allowance
  for loan losses:
                                          1997         1996
  Balance - Beginning of Year           $ 820,227   $ 820,000
    Current Provision from Income           30,854        -
    Recoveries of Amounts Previously
      Charged Off                           16,569      20,055
       Amounts    Charged   Off                       (95,800)
  (19,828)
  Balance - End of Year                  $ 771,850   $ 820,227
  
  Ratio of Reserve for Possible Loan
    Losses to Non-Performing Loans
       at   End   of   Year                            356.35%
  451.08%
  Ratio of Reserve for Possible Loan
    Losses to Loans Outstanding at
       at   End   of   Year                              1.67%
  2.20%
  Ratio of Net Loans Charged Off to
     Average Loans Outstanding for
     the year                                    .19%      (.01)%
  
  
                               16
  
  Note F - Bank Premises and Equipment -
     Bank  premises  and  equipment  costs  and  the related
  accumulated  depreciation at December 31, 1997  and  1996,
  are as follows:
                                            ACCUMULATED
                               ASSET COST  DEPRECIATION      NET
   December 31, 1997:
     Land                        $   450,908    $     -         $
  450,908
       Bank    Premises                   743,265        475,118
  268,147
       Furniture   and   Equipment       1,651,862        928,691
  723,171
    Construction in Progress      251,661        -           251,661
                                     $3,097,696        $1,403,809
  $1,693,887
   December 31, 1996:
     Land                        $  450,908    $     -         $
  450,908
       Bank    Premises                    743,265         457,126
  286,139
    Furniture and Equipment     1,481,067      878,675       602,392
                                     $2,675,240         $1,335,801
  $1,339,439
  
     The  provision  for depreciation charged  to  operating
  expenses was $180,180 and $104,763, respectively, for  the
  years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.
  
  Note G - Deposits -
  
    Following is a detail of deposits:
                                              1997         1996
       Demand    Deposit   Accounts                   $14,418,082
  $12,327,349
       NOW   and   Super   NOW   Accounts                10,341,151
  14,442,373
       Money    Market    Accounts                       4,639,948
  4,498,050
        Savings     Accounts                             7,809,647
  7,497,717
      Certificates   of   Deposit   Over   $100,000     15,437,497
  11,257,527
        Certificates    of    Deposit                    16,534,447
  18,146,253
                                                   $69,180,772
  $68,169,269
  
     Interest expense on certificates of deposit over  $100,000
  for  the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, amounted  to
  $610,768 and $573,747, respectively.
                                
     Public  fund deposits at December 31, 1997 and 1996,  were
  $14,664,896 and $14,543,810, respectively.
  
Note H - Stockholders' Equity and Regulatory Matters -

      Stockholders'   Equity   of  the   Company   includes   the
undistributed earnings of the Bank.  Dividends are  paid  by  the
Company from its assets which are provided primarily by dividends
from  the  Bank.   Dividends are payable  only  out  of  retained
earnings and current earnings of the Company.

                               17

  Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the Bank to
transfer  funds  to  the Company in the form of  cash  dividends.
Louisiana statutes require approval to pay dividends in excess of
a  state  bank's earnings in the current year plus  retained  net
profits  for the preceding year. As of January 1, 1998, the  Bank
had  retained  earnings  of $5,614,153 of  which  $1,006,189  was
available for distribution without prior regulatory approval.

     The  Company and the Bank are subject to various  regulatory
capital  requirements administered by federal and  state  banking
agencies.    Failure   to   meet   minimum   regulatory   capital
requirements   can  initiate  certain  mandatory,  and   possible
additional   discretionary  actions  by   regulators,   that   if
undertaken, could have a direct material affect on the  Company's
financial statements.  Under the capital adequacy guidelines  and
the  regulatory  framework  for  prompt  corrective  action,  the
Company  and  the  Bank  must  meet specific  capital  guidelines
involving  quantitative  measures  of  assets,  liabilities,  and
certain  off-balance-sheet items as calculated  under  regulatory
accounting practices.  The Company and the Bank's capital amounts
and  classification under the prompt corrective action guidelines
are  also  subject  to qualitative judgments by regulators  about
components, risk weightings and other factors.

     Quantitative  measures established by regulation  to  ensure
capital  adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts
and ratios.  As detailed below, as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
the  Company met all of the capital requirements to which  it  is
subject.

    As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company was categorized
as  well  capitalized under the regulatory framework  for  prompt
corrective action.  There are no conditions or events  since  the
most recent notification the management believes have changed the
prompt corrective action category.

    Following is a summary of capital levels at December 31, 1997
and  1996:

                                                           TO  BE
WELL
CAPITALIZED UNDER
                        ACTUAL    REQUIRED  FOR  CAPITAL   PROMPT
CORRECTIVE
                         RATIOS     ADEQUACY  PURPOSES     ACTION
PROVISIONS
As of December 31,
   1997:

  Total Capital (to
   Risk-  Weighted
   Assets)             19.22%          8.00%               10.00%
  Tier I Capital(to
   Risk-Weighted
   Assets)             18.14%          4.00%                6.00%
  Tier I Leveraged
   Capital                           (to
   Average Assets)     10.38%          4.00%                5.00%

                               18

As of December 31,
  1996:
  Total Capital(to
   Risk-  Weighted
   Assets)             22.28%          8.00%               10.00%
  Tier I Capital(to
   Risk-  Weighted
   Assets)             21.02%          4.00%                6.00%
  Tier I Leveraged
    Capital(to
     Average Assets)    9.48%          4.00%                5.00%

    Under  current  regulations, the Bank  is  limited  in  the
amount it may loan to its Parent.  Loans to the Parent may  not
exceed  10% of the Bank's capital and surplus.  There  were  no
loans outstanding at December 31, 1997 and 1996.
  
  Note I - Employee Benefit Plans -
  
    The  Bank of Zachary has a defined contribution Profit Shar
 ing  Plan  and Trust for its qualified employees.   Each  year
 the  Board  of  Directors of the Bank  determines  the  Bank's
 contribution.   No  contribution  is  required  by   qualified
 participants. Contributions charged to expense for  this  plan
 were  $56,839  and $50,572 for the years  ended  December  31,
 1997 and 1996.

    In addition, the Bank has a 401(K) plan for those employees
 who  meet  the  necessary eligibility  requirements.   Covered
 employees  may voluntarily contribute 1% to 15% of  gross  pay
 to  the plan.  The Bank matched one-half of the employee's con
 tribution  to a maximum of 7% of gross pay in 1997  and  1996.
 Contributions  charged to expense for this plan  were  $28,161
 and  $34,428 for the years ended December 31, 1997  and  1996,
 respectively.
  
Note J - Other Operating Expenses -
  
     An  analysis  of Other Operating  Expenses for  the  years
  ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, is as follows:
                                          1997         1996
      Data Processing                  $   29,093    $  87,058
      Computer and Office Expenses        320,221      175,929
      Professional Fees                   100,270      132,271
      Other                               474,937      397,107
                                        $  924,521    $ 792,365
  
Note K - Income Tax -
  
    The total provision for  income taxes charged  to income
  amounted  to  $469,412 and $412,869  for  1997  and  1996,
  respectively.   The  provisions  represent  effective  tax
  rates of 34% in 1997 and 1996.
  
                               19
  
    Following is a reconciliation between income tax expense
  based  on the federal statutory tax rates and income taxes
  reported in the statements of income.
                                                          1997
  1996
   Income Taxes Based on Statutory
         Rate  -  34%  in 1997 and 1996    $   474,917       $
  418,946
      Other    -    Net                                (5,505)
  (6,077)                                           $  469,412
  $  412,869
                                         $    469,412        $
  412,869
  The components of consolidated income tax expense (benefits)
  are:
     Provision for Current Taxes        $  477,610       $   3
  04,093
   Provision(Credit)for
           Deferred      Taxes                            (8,198)
 108,776
                                         $    469,412           $
 412,869

     A  deferred income tax liability of $60,202 is included  in
  other liabilities at December 31, 1997.  A deferred income tax
  liability  of  $60,994  is included in  other  liabilities  at
  December 31, 1996.
  
     The deferred tax provision consists of the following timing
  differences:
                                          1997             1996
  Accumulated Depreciation for Tax
   Reporting in Excess of Amount
     for   Financial  Reporting              $    7,433        $
  (1,454)

  Provision for Loan Losses
   for Tax Reporting in Excess
      of    Amount    for   Financial    Reporting             -
  41,025

  Provision for Loan Losses
   for Financial Reporting in
   Excess of Amount for Tax               (9,594)            -

  Accretion Income for Financial
    Reporting in Excess of
          Tax      Reporting                                   -
  21,338

  Accretion Income for Tax Reporting in
    Excess of Financial Reporting         (9,320)            -
  Provision for Deferred Leave for
    Financial Reporting in Excess of
      the Amount for Tax Reporting           -            58,756
  Hospitalization Expense for Financial
    Reporting in Excess of Amount for
            Tax       Reporting                                -
  (10,889)

                                
                                
                               20

Hospitalization Expense for Tax Reporting
    in Excess of Amount for Financial
    Reporting                                3,283          -
                                      $    (8,198)   $   108,776
      The  net  deferred  tax asset (liability)  consist  of  the
following components at December 31, 1997 and 1996:

                                               1997             1996
Depreciation                           $  (45,102)    $  (37,669)
  Provision for Loan Losses                (6,115)       (15,709)
  Accretion Income                        (26,345)       (35,665)
  Self-Insured Hospitalization Plan        15,984         19,267
  Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Securities
      Available for Sale                        1,376          8,782
     Total Deferred Tax Asset (Liability) $   60,202)    $
(60,994)
                                
Note L - Off-Balance-Sheet Instruments -

     The  Company is a party to financial instruments  with  off-
balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to  meet  the
financing  needs  of its customers.  These financial  instruments
include  commitments  to  extend credit and  letters  of  credit.
These   instruments  involve,  to varying  degrees,  elements  of
credit  risk  in excess of the amount recognized in  the  balance
sheets.

     The  Company's  exposure to credit  loss  in  the  event  of
nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for
commitments to extend credit and letters of credit is represented
by  the  contractual amount of those instruments.  The Bank  uses
the  same  credit policies in making commitments and  conditional
obligations  as they do  for on-balance-sheet instruments.

   In the normal course of business the Bank has made commitments
to  extend  credit of $6,343,932 and $3,626,213 as  of   December
31,  1997 and 1996,respectively.  Commitments as of December  31,
1997 include unfunded loan commitments aggregating $6,263,132 and
letters of credit of $80,800.  Commitments as of December 31,1996
include  unfunded  loan  commitments aggregating  $3,567,295  and
letters of credit of $58,918.
                                
    The Bank has three lines of credit available to assist in the
management of short-term liquidity.  Two lines are with other
financial institutions and total $3,500,000.  The third is with
the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and is for approximately
$5,344,000.  Total available lines of credit as of December
31,1996 were $8,108,00.  No funds were drawn on any of these
lines at December 31, 1997 or 1996.




                               21

Note M - Fair Value of Financial Instruments -

     The  following methods and assumptions were used to estimate
the  fair value of each class of financial instruments for  which
it is practicable to estimate that value:

     Cash  and  Short-Term  Investments -  For  those  short-term
instruments,   the  carrying amount is a reasonable  estimate  of
fair value.

     Securities  - Fair value of securities held to maturity  and
available  for  sale is based on quoted market prices  or  dealer
notes.  If a quoted market price is not available, fair value  is
estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

     Loans  -  The  fair  value  for  loans  is  estimated  using
discounted  cash  flow  analyses, with interest  rates  currently
being  offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit
rates.   Loans  with similar classifications are  aggregated  for
purposes of the calculations.  The allowance for loan loss  which
was used to measure the credit risk, is subtracted from loans.

     Deposits  -  The  fair  value of  demand  deposits,  savings
account, and certain money market deposits is the amount  payable
at   the   reporting  date.  The  fair  value  of  fixed-maturity
certificates of deposit is estimated using discounted  cash  flow
analyses,  with interest rates currently offered for deposits  of
similar remaining maturities.

    Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit  -
The  fair  values  of  commitments to extend credit  and  standby
letters of credit do not differ significantly from the commitment
amount and are therefore omitted from this disclosure.
                                
    The   estimated  approximate  fair  values   of  the   Bank's
financial  instruments as of December 31, 1997 and  1996  are  as
follows:

                                                                1997
CARRYING                                                        FAIR
AMOUNT               VALUE
    Financial Assets:

      Cash  and  Short-Term  Investments    $  4,276,915           $
4,276,915
             Securities                                   25,620,114
25,620,114
             Loans-Net                                    45,369,723
45,915,000
                                      $75,266,752         $75,812,029
Financial Liabilities:
  Deposits                          $69,180,772         $69,025,828




                               22

                                               1996
                                        CARRYING            FAIR
                                          AMOUNT            VALUE
  Financial Assets:

    Cash and Short-Term Investments   $ 4,616,270        $ 4,616,270
    Securities                       32,528,819         32,528,819
    Loans-Net                        36,439,826         35,295,000
                                      $73,584,915        $72,440,089
Financial Liabilities:
    Deposits                          $68,169,269        $67,146,489

Note N - Concentrations of Credit -

   The  majority  of  the  Bank's business  activities  are  with
customers in the Bank's market area, which consists primarily  of
East  Baton  Rouge and adjacent parishes.  The majority  of  such
customers  are  depositors of the Bank.   The  concentrations  of
credit  by  type of loan are shown in Note D. Most of the  Bank's
credits  are to individuals and small businesses secured by  real
estate.  The Bank, as a matter of policy, does not extend  credit
to any single borrower or group of related borrowers in excess of
$750,000.

Note O - Commitments and Contingencies -

   The Bank has entered into a contract for the construction of a
new  main  office  facility to be located in Zachary,  Louisiana.
The  estimated construction cost of the facility per the contract
is  $2,876,700.  The project is scheduled to begin in  the  first
quarter  of 1998 with completion anticipated in the first quarter
of  1999.   The  project is expected to have  an  impact  on  the
results  of  operations primarily through increased  depreciation
expense. Financing alternatives are currently be evaluated.

   In  the normal course of business, the Company is involved  in
various  legal  proceedings.  In the opinion  of  management  and
counsel, any liability resulting from such proceedings would  not
have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company's  financial
statements.












                               23
Note P - Financial Information - Parent Company Only -

  The financial statements for Zachary Bancshares, Inc. (Parent
  Company) are presented below:
                             BALANCE SHEETS

                          December 31, 1997 and 1996

                                                1997         1996
    Assets:

         Cash                                    $   429,932    $
383,339
          Investment   in   Subsidiary                  7,811,482
7,220,412
            Other     Assets                                    -
37,577

              Total    Assets                          $8,241,414
$7,641,328

    Liabilities:

      Income Tax Payable                      $    6,059   $    -
         Due   to   Subsidiary                             20,620
29,452
          Total  Liabilities                     $    26,679    $
29,452

    Stockholders' Equity:

        Common    Stock                                $2,160,000
$2,160,000
          Surplus                                       1,480,000
1,480,000
        Retained    Earnings                            5,021,395
4,418,536
        Treasury    Stock                               (446,660)
(446,660)
            Total   Stockholders'   Equity             $8,214,735
$7,611,876
         Total Liabilities and Stockholders'
                Equity                                 $8,241,414
$7,641,328

                          STATEMENTS OF INCOME
             for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996

                                                1997         1996
Income:
   Dividend  from Subsidiary                     $  360,000     $
400,000

Expenses:
      Operating    Expenses                                15,515
18,299
Income before Equity in Undistributed
    Net   Income   of   Subsidiary                        344,485
381,701

Equity in Undistributed Net Income
      of    Subsidiary                                    576,695
429,494

        Net   Income   before  Income  Taxes              921,180
811,195

Applicable   Income   Tax  Expense   (Benefit)            (6,222)
(8,131)

       Net  Income                               $   927,402    $
819,326
                                

                               24
                                
                                
                                
                    STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                
              for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996



                                                             1997
1996

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

   Net  Income                                     $ 927,402    $
819,326
  Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
      Equity in Undistributed Net Income
         of   Subsidiary                                (576,695)
(429,494)
        (Increase)  Decrease  in  Other  Assets            37,577
(24,901)
        Increase  (Decrease)  in Due to  Subsidiary       (8,832)
16,776
       Increase (Decrease) in Income Tax Payable      6,059       -
        Net Cash Provided by Operating
                Activities                                385,511
381,707

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

    Dividends  Paid                                     (338,918)
(319,551)
        Net Cash Used in Financing
                Activities                              (338,918)
(319,551)
Net   Increase  (Decrease)  in  Cash                       46,593
62,156

Cash   -  Beginning  of  Year                             383,339
321,183

Cash  -  End of Year                               $  429,932   $
383,339
















                               25

             Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary
                                
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                
          December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993


                             ASSETS
                     1997         1996        1995        1994
1993
Cash and Due from Banks    $ 2,576,915 $ 3,766,270  $ 2,413,042  $
2,592,065  $ 2,446,066
Securities                  27,320,114  33,378,819   32,774,648
31,785,000   39,529,128
Loans                       45,369,723  36,439,826   29,607,051
27,421,397   20,031,325
Other Assets                 2,538,928   2,442,512    2,075,694
2,609,584    2,448,210

  Total Assets             $77,805,680 $76,027,427  $66,870,435
$64,408,046  $64,454,729

                  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Deposits                   $69,180,772 $68,169,269  $59,356,525
$58,404,821  $57,796,596
Other Liabilities              410,173     246,282      346,503
324,754      339,691
Stockholders' Equity         8,214,735   7,611,876    7,167,407
5,678,471    6,318,442
Total Liabilities and
 Stockholders' Equity      $77,805,680 $76,027,427  $66,870,435
$64,408,046  $64,454,729

Selected Ratios:
  Loans to Assets               47.93%      44.27%       44.27%
42.57%       31.08%
  Loans to Deposits             53.45%      49.88%       49.88%
46.95%       34.66%
  Deposits to Assets            89.66%      88.76%       88.76%
90.68%       89.67%
  Equity to Assets              10.01%      10.72%       10.72%
8.82%        9.80%
  Return on Average Assets       1.11%       1.14%        1.14%
1.11%        1.36%        Return on Average Equity      11.50%
12.13%       12.13%       12.19%       15.34%
                                

           CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
   for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993

                   1997        1996         1995         1994
1993    Interest Income $ 5,472,682 $ 5,119,871  $ 4,684,130  $
4,188,994  $ 4,165,960
Interest Expense  2,148,247   2,126,280    1,826,859    1,356,065
1,333,250
  Net Interest
    Income        3,324,435   2,993,591    2,857,859    2,832,929
2,832,710
Provision (Credit) for
 Loan Losses         30 854       -          (77,374)
(42,338)       -
  Net Interest after
Provision for
 Loan Losses    3,293,581   2,993,591    2,934,645    2,875,267
2,832,710
Other Income      658,468     600,993      542,664      445,561
658,679
Other Expenses  2,555,235   2,362,389    2,326,014    2,218,122
2,140,574
  Income before
   Income Taxes 1,396,814   1,232,195    1,151,295    1,102,706
1,350,815

Applicable Income
  Tax Expense     469,412     412,869      385,512      388,470
460,478

  Net Income  $   927,402  $  819,326  $   765,783  $   725,236
$   890,337

Per Share:
   Net Income $      4.79  $     4.23  $      3.95  $      3.75
$      4.60

Cash Dividends$      1.75  $     1.65  $      1.50  $      1.35
$      1.20

Book Value -
  End of Year $     42.42  $    39.30  $     37.01  $     29.32
$     32.63

                                
                                  26































             Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary
          AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATE ANALYSIS
            for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996

                                      1997
INTEREST   AVERAGE              INTEREST  AVERAGE
AVERAGE     INCOME/    YIELD/   AVERAGE      INCOME/   YIELD
BALANCE     EXPENSE     RATE    BALANCE      EXPENSE    RATE
          ASSETS
Interest Earning Deposits
  and Reserve Funds     $ 2,773,000  $  112,694  5.42%  $ 2,773,000 $
147,658   5.32%
Securities:
  Taxable                28,156,000   1,758,344  6.25
33,224,000  2,033,691  6.12
Loans-Net                40,690,000   3,601,644  8.85
33,645,000  2,938,522  8.73
Total Earning Assets     70,925,000   5,119,871  7.35%
69,642,000  5,119,871  7.35%

Allowance for Loan Losses     (809,000)
Nonearning Assets            5,180,000
     Total Assets          $75,296,000

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FHLB Borrowings            $     -            -         -    $
13,000 $      777  5.98%
Savings and NOW Accounts    19,809,000      589,931    2.98
19,065,000    563,929  2.96
Insured Money Market
  Accounts                   4,964,000      107,307    2.16
5,155,000    102,286  1.98
Certificates of Deposit     28,770,000    1,451,009    5.04
28,592,000  1,459,288  5.10
    Total Interest Bearing
        Liabilities         53,543,000    2,148,247       4.01
52,825,000  2,126,280  4.03%

Demand Deposits             13,269,000
13,042,000
Other Liabilities              562,000
567,000
Stockholders' Equity         7,922,000
7,122,000
    Total Liabilities
      and Stockholders'
        Equity             $75,296,000
$73,556,000
Net Interest Income                       $3,324,435
$2,993,591
Net Interest Income - Spread                           3.71%
3.32%

Net Interest Income as a % of Total Earning Assets     4.69%
4.30%
             Zachary Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary
                        INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL
                 for the year ended December 31, 1997
                                              1997 OVER 1996
                                         CHANGE
TOTAL
                                       ATTRIBUTABLE TO        IN
CREASE
                                      VOLUME       RATE      (DE
CREASE)
Interest Earning Assets:
    Reserve Funds Sold               $ (37,329) $   2,365)   $ (34,964)
    Securities(314,349)    39,002     (275,347)
    Loans                               618,888     44,234      663,122
      Total Interest Income             267,210    85,601       352,811
Interest Bearing Liabilities:
    Bank Borrowings                       (777)      -            (777)
    Savings and NOW Accounts             22,106 3,896
26,002
    Insured Money Market Accounts       (4,020) 9,041
5,021
    Certificates of Deposit               8,977 (17,256)
(8,279)
        Total Interest Expense          193,311    106,110      299,421
Increase (Decrease) in Interest
  Differential                        $ 240,924 $  89,920     $ 330,844
  
            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    for the quarter periods in the years ended December 31, 1996
  and 1995
  
                                               1996
                        4TH         3RD         2ND         1ST
                        QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER
  Interest Income       $1,420,659$1,410,438  $1,344,448  $1,297,137
  Interest Expense         549,390  534,827     533,458     530,872
    Net Interest Income    871,269   875,611     811,290     766,265
  
  Provision for
   Loan Losses               7,395      8,245       7,735       7,479
     Net Interest Income
        after Provision
          for Loan Losses   863,874   867,366     803,555     758,786
  Other Income              166,216181,160     161,327     151,068
  Other Expenses            673,466  654,114     618,991     609,967
      Income before
        Income Taxes       356,624   394,412     345,891     299,887
  
                       ApplicableIncome Ta
             MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
         FINANCIAL OPERATIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   The Company evaluates its financial strength through continual
review  of  management, asset quality, capital, earnings  and  li
quidity.  The  Company continuously addresses  each  area  on  an
individual   and  corporate  basis.  The  following  Management's
Discussion  and  Analysis  relates  to  the  Company's  financial
position for the years 1997 and 1996.  This information is a part
of   and  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  Financial
Statements  and  related Notes.  The Company is  unaware  of  any
trends,  uncertainties  or events which would  or  could  have  a
material  impact  on  future  operating  results,  liquidity   or
capital.

CAPITAL

     The   Company's  capital  continues  to  exceed   regulatory
requirements and peer group averages.  Regulatory Risk Based Capi
tal  requirements for 1997 and 1996 were 8.0%.  Regulatory  Lever
age  Ratio  requirements were 4% for the same time  period.   The
Company's  Equity to Assets Ratio (below) includes the effect  of
the  Unrealized Loss ($4,047) on Securities discussed in Note  C.
The Company's ratios as of December 31 are as follow:

                                      1997       1996

     Risk Based Capital Ratio           18.14%     21.02%
     Leverage Ratio                     10.38%      9.48%
     Equity to Assets Ratio             10.04%     10.01%

    Earnings  will  continue to be the Company's main  source  of
capital  growth.   Management  is  committed  to  capital  growth
through earnings retention.  An earnings retention ratio  is  the
percentage of current earnings retained within the capital  struc
ture.  The Company's earnings retention ratios at December 31 are
as follows:

                                   Shareholder     Retention
                     Net Income     Dividends        Ratio

     1997             $927,402      $338,918          63%
     1996             $819,326      $319,550          61%

   The Company distributed to shareholders, cash dividends of
$1.75 and $1.65 per share in 1997 and 1996, respectively.

LIQUIDITY

    Liquidity management is the process of ensuring that  the  Ba
nk's  assets  and liabilities are appropriately structured.   The
Company's short-term and long-term liquidity is provided  by  two
sources:   core deposits and an adequate level of assets  readily
convertible to cash.

                               29
Management  continually monitors the balance sheet to insure  its
ability  to  meet  current and future depositor requirements  and
loan  funding  commitments.   The  Company  does  not  anticipate
difficulties in meeting funding obligations.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

    Zachary  Bancshares, Inc.'s (ZBI) net  income  for  1997  was
$927,402  compared  to  $819,326 for 1996 or  a  13.2%  increase.
ZBI's  income stream is from core banking products and  services.
ZBI continues to benefit from strong regional and local economies
and expects continued growth. The following table indicates ZBI's
equity  position  and balance sheet trends.  The  effect  of  the
Unrealized Loss on Securities discussed in Note C is included  in
the Stockholders' Equity data.


                                     Growth Trends
                                (year to year in $ and %)

                               97 to 96            96 to 95

Stockholders' Equity     $  602,859 or 7.9%  $  444,469 or 6.2%
Average Assets           $1,740,000 or 2.4%  $6,391,000 or 9.5%

Earnings Analysis

    The Company's 1997 Net Interest Income increased 11.1%.   Net
Interest Income in 1996 was $3,324,435 compared to $2,993,591 for
1996.

   Average earning assets were $70,925,000 in 1997 compared to
69,642,000 in 1996.  The following table depicts the Company's
average earning assets components in thousands of dollars and the
respective percentage relationship.

                                      1997              1996

   Reserve & FHLB Funds           $ 2,079   03%     $ 2,773   04%
   Securities                      28,156   40%      33,224   48%
   Loans (Net)                     40,690   57%      33,645   48%

     Average Earning Assets       $70,925  100%     $69,642  100%

   The  previous  table indicates average earning assets  growth.
Management  actively  pursued increases  in  the  Company's  loan
portfolio in 1997 and 1996.  The majority of the Company's  loans
are  secured by local, single family dwellings, with a fixed rate
and 5 year balloon repricing terms.
                                

                               30

    Average deposit liabilities were $66,812,000 in 1997 compared
to
$65,867,000  in 1996.  The following table depicts ZBI's  average
deposit  liabilities  components and  the  respective  percentage
relationship, dollars in thousands.
                                
                                    1997             1996

 FHLB Borrowings               $     0    0%     $    13     0%
 Demand Deposits                13,269   20%      13,042    20%
 Savings & NOW                  19,809   30%      19,065    28%
Money Market                    4,964    7%       5,155     8%
 Certificates                   28,770   43%      28,592    44%

  Average Depositor Liability  $66,812  100%     $65,854   100%

    As  interest rates decreased in recent years, depositors have
moved  funds  from  the  longer  maturities  (Certificates)  into
shorter  maturities.  Management expects an  increase  in  market
rates  may  influence depositors to return some funds  to  longer
term Certificates. Management remains committed to accepting only
trade area deposits, which have core deposit characteristics. The
Company   accepted  approximately  $3,000,000  in  Public   Funds
deposits  in  the  fourth quarter of 1997 which have  an  average
maturity  of one year.
                                
   The  Company's Net Interest Spread and Margin are shown below.
Net  Interest  Spread  is the difference  between  the  yield  on
earning  assets and the cost of funding.  Net Interest Margin  is
interest income as a percent of average earning assets.
                                         1997          1996

   Net Interest Spread                   3.71%         3.32%
   Net Interest Margin                   4.69%         4.30%

    The  Company's interest rate sensitivity is measured  monthly
and  considered  by  the  Board  and  Management.  Interest  rate
sensitivity  results from the timing differences at which  assets
and  liabilities  may be repriced as market  rates  change.   The
Company  utilizes various measurement techniques to  analyze  and
predict interest rate sensitivity.  The Company's cumulative  GAP
(Interest   Rate   Sensitive   Assets\Interest   Rate   Sensitive
Liabilities)  on December 31, 1997 was 101.72% at  the  one  year
time  horizon and 115.00% at the 24 month time horizon.   The  12
month  GAP of 101.72% indicates $565,000 more assets will reprice
than  liabilities.  The 24 month horizon will reprice  $6,078,000
more assets than liabilities.

   The  Company  uses  computer simulation  to  predict  the  net
interest  margin  change at various interest  rate  shifts.   The
December  1997  simulation indicates the Company's  net  interest
margin will change by less than 5% if interest rates move  up  or
down 3% at the 12 month horizon.


                               31

    The  Company sold Securities in 1997 resulting  in  a  $5,391
cumulative loss; sales in 1996 resulted in a $64 cumulative loss.
In  both  years,  the  Company was repositioning  the  Securities
portfolio  to either effect future earnings, sell less marketable
items or effect the Asset-Liability position.

Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses

   The  Allowance  for  Loan  Losses  is  the  amount  Management
determines   necessary  to  reduce  loans  to   their   estimated
collectible amounts and to provide for future losses  in  certain
loans  which are currently unidentified. The Provision  for  Loan
Losses  is  the  amount  charged to current  earnings  which  are
contributed  to the Allowance, hereby maintaining the Allowance's
integrity.  The following table reflects year end  Allowance  and
Provision totals:

                                  1997             1996

   Allowance for Losses         $771,850         $820,227
   Provision for Losses         $ 30,854         $  -
                                
    Management  utilizes diversification by loan type,  borrower,
purpose  and  industry  in  combination  with  individual  credit
standards  to  balance  the Company's credit  risks.   Loans  are
reviewed   to   facilitate  identification  and   monitoring   of
potentially  deteriorating  credits.   Management  considers  the
current Allowance adequate to absorb potential losses.

Non-Performing Assets

    Non-performing assets include non-accrual loans, restructured
loans  and  foreclosed assets.  Loans are placed  on  non-accrual
when  a borrower's financial position has weakened or the ability
to   comply   with  contractual  agreements  becomes   reasonably
doubtful.   Restructured  loans  have  had  original  contractual
agreements  renegotiated  because  of  the  borrower's   apparent
inability to fulfill the contract.  Other Real Estate,  by  State
Law, is carried at the lower of cost or current market value  for
any asset appraised in excess of $40,000.

   The following table represents non-performing and renegotiated
assets at year end:
                                        1997             1996

   Non-Accrual Loans                  $216,598         $181,800
   Restructured Loans                    -               58,231
   Other Real Estate                   217,401          408,181

     Total                            $433,999         $648,212




                               32

   The  Company  maintains an internal Watch List for  Management
purposes for loans (both performing and non-performing) that have
been  identified as requiring special monitoring.  The Watch List
consists of accruing, non-accruing and restructured loans.  These
loans  have characteristics resulting in Management's concern  of
the  borrower's current ability to meet the loan contract.  Watch
List totals at December 31 are:

                                1997         1996

                            $1,316,800    $1,600,000

    In 1997, the Company realized a $11,684 Gain on Sale of Other
Real  Estate,  similar 1996 sales resulted in a $12,971  Gain  on
Sale.

Other Income

    Service  Charges on Deposit Accounts were flat for the  years
under  consideration as the Company offered  new  products  which
included  reduced  monthly  service  fees  which  offset   higher
volumes.   Other Income increased 59.4% or $58,996 in 1997,  this
increase  included  fee income from investment  sales  which  the
Company received under the terms of a contract with a third party
which   offers  discount  brokerage  service  at  the   Company's
facility.

Other Expense

    Salaries  and Employee benefits increased 6.3% to  $1,462,089
compared  to  $1,375,678  in 1997 due primarily  to  an  employee
performance bonus plan which was implemented in 1997.   Occupancy
expense decreased 16.6% to $162,977 from $195,399 in 1996.   1996
included  facilities  improvements which were  not  necessary  in
1997.   Other  Operating Expenses increased 16.7% as the  Company
converted  to  an inhouse computer system from a  service  bureau
environment  which resulted in increased equipment  and  software
depreciation. In addition, there was an increase in supplies  and
printing  and  other one time costs as a result of this  computer
conversion.

Income Tax

    The  Company  was  fully taxable in both 1997  and  1996  and
expects to remain so in 1998.








                               33

                                
ZACHARY BANCHARES, INC.    ZACHARY BANCSHARES, INC.    BANK
LOCATIONS  OFFICERS                  AND BANK OF ZACHARY
                           DIRECTORS                   MAIN
OFFICE
Harry S. Morris, Jr.                                   4700 Main
Street
President & C.E.O.         Russell Bankston
                           Chairman of the Board
Winston E. Canning                                     The Plaza
Secretary                  Rodney S. Johnson           2210 Hwy
64, Zachary                            Vice Chairman
Larry Bellard
Treasurer                  Hardee M. Brian
Winston E. Canning       Central Branch
                           Howard L. Martin, M.D.      13444
Hooper Road
                           Albert C. Mills, III, PhD.  Baton
Rouge          BANK OF ZACHARY            Harry S. Morris, Jr.
OFFICERS

Harry S. Morris, Jr.       Director Emeritus
President & C.E.O.         A. C. Mills, Jr.
INFORMATION                               Leonard Aguillard
Winston E. Canning                                 Request for
additional
Executive Vice President                           information or
copies of                                               Form
10KSB filed with Larry Bellard
the Securities and  Vice President & Cashier
Exchange Commission in
                                                   in
Washington,D.C.
Gerard R. "Bubba" Beatty                           should be
directed to:  Vice President
                                                   Chief
Financial Officer
Warren Couvillion          STOCK INFORMATION            Zachary
Bancshares,Inc.
Vice President                                      Post Office
Box 497
                      The Company's stock is not    Zachary, LA
70791-0497
Kathleen Parker       listed on any security
Vice President        exchange.  Therefore,            TRANSFER
AGENT
                      Zachary Bancshares, Inc.         &
REGISTRAR
Judy Andrews          does not have exchange
AssistantVice President data that provides high and        Bank
of Zachary
                      low stock prices.  The          Post Office
Box 497
Ethel Mae Womack      Company did not have stock      Zachary, LA
70791-497
Assistant Vice Presidenttrades in 1996.
                                                     INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS
Laura Steen           There was a cash dividend       Hannis T.
Bourgeois
Operations Officer   paid in 1997 of $1.75 per        & Co.,
L.L.P.
                     share and $1.65 in 1996.         2322
Tremont Dr.
Melinda White                                         Baton
Rouge, LA 70809
Note Supervisor
& Compliance officer



                                
                               34















<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 9
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                            2482
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                              95
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                  1700
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                     0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                      25620
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                               0
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                                 0
<LOANS>                                          46142
<ALLOWANCE>                                        772
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   77806
<DEPOSITS>                                       69181
<SHORT-TERM>                                         0
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                                222
<LONG-TERM>                                          0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                          2160
<OTHER-SE>                                        6504
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>                   77806
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                   3602
<INTEREST-INVEST>                                 1758
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                   113
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                  5473
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                                   0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                2148
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                             3324
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                       31
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                 (5)
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                   2555
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                   1397
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                           0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       927
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     4.79
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    4.69
<LOANS-NON>                                        217
<LOANS-PAST>                                         0
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                     0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                   820
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                       96
<RECOVERIES>                                        17
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                                  772
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                               772
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                            233
        

</TABLE>


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